Talk:Desmond Doss

The medic Desmond Doss saved hundreds of lives at HackSaw Ridge in the battle for Okinawa in WWII.

Alvin York won a Medal of Honor in the Argonne forest in World War One. Story has it that he was a conscientious observer.

a true war hero

Reading his story is inspirational. Here was a man who endured taunting by his fellow soldiers for his beliefs and refusal to carry a weapon, yet earned their respect as one of the bravest people they'd ever known. Could today's conscientious objectors ever approach this man in integrity, willingness to serve, and selflessness in battle?

Answer - very few, for the same reason precious war supporters will match the selfless heroism of Paul Ray Smith. These people are heroes in a way that few of us will or could ever be, whatever our religious or political beliefs. Do check out the article on Smith. He's the first (only?) MoH from the current fight in Iraq, awarded posthumously.

Alvin York (Sgt. York)

A story I read said that when he entered the service, he was a conscientious objector, but shortly after "boot camp", after an all night talk with his CO about the Bible and war, Alvin York decided to fight. His family felt he should not fight, but he decided that the war was in fact just. The rest of his deeds are well known.

Front Page

I changed the "first" to "only", since Doss was the only C.O. to be awarded the MoH. He was the epidome of "selfless service". Rarelibra 19:11, 4 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Not the Only

Desmond Doss is NOT the only CO to win a MOH, he's the FIRST. Read the any of the articles about his death. From the Washington Post article:

"Mr. Doss was one of only two conscientious objectors to receive the Medal of Honor. Thomas W. Bennett, who was an Army corporal and medical aidman during the Vietnam War, also received the medal, according to Carol Cepregi, administrative assistant with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Bennett died while serving in Vietnam."

(Macfrugal 22:11, 6 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Stupid hippy

There is a reversion for vandalism on this article, which removed an image 'Stupid Hippy Gets Medal'. I agree, the label is offensive, but is that a real photo, of the subject of this item getting the medal? If so, and copyright is fine, it seems to be a good item to be in the article. --Dumarest 20:04, 6 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It may very well be a valid photo, but as long as it says "stupid hippy gets medal", I feel that it has no room in this article. The title is disrespectful to the honor of a MoH recipient, especially one who refused to fight and brought 75 men to safety, even offering up his stretcher when he was wounded so it could be used for someone more "seriously" wounded.

If we cannot find this image elsewhere (I'm sure we can), I say it stays away. Rarelibra 20:57, 6 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I found an actual black-and-white of Doss receiving the Medal of Honor from the POTUS. This one should stay, it does not have an offensive title. Rarelibra 21:06, 6 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Bennett was NOT listed in the list of recipients on Wiki. I have added his name. Next time, it would be nice for such reference to be included, instead of needlessly reverting WITHOUT evidence. Rarelibra 22:06, 6 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

132.241.246.111

Your "happy?" comment is not appreciated. The Medal of Honor is the highest award and is sacred, as far as I am concerned. Do you have any service time? If not, your ignorance is excused. If so, shame on you. Calling this man a "stupid hippie", sarcastically or not, is OFFENSIVE and will not be tolerated - especially in honor with his recent death.

It would have taken you 5 minutes to find another color copy, yet you persisted in reverting. Next time please refrain and do the research properly. Thank you. Rarelibra 21:34, 6 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]