The 504th Military Intelligence Brigade was originally formed as the 137th Signal Radio Intelligence Company, Aviation, a heritage reflected with the incorporation of wings in the Combat Service ID Badge, Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, and Distinctive Unit Insignia indicating “lofty observation.” It was reorganized and redesignated as the 137th Signal Radio Intelligence Company in February 1944, and it was under this designation that it would earn a Meritorious Unit Commendation while serving in three campaigns in the European Theater: Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Following the war, the unit was inactivated on 12 December 1945.
It was activated again on 15 November 1948 as the 406th Mobile Radio Broadcasting Company, and over the next several decades it would be redesignated and sometimes also reorganized under a variety of designations, including the 504th Communication Reconnaissance Group, 504th Army Security Agency Group, and in 1978 as the Headquarters and Operations Company, 504th Military Intelligence Group. It would finally be designated a Brigade 16 September 1985.
Today, the 504th Military Intelligence Brigade proudly serves in adherence to its motto SEMPER PRAEPAERATUS (Latin for “Always Prepared”) in support of III Corps and any the Task Force to which it might be assigned. It is based at Fort Cavazos, Texas, previously designated as Fort Hood.
Related Items
504th Military Intelligence Brigade Patch (SSI)
504th Military Intelligence Brigade Unit Crest (DUI)