The 12th Signal Group began its service life as the 935th Signal Battalion, Separate, Tactical Air Command, constituted on 1 March 1945 in the Army of the United States and activated April 1, 1945. It received credit for two campaigns in Italy, North Apennines and Po Valley, as well as a Meritorious Unit Commendation from the 12th Air Force for its actions in Northern Italy. Disbanded on 24 December 1945, the unit was dormant for eighteen years until its Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment (HHD) was redesignated as HHD, 12th Signal Group, on 1 September 1963 and allotted to the Regular Army; it was activated three weeks later in Germany.
Inactivated again in December 1966, it would be revived through activation again on 1 July 1969 in Vietnam, where it took part in six campaigns before returning stateside for inactivation at Fort Lewis, Washington on 27 February 1972. It was activated again on 1 July 1974 in Germany, but its final inactivation was just one year away on 1 July 1975.
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Also known as a unit crest or DUI, a Distinctive Unit Insignia is worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
The 12th Signal Group Distinctive Unit Insignia features scarlet electrical splices that signify a complete electrical circuit and suggest a high degree of electrical usage. Two stars on a lightning flash are for the campaigns in Italy during World War II; the color red in the insignia refers to the Meritorious Unit Commendation it was awarded. The lightning flash itself suggests the activity of the Group, while three red cables over gold allude to Vietnam and the area where the Group served. "Loud And Clear," the unit motto, is concise testament to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Group in its support role.
Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia" and 21–3(d) and (e),
"Beret" and
"Garrison Cap," respectively.