Darryl Stanley, and Executive Officer, Maj. Michael Santa Anna, as it best memorialized the history of the battalion. (From "U.S. Marine Corps Ground Unit Insignia.") Mission To provide armored combat power for the 4th Marine Division in the amphibious assault and subsequent operations ashore utilizing maneuver, armor protected firepower and shock effect to close with and destroy the enemy. The battalion is also tasked to organize, train, and equip individual Marines and combat ready tank companies to augment and reinforce the active duty component when required to serve as part of the Total Force of the United States. 4th Tank Battalion is a self-sustaining, autonomous unit capable of performing all the tasks of the regular force. Subordinate units History World War II The battalion was first formed on May 12, 1943, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. It was composed, with the exception of 2 officers, entirely of reservists. It was the first unit to capture Japanese mandated territory in the Pacific. It participated in the Battle of Kwajalein, Battle of Saipan, Battle of Tinian, and the Battle of Iwo Jima. For Iwo Jima the unit was augmented with four M4-3A Shermans that had the main armament swapped for a Seabee CB-H1-H2 flamethrower. As the troops became aware of the weapon they had they would hold up their assault and wait for the tankers with their CB-H2s. Ground commanders felt it was the single best weapons system at their disposal. On Iwo the tank battalions from all three Divisions were formed into a Regimental command lead by Lt. Colonel William R. Collins of the 5th. It was the largest USMC armour command of the war. The 4th Tank Battalion received a Presidential Unit Citation. Late in 1946, a group of World War II veterans began meeting at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot on a volunteer basis. This became the formation of the first organized Marine Corps Reserve unit in San Diego. The unit was officially designated as the 11th Tank Battalion in 1947 and became home for a headquarters and a tank company. Korean War In July, 1950, the unit was activated for the Korean War. Those members with sufficient experience as tankers formed the nucleus of B Company, 1st Tank Battalion, at Camp Pendleton. The 4th Tank Battalion motto is "53 days." When Marine reservists were activated for the Korean War, it was just 53 days until they