Ghost Army Receives Congressional Gold Medal for WWII Deceptions

The secretive WWII unit known for its innovative battlefield tactics has been honored with Congress' highest civilian award.

Members of the Ghost Army, a secretive World War II unit, were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in a ceremony in Washington, recognizing their unique contributions to the war effort.
The unit, comprising about 1,100 soldiers, used inflatable tanks, sound effects, and other ruses to deceive Nazi forces, saving an estimated 15,000 to 30,000 lives.
Techniques pioneered by the Ghost Army are still influential in modern military tactics, according to the Secretary of the Army.
The honor comes after decades of secrecy and a significant effort by family members and historians to bring the unit's story to light.
Three of the seven known surviving members attended the ceremony, sharing their experiences and the impact of their service.