In July 1918, approximately seven months after the United States declaration of war on Austria-Hungary, the United States Congress enacted legislation permitting the organization of the Slavic Legion.

[2][a] Following enactment of the authorizing legislation, the United States Department of War drew up regulations for the disciplining of the force, which was to have a strength of 25,000 men organized in Ukrainian, Czech, Slovak, and Polish components, with personnel to be trained at Camp Wadsworth.

[4] Equipment and organization of the Slavic Legion was to be along U.S. Army lines, with no other difference apart from, according to the New York Times, "men of the same race ... put together".

[3] Recruitment rallies within the Ukrainian-American community organized by the Ukrainian Athletic Association were largely a failure.

[1][2][4] The Armistice of 11 November 1918 ended the purpose of the Slavic Legion and the project was shelved.