1st SS PANZER DIVISION "LEIBSTANDARTE ADOLF HITLER"
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Ukrainians appeared in this elite formation from its earlier times as Hitler's bodyguard. Chronicle of Ukrainian Insurgent Army, vol. 24, mentions about one of such recruits:

"Far on the Eastern Front, I've meet an old Ukrainian friend in a uniform of Leibstandarte (Hitler's personal bodyguard).

- What are you doing here? In this uniform?

- As you know - he answers me - I was in Germany for a while. I was given German sitizenship and latter taken into army. Because of my racial built, I was attached to Hitler's Leibstandarte...."

Others were conscripted, as LAH entered Ukraine in June 1941. The main role was to serve as interpreters for the divisional headquaters and the regiments. During the heavy fighting many would be in the front lines as well. Some of the interpreters, like Kost' Bilyk were awarded the Iron Cross for their distinguished service. Some Ukrainians upon hearing about creation of Galicia division asked to be transfered. On a divisional photo (provided below) is group of Ukrainian officers. The pencil marking about the picture reads "Lysiak, Kovalsky, ex Leibstandarte". Upon entering the Galicia division, both officers retained their "LAH" cufftitle.

Of interesting note is that contrary to the popular belief that Ukrainians joined SS in 1943, they actually conscripted into the ranks of Waffen SS in 1941, as soon as the German Army invaded the Soviet Union. Such action was secretly performed in Western Ukraine. Racial examinations headed by Alfred Kolf who was the head of political wing of SD in Lemberg district, had proven that Ukrainians fitted the racial qualifications. The volunteers from regions of Podilia, Pokutia and Hutsul were the most fitting. The conscription was held in November 1941 and around 2.000 were accepted and split among various Waffen SS divisions. Most of them participated at the battle of Stalingrad.