https://padlet.com/hornickamanda/zw21e2pqrf9f en-us 2016-04-08 12:59:06 UTC 2025-09-20 05:05:26 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.com/hornickamanda/zw21e2pqrf9f/wish/111538841 All: Laughing

Will: Those Germans are so confused. (laughs)

Alex: I still can't believe they think that our radio would be that easy to get into. I mean even I could hack into this and I am an artist. The Nazi’s are probably sitting at their base trying to get through the radio and hear the coordinates. They are so desperate for information they think that we would be using Morse code to inform officers! I mean that language is from the 19th century!

Will: Well I guess they could believe we are trying to catch them by surprise and use an older language. I still don't understand why they think we would still use traffic nets, or software that is easy to hack into if we really had a secret. Then again I probably wouldn't think twice if the enemy gave me this kind of information. But to each their own, you ready to get them again

Alex: Sure as always

Will: (grabs a walkie talkie) Officer 607 we got a hundred thousand soldiers coming on 49 7 latitude and longitude get ready for battle we might have the Germans coming Over

Alex: (grabs walkie talkie) Okay make sure they're ready to fight we need to win the war right here Over

Will: Got it, we've got France and some European soldiers coming over too this is it.

Alex: Got it

Will: (turns off radio)

All: laughs

Alex: Gets me every single time, and they believe it.

Will: Ever since our deceptions, and the Nazi’s loss on D-Day the enemy have been desperate for anything! Well, then again they have no idea that the allies are using deception to win the war. After all this is a unique unit to the Ghost Army and is fooling the Nazi’s day after day.

Alex: I think this honestly might be the last battle, we have got them pinned. I can’t wait to finally go home to my family, I mean this has been fun and all but I am really desperate to go back to America. Even if nobody knows what our group did over here

Will: Agreed, however, remember the Battle of the Bulge when we were attacked and they figured us out, what if that happens again?

Alex: I know, I know but you can't be scared we need you for this battle or we are done, we could save thousands of lives right here I’d rather have them take mine then a thousand others

Will: Well, I guess you are right I can't live my life in fear even if I am just an artist I got to be willing to put my life on the line.

Alex: It is hard to be out here for the first time and witness all the horrors of this terrible war, I sometimes regret the times I would play war and make it out so great and glorified and…

Audience member: Walks over

All: Looks over

Alex: Excuse me, who are you

Audience member: We are well.. I don't know what

Alex: Oh they must be the new recruits George!

Will: Oh we were told about you come over.

Alex: Come on don't be shy

Audience: Walks over

Will: Hey this is George

Alex: And this is Jack. We understand you are recruits from the 603rd?

Audience member: I guess

Will: Well in the case of an emergency we were told to give you guys some training in radio deception.

Alex: Radio deception is a key component in our ghost army. Our sector gives off fake information to deceive the enemy and make sure they are always on their toes. With close to 296 people we are the third biggest group here in the so called Ghost Army

Will: Well enough introductions I am going to need a volunteer how about you, come over here.

Alex: Now we're going to give you a few lines and you get to say them into the radio

Alex and Will: (Gives them lines)

Will: Now turn on the radio and read these lines

Audience member: We've got French reinforcements coming to the camp and are going to attack in about two days. We have got over three hundred bombs at a camp nearby along with about a hundred thousand men again in the location 07 16

Alex: Wow, nice job you really could join right now if you were older!

Sounds: Footsteps, yelling

Will: Wait Alex we have to go right now

Alex: Why?

Will: I think I hear something

Alex: Are those tanks?

Will: Sure think so

Alex: You were not fooling around about sending them fast!

Will: Well this is going to need to be cut short we may need you in a second but for the moment stay here.

Alex and Will: Leave room

Matt: Those stupid Americans giving us their coordinates! We have got them in the palm of our hands. I've got the army already sent to the coordinates. We may finally get the redemption we deserve! I have got them in the palm of my hand now!

(Walks out)

Will: (Walks back in 30 seconds later) quickly come over here we need your help, what are you doing get over here!





]]> 2016-05-18 19:29:35 UTC https://padlet.com/hornickamanda/zw21e2pqrf9f/wish/111538841 https://padlet.com/hornickamanda/zw21e2pqrf9f/wish/111539485 Battle genre:

Alex: Come on get on with it we have got to get moving!

Will: Split up into your sectors… Quick

Audience: What sectors

Alex: You don’t know you’re! What about those papers you have, if they say audio come with me and if they say visual come with George let’s go!

Will: QUICK!


WILLS GROUP

Will: Lets hokey we need to get moving the Germans are 3 kilometers away and closing in fast.

Audience comes in

Will: Ok we're going to have to set up inflatables across this field and set them up just like this picture shows now let's get moving!

Audience member: How do we do that?

