Ghost Soldier awarded Congressional Gold Medal

"Bernie" Bluestein rarely thought about his time fighting in World War II. The 100-year-old former soldier was sworn to secrecy about his true mission as a Ghost Soldier.

Bluestein was a member of the Ghost Army, a group of 1,100 Americans recruited from art schools and studios across the U.S. to deceive Nazi forces using inflatable military equipment, fake radio messages sound effects and other deception techniques.

In March 2024, Bluestein and the 10 remaining Ghost Army Veterans were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, 10 of the approximately 170 presented in American history and Congress' highest honor.

While a team of soldiers carrying life-sized inflatable tanks across the battlefield may seem odd, the Army estimates this unit saved 15,000 to 30,000 soldiers by confusing the enemy of American troop locations and strength.

"Rarely has there existed a group of such few men who had so great an influence on the outcome of a major military campaign," a 1945 Army report concluded.

After the war, Bluestein became an industrial designer in suburban Chicago, but never spoke of his time in Europe. "He kept that secret for over 50 years," said son Keith Bluestein. "All he would say is that he did camouflage."

"I made fake things for display, signs, labels, license plates," he said.

In 1996, their mission was declassified and the world learned of the Ghost Army for the first time. "The anticipation was killing me. This represents my service. I took it for granted and didn't realize the impact until now," he said.

On March 21, Bluestein made the trip to Washington, D.C., for the presentation of his Congressional Gold Medal. During the ceremony, Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth said traces of the Ghost Army's approach can still be found in military operations today.

"Even though technology has changed quite a bit since 1944, our modern techniques build on a lot of what the Ghost Army did, and we are still learning from your legacy," she said.

The Congressional Gold Medal depicts Ghost Army soldiers conducting the services so vital to their war. One soldier transmits deceptive signals while others sew and check and move equipment. The reverse side displays logos for the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops and 3133rd Signal Service Company, which composed the Ghost Army, as well as locations where the units served.

Nearly 80 years after Bluestein wore a uniform, he reflected on his military service and receiving this honor. "We did what we had to do. I didn't realize what it was all about as a youngster. I'm very happy to say I was involved in that. I'm delighted and pleased by this honor," he said.

Bluestein receives his medical care at Hoffman Estates VA Clinic, a part of Edward Hines Jr. VA.

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