USMC 4th Tank Battalion Patch — USMC Embroidered Patch 53 Days — 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division Composed almost entirely of reservists. First to capture Japanese-mandated territory in the Pacific. And when Korea called, they were in combat just 53 days after activation. This patch honors 4th Tank Battalion — the largest Marine tank battalion in history and a unit that proved reserve tankers could fight with the best of them. 4th Tank Battalion was first formed on 12 May 1943 at Camp Pendleton, California, composed almost entirely of reservists with the exception of two officers. The battalion fought through four major Pacific campaigns — Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima — earning a Presidential Unit Citation. On Iwo Jima, the unit fielded M4A3 Shermans modified with flamethrowers that ground commanders called the single best weapons system at their disposal. Reactivated as a reserve unit, 4th Tanks mobilized for Desert Storm in 1990–91, with Bravo Company destroying 34 Iraqi tanks in less than 90 seconds during the legendary "Reveille Engagement" — the fastest tank battle in Marine Corps history. Headquartered in San Diego, 4th Tank Battalion was the largest tank battalion in the U.S. military with six lettered companies before its deactivation under Force Design 2030. Perfect For: Reserve tankers, 4th Marine Division veterans, Desert Storm armor veterans, WWII Pacific campaign collectors, and anyone who believes citizen-Marines can outfight anyone. Fifty-three days from reserve to combat. That's 4th Tanks.
