Real Cool History for Kids

Episode 169: The Amazing Story of Cher Ami
Host: Angela O’Dell
Release Date: December 15, 2025
Special Episode Request for: Alexi de Coup-crank

Episode Overview

In this inspiring episode, Angela O’Dell tells the incredible real-life story of Cher Ami, a brave carrier pigeon who played a pivotal role in saving nearly 200 American soldiers during World War I. Told in an engaging, child-friendly style and from a biblical worldview, the episode explores themes of courage, perseverance, and faith, highlighting how even the smallest can have a huge impact.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introducing the Story (00:10 – 02:15)

• Angela welcomes listeners, setting the stage for an “almost unbelievable adventure” involving “courage, bravery, and the undeniable evidence of God’s involvement in the outcome.”
• She connects this episode to past stories from World War I, mentioning Sergeant Stubby (from episode 139), placing Cher Ami’s tale in historical context.

The Lost Battalion in the Argonne Forest (02:15 – 04:50)

• Setting: Fall 1918, Argonne Forest, France.
• Story of about 550 American soldiers, later known as the Lost Battalion, who advanced too far and were surrounded by German troops.
• They had little food, no water, and no way to communicate except through carrier pigeons, trained by the U.S. Army Signal Corps to deliver messages via small tubes on their legs.

The Desperate Situation & Cher Ami’s Mission (04:50 – 08:30)

• As days passed, the battalion’s situation worsened: they ran out of ammunition, food, and water.
• Their own artillery began firing on them due to mistaken coordinates (“friendly fire”).
• Major Charles Whittlesea tried sending messages for help using remaining pigeons; two were shot down.
• Only one pigeon remained: Cher Ami (“dear friend” in French).
• Fun Fact: DNA analysis revealed Cher Ami was a male pigeon.
• Major Whittlesea’s urgent message:

  “We are along the road parallel to 276.4. Our own artillery is dropping a barrage directly on us. For heaven’s sake, stop it.” (07:45)

• Despite being shot through the leg and chest, Cher Ami flew 25 miles to the Signal Corps loft, delivering the crucial message.

Cher Ami’s Heroic Flight and Rescue (08:30 – 11:10)

• Angela vividly describes Cher Ami’s perilous flight through enemy fire (“Bullets zipped through the air. Explosions rocked the trees. Cher Ami darted upward, flapping hard, weaving left and right … Then, crack. A bullet hit his leg. Another struck his chest.” – 08:55).
• Despite intense wounds, the pigeon arrives, barely alive, with the message tube still attached:

  “Cher Ami came crashing in, covered in blood, a bullet through his chest and the message tube hanging from his shattered leg by a single tendon. But the message arrived. Because Cher Ami never gave up.” (09:33)

• The message prompted immediate cessation of artillery on the battalion. About 200 men, out of the original 550, survived.

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Cher Ami’s Recovery and Recognition (13:25 – 15:40)

• Army medics saved Cher Ami’s life, patching wounds and even crafting a tiny wooden leg.
• Cher Ami recuperated and became a symbol of hope and bravery for the soldiers who cared for him.
• General John Pershing, commander of U.S. forces, remarked:

  “There wasn’t a more brave pigeon in the whole army, and he deserved the gratitude of the American people.” (14:10)

• Cher Ami awarded the French Croix de Guerre, and after the war, lived at the U.S. Army Signal Corps base in New Jersey.
• Cher Ami eventually passed away due to wartime injuries and was preserved for display at the Smithsonian Museum of American History.

Key Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On God’s Role:

  “God can use even the smallest part of his creation to make a huge difference.” (16:00)

• Cher Ami’s Example:

  “Cher Ami kept flying even when he was wounded and tired and in terrible danger. And that determination is something we can learn from when we face difficult challenges, a scary situation or something we don’t understand.” (16:35)

• Biblical Connection:

  “Philippians 4:13 says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me… If God can use a little pigeon to save almost 200 people, imagine what he can do through you.” (17:05)

• On Being Brave:

  “Cher Ami was not a general or a soldier. He wasn’t even a human...But his bravery made an enormous difference. And his story continues to inspire people more than 100 years later.” (17:40)

Lessons & Reflections

• Even the smallest and most unlikely can play a huge part in God’s bigger story.
• Perseverance in the face of adversity is crucial; never give up, even when the odds seem impossible.
• God equips and strengthens us for big tasks, just as “even a small pigeon” could make a lifesaving difference.
• Bravery and faith are not dependent on size, status, or experience.

Noteworthy Timestamps

• 00:10 – Show introduction and story set-up
• 02:15 – Context of the Lost Battalion in the Argonne Forest
• 04:50 – The desperate situation, failed messages, and introduction of Cher Ami
• 07:45 – Major Whittlesea’s desperate message and Cher Ami’s launch
• 09:33 – Cher Ami’s wounded arrival and the saving of the battalion
• 13:25 – Cher Ami’s rescue, recovery, and Army honors
• 16:00 – Faith reflections and biblical connection
• 17:40 – Concluding thoughts on lasting inspiration and bravery

Tone & Style

Angela O’Dell maintains an enthusiastic, compassionate, and faith-affirming tone throughout. She uses vivid storytelling, simple explanations, and reinforces lessons with Bible verses, making history accessible and inspiring for children.

Final Thoughts

Angela concludes by encouraging kids to keep exploring history, to remember the importance of perseverance and faith, and assures listeners that they, too, can make a difference—just like Cher Ami, the brave little pigeon.

“History is full of real adventures and really cool stories. I’ll meet you here soon for our next episode of Real Cool History for Kids. Until then, with the help and grace of Jesus our savior, be the best you ever. Merry Christmas, everybody.” (Closing, 19:20)