[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 29, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E317]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE OF BERNIE BLUESTEIN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 29, 2022

  Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Madam Speaker, today I wish to honor the 
distinguished service of Bernie Bluestein, a resident of Schaumburg, 
Illinois and of my district who is one of nine veterans of the ``Ghost 
Army,'' an elite U.S. military unit during World War Two, still alive 
today.
  During the war, the Ghost Army operated covertly, deploying tactics 
such as inflatable tanks, the use of sound effects, radio deception, 
and impersonation to gain an upper hand on the enemy by concealing the 
strength and location of American troops. In June 1945, the unit 
returned home after having served with four U.S. armies throughout 
England, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland, and Germany,
  There is no doubt that the Ghost Army's efforts, while not officially 
declassified until 1996, were critical to our military's success in 
turning the tide of the war in Europe. It is estimated that the brave 
missions undertaken by the Ghost Army saved around 30,000 American 
lives during the war. Mr. Bernstein's service as a part of this unit 
was heroic, and Illinois' Eighth Congressional District was incredibly 
proud to see him awarded the Congressional Gold Medal earlier this 
year.
  Mr. Bluestein has, however, done much more in his life in addition to 
his exemplary service as a soldier. Since returning home, he has become 
a lifelong learner, enrolling in classes at Harper College for more 
than 30 years and finishing art school. This year, at 98 years old, he 
is fulfilling his life-long dream of learning to sculpt by taking 
classes at Harper College.
  Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the tremendous sacrifice and 
accomplishments of this humble man from Schaumburg, Illinois. Mr. 
Bluestein is a distinguished serviceman and remarkable citizen. He 
represents the values of integrity, service, and character that make 
our country a beacon to others around the world.

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