During the Vietnam War, the 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, also known as the "River Raiders," was a unit of the United States Army. The battalion played a significant role in conducting operations in the riverine environment, particularly in the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam.

The River Raiders were part of the 9th Infantry Division's Mobile Riverine Force, a unique concept that combined Army infantry with Navy riverine assets to conduct operations in the waterways of the Mekong Delta. The Mobile Riverine Force aimed to counter the Viet Cong insurgency by denying them control over the riverine areas and disrupting their activities.

The 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment operated from various riverine platforms, including Armored Troop Carriers (ATCs) and Assault Support Patrol Boats (ASPBs). These vessels allowed the River Raiders to swiftly navigate the extensive network of rivers, canals, and swamps in the Mekong Delta.

The battalion's primary responsibilities included conducting reconnaissance, search and destroy missions, and providing security for the riverine force. The River Raiders engaged in combat against Viet Cong guerrillas and North Vietnamese Army units, often fighting in close-quarter battles in the dense vegetation along the riverbanks.

The River Raiders employed a combination of infantry tactics, supported by naval gunfire, artillery, and air support, to suppress enemy forces. They conducted numerous operations to clear enemy strongholds, interdict supply lines, and establish temporary fire support bases along the waterways.

The Mobile Riverine Force, including the 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, faced significant challenges in the Mekong Delta, including dense jungles, complex waterborne ambushes, and booby traps. The River Raiders exhibited resilience and adaptability, utilizing their specialized training and equipment to navigate and combat the unique challenges of the riverine environment.

The 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment received several commendations and awards for their actions during the Vietnam War, including unit citations and individual decorations for valor and meritorious service.