People • 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.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Desmond Thomas Doss (1919–2006) was an American Army medic and Seventh-day Adventist conscientious objector who served in World War II. He became the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor for rescuing wounded soldiers under fire during the Battle of Okinawa.

Early life

Desmond Doss was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1919 and was raised in a Seventh-day Adventist family. His religious convictions shaped his later decision to serve without carrying a weapon.

World War II service

Doss enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and served as a medic with the 307th Infantry Regiment of the 77th Infantry Division. He was often mistreated by others in the service because of his refusal to bear arms.

Battle of Okinawa

During the fighting on Okinawa in 1945, Doss repeatedly exposed himself to heavy fire to treat and evacuate wounded soldiers. His actions at the Maeda Escarpment, often associated with Hacksaw Ridge, became the basis for his reputation.

Medal of Honor and later life

President Harry S. Truman presented Doss with the Medal of Honor on October 12, 1945. After the war, Doss continued to struggle with injuries and illness before his death in 2006.

Key facts

Doss served as an Army medic in World War II after enlisting in 1942.
His religious beliefs prevented him from carrying a weapon, making him a conscientious objector.
He earned the Medal of Honor for repeatedly rescuing wounded soldiers during the Battle of Okinawa.
He was the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor.
His story was adapted into the 2016 film *Hacksaw Ridge*.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Desmond Doss?

Desmond Doss 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.

Did Desmond Doss receive the Medal of Honor?

Yes. He received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman in 1945.

Was Desmond Doss the first conscientious objector to get the Medal of Honor?

Yes. He is widely described as the first conscientious objector to receive the award.

Was Desmond Doss portrayed in a film?

Yes. His life was portrayed in the 2016 film *Hacksaw Ridge*.

References

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.
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.
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.
Desmond Doss official biography — https://desmonddoss.com/bio/
Supports: Birth, enlistment, faith-based refusal to carry a weapon, injuries and later life details.
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*.