The US Signal Corps was integral to the Union’s Civil War victory by facilitating communication between commanders and troops. The Corps used a system of flags, flares, and torches to transmit messages, and relied on telegraph for more long-distance communication.  Due to their enlistment numbers relative to the rest of the Army, their specific GAR items are increasingly difficult to find and collect.

This badge features a yellow ribbon with brass telescope pin bar and striking brass medallion.  The ribbon is plain and not frayed. The medallion has a crossed signal flag and torch motif backed by blue. Border text reads “U.S. SIGNAL CORPS ASSOCIATION/ 1861 – 1865”.  The reverse has a piece of adhesive tape with a note written in red ink reading “EJ Williams(on)/Green Co. Ohio” (the section with the “on” is missing).  Records match an Ohio Signal Corps serviceman named Edward J. Williamson, who enlisted on August 18, 1862 at 19 years old and mustered into the 110^th Ohio Infantry.  The 110^th was part of the resistance at Winchester against the advance of Ewell’s Corps up the Shenandoah toward Gettysburg, assigned to New York City during the draft riots, and continued service with the Army of the Potomac from the Bristoe Campaign to Petersburg.  Records show Edward mustered out of the 110^th as a transfer on April 1^st, 1864 and finished the war with the U.S. Signal Corps.  Digital records from the State of Ohio list him as a resident of Greene County before and after the Civil War.

A rare Signal Corps veteran item – a veritable necessity for the Grand Army of the Republic and/or Civil War collector. 
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