Congressional Gold Medal Honoring WWII “Ghost Army” Passes House
New Hampshire’s Annie Kuster Introduced Bill with U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart of Utah
WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster’s (D-NH-02) Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act was passed by Congress on Tuesday, May 18th, after failing during the last session. Along with US Rep. Chris Stewart (R-UT, the bill awards the Congressional Gold Medal to those whose who served in “The Ghost Army,” a Top Secret tactical military unit that operated during WWII.
The U.S. government didn’t acknowledge that The Ghost Army existed for more than a half century after the Second World War ended.
Comprised of soldiers from the 3133rd Signal Service Co. and the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops an WWII, the unit practiced deception and misinformation to confuse Nazi German troops. Creating bogus radio traffic to attract the attention of German intelligence units was part of the ruse.
By creating an impression that there were US forces in an area in which there was only members of The Ghost Army, German units were diverted from the locations were actual substantial concentration of US troops.
The top secret work of the Ghost Army saved the lives of an estimated 30,000 Allied troops
In the military intelligence and black operations communities, “What happened in secret stays secret.”
Because of the effectiveness of their deception and diversion techniques, they remained classified for over 50 years. Thus, accomplishments of The Ghost Army and its members were never acknowledged or rewarded. were never recognized for their heroism and contributions to defeating fascism in Europe.
Statements by Annie Kuster & Chris Stewart
Annie Kuster issued a statement:
“The incredible story and contributions of the Ghost Army went unknown and unrecognized for far too long — during World War II, these brave men were on the frontlines conducting creative, innovative, and risky maneuvers to deceive the Nazis and draw forces away from allied troops. The Ghost Army saved thousands of allied lives during humanity’s darkest hour, but because their missions were kept secret for decades, they were never recognized for their extraordinary accomplishments. I’m proud that my Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act has passed the House, and I hope that the Senate will pass this bipartisan legislation to award these brave Americans the Congressional Gold Medal and ensure they receive the long-overdue recognition they deserve.”
Chris Stewart’s statement read:
“For years, these soldiers and their families haven’t received the recognition they deserve. Three months ago, I was honored to introduce bipartisan legislation that seeks to right that wrong. Today, I couldn’t be more proud to see that legislation pass the House. To my Democrat and Republican colleagues in the Senate: Let’s pass this bill and give the Ghost Army heroes the highest honor we can.”
