Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey: A Tale of Courage and Sacrifice

The story of Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey is one of the most poignant and inspiring accounts of heroism and sacrifice in American military history. During the Meuse-Argonne Offensive of World War I, a battalion of American soldiers under the command of Major Charles W. Whittlesey found themselves surrounded and cut off from the rest of the American forces. Their situation was dire, with dwindling supplies and no hope of immediate relief.

Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey: A Novel

by Kathleen Rooney

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2339 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Cher Ami the Pigeon

With no other options available, Major Whittlesey and his men pinned their hopes on a small homing pigeon named Cher Ami. Trained by the U.S. Army Signal Corps, Cher Ami was one of hundreds of pigeons used to carry messages during the war. Despite being wounded in the chest and having one leg nearly severed, Cher Ami managed to deliver a message that ultimately led to the rescue of Whittlesey and his men.

The message, written on a small piece of paper, read: "We are along the road parallel to 276.4. Our own artillery is dropping a barrage on us. For heaven's sake, stop it." The message was received by American forces and the artillery bombardment was halted, saving the lives of Whittlesey and his men.

Major Charles W. Whittlesey

Charles W. Whittlesey was born in Washington, D.C., in 1884. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1908 and served in the U.S. Army for over 20 years. During World War I, Whittlesey commanded the 1st Battalion of the 308th Infantry Regiment, which became known as the "Lost Battalion" after being surrounded by German forces.

Whittlesey and his men fought valiantly for six days, but their situation became increasingly desperate. With dwindling supplies and no hope of immediate relief, Whittlesey made the difficult decision to send a message by pigeon, hoping that it would reach American forces and lead to their rescue.

The Lost Battalion

The 1st Battalion of the 308th Infantry Regiment, known as the "Lost Battalion," was a unit of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) during World War I. The battalion was commanded by Major Charles W. Whittlesey.

On October 2, 1918, the Lost Battalion was surrounded by German forces during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. For six days, Whittlesey and his men fought valiantly, but their situation became increasingly desperate. With dwindling supplies and no hope of immediate relief, Whittlesey made the difficult decision to send a message by pigeon, hoping that it would reach American forces and lead to their rescue.

Cher Ami's successful delivery of the message led to the rescue of Whittlesey and his men. The Lost Battalion was finally relieved by American forces on October 8, 1918, and Whittlesey was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery and leadership.

Aftermath

Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey became symbols of courage and sacrifice during World War I. Cher Ami was awarded the French Croix de Guerre for her heroic efforts, and Major Whittlesey was awarded the Medal of Honor. The story of their bravery and sacrifice continues to inspire people to this day.

The story of Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey is a reminder of the incredible courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought in World War I. It is a story that should never be forgotten.

Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey: A Novel

by Kathleen Rooney

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2339 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE