An American soldier, serving in World War II, had just returned from several exhausting weeks on the German front lines. Dirty, tired, and desperate for a little rest, he had finally been granted R&R and was traveling by train to London.

The train was packed. He walked from one carriage to another, searching for a seat, until he finally spotted the only empty one. Unfortunately, it was occupied by a small dog belonging to a well-dressed English lady.

“Please, ma’am,” the soldier said politely, “may I sit there? I’m very tired.”

The woman looked him over and sniffed.

“You Americans are such rude people. Can’t you see my little Fifi is using that seat?”

The soldier said nothing and walked away, hoping to find another place. But after checking the whole train again, he returned to the same seat.

“Please, lady,” he asked again, “I’ve been at the front for weeks. May I sit down?”

She lifted her chin. “You Americans are not only rude, you’re arrogant as well.”

At that, the soldier calmly picked up the little dog, tossed it out the train window, and sat down.

The woman screamed, demanding that someone defend her.

An English gentleman across the aisle finally spoke up.

“You know, sir, you Americans do often do things the wrong way. You hold your fork in the wrong hand, drive on the wrong side of the road…”

He paused.

“And now you’ve thrown the wrong bitch out the window.”