It was created on 14 January 1945 from existing anti-aircraft units that were no longer needed to defend against enemy aircraft.

The 473rd Infantry was first constituted in the Army of the United States as the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Tank Group, and activated on 1 March 1942 at Camp Bowie, Texas.

This was a division-sized unit built around the U.S. 45th Antiaircraft Artillery Brigade with attached British, Brazilian, and Italian elements.

It was used to replace the black 365th Infantry Regiment, which was reassigned to U.S. IV Corps.

Colonel Willis D. Cronk of Headquarters Company, 2d Armored Group was placed in command during the reorganization but was soon replaced by Col. William P. Yarborough.