Approval of Medal of Honor for PFC Desmond Doss
7/5/1945
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In this endorsement, U.S. Army Lieutenant General John R. Hodge, commander of the 24th Corps, approves recommending Private First Class Desmond Doss for the Medal of Honor. His recommendation went to the commander of the 10th Army for consideration, and Doss received his Medal of Honor on November 1, 1945.
Doss was a contentious objector during World War II. He entered the military, but refused to kill enemy soldiers or carry a weapon because of his religious beliefs as a Seventh-day Adventist. He served in a non-combatant role as a medic. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions assisting injured soldiers near Urasoe-Mura, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands – one of the few conscientious objectors ever to earn the award.
Doss was a contentious objector during World War II. He entered the military, but refused to kill enemy soldiers or carry a weapon because of his religious beliefs as a Seventh-day Adventist. He served in a non-combatant role as a medic. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions assisting injured soldiers near Urasoe-Mura, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands – one of the few conscientious objectors ever to earn the award.
This primary source comes from the Records of U.S. Army Operational, Tactical, and Support Organizations (World War II and Thereafter).
National Archives Identifier: 595203
Full Citation: Memorandum from LTG John R. Hodge to the Commanding General Approving the Medal of Honor for PFC Desmond Doss; 7/5/1945; 200.6 Awards and Decorations "D"; Correspondence Files, 1944 - 1945; Records of U.S. Army Operational, Tactical, and Support Organizations (World War II and Thereafter), Record Group 338; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/medal-honor-desmond-doss, May 4, 2024]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.