Desmond Doss
Desmond Doss | |
|---|---|
Doss about to receive the Medal of Honor in October 1945 | |
| Birth name | Desmond Thomas Doss |
| Born | February 7, 1919 Lynchburg, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | March 23, 2006 (aged 87) Piedmont, Alabama, U.S. |
| Buried | Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga, Tennessee |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army Medical Department |
| Years of service | 1942–1946 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Service number | 33158036 |
| Unit | Company B, 1st Battalion, 307th Infantry, 77th Infantry Division |
| Battles / wars | World War II
|
| Awards | Medal of Honor Bronze Star Medal (2 & "V") Purple Heart (3) |
| Spouse(s) |
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| Children | Desmond Doss Jr. (b. 1946) |
| Relations | Harold Doss |
Desmond Doss (February 7, 1919 – March 23, 2006) grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia and was a Seventh-day Adventist, which meant he was a pacifist. He did not believe in violence and chose not to use or carry weapons. He vowed not to kill.[1]
He was a combat medic in the United States Army during World War II. During the Battle of Okinawa, he saved 75 soldiers that were left behind and wounded. He tied them in a special knot and lowered them safely down the ridge. After the war, Desmond Doss was awarded with many medals. He was the first pacifist to receive the Medal of Honor. He received the purple heart.[2]