Comments on: Col. Robert J. “Shorty” Rankin †

By: Ray Kantowski Sr.

Ray Kantowski Sr. — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 23:03:04 +0000

Col. Rankin was my CO for a while at 526FIS Ramstein, Germany. He was always part of our weapons teams as we loaded and weaponized His F 102, making sure we were being well cared for !He was a great commander! Ole ‘ school , always looking out for his men!

By: Herm Greenfield

Herm Greenfield — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 01:38:32 +0000

Met Col. Bob and his wife(“Merie” spell)in Fl. A few years ago .They were trying out camping with a motor home. Wish I had known the col. was a genuine war hero. They were great people. Proud to have know both of them.

By: Charlie Thomas

Charlie Thomas — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 16:45:42 +0000

Bob is my wife’s uncle.. The total family was very close to Bob and so proud of him. Bob sure enjoyed being a pilot and protecting the country he loved so much. Everyone who knew Bob will sure miss him. He was a inspiration to all.
Charlie Thomas & family.

By: Robert Rose

Robert Rose — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:23:20 +0000

Col. Rankin was my C.O. when I served with the 5626th FIS at Ramstein AB Germany–Truly a great American Patroit and the best C.O. I had the honor serving under

By: william w. Stone

william w. Stone — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 18:56:49 +0000

A true gentleman and a member of our congregation at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
Brevard, NC., who will be greatly missed. I was always impressed with Bob, his exuberance and zest for life was always visible and all I can say is goodbye Bob, we loved you and will forever remember you!!