It existed from 26 November 1943 until 29 April 1945.The Division was formed from former Italian personnel and new conscripts from Northern Italy.

In August 1944 a unit was sent to France to fight against the Allies near Toulon, and two battalions were deployed along the Gothic Line to reinforce the Italian-German defence.

In Liguria, many soldiers of the Division deserted, and some 2,000 men were killed or wounded in the actions against the partisans.

On 24 April 1945 General Farina received the order to retreat from Liguria to the Ticino-Po line.

The San Marco Division crossed the Po River and surrendered to the Allies at Mede, Lombardy on 29 April 1945.