How did a pigeon stop a bombing and save over 1,000 soldiers in WWII?
A heroic pigeon named G.I. Joe saved 1,000 soldiers by flying 20 miles in just 20 minutes to stop an accidental bombing.
In October 1943, British troops captured the Italian village of Calvi Vecchia ahead of schedule. Because radio communications failed, Allied bombers were still on their way to strike the town. Soldiers released G.I. Joe, who reached the U.S. Air Command base just as the planes were preparing for takeoff. His arrival canceled the mission and saved at least 1,000 lives.
Nerd Mode
During the Italian Campaign of World War II, the British 56th (London) Infantry Division managed to capture Calvi Vecchia on October 18, 1943. This victory occurred much faster than anticipated, leaving no time to notify the U.S. 12th Air Force via standard radio, which was malfunctioning at the time. A scheduled air strike was set to commence at 10:20 AM to clear the way for the ground troops who were already inside the village.G.I. Joe, a member of the United States Army Pigeon Service (pigeon USA43SC6390), was released with a message to abort the bombing. He covered the 20-mile distance to the airfield in roughly 20 minutes, averaging a speed of 60 miles per hour. He arrived at the base just as the pilots were taxiing their aircraft for takeoff, successfully preventing a devastating friendly-fire incident.In recognition of his bravery and speed, G.I. Joe was awarded the Dickin Medal on August 30, 1946, at the Tower of London. This award is the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross and is given by the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). G.I. Joe is credited with saving the lives of at least 1,000 Allied soldiers, making him one of the most decorated animals of the war.
Verified Fact
FP-0004661 · Feb 19, 2026