Desmond Doss carried out one of the most daring rescues of World War II, putting his own safety aside to save 75 wounded comrades. His heroic deeds have earned him great respect, and the setting of Hacksaw Ridge continues to captivate many. Explore the historical importance of this site, the intense Battle of Okinawa, and Doss’s extraordinary courage in the face of the harsh conditions of war.
Battle of Okinawa
Desmond Doss’ courageous actions unfolded during the Battle of Okinawa. Officially known as Operation Iceberg, it was a major engagement between the US military and the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA). On April 1, 1945, the American forces launched the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific Theater of World War II by landing on the island.
The campaign extended from April 1-June 22, 1945, with the primary objective being to seize control of Okinawa’s key air base, intending to utilize it as a strategic launching point for the planned invasion of Japan. Amid the challenging terrain, US troops engaged in fierce combat with the Japanese forces, capturing various fortified positions, including the Maeda Escarpment, better known as Hacksaw Ridge.
Where is Hacksaw Ridge?
On the southern edge of Okinawa, near Urasoe, Hacksaw Ridge stands above the remains of what used to be Urasoe Castle, the island’s largest fortress. During the Battle of Okinawa, the Japanese utilized the castle ruins as defensive positions due to the area’s spaciousness and raised vantage point. The intricate network of tunnels and dugouts within the ruins further helped their defensive capabilities.
Located atop a steep 400-foot cliff, the site presented a daunting challenge for American troops, who had to climb without the aid of heavy artillery. The ridge also created obstacles for the Japanese, who struggled to effectively target the advancing American forces until they reached the top.
How did Hacksaw Ridge get its name?
The moniker “Hacksaw Ridge” originated from the dauntingly steep cliff in the area. While the exact reason behind the choice of this nickname by American servicemen remains uncertain, there are certainly no shortage of theories.
One such theory revolves around the visual impression the area made on approaching troops. The escarpment’s northern side features two distinct rock formations – Hacksaw Ridge and Needle Rock – separated by a gap resembling the notch of a hacksaw, potentially inspiring the name.
Alternatively, another theory suggests a more figurative interpretation of the name. The notion is that the word “saw” symbolizes the back-and-forth action of combat, while the teeth of the tool represent the fallen soldiers and Marines.
Desmond Doss
Hacksaw Ridge certainly can’t be discussed without detailing the heroism of Desmond Doss. He was raised as a Seventh-day Adventist and was a strong believer in non-violence. When World War II began, he was employed at a shipyard, but left the position to enlist in the US military.
Although he made the choice to serve, he refused to kill enemy soldiers, or even carry a weapon, because of his religion. As such, Doss was made an Army Medic with the 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 307th Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division.
Doss first saw combat in 1944 in Guam and the Philippines, where he set a precedent for demonstrating extreme bravery while aiding his wounded comrades. He was twice awarded Bronze Star Medals with a “V” device before he even set foot on Hacksaw Ridge.
The valiant efforts of Desmond Doss
When Desmond Doss was sent to Okinawa, he found himself braving the deadly Hacksaw Ridge. He made the climb alongside the others, tending to the wounded as they went. Eventually, the casualties were so bad that the Americans were ordered to retreat.
Instead of following orders, Doss decided he was going to save as many wounded men as possible. He ran into the killing zone, carry his injured comrades to the edge of the cliff and lowering them to the bottom, where other medics stood waiting for them. He repeated this process numerous times, praying as he went, “Lord, please help me get one more.”
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By the time Doss had done all he could, he’d saved 75 men, although his comrades swear it was more like 100. He continued to fight in Okinawa until May 21, 1945, when he was evacuated after becoming wounded. Later that same year, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.