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Pacifist patriot Medal of Honor winner dies
EFL.Desmond T. Doss the only person to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for non-combat achievements in World War II and the first conscientious objector to receive the medal died Thursday. He was 87. Doss, a longtime resident of Walker County, was born Feb. 7, 1919, in Lynchburg, Va. Doss was serving as a medic in the Armys 77th Infantry Division on May 5, 1945, when he helped 75 wounded soldiers escape capture on the island of Okinawa under Japanese attack. As a Seventh-day Adventist, Doss religious convictions required strict adherence to Gods law, particularly the Sixth Commandment, Thou shalt not kill. But despite his objection to killing and war, Doss was a patriotic American who wanted to serve his country. In April 1942, the slight, 5-foot-6-inch, 23-year-old enlisted and was given the Armys 1-A-O conscientious objector status. He refused to carry a weapon and to perform duties on Saturday, when the Adventists celebrate the Sabbath. For his bravery Doss received the militarys highest award from President Harry Truman on Oct. 12, 1945. The Army had estimated the number of men Doss saved on that day in May at 100, though the humble Doss stated that it couldnt have been more than 50. The Army decided to split the difference and put 75 on his citation. Jackson said that Doss was active with the JROTC program at LaFayette High School and spoke to the cadets on many occasions. Doss was a Seventh-day Adventist member from childhood and Dr. Ed Wright, president of the Georgia-Cumberland Conference of the denomination, described him as a real inspiration to our church and specifically several generations of young people. He was a very humble man, deeply convicted as to not bearing arms. A statement released by church officials said, Doss never liked being called a conscientious objector. He preferred the term conscientious cooperator. RIP, Mr. Doss. You'll have at least 75 references at the pearly gates. Most modern "conscientious objectors" are simply cowards or not loyal to the US and the Constitution. Posted by: Jackal 2006-03-24 |
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