Desmond Doss, Conscientious Objector Who Saved 75 Lives in War, Laid to Rest

A Legacy of Bravery: Desmond Doss, Conscientious Objector Who Saved 75 Lives in War, Laid to Rest

Introduction

On March 31, 1945, a young man named Desmond Doss Sr. was struck by a brick dropped by a helicopter above the Korean border. At the age of 93, Doss had lived a life that was nothing short of extraordinary, marked by his courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to his principles. As a conscientious objector in World War II, Doss played a vital role in the Battle of Okinawa, where he distinguished himself by saving the lives of 75 wounded soldiers, earning him the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in action against an enemy of the United States.

Early Life and Military Career

Born on February 7, 1926, in Peyton, Virginia, Desmond Doss was reared in a Seventh-day Adventist family. His faith played a significant role in shaping his decisions, including his choice to become a conscientious objector. In 1942, Doss joined the United States Army, where he became a medic, devoting himself to serving others.

The Battle of Okinawa

In April 1945, Doss was deployed to Okinawa, Japan, where he played a critical role in the Battle of Okinawa. On May 4-5, 1945, Doss’s company was pinned down on the island’s Mount Yaetake, under intense enemy fire. As fellow soldiers fell around him, Doss, armed with his trusty World War I-era rifle, repeatedly risked his own life to rescue the wounded, often carrying them down steep hills and across treacherous terrain.

Medal of Honor and Later Life

Doss’s heroism culminated on May 5, 1945, when he single-handedly saved the lives of 75 wounded soldiers, sheltering them from artillery fire in a soon-to-be destroyed bunker. His actions that day earned him the Medal of Honor, the first and only conscientious objector to receive this distinction.

After the war, Doss returned to his home in Virginia, where he lived quietly, preferring to keep a low profile. He went on to work as a nurse and an evangelist, preaching and teaching about his Christian faith. Doss’s story inspired numerous films, books, and documentaries, cementing his status as a war hero and a symbol of selfless courage.

Laying to Rest

On March 31, 2018, Desmond Doss Sr. passed away, leaving behind his wife, Josephine, and their three children. In a poignant ceremony, Doss was laid to rest in Whitten, Alabama, surrounded by family, friends, and fellow veterans. The ceremony was marked by an 21-gun salute, a flyover by a Vietnam-era A-10 Warthog, and a eulogy by his granddaughter, who spoke of her grandfather’s unwavering commitment to his faith, his country, and humanity.

Conclusion

Desmond Doss’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of compassion, faith, and the unwavering commitment to do what is right, even in the face of overwhelming odds. As a testament to his extraordinary life, Doss’s Medal of Honor is now enshrined at the Hershberg National WWII Museum in Alabama, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.