What happened to the 4-4-2?

The Legacy of the 442nd Lives On

When people ask, “What happened to the 4-4-2?” they’re often thinking of the legendary 442nd Regimental Combat Team—one of the most decorated units in U.S. military history. Officially inactivated in 1946 after its heroic service in World War II, the 442nd didn’t disappear. Instead, it evolved.

Just a year later, in remarks were made about reactivating a portion of the unit as part of the Army Reserve. By 1947, the 100th Battalion/442nd Infantry Regiment was reactivated and stationed at Fort Shafter in Hawaii—keeping the lineage alive. This unit carries forward the legacy of Japanese American soldiers who, despite facing racism and the incarceration of their families back home, fought valiantly in Europe with extraordinary courage.

Today, the 100th/442nd stands as the only active infantry formation in the Army Reserve, a quiet but powerful reminder of sacrifice and patriotism. Its members train regularly, ready to deploy if needed, while also honoring the past through ceremonies and community engagement across Hawaii and the mainland.

The story of the 442nd isn’t just about battles won—it’s about identity, resilience, and the fight for recognition. From the Italian mountains to the streets of Paris during the Liberation, this unit earned over 18,000 individual decorations, including 21 Medals of Honor. Those numbers aren’t just statistics; they’re a testament to human courage.

So while the original 442nd RCT was formally disbanded after the war, its spirit endures. The unit may no longer march under the same structure, but in the ranks of the 100th Battalion, the legacy of the “Go For Broke” regiment marches on—quiet, proud, and unbroken.