Desmond Doss conducted one of the boldest rescues of the Second World War, disregarding his personal safety to rescue 75 injured comrades. Though his courageous actions have garnered widespread admiration, the setting of Hacksaw Ridge remains a source of fascination for many. Delve into the historical significance of this location, the fierce Battle of Okinawa, and Doss’ exceptional bravery amidst the harsh realities 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 tip of Okinawa, near Urasoe, Hacksaw Ridge overlooks the remnants of what was once Urasoe Castle, the island’s largest fortress. The Japanese used the castle ruins as defensive positions during the Battle of Okinawa, given the area’s size and height. The presence of an intricate network of tunnels and dugouts within the ruins further bolstered their defensive capabilities.
Perched atop a towering 400-foot vertical cliff, the site presented a formidable obstacle for American troops, who had to ascend it without the support of heavy artillery. The ridge also posed significant challenges for the Japanese, as they struggled to effectively target the advancing American forces until they’d reached the crest.
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.