About this Unit
The 125th Signal Battalion was constituted in the U.S. Army on 3 February 1942 and activated on 1 March 1942 at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. Throughout World War II, the battalion provided vital communications support to the 25th Infantry Division during campaigns in the Pacific Theater, including Guadalcanal, Northern Solomons, and Luzon. After World War II, the unit was inactivated and reactivated several times, serving notably during the Vietnam War and later in peacekeeping and training missions. The 125th Signal Battalion was inactivated in Hawaii in 2005 as part of Army modular transformation efforts.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 125th Signal Battalion was originally constituted as the 3rd Signal Company, 25th Infantry Division, on 26 August 1941 and activated on 1 October 1941 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
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Pearl Harbor Survivor: The unit was present at Schofield Barracks during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, making it a participant in the opening moments of World War II for the United States.
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Pacific Campaigns: The 125th Signal Battalion provided crucial communications support during the Guadalcanal, Northern Solomons, and Luzon campaigns, earning multiple campaign streamers.
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Korean War Service: The battalion served throughout the Korean War with the 25th Infantry Division, supporting major operations and earning the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
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Vietnam War Involvement: The unit deployed to Vietnam and operated there from 1966 to 1971, supporting division operations and earning the Meritorious Unit Commendation and several campaign streamers.
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Modernization Leader: During the 1980s and 1990s, the 125th Signal Battalion was among the first to field and test new tactical communications systems, including mobile subscriber equipment (MSE).
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Humanitarian Missions: The battalion supported humanitarian and peacekeeping operations in the Pacific region, including relief efforts in the Philippines and South Pacific.
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Distinctive Insignia: The battalion’s distinctive unit insignia features a torch and lightning bolt, symbolizing knowledge, readiness, and the speed of military communications.
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Deactivation and Legacy: The 125th Signal Battalion was inactivated on 5 June 2005 as part of Army transformation, but its lineage and honors remain a proud part of the 25th Infantry Division’s history.
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Motto: The battalion's motto was "Voice of the Tropic Lightning," reflecting its mission to provide communications for the 25th Infantry Division, known as the "Tropic Lightning" Division.
