Though it sounds more like a film plot than the real thing, the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops was a significant force composed of artists, actors, and sound technicians who specialised in illusion: 1,000 men were practised in all the skills required to give the impression that they were as many as 30,000 – and heavily armed. Until recently, all information about these operations has remained secret, while the brave soldiers who saved many lives during the war were denied the medals – even the Purple Heart – which they had earned for the sake of preserving this great military campaign.