The Ghost Army: How Artists Fooled Hitler's Troops

Hello and welcome to World War 2 Stories. I'm your host, Steve Matthews. Today we're diving into one of the most unusual and creative military units in American history – a secret force that fought with paintbrushes and inflatable tanks rather than bullets and bombs. I'm talking about the Ghost Army, a tactical deception unit that used Hollywood-style trickery to fool Hitler's forces and save countless Allied lives.

Imagine this: It's 1944, and German reconnaissance planes report seeing thousands of American troops amassing near the front lines, complete with tanks, artillery, and all the bustle of a major military force. German commanders redirect their resources to counter this threat, only to be blindsided when the real attack comes from an entirely different direction. What those German observers didn't realize was that they'd been fooled by rubber tanks, sound effects, and a small group of artists putting on the performance of their lives.

"WW2 Stories & Real War Stories" is a gripping podcast that dives into the untold tales of heroism, sacrifice, and determination from the most significant conflict in human history, World War II. Each episode explores the lesser-known battles, daring missions, and personal accounts of the brave individuals who shaped the course of the war. From the epic struggles on the Eastern Front to the courageous acts of the resistance fighters in occupied Europe, join us as we uncover the true stories behind the pivotal moments and unsung heroes of the Second World War.

• No. of episodes: 90
• Latest episode: 2025-07-22
• History

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