The 4th Infantry Division fought with distinction during the First World War & earned it's
nickname "Ivy" Division from the Roman numeral "IV". The division was re-activated in June 1940 while Europe was already engulfed
in the second World War of the 20th century. American involvement seemed inevitable.
The 4th had been tested as a new "motorised" division, but it was decided to standardize the
army by equipping all infantry divisions with an equal amount of vehicles. The 4th was re-designated as an infantry division
in September 1942. The Military Police contingent of the division was organized as a platoon, then a company, then back to
a platoon in August 1943.
It was the duty of the MP's to direct traffic, man roadblocks & security posts, escort &
guard enemy prisoners, to enforce army regulations and to keep order. The MP's trained with the division at Ft. Benning, GA,
Camp Gordon, GA, Ft. Dix, NJ and amphibious training at Camp Gordon Johnston, FL. They also participated with the division
in the Carolina manuevers of 1941 & 1942.
The 4th Infantry Division sailed for England in January 1944. They were to participate in the
Normandy invasion; landing on Utah Beach. The men of the MP Platoon were vital in directing men & equipment off the beaches
inland. Other accomplishments of the ivymen were helping to liberate Paris in August 1944, fighting in the Hurtgen Forest,
and participating in the Battle of the Bulge. The 4th finished the war east of the Rhine, near Amberg, Germany.
It is the goal of our reenactment unit to bring to light the often-overlooked role of the American
Military Policeman of the WWII era.
Lt. Gen. George S. Patton, Jr., wrote to Maj. Gen. Raymond O. Barton, 4th ID Division Commander:
"No
American division in France has excelled the magnificent record of the 4th Inf. Div., which has been almost continuously in
action since it fought its way ashore on the 6th day of last June; but in my opinion your most recent fight, when such a depleted
and tired
division you halted the left shoulder of the German thrust into the American lines and saved the City of Luxembourg,
is your most outstanding accomplishment."
