AMNA NAWAZ: And finally tonight: Some 1,100 World War II soldiers who served in the so-called Ghost Army received long-overdue recognition today at the U.S. Capitol.

During the war, they belonged to units that specialized in trickery to outwit the Germans.

Their methods included inflatable tanks, sound effects and phony radio transmissions.

All told, they carried out 20 highly secret operations.

Today, three of the seven known surviving members accepted the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress' highest honor, on behalf of their comrades.

REP. HAKEEM JEFFRIES (D-NY): We salute the ingenuity of their spirit, creative brilliance and the bravery they displayed in risking their lives to confuse and deceive the Nazis on the battlefield.

REP. MIKE JOHNSON (R-LA): They gave their talents and their lives to defeat the Nazis and preserve freedom around the world.

And, for that, we are forever grateful.

AMNA NAWAZ: The U.S. Army estimates that the Ghost Army's work saved the lives of up to 30,000 American servicemen.