As Black History Month comes to a close, we proudly honor the legacy of a “Soy City” native whose life embodied courage, determination and service – Sergeant Ellsworth Dansby Jr. of Decatur.  

Born in Decatur in 1914, Dansby developed a fascination with airplanes at an early age. At 12 years old, he flew his first solo flight after teaching himself the fundamentals of aviation. He later received formal training at Decatur Airport, earning his pilot accreditation and logging more than 100 hours in the air.

In 1941, Dansby became one of the first Black aviators to join the U.S. Air Force, known at the time as the Army Air Forces. During World War II, he was assigned to Tuskegee, Alabama, where he joined the pioneering all-Black unit known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

The Tuskegee program trained 1,000 pilots and more than 14,000 Air Corps personnel, including navigators, bombardiers, aircraft, engine mechanics, control tower operators and maintenance staff. Dansby rose to the rank of Master Sergeant, overseeing the maintenance and upkeep of the flight line.

The Tuskegee Airmen defied segregation and discrimination, proving their skill and valor in combat across Europe. Their service not only contributed significantly to Allied success during the war but also helped pave the way for the desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces. Dansby also served in additional squadrons throughout his military career, continuing his dedication to excellence.

After the war, Dansby returned to Decatur, where he married and raised two children. In 2023, a new magnet school honoring Dansby broke ground in Decatur, welcoming new students for the first time in the fall of 2025 – a lasting tribute to a hometown hero whose story continues to inspire.

We honor Sergeant Ellsworth Dansby Jr.’s legacy and hope his life of perseverance, service and leadership will continue to inspire generations to come.