Rhonda Cornum

Rhonda L. Cornum (1)

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

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

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

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

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

Throughout her career, Cornum has received numerous awards and honors, including:

• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Purple Heart
• Legion of Merit
• Meritorious Service Medal

Personal Life

Rhonda Cornum is married to Kory Cornum, a retired United States Air Force officer. They have one daughter.

See Also

• Gulf War
• United States Army Medical Department
• Flight surgeon
• Prisoner of war