WASHINGTON – Members of the Ghost Army deceptive military unit today received the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress’s highest honor, in recognition of their unique and distinguished service in WWII. Among the honorees was John Cantrell, an Iowa native and member of the Ghost Army, who was posthumously awarded the medal.

This distinguished award was made possible thanks to grassroots efforts, including those of Caleb Sinnwell of Nashua, Iowa. In middle school, Caleb won first place in the National History Day (NHD) Project for his work to research and build a website on the Ghost Army. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) in 2021 attended Caleb’s NHD award ceremony at Nashua-Plainfield High School. Grassley cosponsored legislation to honor the Ghost Army with the Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act, and worked to garner congressional support for the bill until it was passed and signed into law in 2022.

“Today was a special opportunity to honor the bravery and sacrifice of the Ghost Army. Using innovative deception tactics, these soldiers played a vital role in the outcome of World War II. While the valiant efforts of the Ghost Army were kept secret for over 50 years, today these brave veterans finally received the recognition they deserve. I give great credit to Caleb’s personal passion and hard work, and I appreciate his love for history. Caleb’s efforts show how one person can make a difference. I’m grateful to Caleb, the Ghost Army Legacy Project and National History Day for working to recognize the Ghost Army’s legacy, as well as honor one of Iowa’s own, John Cantrell.” Grassley said.

"Caleb's work assisting the Ghost Army Legacy Project in gaining national recognition for the Ghost Army of WWII is a perfect example of why NHD matters," said NHD Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. "NHD empowers students to choose a project topic they care about, explore primary source materials from the selected time period, and create a project that lives on beyond the classroom. NHD is proud of Caleb and his advocacy, and Iowa is lucky to have him representing the state at these national events."
 
 
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Grassley with David Cantrell, son of John Cantrell
 
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Grassley with Caleb Sinnwell

 

Download photos HERE.

Background

The Ghost Army, comprised of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops and the 3133rd Signal Service Company, was the first mobile, multimedia and tactical deception unit in U.S. history. Ghost Army soldiers used visual, sonic and radio effects to deceive German Intelligence and conceal the actual size and location of American units during WWII’s final year. The U.S. Army has estimated the Ghost Army’s deception tactics may have saved the lives of 15,000 to 30,000 service members. Information about the top-secret force remained classified until 1996.

John Cantrell, who was born and raised in Des Moines, served in the Ghost Army as a radio operator and was honored today posthumously. Cantrell was represented at the congressional ceremony by his son, David Cantrell.

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