Virgil W. Vogel

Virgil William Vogel (November 29, 1919 – January 1, 1996) was an American television and film director. His career spanned nearly sixty years, directing episodes of Wagon Train, Bonanza, The Big Valley, and Mission: Impossible, among other series. He was earlier a film editor. He also directed the pilot episode of Street Hawk. He and the star of that show Rex Smith, both being pilots, enjoyed many adventures, with Virgil as pilot in command and Rex as co-pilot. Virgil was recipient of the Air Medal for 50 missions commanding the B-29 over the skies of Japan. Rex relates, “We worked till late on Friday’s but always were up a six, to play tennis, then fly our military style ‘missions’, followed by dinner and drinks. He had the energy of a man half his age, and it was a challenge to keep up him!” I miss and admire and am proud to have been accepted as a co pilot and friend, I miss the man and adventures shared.”