Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Second Lieutenant

Unit:

Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

November 14th, 1947

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands from 15 September to 26 October 1944. Courageously leading his platoon on 18 and 19 September against heavily armed Japanese forces entrenched on commanding ground, Second Lieutenant Cumbaa fought with aggressive determination, the enemy and enabling his company to accomplish a most difficult mission. Although the Japanese were known to be on a ridge directly commanding our positions, on 22 September he boldly led a patrol forward of the lines to secure valuable information and handled the patrol with outstanding skill and efficiency. Exposed t almost pint blank enemy fire, he completed this mission with the loss of only one man killed and one wounded. His brilliant leadership and inspiring example throughout these and numerous other extremely hazardous missions reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Cumbaa and the United States Naval Service."

Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 8746

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Leader of the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 11 May 1945. Ordered to attack a strongly defended and well-fortified enemy position, First Lieutenant Cumbaa led his men in the attack boldly crossing one hundred fifty yards of exposed, level terrain and scaling an almost vertical cliff in the face of heavy Japanese artillery and mortar concentrations and accurate small arms fire which reduced his platoon to less than half strength. Unmindful of his own danger while moving along his platoon front to direct the attack and maintain control of his unit, he completed his mission successfully thereafter supervising the defense of the area and holding the objective until reinforcements arrived despite enemy counter attacks and heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire. Painfully wounded during this action, First Lieutenant Cumbaa refused to leave the ridge until the last casualty had been evacuated. His daring leadership initiative and devotion to duty under hostile fire reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."

Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 79496 (Gold Star in lieu)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Second PH received as Gold Star

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)