The Australian Army and the Americans used them !!!!! Dickin Medal (The Victoria Cross for animals) The Dickin Medal, a large bronze medallion, bears the words 'For Gallantry' and 'We Also Serve' -- all within a laurel wreath. The ribbon is striped green, dark brown and pale blue representing water, earth and air to symbolise the naval, military, civil defence and air forces. The medal was instituted in 1943 by Mrs Maria Dickin, founder of the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals in England. It was awarded to any animal displaying conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty associated with, or under the control of, any branch of the Armed Forces or Civil Defence units during World War 2 and its aftermath. At least two Australian carrier pigeons attached to the Australian Army have received the Dickin Medal: Blue bar cock No. 139/D:43:T Detachment 10 Pigeon Section (Type B) attached to Detachment 55 Port Craft Company, Madang 12 July 1945. Awarded the Dickin Medal for gallantry carrying a message through a severe tropical storm thereby bringing help to an Army boat with a vital cargo, in danger of foundering. Blue chequer cock No. 879/D: 43: Q Loft No. 5 of 1 Australian Pigeon Section, attached to the US forces, Manus Island, Admiralty Islands 5th April 1944. Awarded the Dickin Medal for gallantry carrying a message through heavy fire thereby bringing relief to a patrol surrounded and attacked by the enemy without other means of communication. On a Wing and a Prayer
