Ghost Army Monument Unveiled in Limpertsberg

Unveiling the monument, U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg, Tom Barrett, said: "This monument dedicated to the Ghost Army is a permanent reminder of the courage and resilience of the American forces in pursuit of Luxembourg's freedom and peace in Europe in World War II. We who still remember have a duty to ensure that generations after us also know that freedom has come at a price and must not be taken for granted.”

In her remarks, Minister of Finance, Yuriko Backes, representing the Luxembourg government, said: "Nearly eight decades later, this marker, paired with the one in Bettembourg, will help raise awareness for the deeds, the courage, and above all, the unlimited imagination of the "Ghost Army.” Luxembourg recognizes the imperative of safeguarding and passing on the memory of World War 2. In collaboration with our patriotic associations and civil society, the government works ceaselessly to support and promote new initiatives, ensuring that history's lessons are not forgotten but imparted to future generations.”

"The men of the Ghost Army were not textbook heroes, yet they served with ingenuity, courage, and honor. They used creativity and illusion to save lives and shorten the war. That is why it is so important to remember them,” noted the President of the Ghost Army Legacy Project, Rick Beyer.

"Our association has mentioned this important episode in its publication from 2018 'De Lampertsbierg' and is convinced that the installation in situ of an illustrated marker commemorating the presence of the Ghost Army will reinforce the memory of the involvement of the U.S. military during WWII also among younger generations. We organize historic tours over Limpertsberg and the historical marker dedicated to the Ghost Army would of course be an essential stop,” said the secretary of Limpertsberg History Friends, David Dominguez Muller.

The monument is open to the public at 162a, avenue de la Faïencerie, L-1511 Luxembourg, outside the building that housed most of the Ghost Army unit between September 25 and December 22, 1944.

Background

The Ghost Army, officially known as the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, is known to have used inflatable tanks and artillery, sound effects, radio trickery and impersonation to fool German troops. The Ghost Army carried out 22 deception missions during WWII, more than one-third of them in Luxembourg.

Press release by the Ministry of Finance / U.S. Embassy Luxembourg / Limpertsberg History Friends / Ghost Army Legacy Project