Major (Medical Corps) Rhonda S. Cornum, United States Army, was captured when her Rescue Helicopter was shot down in Iraq on 27 February 1991 and was held by the Iraqis as a Prisoner of War until her release on 27 February 1991.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major (Medical Corps)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
229th Attack Helicopter RegimentDivision:
101st Airborne DivisionAction Date:
February 27, 1991
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major (Medical Corps) Rhonda S. Cornum, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 27 February 1991, as Battalion Flight Surgeon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 229th Attack Helicopter Regiment, while conducting a search and rescue mission during Operation DESERT STORM. Without regard for her own personal safety, she selflessly volunteered for the mission to attempt a rescue of a downed United States Air Force F-16 pilot located well behind enemy lines. The flight of three aircraft came under heavy anti-aircraft fire which resulted in her UH-60 helicopter being shot down. Major Cornum displayed heroism and bravery above and beyond the call of duty. Major Cornum’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service reflecting great credit upon her, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Rhonda S. Cornum, United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Cornum and her dedicated contributions in the service of her country reflect the highest credit upon herself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Rhonda S. Cornum, United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Cornum and her dedicated contributions in the service of her country reflect the highest credit upon herself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Rhonda S. Cornum, United States Army, was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Cornum culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of her country and her dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon herself and the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Rhonda S. Cornum, United States Army, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Cornum and her dedicated contributions in the service of her country reflect the highest credit upon herself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.