On August 16, 1943, MG Stanley Reinhart took command of the newly formed 65th Infantry Division at Camp Shelby, MS. Like many newly formed divisions in 1943, the men of the 65th traveled to different bases with the XV and IX Corps training and building up for the upcoming battles that took place across Europe. The 65th Infantry Division trained almost continuosly until December 31, 1944 where they staged at Camp Shanks, NY in preparation for embarkation to France. on January 10, 1945, the 65th Infantry Division boarded troop transports in New York, NY and arrived in Le Havre, France on January 21, 1945.

For the next month, the 65th sorted out its equipment and went through some last minute training in preparation for battle.

On March 9, 1945, the 65th Infantry Division relieved the 26th Infantry Division at the bridghead across the Saar River near Orscholz. 4 days later the 65th sent the 261st Infantry Regiment across the Saar near Menningen to clear the German defenders from the heights south of Merzig. After 4 days of bloody fighting the 261st Regiment swept the Germans from the heights and on March 18th, took the town of Killingen. The rest of the 65th moved out of the bridgehead sending the 259th Regiment to capture Fraulautern and the 260th Regiment to capture Saarlauten.

After both towns were seized the division re-formed an fought its way through the West Wall and captured NeunKirchen. The division was then relieved and moved to Ottweiler for a much needed break.

After 10 days of rest, the 65th linked up with the 6th Armored Division. After crossing the river, the Infantry-Armor team fought their way across the Fulda river and reached the Reichensachen-Langenhain Line. There the 2 divisions split up and the 65th Infantry Division assaulted Langensalza. After being briefly overrun, the Division air and artillery units quickly plugged the breach. On April 10, 1945 the division moved into reserve in Berka.

A short time later, the 65th was tasked with mopping up the light resistence at Arnstadt. On April 17, 1945 the division launched an attack towards Altdorf and later captured the city of Neumarket after a short but bloody fight. 10 days later the division established a bridgehead across the Danube river despite heavy resistance. The bridgehead was expanded and the 260th Regiment captured Regensburg. This bridgehead allowed the 13th Armored Division to pass through. The 65th followed the 13th Armored and in 3 days they had crossed 3 rivers and overran Enns. On May 6, 1945 the division closed the Enns river and linked up with the Soviet Army near Strengberg.

After hostilities ceased, the Division remained in Austria until they were disbanded on August 31, 1945.

233 men of the 65th Infantry Division were killed in action. 927 were wounded in action and 27 died from their wounds receievd.