Tex Rankin

John Gilbert "Tex" Rankin (January 20, 1894 – February 23, 1947) was an aerobatic pilot, barnstormer, air racer, and flight instructor from the 1920s to the 1940s. He created the Rankin Flying Service which trained thousands of pilots at Rankin Field for the US Army Air Force in World War II.

Early life Rankin left home at the age of 16 and joined the United States Army. he moved to the State of Washington to learn to fly. the United States all-time leading ace and Medal of Honor recipient Richard Bong, and Jeppeson navigation charts founder Elrey Jeppeson. He is buried in Tulare, California.

Rankin's Great Lakes Rankin Special Biplane, in which he set his world records, is on display at the Oregon Aviation Museum. Rankin has been selected into the Oregon Aviation Hall of Fame and the International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame.