Misplaced Pages

4th Armored Division (United States): Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 01:07, 11 October 2014 editYahwehSaves (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users7,849 editsNo edit summary← Previous edit Latest revision as of 23:53, 6 January 2025 edit undoDon.H.40 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers3,539 edits →WWII Composition: 4th armored med BN to 46th Armored med bn. Corrects typo in originally cited source 
(121 intermediate revisions by 82 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Inactive US Army formation}}
{{refimprove|date=July 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2011}} {{more citations needed|date=July 2012}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox military unit {{Infobox military unit
|unit_name=4th Armored Division |unit_name=4th Armored Division
|image=] |image=4th US Armored Division SSI.svg
|caption=4th Armored Division shoulder sleeve insignia |caption=4th Armored Division shoulder sleeve insignia
|dates=1941–1972 |dates=1941–1972
|country= {{flag|United States}} |country={{flag|United States}}
|allegiance=
|status=Inactive
|branch=] |branch={{army|USA}}
|type=]
|role=]
|type=
|role=
|size=] |size=]
|command_structure= |command_structure=
Line 17: Line 19:
|ceremonial_chief= |ceremonial_chief=
|colonel_of_the_regiment= |colonel_of_the_regiment=
|nickname= "Breakthrough" (1954)<ref>The Armored Sentinel, Foot Hood, Texas, April 15, 1954 Retrieved Sept. 30. 2014</ref> <br>"Name Enough" (Unofficial) |nickname= "Breakthrough" (1954)<ref>The Armored Sentinel, Foot Hood, Texas, 15 April 1954 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924031305/http://www.hood.army.mil/history/1950/4th_armored_division_to_be_activ.htm |date=24 September 2015 }} Retrieved 30 September 2014</ref> <br>"Name Enough" (Unofficial)
|motto="They shall be known by their deed alone" (WWII) |motto="They shall be known by their deeds alone" (WWII)
|patron= |patron=
|colors=Red, Blue and Yellow |colors=Red, Blue and Yellow
|march= |march=
|mascot= |mascot=
|battles=World War II |battles=]
* ]
*]
* ]
*]
* ]
*]
* ]
|notable_commanders=MG ] (4/41-5/42<br/>MG ] (5/42-12/44)<br/>MG ] (12/44-3/45)<br/>MG ] (3-6/45)<br/>MG ] (54-55)<br/>MG ]
* ]
|notable_commanders=MG ] (4/41-5/42)<br/>MG ] (5/42-12/44)<br/>MG ] (12/44-3/45)<br/>MG ] (3-6/45)<br/>BG ] (6-7/45)<br/>BG ] (7-9/45)<br/>MG ] (9/45-5/46)<BR/>MG ] (54-55)<br/>MG ]
|anniversaries= |anniversaries=
|identification_symbol=] |identification_symbol=]
|identification_symbol_label=Distinctive Unit Insignia |identification_symbol_label=Distinctive Unit Insignia
| identification_symbol_3 = {{Mil Map Symbol
| UNIT SHORT NAME = 4
| PARENT SHORT NAME =
| UNIT ICON = Military Symbol - Friendly Unit (Solid Light 1.5x1 Frame)- Armour (NATO APP-6).svg
| UNIT SIZE ICON = NATO Map Symbol - Unit Size - Division.svg
| ICON SIZE = 100
}} }}
| identification_symbol_3_label = ]
{{US Armor
|previous=] (''Inactive'')
|next=] (''Inactive'')
}} }}
{{command structure
The '''4th Armored Division''' of the ] was an ] that compiled a distinguished career while spearheading for ] ] in the ].
|name=4th Armored Division ''"Name Enough"''<ref>http://www.history.army.mil/html/forcestruc/cbtchron/adcomp.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018125328/http://www.history.army.mil/html/forcestruc/cbtchron/adcomp.html |date=18 October 2020 }} Component Elements of Armored Divisions in World War II</ref><ref>Stanton, Shelby L. (1984). World War II Order of Battle. New York, New York: Galahad Books World War II Order of Battle p52</ref><ref>http://www.history.army.mil/documents/ETO-OB/4AD-ETO.htm ORDER OF BATTLE OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY WORLD WAR II EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS</ref>
|date=1941–46
|parent= 4th Armored Division
|subordinate=
* Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 4th Armored Division
* Headquarters & Headquarters Company, Combat Command A
* Headquarters & Headquarters Company, Combat Command B
* Headquarters Reserve Command
* 8th Tank Battalion
* ]
* ]
* 10th Armored Infantry Battalion
* ]
* 53rd Armored Infantry Battalion
* 25th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized)
* Headquarters & Headquarters Battery, Division Artillery
** 22nd Armored Field Artillery Battalion
** 66th Armored Field Artillery Battalion
** 94th Armored Field Artillery Battalion
* 24th Armored Engineer Battalion
* Headquarters & Headquarters Company, Division Trains
** 144th Armored Signal Company
** 126th Armored Ordnance Battalion
** 18th Armored Quartermaster Battalion
** 46th Armored Medical Battalion
* 504th Counter Intelligence Detachment
}}
{{Military unit sidebar|title=U.S. Armored Divisions|previous=] (''Inactive'')|next=] (''Inactive'')}}
The '''4th Armored Division''' was an ] of the ] that earned distinction while spearheading ] ] in the ].


