Marine Dog – Lucca
Two Heroes!
Marine dog, Lucca, was given a wonderful tribute in the Parade Sunday magazine. After more than 400 missions in Afghanistan, no one had been hurt by an IED when they were with her. She was the only one that the Green Berets felt comfortable hugging after a tough day.
Mamma Lucca, as she is nicknamed, was injured herself. Handler Col. Juan “Rod” Rodriguez quickly applied a tourniquet and she was air-lifted to one veterinary team after another in all-out attempts to save her life. They succeeded, but Lucca lost her left-front leg in the action. You can see her honorary Purple Heart on her harness. Today she lives with her original trainer, Gunnery Sgt. Chris Willingham and his family. She continues to serve at VA hospitals and in schools.
Could someone please explain to me WHY this Hero’s Purple Heart is considered HONORARY??
If anyone is interested in adopting one of these dogs, check into – US War Dogs.org.
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Farewell Salutes –
Heroes R.I.P.
Stanley “Stosh” Bargy – Mattydale, NY; US Navy, Korea
G. Hayden Green – Anchorage, AK; US Army, Korea
Robert Harris – Plymouth, IN; USMC, Korea
Eugene Humphries – Shelley, ID; US Army, WWII, Aleutians & PTO
James Novak, Sr – Olathe, KS; US Army, WWII
Winfield Ruder – Wappingers Falls, NY; Merchant Marines, WWII
George Tillman – Perry, FL; US Army, WWII & Korea, SSgt.
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Posted on September 29, 2014, in First-hand Accounts and tagged Afghanistan, family history, Hero, History, Marines, Military, Tributes, veterans, Weapons. Bookmark the permalink. 115 Comments.
Pacific Paratrooper 
Reblogged this on Truth Troubles.
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Thank you. Lucca deserves to be read by all!!
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I think a dog is very good for solders and love your story
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Those working dogs have many lives, plus improve the morale. Thank you, Mary Lou.
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Dropped in from the blogparty at Chicago Files. Respect to the dog heroes! There are some interesting military cat photos out there, mainly cats on warships, though I have seen a few others in landbased wartime photos, that might interest some people–like me. Could not find any here. At any rate, this is a great site you have going, albeit, a bit overwhelming with material at first glance. Good job!
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Cher did have a terrific idea with that block party of hers!! I’m sure we can locate some kitty humor if that’s what you like. I don’t usually because there are quite a few cat sites out there that do a great job at it.
This site can be overwhelming at first glance. If the Pacific War history is of any interest to you, I would suggest starting at the Open Letter to All and continuing from there. Nice to meet you, Greg – we have a great bunch of regulars here you might be interested in meeting too.
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What a great little soldier. As I read the word ‘honorary’ it did stick out in my mind. That little lady sure deserves the real deal. Her team must have felt that they were being taken care of by an angel.
Many thanks for sharing Lucca’s story – the photos are wonderful.
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I’m very happy you got to see this post. The more I researched her, the more I felt she was my own. Glad you liked it!!
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Wow, these images are great!
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So glad you like them, Anna. Lucca touched me.
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🙂
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My sincere thanks for sharing heroism of a God’s creation here an animal, sent here as a savior due to its special trait of smell – in fact enhanced through training. Such examples are rare – even surpassing the humans. Laudable indeed.
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Thank you.
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Thanks and regards.
:))
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Poignant!… And sometimes one wonders why dogs are men’s best friends!.
Best wishes to you, Aquileana ;d
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In my opinion, all pets are our best friends – Lucca and her fellow warriors do even more!! HOW could anyone question that?
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I understand ‘honorary’ but I would think Mamma Lucca deserves a full fledged Purple Heart like any other military member. She did the work and sacrificed a limb in that duty.
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Exactly my point, Jackie. Doesn’t seem fair.
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A great tribute to a very outstanding dog, its great to know she has a good home and is well cared for.
