Almost fifty years had passed since those eventful days in the Atlantic. Many of Mason's crew returned to private life as opportunities in the navy were still limited.

The highest rank they could aspire to was chief petty officer. The ship was sold for scrap in 1947, a year before President Harry Truman's order to desgregate the armed forces. Mason lives on now through the crew members and those who know their story.

On May 25, 1993, James Graham and Lorenzo DuFau sat in a place of honor at the parade of midshipmen during Commissioning Week at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. The next morning at commencement, the midshipmen would become United States Navy officers. Among them, many African American men and women, including Brigade Commander Jeff Royal.

A group of juniors spotted the Mason group and came over to say hello. DuFau brought out his scrapbook and the history class was in session. "We were the first," he said. One midshipman asked, "Why weren't we told? Why didn't we know about this?"

Lorenzo DuFau replied, "We've come to tell you."

"We really developed a family, and that feeling still exists. When I'm among these guys now, the memories come out. There were problems, but we just couldn't fight hate with hate. We were there to prove ourselves. To think we were part of that beginning ... it's wonderful to know that I played a small role in giving others an opportunity." --Lorenzo DuFau

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