Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Desmond Doss Dies
Desmond T. Doss Dies at 87
Desmond T. Doss, the only person to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for noncombat achievements in World War II and the first conscientious objector to receive the medal died Thursday at the age of 87.
Doss, a longtime North Georgia resident, died in Piedmont, Alabama, where he had lived for the past two years. Doss was born Feb. 7, 1919, in Lynchburg, Va. The Seventh Day Adventist was serving as a medic in the Army's 77th Infantry Division on May 5, 1945, when he helped approximately 75 wounded soldiers escape capture on the island of Okinawa under Japanese attack.
Doss often told interviewers that his religious convictions required strict adherence to God's law, including the Sixth Commandment, Thou shalt not kill. Still, Doss was a patriotic American who wanted to serve his country. In 1942 Doss enlisted and was given conscientious objector status. He refused to carry a weapon and to perform duties on the Adventist Sabbath of Saturday. For his bravery Doss received the military's highest award, the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman on Oct. 12, 1945. The Army had estimated the number of men Doss saved at 100, while Doss modestly stated it was closer to 50. The Army eventually settled on 75, which is stated on the citation.
Doss is the subject of a 2004 documentary "The Conscientious Objector," produced by Terry Benedict, a Santa Monica film producer and Seventh Day Adventist. More information on the film can be found at www.desmonddoss.com. The award-winning film is rumored to be the inspiration for a forthcoming theatrical movie based on Doss's life. In 1990, a section of Ga. 2 between U.S. 27 and Ga. 193 near Fort Oglethorpe was named the Desmond T. Doss Medal of Honor Highway. Channel 3 news anchor David Carroll emceed the dedication ceremony, and remembers Doss as "a quiet patriot who inspired by example rather than words." Carroll met Doss in the 1980's at the opening of the Medal of Honor Museum in Chattanooga. He said Doss "was always very generous in sharing his story and memorabilia so that future generations would understand his beliefs and motivations." Doss was among the soldiers profiled in WRCB's Veterans History Project, which ran from 2002 until 2005. Doss's story, along with hundreds of others, is now included in the Library of Congress.
Doss is survived by his wife Frances and son Desmond T. Doss Jr.
Funeral services will be Saturday, April 1, at the Collegedale Seventh Day Adventist Church
Graveside burial services will be Monday April 3 at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga.
Visitation will be announced by Heritage Funeral Home in Fort Oglethorpe.
Desmond T. Doss, the only person to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for noncombat achievements in World War II and the first conscientious objector to receive the medal died Thursday at the age of 87.
Doss, a longtime North Georgia resident, died in Piedmont, Alabama, where he had lived for the past two years. Doss was born Feb. 7, 1919, in Lynchburg, Va. The Seventh Day Adventist was serving as a medic in the Army's 77th Infantry Division on May 5, 1945, when he helped approximately 75 wounded soldiers escape capture on the island of Okinawa under Japanese attack.
Doss often told interviewers that his religious convictions required strict adherence to God's law, including the Sixth Commandment, Thou shalt not kill. Still, Doss was a patriotic American who wanted to serve his country. In 1942 Doss enlisted and was given conscientious objector status. He refused to carry a weapon and to perform duties on the Adventist Sabbath of Saturday. For his bravery Doss received the military's highest award, the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman on Oct. 12, 1945. The Army had estimated the number of men Doss saved at 100, while Doss modestly stated it was closer to 50. The Army eventually settled on 75, which is stated on the citation.
Doss is the subject of a 2004 documentary "The Conscientious Objector," produced by Terry Benedict, a Santa Monica film producer and Seventh Day Adventist. More information on the film can be found at www.desmonddoss.com. The award-winning film is rumored to be the inspiration for a forthcoming theatrical movie based on Doss's life. In 1990, a section of Ga. 2 between U.S. 27 and Ga. 193 near Fort Oglethorpe was named the Desmond T. Doss Medal of Honor Highway. Channel 3 news anchor David Carroll emceed the dedication ceremony, and remembers Doss as "a quiet patriot who inspired by example rather than words." Carroll met Doss in the 1980's at the opening of the Medal of Honor Museum in Chattanooga. He said Doss "was always very generous in sharing his story and memorabilia so that future generations would understand his beliefs and motivations." Doss was among the soldiers profiled in WRCB's Veterans History Project, which ran from 2002 until 2005. Doss's story, along with hundreds of others, is now included in the Library of Congress.
Doss is survived by his wife Frances and son Desmond T. Doss Jr.
Funeral services will be Saturday, April 1, at the Collegedale Seventh Day Adventist Church
Graveside burial services will be Monday April 3 at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga.
Visitation will be announced by Heritage Funeral Home in Fort Oglethorpe.