Sadly the rules at the time in Vietnam did not allow our dogs to be bought home.
A number of handlers farewelled their dogs at the departure airstrip, the dogs were put down.
Regards
Ian
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That’s awful to hear – I’m glad I didn’t know that at the time!!!
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I’m not into animals (yeah, I know, I know. Weird, mean…lol) but this is one of fav posts here! Precious.
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Lucca and her colleagues are Marines in every sense of the word. And she is a wounded warrior. Thanks for reading this today!
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So glad she got a good loving home after all she went through – that’s all dogs really want is to please us and be loved in return…not medals. I’ve seen mine detection dogs in action and we owe them so much! Thanks for sharing
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Their abilities amaze me! Lucca is an outstanding dog and soldier and I used her story to keep their memories alive for these tributes as well. Thanks for coming by here, Carol.
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This one got me right in heart where there is a special place for dogs.
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I would be disappointed if it hadn’t. One look at that face, and I knew I’d be doing a post on her – hadn’t even read the story yet! Thanks for stopping by, Jim.
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She is so beautiful! Honorary? A Purple Heart is for the wounded and she was wounded. That’s a real Purple Heart! She’s precious!
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My feelings exactly, Linda!! Thank you for visiting!
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Does anyone else think Lucca looks proudly like Rin Tin Tin? What an amazing dog to give such spirit and love to the war effort and our servicemen. Btw, all these comments, Toni. Consider writing about animals again or was it heroism in Afghsnistan that was the pull? Both?
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You have a good eye, Amanda. I know you thought you were talking to Toni, but I answered anyway – have a great day and thank you for reading – GP Cox
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What a fantastic post about a veteran! Thank you for sharing her story … I miss getting the Parade on Sundays!
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So glad you enjoyed it, Cindi. Personally I don’t usually find the Parade as good as it used to be, it kinda changed. But this was a hit – who could argue with a Hero?
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Wonderful story, and I love the photos, particularly the absolute joy of the tummy rub.
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She Does look happy, doesn’t she!!
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Yeah, that we could be that happy…
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Good question regarding “Honorary” Purple Heart – she did the job of “men”! “Men” get Purple Hearts. Love this little tribute gp
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Thank you very, Ina. That means a lot.
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The Purple Heart is probably considered “honorary” because Lucca is “just” a dog, not a human. Never mind that she served with honor was wounded in the line of duty and deserves more than just “honorary”. Dogs have served as long as we’ve been fighting wars, horses have too, we just don’t seem to be able to extend our concept of soldier to more than a human.
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I found it strange that I did not see a rank or any other medals mentioned for her, but other “Just dogs” and “just horses” have received them in the past. Hopefully it was merely an oversight of the reporter.
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They also serve who only sniff and bark … and growl, and frolic, and shake hands (sounds a lot like The Spouse) …
As for the ‘honorary’—did she have papers? Rank? Service record? Is she on any kind of pension or benefit?
More to the point: do the pencil pushing persons making these decisions ever (r) ever serve at the front? I suspect not …
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I read her story twice and did not see any mention of a rank for Marine Lucca. I can only suspect the pencil-pushers thought of her as expendable.
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Reblogged this on Give me the break….
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Thank you! I’m so glad Lucca’s story is making the laps around the world. A hero such as she deserves all the recognition she gets!!
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Great tribute to one of those who seldom get recognition. Keep up the great work!
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Thank you, Bev! I am so happy that so many have enjoyed Mamma Lucca’s story, it makes me glad to know we are giving a true hero the recognition.
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Thank you so much for a great post about a great dog. She deserved that medal. Woof!
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Woof back atcha, Maggie. You too can be a hero right there at home. Take good care of your mother.
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(wags tail) yes, sir! Woof!
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What a great story. These are wonderful animals. Their handlers seem to always understand that they’re soldiers, just like ‘the guy next to me’. I love these stories.
