PHOENIX – The Arizona legislature has passed a concurrent memorial resolution asking Congress award a Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, the WWII deception unit known as “The Ghost Army.” The resolution, HCM2008, was introduced by State Representative Richard Andrade (D-Glendale). “
This unit used inflatable tanks, sound effects, and illusion to fool the Germans on the warfront in Europe. The Ghost Army conducted 21 major battlefield deceptions, starting a few days after D-Day and continuing until the end of the war. Their daring operations are estimated to have saved the lives of thousands of American GIs. Their mission remained classified for more than 50 years. “It is a great honor to recognize the Ghost Army for the important role they played in defeating Nazi Germany during WWII” said Rep. Andrade.
Three Arizonians, Albert Files, Glenn Uhles and Harold Laynor, served in this unique unit. Today, efforts are underway to award these three men and their fellow deceivers official recognition long delayed by the requirements of secrecy.
Legislation is now pending in the US House (HR 2701) and US Senate (S 1256) to award this unit, and a sister unit that operated in Italy, a Congressional Gold Medal. The resolution – passed by both the Arizona House and Senate – urges the state’s Congressional Delegation to support this bill.
Because the unit’s activities were kept under wraps for more than 50 years after the war, their remarkable, top-secret, lifesaving mission never received the recognition it deserved. The Ghost Army Legacy Project is working to make sure that these men and what they accomplished are honored and never, ever forgotten.
