Desmond Doss carried out one of the most daring rescues of World War II, putting his life on the line to save 75 injured comrades. His remarkable bravery earned him widespread recognition, and Hacksaw Ridge, where his incredible actions took place, remains a site of much historical importance.
This article dives into the key role of this location, the intense Battle of Okinawa, and Doss’ unmatched heroism in the face of much wartime adversity.
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?
Near Urasoe on Okinawa’s southern coast, Hacksaw Ridge looms above the remnants of Urasoe Castle, once the island’s largest stronghold. During the Battle of Okinawa, Japanese forces positioned themselves within the castle’s ruins, taking advantage of its expansive design and elevated location to strengthen their defenses. An intricate network of tunnels and dugouts within the ruins further improved their strategic position.
Standing atop a sheer 400-foot cliff, the ridge posed a huge obstacle for American troops, who were forced to climb without the aid of heavy artillery. It also challenged the Japanese defenders, as effectively targeting the advancing Americans was nearly impossible until they reached the top.
How did Hacksaw Ridge get its name?
The nickname “Hacksaw Ridge” comes from the steep cliff in the area. Although the precise reason American service members adopted this name is unclear, there are several theories.
One theory is rooted in the visual impression the escarpment made on approaching troops. The northern side of the cliff features two prominent rock formations, Hacksaw Ridge and Needle Rock, separated by a gap that resembles a notch in a hacksaw, which may have inspired the name.
Another theory offers a more symbolic explanation, suggesting that “saw” represents the back-and-forth struggle of combat, with the teeth of the tool symbolizing the fallen soldiers.
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.”
More from us: Eddie Slovik: The Only US Soldier to Be Executed for Desertion Since the Civil War
New! Want to become a trivia master? Sign up for our War History Fact of the Day newsletter!
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.