It was made up primarily of New Yorkers, and thus a large contingent of immigrants, some of whom did not even speak English, many of whom were not yet naturalized citizens, draftees fighting for their home country of choice. News coverage at the time had focused on the Metropolitan Division more than most segments of the Army prior to the event. The Lost Battalion was a major media event in the waning days of World War I.Ĭher Ami – image from the Air and Space Museum

Charles Whittlesey did lead his men in dire circumstances. This novel is a fictionalized account of a real-world event. Kathleen Rooney and friends - image from her site A very Anthony Fauci decision, selecting the least of the available evils, but Whittlesey chose the one offering the greatest hope for the best results. Movement would have offered no assuredness of survival, and probably would have resulted in annihilation, the other option, surrendering to the surrounding German army, again offered no certainty of survival, but confidently promised the collateral damage of severe disgrace. The other was the courage Charles Whittlesey, the commander of that battalion, mustered to remain in place when the urge to retreat was almost overwhelming. The usual sort is displayed by a homing pigeon, Cher Ami of the title, braving and taking enemy fire to bring news back to base of the dire situation faced by a battalion caught behind enemy lines. from the Smithsonian- …in a contest against passion, truth always makes a poor showing.Įven the few who had come through the incident largely unhurt looked like shades greeting the new arrivals with yellowed grins and vacant eyes.Two kinds of heroism are on display in Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey. Cher Ami was later inducted into the Racing Pigeon Hall of Fame in 1931, and received a gold medal from the Organized Bodies of American Pigeon Fanciers in recognition of his extraordinary service during World War I. on June 13, 1919, as a result of his wounds. He was returned to the United States and died at Fort Monmouth, N.J. For his heroic service, Cher Ami was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with palm.

Cher ami and major whittlesey a novel