James enlisted in the Army at Portland, OR on 6 October 1942. He volunteered for parachutist duty and was assigned to the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment which was just being activated at Camp Blanding, FL.
After completion of basic training, the regiment moved to Ft Benning, GA for parachute school. James completed his requisite five jumps "from an aircraft in flight" and pinned on his parachutist wings on 5 March 1943.
On 6 June 1944, Pvt Rankin jumped into Normandy,France for the D-Day invasion. He was awarded the Bronze Service Arrowhead for his participation in the Normandy assault.
On 8 January 1945, James was appointed to the rank of Private First Class.
Military Information: CPL, US ARMY, World War II.
After completion of basic training, the regiment moved to Ft Benning, GA for parachute school. James completed his requisite five jumps "from an aircraft in flight" and pinned on his parachutist wings on 5 March 1943.
On 6 June 1944, Pvt Rankin jumped into Normandy,France for the D-Day invasion. He was awarded the Bronze Service Arrowhead for his participation in the Normandy assault.
On 8 January 1945, James was appointed to the rank of Private First Class.
Military Information: CPL, US ARMY, World War II.
James enlisted in the Army at Portland, OR on 6 October 1942. He volunteered for parachutist duty and was assigned to the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment which was just being activated at Camp Blanding, FL.
After completion of basic training, the regiment moved to Ft Benning, GA for parachute school. James completed his requisite five jumps "from an aircraft in flight" and pinned on his parachutist wings on 5 March 1943.
On 6 June 1944, Pvt Rankin jumped into Normandy,France for the D-Day invasion. He was awarded the Bronze Service Arrowhead for his participation in the Normandy assault.
On 8 January 1945, James was appointed to the rank of Private First Class.
Military Information: CPL, US ARMY, World War II.
After completion of basic training, the regiment moved to Ft Benning, GA for parachute school. James completed his requisite five jumps "from an aircraft in flight" and pinned on his parachutist wings on 5 March 1943.
On 6 June 1944, Pvt Rankin jumped into Normandy,France for the D-Day invasion. He was awarded the Bronze Service Arrowhead for his participation in the Normandy assault.
On 8 January 1945, James was appointed to the rank of Private First Class.
Military Information: CPL, US ARMY, World War II.
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CPL US ARMY
WORLD WAR II
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