[citation needed] The division saw heavy action during the Pacific campaign of World War II.

In November 1942 the 3rd Battalion of the 229th Infantry Regiment was sent to participate in the New Guinea campaign, where by January 1943 it was completely decimated following multiple engagements on the island chain with Australian forces.

[citation needed] The remnants of the division fell back to Rabaul after these losses and took part in the fortification of the port.

From October 1942 to February 1943, the rest of 38th Division also took heavy losses in the Guadalcanal Campaign and was thereafter assigned to the defense of the New Georgia, the Admiralty Islands, New Britain, and New Ireland occupational garrisons until the end of the war.

[citation needed] The division's soldiers were accused of committing war crimes during their operations in the Pacific theater.