The army was formed in January 1945 and included airborne divisions converted into infantry.

It became part of the 2nd Ukrainian Front on 27 February to participate in the Vienna Offensive.

The 38th Guards Rifle Corps was to cut the Vienna-Linz road and use two divisions to protect the attack from the west.

The 37th Guards Rifle Corps protected the assault force's left flank.

[1][6] The army had its headquarters in Szolnok from July 1945 to June 1946 and was part of the Central Group of Forces.