Medford veteran to be awarded Congressional Gold Medal for role in Ghost Army

Summary

This heartfelt segment highlights the legacy of Jack McGlen, a member of the secretive Ghost Army during World War II. His heroic efforts, kept secret for over fifty years, are finally being honored with the Congressional Gold Medal. The Ghost Army, consisting of artists and audio technicians, deceived the enemy with inflatable props and sounds, saving 35,000 lives. Jack McGlen's family, including his son Mike, will travel to Washington, D.C. to accept the honor on his behalf. The story emphasizes the sacrifice and bravery of those who served in silence, with McGlen's pride in his comrades enduring throughout his life.

Takeaways

• 😀 The story highlights the bravery and integrity of the McGlen family, particularly the late Jack McGlen, whose service in WWII remained a secret for decades.
• 😀 Jack McGlen was part of the Ghost Army, a secret military unit in WWII composed of artists, designers, and audio techs.
• 😀 The Ghost Army used inflatable props and sound effects to deceive and distract the enemy, playing a crucial role in saving 35,000 lives.
• 😀 The Congressional Gold Medal will be awarded to the Ghost Army for their extraordinary service, with the ceremony taking place at the U.S. Capitol.
• 😀 The McGlen family is deeply involved in Massachusetts politics and has a history of service to their community.
• 😀 The McGlen siblings, who were unaware of their father's role in WWII, will travel to Washington, D.C. to accept the honor on his behalf.
• 😀 Jack McGlen kept his WWII service secret for over 50 years, citing the need to protect his family, country, and fellow soldiers.
• 😀 Only seven surviving members of the Ghost Army remain, with three of them expected to attend the medal presentation.
• 😀 The Ghost Army's actions included using sound to simulate tanks and guns, tricking the enemy into surrendering without any actual combat.
• 😀 The story emphasizes the sacrifice and selflessness of the Ghost Army, whose members risked their lives to improve the lives of others.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Congressional Gold Medal in the story?

The Congressional Gold Medal is being awarded to the Ghost Army of World War II for their heroic service in deception tactics that saved thousands of lives. This medal will be presented to the surviving members of the unit, including Jack McGlen, posthumously.

Why was Jack McGlen's role in World War II kept a secret for so long?

Jack McGlen's role in World War II was kept secret due to the classified nature of the Ghost Army's operations. The unit's tactics involved deception, and revealing their involvement could have compromised the mission.

What role did Jack McGlen play in the Ghost Army during World War II?

Jack McGlen served in the Ghost Army, which was responsible for using inflatable props, sounds, and other deceptive tactics to mislead and confuse the enemy. This helped protect Allied forces and saved thousands of lives.

What were the Ghost Army's primary methods of deception during the war?

The Ghost Army used inflatable tanks, sound systems with loud recordings of tanks and artillery, and even impersonation to make the enemy believe there were large military forces where there were none, leading to enemy confusion and surrender.

How many members of the Ghost Army are still alive?

There are only seven surviving members of the Ghost Army, and three of them, all in their 100s, are expected to attend the ceremony.

What emotional impact does the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony have on the McGlen family?

The McGlen family is deeply moved by the recognition of their father's heroic service. The award represents a long-overdue acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by Jack McGlen and his fellow soldiers, and the family is proud to accept the honor on his behalf.

How did Jack McGlen feel about not revealing his service in the Ghost Army?

Jack McGlen was reluctant to share his role in the Ghost Army, as he believed revealing it would betray his family, his country, and his fellow soldiers. He chose to keep the secret for over 50 years.

Why did the McGlen family not know about Jack McGlen's World War II service?

The McGlen family did not know about Jack McGlen's involvement in the Ghost Army because it was a secret operation. The details of his service were classified and were not declassified until many years later.

What did Jack McGlen's son say about the impact of his father's service?

Jack McGlen's son expressed pride in his father's service, emphasizing that his father and his fellow soldiers put their lives on the line to ensure a better future for others. The family was proud of the values their father upheld.

What is the broader significance of the Ghost Army's role in World War II?

The Ghost Army played a crucial role in saving 35,000 lives through its innovative tactics, which misled the enemy and protected actual military forces. Their contributions were kept secret for many years, but they are now being recognized as a pivotal part of the war effort.