This Combat Medic Saved 75 Soldiers During WWII | Real-life Inspiration Behind Hacksaw Ridge!

The heroic combat medic, Desmond Doss refused to carry a weapon during World War II due to religious beliefs. However, he saved 75 soldiers in the famous battle of Okinawa without ever firing a shot or holding a rifle. Desmond also became the first of only three who refused to perform military actions to receive the Medal of Honor. The Oscar-winning movie, Hacksaw Ridge, also featured his heroics. Let us dive in to find out more about this brave medic.

Early Life and Family Background

Desmond Thomas Doss was born on February 7, 1919, in Lynchburg, Virginia. His parents were William Thomas Doss, a carpenter, and Bertha Oliver Doss, a homemaker and devout Seventh-day Adventist. Desmond grew up with one brother and one sister in a household that had many religious beliefs and values. His mother, in particular, instilled the family’s religious values, including a deep respect for the Bible and the commandment “Thou shalt not kill.” The family strictly followed principles of their faith, which included observing the Sabbath and a commitment to pacifism.

As a child, Doss was deeply influenced by an illustration of the Ten Commandments, particularly the one depicting Cain killing Abel. This image created his commitment to never taking a life, a conviction that would stay with him throughout his military service. His father, a veteran of World War I, had seen the horrors of war firsthand. William Doss did not discourage Desmond’s beliefs. However, he had little involvement in shaping Desmond’s pacifist ideals. They were more of a reflection of his mother’s teachings.

Enlistment and Military Challenges

When World War II began, Doss felt a strong sense of duty to serve his country, despite his pacifist beliefs. In April 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army but refused to carry a weapon due to his religious convictions. Doss served as a noncombatant, taking on the role of a medic in the 77th Infantry Division.

From the start, Doss faced challenges in the military. His refusal to bear arms or work on the Sabbath made him a target for ridicule among his peers. According to military records, fellow soldiers in his unit considered him a burden. He was labeled a coward, and some officers even sought to discharge him. Despite the mistreatment, Doss remained determined to fulfill his duties as a medic.

“I couldn’t picture myself with a gun killing another human being.”

Desmond Doss

The Battle of Okinawa and Hacksaw Ridge

In 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, Doss’s unit was tasked with capturing the Maeda Escarpment, a treacherous 400-foot-high ridge that would later be known as Hacksaw Ridge. The Japanese forces fiercely defended this strategic location, and the Americans suffered heavy losses. On May 5, 1945, Doss’s battalion faced intense machine gun fire and mortar attacks as they attempted to scale the ridge.

During the assault, many soldiers were wounded and scattered across the battlefield on the top of the ridge. As the rest of the battalion retreated, Doss remained behind. Ignoring the danger and his fear, he began to rescue the fallen soldiers one by one. For the next 12 hours, under constant enemy fire, Doss tirelessly lowered wounded men down the escarpment using a makeshift rope sling. Every time he saved a soldier, Doss would pray, “Lord, please help me get one more.” By the end of the day, he had saved 75 men.

His actions were nothing short of miraculous. Doss was not only unarmed but completely vulnerable as he ventured into the heart of the battle. Despite the risks, he never wavered in his determination to rescue as many men as possible. His bravery and selflessness earned him the admiration of his fellow soldiers, who had once ridiculed him.

“It was as if God had his hand on Doss’s shoulder.”

Carl Bentley

Medal of Honor and Recognition of the Medic who saved 75 soldiers

After the war, Doss returned to the U.S., and people welcomed him as a hero. On October 12, 1945, President Harry S. Truman awarded Doss the Medal of Honor in a ceremony at the White House. He was the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor.

“I’m proud of you. You really deserve this. I consider this a greater honor than being president.”

President Harry S Truman

It was a rare honor for this medic who saved 75 soldiers. Doss’s heroism wasn’t limited to Hacksaw Ridge. Throughout the war, he consistently put his life on the line to help others. In Guam and the Philippines, Doss was credited with saving more soldiers by running into dangerous areas to treat and evacuate the wounded.

Life After the War of the Medic Who Saved 75 Soldiers

Despite the accolades, Doss led a quiet life after the war. He married Dorothy Schutte in 1942 before he was deployed, and the couple had one son, Desmond Doss Jr. The family settled in Rising Fawn, Georgia, where Doss worked as a carpenter, following in his father’s footsteps.

However, his wartime experiences took a toll on his health. Doss contracted tuberculosis in 1946, and the disease caused him to lose a lung and five ribs. He spent much of the next decade in hospitals, recovering from his injuries and the long-term effects of the war. Doss’s health continued to decline as he aged, and he eventually became deaf due to complications from the tuberculosis treatment.

Even as his health deteriorated, Doss remained active in his local community and his church. He continued to live by the principles that guided him throughout his life, regularly attending church services and advocating for nonviolence. His son, Desmond Doss Jr., described his father as “a humble, quiet man who never sought attention or recognition.”

Later Recognition and Legacy of the Medic Who Saved 75 Soldiers

Though Doss preferred to stay out of the spotlight, his story gained renewed attention in the later years of his life. In 2004, the book The Unlikeliest Hero by Booton Herndon was published, recounting Doss’s life and his acts of heroism during the war. His story reached an even wider audience with the release of the 2016 film Hacksaw Ridge, directed by Mel Gibson. The film accurately depicted Doss’s refusal to carry a weapon and his incredible actions during the Battle of Okinawa.

In interviews, Doss remained modest about his accomplishments. He often redirected praise toward God, saying that his ability to save lives on the battlefield was not his doing alone.

“I was praying the whole time. I know it was God who helped me save those men.”

Desmond Doss

Desmond Doss passed away on March 23, 2006, at the age of 87. He was buried in the Chattanooga National Cemetery in Tennessee, with full military honors. His legacy continues to inspire, particularly within the Seventh-day Adventist community, where he is celebrated for his faith and courage. The Desmond Doss Foundation was established in his honor, promoting his values of nonviolence, service, and compassion.

Conclusion

Desmond Doss’s life was shaped by his faith and commitment to pacifism. From his humble beginnings in Virginia to the battlefields of Okinawa, Doss remained steadfast in his beliefs, even in the face of adversity. After the war, his quiet, humble life stood in stark contrast to the heroism he displayed during combat. His story immortalized in film and literature, serves as a reminder of the impact one person can have, even without lifting a weapon. People always remember the medic who saved 75 soldiers.

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