The 4th Armored, unlike most other U.S. armored divisions during World War II, didn't officially adopt a nickname for the division during the war. However, their unofficial nickname ] came to be years after the war due to the 4th Armored Division commander who trained them during the war having stated back then, that, "Fourth Armored Division was name enough"; "They shall be known by their deeds alone". The 4th Armored was named the ] division in 1954, but that name was eventually discontinued.<ref>The Armored Sentinel, Fort Hood, Texas, April 15, 1954 Retrieved Sept. 30, 2014</ref> The 4th Armored Division, unlike most other U.S. armored divisions during World War II, did not officially adopt a nickname for the division during the war. However, their unofficial nickname ] came into use postwar; the division commander having said, "Fourth Armored Division was name enough"; "They shall be known by their deeds alone." The 4th was named the ] division in 1954, but that name was eventually discontinued.<ref>The Armored Sentinel, Fort Hood, Texas, 15 April 1954 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924031305/http://www.hood.army.mil/history/1950/4th_armored_division_to_be_activ.htm|date=24 September 2015}} Retrieved 30 September 2014</ref>


==History== ==History==
The 4th Armored Division was activated during ] on 15 April 1941 with 3,800 men (10,000 by the end of May 1941) from various other units, at ] (Camp Drum, 1951; ], 1974), ] under its first Commanding General, Brigadier General Henry W. Baird.
The 4th Armored Division was activated on 15 April 1941 at ] (Camp Drum, 1951; ], 1974), ] by ] of the ], and was fitted out as a full Armored Division in May and June 1942 under the command of Major General ]. It left Pine Camp for ] for the ] maneuvers in the ] held in September and October. In Mid-November, it was transferred to the ] (DTC) in the California-Arizona maneuvers area and was the first Armored Division to occupy Camp Ibis near ] in the ], which was close to the Arizona and Nevada borders. On 3 June, the 4th AD arrived at ], Texas, an armored training center located at the southern end of the ], for more maneuvers until 11–18 July when it departed for ] in ] for winter training. On 29 December, The 4th AD departed Boston to conduct training in ] in preparation for the invasion of France.


===World War II===
;France
The division was organized as a full Armored Division in May and June 1942 under the command of ] ]. It left Pine Camp for ] for the ] maneuvers in the ] held in September and October. In mid-November, it was transferred to the ] ] (DTC) in the California-Arizona maneuver area and was the first Armored Division to occupy Camp Ibis near ] in the ], which was close to the Arizona and Nevada borders. On 3 June, the 4th AD arrived at ], Texas, an armored training center located in central Texas near Brownwood, for more maneuvers until about December when it departed for ] in ] for winter training. On 29 December, the 4th AD departed Boston to conduct training in ] in preparation for the ].
After training in England from January to July 1944, the 4th Armored Division landed at ] on 11 July after the ] on 6 June, and first entered combat 17 July; 28 July, battle action as part of the ] exploitation force for ], the 4th AD secured the ] area. The 4th AD then swung south to take ], cutting off the ] Peninsula, 12 August 1944. Turning east, it drove swiftly across France north of the ], smashed across the ] 11–13 September, flanked ] and captured ], 16 September. The 4th AD fought several German ] brigades in the Lorraine area including the ] and ] at this time, ] a larger German force through superior tactics and training.<ref name=vanguard>{{cite book |title=Patton's Vanguard: The United States Army Fourth Armored Division |last=Fox |first=Don M. |year=2003 |publisher=McFarland & Co |location=Jefferson, N.C. |isbn=0-7864-1582-7 |oclc=52766067 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=wrD_sZmIaocC }}</ref>


====France====
After maintaining a defensive line, ] to ] to ], from 27 September to 11 October, the 4th AD rested briefly before returning to combat 9 November with an attack in the vicinity of ]. The 4th AD cleared ], 12 November, advanced through ] and crossed the ], 21–22 November, to establish and expand bridgehead and took ] and ], then ]<ref>{{fr icon}} </ref> 24 November, before being relieved 8 December.
]
After training in England from January to July 1944, the 4th Armored Division landed at ], on 11 July, over a month after the initial ], and first entered combat on 17 July; on 28 July, battle action as part of the ] exploitation force for ], the 4th AD secured the ] area. The 4th AD then swung south to take ], cutting off the ] Peninsula, 12 August 1944. Turning east, it drove swiftly across France north of the ], smashed across the ] 11–13 September, flanked ] and captured ], 16 September. The 4th AD fought several German ] ]s in the Lorraine area including the ] and ] at this time, ] through superior tactics and training.<ref name=vanguard>{{cite book |title=Patton's Vanguard: The United States Army Fourth Armored Division |last=Fox |first=Don M. |year=2003 |publisher=McFarland & Co |location=Jefferson, N.C. |isbn=0-7864-1582-7 |oclc=52766067 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wrD_sZmIaocC }}</ref>


After maintaining a defensive line, ] to ] to ], from 27 September to 11 October, the 4th AD rested briefly before returning to combat 9 November with an attack in the vicinity of ]. The 4th AD cleared ], 12 November, advanced through ] and crossed the ], 21–22 November, to establish and expand bridgehead and took ] and ], then ]<ref>{{in lang|fr}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215042908/http://www.dday-overlord.com/forum/etait-aout-1944-t2469-220.html#p50357 |date=15 December 2014 }}</ref> 24 November, before being relieved 8 December.
The 4th Armored Division received the following unit awards from France: ] (27-29 July, 1944), Croix de Guerre with Palm (12-29 September, 1944), and ] in the colors of the Croix de guerre.


