Flint in Genesee County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Rhonda Cornum

1954 -

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021

1. Rhonda Cornum Marker

Inscription. A U.S. Army soldier since 1978 and a flight surgeon during the first Gulf War, she was searching for a downed F-16 pilot when her aircraft came under fire. Although severely injured, she and two surviving soldiers were captured and forcefully interrogated by Iraqi forces for eight days without revealing classified information. Most former prisoners leave the military. She re-enlisted. Her story of courage and resilience helped convince Americans that female soldiers can serve in expanded roles during wartime. As she said, "War is not a hormonal event; it is a profession with discipline."

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, 1st Iraq & Desert Storm • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1978.

Location. 42° 59.358′ N, 83° 42.707′ W. Marker is in Flint, Michigan, in Genesee County. Marker is at the intersection of Executive Plaza Drive and Penbrook Lane, on the right when traveling east on Executive Plaza Drive. The marker is located in Sitdowners Memorial Park behind UAW Region 1-D Office. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1901 Executive Plaza Drive, Flint MI 48507, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Elizabeth Cady Stanton (here, next to this marker); Rosie the Riveter (here, next to this marker); Fannie Lou Hamer

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(here, next to this marker); Lucy Gonzalez Parsons (here, next to this marker); Frances Perkins (a few steps from this marker); Carrie Chapman Catt (a few steps from this marker); UAW Veterans (a few steps from this marker); UAW Tribute to Women (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Flint.

Also see . . . Rhonda Cornum. Excerpt:

As a flight surgeon with the 229th Attack Helicopter Regiment, then-Major Cornum was aboard a Black Hawk helicopter on a search and rescue mission, looking for a downed F-16 pilot, during the Gulf War. When the helicopter was shot down on February 27, 1991, she suffered two broken arms, a broken finger, a gunshot wound in the back, and other injuries. After regaining consciousness, she said her first thought was "Nobody's ever died from pain."

(Submitted on March 24, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021

2. Rhonda Cornum Marker

Rhonda Cornum image. Click for full size.

U.S. Army - Public Domain, circa 2009

3. Rhonda Cornum

Rhonda Cornum Awards and decorations image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Wikipedia article linked below

4. Rhonda Cornum Awards and decorations

Brig. General Cornum (ret.) is one of only seven women to ever receive the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Rhonda Cornum Book image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Amazon ISBN 0891415076, circa 1993

5. Rhonda Cornum Book

She Went to War: The Rhonda Cornum Story

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021

6. Location

The marker is located in Sitdowners Memorial Park.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 66 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 24, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.