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History of 4TH ARMORED DIVISION

The 4th Armored Division was a celebrated unit of the United States Army, activated in April 1941. Under the command of Major General John S. Wood, the division played a crucial role in World War II, spearheading General Patton’s Third Army across France following the D-Day landings. It was instrumental in the relief of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, earning the nickname "Breakthrough Division." After the war, the 4th Armored Division served in Germany during the Cold War before being inactivated in 1971.

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ABOUT 4TH ARMORED DIVISION

  • Creation and Nickname: The 4th Armored Division was activated on April 15, 1941 at Pine Camp, New York. It became known as the "Breakthrough Division" for its pivotal role in breaking enemy lines.
  • General Patton’s “Spearhead”: The 4th Armored Division was assigned to General George S. Patton’s Third Army and often served as the spearhead for his rapid advances across France and Germany in World War II.
  • Normandy Breakout: The division landed at Utah Beach in July 1944 and was instrumental in Operation Cobra, the breakout from Normandy, pushing rapidly through German lines.
  • Relief of Bastogne: During the Battle of the Bulge, the 4th Armored Division made the historic push to relieve the besieged 101st Airborne Division in Bastogne, Belgium on December 26, 1944.
  • Rapid Advance: The division was renowned for its speed and aggressiveness, often covering more ground in less time than any other armored division during the European campaign.
  • First to Reach Germany: The 4th Armored Division was among the first Allied units to reach German soil, crossing the Saar River in November 1944.
  • Liberation of Ohrdruf: The division liberated the Nazi concentration camp at Ohrdruf, a subcamp of Buchenwald, revealing the horrors of the Holocaust to the world in April 1945.
  • Postwar Service: After WWII, the division was stationed in Germany as part of the occupation forces, and later served as a training and armored unit during the Cold War.
  • Distinctive Insignia: The division’s shoulder patch featured the traditional armored triangle with a tank tread and cannon, signifying its mechanized strength and mobility.
  • Decorations and Honors: The 4th Armored Division received numerous citations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the French Croix de Guerre, honoring its bravery and effectiveness in combat.

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