Carrier Pigeons
When we think of heroes, we often picture soldiers, doctors, firefighters, or police officers. But during World Wars I and II, one of the most unlikely heroes came in the form of a small, feathered messenger: the carrier pigeon. Carrier pigeons—also known as homing pigeons—were trained to deliver critical messages across battlefields. They possessed an incredible homing instinct that allowed them to fly hundreds of miles back to their home lofts, often under extreme danger. Trainers gradually increased the distance from their home base to strengthen this ability, and when a message needed to go out, it was attached to the pigeon’s leg. These swift messengers flew only one way— from their release location back to their home —making them reliable and invaluable in times of war. Among these brave birds, one stands out: Cher Ami , a small but mighty pigeon whose courage saved countless lives and cemented her place in history. During the Meuse-Argonne Offensive on October 4, 1918, the ...