[2] After the Invasion of Poland, in which the division served a reserve role under Army Group South, it was used as an occupation force in the Kraków sector.

[2] Between June 1941 and the summer of 1942, the 257th Infantry Division fought continuous battles in the German-Soviet war.

[3] At the end of the year 1941, the 257th Infantry Division engaged in defensive operations against the Soviet winter campaign of 1941–42.

[2] On 5 November 1943, Anton Reichard von Mauchenheim genannt Bechtolsheim assumed command of the division.

[2] In August 1944, the 257th Infantry Division was destroyed while under the supervision of Army Group South.

[1] The 257th Volksgrenadier Division was captured by United States Army forces at Füssen in May 1945.