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Call Sign "Lucky"
The concept of call signs dates back to the use of the telegraph in the nineteenth century. Short identifiers were adopted to distinguish between specific railroad stations and operators as they communicated over a single line. This practice was inherited into radio and later wireless communication practices.
In military culture, call signs are used to identify subunits and leaders. These were adopted to shorten and encode transmissions, making it more difficult for adversaries to intercept valuable intelligence during wartime. Today, Army leaders often use their call sign in their closing remarks - identifying themselves and displaying pride for their command.
Where did U.S. Army Central get the call sign “Lucky”? General George S. Patton chose it. While other headquarters in theater at the time selected more heady designations, such as “Liberty," “Eagle,” or “Master,” General Patton picked “Lucky” - epitomizing both the victorious career and the jovial character of his newest and largest command.
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