Will: You don't know how to! Now these tanks are manufactured in the U.S and are prepackaged all you need to do is put the two designated parts together and put them off to the side. Then you are going to set the tank into a neat formation in the field 30 in all. Within these tanks you would have inflatable soldiers however we didn't have much notice so this will have to do. This is going to have to be perfect! You ready? Ok let's get moving.

Audience assembles tanks and puts it into a formation

Will: This looks just like the picture nice job! I can tell you have learned a lot and… (Alex’s line). Everyone run and follow me!

ALEX’S GROUP

Alex: I’ve got molasses faster than y’all let's get moving

Alex: Now we are going to make this short and sweet. Radio deception is a tactic used by us militants and is a key to fooling the Germans. We have speakers that will play your audio and broadcast it up to 15 miles. That means if you make a mistake people 15 miles away will hear it so no pressure. Now you're going to follow the example right here you are going to cut and replace some of the sound and try to fool them darn Nazi’s. This right here is extremely important so if you have any questions ask; because I’d rather have you ask then fail.

Alex: Watches them create audio and answers questions

Alex: Okay that was good for your first time but you are going to have to get better if you want to stay in this group. You guys are going to have to sharpen up or you are not going to be ready for next week! We have got thousands of lives in our hands and I don't feel like losing them! My own cousin was lost overseas during WWI and I don't want any person to feel loss just because you don't know what you are doing! Wait. (Listens to radio). The Germans are closing in everybody hide!



]]> 2016-05-18 19:32:57 UTC https://padlet.com/hornickamanda/zw21e2pqrf9f/wish/111539485 https://padlet.com/hornickamanda/zw21e2pqrf9f/wish/111539707 First Part: (Open with 30 seconds of day in infamy speech) (Narrator- Will) The U.S. Army entered World War Two on December 8, 1941. Shortly after the surprise attack from the Japanese Army on Pearl Harbor. This attack shocked millions across the U.S. and they were ready to join the fight against the Japanese and Germans. Soon after a withstanding 388-1 vote in the United States Senate, war had begun and president FDR needed a way to deceive the enemy. He needed someone that could disappear from their enemies, but could fool them at the same time. Someone so deceiving that they could change the odds of the war. In result, President Roosevelt soon turned to a young ambitious man by the name of Ralph Ingersoll. 

Second Part: (Narrator- Will) In the 1930s and 40s Ralph Ingersoll was known as a celebrity journalist in America, managing four companies at the height of his career and writing many books such as Wine of Violence, Point of Departure, and The Great Ones. Some would call him “a prodigiously energetic egotist” meaning he was a highly self-absorbed man. However, soon after the war broke out Ingersoll became a U.S. Army staff officer in a special branch in London. Here he worked with British planners on large-scale strategic deceptions; this is where the Ghost Army was born. “Much of this collaboration inspired the idea” said Ingersoll. He first referred to his deception group as “my con artists”.

Third Part: (Narrator-Will) England adored the idea of a fake Army and soon approved it on December 24, 1943. Then, they began to find recruits that were experts in their profession and knew what they were doing. They were specifically looking for expert actors, artists, engineers and architects from places such as America, England and France. Many of the recruits in the Ghost Army were not war experienced and were very confused about what was going on. After all, they were seeked out and wanted by the government to join the army. Although, the men in the Ghost Army were confused at times, there were intrigued by the “army experience” being proud to serve their country. Artist, Harold Dahl stated in a letter home that, (make it sound like Harold is saying this) I can’t tell you who else is with us or what kinds of outfits they are, nor what we do when we start to do it on Monday, but it promises to be very interesting and frankly it looks like we are at last going to play a real part in the war effort.” These artists had to soon give up their jobs and hop in on the war effort leaving their families overseas.

4th Part:(Narrator-Will) In the Ghost Army, there were four groups that specific men trained for. Each group played a key role in deceiving the Nazi’s. (Examples of sounds gun fire). There first was the 3132 Sonic Service Company, they were made up of 145 men that recorded at Fort Knox and replayed all sounds that may possibly deceive the Nazi’s. Some recordings even went to the extent of men having a conversation while they smoked and sweared. Next, there was Signal Company Special that ran what is known as spoof radio (Interview with Stan Nance)   Back in the Signal Company Special or SCS as we called it, there was about 300 guys and I was one of em. We always had so much fun over the radio, tricking the Nazi’s. Before going over the radio we would pile in my radio convoy which I called “Kilowatt Commando”. Then we would have our papers out on what we were going to say and we would start impersonating a general or something. That was when we had fun, when we would pile in “Kilowatt” and just let them Nazi’s have it. In this unit, there existed 296 men that handled all radio deception, sending fake radio codes back and forth that the Nazi’s would intercept. Furthermore, artists mainly made up for the 379 men in the 603rd Engineer Battalion. Here these men dealt with building and camouflaging fake artillery, tanks, convoys and jeeps. However, when camouflaging, the purposely did a poor job so the enemies would notice. Finally, the 406th Engineer Combat Company ran by Captain George Rebh did a various amount of jobs. They were in charge of border security ensuring the rest of the units that they would not be disturbed by outsiders or civilians. They also executed construction jobs to position tanks and artillery. They finally used real equipment such as bulldozers to make fake tracks of convoys, tanks and jeeps.

