Existing comment:
International Spy Profile:
A Fine Feathered Hero:
One of 600 birds flown by the US Army Signal Corps in France during World War I, Cher Ami is remembered for his last mission.
Injured by enemy fire, Cher Ami flew to his loft with a canister dangling from his mangled leg. His cargo was a desperate communication from Major Whittlesey's lost battalion -- separated from the rest of the US Army, the starving troops faced enemy machine guns and snipers. Cher Ami, their only hope, flew 25 miles in 25 minutes to save 194 lives. The brave bird died of his injuries in 1919, and was awarded the French "Croix de Guerre" with Palm for heroic service. |