The Ghost Army of World War II

During World War II, the United States deployed a secret military unit unlike any other in history. It wasn't made up of soldiers trained to fight, but rather artists, actors, sound engineers, and set designers. Their mission? To deceive the Nazis — using inflatable tanks, fake radio transmissions, and sound effects.

This was the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, also known as the "Ghost Army".

What Did They Do?

Between 1944 and 1945, this 1,100-man unit carried out over 20 deception operations across Europe. Their tactics were straight out of a Hollywood playbook:

• Inflatable tanks and artillery: They would roll into empty fields and set up entire fake battalions using rubber tanks and canvas airplanes — all from a truck.

• Soundscapes: They blasted recorded sounds of troop movements, trucks, and artillery through massive speakers, tricking German scouts into thinking an entire division was mobilizing.

• Fake radio traffic: Skilled radio operators mimicked the signals and style of actual Allied units to sell the illusion.

• Actors in uniforms: Members would dress as generals or staff officers and casually "leak" false information in cafés, hoping German spies would overhear.

Why Was It Secret?

The Ghost Army’s existence was classified for decades. Its members were sworn to secrecy, and the unit's story didn’t fully come to light until the 1990s.

Their work likely saved thousands of lives, helping to distract the Germans and give the real Allied forces strategic advantages. Some of their most daring operations came just before the Battle of the Bulge and during the crossing of the Rhine.

Notable Members

Many of the soldiers went on to become well-known artists after the war. Bill Blass, the famous fashion designer, was among them. So was Ellsworth Kelly, a celebrated painter.