Desmond 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]

Desmond Doss
Doss about to receive the Medal of Honor in October 1945
Birth name	Desmond Thomas Doss
Born	(1919-02-07)February 7, 1919 Lynchburg, Virginia, U.S.
Died	March 23, 2006(2006-03-23) (aged 87) Piedmont, Alabama, U.S.
Buried at	Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Allegiance	United States
Service/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 Battle of Guam Battle of Leyte Battle of Okinawa
Awards	Medal of Honor Bronze Star Medal (2 & "V") Purple Heart (3)
Relations	Harold Doss

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]