UNITED STATES ARMY

4th ARMORED GROUP Cold War Organization  •  1960

In 1960 the 4th Armored Group (redesignated from the 19th Armored Group in 1955) was stationed at Gibbs Kaserne, Frankfurt, in the Federal Republic of Germany. Its higher headquarters was V Corps and its subordinate units were widely dispersed. For instance, two companies of the 2nd Heavy Tank Battalion, 33rd Armor (M103 tanks armed with a 120mm gun) were detached to the 3rd Armored Division. Besides this battalion the 4th Armored Group had two medium tank battalions (M48 Patton tanks armed with a 90mm gun) and two armored rifle battalions (M59 APCs). The group was inactivated in 1963 and its subordinate units were reassigned to other US Army Europe formations. Distinguishing flags for armored groups were diagonally divided from upper hoist to lower fly in the Armor branch colors, yellow over green, with the unit number centered and countercharged. The number was applied so as to appear properly on both sides of the flag. Distinguishing flags were made of silk or a silk-like material; dimensions were 3 feet at the hoist by 4 feet on the fly with 2 1/2-inch yellow fringe. Campaign and unit decoration streamers awarded to brigades were always displayed with these flags. The distinguishing flag was always carried or displayed with a National Color of the same material and dimensions. The group headquarters company guidon was of the same design as the corresponding distinguishing flag; subordinate units had branch-oriented guidons. All guidons were made of cotton or wool bunting; Dimensions were 20 inches at the hoist by 27 inches on the fly with a 10-inch fork.