Interesting trivia: Mel Gibson stated there were aspects of this event that were true, but that he couldn't include in the film because he felt people wouldn't believe they were true: Doss stepped on a grenade to save his buddies and was hit by shrapnel, but as he was being carried away by medics he saw another soldier injured. Since Doss himself was a medic, he jumped off his stretcher and treated that soldier and told the medics to take care of other wounded soldiers. He then crawled back to safety while being shot at by enemy snipers. While lowering men down the ridge, a Japanese soldier had Doss in his sights several times, and every time he did, his gun jammed, preventing him from shooting him. This was also for fear that no one would believe it. In reality, Doss' Bible went missing as he dragged himself to safety. Months after he was shipped home, he found it in the mail; his entire company, which once mocked him for his convictions, searched all over Hacksaw until they found it.
I heard there was also that he fought for two more days (rescuing lives of course) and even had a shattered arm after giving up his seat on the stretcher.
I heard/read many of the same things. In one account, Doss actually said he looked up, and realized he was going to die, as the Japanese Soldier - just 20 yards away - was aiming directly at him. Doss said "He didn't shoot. I kept waiting for it, but he didn't shoot". That would explain the gun jamming. God is in charge! Always!
He already had won 2 Bronze Stars (with a V for Valor, basically halfway between a Bronze Star and a Silver Star) in the Philippines along with at least 2 Purple Hearts...
My Dad survived the 96th Div’s battle at Hacksaw Ridge. When this movie came out my Uncle (Dad’s brother) told me to see it. It was the battle that haunted Fred until the day he died.
@@elloowu6293 Doss was in different division. My Dad was in 96th Div, in the movie that was group all shot up that was leaving. Dad rarely if ever talked about specific battles however he told Mom about ordering men up the ridge and then have them killed immediately and fall pass him. Dad apparently had nightmares for years.
@@barbarawelch2702 Jesus, that's terrifying. Did your dad ever hear about doss? A medic that refused to kill during war saving a bunch of people in that battle? Also, if you don't mind me asking did he see the movie or has he passed?
"...Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
@@ryankuypers1819 I'm sorry for my assholish comment. Ones beliefs are irrelevant, What really matters is whether or not someone is a good person. I'm at 50/50 myself. I hope I go to hell because that"s where all the hookers and drugs will be.
@David Booker I’ve had hard time forgiving someone who greatly hurt my family. I am so impressed with your comment that I would like to copy your comment and place it on my desk as a daily reminder of this truth, with your permission, of course. Spot on, Mr. Booker. Very well said. Thank you. Words from our Lord Himself that I needed to hear.
@David Booker I honestly wish more so-called Christians would adhere to the beautiful words you wrote. That is truly truly how Christians should behave. I had chills rereading it. I'm imperfect, the one group I cannot bring myself to forgive (I hope I will one day) is those that push people away from God through their actions while invoking the Bible and Jesus.
From what I heard, from an American who survived the Ridge - because he was back at the medical camp for the first attack, the radio call of “waiting for Doss” is completely accurate. Pretty amazing really.
that scene felt like a cinematic bit for effect. Thats amazing that it was actually what happened. I keep seeing posts recounting tales from that event, and they keep reinforcing just how accurate this movie was.
@@BlackflagAirsoft Considering how almost all films about WW2 take liberties with the truth it’s quite refreshing. For example, the American’s didn’t capture the first enigma machine - it’s just a small thing but why not go with the truth? It’s a bit like the movies of Vietnam, they don’t admit that, in effect, the Vietnamese won (and often wash over how returning veterans were treated) Be honest about it. Hacksaw Ridge does show the element of war where it’s a “just keep banging on that door” no matter how many people die they don’t change strategy. But Doss was a stunning hero of the war. The only bit I’ve heard questioned is about his actual “rescue” with some saying he refused the first stretcher to make them carry a man with a more serious wound first, and that his Bible wasn’t returned to him until he was actually on the boat home about to set off. Other than that, this film is unflinchingly tied to the truth. The only thing to match it comes from the trench warfare of WW1, where some conscientious objectors served as medics. Going out into no man’s land to collect those who were still alive but trapped in mud or on wire. Their only protecting being the Red Cross on their arms. Sure they weren’t in the direct line of fire in the same way, but they could still have been killed quite easily by the enemy. I have the utmost respect for soldiers, I don’t respect the politicians that put them into those situations; but the men and women deserve our respect even if they complete their career without seeing combat, they lived their life prepared to do so and under the threat of having to do so.
