Reeder, the group was capable of simulating two whole divisions (approximately 30,000 men) by using visual, sonic and radio deception to fool German forces during the final year of World War II. Under the command of Army veteran Colonel Harry L. Īctivated on January 20, 1944, the unique and top-secret Ghost Army unit was comprised of 82 officers and 1,023 men. From Normandy to the Rhine, they carried out 22 different battlefield deceptions, working with Patton at several key junctures. This handpicked group of Soldiers used inflatable tanks, sound effects, radio trickery and other forms of illusion to fool the Germans about the strength and location of American units. A Ghost Army ConnectionĪs General George Patton set out to relieve Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, he received vital assistance from a top-secret deception unit the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops (AKA The Ghost Army). Lieutenant General George Patton, commanding General, Third Army, decorates Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe with the Distinguished Service Cross. On December 26, after a ten-day siege, American tanks from Lieutenant General George Patton’s Third Army lifted the siege of Bastogne. That night, the German Luftwaffe began a four-night bombing assault against the town. “If you don’t understand what ‘nuts’ means, in plain English, it is the same as, ‘Go to Hell.'” Battle of the Bulge Display at the ASOM A few moments later, Harper took pains to make certain the note was clear. In this scene displayed at the ASOM, the German officer is studying the note. Harper, commander of 327th Glider Infantry. This was the entire content of the note delivered to the Germans by Colonel Joseph H. Shortly McAuliffe put his pencil to paper. Colonel Kinnard, his G-3, replied, “Well, sir, that first remark of yours would be hard to beat.” The entire staff spontaneously applauded. After a few minutes, the general said aloud, “I don’t know what to tell them.” When McAuliffe asked for suggestions, Lt. Shortly, McAuliffe took up his pencil and prepared to draft a reply. McAuliffe found the suggestion tactically and morally ludicrous, and he began laughing and exclaimed, “Aw nuts!” When Jones brought the note to McAuliffe, the general asked him what it said. The Americans, the note said, would be responsible for civilian casualties. troops in and near Bastogne.” The Germans demanded a surrender within two hours times, or shelling would begin. “The fortune of war is changing,” the typewritten note declared, “Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. That morning, a German contingent approached the 101st under a flag of truce, and handed a surrender ultimatum to Major Alvin Jones, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 327th Glider Infantry Regiment. Inside the town, Brigadier General McAuliffe commanded the 101st Airborne Division and other tank and artillery units. On December 22, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, the German offensive had surrounded the town of Bastogne, Belgium. The men of both battalions transferred to units of the 82nd Airborne Division. The 551st Parachute Infantry Battalion had 100 men left and was also inactivated. The 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion had only 55 men left and was inactivated. The Battle of the Bulge was costly for the Airborne. Members of the 101st Airborne Division, armed with bazookas, are on guard for enemy tanks on the road leading to Bastogne. Their first combat was west of Bastogne and the troopers cleared the area of German units. The 17th Airborne Division arrived just before Christmas. Following the American refusal to surrender, the Luftwaffe launched a four-night bombing mission against military and civilian inhabitants. German artillery and aircraft reduced much of Bastogne to ruins. Fighting from new lines, the 82nd helped turn back the German assault. Vith continued until First Army ordered a withdrawal. Meanwhile, the 82nd’s equally important battle for St. The 101st- used to operating behind enemy lines- held Bastogne until relieved on December 26, 1944. Vith and Bastogne were under heavy attack by German tanks and infantry. The 17th Division was ordered from England to Belgium. Vith and the 101st Airborne Division headed to Bastogne. The 82nd Airborne was directed to hold St. On December 17, 1944, General Eisenhower ordered XVIII Airborne Corps to move “without delay” to Belgium to help stop a massive German breakthrough that started the day prior.
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