5th Part:(Narrator- Will) After the 2 week ride overseas the men of the Ghost Army landed in Bristol, England on May 15th, 1944. This was a fateful day for them, having a fresh start in a new country. Many of the men decided to go sightseeing or simply sit and sketch their beautiful surroundings. However, the men were blown away after seeing Walton Hall. Walton Hall, located in Bristol near Stratford-upon-Avon is known for its lush landscape including, velvet lawns, tailored forests and swan lake. Although, soon after arrival many of the men realized that they wouldn’t be staying in their dream home at all. Instead, they would be staying in tents and huts to prepare themselves for their first deception.

6th part :( Narrator-Alex) The phrase “Hurry Up And Wait” truly tells the story of life after Walton Hall. The Allies goal at this point and time was too start deceptions, but there weren't any Nazi’s in England. So where did they go? France. The fastest way there was to go over the English Channel and that is exactly what they did. However, they had 1,100 men too ship so they brought nine boats and two planes to get everyone over. This was a moment in the members of the Ghost Army’s lives where time was all they had. Too pass it they often drew pictures of themselves and others. One man by the name of Ned Harris a part of the 603rd Unit stated how, “Boredom, anticipating, and too much time to think… that’s when the sketchbooks come out.” An example of this is shown through a man named Jack Masey, who drew caricatures of every Ghost Army member he saw. (Interview with JACK MASEY) When we landed in Bristol everyone sketched, that was the thing to do. But, for me I wanted to have a goal or a mindset for my time in the Ghost Army. So that’s when I started drawing duplicates of the men or caricatures as they call them and it was entertaining. I mean every morning I woke up too something to do, I’ll just say I was never bored.

7th: (Narrator-Alex) In the Ghost Army, the two most important things to the men were, following orders and drawing. Drawing meant so much to the men in the Ghost Army that it was considered an everyday necessity to them. (Victor Dowd) To me drawing was truly a way to connect back to home and how I grew up. I believe that for others this was the reason to because you would know who would draw what because of the way they drew or what they did draw. For me I specifically liked to draw people, my Ma always had people over she loved to host events. So that grew on me and influenced me during the war and I drew. Drawing was an outlet that the Ghost Army looked too, for comfort, solidarity and relaxation. Without it the story of the Ghost Army would have never been the same. Drawing represents the feelings of the men in the Ghost Army and their point of view on the unique journey.

8th: (Narrator-Alex) The Ghost army had a profound impact on the battles of Rhine River and D-Day through their mischievous deceptions that fooled the Nazi’s. Rhine River is considered the Ghost Army’s biggest achievement during their time as a whole. In this battle, the U.S Army was on the frontlines of the Rhine River while the Nazi’s were waiting for them to cross.  Previously, before the battle the Nazi’s stated how the Rhine River would run red with American blood and at the moment this is how it was looking for the Americans. However, after days of waiting the Nazi’s heard in the distance behind them sounds of tanks, airplanes and convoys moving in their direction. Without a thought the Nazi’s picked up and left thinking too meet the U.S. army soon. D-Day was a battle a battle of the coast of Normandy that truly was a turning point in the war for both the allies and the Nazi’s. Within D-Day a various amount of deceptions were pulled by the Ghost Army to help the Allies succeed. First, and foremost then Ghost Army set up a dock off of Normandy that ran fake trades and fishing too get insight on Nazi preparation. Also, the Ghost Army set up spies as double agents that would report back to the Nazi’s and feed them false information. Finally during D-day the Ghost Army was most precise with details and setting up equipment. So precise that when German’s flew over it with planes it looked as though there was an utmost of one million people when there really was only 1,000 on camp. Theses battles and deceptions truly show the effort and impact the Ghost Army made during World War Two.

9th part :( Narrator-Alex) In 1944 at the end of June the arrival of Normandy was not as pleasant as the members of the Ghost Amy expected it to be. As they arrived, the men began to see the toll the World War had taken on Europe. They witnessed crumbled, burnt and pillaged buildings, street after street. The men thought to themselves how does this happen. How could such a flourishing city go to ruin. Yes, they saw people, but they didn’t look like people at all. They examined them they saw the sadness in their eyes and the torture and fear throughout their body. There was no explanation needed. At times in this moment it was hard for people to even draw after witnessing these horrors (George Vander Sluis interview) When we got there everyone was in shock. It was like being hit in the chest with a cannonball. We saw children and women starving and living in rubble. If I invasion it, it’s like New York City being bombed, just crazy. One thing that sticks out in my mind when I think about Normandy is that there was this kid, next to the church of Trevieres and he was selling broken water colored glass. I bought some from him and I still have it today actually and I think it's in my bag down her (reaches down for it and grabs it), here it is (smiles)

10th part :( Narrator- Alex) The men of the Ghost Amy were just artists and had never experienced the brutality of war. Days before the end of this cruel war the Ghost Army was sent in charge of a Displaced Persons camp full of Russians from WWII. This even helped these men realize that just because their role in the war had not been brutal many others experiences had.

