4:7 infantry

• Civil War Origins: The 4th Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment ("Cottonbalers") traces its lineage back to the War of 1812, with the 7th Infantry Regiment being one of the oldest active units in the U.S. Army. • Nickname: The regiment’s nickname, "Cottonbalers," comes from the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, where the regiment fought behind bales of cotton during the defense of the city. • World War II Legacy: The 7th Infantry Regiment, including its 4th Battalion, played a significant role in the invasion of Normandy, the liberation of France, and the crossing of the Rhine. • Vietnam Service: 4/7 Infantry was activated for service in Vietnam as part of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade, engaging in major operations such as Operation Cedar Falls and Operation Junction City. • Presidential Unit Citations: The battalion and its parent regiment have received multiple Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism in both World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam. • Distinctive Insignia: The "Cottonbaler" regimental crest features a cotton bale and bayonet, symbolizing their historic defense at New Orleans. • Cold War & Modern Deployments: After Vietnam, 4/7 Infantry served in Germany during the Cold War and was later reactivated to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the early 2000s. • Decorated Leaders: Notable commanders have included Generals such as William Westmoreland, who once served in the 7th Infantry Regiment early in his career. • Regimental Motto: The 7th Infantry Regiment’s motto is "Volens et Potens" ("Willing and Able"), reflecting their readiness for any mission. • Tradition of Valor: Soldiers of 4/7 Infantry have earned numerous individual awards for valor, including the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, and Silver Star across multiple conflicts.