143 SIGNAL ARMORED COMPANY
As a company, the 143 Armored Company occupies the unique position of providing communications for the entire 3rd Armored Division. The history of the 143rd is brief. It was started as the 46th Signal Company (Armored) on April 15th, 1941, and the cadre was formed from the 48th Signal Company (Armored) of the 2nd Armored Division at Fort Benning, GA.
The commander of the cadre, Captain B. R. Adams Jr., and 92 men went to Camp Beauregard on April 15th and stayed there until June 11th. Then, by section they removed for the new quarters at Camp Polk. The following week saw the entire company on the post and awaiting the arrival of draftees.
The officers who accompanied Capt Adams were: 1st. Lieutenants: J. S. Gruel, E. W. McDermott, and G. L. Weston; 2nd Lieutenants: G. V. Bussey, J. L. Wilson.
Subsequent changes in officer personnel were: the promotion of Lieut. J. S. Gruel to the rank of Captain on May 22; the promotion of 2nd Lt. Bussey to 1st. Lt.; the assignment of Lieut. G. S. Bussey on detached service on Aug. 16; and the attachment of 2nd Lieut. W. R. Wily to this company on August 1.
Major Lee R. Williams assumed command of the company from August18 to Sept. 10, while Capt. Adams took over Radio Operations. Major Williams was transferred to the 5th Armored Division, temporarily, on Sept. 10th, and Capt. Adams again resumed command of the company.
One of the big changes occurring during this period was the change of the company name from the 46th Signal Company (Armored), to the 143rd Signal Armored Company.
On Sept. 5, a cadre was formed for the purpose of helping organize the 6th Armored Division, and left for Ft. Knox, KY., commanded by Capt. J. S. Gruel.
At present the officer complement is:
Capt. B. R. Adams Jr., Commanding officer and radio operations
1st. Lieutenant E. M. McDermott, Message Center and Supply Officer
2nd Lieutenant J. L. Wilson Radio Maintenance, Wire, Morale and Recreation Officer
2nd Lieutenant W. R. Wily Motor Maintenance
Transcribed from an undated document provided by Dan Peterson. I've tried to recreate the original typewriter look of the document.