A genuine hero

[Wildcard Ky]

I've been familiar with the story of Desmond Doss for about 20 years. It's a story that I've told to many people since I read about it. He's the only conscientious objector to ever win the Medal of Honor.

Desmond Doss

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

A splendid mix of moral and physical courage. A warrior and still a man, even he refused to fire a shot. I am not opposed to killing in war, but I respect a man of principle.

 

[SeaCat]

A man who deserves our utmost in respect.

Cat

 

[Weird Harold]

I've been familiar with the story of Desmond Doss ... He's the only conscientious objector to ever win the Medal of Honor.

An incredibly brave man who remained true to his beliefs, but not the "Only" -- just the first and the only one in WWII. There was a second Conscientious objecter to win the Medal of Honor in Vietnam; his name escapes me at the moment, but his MO citation is quoted in the GB thread about Desmond Doss.

 

[rgraham666]

The commander of 3 Commando, one of the toughest British units in WWII, was in awe of his unit's stretcher bearers. All of whom were conscientious objectors. Their willingness to place themselves in danger to help others impressed him greatly.

Well done, Mr. Doss. You're an inspiration.

 

[oggbashan]

Well done, Mr Doss.

That sort of service could be applauded even by your enemies.

As a follow-on, in World War 1 many women served as nurses in Europe. For example the FANYs (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry) served in Belgium (because the British Army wouldn't have them) collecting the wounded under fire, driving ambulances and giving first aid. They were volunteers, usually society women who had learned to drive Daddy's car (in 1914!), many paying their own expenses to be there, and famously wearing their own massive full length fur coats in winter which gave them their nickname of 'The Hamsters'. Some were killed on active duty but had little recognition from the UK government.

The Scots nurses who served on the Serbian front were known as Grey Partridges. They were a spartan lot who endured the privations of the soldiers with whom they worked.

Many nations had women serving as nurses and ambulance drivers in the battle zones. Their history is very sparsely recorded because governments were embarrassed by them, and army staffs ignored their vital work.

Most were not as close to the action as Mr Doss, probably not as often as he was, but many were under fire for years.

Og