You know I still am trying to find out when and how I could get a copy of my father in uniform, from the History Museum in my city/state. I finally remembered to call my genealogy library for guidance. We Must Remember--if someone does not donate old pictures that have been identified or not, or items, they don't end up anywhere but lost. I know my father served, because I remember seeing a picture of him leaning on a cane from a war injury. But he was not in uniform. My local history museum said they started taking individual pictures of soldiers and some were placed in their military records. Early in my research I paid for a copy of my father's record and it wasn't included. Now it can cost over $60 to get a copy of his record. I don't think I want to know too much about that time.
So I still search. Afro American picture's are not always an important item in collections. One thing I can tell you that is true, I attended a military genealogy workshop and a lady from the Smithsonian was giving a talk about getting veterans to make a documentary of their service. On a phamphlet given out to all, there was a picture of an Afro American holding a helmet that had a bullet hole in it. It happened to be his. It just so happen his step-daughter was in the audiance and stood up an acknowledged she had this helmet of his. Needless to say this sent chills and aahh's through the audiance. That helmet has now been donated to the Smithsonian in DC. Don't always save memorabilia, put it in a place to be admired by the mass. It just might be seen by a future family member and they will be so proud.