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So glad you enjoyed it, Jacqui! Once I read it, I had to have it, no two ways about that.
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I was recently looking at animals used during WWI and was fascinated by them. Your post on Lucca exemplifying how invaluable they are was perfect!
http://www.vintag.es/2014/09/black-and-white-pictures-of-animals-in.html
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What a stock pile of photos that is!! WOW! Thank you for including the link. The war animals have saved countless lives!
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I know a former dog handler in Iraq. These dogs are amazing, they are saving lives and deserve all the honors. Thank you for posting!
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It was certainly my pleasure, Mia!! This story is gradually making its way around the globe and I couldn’t be happier!!
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Beautiful!
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Thank you very much, Hollie. I can only imagine what poem your beautiful mind could come up with for these animals.
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very sweet , thank you gp!
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Reblogged this on Freedom For Cetaceans.
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My apologies for this Thank you being so late. You and medievaltaku were both sitting in the Spam folder! I greatly appreciate the reblog and I do sincerely hope your readers liked it!!
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Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
Lucca!!! Yay for you …..
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Thank you so much, Lil. I’m so glad that so many enjoyed Lucca’s story and that you were kind enough to reblog it on your site.
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Welcome …. wonderful animal. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Aquilon's Eyrie.
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Wow, I skip one day checking my Spam folder and you and Adam Hughes were both sitting there. My apologies for the reblog THANK YOU being so late! I greatly appreciate you spreading the word on these brave animals.
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No problem! The worst thing about computer programs is that they often have a will of their own when it comes to certain things.
It’s my pleasure to spread the word on animal heroes. They frequently have interesting stories whether it be Chips on D-Day or Cher Ami of the Lost Battalion.
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Good work, you’re to be commended.
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Reblogged this on Masako and Spam Musubi and commented:
Man, this got my eye plumbing leaking…
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Thanks you so much for helping to share Lucca’s story. She a Hero who deserves far more than what she got!! (an Honorary Purple Heart? What’s with that?)
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Darn you, gpcox… You knew this would get me eye plumbing a-leakin’…
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That I did, Koji! We know each other pretty well, don’t we? But once I read the story, how could I NOT make a post out of it?
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Reblogged this on Toni Andrukaitis and commented:
Amazing story of heroism.
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I’m am so glad you enjoyed the story enough to reblog it on your site, she’s a true heroic warrior.
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Amazing story. Unwavering loyalty and sacrifices made by all, including the canine variety.
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Aren’t these dogs something else!! After all she’s been through, she still helps out.
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Wonderful blog. Our dog, Abby, while not a war dog, is a three-legged dog. Her courage and cheerful acceptance of disability is an inspiration.
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They handle life as it comes, not like humans who sometimes feel sorry for themselves. I’m glad you enjoyed the story, Nancy.
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Everybody loves a doggie tale. 🙂
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And this one sure deserves the recognition!
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A fascinating post of an incredible animal. I’ve heard of many animals, dogs, pigeons and of course horses that served throughout the war (in fact all wars) without faltering or fear. Even today they protect and risk their lives and deserve a good life once their service is over. 400 missions is just amazing!
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Who would have thought they would send them out so much? Her odds of getting injured or killed were reduced each time. Thanks for visiting!
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What our services ought to commit to doing is bringing every single canine back home with our men and women in uniform. Leave no man behind ought to apply to every single dog that has been a part of soldiers’ lives while deployed. Their lives are as valuable as ours and they are not disposable.
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My sentiments exactly, Eric, you said it perfectly. If anyone is interested in adopting one of these dogs, they can go to, US War Dogs. org I appreciate you sharing.
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Thank you for sharing this article.
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I’m very pleased you enjoyed it, Allen. She’s a great Marine! Thanks for coming by.
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Wow, 400 missions! I am amazed and all that they do. So glad that the handler was able to bring her home. She certainly deserves the Purple Heart.
