In 1939, the 1st Gebirgsjager Division took part in the Campaign in Poland as part of XIV Army Group South capturing the Dukla Pass in the Carpathian mountains and saw action in operations in Southern Poland, forcing the surrender of the Polish city of Lemberg. 

After the Campaign in Poland, the Division was transfered to the Western Front to take part in the attack on France and the Low countries in 1940. In France, the 1st Gebirgs distinguished itself in the crossings of the Maas and Loire Rivers. After the Campaign in France, the Division was posted to take part in the planned invasion of Great Britian, and then for the planned invasion of Gibraltar, but in both cases, the planned operations were canceled. 

After training for the above two invasions, the Division was transfered to Austria to take part in operations in Yugoslavia. After the Campaigns in Yugoslavia, the Division took part in the Invasion of the Soviet Union. In the East, the Division took part in actions at Uman, Stalino and Mius. In 1942, the 1. Gebirgs Division took part in operations in the Donetz region, and then took part in the drive through the Caucasus Region until it was withdrawn into Greece 1943. There it was held as part of Oberkommando der Wehrmacht's strategic reserve, spending its time engaged in anti-partisan duties until April 1944, when it was despatched to Hungary. 

In December, 1944 the Division was again moved to Hungary where it took part in offensives against the Red Army. It was renamed 1.Volks-Gebirgs-Divison and was then moved to the south-eastern part of Austria where in 1945 it surrendered to the Soviets in May. Its personnel went into Soviet captivity, and many never returned.