Become Brave
Be Brave, Be Principled: The Story of Desmond Doss
Standing in the face of violence without ever raising a weapon is a challenge few would dare to undertake. But Desmond Doss, a man of unwavering faith and conviction, did just that during World War II. As a combat medic who refused to carry a gun due to his religious beliefs, Doss became one of the most remarkable heroes of the war—not for the lives he took, but for the lives he saved. His story of courage, resilience, and integrity in the face of extreme adversity serves as an inspiring example of how sticking to your principles can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
In this blog, we explore the life of Desmond Doss, a man who redefined what it means to be a hero, teaching us valuable lessons about bravery, faith, and the power of standing by your beliefs.
Early Life: A Foundation of Faith
Desmond Doss was born in 1919 in Lynchburg, Virginia, into a deeply religious Seventh-day Adventist family. His faith was the foundation of his life from a young age, and it played a crucial role in shaping his values and worldview. As a child, Doss was particularly influenced by the Biblical commandment, “Thou shalt not kill,” which led him to adopt a pacifist outlook. He firmly believed in the sanctity of life, and this belief would guide him through the most challenging times of his life.
Growing up during the Great Depression, Doss learned the values of hard work, compassion, and humility. His quiet but firm commitment to helping others would later define his role in the military. However, his faith not only guided his morals but also made him an outsider in many ways—he refused to compromise on his principles, even when it set him apart from his peers.
Joining the Army: Sticking to His Principles
When the United States entered World War II in 1941, Doss faced a moral dilemma. He felt a deep sense of duty to serve his country, but his pacifist beliefs made it impossible for him to carry a weapon or kill another human being. Nonetheless, he enlisted in the army, determined to serve as a combat medic—someone who would save lives rather than take them.
From the beginning of his military career, Doss faced ridicule and hostility from his fellow soldiers. Many viewed him as a coward for refusing to carry a rifle or train with a weapon. His refusal to fight on Saturdays, the Sabbath day for Seventh-day Adventists, also drew sharp criticism. Some of his superiors even tried to have him discharged on the grounds of mental instability, believing that a man who refused to fight had no place on the battlefield.
Despite this constant pressure, Doss stood firm in his beliefs. His courage didn’t come from aggression or strength, but from his deep conviction that he was doing the right thing. He wanted to serve his country while remaining true to his principles, no matter what others thought of him.
The Battle of Okinawa: Heroism Without a Weapon
Desmond Doss’s true moment of heroism came during the Battle of Okinawa, one of the bloodiest conflicts of World War II. In May 1945, American forces were tasked with capturing the heavily fortified Maeda Escarpment, known as Hacksaw Ridge. The ridge was a nearly vertical 400-foot cliff, and the Japanese forces defending it were entrenched and prepared for a brutal fight.
Doss’s unit was sent to the top of Hacksaw Ridge, where they faced intense enemy fire. The fighting was fierce, and after several days, the American forces were ordered to retreat, leaving behind the wounded who couldn’t make it down the cliff. Doss, however, refused to abandon his comrades. Armed with nothing but his medical supplies and his faith, he ran back into the battle zone—again and again.
Over the next 12 hours, Desmond Doss single-handedly saved the lives of 75 wounded soldiers. Under constant enemy fire, he carried them to the edge of the cliff and lowered them down to safety using a makeshift rope harness. Exhausted, injured, and at great personal risk, Doss continued this heroic effort throughout the night. Each time he returned to the battlefield, he prayed, “Lord, please help me get one more.”
His determination and bravery were beyond what anyone expected from a man who refused to fight. In a place where death was rampant and fear paralyzing, Doss’s unarmed courage was unmatched.
The Medal of Honor: A Hero Recognized
For his incredible acts of heroism at Hacksaw Ridge, Desmond Doss was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman in October 1945, becoming the first conscientious objector in American history to receive the nation’s highest military honor. Truman, moved by Doss’s courage, told him, “You really deserve this. I consider this a greater honor than being President.”
The Medal of Honor citation praised Doss for his "outstanding bravery and unflinching determination in the face of desperately dangerous conditions." But for Doss, the real honor came from knowing he had stayed true to his beliefs. Even when the world around him was at its most violent and chaotic, Doss chose to remain steadfast in his principles, never compromising on his commitment to saving lives.
Lessons from Desmond Doss’s Life
Desmond Doss’s life is filled with lessons that inspire us to stand by our beliefs and face adversity with courage. Here are some key takeaways from his story:
1. Hold Fast to Your Principles
Doss’s unwavering commitment to his pacifist beliefs, even in the middle of war, shows us the importance of staying true to our values. He didn’t let the opinions or criticisms of others sway him. His strength came from within, grounded in his faith and personal convictions.
Application: In life, we often face situations where standing by our principles is difficult. Whether it's in the workplace, in relationships, or during personal challenges, staying true to our core values can lead to inner peace and profound personal growth.
2. Courage Doesn’t Always Mean Fighting
Doss’s story reminds us that courage comes in many forms. While society often glorifies aggression or physical strength, true bravery can come from compassion, kindness, and the willingness to help others in difficult circumstances.
Application: In our daily lives, courage can mean standing up for what’s right, helping someone in need, or facing challenges with grace. Courage doesn’t have to be loud or aggressive—it can be quiet, resilient, and rooted in compassion.
3. You Don’t Need to Compromise to Make a Difference
Doss’s heroic acts on Hacksaw Ridge demonstrate that you can stay true to your values and still make an extraordinary impact. He showed that you don’t need to compromise your beliefs to succeed, even in extreme situations.
Application: Whether you’re navigating ethical dilemmas at work, in your community, or in your personal life, Doss’s example reminds us that we can stick to our principles and still achieve greatness. Integrity is often the foundation of long-term success and fulfillment.
Real-Life Application: Finding Courage in the Face of Criticism
Doss’s experience of being ridiculed by his fellow soldiers resonates with many people who face criticism for their beliefs or decisions. Eric, a professional struggling in a competitive corporate environment, often felt pressured to compromise his values to get ahead. After learning about Doss’s story, Eric found the courage to stay true to his ethical principles, even when it meant making tough choices. He realized that success doesn’t require sacrificing what you stand for—and that the respect he earned by staying authentic ultimately led to greater opportunities.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Desmond Doss
Desmond Doss’s life is a shining example of how one person, armed with nothing but conviction and courage, can make a profound impact on the world. His story serves as a reminder that being strong doesn’t always mean using force, and that being brave sometimes means standing firm in the face of overwhelming opposition.
Doss once said, “I just felt like it was an absolute love of God and a faith in Him that I could trust Him with my life, or I wouldn’t have been able to do that.” His faith, courage, and dedication to saving others continue to inspire people from all walks of life. He reminds us all to be brave, be principled, and to always fight for what’s right—even if that fight is one of compassion, not conflict.