Pigeon Container PG-51 - US ARMY

Rare US ARMY PG-51 4-Pigeon Container, second model, WWII era, with its removable carrying strap, used but very good overall condition. Note that one side rhodoid is missing.

Can be completed with the pigeon harness reference U2E641 available on our site

During World War II, the U.S. Army trained approximately 54,000 pigeons, creating a division within the Veterinary Service devoted exclusively to maintaining the health and efficiency of these winged warriors. 36,000 pigeons were deployed overseas. In addition to the United States, the United Kingdom trained more than 250,000 carrier pigeons, supplying many to individuals working behind enemy lines.

In 1943, the English PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) Dickin bronze Medal, honoring Maria Dickin founder of the PDSA, was issued to honor animals that demonstrated “conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving or associated with any branch of the Armed Forces or Civilian Defense Forces.” Thirty-two pigeons were honored between 1943 and 1949. “G. I. Joe” is the most famous of the American pigeons honored. During the Italian Campaign of World War II, G.I. Joe was a pigeon who saved the lives of the inhabitants of the village of Calvi Vecchia, Italy, and of the British troops of 56th (London) Infantry Division occupying it. Air support had been requested against German positions at Calvi Vecchia on 18 October 1943, but the message that the 169th (London) Infantry Brigade had captured the village, delivered by G.I. Joe, arrived just in time to avoid the bombing. G.I. Joe flew this 20-mile distance in an impressive 20 minutes, just as the planes were preparing to take off for the target. He saved a thousand men. For his efforts, G.I. Joe was presented the Dickin Medal for "the most outstanding flight made by a United States Army pigeon in World War II."