4th Marine Div

• Formation in World War II: The 4th Marine Division was activated on August 16, 1943 at Camp Pendleton, California, specifically for service in World War II. • First Combat at Kwajalein: The Division's first combat operation was the battle for Roi-Namur in the Kwajalein Atoll, January-February 1944, marking the first time a Marine division deployed directly into combat from the United States. • Four Major Amphibious Assaults: The 4th Marine Division uniquely participated in four major amphibious landings: Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. • Presidential Unit Citation: The Division was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. • Famous Photograph: Several Marines from the 4th Division participated in the iconic flag-raising on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima. • High Casualties: During the battle of Iwo Jima, the 4th Marine Division suffered over 9,000 casualties, including more than 1,700 killed in action. • Deactivation and Reactivation: The Division was deactivated in November 1945 but was reactivated in 1966 as a reserve unit, known today as the "Fighting Fourth." • Medal of Honor Recipients: Seventeen Marines and one Navy corpsman from the 4th Division received the Medal of Honor for their actions during World War II. • Reserve Component: Today, the 4th Marine Division is the ground combat element of the Marine Forces Reserve, comprising reserve units from across the United States. • Distinctive Insignia: Its insignia features a gold "4" inside a scarlet diamond, symbolizing the Division's numerical designation and its service in the Pacific Theater.