cover image Secret Soldiers: The Story of World War II's Heroic Army of Deception

Secret Soldiers: The Story of World War II's Heroic Army of Deception

Philip Gerard. Dutton Books, $25.95 (400pp) ISBN 978-0-525-94664-9

Although it includes some U.S. Navy deception activities carried out by the late actor Douglas Fairbanks Jr., among others, novelist Philip Gerard's Secret Soldiers: The Story of World War II's Heroic Army of Deception concentrates on the WWII activities of the Army's 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, whose activities were kept secret for many years. The 23rd used sound effects, camouflage and radio to mislead the Germans about Allied plans and conceal Allied troop movements during the liberation of France and the invasion of Germany in 1944 1945. Their story is told here through veteran recollections, memoirs and published works, and includes anecdotes of army life and combat. (June)