That's why I love this film because the parts that seem dramatized are not at all and Mel Gibson actually downplayed some of the things Doss did because Doss was modest about it (as a true Christian would be).
God makes the impossible possible. I've seen it in my life. If I were to write a book on all the miracles in my life no one would believe me. I'm not half the man doss was. Hell I will be the first to admit I don't deserve the miracles I witnessed. I just never denied there was a God and in times of life or death, I waited for death, but was given life.
Waiting for dosses prayer before the attack did happen. However what this movie got inaccurate but I’m not gonna say it ruined the movie was Doss was already married before he went off to serve. Another thing was Doss already won medals in other island raids before the infamous hacksaw ridge battle. Doss was already respected and trusted before combat took place like in hacksaw. In training at first many but not all hated Doss but they saw in training that he showed his care for the men, tending to there blistered feet in training, running alongside his men in the entire training course. Another example of respect before combat was when the officer yelled at Doss to pick up the rifle but another officer spoke up and defended Doss from the officer.
I feel like for Desmond. The biggest victory he had was the fact that he probably lead other fellow soldiers to the path of God with him. After they had witnessed what they witnessed. That’s good for him.
i very douby it cause of them being in the middle of one of the worst wars the world has ever seen butchery on this scale is unimaginable so much death and suffering ww1 and ww2 killed religion for many people
saying his biggest victory was bringing people to god instead of you know SAVING 83 LIVES. Is like highkey disrespectfull to Desmond and the men he served with.
@@daanzwarthoed4897 for a Christian leading people to jesus is the biggest victory to ever win in life. Yes he saved their lives on earth but he probably helped save some of their souls eternally. An so no I don't think he'd find what the original commenter said disrespectful at all. Rather that you find it disrespectful because you don't believe.
@@mellisacarolcameron8551 He was raised as a Seventh-day Adventist, a christian denomination. Their fundamental beliefs is that humans do not possess an immortal soul and that there is no suffering an eternal torment in hell after death. And their church has been actively promoting freedom of religion for all people.
Andrew Garfield did such an amazing job in this movie. I've seen it numerous times and it's like "Saving Private Ryan" you just can't get enough because it's so damned good
I was a navy corpsman I would have felt pure rage. God bless this man for pushing through, a real hero. I get put to tears I dont bless his service I bless his life. Thank you.
They interviewed a couple Japanese soldiers who were there and saw this war hero plucking wounded men out of harms way. One of them said they tried shooting him but their guns jammed. Not just one gun but all of them when trying to shoot him. They said they feared that one soldiers who couldn't be killed. Amazing.
Have you seen the movie: Gettysburg? They show (either at the beginning or at the end) pictures of the main Cast and who they were portraying... Extremely Accurate!! Great makeup work!!!
I am not a religous man at all...... but after reading his story....he touched me, his entire existence is a miracle, if that doesn't bring a man to tears then nothing will.
"Actions speak louder than words." They believe so much in how much you believe. Let that be a testament if nothing else, to what greatness that man has done.
And his Captain basically asking him to put his life on the line again, when the only thing he wants to do is send him home. As he said you have done more in the service of your country than anybody else
The captain judged Doss before he got to know him. We should not judge people without getting to know them. This scene made me smile because Doss got respect by a man who thought he was nothing.
