**Earlier today, Kuster spoke on the House floor in support of her bipartisan legislation**
**Kuster introduced a previous version of this legislation in the 116th Congress**

Washington, D.C. — Today, the House of Representatives passed Rep. Annie Kuster’s (NH-02) bipartisan legislation, the Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act, to award the Congressional Gold Medal to members of the WWII Ghost Army 75 years after their service. The legislation was co-led by Rep. Chris Stewart (UT-02) and co-sponsored by 298 Representatives from both sides of the aisle.

The Ghost Army refers to the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops and the 3133d Signal Service Company during WWII, collectively. Using inflatable equipment, sound effects, radio trickery, and other combat deceptions, these two top-secret units fooled the Nazis and drew enemy forces away from American units. According to a U.S. Army analysis after the war, the Ghost Army deceptions saved up to an estimated 30,000 allied lives. 

These tactics were so effective, the U.S. Army kept them secret for more than 50 years after the war. Because of this classification, the men of the Ghost Army were never recognized for their heroism and contributions to defeating fascism in Europe. 

“The incredible story and contributions of the Ghost Army went unknown and unrecognized for far too long — during World War II, these brave men were on the frontlines conducting creative, innovative, and risky maneuvers to deceive the Nazis and draw forces away from allied troops,” said Rep. Kuster. “The Ghost Army saved thousands of allied lives during humanity’s darkest hour, but because their missions were kept secret for decades, they were never recognized for their extraordinary accomplishments. I’m proud that my Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act has passed the House, and I hope that the Senate will pass this bipartisan legislation to award these brave Americans the Congressional Gold Medal and ensure they receive the long-overdue recognition they deserve.”

“For years, these soldiers and their families haven’t received the recognition they deserve,” said Rep. Stewart. “Three months ago, I was honored to introduce bipartisan legislation that seeks to right that wrong. Today, I couldn’t be more proud to see that legislation pass the House. To my Democrat and Republican colleagues in the Senate: Let’s pass this bill and give the Ghost Army heroes the highest honor we can.”

Read the full bill text here.

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