Military Signal Patches History2

Information extracted from the book "US ARMY PATCHES"  by Barry Jason Stein

USED BY PERMISSION

The color blue refers to the unit's capability to support the combat mission.  The yellow flashes are an allusion to the basic communication mission of the organization and, along with the globe, denote the worldwide scope of the unit's mission.  They also indicate the unit's affiliation with the United States Army Communications Command.

Campaigns:  World War II (Rhineland, Central Europe), Vietnam (Counteroffensive Phases II/III/IV/V/VI/VII, Tet and Tet/69 Counter - offensives, Summer-Fall 1969, Winter-Spring 1970, Sanctuary Counter- offensive, Consolidation I and II, Cease-Fire).

Decorations:  Meritorious Unit Commendation -- Army (streamer embroidered European Theater).

The torch, adapted from that of the Statue of Liberty, reflects the most fundamental type of signal communications as well as the unit's home location.  The three flashes symbolize speed, electronic technology, and accuracy.  The juxtaposition of the two elements is expressive of the proud traditions and present capabilities of the brigade.

Campaigns:  Civil War (Bull Run, Manassas, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Virginia 1861/ 1862/1863, World War I, World War II (Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, Central Europe).

Blue and white are colors associated with the infantry and the South Carolina Army National Guard and refer to the unit's heritage and war experience.  The bayonet suggests the unit's long military history that began in 1907 when they were an infantry unit.  The white crescent is taken from the flag of the unit's home state.  The lightning flashes allude to the unit's mission and motto, which is "Strength in Electronics."

Campaigns:  World War I (Somme Offensive, Ypres-Lys, Flanders 1918), World War II (Northern France, Rhineland).

Re-designated:  261st Strategic Communications Command -- United States Army.  Worn from:  19 January 1972 - 18 February 1975.

Re-designated:  261st  Signal Command.  Worn from:  18 February 1975 - Current.

The lozenge and the colors colonial blue and buff were suggested by the flag of the state of Delaware, the unit's home area.  The single star alludes to Delaware as the first state to sign the Constitution and is also used to indicate the capital city of Dover, the unit's present location.  The pattern formed by the conjoined lozenges is indicative of precise planning  and represents the unit's capabilities.  The white and orange zigzag simulates electric flashes and refers to the technology of a communications system and the unit's mission.

Re-designated:  335th Signal Command.  Worn from:  16 April 1986 - Current.

Dark blue signifies the atmosphere, and the flashes and globe are symbolic of the unit's worldwide communication capability.

The flash symbolizes the unit's mission and connotes speed and accuracy.  The blue globe signifies the unit's worldwide capabilities.

Campaigns:  World War II (American theater).

Decorations:  Meritorious Unit Commendation -- Army (streamer embroidered American Theater).

The dagger of defense is supported by the strength of the saltire that is formed from the crossed lightning bolts.  The lightning bolts symbolize communications and electronics.  The blue arrows show the flow of information, key to total preparedness; black and white are for night and day operations.

The lightning flashes symbolize electronics and speed; they converge to indicate accuracy and on-the-spot response.  They also form two blue arrows, alluding to the receipt and processing of information and com- munications.  The grid-lined sphere reflects the worldwide impact of the unit's capabilities and mission; black and white indicate day and night operations.  The blue represents the Pacific, the organization's theater of operations, and Mount Fuji denotes the unit's home location.

Re-designated:  516th Signal Brigade.  Worn from:  16 October 1992 - Current.

Black represents strength, solidity, and twenty-four hour military preparedness.  The crossed lightning flashes are indicative of communications and electronics; they are crossed to symbolize strength.  The flashes form two arrowheads pointing inward, suggesting the processing of signal communications.  The spear reflects the unit's aggressiveness, heritage, and home location of Hawaii.

The dark blue is adapted from our national colors and symbolize loyalty and devotion.  Gold is emblematic of excellence.  Combat readiness is highlighted by the weapon; its hilt as a polestar represents the four directions of the compass and reflects the coast-to-coast functions and mission of this organization.  The electronic flashes and orange stylized arrow represent current communications technologies and the unit's use of them to fulfill its mission -- to provide and restore vital communica - tions for the defense of the continental United States in times of emergency and national crisis.

Black represents strength, solidity, and determination.  Black and white allude to day and night preparedness and operations.  The globe indicates the worldwide impact of the unit's mission.  The two flashes converging at center with a horizontal bar suggest a fulcrum or balance scale, denoting measurement and evaluation.  The arrow formed by the two flashes symbolizes the input, testing, and integration of new communications and information systems.

Re-designated:  106th Signal Brigade.  Worn from:  24 March 1992 - Current.

The two blue arcs simulate the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the Isthmus of Panama, referring to the unit's location and far-reaching mission and capabilities.  The swords are crossed to indicate strength and support, with the blades in the form of lightning flashes to symbolize electronics and speed that underscores the vital part of communications in military preparedness.

Campaigns:  Armed Forces Expeditions (Panama).

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