Oral history of Ben Rankin
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Daniel Mack with Staff Sergeant Ben Rankin on November 16, 2012. Born on June 20, 1921, Rankin joined the United States Army enlisted Reserve and was called to duty in April 1943.
Rankin talks about being deployed to North Africa and later joining the 3rd Infantry Division in Italy as a radio operator. He participated in the Anzio landings, where his unit was pinned down by German forces, and later advanced through Rome, southern France, Belgium, and Germany. He took over as supply sergeant, running the logistics of ammunition, rations, and equipment for over 160 men. He also describes traveling with General George S. Patton's forces through Germany and Austria, witnessing the destruction left by the war, and visiting Adolf Hitler's underground bunker.
2012-11-16