By: Jamie Steinberg
In times of war there are so many unsung heroes that go unnoticed. How the Ghost Army Hoodwinked Hitler actually highlights standout soldiers from World War II that were intended to be kept out of the limelight. The members of “The Ghost Army” used special effects and various artistic talents to outwit the Nazis and create distractions that would help save so many lives and we are forever grateful to them.
World War II was supposedly winding down in 1944; however, it turned out there was still plenty of battle still to fight. The United States Army came up with an interesting and unique idea that would help – The Ghost Army. They began recruiting soldiers from various platoons that had creative backgrounds in fashion, theater, music and art that would craft elaborately staged situations with the intentions of confusing the enemy. Inflatable rubber tanks and giant speakers were made, fake rank patches added to uniforms, vehicles were altered and other innovative tactics were part of missions in order to fake military maneuvers and draw fire away from other soldiers. Bernie Bluestein, Bill Blass, Arthur Singer and so many others like them joined The Ghost Army and served throughout France, Belgium, Germany and various other locales in hushed assignments that would help contribute to Allied success. Their missions were so secret though that even their family and friends and even fellow soldiers were not privy to what was happening.
Author Rebecca Siegel does an incredible job of weaving the story behind this deceptive unit. The book even includes astonishing declassified black and white photos and personal interviews with Ghost Army veterans and their families. As someone who is fascinated by World War II stories, How the Ghost Army Hoodwinked Hitler captivates and keeps you turning page after page to learn more about the great lengths the US military and soldiers went to in order to protect their own.
How the Ghost Army Hoodwinked Hitler explores the true tale of hidden figures that put their lives on the line during World War II to distract and thwart the Nazis. We are grateful to these brave men for risking it all to craft the much needed subterfuge that helped to save so many.