By employing the unique military tactics indicated by President Kim Il Sung, the division contributed to liberating many parts of south Korea, including Chunchon, Kaphyong, Ansong, Jinchon and Chongju, in the 1950-1953 War.

In the second half of 1951, the unit fought death-defying battles on the Height 1211 in the eastern front, making distinguished contribution to foiling the enemy's "summer and autumn offensives".

In the war, the division witnessed a number of awardees of the title of DPRK Hero, including Ri Su Bok and An Yong Ae, and killed or captured tens of thousands of enemy troops while destroying many pieces of enemy combat equipment.

The unit was awarded the title of Guards on January 27, 1952.

When inspecting it in November Juche 94 (2005), leader Kim Jong Il highly appreciated the heroic feats its servicepersons performed in the war.