U.S. 4th Infantry Regiment

U.S. 4th Infantry Regiment
Unit name	4th Infantry Regiment
Dates	1808–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Infantry
Size	Regiment

U.S. 4th Infantry Regiment

The 4th Infantry Regiment is a longstanding formation of the United States Army with service spanning the War of 1812, the Mexican–American War, the American Civil War, the Philippine–American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and post–9/11 operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The regiment has been assigned to multiple divisions and commands including the Department of War (United States), United States Army Center of Military History, 1st Infantry Division, 3rd Infantry Division, 25th Infantry Division, and component units have served under Eighth U.S. Army, XVIII Airborne Corps, and United States Army Pacific.

History

Constituted in 1808 during the presidencies of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, the regiment saw early action in the War of 1812 against forces of the United Kingdom and the British Empire and later participated in the Mexican–American War campaigns under leaders linked to Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott. During the American Civil War elements fought in major theaters associated with commanders such as Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee and were involved in operations around battlefields like Gettysburg and Antietam. In the late 19th century the regiment was active in occupations and campaigns related to the Spanish–American War era and the Philippine–American War, engaging insurgent forces and supporting policies linked to figures like William McKinley. In the 20th century the regiment deployed to the Western Front (World War I), to North Africa and Italian Campaign (World War II) sectors in World War II, to the Korean War under United Nations command, and to counterinsurgency and conventional operations in Vietnam War that brought it into contact with units like the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) and the 101st Airborne Division. During the 1990s and early 21st century the regiment’s battalions participated in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom, operating alongside formations such as Coalition Forces Land Component Command and multinational partners including forces from United Kingdom, Australia, and Afghanistan.

Lineage and Honors

The regiment’s lineage traces through multiple consolidations, redesignations, and reassignments documented in Army order of battle records and traditions maintained by the United States Army Center of Military History. Honors include campaign streamers for the Canada (War of 1812), Mexico (1846–1848), numerous Civil War campaigns in the Eastern Theater (American Civil War), World War I Western Front credits associated with the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, World War II credits for the Normandy landings and Rhineland Campaign, Korean War citations for the Pusan Perimeter and Inchon, Vietnam campaign credits tied to the Tet Offensive, and modern awards including unit commendations conferred by the Department of the Army and foreign decorations from allies such as South Korea and France.

Structure and Organization

Traditionally organized as a multi-battalion regiment, the 4th Infantry’s subordinate elements have included rifle battalions, weapons companies, support battalions, and headquarters companies that have been task-organized under divisions and brigades including the 2nd Infantry Division, 4th Infantry Division, 25th Infantry Division, and modular Brigade Combat Team structures. Units have rotated between light, mechanized, and airborne-capable roles, integrating platforms and organizations such as M1 Abrams, Bradley Fighting Vehicle, Stryker, UH-60 Black Hawk, and attached artillery and engineer units from formations like the Field Artillery Regiment and Engineer Battalion.

Campaigns and Engagements

The regiment participated in notable battles and operations spanning continental and expeditionary campaigns: engagements during the Battle of New Orleans, major Mexican War operations like the Battle of Buena Vista, Civil War actions near Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, Philippine campaigns around Manila, World War I offensives including the Saint-Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne Offensive, World War II operations in North Africa and the Anzio landings, Korean War defensive and counteroffensive phases such as Chipyong-ni and Heartbreak Ridge, Vietnam War combat in provinces like Binh Dinh and Quang Tri, and 21st-century missions in Baghdad and Kabul supporting counterinsurgency, stability, and partnered training operations with entities like Iraqi Security Forces and Afghan National Army.

Notable Commanders and Personnel

Leadership and distinguished personnel associated with the regiment include commanders and soldiers who intersected with famous figures such as Winfield Scott, Zachary Taylor, Ulysses S. Grant, and later 20th-century leaders who served in or alongside the regiment and advanced within the United States Army hierarchy. Decorated veterans received individual honors like the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, and foreign awards from nations including South Korea and France; personnel later took posts in institutions such as the United States Military Academy at West Point and senior staff positions in Pentagon organizations.

Distinctive Unit Insignia and Traditions

The regiment’s distinctive unit insignia, coat of arms, colors, and battle streamers reflect heraldic elements sanctioned by the Institute of Heraldry (U.S. Army), incorporating symbols referencing campaigns in Mexico, the Philippine Islands, and European theaters. Traditions include regimental commemorations on anniversaries tied to historic battles, affiliations with division ceremonies like those at the National Infantry Museum and partnership events with veteran organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion.

Equipment and Uniforms

Across its history, soldiers in the regiment wore evolving uniforms and field equipment from early 19th-century muskets and blue coats associated with patterns used under War Department regulations to 20th-century steel helmets like the M1 helmet and contemporary issued gear including Advanced Combat Helmet, Improved Outer Tactical Vest, individual weapons such as the M16 rifle, M4 carbine, crew-served weapons like the M240 machine gun, and vehicle platforms including M113 armored personnel carrier and wheeled tactical vehicles used in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Category:Infantry regiments of the United States Army