I remember meeting him during a church convention (seventh day adventist incase anyone was wondering what denomination he was part of) super chill guy and waa very open about his story. Also this movie dosenr mention how he alone went into a submarine to rescue fellow marrines that got trapped, he rescued the whole crew
yea the writers/director/producers removed things Doss did from the movie because if everything he did was put into film the audience wouldnt believe it really happened. He didnt get the highest military honor for nothing
There’s a ton of war hero stories that are too ridiculous to believe, but really happened. Men that got shot a dozen or more times while climbing cliffs to take on the enemy almost single handedly. Complete irrational bravery and battle fury mixed with luck can go a long way. Or in this man’s case, faith
i love the movie!! Most especially the real story behind it and the real person behind all of this superb movie!!! God bless Private Desmond Doss and all the brave and selfless men who fought relly hard fpr the freedon and safety that everyone of us is enjoying now! God bless all their souls with peace!
Always one of my favorite lines from the movie: “What you did on that ridge is nothing short of a miracle, and they want a piece of it.” There are few greater senses of respect you can earn, then someone let alone many people wanting to live vicariously through you, even if they don’t believe as you do.
This is one of those scenes that if you didn't know the story would come off as cheesy and cliche. But knowing the real story and how very true to form this film was when addressing the original story. It's hard to watch this movie and have a dry eye. Some things were changed for the movie, especially relates to his youth, but this conversation was very real and Desmond Doss deserves every ounce of honor and respect he is given, because he earned more respect than he could ever be shown. I am an atheist, and I don't believe in deifying a man. But Desmond Doss more than most became the absolute pinnacle of human capability and fortitude through his faith, and his moral character could be described as near perfect. While no one with a right mind should wish to have his experiences, we should all strive to have his integrity and strength of character.
it takes a lot for someone to acknowledge when they are wrong. what I love most is how the captain personally goes to doss and apologizes to his face for the way he treated him.
Probably the greatest compliment and most humbling all in one. Was the fact that those men were willing to risk court martial and defiance of orders for one man. Because they believed in him as he believed in God.
Doss' only drive in life was for a higher purpose. It seems counterproductive but the nicer and more helpful you are to others the happier you yourself will be. The adverse is more than equally true.
The movie leaves out that Doss had already been awarded two Bronze Star Medals, both with a "V" device, on Guam and in the Philippines. By Okinawa everyone already knew he was a hero.
You can say that again! I'm so happy that he came back and continued to make top notch films, I thought his career was over after his dui and racism filled tirade, and I'm so glad to be wrong!
I wish I would have met Desmond my SDA brother in Christ! But I will in heaven and have unlimited conversation and walk with him all in a unison time 0:57 yeap its our Lord's Sabbath the seventh day
The awesome part about this film is that the real life Doss did even more than depicted in the film and was very modest about ever receiving credit for anything he did.
As far as human beings go, Desmond Doss was among the best a person can be, as brave as a person can be, as GOOD as a person can be. If more people were like Desmond Doss then this world would be a better place.
- What I saw was a skinny kid... I didn't know who you were. You've done more than any other men could've done in service of his country. And I've never been more wrong about someone in my life. I hope one day you can forgive me.... We have to go back up tomorrow. I realise tomorrow is your sabbath. Most of these man don't believe the same way you do. But they believe so much in how much you believe. And what you did on that ridge, it's nothing short of a miracle, and they want a piece of it. And they're not going to go up there without you.
OK, I have my issues with a lot of religions out there. But I learned in the Army [way back when rocks were soft, fire was new, and Germany was still two countries] that a man's faith is his own, but the brotherhood he shares with his comrades is equally important. It taught me that even though I may not believe the same way, even though I might have an issue with someone else's faith, I can still respect and honor someone's beliefs when they are honestly trying to live a sacred or believing life. For example, I'm not Southern Baptist nor am I Catholic, but I can still respect the lives of Billy Graham and Pope Francis. It's been one of the most important lessons I ever learned. Desmond Doss would be an honored name no matter what faith he professed. He could walk into the Ancestral Operator's Bar in Heaven and such names as Paddy Mayne, Charlie Beckwith, and Micheal Murphy [look those dudes up, they are card carrying members of Bad Ass International] would happily buy him a glass of lemonade and listen respectfully to his stories. For all you youngsters out there, let an old cavalry corporal give you a tip: Never fuck with a combat medic. Medics got an entire company of angry, maladjusted friends who'd happily kick your ass around the block twice just because you eff'd with their 'Doc'. There are many like him, but this one is mine.
