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History of 123rd Signal Battalion

The 123rd Signal Battalion was constituted in the United States Army in 1917 and has a distinguished history of providing communications support to military operations. Initially activated during World War I, the unit supported battlefield communications, a vital role it continued in World War II, notably supporting the 3rd Infantry Division during campaigns in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany. The battalion was later reactivated during the Cold War and served through multiple deployments, including peacekeeping missions and operations in the Balkans. The 123rd Signal Battalion was inactivated in the early 2000s as part of Army force restructuring, but its legacy of technological innovation and steadfast support endures.

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ABOUT 123rd Signal Battalion

  • Origins in World War I: The 123rd Signal Battalion traces its lineage to signal companies formed during World War I, supporting communications for the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division.
  • Assigned to 3rd Infantry Division: The battalion has long served as the organic signal unit of the 3rd Infantry Division, one of the Army's most storied divisions.
  • Normandy Invasion: Members of the 123rd Signal Battalion landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944, providing vital communications for advancing forces.
  • Red Ball Express: During World War II, the battalion supported the famous "Red Ball Express" logistics operation, ensuring smooth communication lines for supply convoys across France.
  • Korean War Service: The unit saw action in the Korean War, supporting the 3rd Infantry Division in major battles and ensuring effective command and control.
  • Cold War in Europe: Stationed in Germany during the Cold War, the 123rd Signal Battalion played a key role in NATO communications and readiness.
  • Digital Transition: In the 1980s and 1990s, the battalion was among the first Army units to transition from analog to digital communications technology.
  • Bosnia and Kosovo Deployments: The 123rd Signal Battalion deployed to the Balkans in the 1990s, supporting peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Kosovo.
  • Operation Iraqi Freedom: The battalion provided critical communications during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, ensuring real-time coordination for the 3rd Infantry Division’s rapid advance.
  • Deactivation: After nearly a century of service, the 123rd Signal Battalion was inactivated in 2004 as part of Army transformation, but its legacy continues in the history of Army communications.

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