Local WWII Ghost Soldier awarded Congressional Gold Medal
Bernard “Bernie” Bluestein rarely thought about his time fighting in World War II, not that it mattered. The 100-year-old former Soldier was sworn to secrecy about his true mission for 51 years.
Bernie was a member of ‘the Ghost Army,’ a group of approximately 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.
On March 2024, Bernie and the less than 10 remaining Ghost Army Veterans were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of approximately 170 presented in American history and Congress’ highest honor.
“I made fake things for display: signs, labels, license plates,” described Bluestein.
While a team of soldiers carrying life-sized inflatable tanks across the battlefield may seem odd, the U.S. Army estimates Bernie’s unit saved 15,000 to 30,000 U.S. soldiers by confusing the enemy of American troop locations and strength.
“Rarely, if ever, has there existed a group of such few men which had so great an influence on the outcome of a major military campaign,” a 1945 Army report concluded.
After the war, Bernie 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."
In 1996, their mission was declassified, and the world learned of the Ghost Army for the first time.
The Ghost Army was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on February 1, 2022, but were not presented the award until 2024, due to COVID restrictions.
“The anticipation was killing me,” Bernie said. “This represents my service. I took it for granted and didn’t realize the impact until now.”
On March 21, Bernie made the trip to Washington D.C. for the presentation of his Congressional Gold Medal.
During the ceremony, U.S. 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 palm-sized 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. Every Congressional Gold Medal is custom designed by the U.S. Mint.
Nearly 80 years after Bernie wore a uniform, he reflected on his military service and receiving this honor.
“We did what we had to do,” said Bernie, who enlisted at 19 years old. “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.”
Bernie receives his medical care at Hoffman Estates VA Clinic, a part of Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital.