Kaiser: The Pigeon Who Served Two Wars

A German homing pigeon named Kaiser, hatched in 1917, had an extraordinary military career that spanned both World War I and World War II. Captured by American soldiers in the Argonne Forest in October 1918, Kaiser was brought to the United States instead of being returned to Germany.

Initially displayed at public events, Kaiser was later transferred to the Signal Corps Pigeon Centre at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. There, he became part of the army's breeding program, fathering numerous military pigeons. His service continued through World War II, and by 1945, he had sired over 75 birds for the army.

Kaiser lived an exceptionally long life for a pigeon, reaching 32 years old. He was honored with special events, including a party for his 31st birthday in 1948 and made an honorary member of an American Legion post. He even attended President Harry Truman's inauguration in 1949.

Kaiser died on Halloween night in 1949, having outlived his namesake, Kaiser Wilhelm II, and most other pigeons from World War I. His lineage continued, with descendants serving in the Second World War, and his story lives on through preserved records and his remains at the National Museum of American History.