Cher Ami the Pigeon-- Part 2: Made It To Headquarters

Cher Ami was dispatched with a note written on onion paper, in a canister on her left leg which read:  "We are along the road parallel to 276.4.  Our own artillery is dropping a barrage directly upon us.  For heavens sake stop it."

As Cher Ami tried to fly back home, the Germans saw her rising and  opened fire on her.  After several seconds she was shot down, but was able to rise again and take flight.  She arrived back at her loft at division headquarters 25 miles to the rear in just 25 minutes.  This helped save lives in the Lost Battalion.

She had been shot through the breast, blinded in one eye and had a leg hanging only by a tendon.

--Cooter