Assigned to GOV FOR
COMMITTEE
Assigned to GOV FOR
COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Third Legislature, Second Regular Session
ghost army; urging recognition
Purpose
Urges the U.S. Congress to recognize the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops and the 3133rd Signal Service Company for their service in the Ghost Army During WWII.
Background
The 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, also known as the Ghost Army, carried out deception operations during the European campaign of WWII. They would often utilize devices such as inflatable tanks, sound tracks, fake radio transmissions and pretense to conceal the true movements and operations of the Allied forces. The Ghost Army often worked in tandem with the 3133rd Signal Service Company which would record sounds of armored vehicles and infantry units that would be played back on speakers and amplifiers in order to make deception operations appear more authentic. The Signal Company would also stage fake radio traffic and Morse code messages to hide the true locations or intentions of Allied forces.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Urges the U.S. Congress to award a Congressional Gold Medal to members of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops and the 3133rd Signal Service Company to honor their service with the Ghost Army during WWII.
2. Urges the U.S. Congress to enact H.R. 2701 and S. 1256 to honor the achievements of the Ghost Army in conducting deception operations in Europe during WWII.
3. Directs the Arizona Secretary of State to transmit copies of this memorial to the President of the U.S. Senate, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and each member of Congress from Arizona.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
MVRA 2/12/18 DP 9-0-0-0
3rd Read 2/21/18 57-1-2
Prepared by Senate Research
March 19, 2018
JO/ZD/lat