As Gen. George Patton set out to relieve Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, he received vital assistance from a top-secret deception unit.  It wasn’t the first time they came to his aid. Officially known as the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, this handpicked group of GIs used inflatable tanks, sound effects, radio trickery and other forms of illusion to fool the Germans about the strength and location of American units. From Normandy to the Rhine, they carried out 22 different battlefield deceptions, working with Patton at several key junctures.

Seventy-five years later, author and documentary filmmaker Rick Beyer presents this incredible tale of creativity being used to save lives with an engaging presentation that includes photos, maps, video clips other material.

Rick Beyer Bio

Rick Beyer is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, a New York Times best-selling author, and a long-time history enthusiast. He produced the acclaimed PBS documentary The Ghost Army, and is the co-author (with Elizabeth Sayles) of The Ghost Army of World War II. Beyer has made documentaries for The History Channel, National Geographic, the Smithsonian and others. He also wrote the popular Greatest Stories Never Told book series. He has spoken to audiences around the country and shared his unique take on history on CBS, NBC, NPR and Fox News.

A cash bar will be available along with a small selection of food. Coffee is complimentary.

This event is part of the First Division Museum’s popular series, A Date with History. The monthly programs feature an evening of lively discussion with authors, panelists, historians, and special speakers.