Cadets Honor Indian American Hero And Actor At Pentagon Ceremony

Photo: Assistant of the Air Force for Energy, Installations and Environment Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, June Xu, artist, and Under Secretary of the Air Force Melissa Dalton unveil the painting of actor and World War II veteran Sgt. Sabu Dastagir at the Pentagon. (Photo: U.S. Air Force/Eric Dietrich)

India-West Staff Reporter

DENVER, CO – The U.S. Air Force Art Program Collection has immortalized the legacy of Indian American actor and World War II hero Sgt. Sabu Dastagir with a portrait by artist June Xu. The painting was unveiled during a November 12 ceremony in the Pentagon’s World War II hallway, attended by U.S. Air Force Academy cadets of South Asian heritage, who reflected on the significance of the moment.

Sgt. Dastagir, a Hollywood star of the 1930s and 1940s known for films like The Jungle Book and The Thief of Baghdad, left a successful acting career to serve his adopted country during World War II. After becoming an American citizen in 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and flew dozens of combat missions as a tail gunner with the 307th Bomb Group in the Pacific theater. For his bravery, Dastagir was awarded five Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor. He passed away in 1963 at the age of 40.

During the ceremony, Cadet 3rd Class Anoushka Rishi, a Systems Engineering major, spoke passionately about Dastagir’s enduring legacy. “Actor 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.”

Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, who helped bring Dastagir’s story to light, reflected on its importance. He noted that discovering Dastagir’s contributions as a South Asian Airman was a deeply personal experience. “My courage to join the military would have been much stronger if I had seen myself in the stories of service members flying the aircraft I spent my life reading about,” Chaudhary said. “These stories aren’t just about the past; they are about the future. Sharing them ensures that our next generation understands the values and heritage that strengthen us as we serve.”

For Cadet Rishi, who described feeling a lack of South Asian representation in the military before arriving at the Academy, the event was a powerful affirmation of her heritage. Inspired by her connection with the Academy’s South Asian community, she and other cadets are preparing to launch a Diversity of South Asia Club to celebrate and share their culture. Rishi, who aspires to become a pilot, reflected on the importance of remembering one’s roots. “While it may be behind us and we sometimes forget that it is there, [heritage] is with us in every step of our journey,” she said.

The unveiling of Actor Dastagir’s portrait serves as a poignant reminder that the strength of the military lies not only in its assets but also in its diversity and unity. His story, once little known, now stands as an inspiration for future generations of South Asians and all Americans.

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