Prior to October, 1938, the 1st Infantry Division comprised four regiments organized in two brigades headquartered in Timisoara. The 1st brigade in Lugoj was composed of the 5th Vanitori (Rifles) Regiment in Timisoara and the 17th in Lugoj (yes, this was Bela Lugosi's birthplace). The 31st Brigade in Arad was made up of the 57th Regiment in Salonta and the 93rd in Arad. The artillery brigade had the 1st Regiment in Timisoara and the 42nd in Lugoj.

The Rumanians reorganized their army from late 1938 through 1940. By early 1941 the division was still stationed in Timisoara, but had only three regiments, the 5th Vanitori in Timisoara, the 17th in Turnu Severin, and the 2nd Grancieri (Border Guards) based in Carasebes. The artillery was not effected aside from losing its brigade HQ.

The unit was part of the general reserves during Barbarossa and wasn't sent east until September, 1941. It participated in the siege of Odessa, but was sent back to Rumania early in 1942. Rested and up to strength it was assigned to VI Rumanian Corps during the spring of 1942. It was transferred to the German IX Corps during the summer, but was back with the VI Corps by September. It was smashed by the Soviet offensive in November 1942 along with most of the Rumanian 4th Army.

Survivors fought with Gruppe Hoth, but were sent back home by the spring of 1943. It was reformed and was back in the line again by early 1944, as a part of II Rumanian Corps. It was mauled once more during the Soviet Iasi-Kishinev offensive that summer and was pulled out of the line shortly before the Rumanians surrendered. One unconfirmed source claims that it fought against the Germans as a part of the 4th Rumanian Army in late 1944 and 1945.