4th Infantry Division

The 4th Infantry Division “Ivy Division” is one of the U.S. Army’s most decorated units, with combat history spanning World War I, World War II, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Known for its motto “Steadfast and Loyal,” the division continues to serve as a modern armored formation headquartered at Fort Carson, Colorado. Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 4th Infantry Division.

The 4th Infantry Division was activated on 10 December 1917 at Camp Greene, North Carolina, and deployed to France in World War I. In 1918, it fought in the Aisne-Marne, Saint-Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne campaigns, helping drive the German Army to defeat. The division earned its nickname, the “Ivy Division” (from the Roman numeral IV and the ivy plant symbolizing tenacity), and its motto, “Steadfast and Loyal.”

World War II

The 4th Infantry Division distinguished itself in Europe:

• D-Day, 6 June 1944: Its Soldiers landed on Utah Beach, leading the assault and driving inland.

• Liberation of Paris (August 1944): The division played a key role in freeing the French capital.

• Hürtgen Forest (1944–1945): Endured one of the war’s toughest campaigns in brutal winter combat.

• Crossing the Rhine (1945): Helped push into Germany, contributing to Allied victory in Europe.

Vietnam War

The 4th Infantry Division deployed to Vietnam in 1966 and remained until 1970, conducting counterinsurgency operations in the Central Highlands. It fought in major battles including Dak To and Cambodia incursions in 1970. Eleven Soldiers of the division received the Medal of Honor for heroism during Vietnam.

Cold War & Transformation

During the Cold War, the division was stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado, and Fort Hood, Texas, preparing to reinforce NATO in Europe. In the 1990s, it became the Army’s first digitized division, pioneering the use of advanced command-and-control technologies.

Global War on Terror

• Iraq War (2003): The 4th Infantry Division spearheaded the invasion of Iraq, later conducting the mission that captured Saddam Hussein near Tikrit in December 2003.

• Iraq & Afghanistan (2000s–2010s): Its brigades rotated repeatedly to Baghdad, Diyala, and Kandahar, conducting counterinsurgency operations, training local forces, and supporting stability missions.

Current Mission

Today, the 4th Infantry Division is headquartered at Fort Carson, Colorado, under III Corps. It is structured as an armored division with four brigade combat teams, prepared for large-scale combat and rapid deployment worldwide. It regularly trains and deploys in support of U.S. Army Europe, Africa, and Central Command missions.

Identity & Legacy

• Nickname: “Ivy Division”

• Motto: “Steadfast and Loyal”

• Distinctive Insignia: Four ivy leaves joined in a cross pattern, symbolizing unity and resilience.

• Unique Distinction: Led the assault on Utah Beach on D-Day and later captured Saddam Hussein in Iraq.

• Decorations: Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, French Croix de Guerre, and dozens of campaign streamers across WWI, WWII, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Enduring Significance

From the trenches of France in 1918 to the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan, the 4th Infantry Division has proven itself time and again as one of the Army’s most reliable, battle-tested units. Its Soldiers carry forward the Ivy Division’s motto—“Steadfast and Loyal”—as part of the Army’s armored spearhead.

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Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 4th Infantry Division.