WWII Ghost Army could be awarded Congressional Gold Medal
A unit of soldiers during the war used inflatable tanks and sound effects to distract Nazi forces
https://www.military1.com/history-1/article/1588912014-wwii-ghost-army-could-be-awarded-congressional-gold-medal March 14, 2016
WWII Ghost Army could be awarded Congressional Gold Medal
Photo via U.S. National Archives
M1 Staff
The 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, or the Ghost Army, could be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their acts on the battlefield in World War II when they used inflatable tanks and sound effects to distract Nazi forces away from American units.
Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) and Rep. Annie Kuster (D-N.H.) are sponsoring a bill that would recognize the unit for their daring antics during the war that saved an untold number of troops.
“It is finally time that the American people recognize their ingenuity and selflessness which saved countless American and Allied lives,” King said. “They deserve their due.”
Over 30 co-sponsors have already signed on to the bill as of Saturday.
An article in the Washington Times reported that the Ghost Army used inflatable tanks and aircraft, along with fake radio transmissions and eye tricks to fool the enemy.
The recognition follows a 2013 award-winning documentary by Rick Beyer, “The Ghost Army,” and the 2015 book, “The Ghost Army of World War II.” The director and producer of “American Sniper,” along with Bradley Cooper, are currently working on a movie about the unit, according to the Times.
