The Conscientious Objector

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.

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.

I first saw this film at the 2004 Heartland Film festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is a story about Desmond Doss the first conscientious objector to win the Congressional Medal of Honor. His faith and perseverance in the face of overwhelming stresses from both ally and foe, is a lesson to all. It is a must-see for anyone searching for the meaning of faith and love for all mankind.

In these days of hype about war and bravery (or otherwise) it is refreshing to see a story of true heroism; a story that reflects true sacrifice and faith exercised over and over again.

You must see it for yourself and get others to see it! Encourage your bookstores, libraries, and video rental facilities to get copies of this video. Failing that, buy one yourself!!! Many kudos to Terry Benedict for recognizing this great story and bringing it to the screen!

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 .

After watching the fantastic 'Hacksaw Ridge', I wanted to know more about Desmond Doss. So I bought this documentary - and what can I say? Desmond Doss was a true hero, the film and the documentary both do him justice. Everybody should watch it and be inspired! Fantastic! I wonder why this brave man is not as well known as other American heroes. He was the bravest man I ever heard about.