On the recordMay 18, 2021
When I say ``war hero,'' what image comes to mind? Some might imagine a brave soldier charging an enemy position, who reminds us of what it means to be courageous. Others might think of a medic dodging enemy fire to provide care for their wounded brother-in- arms, who reminds us of what it means to be selfless. And, still, others might think of a prisoner of war, like my father, a pilot in World War II, who was shot down on D-day and whose stoic survival through inhumane conditions reminds us of what it means to be resilient. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of another type of war hero: Those who go to war armed only with illusion and creativity. In World War II, two top-secret units, known as the Ghost Army, used combat deception to fool the Nazis. They risked their lives to draw forces away from American combat units so that they would face less resistance. This required a special kind of courage. Whereas a typical American unit had tanks made of steel, the Ghost Army was equipped with tanks made of rubber. Using inflatable equipment, sound effects, radio trickery, and impersonation, the Ghost Army made it appear there were tens of thousands of combat troops where there really were none. In operations throughout the war, their actions were decisive. In September of 1944, they filled a 25-mile gap in Patton's line that had opened up after he charged across France.…
