Ghost Army of World War II: How One Top-Secret Unit Deceived the Enemy with Inflatable Tanks, Sound Effects, and Other Audacious Fakery

The Ghost Army of World War II is a book that tells the story of a group of young GIs who created a traveling road show of artists to save thousands of American lives during World War II. The 1,100 men of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, known as the Ghost Army, conjured up phony convoys, phantom divisions, and make-believe headquarters to fool the enemy about the strength and location of American units. Hundreds of color and black-and-white photographs illustrate their creations, which supported the war tactics that helped open the way for the final drive to Germany.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2023
Publisher: Chronicle Books

The Ghost Army of World War II is a captivating tale woven through personal accounts and sketches, ultimately portraying a remarkable story of triumph against insurmountable odds. I thoroughly enjoyed this remarkable book.

The Ghost Army of World War II stands as the first comprehensive account of how a traveling road show of artists, armed with imagination, paint, and audacity, played a pivotal role in saving thousands of American lives. This remarkable book has been recently updated to include fresh material.

In the summer of 1944, a select group of young GIs, including notable figures such as Bill Blass, Ellsworth Kelly, Arthur Singer, Victor Dowd, Art Kane, and Jack Masey, were dispatched to France on a secret mission. These 1,100 men, belonging to the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, were known as the Ghost Army. Their mission was to execute a series of extraordinary tactics. From Normandy to the Rhine, they conjured up phony convoys, phantom divisions, and make-believe headquarters, all aimed at deceiving the enemy about the strength and location of American units. Every move they made was shrouded in secrecy, and their remarkable story remained hidden for decades after the war's conclusion.

Hundreds of color and black-and-white photographs serve as a vivid testament to the ingenuity of the Ghost Army. These photographs illuminate how their creations supported the war tactics that ultimately paved the way for the final drive to Germany. The stunning art created between missions offers a rare glimpse into the lives of soldiers on the front lines during World War II.

For collectors of World War II books, The Ghost Army of World War II is an indispensable addition to their library. This captivating tale of bravery and innovation provides a deeper understanding of the war's historical context and the contributions of these extraordinary artists.

Weight: 1118g
Dimension: 210 x 262 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781797225296
Edition number: Revised ed.