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Posted on 03/06/2005 7:51:24 AM PST by snippy_about_it
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 are acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated.
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| Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel free to address their specific circumstances or whatever issues concern them in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, brotherhood and support. The FReeper Foxhole hopes to share with it's readers an open forum where we can learn about and discuss military history, military news and other topics of concern or interest to our readers be they Veteran's, Current Duty or anyone interested in what we have to offer. If the Foxhole makes someone appreciate, even a little, what others have sacrificed for us, then it has accomplished one of it's missions. We hope the Foxhole in some small way helps us to remember and honor those who came before us.
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 Carrier Pigeons Probably the most famous of all the carrier pigeons was one named Cher Ami, two French words meaning "Dear Friend". Cher Ami several months on the front lines during the Fall of 1918. He flew 12 important missions to deliver messages. Perhaps the most important was the message he carried on October 4, 1918. Mr. Charles Whittlesey was a lawyer in New York, but when the United States called for soldiers to help France regain its freedom, Whittlesey joined the Army and went to Europe to help. He was made the commander of a battalion of soldiers in the 77th Infantry Division, known as "The Liberty Division" because most of the men came from New York and wore a bright blue patch on their shoulders that had on it the STATUE OF LIBERTY. On October 3, 1918 Major Whittlesey and more than 500 men were trapped in a small depression on the side of the hill. Surrounded by enemy soldiers, many were killed and wounded in the first day. By the second day only a little more than 200 men were still alive or unwounded. Major Whittlesey sent out several pigeons to tell his commanders where he was, and how bad the trap was. The next afternoon he had only one pigeon left, Cher Ami. During the afternoon the American Artillery tried to send some protection by firing hundreds of big artillery rounds into the ravine where the Germans surrounded Major Whittlesey and his men. Unfortunately, the American commanders didn't know exactly where the American soldiers were, and started dropping the big shells right on top of them. It was a horrible situation that might have resulted in Major Whittlesey and all his men getting killed--by their own army.  Major Whittlesey called for his last pigeon, Cher Ami. He wrote a quick and simple note, telling the men who directed the artillery guns where the Americans were located and asking them to stop. The note that was put in the canister on Cher Ami's left leg simply said: "We are along the road parallel to 276.4. "Our own artillery is dropping a barrage directly on us. "For heaven's sake, stop it." As Cher Ami tried to fly back home, the Germans saw him rising out of the brush and opened fire. For several minutes, bullets zipped through the air all around him. For a minute it looked like the little pigeon was going to fall, that he wasn't going to make it. The doomed American infantrymen were crushed, their last home was plummeting to earth against a very heavy attack from German bullets. Somehow Cher Ami managed to spread his wings and start climbing again, higher and higher beyond the range of the enemy guns. The little bird flew 25 miles in only 25 minutes to deliver his message. The shelling stopped, and more than 200 American lives were saved...all because the little bird would never quit trying. On his last mission, Cher Ami was badly wounded. When he finally reached his coop, he could fly no longer, and the soldier that answered the sound of the bell found the little bird laying on his back, covered in blood. He had been blinded in one eye, and a bullet had hit his breastbone, making a hole the size of a quarter. From that awful hole, hanging by just a few tendons, was the almost severed leg of the brave little bird. Attached to that leg was a silver canister, with the all-important message. Once again, Cher Ami wouldn't quit until he had finished his job.  Cher Ami became the hero of the 77th Infantry Division, and the medics worked long and hard to patch him up. When the French soldiers that the Americans were fighting to help learned they story of Cher Ami's bravery and determination, they gave him one of their own country's great honors. Cher Ami, the brave carrier pigeon was presented a medal called the French Croix de guerre with a palm leaf. Though the dedicated medics saved Cher Ami's life, they couldn't save his leg. The men of the Division were careful to take care of the little bird that had saved 200 of their friends, and even carved a small wooden leg for him. When Cher Ami was well enough to travel, the little one-legged hero was put on a boat to the United States. The commander of all of the United States Army, the great General John J. Pershing, personally saw Cher Ami off as he departed France.  Back in the United States the story of Cher Ami was told again and again. The little bird was in the newspapers, magazines, and it seemed that everyone knew his name. He became one of the most famous heroes of World War I.      |
Yee Haw Sunday Pigeon Bump for the Freeper Foxhole
Regards
alfa6 ;>}
Mornin' alfa6.