The 4th Armored Division received the following unit awards from France: ] (27–29 July 1944), Croix de Guerre with Palm (12–29 September 1944), and ] in the colors of the Croix de Guerre.
;Battle of the Bulge
Two days after the Germans launched their ], the 4th AD entered the fight (18 December 1944), racing northwest into ], covering 150 miles in 19 hours.<ref name=vanguard/> The 4th AD, spearheading for General Patton's Third Army, attacked the Germans at ] and on December 26, the 4th AD was the first unit (]<ref>'Cobra King' led 4th Armored Division column that relieved Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, February 25, 2009. Retrieved Oct. 10, 2014</ref>) to breakthrough at Bastonge and relieve the besieged ]. Six weeks later the 4th AD jumped off from ] in an eastward plunge that carried it across the ] at ], south and east to ], and across the ], 24–25 March 1945. Advancing all night, the 4th AD crossed the ] the next day, south of Hanau, and continued to push on. ] fell 29 March, ] across the ] on 1 April, ] on 4 April ... where the 4th AD liberated ], and by 12 April the 4TH AD was across the ]. Pursuit of the enemy continued and by 6 May the division had crossed into ], established a bridgehead across the ] at ], with forward elements at ]. The 4th AD was reassigned to the ] on 30 April 1945.<ref>{{cite book |title=Order of Battle of the United States Army World War II European Theater of Operations: Divisions |url=http://www.history.army.mil/documents/eto-ob/etoob-toc.htm |chapterurl=http://www.history.army.mil/documents/ETO-OB/4AD-ETO.htm |chapter=4th Armored Division |last1=Office of the Theater Historian |location=Paris |date=December 1945 |publisher=Office of the Theater Historian |pages=448–459 |accessdate=31 March 2011}}</ref>


====Battle of the Bulge====
The 4th AD's first commander Major General John Shirley Wood, (known as "P" Wood to his contemporaries, the "P" standing for "Professor") who took over the division officially on June 18, 1942, trained the armored division for two years before he personally led it into combat in France, on July 28, 1944, and was awarded the ]. On August 1, General Patton's Third Army became operational and the 4th AD became the spearhead of the Third Army. The British military armor theorist and historian, Capt. ], once referred to General Wood as "the Rommel of the American armored forces." Like Rommel, Wood commanded from the front, and preferred staying on the offensive, using speed and envelopment tactics to confuse the enemy. General Wood often utilized a light ] liaison aircraft flown by his personal pilot, Major ], to keep up with his rapidly moving division, sometimes personally carrying corps orders from headquarters directly to his advancing armored columns.<ref>Kerns, Raymond C., ''Above the Thunder: Reminiscences of a Field Artillery Pilot in World War II'', Kent State University Press, ISBN 978-0-87338-980-8, ISBN 0-87338-980-8 (2009), pp. 23-24, 293-294</ref>
Two days after the Germans launched their ], the 4th AD entered the fight (18 December 1944), racing northwest into ], covering 150 miles in 19 hours.<ref name=vanguard/> The 4th AD, spearheading Patton's Third Army, attacked the Germans at ] and, on 26 December, Brigadier General ]'s Combat Command A led the column that relieved Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, with ] in the vanguard.<ref name="Cyclopaedia">{{cite book |date=1977 |title=National Cyclopaedia of American Biography |volume=57 |url=https://archive.org/details/nationalcyclopae0057unse/page/92/mode/2up |location=New York, NY |publisher=James T. White & Co. |page=44 |via=]}}</ref><ref>25 February 2009. Retrieved 10 October 2014</ref> to break through at Bastogne and relieve the besieged ]. Six weeks later the 4th AD jumped off from ] in an eastward plunge that carried it across the ] at ], south, and east to ], and across the ], 24–25 March 1945. Advancing all night, the 4th AD crossed the ] the next day, south of Hanau, and continued to push on. ] fell 29 March, ] across the ] on 1 April, ] on 4 April – where the 4th AD liberated ], the first Nazi camp liberated by U.S. troops.<ref></ref> By 12 April the 4th AD was across the ]. Pursuit of the enemy continued, and by 6 May the division had crossed into ] and established a bridgehead across the ] at ], with forwarding elements at ]. The 4th AD was reassigned to the ] on 30 April 1945.<ref>{{cite book |title=Order of Battle of the United States Army World War II European Theater of Operations: Divisions |url=http://www.history.army.mil/documents/eto-ob/etoob-toc.htm |chapter-url=http://www.history.army.mil/documents/ETO-OB/4AD-ETO.htm |chapter=4th Armored Division |last1=Office of the Theater Historian |location=Paris |date=December 1945 |publisher=Office of the Theater Historian |pages=448–459 |access-date=31 March 2011 |archive-date=11 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080311184458/http://www.history.army.mil/documents/ETO-OB/ETOOB-TOC.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> The 4th AD received the following Letter of Commendation:<ref name="Lone Sentry"></ref>


<blockquote>
The 4th AD was commanded by Major General ] during the Battle of the Bulge and after General Wood was ordered back to the United States on December 3 by General Patton. Major General ] commanded the division after the war. One of its most famous members and leaders of the 4th AD during World War II was ], who commanded the 37th Armor Regiment (United States)|37th Tank Battalion. Abrams later rose to command all U.S. forces in Vietnam and served as U.S. Army Chief of Staff in the 1970s. The current U.S. ] is named after him.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/gulf/weapons/m1.html |title=m-1 abrahms |work=The Gulf War |work=] |accessdate=31 March 2011}}</ref>
To: Maj. Gen. Hugh J. Gaffey
''The outstanding celerity of your movement and the unremitting, vicious and skillful manner in which you pushed the attack, terminating at the end of four days and nights of incessant battle in the relief of Bastogne, constitutes one of the finest chapters in the glorious history of the United States Army. You and the officers and men of your command are hereby commended for a superior performance.''


{{center| Lt. Gen. George S. Patton, Jr., Commander, Third U.S. Army }}
;Presidential Unit Citation
</blockquote>
The 4th Armored Division was the first U.S. Armored Division to be awarded the ], for its actions December 22, 1944 through March 27, 1945 (cited; WD GO 54, 1945).


