William Henry Rankin was born on October 16, 1920, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in aviation and dreamed of becoming a pilot. His passion for flying would eventually lead him to extraordinary feats that would catapult him to fame.
Rankin served as a pilot for the U.S. Marine Corps during both World War II and the Korean War. His skill and bravery in the cockpit earned him the respect of his fellow service members and the admiration of all who knew him.
It was on a fateful day in 1959 that Rankin's life would change forever. While flying between Massachusetts and South Carolina, his plane experienced complete engine failure at 47,000 feet in the midst of a violent storm. Forced to eject himself from the aircraft, Rankin found himself hurtling towards the earth from a cumulonimbus thunderstorm cloud.
As he parachuted from the plane, Rankin endured unimaginable pain. The sudden drop in pressure caused decompression, leading to bleeding from his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. Despite suffering immediate frostbite and excruciating discomfort, he managed to survive the 40-minute fall, thanks to his parachute opening prematurely.
Rankin eventually landed in a forest in North Carolina, where he was rescued and transported to a hospital. His miraculous survival garnered widespread attention and admiration from people around the world.
In the aftermath of his harrowing experience, Rankin wrote a book titled "The Man Who Rode the Thunder," detailing his incredible journey from the skies to the ground below. The book became a rare collector's item, with a hefty price tag attached to it. Despite being out of print, it continues to inspire readers with its tale of survival and perseverance.
William Henry Rankin's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. His bravery and determination serve as a shining example for all who dare to dream big and reach for the stars. Though he may have fallen from the clouds that day, Rankin's spirit soared to new heights, leaving an indelible mark on history.
Rankin's remarkable life and deeds will be remembered for generations to come, inspiring future aviators to push the boundaries of what is possible in the vast expanse of the skies above.