Morning.
2 browinie points if anybody can tell me what the aircraft is, 'cause I sure don't know.
Regards
alfa6 ;>}
BTTT!!!!!!
Good morning Snippy! I hope this is ok - I have a couple of items I'd like to post here ~ one for entertainment/reflection and an announcement for all Vietnam vets and their families. *HUGS!
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ATTENTION: VIETNAM VETS!
Thirty years have passed since the end of the Vietnam War. During those three decades, the brave men and women who served in that conflict have never been given the recognition they deserve for their heroic sacrifices in service to our country. Now, the time for that recognition has come. Welcome Home…America’s Tribute to Vietnam Veterans will be the homecoming celebration they never received. This first-ever national event will take place June 13-June 19, 2005 in Branson, Missouri. Including veterans, their families and friends, 100,000 participants from across the country are expected to attend. For Vietnam Veterans and their loved ones, and our nation, this celebration is profoundly important. By honoring those who answered their country’s call during a difficult time in our nation’s history, the legacy of duty, honor and country will be passed on to America’s sons and daughters who will be called to serve in the future. It’s an idea whose time has come.
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Hello everyone.
It's me again, Trisha's Mom, with a big hello from soldierette.
I spoke to Trisha yesterday, late afternoon. It was a short talk and the connection was poor, everything I said repeated a moment after I said it. Still, it very good to hear her voice, she sounded just fine, happy to be where she is. Trisha tells me that for most part, she has remained on base and has not had to venture out into the streets much, but I wonder if she is just saying that to keep my mind at ease.
The only thing she asked me for was an assortment of scented soaps and powders and lotions, as she has shared what she brought with the other women on base. So, I am off to the mall this afternoon to get some more.
I will check back before I send the box, so if anyone would like to send a note, please do and I will print it out and include it.
Thank you for your support of my daughter.
Trisha's Mom
Morning Snippy.
I always liked the scene in "The Longest Day" were the correspondent releases the pigeons and they fly toward German lines.
"Bloody traitors!!"
The Stevie Wonder song will never sound quite the same to me.
My bad. This is the song.
http://smart90.com/dvdstore/vravmusic/moncheramieurope4017
Stevie Wonder's song is My Cherie Amour. LOL. Where's my coffee?
free dixie HUGS,duckie/sw
March 6, 2005
Many years ago an accomplished organist was giving a concert. (In those days someone had to pump large bellows backstage to provide air for the pipes.) After each song, the audience applauded heartily. Before his final number, the organist stood and said, "I shall now play . . ." and he announced the title. He sat down and adjusted his music. With feet poised over the pedals and hands over the keys, he began with a mighty chord. But the organ remained silent. Just then a voice was heard from backstage: "Say 'We'!"
In the Lord's work, there is plenty of room for personal achievement. Our abilities are God-given, and the Holy Spirit helps us to excel in what we do best. But a self-sufficient spirit that overlooks the contributions of others can ruin it all. No Christians have ever climbed the ladder of success alone. With them were mothers, fathers, friends, a husband, a wife, or children who prayed, sacrificed, and did what they could to help.
Aware of our deep indebtedness to others, we should be grateful for their vital role in the Lord's work in and through us. A note of sincere thanks, a word of honest recognition, or a thoughtful deed of love will help to "keep the organ playing." -Dennis De Haan
It's amazing what can be accomplished when you don't care who gets the credit.
Burial place of pilots of the American Escadrille Lafayette
Picture made on July 13, 1917 on the Picpus cemetery in Paris.
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