The 4th AD's second commander, Major General John Shirley Wood, (known as "P" Wood to his contemporaries, the "P" standing for "Professor", and "Tiger Jack" to his men) who took over the division officially on 18 June 1942, trained the 4th Armored Division for two years before he personally led it into combat in France, on 28 July 1944, and was awarded the ]. On 1 August, Gen. ]'s ] became operational and the 4th AD became the spearhead of the Third Army. The British military armor theorist and historian, Capt. ], once referred to General Wood as "the ] of the American armored forces." Like Rommel, Wood commanded from the front, and preferred staying on the offensive, using speed and envelopment tactics to confuse the enemy. General Wood often utilized a light ] liaison aircraft flown by his personal pilot, Maj. ], to keep up with his rapidly moving division, sometimes personally carrying corps orders from headquarters directly to his advancing armored columns.<ref>Kerns, Raymond C., ''Above the Thunder: Reminiscences of a Field Artillery Pilot in World War II'', Kent State University Press, {{ISBN|978-0-87338-980-8}}, {{ISBN|0-87338-980-8}} (2009), pp. 23-24, 293-294</ref>
==Postwar Service==
After a tour of occupation duty, the 4th AD returned to the United States for inactivation. Most of its elements, however, remained as occupation forces in Germany after redesignation as the ].<ref>''The Armored Sentinel'', Fort Hood, Texas, April 15, 1954</ref> In 1949, it was redesignated the 4th Armored Division and inactivated on May 20, 1949.<ref>''The Armored Sentinel'', Fort Hood Texas, April 15, 1954</ref>


On 3 December 1944, General Wood was relieved as division commander. The division was then led by Major General ] through the Battle of the Bulge until March 23, when Brigadier General William M. Hoge was awarded command. Major General Fay B. Prickett commanded during the occupation period. Major General ] commanded the division after the war.
The 4th AD was reactivated on June 15, 1954 at ] in ] with the name '''4th Armored "Breakthrough" Division'''<ref>''The Armored Sentinel'', Fort Hood Texas, April 15, 1954 Retrieved Sept. 27, 2014</ref>("Breakthrough" was discontinued some years afterwards) and was deployed to Germany in 1957 with headquarters in ]. The division appears to have been part of ] for most of this period.


Among the most famous members of the 4th AD during World War II was ], who commanded the ]. Abrams later rose to command all U.S. forces in South Vietnam during the ] and served as Army Chief of Staff in the 1970s. The ] is named after him.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/gulf/weapons/m1.html |title=m-1 abrahms |work=The Gulf War, ]|access-date=31 March 2011}}</ref> Abrams' friend, ], commanded the 10th Armored Infantry Battalion and fought in concert with Abrams' tanks.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |date=1996-05-09 |title=Salute to Lt. Col. Harold Cohen on his Receipt of Distinguished Service Cross |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-1996-05-09/html/CREC-1996-05-09-pt1-PgH4787-3.htm |journal=] |volume=142 |issue=64 |pages=H4787–H4788 |access-date=2023-01-18}}</ref>
On 30 June 1958 Combat Command "A" was at Wiley Barracks, ], It comprised 2nd MTB, ] (Leipheim), 2nd Armored Rifle Battalion, ] (Neu Ulm), and 2nd Armored Rifle Battalion, ]. CCB was at Ferris Barracks, ], comprising the 1st MTB, ] (Ferris Bks, Erlangen), 2nd Medium Tank Battalion, 67th Arm (Fürth), 2nd ARB, 50th Inf (Ferris Bks, Erlangen), and 2nd Rcn Sq, 15th Cavalry.<ref>4th Armored Division Yearbook 1958 via usarmygermany.com</ref> CCC was at McKee Barracks, ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usarmygermany.com/Sont.htm|title=U.S Army in Germany from Occupation Army to "Keepers of the Peace"}}{{failed verification|date=September 2014}}</ref> It comprised 1st MTB, 37th Arm (McKee Bks, Crailsheim) and 1st ARB, ].<ref>4th Armored Division Yearbook 1958</ref>


==== WWII Composition ====
The 4th AD remained in Germany until final inactivation in May 1971, when it was redesignated the ].
The division was composed of the following units:<ref>{{cite web |title=Order of Battle of the US Army - WWII - ETO - 4th Armored Division |url=https://history.army.mil/documents/ETO-OB/4AD-ETO.htm |publisher=US Army Center of Military History |access-date=22 May 2020}}</ref>


* Headquarters
==World War II Assignments==
* Headquarters Company
* Combat Command A
* Combat Command B
* Combat Command Reserve
* 8th Tank Battalion
* 35th Tank Battalion
* 37th Tank Battalion
* 10th Armored Infantry Battalion
* 51st Armored Infantry Battalion
* 53rd Armored Infantry Battalion
* Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 4th Armored Division Artillery
** 22nd Armored Field Artillery Battalion
** 66th Armored Field Artillery Battalion
** 94th Armored Field Artillery Battalion
* 25th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized)
* 24th Armored Engineer Battalion
* 144th Armored Signal Company
* 4th Armored Division Train Headquarters and Headquarters Company
** 126th Ordnance Maintenance Battalion
** 46th Armored Medical Battalion<ref>{{cite web |title=After action report for the 46th Armored Medical Battalion during 1 July 33 thru May 45, minus Sept, Oct, Dec 44 |publisher=Ike Skelton Combined Arms Research Library Digital Library |url=https://cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p4013coll8/id/3666/rec/1 |access-date=6 January 2025}}</ref>
** Military Police Platoon
** Band

===Post-war===
] of the Armored Cavalry Platoon 2/54th Infantry, 4th Armored Division takes part in exercises in Grafenwöhr, Germany.]]
The division remained as occupation forces in Germany after redesignation as the ].<ref>''The Armored Sentinel'', Fort Hood, Texas, 15 April 1954</ref> In 1949, it was redesignated back to 4th Armored Division and inactivated on 20 May 1949.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cookebarracks.com/john_francis/john_francis.html |title=''Cooke Barracks: A Chronology, 1945-2005'' |access-date=22 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208103445/http://cookebarracks.com/john_francis/john_francis.html |archive-date=8 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The 4th AD was reactivated on 15 June 1954 at ] in ] with the name '''4th Armored "Breakthrough" Division'''<ref>''The Armored Sentinel'', Fort Hood Texas, 15 April 1954 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924031305/http://www.hood.army.mil/history/1950/4th_armored_division_to_be_activ.htm|date=24 September 2015}} Retrieved 27 Sept. 2014</ref> ("Breakthrough" was discontinued some years afterwards). In late 1957, the 4th AD was rotated to ] as part of ], replacing the ]. Cooke Barracks in ] served as the division headquarters.