11th part: ( Dick Syracuse on Cecille B Demille) Soon after a German surrender the second World War ended and the men of the Ghost Army were able to finally return to their hometowns. However, this return did not come without a burden, they could not tell any of their family member’s friends or distant relatives where or what they had done overseas. To their loved ones, they were disguised as the Cecil B Demille warriors, a name replicating the film star Cecil B Demille. As the declassification seemed to go longer and longer and eventually into the 1990’s many of the men died without telling their heroic stories of sacrifice and cleverness. However, the men of the ghost army will forever live in the heart and souls of those family members affected and forever live with an embodied spirit and mind. When I got home in the Summer of ‘45 I was overjoyed, I’d been gone for nearly two years and I was so happy to see my family. I remember though, during Thanksgiving one year we were all playing poker, telling stories, having a good time. I thought about telling a story of my own, but I couldn’t because of the classification. All my family knew was that I worked in a group referred to as the Cecille B. Demille warriors and they barely knew who he was (chuckles). But it seriously like I was living a lie and it affected me, not being able to tell my wife or kids what their daddy did.

12th part:(Narrator- Alex)The impact that the men in the Ghost Army made, drastically changed the outcome of WWII. The men in this group saved an estimated 15,000 lives during their time in 1944-1945. However, these men were after all just artists and despite the sometimes seeming power and glory of war these men witnessed first-hand the horrors of the great world war. Many of these men and women had families that they dearly missed back home, and wanted to go back yet serve their country. If it weren't for the Ghost Army you may have never known impactful stories of the war and never been told the menacing effects of war. The Ghost Army has impacted us in an utmost manner that will affect and impact us for generations. How were you impacted by the Ghost Army, everyone has a story.



]]> 2016-05-18 19:34:23 UTC https://padlet.com/hornickamanda/zw21e2pqrf9f/wish/111539707 https://padlet.com/hornickamanda/zw21e2pqrf9f/wish/111539751 Script for Introduction
ALL: Walks into the room

All: Looks at each other

Will: Jack?

Alex: George?

Will: Is it really you I haven't seen you in years! It’s been so long!

Alex: Yes, oh my gosh, it’s been nearly 70 years, are you here for the interview?

Will: Yes, they gave me a call a couple of weeks ago. They said there would be someone else from the Ghost Army here. But I didn’t think it would be you. What a small world.

All: (takes a seat)

Alex: Well George, how’s it been?

Will: It’s been great. Ever since the end of the war I began teaching art at Syracuse and I did that for 35 years. Then I retired and I mainly just paint now. And you?

Alex: Just Fine. After I got out of the 603rd Unit I went to Yale and got my degree in foreign services. Then, I went on to design and build many U.S. exhibits such as The Ellis Island and Johnstown Flood Museum. So I’ve kept busy over the years.

Will: have you been drawing anything recently. You were the man on campus that drew everyone.

Alex: Same old, same old you know drawing and doing the caricatures of all kinds of people.

Will: You still have them from the army?

Alex: Yeah I'll show you them later at the interview.

Will: Well we can talk later, but how ‘bout we introduce ourselves well folks I’m George Vander Sluis former veteran of the Ghost Army. And beside me is former veteran of the 23rd Unit, Jack Masey. 

Natalie: Hi Guys

Natalie: Okay, come with me Jack, George just straight down the hall and to the left

All: Thank you




]]> 2016-05-18 19:34:45 UTC https://padlet.com/hornickamanda/zw21e2pqrf9f/wish/111539751 https://padlet.com/hornickamanda/zw21e2pqrf9f/wish/111539926 3/21/44
I woke today to the sound of loud alarm bells this morning warning me to get out of bed, the first one of the week. We started the day by going out to the empty field and practicing putting together the tanks. We then went out too the firing range too learn different deception tactics. My mouth dropped as I saw the prepackaged inflatables and I began to become confused. I had never seen anything like it, they looked like actual tanks yet a man was carrying it. My bunkmate stood and asked me if I knew what was happening and I replied no. Yesterday we were introduced to our bunkmates and I met Riley Owens, Hollywood actor who has worked on an actual movie! He told me all about Hollywood and the movies and all the interesting people he has met. One of the movies he was in won a prestigious award called an Academy award! Shock hit me as I remembered the award that he had won!  He also introduced me too some of the guys on the force such as Ned and Mickey who both worked as architects before the war. We all stood around the table and told our stories and where we were from for about an hour and a half. Soon after we played poker until General Fox came in and told us lights out. Man, I already feel like I’m at home although I do still miss ma and my friends back at the New York State University. Ever since I was recruited from the Arts Center I’ve heard that we won’t be leaving for months, the ride too Europe will take weeks upon weeks. I decided to make a few friends cause I am going to need some during this whole experience. However, sometimes when I wake up all I have is time to sketch and draw everything. On my bucket list to sketch in Europe is the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Big Ben. I don't know much about the project so far, they haven’t told us too much. Maybe because they fear spies are here. Wouldn't that be crazy if one of my friends was some Japanese spy like I have heard of! I’m not pointing fingers but this John Hapgood fella seems a little suspicious. Well ok don't want to get into trouble with Fox. Goodnight.

