"A Penny A Day For A Hero"

The January 2009 issue of WWII Magazine contains an article about war pigeons called "For the Birds", The article states:

"Although their contribution is little remembered today,
homing pigeons saved thousands of human lives during
World War II while carrying out missions full of risk
and --yes-- intrigue."

It cost the U.S. about six cents per day to feed the pigeons.

These intrepid little birds were trained to do things they normally would not do- such as fly over water when they had the choice to fly over land, or to fly at night.

The United States trained 54,000 during the war. One of the pigeons that fell into enemy hands returned with a note that is somewhat humorous and somewhat sad:

'Thank you, I had the sister of this one for supper. Delicious. Please send us some more.'