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History of 4th Battalion 31st Infantry Division

The 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Division, known as part of the "Dixie Division," traces its origins to World War I, when the 31st Infantry Division was formed from National Guard units primarily from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. During World War II, the division, including its 4th Battalion, was federalized and saw service in the Pacific Theater, notably participating in the liberation of the Philippines and subsequent occupation duties in Japan. The 31st Infantry Division was reactivated during the Korean War era, with its battalions, including the 4th, serving primarily in a training and reserve capacity. Over the years, the unit underwent several reorganizations before ultimately being inactivated as part of postwar military restructuring.

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ABOUT 4th Battalion 31st Infantry Division

  • Origins in World War I: The 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Division traces its roots to the organization of the 31st Infantry Division ("Dixie Division") during World War I, primarily composed of National Guardsmen from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
  • World War II Reorganization: During World War II, the 31st Infantry Division was reorganized and saw active service in the Pacific Theater, where its battalions, including the 4th Battalion, participated in campaigns such as New Guinea and the Southern Philippines.
  • “Dixie Division” Nickname: The division earned its nickname from its Southern roots, as most of its soldiers were from the southeastern United States.
  • Philippines Liberation: The 31st Infantry Division played a key role in liberating the Philippines from Japanese occupation, participating in operations on Mindanao and other islands.
  • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The insignia of the 31st Infantry Division features a red circle with a blue “O” (representing the letter “O” for “Old Reliable”), which became a symbol of pride for its battalions.
  • Postwar National Guard Service: After WWII, elements of the 31st Division, including the 4th Battalion, returned to National Guard status, serving during the Cold War as part of America’s strategic reserve.
  • Korean War Activation: The division was briefly activated during the Korean War, though it did not serve overseas; its units, including the 4th Battalion, provided replacements and training for other deploying units.
  • Hurricane Katrina Response: In the 21st century, National Guard units tracing their lineage to the 31st Infantry Division, including battalions like the 4th, were mobilized for disaster response during events such as Hurricane Katrina.
  • Valor and Decorations: The battalions of the 31st Infantry Division earned campaign streamers and unit citations for their actions in the Pacific, with individual soldiers receiving numerous awards for valor.
  • Legacy and Deactivation: The 31st Infantry Division was officially inactivated in 1968, but its battalions, including the 4th, live on through successor units in the Army National Guard, carrying forward its traditions and honors.

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