here the regiment proceeded to reorganize.

October 12--Left Valmy today and continued to Vignemont.

October 13--Arrived at Vignemont. Hiked fifteen kilometers to St.
Leonard.

October 15--Left St. Leonard for Van de Laveline in the Vosges. We
arrived at Van de Laveline at 10:15 p.m. and took over a sector.

November 11--A patrol of Company A took several prisoners from a German
patrol. Received word of the signing of the armistice at 11 a.m. today.
Martial music was played. The colors of the regiment are displayed in
front of the post command.

It is related that the Washington fighters, as well as the other members
of the 372nd regiment, received the news of the armistice with more of
disappointment than joy, for they had made all preparations to advance
with the French through Lorraine.

CHAPTER XIX

COMRADES ON THE MARCH. BROTHERS IN THE SLEEP OF DEATH.

POLICY OF SUBSTITUTING WHITE OFFICERS---INJUSTICE TO CAPABLE
NEGROES--DISAPPOINTMENT BUT NO OPEN RESENTMENT--SHOWED THEMSELVES
SOLDIERS--INTENSER FIGHTING SPIRIT AROUSED--RACE FORGOTTEN IN PERILS OF
WAR--BOTH WHITES AND BLACKS GENEROUS--AFFECTION BETWEEN OFFICERS AND
MEN--NEGROES PREFERRED DEATH TO CAPTIVITY--OUTSTANDING HEROES OF 371ST AND
372ND--WINNERS OF CROSSES

Changing from Negro to white officers was in accordance with the
military policy of the American Government; the generic inspiration and
root being found in national prejudice, incident to the institution of
slavery and the spirit of racial caste and narrowness, that still
disgraces it. Doubt was pretended to be entertained of the ability of
the colored man to command, and although there were not lacking
champions for the policy of placing capable Negroes in command of Negro
units, the weight of opinion; superinduced and fostered by racial
prejudice, inclined to the opposite course.

In the light of the fine record made by such Negro officers as were
given responsible commands, let us hope for the future honor of the
nation; preening herself as being in the vanguard of the progressive
commonwealths of the age, that a policy so unjust, narrow and unworthy
will; as quickly as feasible be abandoned. In favor of Negro commanders
is the additional testimony of high French generals, who knew no color
distinction and could see no reason why a Negro should not command his
own race troops if he had intelligence, courage and military skill.
Indeed there are not wanting in the annals of Fren