100-year-old WWII 'Ghost Soldier' gets birthday celebration at VA clinic
A lot can happen in 100 years; just ask Bernard "Bernie" Bluestein.
The Hoffman Estates resident is a retired industrial designer, college student for 34 years, part of a top-secret World War II unit, Congressional Gold Medal recipient and now a century old.
So, when Bernie's doctor scheduled an Aug. 11 appointment, the Friday before his 100th birthday, he knew it wouldn't be a regular checkup at the Hoffman Estates VA Clinic.
"I'm overwhelmed," Bernie joked while his family and clinic staff sang happy birthday and waited to hear his story 100 years in the making.
Bernie was a 19-year-old art student in Cleveland when he saw a posting that would change his life forever.
"On the bulletin board, I saw a notification that the Army was looking for young artists for a new outfit that they were forming, that was a camouflage outfit," Bernie remembered. "They didn't say much about it."
In 1943, Bernie became one of approximately 1,100 artists recruited throughout the country with one mission, deceive Nazi forces. The unit, known unofficially as "the Ghost Army," created elaborate illusions using replica inflatable military equipment, fake radio messages, sound effects and other deception techniques.
"All kinds of guns and tanks. It was neat. It folded up into a little package about this big," Bernie described while holding his arms out slightly past shoulder width. "We took them out of the cases, and we had air compressors and would blow them up like a bicycle tire."
After the war, Bernie settled in the Chicago area and became an industrial designer, but he remained silent about the ghost army until it was declassified in 1996.
"He kept that secret for over 50 years," said son Keith Bluestein, who attended the clinic party. "All he would say is that he did camouflage."
Bernie continued art throughout his life. Since 1989, he's attended art classes at Harper College, which Bernie credited with staying healthy.
"I like challenges," he said. "And it gave me the desire to get up every morning and do something. Go to school and create something."
"Bernie is a kind, genuine, and very inspiring individual. Even with the recognition he receives, he remains humble," said Genevieve Natividad, clinic nurse manager. "That type of humility is exhibited in how he acts and how he talks."
On Feb. 1, 2022, Bernie and the less than 10 remaining Ghost Soldiers were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of approximately 170 gold medals in American history. President Joseph Biden is expected to present the awards at the White House this November.
"It's an amazing accomplishment," said Keith. "He's been through a lot of obstacles in his life and has managed to overcome them."
The clinic, part of Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital near Maywood, hopes to celebrate Bernie's 101st birthday next year.