Behind the photo: WWII vet still passionate about art

Bernard Bluestein’s apartment looks like an art studio. The walls are covered with his drawings and paintings, and many of his sculptures stand tall next to the furniture.

The 100-year-old Hoffman Estates veteran is very passionate about his art. He makes frequent trips to Harper College in Palatine to work on sculptures and is quick to show guests photos on his iPad of current projects. Bluestein wears a contagious smile as he talks about his work. I framed this photo to draw attention to his work. Then I waited for the reporter to ask the right question that triggered a smile.

In his youth, Bluestein attended Cleveland School of Art, where he took interest in the Army’s WW II camouflage company, a non-fighting position. It was later called Ghost Army. Their mission was to deceive the Germans using inflatable tanks, jeeps, artillery and sound trickery. His artistic talent wasn’t wasted, as his team created fake patches, signs and vehicle stencils.

The success of the Ghost Army was a secret for more than 50 years. Bluestein and six other survivors of the 1,100-member 23rd Headquarters Special Troops will receive a Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony in Washington, D.C on March 21. It’s a long overdue acknowledgment as the group is credited with saving around 30,000 American lives during the war in Europe.