The Pigeon who Saved a Convoy: G.I. Joe

The Pigeon who Saved a Convoy: G.I. Joe

Date: October 18, 1943

Story:

In a conflict dominated by advanced technology, an unexpected hero emerged from the animal kingdom: G.I. Joe, a homing pigeon. During the Allied invasion of Italy, the British 56th London Infantry Division captured the village of Colvi Vecchia, only to find their radio lines had been cut, preventing them from reporting their success. Meanwhile, American aerial bombardment was imminent, targeting what they believed was still enemy-held territory. The lives of over 1,000 British troops hung in the balance. In desperation, a message reporting the capture was attached to G.I. Joe. Despite strong head winds and a hazardous flight path, the pigeon flew 20 miles in just 20 minutes, reaching the Allied air base at Kessel. His swift arrival allowed the cancellation of the bombing mission just five minutes before the planes were due to take off. G.I. Joe’s heroic flight saved the lives of a thousand Allied soldiers and prevented a catastrophic friendly-fire incident. For his extraordinary service, G.I. Joe was awarded the Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, for gallantry.

Reference:

PDSA Dickin Medal Citations. Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals. (Official citation for G.I. Joe).

"G.I. Joe Saves 1,000 Lives." The New York Times, November 15, 1946 (Contemporary news report).

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