The division was formed on 1 March 1943 by the redesignation of the 95th Rifle Division (Second formation), which was made a Guards unit for its courage and heroism in the defense of Stalingrad. Its structure included the 90th, 161st, and 241st Rifle Regiments, and the 57th Artillery Regiment, which became the 212th, 231st, and 241st Guards Rifle Regiments, and the 159th Guards Artillery Regiment, respectively, on 4 April, and other smaller units. The division was commanded by Major General Vasily Gorishny, who led the division for the rest of the war. Initially part of the Central Front reserve, it joined the 13th Army in May. In reserve, the 75th Guards were brought up to full strength and replenished from their losses at Stalingrad.