The Conscientious Objector

This documentary about the only conscientious objector to ever win the Congressional Medal of Honor is a touching and powerful tale of faith and courage.

While the approach is simple and rough around the edges, the story of Desmond Doss, - at first a hated outcast for his refusal to carry or use a weapon, later a hero among heroes for his saving of over 75 men as a medic in what seemed all but impossible circumstances – is so unique, and almost hard to believe that it pulls you in completely, whatever its budgetary or stylistic limitations.

I was surprised to see a few critics attack it as being an ad for Christianity, or for Seventh Day Adventists in the specific. I'm neither Christian nor religious, yet I never felt I was being preached at. It's simply the case that for this man his faith is what helped give him his courage and convictions. Would I want a documentary about Martin Luther King to not deal with how he drew his inspiration from his faith? Or Gandhi or the Dali Llama from theirs?

Told by the men who were there, including Doss himself, this is a film that speaks of the grace of refusing to conform, and being driven to do good, even at great personal risk and sacrifice. A truly inspiring story of an amazing yet humble individual. It has flaws, but in this case, it doesn't really matter.

If this film does not fill you with gratitude and hope, there's not much hope for you. One of the most inspiring films ever! This is a testament of not compromising one's faith and beliefs and thereby setting and example. Beautifully filmed. So touching. Ever so relevant especially as more of our WWII vets are passing on daily. I saw this one on TBN and will be ordering a copy for my self. There is something to gain from this film even if you are not a Christian. This should be distributed nationwide. History comes alive and I felt as though I was journeying with the brave men. Our vets truly deserve our gratitude. Some of the scenes are a bit graphic, but this is a documentary, not some cut and dry history film shown in class.

This documentary uses interviews with Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Delbert Doss and other veterans who served with him to tell the story of a man whose religious convictions forbade him from carrying a gun or killing anyone but who wanted to do what he could to help the U.S. in WWII; so he persisted in becoming a medic despite superiors who didn't want him, and he treated and carried wounded soldiers to safety under mortar and machine fire despite being wounded himself. (At this point Id like to recommend the book "Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty which contains the story of Delbert Doss and other Medal of Honor winners from various U. S. wars; truly inspiring .

I just saw this documentary on PAX satellite channel (programmed for Memorial Day). I had heard about Desmond Doss before, but never realized what he did and how he survived the US Army with his faith intact, and the Japanese Army with life and health intact (mostly).

I felt great pride sharing the same faith with Mr. Doss, and was moved to tears at the testimony of many of Doss' fellow soldiers. I found it very inspiring to remind those of faith what it means to maintain your integrity in the face of opposition, foreign and domestic.

I certainly want to purchase some copies of the DVD to share with many of my friends who would appreciate seeing it. Technically well done along with the inspiring content.

Outstanding documentary about the life of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector in World War 11 who served in the military as a medic.

Due to his religious beliefs, he would never kill and hence would not even carry a gun.

Obviously, at the beginning he met with much scorn for his refusal to do so but he proved himself worthy of presidential recognition for coming to the aid of wounded soldiers. While under fire himself, he helped the wounded as best he could.

The documentary shows that those who wanted to get rid of him in the military would come to realize what a tremendous asset he was.

It was as if the Lord was on his side at all times during battle. This is really an outstanding story of human faith as well as the triumph of spirit.