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September 12, 2026Short & citedBlog
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People File • Military Hero

Desmond Doss

Desmond Thomas Doss (1919–2006) was an American Army medic and Seventh-day Adventist conscientious objector who served in World War II.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

Desmond Thomas Doss (1919–2006) was an American Army medic and Seventh-day Adventist conscientious objector who became the first person of his status to receive the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Battle of Okinawa.

What it is

Doss served as a medic with the 307th Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division, in World War II. His religious beliefs as a Seventh-day Adventist prevented him from carrying a weapon, making him a conscientious objector. Despite harassment from fellow soldiers, he refused to bear arms and instead focused on saving lives.

Why it matters

Doss's actions at the Maeda Escarpment (Hacksaw Ridge) on Okinawa in 1945 set a precedent for conscientious objectors in the U.S. military. He repeatedly exposed himself to heavy fire to rescue and treat wounded soldiers, lowering some to safety with ropes. His Medal of Honor, awarded by President Harry S. Truman in 1945, was the first ever given to a conscientious objector.

Key details

Born in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1919, Doss enlisted in 1942. He was wounded during the war and later suffered from tuberculosis. His story was adapted into the 2016 film *Hacksaw Ridge*. He died in 2006 in Piedmont, Alabama.

In short

  • First conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor
  • Saved dozens of soldiers under fire during the Battle of Okinawa
  • Refused to carry a weapon due to Seventh-day Adventist beliefs
  • His story was portrayed in the 2016 film *Hacksaw Ridge*

Quick questions

Who was Desmond Doss?
He was an American Army medic and conscientious objector who received the Medal of Honor for heroism in World War II.
Why did Desmond Doss refuse to carry a weapon?
He refused to bear arms because of his Seventh-day Adventist religious beliefs.
What did Desmond Doss do at Okinawa?
He rescued and treated wounded soldiers under heavy enemy fire, lowering some to safety with ropes after the battle on the escarpment.

Sources

  1. Library of Virginia — https://www.lva.virginia.gov/events/exhibitions/200-years-200-stories/stories/82
    Supports: Birthplace, Army medic service, Seventh-day Adventist background, Okinawa actions, first conscientious objector Medal of Honor recipient.
  2. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — https://news.va.gov/29952/veteranoftheday-army-veteran-desmond-thomas-doss/
    Supports: Army unit, Medal of Honor presentation by President Truman, World War II service.
  3. National WWII Museum — https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/private-first-class-desmond-thomas-doss-medal-of-honor
    Supports: Medal of Honor award details, Truman ceremony, first conscientious objector during World War II to receive the Medal of Honor.
  4. Desmond Doss official biography — https://desmonddoss.com/bio/
    Supports: Birth, enlistment, faith-based refusal to carry a weapon, injuries and later life details.
  5. U.S. Army — https://www.army.mil/article/183328/pfc_desmond_doss_the_unlikely_hero_behind_hacksaw_ridge
    Supports: World War II service and later recognition through the film *Hacksaw Ridge*.