Robert James Rankin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Nickname(s) | "Shorty" |
| Born | October 23, 1918 Washington, D.C., US |
| Died | March 14, 2013 (aged 94) Jensen Beach, Florida, US |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Army Air Corps United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1941–1973 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles / wars | World War II Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards | Distinguished 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.