During the war, many U.S. Army units with black troops had white officers. One such unit was loading onto a troop train when an older black woman, obviously a mother, approached a white Captain on the station platform.

She said "Excuse me, sir - I'm looking for my son Tyrone Washington".

The Captain replied "Washington. Yes, I think he's one of mine".

"Oh, no sir," she said, "Tyrone is colored".

"I'm white," said the Captain, "But I have black Privates".

"Well," she said, "AIN'T you the special one!"