Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
80th Anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa: A Pivotal World War II Campaign
Exactly eighty years ago, the Battle of Okinawa, a significant and fiercely contested campaign of World War II, began. This major operation featured the United States Marine Corps executing the largest amphibious landing in the Pacific Theater, as Allied forces fought against the Imperial Japanese Army in a brutal 82-day confrontation.
Desmond Doss: An Unarmed Hero in the Pacific War
Amidst the intense combat, an American combat medic named Desmond Doss emerged as a figure of extraordinary courage during the Battle of Okinawa. Estimates suggest that Doss bravely rescued approximately 75 wounded soldiers during this critical phase of the conflict.
Medal of Honor for Conscientious Objector
A devout Seventh-Day Adventist, Doss maintained his conviction throughout the war by refusing to carry any weapon. His unwavering principles and exceptional battlefield actions led to him becoming the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military decoration for valor.
Hacksaw Ridge: Desmond Doss’s Story on Film
The inspiring and improbable story of Desmond Doss’s heroism was adapted for the cinema by acclaimed director Mel Gibson in the compelling 2016 war film, Hacksaw Ridge.
Andrew Garfield in ‘Hacksaw Ridge’: Streaming Now
Featuring Andrew Garfield in the role of Doss, the movie portrays his formidable challenges, including opposition from within his own unit due to his refusal to arm himself. The film underscores the profound impact of Doss’s selfless acts when he saves numerous lives in the latter portion of the narrative, ultimately transforming the views of his fellow soldiers. Hacksaw Ridge, nominated for six Academy Awards, is currently available for streaming without charge on ITVX.