Private First Class Desmond T. Doss
10/12/1945
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This photograph shows President Harry Truman congratulating Private First Class Desmond Doss, the first conscientious objector to win the Medal of Honor. During the World War II invasion of Okinawa, Doss served with the 77th Infantry Division as a medic. He rendered medical aid to wounded comrades, often at great peril to himself, and continued to help others, even after suffering serious wounds.
Doss had entered the military, but refused to kill enemy soldiers or carry a weapon because of his religious beliefs as a Seventh-day Adventist. As a medic, he served in a non-combatant role.
Doss had entered the military, but refused to kill enemy soldiers or carry a weapon because of his religious beliefs as a Seventh-day Adventist. As a medic, he served in a non-combatant role.
This primary source comes from the Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer.
National Archives Identifier: 594436
Full Citation: Photograph 111-SC-212227; Photograph of Private First Class Desmond T. Doss; 10/12/1945; Photographs of American Military Activities, ca. 1918 - ca. 1981; Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer, Record Group 111; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/desmond-doss-truman, April 25, 2024]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.