The 4th Marine Division

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Are you a part of the 4^th Marine Division of the U.S. Marine Corps?  If so, you're a part of a long line of men and women who have defended the U.S.  The 4^th Marine Division is the reserve division of the Marine Corps.  As such, it acts as the ground combat force of the Marines.  While the 4^th Marine Division has units stationed throughout the country, its main headquarters is in New Orleans.

The 4^th Marine Division was created during World War II when several other regiments and divisions were shuffled around and split.  Members from the 23^rd Marine Regiment, the 20^th Marines, and the 25^th Marines officially met in August of 1943 and formed the 4^th Marine Division under the command of Major General Harry Schmidt.  However, the unit was deactivated in November of 1945.

In February of 1966, the 4^th Marine Division was reactivated to act as the official Marine Forces Reserve.  This new version of the 4^th included 53 reserve units and was originally under the command of Major General Robert E. Cushman, Jr., commander of Camp Pendleton where the division was headquartered.

The original insignia of the 4^th Marine Division is very simple: a red diamond with a gold 4 on it.  That logo, designed by SSgt John Fabion, has been recreated as a patch for bikers or others who are members of the Marine Reserves.  While retired members may be especially interested in this retro patch, some current 4^th Division members prefer it to the new patch that includes more elements and isn't as simple.