The long-awaited ceremony to present the Congressional Gold Medal to the Ghost Army veterans, the secret WWII units that used creative deception to fool the enemy, will take place at the U.S. Capitol on March 21, 2024.

House Speaker Mike Johnson will host the special event, along with House and Senate leaders and sponsors of the legislation passed in 2022 authorizing the award. The Gold Medal is Congress's highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements by individuals or institutions.

There are only seven surviving members of the Ghost Army, now aged 100. Three are expected to attend the ceremony, along with the families of many other Ghost Army veterans. Jim Steg’s widow, Frances Swigart-Steg, will travel to Washington D.C. for the ceremony. Jim, who would have been 101, will be with us in spirit.