Friday, November 1, 2024

We cruised today toward New York City. We always enjoy a sea day, a time to relax and catch up, get a massage, walk the Promenade Deck (although it was too windy for that today), watch a movie or read a good book, listen to some of the speakers who are sailing with us. Crystal always has interesting speakers scheduled for these sea days.

One of the speakers is Jim Brochu, who talks about the life of Lucille Ball, and his close friendship with her. We heard this presentation on an earlier cruise, and found it to be very entertaining.

Later in the morning, Rick Beyer, history enthusiast, author, filmmaker, spoke about the Ghost Army of World War II. Beyer also leads Ghost Army tours in Europe.

The 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, established in early 1944, was the first tactical deception unit in US Army history. Just over 1,000 men, with about 80 officers served under Colonel Harry L. Reeder. The 23rd took part in 22 large-scale operations in Europe, in which they simulated other divisions using artwork, inflatable tanks, radio transmissions to fool the German forces, including inflatable tanks and equipment, pre-recorded artillery activities and fake radio broadcasts that mimicked those of other troops. Some soldiers even wore false patches, drove equipment with false insignia, and spent time in local towns spilling false intel. During the days leading up to D Day, they created dummy artillery placements at Omaha Beach to draw fire from the Germans, distracting them from the real army that was preparing to invade. These efforts helped save thousands of American lives during World War II.

Some of the better known participants in these deceptions included Bill Blass, fashion designer; Ellsworth Kelly, painter; Art Kane, photographer; Arthur Singer, wildlife artist. These unsung heroes are just a few of the many members of the “Greatest Generation.”

Following the war, the unit’s soldiers were sworn to secrecy, records were classified, and equipment packed away. The public knew nothing about these operations until an article appeared in the Smithsonian magazine in 1985. Beyer, along with others, lobbied Congress to have the Ghost Army awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. His group was finally successful, and the medal was awarded earlier this year. A few of these brave soldiers are still alive, and were present to received the medal.

The National World War II Museum in New Orleans developed a traveling exhibit called Ghost Army: The Combat Con Artists of World War II that is available to museums and history organizations. Aside from that, the WWII Museum is well worth the time to visit.

This afternoon, we sailed by Long Island on our way to New York City, and arrived at port around 5pm. The views of New York City never fail to amaze.