About this Unit
The 4th United States Army was first activated during World War I in 1918 but was quickly demobilized after the war ended. It was reactivated in 1932 and played a significant role in training and organizing troops on the home front during World War II, primarily overseeing units in the western United States. Headquartered at various times at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, the 4th Army was responsible for preparing soldiers for overseas combat and managing continental defense. The unit was inactivated in 1991 as part of a post-Cold War reorganization of the U.S. Army.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Early History: The 4th United States Army was first organized in 1922 as part of the Organized Reserves, with its headquarters initially at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
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World War II Role: During World War II, the 4th Army was responsible primarily for training and preparing units and soldiers for overseas deployment, rather than participating directly in combat operations.
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Stateside Defense: The 4th Army played a key role in the defense of the US mainland, especially the southern and southwestern borders, during the early years of World War II.
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Cold War Era: The 4th Army was a major command responsible for the training and mobilization of reserve and National Guard units throughout the Cold War, especially in the south-central United States.
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Famous Commanders: General Jonathan M. Wainwright, who later became a hero of the defense of the Philippines, commanded the 4th Army in the late 1930s.
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Post-War Activities: After WWII, the 4th Army continued its mission of training and overseeing National Guard and Army Reserve units, ensuring rapid mobilization capability during the Korean War and beyond.
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Merger and Inactivation: In 1971, the 4th Army was merged with the Fifth Army as part of a post-Vietnam War reorganization, officially ceasing to exist as an independent command.
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Distinctive Insignia: The 4th Army’s shoulder sleeve insignia featured a green quatrefoil on a red background, symbolizing its numerical designation.
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Role in Civil Defense: The 4th Army participated in civil defense drills and exercises during the 1950s and 1960s, helping to prepare the nation for potential Cold War emergencies.
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Legacy: Although inactivated, the history and traditions of the 4th Army are preserved through its veterans and historical research, and some Army Reserve units still trace their lineage to the 4th Army.
