4th Romanian Army

The 4th Romanian Army formed on August 1916, organizing forces to defend Romania during World War I’s critical campaigns. Commanders led operations in battles like Oituz and Bucharest, showcasing strategic resilience. The army later participated in World War II, contributing to significant operations, including the Siege of Odessa and Stalingrad.

Commanders

Lieutenant General Nicolae Ciupercă, 3rd June 1941 to 9th September 1941

Lieutenant General Nicolae Ciupercă led the 4th Romanian Army during World War II, showcasing exceptional strategic leadership and determination. He commanded operations like Operation München and the Siege of Odessa, contributing significantly to Romania’s military efforts. Ciupercă’s decisions emphasized discipline and coordination, reflecting his commitment to achieving objectives effectively and maintaining operational integrity throughout the campaigns.

Lieutenant General Iosif Iacobici, 14th September 1941 to 8th November 1941

Lieutenant General Iosif Iacobici led the 4th Romanian Army during key World War II campaigns; he directed their actions on the Eastern Front. Iacobici’s command involved coordinating with Axis forces, he executed orders within the broader strategic framework. He oversaw the army’s deployments, he aimed to achieve operational goals amidst intense combat.

Lieutenant General Constantin Constantinescu-Claps, 8th November 1941 to 3rd February 1943

Lieutenant General Constantin Constantinescu-Claps commanded the Romanian Fourth Army during World War II, showcasing remarkable leadership and strategic expertise. He participated in significant battles like the Siege of Odessa and the Battle of Stalingrad. Constantinescu-Claps emphasized discipline and coordination, contributing significantly to Romania’s military efforts and leaving a lasting legacy in military history.

Lieutenant General Constantin Sănătescu, 20th February 1943 to 1st January 1944

Lieutenant General Constantin Sănătescu briefly commanded the 4th Romanian Army during critical wartime operations; he directed tactical deployments. Sănătescu’s leadership focused on maintaining defensive positions, he sought to stabilize the army’s lines under pressure. He faced challenging circumstances, he worked to execute orders and preserve the army’s fighting capability.

Lieutenant General Ioan Mihail Racoviță, 25th Jan 1944 to 23rd August 1944

Lieutenant General Ioan Mihail Racoviță, 25th January 1944 to 23rd August 1944

Lieutenant General Ioan Mihail Racoviță commanded the 4th Romanian Army during significant periods of World War II; he led troops in crucial battles. Racoviță’s leadership involved directing operations on the Eastern Front, he implemented strategies aligned with Axis objectives. He oversaw army movements, he sought to achieve tactical goals within the broader campaign.

Lieutenant General Ilie Șteflea, 23rd August 1944 to 29th August 1944

Lieutenant General Ilie Șteflea commanded the 4th Romanian Army during World War II, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic expertise. He emphasized discipline and coordination, leading operations effectively against Soviet forces. Șteflea contributed significantly to Romania’s military efforts, showcasing tactical acumen and dedication, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s military history.

Lieutenant General Gheorghe Avramescu, 29th Aug 1944 to 11th Jan 1945

Lieutenant General Gheorghe Avramescu, 29th August 1944 to 11th January 1945

Lieutenant General Gheorghe Avramescu led the 4th Romanian Army through challenging wartime periods; he directed operations on the Eastern Front. Avramescu’s leadership involved strategic planning and tactical execution, he aimed to achieve objectives within Axis campaigns. He oversaw troop movements, he worked to maintain cohesion and fighting capability amidst intense combat.

Lieutenant General Nicolae Dăscălescu, 12th January 1945 to 18th February 1945

Lieutenant General Nicolae Dăscălescu commanded the 4th Romanian Army during World War II, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic expertise. He led operations like the Bratislava–Brno Offensive and Prague Offensive, emphasizing discipline and coordination. Dăscălescu contributed significantly to Romania’s military efforts, showcasing tactical acumen and dedication, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s military history.

Lieutenant General Gheorghe Avramescu, 19th Feb 1945 to 3rd March 1945

Lieutenant General Gheorghe Avramescu, 19th February 1945 to 3rd March 1945

Lieutenant General Gheorghe Avramescu led the 4th Romanian Army through challenging wartime periods; he directed operations on the Eastern Front. Avramescu’s leadership involved strategic planning and tactical execution, he aimed to achieve objectives within Axis campaigns. He oversaw troop movements, he worked to maintain cohesion and fighting capability amidst intense combat.

Lieutenant General Nicolae Dăscălescu, 3rd March 1945 to 1st June 1945

Lieutenant General Nicolae Dăscălescu commanded the 4th Romanian Army during World War II, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic expertise. He led operations like the Bratislava–Brno Offensive and Prague Offensive, emphasizing discipline and coordination. Dăscălescu contributed significantly to Romania’s military efforts, showcasing tactical acumen and dedication, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s military history.

Engagements

Operation München
Siege of Odessa
Siege of Sevastopol
Battle of Stalingrad
First Jassy–Kishinev offensive
Battle of Târgu Frumos
Battle of Turda
Prague Offensive

Army Composition

22nd June 1941

3rd Army Corps
- 15thGuards Reserve Division
- 35th Guards Reserve Division
5th Army Corps
- Border Division
- 21st Division
11th Army Corps
- Two fortress brigades
4th Army Cooperation Command

August 1941

1st Army Corps
3rd Army Corps
4th Army Corps
5th Army Corps
6th Army Corps
11th Army Corps
1st Armoured Division
3 Cavalry Divisions
38 Artillery Regiments

History

The 4th Romanian Army participated in World War I, defending Romania during critical battles like Oituz and Bucharest. Commanders organized its forces to counter enemy advances, showcasing strategic resilience and determination. After the war, the army played a significant role in the Hungarian–Romanian War, contributing to Romania’s territorial consolidation.

During World War II, the 4th Romanian Army aligned with Axis powers, engaging in operations like the Siege of Odessa and Stalingrad. Commanders led its forces in recapturing Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina, demonstrating tactical effectiveness. However, the army suffered devastating losses during the Battle of Stalingrad, significantly impacting its operational capabilities.

In 1944, the 4th Romanian Army shifted allegiance, joining the Allies after King Michael’s coup. It participated in battles like the Prague Offensive, contributing to the final defeat of Axis forces. The army’s operational history reflects resilience, adaptability, and significant contributions to Romania’s military legacy.