It was established at Barnaul, Altai Krai, Siberian Military District, in September 1941.

As part of the 2nd Shock Army of the Volkhov Front the division participated in Operation Spark (14–30.01.1943).

At the tip of the advancing group of the Volkhov Front, soldiers of the Division (1st Battalion, 1240th Rifle Regiment) met on 18/01/1943 at 9:30 am with soldiers coming from the West (1st Battalion, 123rd Rifle Brigade), thus completing the break of the Siege of Leningrad.

Soon after, the division moved to Sary-Ozek, Alma-Ata Oblast and joined the 17th Army Corps.

In December 1979, the division was to have moved to Afghanistan, but instead only its 186th Motor Rifle Regiment crossed the border.

The division was disbanded in 2003 and reorganized into a number of brigades and smaller units.

The 517th Motor Rifle Regiment became the 37th Air Assault Brigade at Taldykurgan.

The 385th Motor Rifle Regiment became the 38th Air Assault Brigade at Almaty.