Desmond Doss

Who was Desmond Doss?

Desmond Thomas Doss was the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor and one of only three so honored. He was a Corporal in the U.S. Army assigned to the Medical Detachment, 307th Infantry, 77th Infantry Division. He died the same day as another Medal of Honor recipient, David Bleak.

Drafted in April 1942, Desmond Doss refused to kill, or carry a weapon into combat, because of his personal beliefs as a Seventh-day Adventist. He consequently became a medic, and by serving in the Pacific theatre of World War II helped his country by saving the lives of his comrades, while also adhering to his religious convictions. Doss was injured twice during the war and shortly before leaving the Army he was diagnosed with tuberculosis which cost him a lung. He left the Army in 1946. He spent five years undergoing medical treatment for his injuries and illness.

His Medal of Honor was given in recognition of the risks he took to save the lives of so many comrades.

He is the subject of The Conscientious Objector, an award-winning documentary, and an upcoming feature film by the same name. The project has been developed and financed by Walden Media, and will be produced by Bill Mechanic, David Permut, Steve Longi, Gregory Crosby, and Terry Benedict.