Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1404, the Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act, the Senate version of H.R. 707, which the House passed in May 2021.

The Ghost Army, comprised of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, is renowned for creating large-scale deception operations capable of pulling Axis focus away from the actual movements of the Allied forces.

During the early phases of World War II, the 23rd division mastered their skill of deception by studying unit atmosphere and collecting materials for their new special effects tactics.

Knowing that enemy ground agents looked for vehicle bumper markings, Allied shoulder patches, and well-defined checkpoints, the 23rd collected shoulder patches for phony major generals, created realistic inflatable vehicles and artillery, and even recorded the sounds of heavy machinery movements to sell their deception. They built their own modern-day Trojan horse, down to the last detail.

The Ghost Army, unlike many other units, was comprised of civilian soldiers with a proclivity for art, architecture, acting, set design, and engineering.

As Jack Masey, who was recruited into the Ghost Army at age 18, remembered: ``We were told we were going to be using inflatable equipment to try and fool the Germans into thinking that we were a real army, when we were, in effect, I suppose, a rubber army.''

Anyone who has watched a History Channel World War II documentary has undoubtedly seen the Ghost Army in action. The historic videos and herculean photos of four men holding a tank over their heads is a testament to the Ghost Army's ingenuity and bravery during World War II.

The 23rd did not limit their deception to the battlefield. In fact, on numerous occasions Ghosters were dispatched to French cafes near the front of the war to order some omelets and talk loose among the spies who might be there. The 23rd would go to great lengths to cause chaos and confusion, and they succeeded.

Mr. Speaker, recognizing these true American heroes hits close to home for me, as the 77th Ghost Army veterans originated from the great State of Kentucky.

There is no doubt that the Ghost Army saved thousands of lives during World War II. Their unique and highly distinguished service during this great war should be recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Ms.

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Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague from Pennsylvania. I thank my friend and colleague from New Hampshire.

I would just reiterate the significance of the Ghost Army. I thank my colleagues for recognizing these extraordinary members of the Greatest Generation and their significant contributions to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 1404, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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