On the recordAugust 5, 2021
Mr. President, I rise to recognize the contributions of the Ghost Army units of World War II and explain why I decided to join the Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act as a cosponsor. The 23rd Headquarters Special Troops and the 3133rd Signal Service Company, together known as the Ghost Army, used deception tactics to fool the German Army about the location of American troops. These specialized units used inflatable tanks and sound effects to give the impression of a larger presence. While their role was theatrical, the units suffered causalities and operated close to the front lines. For over 50 years, these units and the contributions of the men who comprised them were kept a secret. I learned of the success of the Ghost Army from my constituent, Caleb Sinnwell of Nashua, IA. He won first place in the National History Day Project for his website about the Ghost Army and has been tirelessly advocating for this legislation to award the unit a Congressional Gold Medal. I thank him for his advocacy and for his admirable dedication to ensuring that those who sacrificed to ensure that the freedom and rights that we prize in America were protected are always remembered. ____________________





