Ssgt. Cunningham was a highly decorated soldier, receiving a plethora of honors and distinctions, including: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Parachutist Badge, the Purple Heart Award, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. In addition to this, at the time of his death, he [Cunningham] was a designated E-6 Staff Sergeant, one rank below First Sergeant.