Friday, February 6, 2026

Ghost Army Legacy group funds camouflage research

More than a dozen years ago, Rick Beyer came out with a documentary film, titled The Ghost Army, which premiered on PBS. It provided a vivid account of a once top secret World War II American Army unit (known as The Ghost Army), the mission of which was battlefield deception, using sonic and radio confusion, visual camouflage, inflatable decoys, and all sorts of persuasive deceptive events. 

Two years later, Beyer and Elizabeth Sayles (whose father belonged to the unit), produced an equally wonderful book titled The Ghost Army of World War II (New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2015).

Beyer's Ghost Army efforts have enjoyed enormous success. It has enabled him to establish a Ghost Army Legacy Project, and to unearth further details about two WWII tactical units, the US Army's 23rd Headquarters Special Troops and the 3133rd Signal Service Company.

Now, it has just been announced that the Ghost Army organization has established a Research and Creative Grant Program, open to those who might have an interest in "supporting and expanding the public's understanding of the unique contributions and legacy" of the two Ghost Army units.

Proposals are due May 15, 2026, with an awards notification date of August 15, 2026. Complete information can be found online at this link.

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