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The
4th US Infantry 1917-1919
When war was declared against Germany in April 1917 the 4th Infantry was garrisoned
at Brownsville, Texas guarding the area from further incursion by Mexican bandits under the notorious Poncho Villa. At
that time the regiment was still comprised only of volunteers and career soldiers and was not at full wartime strength. With
the declaration of war the regiment was ordered to move from Texas to New York and join the newly formed 3rd Division. While
in transit the regiment would be brought to strength by adding new recruits and draftees as it traveled by rail to New York.
Most of the new men were drawn from the mid-west, Pennsylvania and New York, primarily New York City. Later the 3rd division
together with the 4th infantry was concentrated at New Port News, Virginia in preparation for transport to France. The 4th
Infantry was shipped to France in two separate ships. Headquarters, 2nd and 3rd Battalions on the SS "Great Northern" and
Headquarters and 1st on the USS "Madawaska." The regiment disembarked at Brest, France and was immediately sent to various
French training centers to receive combat training from veteran French instructors. German offensive operations cut short
this training and the entire 3rd division was transported by rail to the front. The 4th Infantry then bloodied itself
in the following battles: Aisne Champagne-Marne Aisne-Marne St. Mihiel Meuse-Argonne Champagne 1918
Ainse/ Marne Defensive Marne Offensive. When the war ended the 4th Infantry had lost 398 Officers and men. For
its services the 4th Infantry was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with Gilt Star, and a World War I, Streamer embroidered
CHAMPAGNE-MARNE AISNE-MARNE. Lastly, Private John L. Barkley was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valor
during the Argonne fighting in October 1918. With the Armistice in November 1918 the regiment occupied the German towns
of Plaidt and Saffig near the city of Coblenz until January 1919 after which the regiment was shipped home.
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