About this Unit
The 41st Signal Battalion was first constituted on 3 February 1942 in the United States Army and activated at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. During World War II, the battalion provided vital communications support in the Pacific Theater, including operations in New Guinea and Luzon. After the war, the unit was inactivated but later reactivated to serve in the Korean War, where it played a critical role in maintaining battlefield communications. Today, the 41st Signal Battalion is stationed in South Korea, continuing its mission to provide reliable and secure communications support for United States Forces Korea.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 41st Signal Battalion was constituted on 18 October 1927 in the Regular Army and activated on 1 June 1941 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in preparation for the United States’ entry into World War II.
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Service in the Pacific Theater: During World War II, the battalion served in the Pacific Theater, providing critical communications support in campaigns such as New Guinea, Leyte, and Luzon, earning several battle streamers.
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Post-WWII Presence in Japan: After the war, the 41st Signal Battalion was stationed in Japan during the post-war occupation period, playing a key role in maintaining communications for U.S. forces.
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Korean War Valor: The battalion was reactivated in Japan in August 1950 and deployed to Korea, where it supported Eighth U.S. Army operations throughout the Korean War, earning a Meritorious Unit Commendation and campaign streamers.
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Continuous Presence in Korea: Since the armistice in 1953, the 41st Signal Battalion has maintained a continuous presence in Korea, supporting U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) and the United Nations Command.
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“First to Communicate” Motto: The battalion’s motto, “First to Communicate,” reflects its mission to establish and maintain communications under all conditions, often being among the first units to deploy.
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Technological Pioneers: Over the decades, the 41st Signal Battalion has been at the forefront of Army communications technology, from field telephones and radios to state-of-the-art digital and satellite systems.
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Organizational Changes: The battalion’s structure and assignments have shifted over time, including periods as part of the 1st Signal Brigade and direct support to various commands within USFK.
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Symbolism in Unit Crest: The unit’s distinctive insignia features a torch, symbolizing knowledge and communication, and lightning bolts representing the speed of signal transmission.
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Community Engagement: Beyond its operational role, the 41st Signal Battalion actively participates in community outreach and partnership programs with local Korean communities, fostering U.S.-ROK relations.
