Desmond Doss

Desmond Thomas Doss was an American hero, a devout Christian, and a model of courage and selflessness. He was born on February 7, 1919 in Lynchburg, Virginia to parents William Thomas Doss (1893-1989) and Bertha Edward Oliver (1899-1983). He had two siblings; Audrey Wyatt Doss (1916-2003) and Harold Edward Doss (1922-2007). Doss grew up in poverty and left school after just one year of high school. Despite his lack of formal education, Doss was a skilled worker and held a variety of jobs throughout his life, including carpenter's assistant, blacksmith, and mechanic. However, it was his service in the United States Army during World War II that earned Doss his place in history. As a conscientious objector, Doss refused to carry a weapon or participate in any act of violence. Despite facing ridicule and opposition from his fellow soldiers and superiors, Doss proved himself to be a brave and dedicated soldier, earning the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Okinawa. He also saved (by his count 50, by the Army's count 75) men in the Battle of Hacksaw Ridge. For more information and a number of photos highlighting this man's life see Desmond Doss The Real Life Hero of Hacksaw Ridge. After the war, Doss returned to civilian life, where he continued to live by his faith and his principles of non-violence and compassion. He worked as a barber, a salesman, and a maintenance mechanic at a shipbuilding company. Doss also became a popular speaker and advocate for veterans' issues, traveling around the country to share his experiences and his message of peace.