RecogMaking History
For decades, the Ghost Army WWII mission was a secret without any type of recognition. However, that has recently changed. Finally, their help and assistance through their secret missions in the war finally get the recognition deserved. Their combination of inflatable tanks, trucks and planes, with sound effects, radio trickery, costume uniforms and acting helped them outsmart the enemy and earned them the nickname “Ghost Army.” Now, they are being awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
Moreover, President Joe Biden was the one who signed into law the legislation to honor the Ghost Army in 2022. This legislation is the one to lead and allow the army to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. It is also the one to allow the WWII Ghost Army to receive the recognition deserved after many years of secret missions.
The award ceremony took place last Thursday in the U.S. Capital. Where three of the seven known surviving members attended the ceremony. Including 100-year-old Seymour Nussenbaum of Monroe Township, New Jersey. Also, Bernard Bluestein, 100, of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and John Christman, 99, of Leesburg, New Jersey, attended.
Background
In addition, Nussenbaum who grew up in New York City, was studying art at the Pratt Institute before joining the Ghost Army. He would eventually then join a unit specializing in camouflage that was part of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops.
Nussenbaum mentioned in a statement that,
Their work during the war was like putting on a big production. We have had in some cases people impersonating generals, putting on a general’s uniform and walking around the street.
During the ceremony at the United States Capitol, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth stated that many of the techniques developed and engineered by the Ghost Army are still used on the battlefield today.
She also said that, while technology has advanced much since 1944, our present tactics draw on much of what the Ghost Army accomplished. To this day, it is an honor that we still continue to learn from their legacy, as well as an immense pleasure how many of the tactics that they left behind continue to be utilized by the future generations.
Furthermore, the Congress’ highest honor was signed into law by President Joe Biden after nearly a decade of labor by the soldiers’ families and Rick Beyer. additionally, Beyer is a filmmaker and novelist who helped bring their tale to light when their mission was declassified in 1996.
Beyer is also the president of the the Ghost Army Legacy Project. He produced and directed the 2013 documentary “The Ghost Army” and co-wrote the 2015 book “The Ghost Army of World War II.” Beyer had a purpose behind creating the documentaries and advocating for the army. His purpose was to ensure that the Ghost Army’s legacy would live on and not be lost over time.
Saving Lives
Additionally, it is estimated that the Ghost Army’s efforts saved between 15,000 and 30,000 lives. One of the most significant missions, called Operation Viersen, occurred in March 1945, when the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops’ deception diverted German units away from the spot on the Rhine River where the 9th Army was actually crossing.
This mission operated by the Ghost Army assisted the war in it’s success. Everyone was on board with the mission, and it ended up being successful and satisfactory for all. There were hundreds of inflatables set up, sound trucks operating for multiple nights, additional units, and multiple phony headquarters that were staffed with officers who were pretending to be colonels.
Recognition
Moreover, it is evident that the Ghost Army deserves the recognition. They contributed to WWII’s success by developing and innovating many of the materials that are still being used today. The WWII Ghost Army demonstrated after decades that their secret missions deserved the recognition. They showed innovative tactics and courageous actions in the face of adversity. Those actions continue to inspire people. They serve as a testament to the power of creativity and teamwork they operated in the battle field.
Overall, despite their undercover operations, it is not fair for their name and legacy to be forgotten. People deserve to know who they are and how they contributed to the accomplishments of the WWII outcome. And the Ghost Army’s recognition with the Congressional Gold Medal is the testament to their bravery, ingenuity, and unwavering commitment to the Allied cause during WWII.
Written By Nohemi Sanchez
Sources:
AP: Their WWII mission was secret for decades. Now the Ghost Army will get the Congressional Gold Medal
FOX NEWS: WWII Ghost Army who duped Nazis in secret mission will receive Congressional Gold Medal
The Washington Post: ‘Ghost Army’ that fooled Hitler will receive Congress’s highest honor
Featured Image Courtesy of egorgrebnev Flickr Page – Creative Common License
Inset Image Courtesy of Brook Ward Flickr Page – Creative Common License
