Rhonda Cornum
Rhonda Cornum (born October 31, 1954) is a retired United States Army officer and a former Brigadier General. She is notable for her service as a flight surgeon during the Gulf War and for being a prisoner of war (POW) during that conflict.
Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]
Rhonda Cornum was born in Dayton, Ohio. She earned her undergraduate degree in microbiology from Cornell University in 1975. She later received her medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in 1986.
Military Career[edit | edit source]
Cornum joined the United States Army and became a flight surgeon. During the Gulf War, she was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment. On February 27, 1991, while on a mission to rescue a downed F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, her UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was shot down. Cornum and four other crew members were captured by Iraqi forces.
Prisoner of War[edit | edit source]
Cornum was held as a prisoner of war for eight days. During her captivity, she sustained multiple injuries, including two broken arms, a gunshot wound, and a torn knee ligament. Despite her injuries, she maintained her composure and professionalism, which later earned her the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart.
Post-Military Career[edit | edit source]
After retiring from the military, Cornum continued to contribute to the field of medicine and military health. She served as the Director of Comprehensive Soldier Fitness in the United States Army, a program designed to enhance the psychological resilience of soldiers.
Awards and Honors[edit | edit source]
Throughout her career, Cornum has received numerous awards and honors, including:
Personal Life[edit | edit source]
Rhonda Cornum is married to Kory Cornum, a retired United States Air Force officer. They have one daughter.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
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- 1954 births
- Living people
- United States Army generals
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- Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD