The 69th Infantry Division was activated on May 15, 1943. It was initially made up of a large group of soldiers and officers from the 96th Infantry Division. Around this group volunteers and draftees were added at Camp Shelby, MS to fill the ranks of the new Division. For the remainder if 1943 and all of 1944, the Division continued to train at Camp Shelby.

On January 26, 1945 the 69th Division landed in France and on February 11, the Division fought its first battle. During the next three months, the 69th supported numerous units in the drive towards Berlin. The 69th Infantry Division is credited with participation in the Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns. In March and April, several Regiments of the 69th were detached and assigned to support other units. The 69th did not fight any major engagements as a Division.

The 69th Division did make history for their part of the war. On April 25, 1945, Soldiers from the 273rd Infantry linked up with Soviet Soldiers of the 58th Guards Division near Torgau, Germany, on the Elbe River.

During 65 days of combat, 309 Soldiers of the 69th Division were killed and 1,191 were wounded.