World War II's ghost army

During WWII, the Army's 603rd Company had a unique mission: to deceive German troops into thinking allied troops were in one location, while real troops advanced miles away.

To this day, little is known about the artist-warriors who made up the unit, but filmmaker Rick Beyer hopes to change that with a new documentary called "Ghost Army."

The unit, made up of a thousand artists, designers and audio technicians, accomplished this goal by creating a realistic army of decoys, such as this inflatable tank.

The unit became known as "The Ghost Army," and their existence remained classified for more than 50 years after the war.

Masey_in_Basic_Training_Ft._Meade_1943.jpg — Rick Beyer/Ghost Army

Jack Masey, now 88, was a 19-year-old aspiring artist when he was drafted into the special unit.

Jack Masey went on to become a backdrop designer for the State Department. He created the kitchen where Nixon and Khruschev held their famous debate.

Inflatable tanks, like this one, were combined with sound effects to create the illusion of a real combat troop.

Some members of "The Ghost Army" went on to have successful careers in the arts, such as clothing designer Bill Blass.

Speakers mounted on Army jeeps broadcast phony troop movements.

The 500-pound speakers played a collection of sound effects carefully designed to fool enemy troops.

A 93-pound inflatable tank, of the kind used by The Ghost Army.