Combat Command "A" was located at Wiley Barracks, ]. It comprised 2d Medium Tank Battalion (MTB), ] (Leipheim); 2d Armored Rifle Battalion (ARB), ] (Neu Ulm); and 2d Armored Rifle Battalion, ]. Combat Command "B" was at Ferris Barracks, ], comprising the 1st MTB, ] (Ferris Barracks); 2d MTB, ] (Fürth); 2d ARB, 50th Infantry (Ferris Barracks); and 2d Reconnaissance Squadron, 15th Cavalry.<ref>4th Armored Division Yearbook 1958 via usarmygermany.com</ref> Combat Command "C" was at McKee Barracks, ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usarmygermany.com/Units/4th%20Armd%20Div/USAREUR_4th%20Armd%20Div.htm|title=4th Armored Division}}</ref> It comprised 1st MTB, ] (McKee Barracks) and 1st ARB, ].<ref>4th Armored Division Yearbook 1958</ref>

The 4th AD remained in Germany until final inactivation in May 1971, when it was reflagged as the ].

===In popular culture===

In ]'s 1993 ] "The Ten Thousand", the 4th Armored Division forms part of the ], and much of the novel's action is depicted from the point of view of members of the division.<ref>{{cite book|last=Coyle|first=Harold|author-link=Harold Coyle|title=The Ten Thousand|url=https://archive.org/details/tenthousand00coyl|url-access=registration|publisher=Pocket Books|year=1993|isbn=0-671-85292-2}}</ref>

==List of Commanding Generals during the Cold War==
*Maj-Gen ] (1 Aug 1957 – 13 Feb 1959)
*Maj-Gen James B. Quill (14 Feb 1959 – 1 Apr 1960)
*Maj-Gen ] (2 Apr 1960 – 27 Aug 1961)
*Maj-Gen ] (28 Aug 1961 – 30 Nov 1962)
*Maj-Gen John F. Franklin Jr. (1 Dec 1962 – 31 May 1964)
*Maj-Gen Alexander D. Surles Jr. (1 Jun 1964 – 17 Dec 1965)
*Maj-Gen ] (18 Dec 1965 – 23 May 1967)
*Maj-Gen Edward C.D. Scherrer (24 May 1967 – 2 Dec 1968)
*Maj-Gen Stephen W. Downey, Jr. (3 Dec 1968 – 4 Feb 1970)
*Maj-Gen William W. Cobb (5 Feb 1970 – 10 May 1971)

==WWII names==
;American<ref name="Lone Sentry"/>
* The Rolling 4th
* Flying 4th
* Phantom 4th
* Ghost Division
* Fire Alarm Division
; German<ref name="Lone Sentry"/>
* American Elite Fourth Armored Division
* Roosevelt's Butchers (by Nazi propagandists)

==WWII statistics==
;Casualties<ref name="Nonbattle Deaths 1953">Army Battle Casualties and Nonbattle Deaths, Final Report (Statistical and Accounting Branch, Office of the Adjutant General, 1 June 1953)</ref>
*Total battle casualties: 6,212
*Killed in action: 1,143
*Wounded in action: 4,551
*Missing in action: 65
*Prisoners of war: 453

; Medal of Honor recipients
*]
*]
*]

;Unit awards
The 4th Armored Division was the first U.S. Armored Division to be awarded the ]:
*], World War II (ARDENNES, 22 December 1944 – 27 March 1945; WD GO 54, 1945)
*], World War II (NORMANDY, 27–30 July 1944; DA GO 43, 1950)
*French Croix de Guerre with Palm, World War II (MOSELLE RIVER, 12–29, September 1944; DA GO 43, 1950)
*French ] (Croix de Guerre colors), World War II (DA GO 43, 1950)

;Assignments
#]: 18 December 1943 #]: 18 December 1943
#]: 22 January 1944 #]: 22 January 1944
#]: 9 March 1944 #]: 9 March 1944
#]: 20 April 1944 #]: 20 April 1944
#]: 15 July 1944 #]: 15 July 1944
#]: 13 August 1944 #]: 13 August 1944
#]: 19 December 1944 #]: 19 December 1944
Line 82: Line 204:
#]: 9 April 1945 #]: 9 April 1945
#]: 17 April 1945 #]: 17 April 1945

==Medal of Honor recipeints==
*]
*]
*]

==4th AD unit awards==
*], WWII (ARDENNES, 22 December, 1944 - 27 March 1945; WD GO 54, 1945)
*], WWII (NORMANDY, 27-30 July 1944; DA GO 43, 1950)
*French Croix de Guerre with Palm, WWII (MOSELLE RIVER, 12-29, September 1944; DA GO 43, 1950)
*French ] (Croix de Guerre colors), WWII (DA GO 43, 1950)

==In Popular Culture==

In ]'s 1993 ] "The Ten Thousand", the 4th Armored Division forms part of the ], much of the novels action is depicted from the point of view of members of the division.<ref>{{cite book|last=Coyle|first=Harold|authorlink=Harold Coyle|title=The Ten Thousand|publisher=Pocket Books|year=1993|isbn=0-671-85292-2|ref={{harvid|Coyle|1993}}}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==
Line 105: Line 212:


