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Pvt. Rankin was cited by his Division Commander:
“For gallantry in action. Displayed remarkable courage and devotion to du,ty 11th October 1918, in the front line through heavy machine gun fire when it was considered impossible for anyone to get through.”
A second citation was also issued “for gallantry in action north of Samogneux, France, 11 October • 1918, in carrying important messages under enemy fire.”
The second citation, which carried with it the recommendation for the Distinguished Service Cross, made it through channels and Pfc. Rankin received the medal by the time he was discharged at Camp Lee, Va., on May 29, 1919.
However, paperwork for the first citation -— which could have qualified him for consideration for the Medal of Honor, was lost for many years.
Life back home
After getting back to the States, Rankin worked for a brief period on the railroad in West Virginia. He then returned to the Midland area and resumed farming.
He married Naomi Smith in 1920; the union bore seven children. Life went on, and although the children knew of their father’s service, it wasn’t discussed much at home.
“Sure, Dad talked about the
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