[2] The event was won by the United States, the nation's first victory in the men's coxed four.

Switzerland earned silver, the nation's fifth medal in the event in six Games (having missed the podium only in 1932, when no Swiss team competed).

The two-time reigning champions were Germany, not invited to the 1948 Games following World War II and thus unable to defend their title.

[2] Argentina, Australia, Cuba, Greece, and Portugal each made their debut in the event.

France and the United States both made their sixth appearance, tied for most among nations to that point.