Robert J. Rankin

Robert James Rankin
Nickname"Shorty"
Born(1918-10-23)October 23, 1918
Washington, D.C., US
DiedMarch 14, 2013(2013-03-14) (aged 94)
AllegianceUnited States
BranchUnited States Army Air Corps
United States Army Air Forces
United States Air Force
Service years1941–1973
RankColonel
ConflictsWorld War II
Korean War
Vietnam War
AwardsDistinguished Service Cross
Legion of Merit
Distinguished Flying Cross (4)
Bronze Star Medal (2)
Air Medal (5)

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.