High Flight

"We now conclude our broadcasting day." Historical film of "High Flight". A poem by John Gillespie McGee, Jr. The local TV station WHIO in Dayton, Ohio used to sign off the air for the night immediately after airing this film clip in the early 1960's. Since there was a USAF SAC bomber B-52 wing based at Wright-Patterson AFB there in Dayton it was truly fitting during the cold war to remind us all that the Air Force never sleeps. Besides, those Starfighter planes were awesome looking, even if their safety record was rather bad. Had a model of one when I was a kid.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• High Flight
• WHIO
• USAF
• Dayton
• John Gillespie McGee
• F-104
• Starfighter

[Taaaarail]

Today's tv is not worthy of such a remarkable sign off such as this!

[SgtRock57]

Oh man! I'm 6 years old again watching this on our two station black and white TV. I always felt a hint of sadness each time I heard it. I agree, today's tv programs don't deserve such a wonderful sound off. Let it remain in revered history...

[mig21pilot]

A TRUE freaking classic! I used to watch this in the 1960s.Sneak out and turn the TV on.

[mgwilliams1000]

John Gillespie McGee Jr. 19 years old when he wrote this from a cockpit of a Spitfire. Less than two months later he would lose his life in the Battle of Britain. The only American to die during that battle. Simply amazing.

[napalmvoododaddy]

just think. mcgee,jr. died so very long ago. in the days of his tme where he flew a spitrire. and to climb and fly like they did back then. their hopes and dreams. the loves in their lives. they gave it their all so we could have a chance at future freedom. so i say, gby john mcgee,jr. r.i.p. as ex mititary myself , i can be with you in spirit, in this great brotherhood.

[CrispinRobles]

This is a wonderful TV spot from the Old America.

[elvishitler]

i remember this as a kid being shown every sunday morning when one of the detroit area tv stations came on the air. my friends and i used to goof on the over dramatic narration. but watching it now across the gulf of years, i think it's poignant.

[AceBG27]

Been looking for this for months. Thanks so much. I am from Windsor - and this was definetly a sign-off for one of the Detroit stations - maybe channel 50? A beautiful poem and inspiring film. 35 years later, it still sends a cill up my spine.

[bacdoc25]

Thank you so much for putting this on. I have looked for this for years. I used to try and stay awake until the tv channell would sign off with this. It still gives me goose bumps just like it did 45 + or- years ago. This is awesome. Thanks again.

[kidcoast777]

Wow! this brings back memories, I used to stay up at night to hear this at the station sigh-off.....MrOongowa I am from the Cincinnati area and I remember skipper ryle and the tall twelve show and bob schrewe when the stations sign off after 1:00 p.m. and in black and white...

[mickymann]

My father was the Commander of the 339th Fighter Interceptor Squadron for a time during WWII and this poem was framed large in the hallway of the house in Alexandria, Va. when I was a child (my dad worked at the Pentagon). My mom and I used to stay up late on the weekends just so we could see this when the local station signed off.

[CofCGuy]

John Gillespie Magee, Jr. is the author.