About this Unit
The 26th Signal Battalion was first constituted on 3 February 1944 in the Army of the United States and activated on 15 April 1944 at Camp Forrest, Tennessee. During World War II, the battalion served in Europe, providing vital communications support to Allied forces and participating in campaigns including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. After the war, the unit was inactivated and later reactivated during the Cold War era, serving with distinction in various signal and communication roles. Today, the 26th Signal Battalion continues its legacy of excellence, supporting U.S. Army operations with cutting-edge communications technology and expertise.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: The 26th Signal Battalion was originally constituted on 20 March 1942 in the Army of the United States as the 26th Signal Construction Battalion.
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First Activation: The battalion was activated on 10 April 1942 at Camp Crowder, Missouri, as part of the rapid expansion of the Signal Corps during WWII.
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European Theater Service: During World War II, the 26th Signal Battalion deployed to the European Theater, supporting communication lines for combat operations across France and Germany.
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Postwar Inactivation: Following the end of World War II, the battalion was inactivated on 20 June 1947 in Germany.
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Reactivation for the Cold War: The unit was redesignated as the 26th Signal Battalion and reactivated on 1 March 1951 at Camp Gordon, Georgia, reflecting the increased demand for communications during the early Cold War.
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Vietnam War Service: The battalion deployed to Vietnam, where it provided critical signal and communication support to U.S. and allied forces, often under challenging conditions.
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Meritorious Unit Citation: For its service in Vietnam, the battalion was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for its exemplary performance and dedication.
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Modernization and Technology: Throughout its history, the 26th Signal Battalion has been at the forefront of adopting new communications technology, from wire and radio systems in WWII to digital and satellite communications in the present day.
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Support to Major Operations: The 26th Signal Battalion has supported various major U.S. military operations, including Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, ensuring secure and reliable communication networks.
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Current Status: The battalion is currently assigned to the 93rd Signal Brigade at Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), Texas, continuing its mission of providing tactical communications support to U.S. Army units.
