[2] Cummings went on to graduate fourth in his class from the United States Military Academy on 12 June 1924[3] and was assigned to the Engineer branch.

[7] In the 1920s and early 1930s Cummings served in Engineer assignments throughout the United States, including a staff position with the federal Alaska Road Commission and a posting to Fort Lewis, Washington.

[8][9] Cummings received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1933.

[13] During World War II Cummings was head of the army's industrial operations in Detroit, overseeing production of combat vehicles and other materiel.

[30] He operated a woodworking shop as a hobby, and also volunteered as a set builder for the Little Theater of Clearwater, remaining active almost until his death.

[32] He died in Zephyrhills, Florida on January 24, 1986[33] and was interred at Arlington National Cemetery on 3 February 1986.