Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Cher Ami

was a homing pigeon. In WWI  Cher Ami  saved 194 men by continuing her flight after losing a leg, an eye and having been shot in the chest.They were cut off from the rest of the Allied forces and had called in artillery on the Germans in front of them(and beside them). But there was an error so the rounds ended up landed on them. The message the pigeon was carrying pretty much said "for the love of God, stop the guns. You're killing us."

 Cher Ami became the hero of the 77th Infantry Division. Army medics worked long and hard to save her life. They were unable to save her leg, so they carved a small wooden one for her. When she recovered enough to travel, the now one-legged bird was put on a boat to the United States, with General John J. Pershing personally seeing Cher Ami off as she departed France.
Upon return to the United States, Cher Ami became the mascot of the Department of Service. The pigeon was awarded the Croix de Guerre Medal with a palm Oak Leaf Cluster for her heroic service in delivering 12 important messages in Verdun. She died at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, on June 13, 1919 from the wounds she received in battle and was later inducted into the Racing Pigeon Hall of Fame in 1931. She also received a gold medal from the Organized Bodies of American Racing Pigeon Fanciers in recognition of her extraordinary service during World War I.
 Incredible.

More about Cher Ami and her photo.

10 comments:

  1. I did remember enough of my high school French classes to know that "Cher Ami" means Dear Friend......and that this bird was.....talk about bravery above and beyond! She deserves ALL the honors that have been bestowed on her.

    What an amazing story. Thanks Linda for sharing it-I just love reading all these bits and pieces of this great big world that I never would have known about if it wasn't for you sharing them.

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    1. I enjoy finding things and love to share them. Glad you like it.

      bonne journée

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  2. that was a very amazing story. she went through so much and that they tried to save her was heroic in itself. She continued on her journey despite being injured so badly. Thanks for sharing her story with us.

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    1. My grandfather raised homing pigeons. He said they were extremely intelligent.

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  3. Wow, this is some story. What a brave pigeon.....It is amazing how these birds were so needed during the war. She was a brave one for sure, and she sure did deserve all the honors she received. When I see pigeons, I think they are pesky birds, but this story makes me realize that they are not always. I agree Carol, I love reading all the bits and pieces that Linda shares with us. I would never think to look them up, and I am learning a whole lot from them.

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    1. The government uses other animals now- dolphins, goats- it's gone beyond the pigeons

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  4. This truly was an amazing true friend. I can't recall learning about this bird. I appreciate you posting this. .

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    1. So many of the things I find I never learned until I got the computer.

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  5. Truly an amazing story. Thanks for sharing this, Linda.

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