Today in World War II History—Aug. 18, 1941

Pilot Officer John Gillespie Magee, Jr., 1 September 1941 (Royal Canadian Air Force photo)

75 Years Ago—Aug. 18, 1941: President Roosevelt signs extension of Selective Service Act, extending draftees’ service from 12 to 30 months.

Radio Belgrade plays obscure recording of “Lili Marleen” by Lale Andersen, which becomes an instant hit with German troops in North Africa.

John Gillespie Magee Jr., an American serving in the RCAF (age 19) writes his famous poem “High Flight.”