USA
Cadets Honor Indian American Hero in Pentagon Ceremony Sgt. Sabu Dastagir. In a poignant ceremony at the Pentagon on November 12, the U.S. Air Force unveiled a tribute to Sgt. Sabu Dastagir, an Indian American actor-turned-World War II airman. The event, held in the Pentagon’s World War II hallway, showcased a portrait by artist June Xu and highlighted Dastagir’s inspiring journey from Bollywood stardom to military heroism. Seven United States Air Force Academy cadets of South Asian heritage attended, emphasizing the significance of representation and legacy.
The Actor Who Became a Hero
Born Selar Sabu on January 27, 1924, in Karapura, Mysore, British India, Dastagir was destined for greatness both on and off the screen. Known professionally as Sabu, he gained international fame during the 1930s and 1940s for starring roles in films such as The Jungle Book (1942) and The Thief of Baghdad (1940). His father was a mahout (elephant trainer), and Sabu was discovered by filmmaker Robert Flaherty, who cast him in Elephant Boy (1937), based on Rudyard Kipling’s Toomai of the Elephants.
In 1944, Sabu became a U.S. citizen and enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He served as a tail gunner on B-24 Liberators, flying dozens of missions in the Pacific theater. For his valor, he was awarded five Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war, his Hollywood career faced challenges, though he starred in notable films such as Black Narcissus (1947) and Rampage (1963), his final role before his untimely death in 1963 at the age of 39.
Sabu was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, solidifying his legacy as both an entertainer and a war hero.
“Bravery Knows No Borders”
At the Pentagon ceremony, Cadet 3rd Class Anoushka Rishi, a Systems Engineering major, captured the audience’s attention with her heartfelt speech. “Sgt. Sabu Dastagir was a man who embodied great courage and sacrifice in his service to our country,” Rishi said. “His service on B-24 Liberator bombers after his beginnings in India reminds us that bravery knows no borders.”
Honoring Heritage and Representation
Under Secretary of the Air Force Melissa Dalton and Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment, led the ceremony. Dr. Chaudhary reflected on Sabu’s significance, saying, “These stories aren’t about the past; they are about the future. I am thankful that we can share with our next generation a more fulsome understanding of our heritage, values, and heroes.”
For Cadet Rishi, the event underscored the importance of representation. Growing up, she felt a gap in South Asian visibility in the U.S. military. Through her involvement with the Academy’s South Asian community, she found inspiration in figures like Sabu.
The Legacy Lives On
Sabu’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the diversity that strengthens the U.S. military. Despite challenges, he overcame barriers to leave a lasting impact as both a Hollywood legend and a decorated airman. His legacy now inspires a new generation of cadets and leaders to embrace their heritage and contribute to a shared vision of service and unity.
As Cadet Rishi aptly noted, “While heritage may be behind us, like a shadow, it is with us in every step of our journey.”
Source: United States Air Force Academy