5/2/44
This morning I woke up and packed up my belongings in tread for the harbor. I ended up being the first one there but I soon realized why, I had forgot my sketchbook! Anguish filled my body and I began to fret about the long day ahead. I immediately ran back to the training camp and grabbed it out of the bookshelf and headed back to the boat. As soon as I got there I was still ironically the only one there. I hopped in the line and when the boat came up I saw the number on it and found out that my other boat had actually left. Ah, how careless had I been! I then sadly walked up to the ticket officer and asked when the next ship would be departing, said he was busy, but he told me it would arrive in about an hour. While waiting for the next ship to come I leaned on a telephone pole, and drew in my sketchbook and had a smoke. I began to draw the sleek smokestacks of the approaching boats and when the boat finally came I was thrilled. Registration for the ship was a long time, apparently they were trying to weed out the spies. After registration I immediately walked in and found the nearest restaurant, after all I had not ate much breakfast. I ate some eggs and bacon while waiting for our ship to depart and saw Riley again, we talked about how excited we were to finally find our mission. I really could get some home cooking right now, ma’s apple pie would be mighty fine. Over this experience I have started to realize how much I missed my family at the university. They never did anything wrong and they don't deserve for me to be overseas but things always work out I guess. Anyway, after a decent breakfast I found my dorm and unpacked all of my belongings. It soon began to become unusually hot and I left to see the activities on the boat. I am currently sitting outside waiting for our ship to dock in Europe. Bristol here I come!

5/9/44
The ride to Bristol has been absolutely a blast! The men on the ship have came up with everything that will entertain us. For example, today I woke up, got coffee and went to a comedy show at eleven. The man who runs it, goes by the name of Victor Dowd is hysterical. Half the ship was at his show, and all of them spent the time doubled over laughing. Then Riley and I sat on the edge of the ship for hours and shot craps. Riley beat me a few times but I am determined to finally beat him! As the day began to grow dark the ship did the opposite! Everyone is walking around the ship, listening to music and relaxing. One night there was a boxing match down below, it was an absolute madhouse. Half of the fans cheering for Bill Blass and the other cheering for Arthur Singer. I honestly was surprised the ship didn’t sink, everyone was packed in their liked sardines.Towards the end of the third round everyone was on their feet when Bill finally knocked that poor Arthur down. I don't even know if poor Arthur was able to get up after that blow! After the fight I talked to Bill, the winner, and we started to talk about where we came from and why we were here. He’s not some adrenaline junkie boxer and he seems to be down to earth. Sometimes I feel like I don’t want to leave this ship. It just reminds me of the good days back at New York. However, we’re expected to land it about a week. I am still missing my family down in the peach state, they really are great people and I hope to see them again. I am going to write my ma a letter to tell her I am fine and dandy tomorrow. Alright, Riley just knocked on my door and he is wanting to go to a comedy. He says Dowd is back again. Yes!

5/17/44 
Yesterday we docked city of Bristol, and boy was it magnificent, shops dotted the brick roads and small foreign cars drove in the opposite lane, it is beautiful. About a day ago we were notified we were landing in Bristol and the whole crew ran up to the ships dock to see the city at first. When I got up on the deck I drew the sight, beautiful glimmering water that you could see through, large shops and mansions along the harbor in the distance, it truly was beautiful. As soon as we grew close I went back down to my room and packed up my belongings, wanting to be the first one off the ship. After packing up I ran to the ships dock and waited for the ship to finally anchor. As I sat there I wondered what the world held next, extravagant mansions, or beautiful neighborhoods as I was curious. As soon as the ship dock I was startled as the sound of the anchor made a loud thump. The whole ship shook and lots of men swayed back and forth. After pushing what seemed through the some thousand men on the ship I finally got off and was the first one. The first thing we were told to do when we got to Bristol was to exchange our money for euros down at the nearest currency exchange store, so I immediately ran down to the store and got the euros I needed. Due to the fact I still had not ate I looked for the nearest shop or restaurant for a bite to eat. I almost immediately saw a small candy shop named Charles and walked in. My eyes lit up as I saw hundreds of candies and different assortments, I had not had candy in over four months and I wanted to end that streak and grabbed the nearest thing and checked out. As soon as I walked outside I was glad I had not left late as I saw a line the size of king kong running through the ship. After everybody finally got out of the ship and exchanged their currency we all were told to get into a large bus. Then after a long bus ride I saw it, a white mansion with extravagant fountains and greenery, we all looked in awe at the beautiful sight. The first thought that raced through my mind was that I had to sketch this. So I whipped out my sketchbook and began. I got every last detail and we drove past it. What was forty-five seconds seemed like an eternity as I continued to draw. Once we finally parked I was the last one off because I could not get my pencil off of the paper. As all of us excited we were told to go through the doors of the mansion and sit in the chairs and wait for assignment. Right now we are still waiting for General Fox for instructions as there seems to be some difficulty. Oh wait here he is gonna have to say goodbye for now. 

