In December 1923, in the Ukrainian Military District in Vinnytsia the 96th Podolsky Territorial Rifle Division was formed.
On May 17, 1935, the division as part of 17th RC joined the Kiev Military District.
On July 26, 1938, the 96th Rifle Division, 17th RC, joined the Vinnytsia army group formed in the Kiev Special Military District.
From September 17, 1939, the division took part in the Soviet invasion of Poland.
During the Lublin-Brest Offensive, 350th Rifle Regiment company commander Mikhail Linnik distinguished himself and was subsequently awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union.