Desmond Doss, a devout Christian, enlists in the US army during World War II but refuses to carry a rifle due to his pacifist beliefs. Despite facing persecution and court-martial, Desmond perseveres and eventually serves as a medic in the Pacific Theater. During the Battle of Okinawa, he bravely rescues 75 wounded soldiers, including some Japanese, and becomes the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Desmond's father, Tom, was a war veteran who became an alcoholic and suffered from depression.
2. Desmond's brother, Harald, was hit on the head with a brick by Desmond when they were kids.
3. Desmond's brother survived the incident but it left a mark on Desmond's life.
4. Desmond began helping in the church and following all the commandments and church rules.
5. Desmond met Dorothy and fell in love with her.
6. Desmond refused to take up arms during the war due to his convictions.
7. Desmond's unit was sent to take the height of Vakin avi during the war.
8. The Japanese fought fiercely and were not afraid of death.
9. Desmond's colleagues were killed or wounded during the battle.
10. Desmond saved many lives by pulling wounded soldiers from the battlefield.
11. Desmond was court-martialed for refusing to carry a rifle and shoot.
12. Desmond's father, Tom, brought a paper confirming that a soldier can serve without using firearms.
13. Desmond married Dorothy during the war.
14. Desmond saved a wounded Japanese soldier and helped him.
15. Desmond continued to save people throughout the night, bringing crippled soldiers from the battlefield.
16. Desmond was discovered by the Japanese and had to hide in the catacombs.
17. Desmond found Sergeant Howl and pulled him out, but the sergeant had to shoot back at the Japanese.
18. Captain Glover gathered people to help Desmond and recaptured him from the Japanese.
19. Desmond was patched up and given a rest, but he still joined the others for the next battle.
20. Desmond fought off two grenades thrown by the Japanese.
21. Desmond was wounded and brought down by the Japanese.
22. Desmond carried 75 colleagues from the battlefield.
23. Desmond became the first draft evader to receive the Medal of Honor.