"WWII 'Ghost Army' Honored with Congressional Gold Medal for Deceptive Tactics and Heroic Actions"

The "Ghost Army," a secretive WWII unit that used deception to save American lives, was finally honored with the Congressional Gold Medal after decades of secrecy. The unit's members, who used inflatable tanks, fake uniforms, and special effects to mislead German forces, received public recognition for their contributions, which remained classified for many years. The award specifically honors the 23d Headquarters Special Troops and its sister unit, the 3133 Signal Co. Special, for their deception missions in Europe. The surviving members, now in their 90s and 100s, were present at the U.S. Capitol to accept the award, surrounded by military and congressional leaders, marking a long-awaited moment of appreciation for their heroic efforts.