Verne G. Cummings

United States army 1943-1945

World War II

purple heart

Verne was inducted into the Army in April 1943 and trained with the 66th Division at Camp Blanding, FL. Afterward, his Division was transported overseas to replace those that had been injured or died. In Naples, Italy he joined the 34th Infantry “Red Bull” Division, Company I, 135th Infantry Regiment, whose motto was “To the Last Man”. Verne was in the following campaigns in Italy: Naples, Foggia, Anzio, Rome, Arno, North Apennines, and Po Valley.

When scouting to find the enemy on Monte Cairo, he was hit by machine gun fire in his knee and below his eye. Verne told the medic that bandaged him that he’d walk back down the mountain by himself to save a stretcher for someone who needed it more than him. He was then flown to the 300th General Army Hospital in Naples. While recovering from his wounds, Verne was awarded the Purple Heart by General Mark Clark, of the 5th Army. After 6 weeks of hospitalization, Verne rejoined his Division at Anzio Beach and was put on mortars instead of the front lines. Verne held the titles of Pfc Rifleman, Pfc Mortar Crewman and Sergeant. In November 1945, after serving 2 years, 7 months, Verne returned to the U.S. on the Italian ship Monticello. Besides the Purple Heart, Verne also received the Combat Infantry Badge, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, WWII Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

After the war, Verne married Marion Bradley, whose picture he carried with him throughout the war. They built a house themselves in Enfield where they raised 3 children. Verne earned his 1st class Fireman License and worked as a Boiler Fireman for Kaman Aircraft in Bloomfield, retiring after 32 years. His interests included deer hunting, repairing antique clocks and restoring two 1931 Ford Model A cars (a Sport Coupe and a Roadster). After retirement, he wore his WWII Army Veteran’s hat every day and was a very proud, patriotic WWII Veteran. In 2024, Verne died at home in Enfield at age 100.