Episode 39 - Ghost Army + Lou Blonger

First Adam (he/him) tells us the incredible story of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, also known as the Ghost Army of World War II. Think of it as allied forces meets art school. In an effort to fool Nazi soldiers, American art students, creators and architects are asked to create a pretend army that can go anywhere, anytime, in an effort to stress out the German soldiers. Including balloon tanks, leaving tracks in the ground and speakers blaring the sounds of soldier life ambience.

Next Bec (they/them) tells us about Lou Blonger,  the kingpin of the million dollar bunco ring of the Wild West. Lou grew from his family business in mine's to founding his own gold mine, starting a saloon, and obtaining the top spot in the Denver underworld. For 20-odd years no one so much as sneezed or picked a pocket in Denver without Lou and the Blonger Brother's knowing about it. He re-structured the entire criminal system to conveniently have him at the top.

Adam's Sources:

• The Ghost Army of World War II Used Art to Deceive the Nazis | History| Smithsonian Magazine
• Ghost Army: The Combat Con Artists of World War II | The National WWII Museum | New Orleans
• The Top-Secret WWII Unit That Fooled the Nazis | HISTORY
• A phantom division played a role in Germany's defeat (image of original 1985 article, with original art by Ghost Army veteran Arthur Shilstone) 
• (Watch) Ghost Army Gold Medal Celebration of Bernie Bluestein 
• The Ghost Army Legacy Project
• (Watch) "The Ghost Army" trailer 
• The Ghost Army (the book and the documentary film) 

Bec's Sources:

• https://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-blonger/
• https://original.newsbreak.com/@rick-zand-1602355/2933864897868-lou-blonger-and-denver-s-million-dollar-bunco-ring
• Wiki

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