Desmond Doss

Grew Up… in rural Virginia with a loving mother and a playful older brother. But their home wasn’t without strife. Desmond’s father is a war veteran and was the only survivor of his squadron. He has developed some bad habits of drinking too much and beating his wife. 

Visiting… Fort Jackson where he is training for the US Army. Even though he’s seen and experienced the things war can do to a man first-hand, Desmond wants nothing more to serve his country. The catch is, in his words, “While everybody else is taking life, I’m gonna be saving it.”

Profession… combat medic. Desmond is physically one of the best men in his squad, but he refuses to hold a gun. Because of that, he has been reprimanded and beaten by his fellow soldiers, harassed by his commander, and threatened to have his position in the army terminated. Desmond’s biggest desire is to serve his country, but the people around him never seem to understand just how important his beliefs are to him. 

Interests… the Bible and helping others. Desmond has a Seventh-day Adventist upbringing and has sworn his life to live by the Bible. His harrowing experience with his brother in which he almost killed him by accident reinforced the commandment “Thou shalt not kill.” His religious beliefs are so resolute that people around him mistake his faith for insanity.

Relationship Status… married to Dorothy who he met during a hospital visit. Ever since Dorothy took Desmond’s blood for donation (even though he didn’t know what that meant at the time), he’s been smitten with her. He keeps the two things he loves right by his heart, a copy of the Bible with a photo of Dorothy tucked in one of the pages. 

Challenge… serving on the front lines without a gun. Soldiers from his platoon are joining forces with other troops to take Hacksaw Ridge, in hopes of winning the war. To survive, he needs to find a way to defend himself and his men without firing a shot. 

Personality… soft-spoken, humorous, just, strong-willed, and patient. Desmond is one of the most genuine people around. His subtle charm is what makes him likeable, even if others disagree with his beliefs.