On November 17, 1917, the same year that America entered World War I, the 4th Division was formed at Camp Greene, North Carolina to begin its long tradition of service to our country.  Filled with draftees, the Fourth Division, whose insignia had been adopted by its first commanding general, Major General George H. Cameron, became known as the “Ivy” division.  Its insignia consisted of four green ivy leaves on a khaki background.  The Division also derived its numerical designation from the Roman numeral IV (4 and IV mean the same thing); hence the nickname, “Ivy” division. The division’s motto is “Steadfast and Loyal”.

In April 1918, the Ivy Division embarked en route to fight in France.  By the time the “Great War” ended some months hence, the Ivy Division would serve with distinction.  They were the only American combat force to serve with both the French and the British in their respective sectors, as well as with all Corps in the American sector.

When the war ended on November 11, 1918, the Ivy Division had earned five battle streamers.  Over 2,000 officers and men had been killed in action, total casualties were almost 14,000