Our historian Rick Beyer, who leads our Ghost Army Tour, launched The Ghost Army Legacy Project in 2017. The soldiers of The Ghost Army used inflatable tanks, sound effects, and imagination to fool the Germans on the battlefields of Europe. The unsung heroes of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops and the 3133rd Signal Company Special saved thousands of lives and helped win the war, but their efforts were kept secret for fifty years and have yet to be officially recognized. The mission of The Ghost Army Legacy Project is to preserve and honor the legacy of these men.
It’s the final week of the Ghost Army Legacy Project fundraiser and they are more than 90% of the way to their goal. More than 50 people have joined them so far – thank you so much! There’s still time for you to add to their success before year’s end.
What is the money being raised for?
Here’s some of what they’ve already done:
- Built a Ghost Army Archive – just donated to The National WWII Museum in New Orleans
- Assisted The National WWII Museum in mounting a major Ghost Army exhibit that will open in March 2020
- Erected and dedicated a Ghost Army historical marker in Luxembourg
- Created a content-rich website loaded with primary source material
- Secured support from nearly 100 Senators and Representatives for a Congressional Gold Medal
- Assisted dozens of students creating National History Day projects, including one runner-up and one winner at the 2019 National finals in Washington DC.
Here’s whats on tap for 2020:
- Dedicating a new historical marker in Brest, France
- Laying the groundwork for a third historical marker (possibly in Germany)
- More lobbying for the Congressional Gold Medal
- Completing a project to create an online biographical record for every member of the unit
- Adding more research material to the website
- Continuing various outreach efforts.
Their projected budget for next year is $44,000. Please consider making a year-end tax deductible donation to help them make this all happen.