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Amazing soldiers, each and everyone! Thanks for reading, Kathy.
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400 missions?? Works like a dog
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Yes, she did – how many humans can say that?
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Aawww. Great post. Lucca is a sweetie. 🙂
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Thanks, couldn’t resist!
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And 400 missions! What a hero.
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I must admit – I was amazed!
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Reblogged this on BLOGGING BAD w/Gunny G ~ "CLINGERS of AMERICA!".
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Thank you very much for sharing this tribute for a Hero with your readers.
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Oh my goodness. Mamma Lucca. Sometimes words are so inadequate. Thank you for the recognition our service dogs seldom get; it was very moving.
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I was stunned when I read the article – over 400 missions! I just HAD to have the story! Thanks for reading.
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Reblogged this on Reality Check.
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I thank you very much for sharing in this tribute to a wounded Marine!
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I read Lucca’s story, just yesterday morning. There was another great recent service dog story in National Geographic.
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I don’t get NG myself, my father-in-law has handed down so many of the older ones, I’m still going thru them. Will you be making a post out of it?
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It was in the June ’14 issue. the complete article was entitled, “THE DOGS OF WAR.” The lead in sentence–“Out in front of America’s troops, combat canines and their handlers lead the way onto the most dangerous battlefields on earth.” The entire piece is almost thirty pages long. It would have to be condensed to make a blog piece. Taking part of the story–specifically, the story of Marine Corporal Jose Armenta, Third Recon. Brigade Afghanistan, and his canine “Zenit.” would be interesting.
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I read about that book in the Parade article. I’d love to read it, but I’ll have to stock up on boxes of tissues first! Thanks for sharing about Cpl. Armenta and Zenit, Adam – wish I could blog about them ALL.
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I wish I could let you read this entire article. It details training–has references back to WWII. Cpl. Armenta’s story is happy/sad–as I’m sure you know, he was wounded–lost both legs. He’s in the states, reunited with Zenit in California. They’re happy together, go to the beach everyday, play catch & fetch.
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That is terrific! I like the idea that after the dogs are retired, they can be sent back to their handlers. For someone else to adopt, they can go to – US War Dogs.org
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GP–next best thing, there is an interview with Cpl. Armenta (Zenit is also there) posted on You Tube–that I just watched. I found the interview by KPBS San Diego, by searching “Cpl. Armenta and Zenit.”
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As soon as I get a chance!! For sure.
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What a wonderful, lovely dog!
In both the British Army and Air Force, pigeons were extensively used throughout WWII. Members of Bomber Command would view certain pigeons as lucky…….
“Pigeons seem to enjoy flying in aircraft, but when there is trouble they are as liable to “shock” and fatigue as human beings. They are then, taken off operations and given a rest. One given leave recently, named Bronzey, had been on 199 R.A.F. operations before the Halifax bomber it was in caught fire, and Bronzey, although unhurt, showed symptoms of shock.”
Known officially as Squadron-Leader Snow White, a carrier pigeon belonging to an Australian Lancaster squadron has more war flights to her credit than 90 per cent of the R.A.F. bomber crews: Her luck in over 100 operations has been so remarkable that there is always a rush to get her after briefing.
Her airman keeper says “Snow White has bags of air sense, and always knows when an operation is pending long before we do. She gets quite excited in her cage.” During a recent night raid on Berlin, Snow White laid an egg, “an occurrence which happens fairly often over enemy territory.”
Try “http://www.war44.com/war44-general-forums/1900-army-pigeon-service.html”
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I knew pigeons were used, but never quite to that extent! Your info is fantastic – hope everyone else reads this! Thanks!
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Thanks for passing this one along. She deserved that Purple Heart.
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I meant to add into the post – WHY is the Purple Heart considered HONORARY?
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Thank you! I was thinking the same thing.
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I went and edited the post to add the question – wonder if any one knows?
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Thank you!
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