Haley and Debbie (and Debbie's cat, Roy) are talking about homing pigeons trained by the military in WWII (and WWI too). The programs spanned decades and are full of fascinating tales of expertise, bravery, and heroism. But today we're focusing on G.I. Joe, a homing pigeon trained by American troops at Fort Monmouth. In Italy in 1943, GI Joe carried a message so important it is believed to have saved an estimated 1,000 lives.

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Youtube Shorts (I said it was a tiktok on the episode but I misspoke):

Gas Mask:

https://youtube.com/shorts/DsEdhyn26XQ?si=IVujXmrnO0LLn2Gj

The History Guy (very informative, love his stuff):

https://youtu.be/cDwsnpo066g?si=9XXwDNZvgKPLpHef

General Sources:

https://www.army.mil/article/268163/honoring_those_who_served_pigeon_memorial

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/capsule-review/2019-02-12/operation-columba-secret-pigeon-service-untold-story-world-war-ii

https://www.fortmonmouth.org/history/

https://www.army.mil/article/74924/cecom_history_is_for_the_birds_hero_pigeons

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme/pdsa-dickin-medal

How Pigeons Home:

https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/216/12/2165/11389/Forty-years-of-olfactory-navigation-in-birds

Father Raskin

https://www.elimarpigeons.com/articles/pigeon-clubs-and-federations/dorset-federation-2/10062-from-the-chair-by-chris-williams-01-11-21