In reality, anyone who is truly in Christ would go nowhere near any war, not as a medic. If fools want to kill other fools in wars organised by Satan, that's up to them. Men of real faith, men who live like Christ, are holy men, and have no business whatsoever with wars. This is hollywood though, so they deceive. Fooled you, again.
@@GaryM67-71 Your comments show your ignorance and the narrowness of your beliefs. As you no doubt know, there is a deep and sincere controversy among Biblical scholars about the Sixth Commandment. In the original Ancient Israelite [that is, Hebrew without Latin influences] the text of the Book of Numbers decrees that one shalt not acquire 'blood-guilt' or 'blood-debt'. This is specifically defined as killing outside of lawful war, killing for revenge, killing for jealousy, killing for greed, etc. Killing within the confines of just war is **specifically** allowed. In a modern context this has changed the English translation from 'thou shalt not kill' to 'thou shalt not commit murder'. Evangelical fundamentalist faiths are uncomfortable with secular people using actual facts [like literal translations, scholarship on the culture of ancient Israel, and Talmudic legal scholarship] so they tend to cherry-pick which Bible translation will suit their argument of the moment [usually the KJV or NSV translations] and call anything that rebuts their point of view 'secular revisionism'. Then have the gall to call themselves 'Biblical literalists'. Second point: Desmond Doss **never** killed. He was drafted into the Army but refused to bear any weapon. He was court-martialed as a conscientious objector because of this, but his defense clearly stated that he had no objection to serving, even in a combat unit, but refused to carry a weapon as a violation of First Amendment right to Freedom of Religion. Thus, he was trained as a combat medic. May I respectfully suggest that you have your facts straight before you go calling people names? You comments and attitude is quite un-Christian-like, if you are as you claim to be, a servant of The Christ. I think this time 'round, the fool is you.
@@carlhicksjr8401 As my initial comment explained, he SHOULD have objected and refused to be involved in the war. You don't like that inconvenient fact. Ww1 and WW2 and Vietnam and Iraq were barbaric, stupid humans killing other humans, Satan laughing as his guys pulled the strings. You Americans are an accursed nation, from the time your God-ejecting liberal constitution was signed. Now comes the reckoning, the judgement.
From beginning to end, a powerful and emotionally moving film based on a powerful and emotionally moving man. This scene encapsulates so much about THE GREATEST GENERATION. NEVER CONFUSE CONVICTION AND PRINCIPLES FOR COWARDNESS AND WEAKNESSES RESPECT
I think it hurt the Captain to ask him to go up again. His apology was sincere and he still had the rest of the Company to look out for. The Captain could have never apologized. It shows character and leadership to admit mistakes and ask forgiveness.
@@TheFleahost It doesn't if you're only apologizing to get a favor. Leadership isn't following the wish of the troops, who won't go back to duty without their lucky charm. How do u have no integrity? No pride?
The Medal of Honor is never won, it is earned. People who risk their lives, including those that give it, have earned it through their own blood and sweat and souls. To those who observe the actions from the outside, they often appear superhuman or insane, people willing to give their lives for others without a second thought. However, most of those people all have something in common: They're carrying guns, and they're in war. Doss wasn't carrying a gun, and while he was clearly in a war, his fight was to save life, not take it. No one embodies that fight to save life more than Doss.
And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but UNLESS YOU REPENT YOU WILL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you REPENT you will all likewise perish.” - Luke 13:1-5 There's your 'piece of it' but can you drink from His cup? DO YOU HAVE A HEART FOR TRUTH?!?!
I watched the video of Doss receiving recognition and gifts. Captain Glover described how Doss saved his life. The didn't show that in the movie, right? It was shown him saving the Sargent.
It's just movie purposes They were already acknowledging him in Guam and Philippines but Hacksaw Ridge was where his incredible story happened Saved many lives all by himself
Anytime I watch these scenes I choke up a bit, this was one of the bravest people in the history of the world. Saving 75 people unarmed while facing blood and death from the imperial Japanese after being persecuted by some of the very men he saved in my opinion proves that there is good and a higher right in the world.
