4th Transportation Command (Terminal)

The 4th Transportation Command was originally activated 25 March 1942 in the Army of the United States as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Port of Embarkation at Fort Lawton, Washington. The unit moved to France on 7 November 1942 as 4th Port Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Transportation Corps. After its service in World War II it was Inactivated 7 December 1945 at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey.

It was reactivated 15 July 1954 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Transportation Command (Terminal) at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Later it was redesignated 23 June 1961 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Transportation Command and sent to Cam Ranh Bay Vietnam. After its mission in Vietnam had ended it was moved and inactivated 28 June 1972 at Fort Lewis, Washington.

It was again reactivated and re-designated 1 April 1975 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Transportation Brigade and Activated in Germany at Camp King, Oberursel West Germany . Re-designated 16 February 1981 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Transportation Command with a final inactivation on 13 December 1989 with its subordinate units being absorbed by the 21st Theater Army Area Command.

Description/Blazon: On a brick red shield 2 inches (5.08 cm) in width and 2 inches (5.08 cm) in height overall and within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) yellow border a yellow annulet and trident interlaced.

Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the 4th Transportation Command on 28 June 1967. It was re-designated for the 4th Transportation Brigade on 13 May 1975. The insignia was re-designated effective 16 February 1981, for the 4th Transportation Command.

Brick red and yellow (gold) are used for the 4th Transportation Command unit patch, reflecting the fact that throughout its history it was part of the Transportation Corps. The wheel in the center of the shield is a symbol of land movement, both by automobile and truck as well as by rail, while the trident recalls the unit’s role in transporting men and materiel by sea.

Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of three concentric red (scarlet) circles bound with four gold bands saltirewise and bearing at center a yellow disc charged with a blue fleur-de-lis and all encircled by a blue border within a continuous brick red scroll inscribed "FREEDOM THROUGH MOBILITY" in gold letters.

Symbolism: Brick red and golden yellow are the colors used for Transportation. The organization's mission in France as a Port Headquarters and Headquarters Company during World War II is symbolized by the fleur-de-lis and the circular blue band alluding to a Port of Embarkation or terminal. The three scarlet concentric bands refer to the three Meritorious Unit Commendations-two for France and one for Vietnam, awarded to the organization.

Background: The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 4th Transportation Brigade on 9 October 1975. It was redesignated effective 16 February 1981, for the 4th Transportation Command.