Pro Patria – Distinguished Signal Corps Pigeon
During the first half of the 20th century, pigeons were vital to communications during both war and peacetime. The Signal Corps Pigeon Program operated from 1918, until its discontinuance in 1957. In 1919, the Pigeon Program was transferred from France, where it had been part of the American Expeditionary Forces, to Fort Monmouth. The program was headquartered for most of its active life at Fort Monmouth. This “series” of blogs is a presentation of biographical information for some of the more distinguished Pigeons in this program.
Hero pigeon Pro Patria
Pro Patria was hatched in Italy in 1944, as 10004 USA 44 SC. Pro Patria, according to available biographical information is credited with carrying thirty five combat messages in Italy during WWII. This blue male pigeon, during fierce fighting in the Allied push to the north of Rome successfully delivered many key messages for American and British units critical for ammunition and supply needs.
After the War, Pro Patria, and was housed in the “Churchill Loft”, the Army’s “Pigeon Hall of Fame” located at Fort Monmouth.
When the Pigeon Program was discontinued, in 1957, Pro Patria was sent to the Cleveland, Ohio, Zoological Gardens in Brookside Park.
It looks like many of the pigeons were preserved through taxidermy following death. Do you know who provided the taxidermy services? Where are all of the preserved pigeons located?
Hi Anne,
Thanks so much for the comment! Yes, you’re right, many of the birds were preserved through taxidermy after death. The preserved birds went to various museums, including the Communications Electronics Museum (which transferred from Fort Monmouth to APG) and the Smithsonian. I think the history office may have some records of the taxidermy costs as well as who provided those services. We’ll get back to you as soon as we find out. Thanks again for reading. – Chrissie, Staff Historian