The division contributed to liberating Seoul three days after outbreak of the war in close cooperation with other KPA combined units.

On the way of southward advance, it liberated Suwon and swept away the U.S. "Smith commandos" in area of Osan.

In particular, the unit made distinguished feats in the operation to liberate Taejon City the south Korean puppet clique set as a temporary "capital".

Under the operational plan of President Kim Il Sung on encircling Taejon, the division advanced into the city while swiftly closing roads to it. After all, the city was liberated in seven hours since the start of the operation.

The Taejon siege operation resulted in annihilation of the U.S. 24th Infantry Division and the 1st and 7th divisions of the south Korean puppet army.

In August 1950, the division was awarded the title of Guards.

It also successfully performed the duty for defending the western coastal area.

During the war, the unit produced 30-odd awardees of the title of DPRK Hero and killed and arrested at least 38 000 enemy troops and destroyed several hundred pieces of combat equipment.

Leader Kim Jong Il visited the division on May 28, 1999, saying that the division's colors was a reminder of servicepersons who unhesitatingly dedicated their lives in the war to defend the party and the leader, the motherland and the people.