Desmond Doss was an unlikely hero. As a conscientious objector, Doss refused to carry a weapon or harm anyone, as it went against his religious convictions. Still, he believed in fighting for freedom and answered the call to join the U.S. Army in the spring of 1942.
But not everyone thought Doss would make a good soldier. During basic training, he was given special permission to miss weapons training and received a pass for religious holidays. This made his fellow soldiers angry, and they often bullied Doss, trying to force him to drop out of the military. But nothing was going to stop Desmond Doss.
After training, Doss was sent to the Pacific where he became famous during a battle in Okinawa, Japan. As a medic, he was in charge of caring for the wounded on the battlefield. The fighting at Okinawa was difficult for many reasons. The American soldiers first had to climb up a cliff to get to the battlefield. Once they got to the top, they realized the Japanese had underground tunnels dug in the area and could surprise the Americans at any time.
The fighting lasted several days until the order was finally given to retreat. Doss and dozens of injured men were left behind in the chaos as the Japanese fired at them. But even in the face of hardship, Doss was determined to save the lives of those around him. One by one, he carried the wounded men off the battlefield and to the cliff. Using a rope, he lowered them down to safety.
With his hands bloody and bullets flying overhead, it is estimated that Doss saved 75 men, even trying to save several Japanese soldiers. During his time in service, Doss was badly injured several times, though he always told the medics to help others first.
For his heroism and acts of bravery, Doss was awarded the Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, and the Medal of Honor—some of the highest honors given in the military. He did this all without ever firing a weapon.