==External links== ==External links==
* *
* {{Internet Archive film clip|id=gov.archives.arc.95745|description="Longines Chronoscope with Gen. John S. Wood (April 2, 1952)"}} * {{Internet Archive film clip|id=gov.archives.arc.95745|description="Longines Chronoscope with Gen. John S. Wood (2 April 1952)"}}
*
*
*

{{Army Divisions (United States)}}


] ]

Latest revision as of 23:53, 6 January 2025

Inactive US Army formation
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: "4th Armored Division" United States – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (July 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

4th Armored Division
4th Armored Division shoulder sleeve insignia
Active1941–1972
Country United States
Branch United States Army
TypeArmor
RoleArmored warfare
SizeDivision
Nickname(s)"Breakthrough" (1954)
"Name Enough" (Unofficial)
Motto(s)"They shall be known by their deeds alone" (WWII)
ColorsRed, Blue and Yellow
EngagementsWorld War II
Commanders
Notable
commanders		MG Henry W. Baird (4/41-5/42)
MG John S. Wood (5/42-12/44)
MG Hugh J. Gaffey (12/44-3/45)
MG William M. Hoge (3-6/45)
BG Bruce C. Clarke (6-7/45)
BG William. L. Roberts (7-9/45)
MG Fay B. Prickett (9/45-5/46)
MG Thomas Trapnell (54-55)
MG Leonard H. Kieley
Insignia
Distinctive Unit Insignia
NATO Map Symbol
4
Military unit
4th Armored Division "Name Enough" (1941–46)
Parent unit4th Armored Division
Components
  • Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 4th Armored Division
  • Headquarters & Headquarters Company, Combat Command A
  • Headquarters & Headquarters Company, Combat Command B
  • Headquarters Reserve Command
  • 8th Tank Battalion
  • 35th Tank Battalion
  • 37th Tank Battalion
  • 10th Armored Infantry Battalion
  • 51st Armored Infantry Battalion
  • 53rd Armored Infantry Battalion
  • 25th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized)
  • Headquarters & Headquarters Battery, Division Artillery
    • 22nd Armored Field Artillery Battalion
    • 66th Armored Field Artillery Battalion
    • 94th Armored Field Artillery Battalion
  • 24th Armored Engineer Battalion
  • Headquarters & Headquarters Company, Division Trains
    • 144th Armored Signal Company
    • 126th Armored Ordnance Battalion
    • 18th Armored Quartermaster Battalion
    • 46th Armored Medical Battalion
  • 504th Counter Intelligence Detachment
U.S. Armored Divisions
Previous Next
3rd Armored Division (Inactive) 5th Armored Division (Inactive)

The 4th Armored Division was an armored division of the United States Army that earned distinction while spearheading General Patton's Third Army in the European theater of World War II.

The 4th Armored Division, unlike most other U.S. armored divisions during World War II, did not officially adopt a nickname for the division during the war. However, their unofficial nickname "Name Enough" came into use postwar; the division commander having said, "Fourth Armored Division was name enough"; "They shall be known by their deeds alone." The 4th was named the "Breakthrough" division in 1954, but that name was eventually discontinued.

History

The 4th Armored Division was activated during World War II on 15 April 1941 with 3,800 men (10,000 by the end of May 1941) from various other units, at Pine Camp (Camp Drum, 1951; Fort Drum, 1974), New York under its first Commanding General, Brigadier General Henry W. Baird.

World War II

The division was organized as a full Armored Division in May and June 1942 under the command of Major General John Shirley Wood. It left Pine Camp for Camp Forrest for the Tennessee maneuvers in the Cumberland Mountains held in September and October. In mid-November, it was transferred to the Camp Ibis Desert Training Center (DTC) in the California-Arizona maneuver area and was the first Armored Division to occupy Camp Ibis near Needles, California in the Mojave Desert, which was close to the Arizona and Nevada borders. On 3 June, the 4th AD arrived at Camp Bowie, Texas, an armored training center located in central Texas near Brownwood, for more maneuvers until about December when it departed for Camp Myles Standish in Massachusetts for winter training. On 29 December, the 4th AD departed Boston to conduct training in England in preparation for the invasion of Normandy.

France

8th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division crossing a canal in France, 12 September 1944

After training in England from January to July 1944, the 4th Armored Division landed at Utah Beach, on 11 July, over a month after the initial Normandy landings, and first entered combat on 17 July; on 28 July, battle action as part of the VIII Corps exploitation force for Operation Cobra, the 4th AD secured the Coutances area. The 4th AD then swung south to take Nantes, cutting off the Brittany Peninsula, 12 August 1944. Turning east, it drove swiftly across France north of the Loire, smashed across the Moselle 11–13 September, flanked Nancy and captured Lunéville, 16 September. The 4th AD fought several German panzergrenadier brigades in the Lorraine area including the SS Panzergrenadier Brigade 49 and SS Panzergrenadier Brigade 51 at this time, defeating a larger German force through superior tactics and training.

After maintaining a defensive line, Chambrey to Xanrey to Hénaménil, from 27 September to 11 October, the 4th AD rested briefly before returning to combat 9 November with an attack in the vicinity of Viviers. The 4th AD cleared Bois de Serres, 12 November, advanced through Dieuze and crossed the Saar River, 21–22 November, to establish and expand bridgehead and took Singling and Bining, then Baerendorf 24 November, before being relieved 8 December.

The 4th Armored Division received the following unit awards from France: Croix de Guerre with Palm (27–29 July 1944), Croix de Guerre with Palm (12–29 September 1944), and French Fourragere in the colors of the Croix de Guerre.

