A Short Pocket History This condensed history of the 4th Marine Division's actions in the World War II Pacific campaigns is a very quick read and told in a brief style. Outlining each major action of their island hopping assaults, it gives a fast overview of the unit's history and operations. "INTRODUCTION, Each generation of United States Marines picks up the thread of history and weaves its own accomplishments into the tapestry of valorous achievement that has matched, step by step, the growth of the larger fabric of our nation. This booklet has been prepared so that those who serve today in the historic 4th Marine Division and 4th Marine Aircraft Wing may know the legacy of honor with which they have been entrusted and to which they proudly add their own unique record."

Hold High the Torch, the first of a series of regimental and squadron histories by the Historical Branch, G-3 Division, Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps, is designed primarily to acquaint the members of the 4th Marines, past and present, with the history of their regiment. In addition, it is hoped this volume will enlarge public understanding of the Marine Corps’ worth both in limited war and as a force in readiness. During most of its existence the 4th Marines was not engaged in active military operations, but service of the regiment in China, the Dominican Republic, and off the west coast of Mexico, was typical of the Marine Corps’ support of national policy. In many of its combat operations, the 4th Marines was only one element of a much larger force. In other instances, as in the Dominican Republic and China, the regiment was a subordinate unit in situations which were essentially political and diplomatic. Only so much of these higher echelon activities as are essential to an understanding of the 4th Marines story have been told. This is a regimental history and the focus is therefore on the 4th Marines.