Robert James Rankin (October 23, 1918 – March 14, 2013) was a United States Air Force colonel. During World War II, he became a flying ace with the United States Army Air Forces credited with 10 aerial victories, including five in a single day, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Early life and service Robert J. Rankin was born on October 23, 1918, in Washington, D.C. Rankin enlisted into the United States Army Air Corps on March 6, 1941. On July 15, 1942, he became an aviation cadet in the newly formed Army Air Forces, graduating from flight training at Luke Field, Glendale, Arizona, on April 11, 1943.
World War II ace In August, Second Lieutenant Rankin was assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, Eight Air Force, at RAF Halesworth in Suffolk, England. On February 6, 1944, Rankin claimed his first aerial victory, shooting down a German Messerschmitt Bf 109 over Paris, France.
On March 15, First Lieutenant Rankin shot down two more Bf 109s and damaged a Focke-Wulf Fw 190 over Germany. Rankin claimed his fourth victory on March 29 near Nienburg. In April, the squadron moved to RAF Boxted in Essex, England.
First Lieutenant Rankin would finally claim ace status on May 12, 1944. Rankin was leading a flight of P-47 Thunderbolts ahead of a bomber force in Germany. While near Marburg, the flight engaged several dozen Bf 109s, and Rankin shot three of them out of the air. Upon downing the third one, his group commander, Lieutenant Colonel Hubert Zemke, radioed for help as German planes were on his tail. Rankin and his wingmen flew to Zemke's position, where Rankin shot down two more planes and damaged two others.
First Lieutenant Rankin became the first member of the 56th Fighter Group and first P-47 pilot to claim "ace in a day." He was also awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions that day. On June 7, 1944, Rankin claimed his 10th and final victory of the war.
Post-war career and life After World War II, Rankin transferred to the United States Air Force. He flew more combat missions with the 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing during the Korean War. Rankin was promoted to colonel in 1963, later taking part in the Vietnam War. He retired from the Air Force on April 1, 1973.
On March 14, 2013, Robert J. Rankin died in his winter home in Jensen Beach, Florida. His body was subsequently cremated.
Aerial victory credits Chronicle of aerial victories Date # Type Location Aircraft flown Unit AssignedFebruary 06, 19441Messerschmitt Bf 109Paris, FranceRepublic P-47D Thunderbolt61 FS, 56 FGMarch 15, 19442Bf 109Dümmer Lake, GermanyP-47D61 FS, 56 FGMarch 29, 19441Bf 109Nienburg, GermanyP-47D61 FS, 56 FGMay 12, 19445Bf 109Marburg, Germany & Koblenz, GermanyP-47D61 FS, 56 FGJune 07, 19441Bf 109Senlis, FranceP-47D61 FS, 56 FG SOURCES: Air Force Historical Study 85: USAF Credits for the Destruction of Enemy Aircraft, World War II
Awards and decorations Distinguished Service Cross
Citation:
Commendations Colonel Rankin has been awarded the following throughout his military career:
BadgeU.S. Air Force Command Pilot Badge1st rowDistinguished Service Cross2nd rowLegion of MeritDistinguished Flying Cross Bronze Star 3rd rowAir Medal Air Force Commendation Medal Army Commendation Medal4th rowPresidential Unit CitationAir Force Outstanding Unit Award American Defense Service Medal5th rowAmerican Campaign MedalEuropean-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal World War II Victory Medal6th rowNational Defense Service Medal Korean Service Medal Air Force Longevity Service Award 7th rowRepublic of Korea Presidential Unit CitationUnited Nations Korea MedalKorean War Service Medal
References