The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SGT James Erman Sumners, NG24512172, who died in the service of his country on October 25th, 1951 in North Korea. The cause of death was listed as MIA to KIA. At the time of his death James was 23 years of age. He was from Birmingham, Alabama. James' Military Occupation Specialty was 1745-Light Weapons Infantry Leader.

The decorations earned by SGT James Erman Sumners include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Korea Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.

---

Comments: Sergeant Sumners was a member of the 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in North Korea on October 25, 1951. Original records showed casualty date of October 27, 1951, but Victor H. Gibbons confirms October 25, 1951. Gibbons help carry SGT Sumners off the hill on October 27, 1951. Born Coosa County, Alabama.
Husband of Mrs. Edith M. Sumners, Birmingham, Alabama.


Burial Location

Rock Springs Baptist Church, Clay County, Al

Original records showed casualty date of October 27, 1951, but Victor H. Gibbons confirms October 25, 1951.

Husband of Mrs. Edith M. Sumners, Birmingham, Alabama.

Sgt Sumners was my platoon Sgt. I knew him for a very short time prior to his death. I personally helped to carry his body off of Snipers Ridge, when we abandoned it on Oct 27 1951. He served in Love Company, 4th Platoon, of the 35th Inf. Regiment. Sgt Sumners actually died on 10/25/51.. His body was one of the last to be retrieved off Snipers Ridge NK on 10/27/51.. The ones who preceeded him could mostly be helped by medical attention. There were probably 75 to 80 of them in a two day period. (Victor H Gibbins)