The Fourth Infantry Division is the most technologically advanced combat division in the United States Army.
The division has two nicknames, the first, "Ivy," is a play on words of the roman numeral "IV" which signifies the division's numerical designation. Ivy leaves also symbolize tenacity and fidelity which is the basis of the division's motto: "Steadfast and Loyal". The second nickname, "Iron Horse," has been recently adopted to indicate the speed and power of the division.
The division was formed in 1917 and was part of the Allied Expeditionary Force during World War I where the division suffered over 11,000 casualties.
In World War II the division took part in the Normandy Invasion and resultant breakout suffering 5,000 casualties. The 4th was the first American unit to enter Paris. The 4th bore the brunt of the German attack during the Battle of the Bulge.
The division took part in the Vietnam War and took part in 11 campaigns in 5 years.
The 4th Infantry Division was scheduled to take part in the Iraq War in the spring of 2003 by spearheading an advance from Turkey into northern Iraq. The Turkish Parliament refused to grant permission for the operation and the division's equipment remained offshore on ships during the buildup for the war. The 4th was unable to deploy in time to take part in the invasion but arrived as follow-on forces and have been a major part of occupation forces during the post-war period. On December 13, 2003, a unit of the 4th captured Saddam Hussein, former President of Iraq.