CHER AMI

A hero emerged on this day in October 4, 1918.  Cher Ami became one of the most famous animals associated with the Great War.  The AEF used carrier pigeons to send messages.  600 pigeons were donated by British pigeon fanciers. When the famous “Lost Battalion” got surrounded by German forces, to make matters worse, it was being bombarded by American artillery.  They were down to their last pigeon, a little bird named Cher Ami.  A message was attached to her leg that read “Our own artillery is dropping a heavy barrage directly on us.  For heaven’s sake, stop it!”  The little bird flew off, into a nearby tree.  The men tried yelling at it and throwing rocks at it.  Finally, a soldier climbed the tree and shook the branch to relaunch the mission.  The Germans opened fire and knocked the little bird down, but it rose up and flew like Woodstock to the American lines.  It arrived at its destination with a wounded breastbone and the message dangling from a shattered leg.  The artillery battalion ended its shelling and later the battalion was rescued.  Cher Ami was awarded the French Croix de Guerre and sent back to America in its own stateroom on the ship.  It appeared at bond rallies and other patriotic events.  When it died in 1918, it was stuffed and placed in the Smithsonian Institution. 

Lawrence 156-157