About this Unit
A Company, 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment (A Co 4/23), is a storied unit within the United States Army with roots tracing back to the 23rd Infantry, originally constituted in 1812. Throughout its history, the 4th Battalion has served with distinction in major conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, where A Company played a critical role in several key operations. During the Vietnam War, A Co 4/23 was part of the 25th Infantry Division, conducting search-and-destroy missions, security operations, and counterinsurgency efforts in challenging environments. In more recent decades, the unit has continued to serve in various capacities, supporting both training and operational missions as part of the Army’s ongoing global commitments.
Historical Facts
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Unit Designation: A Company, 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment (A Co 4/23) is a historic line company within the 23rd Infantry Regiment, part of the U.S. Army, with a lineage dating back to the 19th century.
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Civil War Origins: The 23rd Infantry Regiment was constituted in 1812, and its battalions—including the modern 4th Battalion—trace their earliest roots to some of the Army’s oldest units, participating in the Indian Wars, Civil War, and beyond.
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World War II Service: The 23rd Infantry Regiment, including elements of what would become 4/23, earned distinction serving with the 2nd Infantry Division in the European Theater, notably participating in the Normandy landings (D-Day) and the Battle of the Bulge.
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Korean War Valor: The 23rd Infantry Regiment played a key role in the Battle of Chipyong-ni in 1951, where it earned the Presidential Unit Citation for withstanding repeated Chinese assaults; this legacy extends to all its battalions.
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Vietnam War Deployment: 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry was activated for service in Vietnam, and A Company was involved in numerous operations, including search and destroy missions and counter-insurgency patrols in the Mekong Delta and other regions.
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"Tomahawks" Nickname: The 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry adopted the nickname "Tomahawks," symbolizing their fighting spirit and echoing Native American imagery tied to the unit’s heritage.
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Mechanized Infantry Role: In the post-Vietnam era, 4/23 served as a mechanized infantry battalion, operating Bradley Fighting Vehicles and M113 armored personnel carriers, enhancing their mobility and firepower.
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Cold War & Beyond: The battalion was stationed at various posts, including Fort Lewis (now Joint Base Lewis-McChord), supporting U.S. Army readiness during the Cold War and participating in large-scale REFORGER exercises in Europe.
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Global War on Terror: A Co 4/23 deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, conducting counterinsurgency operations, convoy security, and partnership missions with local forces.
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Decorations and Honors: The unit’s lineage includes numerous campaign streamers, unit citations, and individual awards for valor, reflecting its storied history from the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of the Middle East.
