Book excerpt: "Touching the Face of God" is the fascinating true story of John Gillespie Magee, Jr., author of the poem "High Flight." Magee composed his famous poem while serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force in England during World War II. Magee's "High Flight" gathered world-wide notice from such luminaries as Winston Churchill, King George IV, Helen Keller, Orson Welles, Tyrone Power, and Katherine Hepburn. The poem has been used countless times in music, books, movies and speeches. The history of John Magee and his famous poem have been told several times, but this book seeks to tell his complete and compelling story. From his birth in China to his entrance into WWII as a combat pilot, "Touching the Face of God" is a story of true love, courage, compassion and commitment.