Robert "Shorty" Rankin in his flight suit w/ Autograph

Robert "Shorty" Rankin dedicated 32 years of service to his country following his draft into the U.S. Army in 1941. Moving quickly from Army Air Corps flying cadet, through basic flight school, and into P-47 combat fighter pilot training, he was assigned to the 56th Fighter Group, otherwise known as "Zemke's Wolfpack," headed by the famous aerial combat leader Col. Hubert Zemke.

On May 12, 1944, Robert shot down five German Me 109 fighters during a single combat mission. During that same battle, he destroyed an enemy plane attempting to shoot down Col. Zemke. For his efforts, Rankin was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross - second only to the Medal of Honor. By the end of his tour in August 1944, Rankin was credited with 10 aerial victories, one probable, and two damaged.