Kuster Discusses 'Ghost Army' Legislation

Last night, U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster honored Keene native Irving “Mickey” McKane and discussed her legislation to award the members of his covert World War II unit with a Congressional Gold Medal during a screening of the PBS documentary The Ghost Army at the Historical Society of Cheshire County in Keene, according to a press statement.

Kuster introduced the legislation this spring to award members of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, known as the “Ghost Army,” for their courage and ingenuity during key battles of World War II.

“The members of this extraordinary unit exhibited incredible valor and creativity that helped secure some of the most critical Allied victories of World War II, including the Battle of the Bulge and the crossing of the Rhine River,” she stated. “It is my privilege to help honor these courageous men, including Mickey McKane of Keene, for their service by introducing this legislation to award them a Congressional Gold Medal. Thank you to all the audience members from across the Monadnock region for joining me at last night’s film and discussion, which helped bring this amazing story to life.”

Following the film, Kuster was joined by Rick Beyer, who directed and produced The Ghost Army, for a Q&A with the audience. Kuster currently serves on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and she was recently selected by her colleagues to serve as Ranking Member of the Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation. The daughter of a WWII veteran, Congresswoman Kuster has long advocated for the needs of New Hampshire veterans, and she frequently hosts roundtables, forums, and job fairs for Granite State veterans.