Battle of the Bulge

Two days after the Germans launched their Ardennes Offensive, the 4th AD entered the fight (18 December 1944), racing northwest into Belgium, covering 150 miles in 19 hours. The 4th AD, spearheading Patton's Third Army, attacked the Germans at Bastogne and, on 26 December, Brigadier General Herbert L. Earnest's Combat Command A led the column that relieved Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, with Company C, 37th Tank Battalion in the vanguard. to break through at Bastogne and relieve the besieged 101st Airborne Division. Six weeks later the 4th AD jumped off from Luxembourg City in an eastward plunge that carried it across the Moselle River at Trier, south, and east to Worms, and across the Rhine, 24–25 March 1945. Advancing all night, the 4th AD crossed the Main River the next day, south of Hanau, and continued to push on. Lauterbach fell 29 March, Creuzburg across the Werra on 1 April, Gotha on 4 April – where the 4th AD liberated Ohrdruf concentration camp, the first Nazi camp liberated by U.S. troops. By 12 April the 4th AD was across the Saale River. Pursuit of the enemy continued, and by 6 May the division had crossed into Czechoslovakia and established a bridgehead across the Otava River at Strakonice, with forwarding elements at Písek. The 4th AD was reassigned to the XII Corps on 30 April 1945. The 4th AD received the following Letter of Commendation:

To: Maj. Gen. Hugh J. Gaffey The outstanding celerity of your movement and the unremitting, vicious and skillful manner in which you pushed the attack, terminating at the end of four days and nights of incessant battle in the relief of Bastogne, constitutes one of the finest chapters in the glorious history of the United States Army. You and the officers and men of your command are hereby commended for a superior performance.

Lt. Gen. George S. Patton, Jr., Commander, Third U.S. Army

The 4th AD's second commander, Major General John Shirley Wood, (known as "P" Wood to his contemporaries, the "P" standing for "Professor", and "Tiger Jack" to his men) who took over the division officially on 18 June 1942, trained the 4th Armored Division for two years before he personally led it into combat in France, on 28 July 1944, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. On 1 August, Gen. George Patton's U.S. Third Army became operational and the 4th AD became the spearhead of the Third Army. The British military armor theorist and historian, Capt. Basil Henry Liddell Hart, once referred to General Wood as "the Rommel of the American armored forces." Like Rommel, Wood commanded from the front, and preferred staying on the offensive, using speed and envelopment tactics to confuse the enemy. General Wood often utilized a light Piper Cub liaison aircraft flown by his personal pilot, Maj. Charles "Bazooka Charlie" Carpenter, to keep up with his rapidly moving division, sometimes personally carrying corps orders from headquarters directly to his advancing armored columns.

On 3 December 1944, General Wood was relieved as division commander. The division was then led by Major General Hugh Gaffey through the Battle of the Bulge until March 23, when Brigadier General William M. Hoge was awarded command. Major General Fay B. Prickett commanded during the occupation period. Major General Archibald R. Kennedy commanded the division after the war.

Among the most famous members of the 4th AD during World War II was Creighton Abrams, who commanded the 37th Tank Battalion. Abrams later rose to command all U.S. forces in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War and served as Army Chief of Staff in the 1970s. The M-1 tank is named after him. Abrams' friend, Harold Cohen, commanded the 10th Armored Infantry Battalion and fought in concert with Abrams' tanks.

WWII Composition

The division was composed of the following units:

  • Headquarters
  • Headquarters Company
  • Combat Command A
  • Combat Command B
  • Combat Command Reserve
  • 8th Tank Battalion
  • 35th Tank Battalion
  • 37th Tank Battalion
  • 10th Armored Infantry Battalion
  • 51st Armored Infantry Battalion
  • 53rd Armored Infantry Battalion
  • Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 4th Armored Division Artillery
    • 22nd Armored Field Artillery Battalion
    • 66th Armored Field Artillery Battalion
    • 94th Armored Field Artillery Battalion
  • 25th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized)
  • 24th Armored Engineer Battalion
  • 144th Armored Signal Company
  • 4th Armored Division Train Headquarters and Headquarters Company
    • 126th Ordnance Maintenance Battalion
    • 46th Armored Medical Battalion
    • Military Police Platoon
    • Band

Post-war

M114A1 of the Armored Cavalry Platoon 2/54th Infantry, 4th Armored Division takes part in exercises in Grafenwöhr, Germany.

The division remained as occupation forces in Germany after redesignation as the First Constabulary Brigade. In 1949, it was redesignated back to 4th Armored Division and inactivated on 20 May 1949.

The 4th AD was reactivated on 15 June 1954 at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas with the name 4th Armored "Breakthrough" Division ("Breakthrough" was discontinued some years afterwards). In late 1957, the 4th AD was rotated to West Germany as part of Operation Gyroscope, replacing the 2nd Armored Division. Cooke Barracks in Göppingen served as the division headquarters.

Combat Command "A" was located at Wiley Barracks, New Ulm. It comprised 2d Medium Tank Battalion (MTB), 66th Armor (Leipheim); 2d Armored Rifle Battalion (ARB), 41st Infantry (Neu Ulm); and 2d Armored Rifle Battalion, 51st Infantry. Combat Command "B" was at Ferris Barracks, Erlangen, comprising the 1st MTB, 35th Armor (Ferris Barracks); 2d MTB, 67th Armor (Fürth); 2d ARB, 50th Infantry (Ferris Barracks); and 2d Reconnaissance Squadron, 15th Cavalry. Combat Command "C" was at McKee Barracks, Crailsheim. It comprised 1st MTB, 37th Armor (McKee Barracks) and 1st ARB, 54th Infantry.

The 4th AD remained in Germany until final inactivation in May 1971, when it was reflagged as the 1st Armored Division.

In popular culture

In Harold Coyle's 1993 techno-thriller "The Ten Thousand", the 4th Armored Division forms part of the US Army Tenth Corps, and much of the novel's action is depicted from the point of view of members of the division.

