Collins, Markey Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Award Congressional Gold Medal to World War II Top-Secret Unit, the Ghost Army

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) introduced bipartisan legislation that would award a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the top-secret U.S. Army units that served in World War II, known widely as the “Ghost Army.”  Senator Angus King (I-ME) is an original co-sponsor

This army unit contributed to great successes during World War II, most notably at the Battle of the Bulge and the final battles in Italy’s Po Valley. The efforts and contributions of the “Ghost Army” were classified for over 40 years.  

“Our nation will always be grateful to the members of the ‘Ghost Army,’ the soldiers who served with distinction during World War II,” said Senator Collins. “Our bipartisan bill would recognize these soldiers with Congress’ highest civilian honor for their courage and resourcefulness, which were pivotal in the European theater and likely saved many American lives.”

“It’s time to move The Ghost Army from the shadows and into its rightful place in American history,” said Rick Beyer, president of the Ghost Army Legacy Project.  “Because their courageous missions were top secret for decades after WWII, they never received the honor and recognition they deserve for their important contributions to the Allied victory.  Sen. Markey and Sen. Collins’ bill to award The Ghost Army with the Congressional Gold Medal will change that. I urge the Senate to act while the remaining Ghost Army veterans are still with us.  It would mean a lot to them, their fellow soldiers, and their families."

In addition to Senators Collins, Markey, and King, the bill was co-sponsored by Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), John Kennedy (R-LA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Rob Portman (R-OH), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) John Hoeven (R-ND), Bob Casey (D-PA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Rick Scott (R-FL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH)

Click HERE to read the text of the bill.

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