Now this, kiddies, is an American:
Desmond T. Doss, Sr., the only conscientious objector to win the Congressional Medal of Honor during World War II, has died. He was 87 years old.
Mr. Doss never liked being called a conscientious objector. He preferred the term conscientious cooperator. Raised a Seventh-day Adventist, Mr. Doss did not believe in using a gun or killing because of the sixth commandment which states, "Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 20:13). Doss was a patriot however, and believed in serving his country.
During World War II, instead of accepting a deferment, Mr. Doss voluntarily joined the Army as a conscientious objector. Assigned to the 307th Infantry Division as a company medic he was harassed and ridiculed for his beliefs, yet he served with distinction and ultimately received the Congressional Medal of Honor on Oct. 12, 1945 for his fearless acts of bravery. . . .
On one occasion in Okinawa, he refused to take cover from enemy fire as he rescued approximately 75 wounded soldiers, carrying them one-by-one and lowering them over the edge of the 400-foot Maeda Escarpment. He did not stop until he had brought everyone to safety nearly 12 hours later.
(Thanks to Best of the Web Today for the heads up.)
This is what America is all about, kiddies, and we are in the process of destroying it. I think Mr. Doss' religion is hooey and his pacificism misguided. (So did many of his fellow soldiers.)
But that is irrelevant. Mr. Doss served our country above and beyond the call of duty. He knew his religious freedom depended upon victory over enemies who would not hesitate to slaughter people like him wholesale.
So he did everything he could.
Have mercy on his immortal soul, Lord.
Please read the complete obituary for Mr. Doss.
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