5/24/44
We have now stayed at the so called “Walton Hall” mansion for a week and boy has it been fun! The week started off with a couple of activities to help us get to know each other inside and out. During this time I really got to know Bill Blass (the boxer on the ride over) and hang out with him for the first time in a while. During this time we shot craps, played this sport called soccer, and had a couple smokes. However, as the week went on we got into more training and specifics on our roles in the army, we started to train more and more. I have stayed in a tent with Riley for the time we have stayed, only Fox and a couple other higher-ups got to stay in the actual mansion, but I didn’t care. Where we were staying there were lush gardens at our side and beautiful fountains. Despite this I have been inside the mansion a number of times due to the bitter weather outside. When it rains it is cramped despite the massive size of the mansion. Often about three hundred of us are crammed into the kitchen or living room. It’s horrible on those days! I can’t imagine how so many people could fit in such a small space. My routine here at Walton has been almost identical for the time I have stayed. I wake up and cram into the dining room for breakfast, get on with morning training, and go back to sleep. Within the breaks in between I have been able to sketch Walton and hang out with a few friends. Victor sometimes does some comedy during free times and often has the audience doubled over laughing. I have heard that his comedies are getting funnier and funnier and I hope to see one before we are given our mission. Speaking of mission, in the week I have been here I have not heard the word assignment or mission which is beginning to scare me. Will we ever get an assignment, if so it sure is taking a while. But ma always told me to be patient and good things will come so I have stuck with it and took her advice. I just got called by the general; I hope we are learning our mission!

I just got out from the meeting and we finally know what we are doing. Supposedly we are going to go to Normandy, France on our first mission called Quick Silver. However, before we go to Normandy we have to go on the English Channel were we of course cannot draw or journal until we reach the harbor. I am going to be really bored during this time and I still have no idea what we are doing on the ship. Well I figured I would journal about my new mission. Normandy here I come!


6/10/44
I just now realized how long it has been since I have written in my diary. I mean all I can think about now is Normandy and the destruction in it. I have never seen such a giant prosperous city go too so much ruin before. I thought about seeing my own hometown crumbled and destroyed like a piece of crumbled paper. I can’t bare to even think of what I would do. However, there were only a few people compared to how many we assumed we were going too see. They were all was torn, dirty and hurt. But, there was something about them that amazed me. Their eyes! Everyone’s eyes told a story about themselves and the war. Whether they were hurt or ashamed of what they have done. Or some I noticed told a story of innocence and hiding. The most special one I think I saw was a boy at the torn down Church of Trevarris. When I saw him he was praying by the steps of the Church and crying. Then I witnessed something that I will never forget, the boy had a picture of what looked like his mother in his hand that he kissed and prayed for. I encountered him and he stumbled down with fear and ran away like he was afraid of me. I thought about the boy and the picture and realized that was his mother, she was taken away and killed. How could something happen like that? How could someone so cruel take someone innocent and murder them. This is why I must stay in, I will do it for that young man sitting on the steps, crying for someone who will never come back. I can’t write anymore I must sleep. Good Night….  (Teardrops on page)

6/18/44
I woke up today to the sweet sound of an alarm, meaning we had to set up our deception because the enemy was nearing. I quickly jumped out of my tent and grabbed some granola for the long day ahead; we were going to have to set up around three-hundred tanks in one day while connecting the tanks to the audio sector. As soon as I got some food I reported to the now open field that was soon to be filled with tanks. The butterflies began buzz in my stomach as I did not want to be the one to mess up. I reported to Fox and was told to blow up the tanks, while the others were told to set them in formation. Luckily we did have a pump unlike some other missions were we were told that we had to use our own mouths. After pumping up around 150 tanks I sat down to take a rest, after all it was a hot June day in Normandy. The warm sweet weather began to remind me of my hometown and I began to feel homesick. It was only months before when I was recruited for the Ghost Army and even then I was reluctant to join. However, our army was helping that sad boy sitting on that church and I now knew how important we were I could not stop. Sometimes I sit here and wonder why I chose to be in this army and every single time that little boy haunts me and makes me remember why I am so important and why everyone needs me so desperately. As I began to get up from by break I heard them, the Germans. My first instinct was to run as far as I could and find cover in the nearest safe spot, but I knew I would have to set up a couple more tanks if we were going to fool the Germans.


