Category: History > Pigeons
During World War I, carrier pigeons were utilized extensively by both sides as essential communication tools, often operating in conditions where traditional communication methods were compromised. One remarkable pigeon named Cher Ami, serving with the U.S. Army Signal Corps, is credited with saving nearly 200 soldiers during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. After delivering a crucial message despite being injured, Cher Ami flew 25 miles in just 30 minutes to reach headquarters, leading to a rescue operation for the trapped battalion. For his bravery, Cher Ami was awarded the French Croix de Guerre and later became a symbol of the valor of animal messengers in wartime, showcasing the unexpected yet critical roles that animals have played in shaping human history.