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Local soldier wounded trying to save friend
Easter morning did not include baskets and colored eggs for one soldier. Instead he fought off insurgents and lost a comrade while serving in Iraq.
Pfc. Steven James Cornford, 18, of Mountain Home is stationed out of Fort Hood, Texas, with Alpha 38 1st Cavalry Division and he was recently deployed to Iraq.
While deployed to FOB Paliwoada Iraq with the United States Army, Cornford participated in an air assault into a small town northeast of Balad on Easter morning, Sunday, April 8.
While pursuing insurgents leaving the objective area, his fire team was engaged from close range with small arms, machine guns and grenades. Cornford was seriously wounded in the left shoulder during the firefight, but despite being injured he still bravely fought back and administered first aid to a fallen comrade, 1st Lt. Phillip Isaac Neel of Fredericksburg, Texas. Neel, however, later died from his injuries.
While in a field hospital at FOB Anaconda Iraq, Cornford was presented with the Purple Heart medal. "I'm glad he is being recognized. That kid's been through hell, and he's come a long way," said Cornford's father, Walter Cornford, with tears in his eyes.
Cornford has been evacuated to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. After treatment there he hopes to return to Fort Hood and Mountain Home during his convalescent leave for support from his family and friends.
Walter said Steven wants to continue with the Army even after Easter's events.
Pfc. Cornford's mother, Terri Cornford said, "Steven has been 'playing army' forever. When he was younger he use to dress-up in camo and play at Carl Miller Park. Stan Franks and Todd Monasterio use to call him 'park Rambo'."