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On behalf of the officers and men of the 4th
Infantry Division, I wish to extend to you a cordial welcome to
the Fighting Fourth here in the Central Highlands of South
Vietnam.
The first elements of the division to arrive
in Vietnam landed in July 1966. The entire division was engaged in
combat by the middle of October. Since that time we have conducted
continuous operations against well-equipped and well-trained North
Vietnamese regular army units and against determined Viet Cong
forces. Without exception, Ivymen have scored hard, fought for
victories and have exacted from the enemy a heavy toll of men and
material.
Success in combat is never cheap men of the
4th Infantry Division have given their lives in the course of
these battles. In May 1967, the division base camp was officially
dedicated as Camp Enari in memory of First Lieutenant Mark N.
Enari, the Ivy Division’s first posthumous Silver Star
recipient. It is fitting that our base camp bear the name of this
dedicated soldier, since he is symbolic of all that we of the Free
World believe in and fight for so valiantly.
In addition to our combat operations, the
division actively participates in many programs designed to help
the Government of Vietnam win the support of its people and
improve their overall living standards.
The Fighting Fourth Infantry Division is
proud of its accomplishments in Vietnam. While a great deal has
been accomplished, each of us recognizes the magnitude of the task
which lies ahead. The officers and men of this combat division are
fully prepared to accomplish the mission of defeating communist
aggression and giving the people of South Vietnam the opportunity
to live in peace and freedom.
As you have the opportunity to see and work
with the men of the division in action, I am certain that you will
gain a new respect for the men who proudly wear the Ivy Patch.
Please feel free to call upon me or any of my staff for any
assistance that you might need.
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