YOU ASKED FOR IT

Art Baker; American film, television and radio actor, hosts an episode of "You Asked for It." This was a human interest television series running from 1950 to 1959. In the series, viewers were asked to send in postcards dictating what they wished to see on the episode. This episode shows a U.S. Coast Guard rescue mission in action. It opens with a hand pumping out an SOS signal in Morse code (:09). Morse code has been used for maritime communication all the way up until 1999. It has since been retired from international maritime regulations. The hangar from the USGC station appears (:25). Art Baker (:33) informs viewers the episode will show the tale of a pilot downed at sea. An advertisement for Skippy Peanut Butter (:47) appears followed by a request from a woman named Mrs. Fred Nugent from Del Mar California. The host reads her letter about her husband Lieutenant F.C. Nugent of the Navy (:53). He was forced to bail out from his jet over the coast of California. He received rapid response from the USCG rescue service in San Diego (1:02). Two docked USCG boats appear (1:10). Other vehicles a part of this rescue mission include the Sikorsky HO4S-3 (1:13), the Grumman UF-1G/2G (1:15) and the Martin PBM Mariner (1:18). Art meets with Coastguardsmen (1:31). He is directed to equipment such as the phones used for emergency calls (1:36), station phones and the ultra-high frequency distress transceivers (1:35). Hotlines reach the CAA flight service (1:44). The cry of ‘may-day’ is heard through the speaker (1:48). A McDonnell FH-1 (1:58) makes the call while in flight over Point Loma. USCG rush to action as a siren blares (2:03). They sprint down the docks to the 44-motor life boat (2:30). Propellers spin of the Sikorsky as it readies for takeoff (2:48). The amphibious craft touches the water’s edge (3:07). Art appears in the co-pilot’s seat (3:10). The distressed pilot prepares for bailout (3:19). His parachute juts out (3:24). The USCG pilot makes a call over the radio of the pilot’s location (3:34). The amphibious craft is ordered to circle the area (3:40). The pilot is pictured floating below his extended parachute (4:13). He drops into the water (4:19). The rescue forces arrive and get their eyes on the pilot now swimming in the water (4:32). The helicopter lowers (4:44) with an extended ladder. He is lifted up into the helicopter (5:23). The downed pilot is pictured in the back of the rescue helicopter (5:54). The order is given to return to base (6:00). Art mentions semper paratus; the USCG motto (6:24). Hugh Conover tells viewers the following week’s episode was to feature Baker participating in another rescue mission (6:39). Many of the episodes were filmed live adding to the suspense and real life danger of the show. An advertisement for Skippy Peanut Butter concludes the show (6:46).