Bravery Beyond Bullets Hacksaw Ridge’s Quiet Hero -

Imagine you are enlisted to a mission that was thought to be a definite death sentence. The battlefield is right above you, a flat land on a steep, jagged cliff drenched in soldiers’ blood. All you hear are the constant barrage of artillery fire and desperate cries of wounded comrades.

Desmond Doss was enlisted in the Army as a Combat Medic to fight during World War II. He had to walk into the Battle of Okinawa, a battle between the US and Japan in April 1945 at the battlefield of Maeda Escarpment, also nicknamed as Hacksaw Ridge. He was the only unarmed soldier who entered an area surrounded by deadly machine guns and landmines. His philosophy was not to kill or handle a rifle. This has been caused by the aftermath of a fight where he nearly killed his brother as a child. But he reasoned he could serve his country by saving lives as an unarmed medic.

A weapon is carried to protect oneself as well as to protect the other comrades. Despite facing pressure from his commanding officers, enduring physical and mental abuse from fellow soldiers, and even when confronted with the imminent danger of enemy fire, Doss remained unwavering in his pacifist beliefs. His refusal to carry a weapon led to him being labelled as a madman, subjected to psychiatric evaluations, and ultimately granted permission by a court to continue training with his unit without arms.

Private Doss continues to enter the Okinawa Battle, one of the deadliest battles in history but is won by Doss’s steadfast bravery. He saved at least 75 US soldiers by carrying them on his back in the midst of the battle by hiding them from Japanese patrols. Perhaps one of the most remarkable feats of his heroism was when he lowered them down from a 400-foot cliff using nothing but ropes and his bare hands for safety. He willingly stayed on the ridge exposing himself to imminent danger, to rescue more wounded and severely injured comrades. Private Doss carried his faith in himself into the battlefield.

Believe what is true to you

Private Doss reflects the idea of a moral courage driven leader. Despite facing discrimination and threats, he stood up for what is right. The right way is always difficult or unpopular. Private Doss was brave enough to step out of his comfort zone and make a powerful contribution to his team as well as his nation.

Be adaptable

The way Doss got adapted to harsh combat environments without compromising his principles is an excellent inspiration for us to learn to adapt and embrace challenging missions while staying true to our values.

Desmond Doss’s action of bravery went beyond the call of duty by replacing his label to a Battlefield Hero. For the audience, his unyielding courage and self-trust shone as a beacon of hope in the darkest times. Doss did not see him as a Hero. He was a common man but embraced a unique moral code that set him apart from the crowd. He stood up for his beliefs and stayed true to them even in the most challenging circumstances. Desmond Doss’s story continues to inspire generation to generation not only for his act of heroism but also for the leadership and bravery he showed us by staying true to his values in the most judgemental situations.

Remind yourself to Lead with noble and unwavering values.