Today in World War II History—August 18, 1941

85 Years Ago—Aug. 18, 1941: President Roosevelt signs extension of Selective Service Act, extending draftees’ service from 12 to 30 months. Radio Belgrade plays an obscure recording of “Lili Marleen” sung 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.” Robert…