The first Signal Construction Battalion was activated on 23 May 1941, a Camp Bowie, Texas, and designated the 27th Signal Construction Battalion on 5 December of the same year. On 23 July 1942 the Battalion, having completed training, was moved to Mansfield, Louisiana for participation in maneuvers. For the duration of the maneuvers it was attached to Third Army. The Battalion returned to Camp Bowie on 2 December 1942 and soon began preparations for an overseas movement. The unit departed Camp Bowie on 17 February 1943 found for Fort Dix New Jersey. Shortly thereafter the unit moved to the New York Port of Embarkation and steamed Eastward aboard the S.S. Montery on 5 March 1943. The Battalion was landed at Casablanca North Africa on 18 March 1943. The unit was assigned to the Atlantic Base Section until 13 April 1943 when it moved to Constantine Algeria and was assigned to the Eastern Base Section. During the period of it?s assignment to the Atlantic Base Station the Battalion was assigned to II Corps, first commanded by Major General George S. Patton Jr. and later by Major General Omar N. Bradley. The Battalion did not participate in the Sicilian Campaign and did not enter the invasion of Italy until 28 May 1944 and for the year following the Battalion was engaged in routine work involving the reconstruction of damaged communication facilities and the construction of new facilities for military purposes. During this period the Battalion was also reorganized under T/O&E 11-65, dated 25 April 1944, and became the 27th Signal Heavy Construction Battalion. Companies A and B were reorganized under T/O&E 11-67 dated 13 January 1944 and the reorganization became effective on 15 June 1944. The Battalion was regrouped at Bizenrte Tunnsa during the spring of 1944 and on 26 May departed that port for Frattamaggiorne Italy., arriving on 28 May 1944. From then until 2 September 1944 the Battalion participated in the Rome-Arno Campaign and was awarded approp