Two pigeons, five dogs and a horse given US medal for wartime bravery

Bird named GI Joe, which saved 100 soldiers by speedily delivering message during World War II, among those recognised

Military animals in spotlight after hero dog Conan was injured while helping US forces take down Isis leader Baghdadi

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Bucca, who works with the Fire Department of New York, was one of eight animals to receive the Animals in War & Peace Medal of Bravery in Washington on Friday. Photo: Bonnie Jo Mount/Washington Post

Published: 7:53am, 16 Nov 2019Updated: 7:53am, 16 Nov 2019

Capitol Hill is divided these days. Impeachment hearings are leaving public servants cast as spies and saviours, connivers and guardians.

Perhaps that is why applause for a stuffed pigeon in a Plexiglas case seemed particularly vigorous in a Senate building on Thursday evening.

The bird has been dead for 58 years, but during World War II, he saved more than 100 allied soldiers by flying 32km (20 miles) in 20 minutes to deliver a message that aborted an imminent bombing by friendly forces. His name was GI Joe, and he was one of the eight recipients of a new charity-sponsored medal of bravery for American war animals.

Organisers, members of Congress and animal handlers present said the awards were long overdue. Some called it a historic day. A few wept. One of GI Joe’s post-war caretakers – who said the pigeon’s speed on that fateful day was likely assisted by a tailwind – teared up as he patted the bird’s case. Now, as then, GI Joe did not waver.

GI Joe the pigeon, on display during the Animals in War and Peace Medal of Bravery awards ceremony, served in World War II. Photo: Bonnie Jo Mount/Washington Post

Against the backdrop of impeachment, that theme stood out: no matter that the honoured animals – five dogs, two pigeons and one horse – almost certainly did not know their nation’s mission or enemies. They knew their jobs and did them with nary a peep, bark or neigh.

Some speakers mused about why the animals acted bravely, citing loyalty to pack, adoration for handlers, and programming by training. Everyone said they were heroes.