4th Infantry Division – Campaigns & Decorations

Their motto is Steadfast and Loyal and when we examine the 4^th Infantry Division’s history, it is evident that they live up to this motto.

The nickname used by the 4^th Infantry Division is Ivy Division. You may wonder why Ivy. The Roman Numerals for four is IV, hence Ivy.

The 4^th Infantry Division has played a major role in the United States Army since it was formed in 1917 at Camp Greene, North Carolina.

I want to show you just how important this division was and is. I am doing so by first going through all the campaigns the 4^th Infantry Division has participated in and decorations received.

World War I

The first campaign the 4^th Infantry Division entered was the Aisne/Marne region of France. This essentially prepared the division for the more difficult tasks to follow.

St. Mihiel

The Germans had captured St. Mihiel and General John Pershing and the AEF determined the Germans must be eradicated from the area. The 4^th Infantry Division was tasked to sweep Northwest while other divisions came from other sides. The Germans were trapped and it was a victory.

Meuse/Argonne

This was probably the last huge battle during World War I. The 4^th Infantry Division was assigned to III Corps. This offensive was in 2 parts and was extremely deadly. But it ended the war.

2 other campaigns the 4^th get credit for during all this were:

1. Champagne
2. Lorraine

World War I Medal of Honor

When looking over the courage of soldiers during WW I, the 4^th Infantry Division had Sergeant William Shemin who risked all and jumped out in open to kill many Germans. President Obama presented the Medal of Honor to his daughter in 2015.

World War II

In 1940, the 4^th Infantry Division was reactivated at Fort Benning, Georgia. They were at

first

made a motor division but after the U.S. entered World War II, they were redefined as an infantry division.

In January of 1944, the 4^th Infantry Division sailed to England.

Normandy

The 4^th Infantry Division took part in the Normandy Invasion. They landed at Utah Beach. The 4^th was a major part of the liberation of Paris.

Other Campaigns During WW II

The 4^th Infantry Division participated in many battles and conflicts all throughout WW II. Some of the primary campaigns were:

• Northern France
• Rhineland
• Ardennes/Alsace
• and Central Europe

World War II Medals of Honor

A total of 5 of these were awarded to 4^th Infantry soldiers for actions in World War II. You can click the link to learn about each.

1. Staff Sergeant Marcario Garcia
2. Private Pedro Cano
3. Major General George Mabry Jr.
4. Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr.
5. and First Lieutenant Bernard Ray

Vietnam

The 4^th Infantry Division was deployed to Vietnam essentially from start to finish. I could write a complete book on the campaigns they were involved in there. I will just list them here.

• Counteroffensive, Phase II;
• Counteroffensive, Phase III;
• Tet Counteroffensive;
• Counteroffensive, Phase IV;
• Counteroffensive, Phase V;
• Counteroffensive, Phase VI;
• Tet 69/Counteroffensive;
• Summer-Fall 1969;
• Winter-Spring 1970;
• Sanctuary Counteroffensive;
• Counteroffensive, Phase VII.

Vietnam Medals of Honor

There were a vast amount of these top awards given to 4^th Infantry Division personnel in Vietnam.

1. Private First Class Leslie Allen Bellrichard
2. Private First Class Louis Edward Willett
3. Corporal Thomas Bennett
4. Sergeant First Class Elmelindo Rodrigues Smith
5. Spec 4 Donald Evans Jr.
6. Sergeant Anund Roark
7. Sergeant First Class Bruce Alan Grandstaff
8. Staff Sergeant “Frankie” Zoltán Molnár
9. Sergeant Dwight Johnson
10. First Sergeant David McNerney
11. and Private First Class Phill McDonald

Iraqi Freedom

The 4^th Infantry Division was also a huge part in Iraq. They took part in many campaigns which included:

• Liberation of Iraq.
• Transition of Iraq.
• Iraqi Governance.
• National Resolution.
• Iraqi Sovereignty.
• Operation New Dawn

Afghanistan Enduring Freedom

The 4^th Infantry Division has also been recognized in Afghanistan:

• Consolidation II
• Consolidation III
• and Transition I

Campaigns Since

The 4^th Infantry Division continues to perform service in defense of the United States and her allies.

Just consider:

• Operation Inherent Resolve
• Operation Freedom’s Sentinel
• Operation Atlantic Resolve

And More Medals of Honor

I will not leave out more of the top awards given some great soldiers from the 4^th Infantry Division.

1. Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha for actions in the Battle of Kamdesh.
2. Captain Florent Groberg for stopping a suicide bomber.
3. Staff Sergeant Ty Carter for his actions in the Battle of Kamdesh.

Final Thoughts

The 4^th Infantry Division has a remarkable history. They are now headquartered at Fort Carson, Colorado.

On November 17^th, 2017, the 4^th will be celebrating 100 years of service.

Let’s give a huge thumbs up and thanks to all who have and those who still serve with the United States Army 4^th Infantry Division.

If you have questions or comments, please post them below.

Thank you.

Other posts you may enjoy:

1. Infantry Blue Cord: What It’s All About
2. Infantryman’s Creed: What You Should Know
3. The 25th Infantry Division: 25 Cool Facts
4. Combat Infantry Badge: 8 Things You Should Know

Sincerely,








Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com

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