Organized in mid-1918 at Camp Sheridan, the regiment was preparing to go overseas with the 9th Division when the war ended.
The new unit was commanded by Major Byard Sneed, who was replaced by Colonel Moor N. Falls from mid-August.
The division began systematic training in August and on 28 October its advance detachment moved to Camp Mills to prepare for overseas departure, delayed by a curtailment of training activities during September and October due to Spanish flu.
Four soldiers of the division were among those who died of the disease on one of the deadliest days in terms of influenza deaths at Camp Sheridan, 22 October.
[4][5] When the Armistice was signed on 11 November, all overseas movements were suspended and the advance detachment returned to Camp Sheridan.