After creating the setup I immediately ran into my tent to hide. Nerves filled my head as I began to be scared of the road ahead. I had heard of these "concentration camps" and I did not want to be one. However, my nerves began to stifle when I saw the General came in. We had failed or we were going to celebrate, it was black and white. However, as I watched General Fox walk in with a smile I knew we had won! Happiness rushed my body as the fact that we had fooled them came upon me. However, we didn't know if he was fooling us so we intently listened for his response. He walked around waiting for the crowd to listen. We all came quiet and listened for his response. "We fooled them" he blatantly stated. Cheers erupted from the room and all nerves were diminished in the small time it took to say those three words. We all celebrated for the rest of the day, and played craps with each other until the day grew dark. I am excited for our next operation near Rhine River, Fox say it may bury the Nazi's in the coffin they so deserve.

7/28/44
After celebrating our victory last week I fell asleep and got ready for the journey to Germany near Rhine River. As soon as I got up we packed up our belongings and began the long ride by boat to Germany. The boat ride over was long yet beautiful, blue skies with almost perfect lighting. Oranges and blues were the center of everyone's attention as we neared the coast of Germany. However, when we docked we saw the war torn Germany. Buildings, crumbled hotels, schools destroyed. The disparity of the situation soon dawned on me and I realized how close the allies were to winning the war. However, as I looked into the distance I saw smoke coming from smokestacks and I wondered what it could be. However, I was soon reminded of the concentration camps and was scared. A chill fell through my bones as I thought of the mass murder the Nazi's were creating. And that is when I remembered why the people of Germany needed us so desperately, we were their saviors from their dictator like leader and we were needed!  

10/30/44
All we have done over the past week is sit in rain and watch the Nazi’s watch us. I sit in the rain watching them, thinking sometimes how did I get here and I reflect back on my journey. I was recruited, sent to a camp to train, been shipped over the Atlantic to Europe, stayed on the grounds of a world renown (ironically I never heard about it until we got there, set up hundreds of fake artillery and tanks and now, and now I am watching Nazi soldiers with real guns look at us every day. Sometimes, I hear Riley cry in our shelter. He waits till everyone is out and then he drops down on his bed and starts to bawl. He thinks that we aren't gonna make it, he thinks the Nazi’s one day are gonna realize this is all phony, and charge at us with their real guns. I don’t blame him, I am constantly praying to the Lord to help us through this and to protect us. At first this was all fun in games, but now I feel like the U.S. is purposely endangering our lives. I constantly write home, tell my family I love them (especially Ma), and I draw pictures for my brothers to.  I saw what looked like a German boy yesterday, no older than sixteen years old. He looked at me with sorrow and fear and then, behind him, a pile of bodies. The first thing that came into my mind was hypothermia, only reasonable estimate I could make. Every time I think about it chills go up my spine. We haven’t had anyone die on the 23rd and we aren’t planning on it. I hear Riley again, I need to talk to him.

12/24/44
The celebration was amazing! We drank Champagne, played poker and enjoyed our victory at Rhine River. General Patton, himself, even came to our camp too personally congratulate us on our win! He said this is a major turning point in the war and the Allies are for sure too win now. I feel overjoyed right now, but also confused. I reflected back on our feelings during Rhine River. What if we are sent somewhere else before the war ends? What if the Germans attack us and we are killed. And plus there are also rumors we might get sent to Japan to fight in the Pacific. I am not a soldier, I am an artist, I cannot fight, and barely set up simple equipment!

1/14/45
We just got out latest update on where we are going next, but it is not a deception. It is an assignment to guard and monitor a DP (Displaced Persons) camps around Trier, Germany. Riley and I were both overjoyed when hearing this, our days of deceptions are finally over. Are lives are no longer in risk. The rumors about Japan weren’t true. Thank God! Also, Hitler was just pronounced dead yesterday. Apparently that no good coward, shot himself in his bunker. What an idiot! A man by the name of General Eisenhower is supposed to meet high of Nazi officials in France to declare war over in Europe. But what annoys me the most are the Japs. There cowardly actions on Pearl Harbor killed millions of innocent men. Ma even knew some of ‘em. And all for what? Oil! They ought to drop a bomb on them, that’ll teach them a lesson. Fox wants us to meet up in the courtyard says he has important things to tell us. 

