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. 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