The 98th Signal Battalion was constituted on 3 November 1941 and activated the following June 15th at Camp Crowder, Missouri. Deployed to the Pacific Theater during World War II, the Battalion would earn credit for participation in four campaigns, as well as a Meritorious Unit Commendation. Inactivated while still in Japan on 31 May 1946, the Battalion as redesignated on 12 January 1948 as the 98th Signal Operations Battalion and simultaneously withdrawn from the Regular Army and allotted to the Organized Reserves (designated as the Army Reserve after 1952).
In March 1956, the Battalion was redesignated as the 98th Signal Battalion and activated the following May 24th. It was relocated to Montclair, New Jersey in February 1957 and then inactivated there on 1 June 1959. Nearly nine years later, the unit was redesignated as HHD, 98th Signal Battalion on 31 January 1968 and transferred to Webster, New York, where it would serve until inactivated yet again on 17 June 1990. Eighteen years later, the Battalion was activated with its Headquarters shifted to Mesa, Arizona and its organic elements concurrently constituted and activated.
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The 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 98th Signal Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia (AKA “unit crest” or “DUI”) was originally approved on 6 January 1969 and was amended to update the description and symbolism on 16 October 2007. The sea lion in the middle and the eight rays of the sun that form the perimeter of the insignia are associated with the seal of the president of the Philippines and the Presidential Unit Citation the unit was awarded; it also commemorates the four campaigns the Battalion took part in during World War II. The torch held by the sea lion is emblematic of knowledge, while the annulet symbolizes unity and the lightning flashes denote speed. The blue disc stands for Lake Ontario, near the Battalion’s former location in Webster, New York.
“Knowledge Unity Speed,” the unit motto,” highlights three characteristics of successful Signal operations that must be achieved for them to deliver their full potential (Knowledge that is transferred too slowly loses its value, for instance.).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.