# Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act

Congress is awarding a special gold medal to honor the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, a unique military unit from World War II that became known as the "Ghost Army." This wasn't a combat unit in the traditional sense—instead, these soldiers used inflatable tanks, sound effects, and tactical deception to trick German forces into thinking the Allied army was larger and in different locations than it actually was. The unit consisted of about 1,100 soldiers, many of them artists and sound engineers before the war, who essentially performed elaborate military illusions on the battlefield.

The gold medal is the highest civilian honor Congress can give, and it recognizes extraordinary achievements and contributions to American history. By awarding this medal, Congress is officially acknowledging the Ghost Army's creative and dangerous work during the war. These soldiers operated close to enemy lines, which meant they faced real combat risks despite their unconventional tactics. Their deception operations helped save lives by confusing enemy commanders and preventing German forces from accurately assessing Allied positions and strength.

This bill doesn't create any new laws or change how government operates—it's purely ceremonial and symbolic. The medal itself will be a physical tribute to these veterans' service, and it represents a formal national recognition of their contributions to winning World War II. For the surviving members of the Ghost Army and their families, this medal serves as official acknowledgment that their unusual but vital military service mattered and is remembered by the nation they served.

Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act

Markey, Edward J.

Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops and the 3133rd Signal Services Company, known collectively as the Ghost Army, in recognition of unique and highly distinguished service during World War II.