4th Marine Division (United States)
The 4th Marine Division (4th MarDiv) is a reserve division in the United States Marine Corps. It is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and is composed of Marines and Sailors throughout the United States.
Mission
The 4th Marine Division is structured to reinforce and augment active duty forces in time of war or national emergency. As a reserve division, it provides trained personnel and combat-ready units for deployment worldwide.
History
The 4th Marine Division was activated during World War II on August 16, 1943, at Camp Pendleton, California. The division saw extensive combat in the Pacific Theater, participating in the battles of Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. Following the end of World War II, the 4th Marine Division was deactivated on November 28, 1945.
It was reactivated as a reserve division in 1966. Since then, the 4th Marine Division has provided support to active duty units in numerous operations and exercises around the world. Its units have been mobilized for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Organization
As a reserve division, the 4th Marine Division's organization differs somewhat from an active duty division. It is composed of a headquarters battalion and several infantry regiments, artillery regiments, and support battalions, all geographically dispersed. Key components typically include:
- Headquarters Battalion
- 23rd Marine Regiment
- 25th Marine Regiment
- 14th Marine Regiment (Artillery)
- 4th Combat Engineer Battalion
- 4th Tank Battalion
- 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion
- 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion
- 4th Reconnaissance Battalion
- 4th Supply Battalion
- 4th Maintenance Battalion
Notable Achievements
The 4th Marine Division has earned numerous decorations and campaign streamers for its service in World War II and its subsequent support to active duty forces. It maintains a tradition of combat readiness and professional excellence. The division's participation in key battles of World War II, such as Iwo Jima, significantly contributed to the Allied victory in the Pacific. Since its reactivation, the 4th Marine Division has consistently demonstrated its value as a vital component of the Marine Corps' overall force structure, providing trained and ready reservists to augment and reinforce active duty units in times of need.