Congressman Krishnamoorthi Introduces Bill to Rename Palatine Post Office in Honor of Local Ghost Army Veteran Bernie Bluestein

PALATINE, IL — Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) introduced legislation to rename the United States Post Office at 1300 East Northwest Highway in Palatine as the “Bernie Bluestein Post Office Building,” honoring Bernard “Bernie” Bluestein, a 102-year-old northwest suburban resident and one of the last surviving members of the U.S. Army’s famed Ghost Army.

“Bernie Bluestein answered his country’s call by serving with the Ghost Army, whose creativity, courage, and ingenious deception tactics helped defeat the Nazis, save thousands of lives, and restore freedom and democracy to Europe,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “For decades, Bernie’s valor remained classified, but today his extraordinary service finally receives the recognition it deserves, including right here in our community at Harper College. Soon, the Palatine Post Office will proudly bear his name, a fitting, permanent tribute to a humble hero who embodies the spirit of the Greatest Generation and the very best of Illinois.”

“As the forces of fascism and tyranny menaced the world, brave men and women across America stepped up to protect freedom and democracy,” Senator Dick Durbin said. “Bernie Bluestein was one of those courageous soldiers.  His service as part of the ‘ghost army’ was crucial to the Allies’ victory on D-Day and in bringing World War II to an end. Renaming the Palatine post office after Mr. Bluestein is an honor he well deserves.”

Bluestein served as a Private First Class in the 603rd Engineer Camouflage Battalion (23rd Headquarters Special Troops)—the Ghost Army—a top-secret World War II unit that used inflatable tanks, sonic deception, fake insignia, and other tactics to mislead enemy forces and protect American troops. In March 2024, he and fellow Ghost Army veterans received the Congressional Gold Medal for their bravery and ingenuity.

After the war, Bluestein built a distinguished career as an industrial designer for leading firms and became a pillar of the local arts community. For 35 years he has taken courses at Harper College in Palatine, where the sculpture studio now bears his name, inspiring students through sculpture, printmaking, and mentorship. He and his late wife, Marcella, raised their family in the northwest suburbs, with deep ties to Des Plaines, Schaumburg, and Palatine.

The bill has the support of the full Illinois congressional delegation, as well as Bluestein’s family and the Harper College community. Upon enactment, the U.S. Postal Service will implement the official renaming at the Palatine facility and update federal references accordingly.