Passage V

Cher Ami, Pigeon Hero

Pigeons have a fairly poor reputation. In many urban areas, they are considered little more than, “rats with wings,” blamed for spreading disease and despoiling statues. For example, one species, the homing pigeon, which is among the best navigators of the natural world. There navigational ability has earned the homely pigeon an undeniable place in history.

Former modern technologies like the radio or telephone, commanders on the battlefield often faced challenges in communicating, depending on their location. One solution was to use homing pigeons to carry messages from the front lines back to headquarters. The pigeon was a particularly good soldier in such endeavors: It flew fast. It flew high. And it always quickly returned and came back to its home roost.

The most famous avian war hero is perhaps Cher Ami, whose name means dear friend. One of six hundred birds used by the US Army Signal Corps in France during World War I, all twelve of Cher Ami’s missions were deemed successful. His last was instrumental in saving hundreds of lives.

Near Verdun, France, the 77th Infantry Division became separated from US forces. The men were surrounded by German troops and were rapidly running out of rations. They were separated from other US forces. They had but one link to headquarters homing pigeons. It was becoming clear that the Americans were unaware of the 77th's whereabouts, the situation grew dire.

Major Whittlesey wrote a note about the 77th's location, placed it in a canister attached to the pigeon's leg, and watched as the bird flew out in the midst of battle. Despite being wounded in flight, Cher Ami managed to deliver the message to headquarters; the unit known as “the Lost Battalion” would be rescued.

News reports around the world touted the bird’s heroism. The French military awarded Cher Ami a medal, the War Cross. Although one might question the extent in which Cher Ami understood his mission, his story proves that pigeons are unique.