Desmond Doss was an American who served in World War II as a medic. Due to his devotion to his religion as a Seventh Day Adventist, he was a pacifist and refused to bear arms but still wanted to serve his country. Ridiculed, taunted and harassed by fellow soldiers, Desmond persevered and successfully completed his boot camp and training to be shipped out to Okinawa in April 1945 with his unit.

The battlefield his unit joined was atop a 400-foot rocky cliff nicknamed Hacksaw Ridge. During the month long offensive, Desmond treated the injured. During a day of heavy gunfire, Japanese soldiers pushed back the US units and back down the cliff, until Desmond was the only one left with the injured men. Over the next several hours he treated wounded and lowering them down the cliff for further treatment. All in all, Desmond Doss saved 75 men by lowering them over the cliff to safety and help.

Upon his return home after the war, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He was the subject of a movie called “Hacksaw Ridge” in 2016.

More Info: www.army.mil