I was working as a carpenter in defense work in a shipyard … - Desmond Doss

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I was working as a carpenter in defense work in a shipyard in Newport News, Virginia, and my boss offered me a deferment. But I did not feel it was essential work, so I refused because I was in good health and I did not want to be known as a 4-F or draft dodger, and I felt it was an honor to serve God and country. I didn't feel like I was better than anyone else. I could serve my country for twenty-one dollars a month. That's what we got when we went in. We had a joke in the Army:'You know how much I get? No. Twenty-one dollars a day! What? Yep, once a month.'

Desmond Doss

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About Desmond Doss

Desmond Thomas Doss (February 7, 1919 – March 23, 2006) was a United States Army corporal who served as a combat medic with an infantry company in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II and saved the lives of 75 men for which he became the only conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor during the war. His life has been the subject of books, the 2004 documentary and the 2016 Oscar nominated film Hacksaw Ridge, where he was portrayed by Andrew Garfield.

Also Known As

Birth Name: Desmond Thomas Doss Jr

Alternative Names: Desmond Thomas Doss • Desmond Th. Doss • Desmond T. Doss • D. Th. Doss • D. T. Doss • D. Doss • Doss, Desmond Thomas

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I was working in Newport News, Virginia, in a shipyard in defense work. I could have been deferred. In fact, my boss even offered to defer me, but I was in good health and I felt like it would be an honor to serve God and country. So, I didn't want to be known as a 4-F so I would rather go in.

Originators like Desmond Doss:

Chris Kyle David Bellavia Tim O'Brien Stephen E. Ambrose Clinton Romesha

Additional quotes by Desmond Doss

I was conscientious and I like to call myself a conscientious cooperator instead of objector because we believe in serving our country in every way possible, same as anyone else. Only thing we didn't want to do is take life, like I mentioned before. God gave life, Christ is our example, I want to be him.

I felt it an honor to serve my country, God and country, same as the rest of them. The only thing, I just didn't want to take life. I wanted to save life instead of taking life and for them to look at my records, which they did.

So, I feel like my work has been rewarding work. I have no regrets. I'm just thankful I had the honor and privilege to serve God and country.

I was working as a carpenter in defense work in a shipyard in Newport News, Virginia, and my boss offered me a deferment. But I did not feel it was e… - Desmond Doss

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