HHC 10th Mountain Signal Bn

• Origins in World War II: The 10th Mountain Division, including its signal elements, was activated in 1943 at Camp Hale, Colorado, to train for mountain and winter warfare. • Crucial Communications Role: The Signal Battalion, with its Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), was responsible for maintaining vital communications during the division’s combat operations in the rugged Apennine Mountains of Italy during WWII. • Supporting the Riva Ridge Assault: Signal soldiers enabled the famous nighttime ascent and attack on Riva Ridge by providing field telephone lines and radio support under enemy fire in 1945. • Cold Weather Innovation: The unit developed cold-weather communications techniques, including special insulated wiring and unique antenna setups, to overcome the harsh mountain conditions. • Post-War Deactivation and Reactivation: After WWII, the division and its Signal Battalion were inactivated, but were reactivated several times, most notably at Fort Drum, New York, in 1985. • Modernization: The HHC 10th Mountain Signal Battalion has consistently been at the forefront of adopting new communications technologies, from analog radios to digital satellite systems. • Deployments: Members of the unit have deployed in support of numerous operations, including Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, and multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. • Disaster Relief: The unit has assisted in domestic disaster relief, notably after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, providing emergency communications for rescue operations. • Division’s Nerve Center: HHC is often referred to as the “nerve center” of the 10th Mountain Division, coordinating signal support, logistics, and administrative functions for the battalion. • Heritage and Honors: The battalion and its HHC have received multiple unit commendations and campaign streamers for their distinguished service in both combat and peacetime missions.