2/23/45
The Displaced Persons camps shocked me as soon as I arrived. Hundreds starving and saying their last prayers and saying their final goodbyes. The men and women sometimes wore a striped outfit that I had never seen before. The first thing I did when I got there was set up my room. However, it wasn’t long after when I saw the same boy I saw that day in Normandy. I immediately ran up to him and my mouth gaped in awe! He looked at me with sad eyes and seemed to not recognize me. However, as soon as I took my hat off happiness rushed his face. He quietly said “Hello” and told me about his journey through the war. The young fella reminded me of myself when I was little and we talked for hours on end. As we got deeper into conversation I began to realize just how much I missed my siblings. I saw him in my brothers in myself and I began to break out into tears. Memories of my hometown seemed to release into my brain like water through a broken floodgate. My mother. My father. My family. All of my tears soon vanished as I heard a scream about three feet away from me. The women next to me was skinny and pale and looked like she was about to collapse. I immediately gave her my water but it was too late. The women choked on the water and collapsed and stopped breathing. I had killed someone. Looking back on it there was nothing I could do but what if… You know what I am going to sleep before I think myself to death. Night. 

5/8/45
Yesterday was our last day in the Displaced Persons camp and I am now heading back home on the boat. Happiness fell over our group when we were told we were going home. Everyone wrote letters to family members and danced around until the night grew dim. The boy in the Displaced Persons camp was adopted by a family in France and seemed to be happy that he finally had a home. Honestly I started to think of that kid as my son during that camp. However, he is now in good hands and will finally live the life he deserves. So far the boat back has been a blast. Everyone danced to music as we sat in the ballroom, relieved the terrible battle was finally over. I met a guy who lived in my neighborhood during my childhood and we talked about our youth and regrets. Looking back on this experience, I have done many wrongdoings and I do hope to finally repay for my sins. But this may be my last entry as I seem to have no story to tell anymore. I hope to someday look back on this journal and write one entry write down what really happened. Maybe I will, but for now goodbye.

5/8/96
After searching for hours I have finally recovered my long lost notebook. I never thought I would remember this dumb journal! As I read through it I realized how innocent I was during that time. After reading articles of Jewish treatment and Concentration Camps I have finally realized what I fought for. After the war I met a woman in Georgia named Jackie, and we soon settled down and had three kids, one of which is in the army. However, life wasn’t very easy after I was told to stay silent about what our group did. My OWN FAMILY was left in the dark for years, until now. Yesterday I got an email specifying that I could finally tell my story and tale from the Ghost Army. I immediately reconnected with some of my fellow Ghost Army members and spoke with them about our anxiety. Would anyone believe us? Why couldn’t we talk before? However, our fears were diminished after I was told that I my star in a documentary about our very own group. I don't know what is to come of my life now that I can tell my story. But boy I am I in for a ride!





 

]]> 2016-05-18 19:35:55 UTC https://padlet.com/hornickamanda/zw21e2pqrf9f/wish/111539926 https://padlet.com/hornickamanda/zw21e2pqrf9f/wish/111540309 Transition after first genre 

Natalie: K bye

Natalie: Welcome to the National World War Two Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. Today everyone will have the great privilege of meeting real ghost army individuals who will tell you of their experiences.

Natalie: Now the first experience is one of a kind and is only here for a day

Audience Member: What is that?

Natalie: A new and one of a kind holographic simulator- now I want you to get into groups of 2 and watch the hologram to get some more background information.

Natalie: This is new technology and is one of a kind so we ask you to be respectful and make sure you do not bump into anything

Natalie: Ok, you guys ready? (Break them up into sections)

Narrator: Hello, welcome to this feature presentation on the Ghost Army members Jack and George

Alex: Now we understand you are new recruits from New York and will need some guidance on your first days in the Ghost Army so we decided to inform you guys about the different branches of the Ghost Army

Will: Yes, Jack the Ghost Army is made up into three groups, Radio Deception, Audio Deception, and Visual deception, all of great importance in this group

Alex: Well let’s start with Radio deception, the group who does this who we like to call the spoof radio is made up of 296 men and is formally known as the 3132 Signal Radio Company. Within this group we give them Nazi’s a taste of deception by giving’ out fake coordinates and keeping them Nazi’s on their toes. 

Will: But that's not all, Audio deception, a group made up of 145 men deceive the enemy by projecting sound through speakers to mislead the enemy. Sometimes this audio group will go to the extent of even projecting noises of men swearing and talking to mislead the enemy’s into the trap.

Alex: The last, and probably well-known group is visual tactics, formally known as the 603rd Engineer Battalion, a group most well known for their blow up tanks and soldiers that often deceive the enemy. This group will often be the leader of the Ghost Army and leaves the Nazi’s in the dust almost every single time

Will: Well, now that we have gone through the different groups you will have to make your choice and----- SCREEN BLACKS OUT)

Natalie: That hologram was supposed to be a lot bigger come through here so you can see the life sized version, why don't we try this, come through here and wait for the holograms to appear

Audience: Walks through


Transition

Alex: Ok, I am going to need you guys to wait here while we go and check the setup, General Fox will come get you in a couple but for the moment wait here

Will: Ok wait here, we go to go!

General Fox: Gets them and takes them to documentary

Transition

Alex: Ok, I am going to need you guys to wait here while we go and check the setup, General Fox will come get you in a couple but for the moment wait here

Will: Ok wait here, we go to go!

General Fox: Gets them and takes them to documentary



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