March 23, 1957: What happened to the war hero pigeons? (more) Today in History—March 23: The U.S. Military’s Pigeon Service Ends Written by Michele Metych Michele Metych is the lead editor for Today in History at Encyclopædia Britannica. Michele Metych Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Mar. 20, 2026 •History March 23, 1957: What happened to the war hero pigeons?National Archives, Washington, D.C. (NAID:329589631); Photo Illustration Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Draft ads that ran during World War I might’ve read like this: Seeking service members to deliver messages on the front. Exposure to shelling and gunfire. Expected to travel long distances, risk serious injury. Must be comfortable flying at night and in extreme weather. Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica.Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc....

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