4th Infantry Regiment (United States)

4th Infantry Regiment (United States)
Unit name	4th Infantry Regiment
Dates	1796–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Light infantry, mechanized infantry
Size	Regiment
Garrison	Fort Carson, Colorado
Nickname	"4th of the Line", "Old Guard" (historical)
Motto	"Nulli Secundus"
Battles	War of 1812, Mexican–American War, American Civil War, Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, Global War on Terrorism
Decorations	Presidential Unit Citation (United States), Meritorious Unit Commendation (United States), Valorous Unit Award
Notable commanders	Winfield Scott, George B. McClellan, John M. Schofield

4th Infantry Regiment (United States)

The 4th Infantry Regiment is a historic infantry regiment of the United States Army with continuous service dating to the late 18th century. The regiment has participated in major American conflicts from the War of 1812 through the Global War on Terrorism, earning multiple unit citations and producing senior leaders who served in campaigns such as the Mexican–American War, the American Civil War, and World War II.

History

Constituted in 1796 during the expansion of the United States Army, the regiment served on frontier duty on the Northwest Territory and in garrison posts along the Ohio River and the Great Lakes. During the War of 1812 the regiment fought actions along the Canadian frontier and in defense of Baltimore and New Orleans. In the Mexican–American War elements participated in General Winfield Scott's Veracruz campaign and the march to Mexico City, later serving in reconstruction and frontier policing during the Indian Wars era. Throughout the American Civil War the regiment provided regular army cadre for both Union field armies and served in garrison and occupation duties in the Trans-Mississippi Theater, interacting with commanders such as George B. McClellan and John M. Schofield. During the Spanish–American War and the subsequent Philippine–American War the 4th conducted expeditionary operations, counterinsurgency, and pacification campaigns on Luzon. In the 20th century the regiment expanded into multiple battalions, fighting in World War I with the American Expeditionary Forces and in World War II in the European Theater of Operations and the Pacific Theater. Postwar eras saw service in the Korean War, prolonged deployments to Vietnam, participation in Operation Desert Storm, and rotations to Iraq and Afghanistan during the Global War on Terrorism.

Lineage and Honors

The regiment traces lineage to early regular infantry regiments authorized by the United States Congress in the 1790s and carries campaign credit across 19th, 20th, and 21st century conflicts. Honors include multiple Presidential Unit Citation (United States) awards for actions in World War II and Korean War battles, Valorous Unit Award recognition for actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Meritorious Unit Commendation (United States) streamers for counterinsurgency and stability operations. The regiment's lineage records reorganizations into numbered battalions, consolidations with other regular units, and assignment to brigades such as those of the 1st Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Division at different times.

Organization and Structure

Historically organized as a single regiment with multiple companies, the 4th evolved into a regimental system of battalions and companies aligned under brigade combat teams of the United States Army Forces Command. Typical structure during the late 20th and early 21st centuries included headquarters companies, light infantry or mechanized rifle companies, weapons companies, and support detachments attached to battalions assigned to divisions like the 2nd Infantry Division and the 10th Mountain Division. Armor, artillery, aviation, and sustainment units from formations such as the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and 11th Aviation Regiment often provided combined arms support during deployments.

Campaigns and Engagements

The regiment holds campaign credit for early engagements in the Northwest Indian War era and major 19th-century campaigns including the Second Seminole War, the Battle of Palo Alto, and the Mexico City campaign. Civil War-era service intersects with operations in the Valley Campaigns of 1864 and garrison duties during Reconstruction. In the 20th century the regiment fought in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, amphibious operations in Normandy and the Philippines campaign (1944–45), defensive and offensive actions in the Pusan Perimeter and the Inchon landing during Korean War operations, and counterinsurgency and conventional battles throughout the Vietnam War including operations near Chu Lai and Pleiku. Modern campaigns include Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, with battalions conducting stability operations in Baghdad, convoy security in Kandahar Province, and partnered training with host-nation forces.

Notable Commanders and Personnel

Leaders and figures associated with the regiment include early commanders such as Winfield Scott, who later served as United States Army general-in-chief; Civil War-era officers like George B. McClellan and John M. Schofield who rose to higher commands; and 20th-century commanders who later led divisions and corps. Notable enlisted personnel and officers have been recipients of the Medal of Honor (United States), the Distinguished Service Cross, and other valor awards for actions in World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. Alumni of the regiment progressed to posts in the Pentagon, the United States Military Academy faculty at West Point, and senior joint commands.

Insignia and Traditions

Regimental insignia combines historical colors, unit numbers, and symbols reflecting service in Mexico, the Philippine Islands, and European campaigns. The motto "Nulli Secundus" appears on dress insignia and guidons, linking to heraldic traditions upheld during ceremonies at posts like Fort Leavenworth and Fort Carson. Regimental customs include anniversary observances of historic engagements, soldiering rites of passage conducted with allied units such as the British Army during exchange programs, and preservation of artifacts in military museums including the National Infantry Museum and local post museums.

Modern Role and Deployments

In the 21st century the regiment's battalions have operated as light infantry, mechanized infantry, and advisory elements assigned to brigade combat teams and rotational deployments under commands including United States Central Command and United States Northern Command. Recent missions emphasized counterinsurgency, partnership training with militaries of Iraq and Afghanistan, stability operations in Balkan deployments, and participation in multinational exercises with NATO members such as Germany, Poland, and United Kingdom. The regiment continues to adapt force structure to Army modernization efforts while maintaining its historical lineage and campaign honors.

Category:Infantry regiments of the United States Army Category:United States Army regiments