Ghost Army Documentarian Needs Help
Yesterday an interesting documentary project came to my attention. The Ghost Army will tell the story of an Army unit unlike any other — provided a much needed matching funds grant comes through.
Activated before the Normandy invasion, the mission of the unit was obfuscation. Armed with inflatable tanks and sound effects among its toolbox of tricks, the 23rd Headquarters Special Tropps, the Ghost Army, worked on deceiving the Germans about the location and strength of American troops from Normandy to the Rhine.
Even more fascinating, however, is that many of the soldiers were young artists like fashion designer Bill Blass and painter and sculptor Ellsworth Kelly who used their skills for the war effort in a completely unique way.
Documentarian Rick Beyer wants to tell their story and he needs some help. If you visit The Ghost Army site, you can not only watch video clips from the production, but under the News section you can learn more about the matching funds campaign underway. There you’ll find tools to make a personal donation or to help spread the word. (See the right sidebar for donation and “share” options.)
Here’s the real kicker. They’ve only got until September 16 to reach their goal and earn a $10,000 matching grant from Kevin Bacon’s “Six Degrees” organzation. This is a story that needs to be told and valuable history that must be preserved. Visit Beyer’s site and if nothing else, help spread the word about his project.
WWII, documentary, Ghost Army, Rick Beyer
August 16th, 2007 at 11:50 am
Thank you so much for mentioning our campaign to raise money for the GHOST ARMY film. It is a wonderful story about an amazing group of guys. I’ll put a link to your terrific blog on my blog.
August 16th, 2007 at 11:57 am
That’s great Rick. We want to keep up with your project. Will you let us know how things are coming along?
August 30th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
[...] on the Ghost Army Project by Rana Williamson Some of you may recall my earlier post about the Ghost Army documentary project. I received the following encouraging update from Rick Beyer this morning plus a link to the [...]
September 27th, 2007 at 8:32 am
my grandfather James V. Barrett was in the “Ghost Army” he was always very pround of his military contribution, as i am pround of him for all that he accomplished. Sadly he died Sept 21, 2007 at the age of 83. He was friends with Bill blass and is mentioned in the book “the Ghost army he also always attended the reunions in Buffalo NY. thatnk you for letting everyone know what great people these men were and are still.
September 27th, 2007 at 9:28 am
Tiffany, my deepest condolences on the loss of your grandfather. I’m sure he would be equally proud of the way you honor his memory and his service. As you say, they were and are remarkable men, and for me they always will be.