WASHINGTON -- Sixty years after President Harry S. Truman desegregated the military, senior black officers are still rare, particularly in the highest ranks.

Blacks make up about 17 percent of the total force, yet only 9 percent of all officers.

And the higher up the ranks you climb, the fewer African-Americans you find. Only one of the 38 four-star generals or admirals serving as of May was black.

One reason is career choice. Fewer blacks are choosing combat jobs that lead to the top spots.

Another is a lack of mentors. Retired Army Gen. Johnnie Wilson is one of only 10 African-Americans who have achieved four-star rank.

He said, "It's hard to tell young people the sky's the limit when they look up and don't see anyone" who looks like them.

Truman signed Executive Order 9981 to integrate the armed forces in 1948, even though there was little in his background to suggest he would be a champion of integration.

"It is hereby declared to be the policy of the president that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin," the July 26, 1948, executive order read.

Truman's stand prompted many politicians to abandon the Democratic Party and run as "Dixiecrats."