List of Commanding Generals during the Cold War

  • Maj-Gen Andrew P. O'Meara (1 Aug 1957 – 13 Feb 1959)
  • Maj-Gen James B. Quill (14 Feb 1959 – 1 Apr 1960)
  • Maj-Gen John K. Waters (2 Apr 1960 – 27 Aug 1961)
  • Maj-Gen James H. Polk (28 Aug 1961 – 30 Nov 1962)
  • Maj-Gen John F. Franklin Jr. (1 Dec 1962 – 31 May 1964)
  • Maj-Gen Alexander D. Surles Jr. (1 Jun 1964 – 17 Dec 1965)
  • Maj-Gen James W. Sutherland (18 Dec 1965 – 23 May 1967)
  • Maj-Gen Edward C.D. Scherrer (24 May 1967 – 2 Dec 1968)
  • Maj-Gen Stephen W. Downey, Jr. (3 Dec 1968 – 4 Feb 1970)
  • Maj-Gen William W. Cobb (5 Feb 1970 – 10 May 1971)

WWII names

American
  • The Rolling 4th
  • Flying 4th
  • Phantom 4th
  • Ghost Division
  • Fire Alarm Division
German
  • American Elite Fourth Armored Division
  • Roosevelt's Butchers (by Nazi propagandists)

WWII statistics

Casualties
  • Total battle casualties: 6,212
  • Killed in action: 1,143
  • Wounded in action: 4,551
  • Missing in action: 65
  • Prisoners of war: 453
Medal of Honor recipients
Unit awards

The 4th Armored Division was the first U.S. Armored Division to be awarded the Presidential Unit Citation:

  • Presidential Unit Citation (Army), World War II (ARDENNES, 22 December 1944 – 27 March 1945; WD GO 54, 1945)
  • French Croix de Guerre with Palm, World War II (NORMANDY, 27–30 July 1944; DA GO 43, 1950)
  • French Croix de Guerre with Palm, World War II (MOSELLE RIVER, 12–29, September 1944; DA GO 43, 1950)
  • French Fourragere (Croix de Guerre colors), World War II (DA GO 43, 1950)
Assignments
  1. First United States Army: 18 December 1943
  2. VIII Corps: 22 January 1944
  3. XX Corps: 9 March 1944
  4. XV Corps: 20 April 1944
  5. VIII Corps: 15 July 1944
  6. XII Corps: 13 August 1944
  7. III Corps: 19 December 1944
  8. VIII Corps: 2 January 1945
  9. XII Corps: 12 January 1945
  10. VIII Corps: 4 April 1945
  11. X Corps: 9 April 1945
  12. VIII Corps: 17 April 1945

See also

References

  1. The Armored Sentinel, Foot Hood, Texas, 15 April 1954 Archived 24 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 30 September 2014
  2. http://www.history.army.mil/html/forcestruc/cbtchron/adcomp.html Archived 18 October 2020 at the Wayback Machine Component Elements of Armored Divisions in World War II
  3. Stanton, Shelby L. (1984). World War II Order of Battle. New York, New York: Galahad Books World War II Order of Battle p52
  4. http://www.history.army.mil/documents/ETO-OB/4AD-ETO.htm ORDER OF BATTLE OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY WORLD WAR II EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  5. The Armored Sentinel, Fort Hood, Texas, 15 April 1954 Archived 24 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 30 September 2014
  6. ^ Fox, Don M. (2003). Patton's Vanguard: The United States Army Fourth Armored Division. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Co. ISBN 0-7864-1582-7. OCLC 52766067.
  7. (in French) www.dday-overlord.com La 4e Division Blindée le 24 novembre 1944. Archived 15 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine
  8. National Cyclopaedia of American Biography. Vol. 57. New York, NY: James T. White & Co. 1977. p. 44 – via Internet Archive.
  9. 25 February 2009. Retrieved 10 October 2014
  10. Holocost Encyclopedia
  11. Office of the Theater Historian (December 1945). "4th Armored Division". Order of Battle of the United States Army World War II European Theater of Operations: Divisions. Paris: Office of the Theater Historian. pp. 448–459. Archived from the original on 11 March 2008. Retrieved 31 March 2011.
  12. ^ Lone Sentry
  13. Kerns, Raymond C., Above the Thunder: Reminiscences of a Field Artillery Pilot in World War II, Kent State University Press, ISBN 978-0-87338-980-8, ISBN 0-87338-980-8 (2009), pp. 23-24, 293-294
  14. "m-1 abrahms". The Gulf War, Frontline. Retrieved 31 March 2011.
  15. "Salute to Lt. Col. Harold Cohen on his Receipt of Distinguished Service Cross". Congressional Record. 142 (64): H4787 – H4788. 9 May 1996. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  16. "Order of Battle of the US Army - WWII - ETO - 4th Armored Division". US Army Center of Military History. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  17. "After action report for the 46th Armored Medical Battalion during 1 July 33 thru May 45, minus Sept, Oct, Dec 44". Ike Skelton Combined Arms Research Library Digital Library. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  18. The Armored Sentinel, Fort Hood, Texas, 15 April 1954
  19. "Cooke Barracks: A Chronology, 1945-2005". Archived from the original on 8 February 2015. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  20. The Armored Sentinel, Fort Hood Texas, 15 April 1954 Archived 24 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 27 Sept. 2014
  21. 4th Armored Division Yearbook 1958 via usarmygermany.com
  22. "4th Armored Division".
  23. 4th Armored Division Yearbook 1958
  24. Coyle, Harold (1993). The Ten Thousand. Pocket Books. ISBN 0-671-85292-2.
  25. Army Battle Casualties and Nonbattle Deaths, Final Report (Statistical and Accounting Branch, Office of the Adjutant General, 1 June 1953)

External links

Divisions of the United States Army
Airborne
Armored
Cavalry
Infantry
Mountain10th
Category
Categories: