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World War I Messenger Pigeon

Due to their homing ability, speed and altitude, pigeons have held an important role in war -- beginning their war service as early as the late 1800s and serving the world’s militaries through the late 1950s. They were used as message carriers (with tiny capsules attached to one of their legs), as well as for early surveillance (with a camera on the chest, strapped around the neck and underneath the wings). The U.S. Army Signal Corps trained and employed 600 birds in France during World War I. This famous pigeon, Stumpy John, is on exhibit in the Early Years Gallery. (U.S. Air Force photo)

PHOTO BY: Unknown
VIRIN: 140812-F-DW547-001.JPG
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