Desmond Doss was born on July 2, 1919, in Lynchburg, Virginia, the son of a carpenter and a homemaker. He grew up with his siblings Audrey and Harold. During the Great Depression, he helped support his family by working at the Lynchburg Lumber Company.
Desmond Doss joined the United States Army during World War II and served as a combat medic. He participated in the Battle of Okinawa, where he displayed incredible bravery and compassion. Despite being in the midst of intense combat, Doss refused to carry a weapon or kill an enemy soldier due to his Seventh-day Adventist beliefs.
During the battle, Doss single-handedly saved 75 wounded infantrymen, risking his own life to evacuate them to safety. His selfless actions and unwavering dedication to his fellow soldiers earned him the respect and admiration of all who served alongside him.
Desmond Doss made history as the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States. He was the only conscientious objector to receive the medal during World War II, a testament to his extraordinary courage and commitment to his beliefs.
Desmond Doss married Dorothy Schutte, with whom he had a son named Desmond "Tommy" Doss Jr. Tragically, Dorothy passed away in a car accident, leaving Doss a widower. He later found love again and married Frances Duman.
Desmond Doss's story was immortalized in the film "Hacksaw Ridge," directed by Mel Gibson and starring Andrew Garfield as Doss. The film brought Doss's incredible heroism and unwavering faith to a wider audience, ensuring that his legacy lives on for future generations to admire and draw inspiration from.