Description
The unbelievable true story of the American soldiers who used inflatable tanks and fake radio broadcasts as weapons in World War II.
Right around D-Day of World War II, a small, unarmed American army unit deployed to Nazi-occupied France. Instead of artillery, this unit fought with stagecraft, artistry, and deception. Their “weapons” included inflatable rubber tanks and giant speakers broadcasting fake military maneuvers. The soldiers called themselves the Ghost Army. Many of them had creative backgrounds in fashion, theater, and music, and they used their talents to trick and confuse the enemy. Often, their mission was to draw enemy fire away from other soldiers and toward themselves.
One of the most stunning parts of this story is just how effective the Ghost Army was. They successfully carried out mission after mission and undeniably helped secure Allied victory. Rebecca Siegel uses original research, declassified records and photos, and a boots on the ground narrative style to tell the incredible experiences of these heroic soldiers.
Reviews
“Fascinating depictions of the disguises soldiers wore and the research they did to fulfill their roles ensnare readers’ attention, while empathetically rendered post-war particulars—such as the Allied Powers’ discovery of concentration camps—eschews sensationalism, never losing sight of the human cost of the hostilities and the suffering endured by civilians, refugees, and soldiers alike.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Delving into a unique element of WWII, this book will be well received by students, teachers, and anyone interested in military strategy.” —School Library Journal
“Lively and thoroughly researched.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Siegel takes readers chronologically, from D-Day to the Battle of the Bulge, through the Ghost Army’s biggest deceptions, with explanations of their significant impact. This distinct take on WWII is thoroughly sourced and absorbingly written.” —Booklist
More Details
JNF025130 – Juvenile Nonfiction – History – Military & Wars
JNF051120 – Juvenile Nonfiction – Technology – How Things Work-Are Made
JNF007010 – Juvenile Nonfiction – Biography & Autobiography – Art
