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The Unlikeliest Hero: The Story of Desmond T. Doss, conscientious objector, who won his nation's highest military honor
An incredible and interesting story from the times of World War 2. Desmond Doss would not touch a weapon because of his beliefs. He ended up earning the Medal of Honor, and this book does a great job of explaining why Desmond was so serious in his faith and how that faith helped him and the men in his company. An older book that can be hard to find, but can be purchased here.
199 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1967
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August 22, 2016
Just pushed the review from four to five stars.
This book tells the story of (at the time of writing) the only conscientious objector to be awarded the Medal of Honor since the creation of the award during the civil war. For the United States, starting with WWI, conscientious objectors could serve in non-combat roles, often as "ambulance men" or litter bearers. By the time the U.S. entered World War II, the U.S. military had developed a sort of "standard procedure" for conscientious objectors, enlisting them in the medical corps (which is where Doss spent some of his time, and was trained as a combat medic). Thus, Doss was by no means the first CO that the US had to accommodate when he entered service. The idea of a non-combatant being awarded the MOH for actions not related to defeating the enemy on the battlefield, though, probably hadn't crossed anyone's mind.
The shorthand of his exploits leading to the award can be read here:
http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/...
That gives a good idea, but the book does a much better job. The author is a journalist who also served in the military, and did an *excellent* job of capturing the voice of a peaceful, loving man. You can hear Mr. Doss's plain speech clearly in the writing. There are no literary embellishments, there is no hyperbolic manufactured drama, there are no action-movie-esque speeches or ridiculous superman-like claims. There is the straightforward account of a CO medic who saved the lives of literally countless people (including at least 50 in one day, the Army thinks 75, witnesses said closer to 100) at great risk to himself.
The book is quick and positively riveting. His struggle to be accepted (there was less animosity than I thought, although that could be because of who is telling the story), initial winning over of the troops by saving their lives, risking his own life time and time again (and again and again and again - the amount of combat this guy saw is staggering), losing close friends, and truly heroic acts seem tailor-made for a movie (I am surprised that one does not exist, and hope that this review does not make one happen, as it would probably be ruined). I quite literally could not put this down, and read it in one long sitting. The love that Mr. Doss had for his fellow man is wonderful to behold.
It should be noted that he saved no Japanese combatants. The first time he tried, two GIs pointed their rifles at him and told they would kill him if he did. He did not attempt to save any Japanese after that (their treatment during WWII of American POWs and local civilians was breathtakingly, disgustingly, almost indescribably horrible).
There have since been two other conscientious objectors, also both medics, to receive the MOH, both in Vietnam.
So do not come to this book for action (although there is plenty). Come to learn of a man whose dedication to his God forced him, happily for this reader, to stick with his principles.
[EDIT 2016-08-22: And now I found out that Mel Gibson, he of We Were Soldiers, is indeed making a movie out of this. Dammit, Mel. If you "The Patriot" this movie, I'm going to boycott...something.]
This book tells the story of (at the time of writing) the only conscientious objector to be awarded the Medal of Honor since the creation of the award during the civil war. For the United States, starting with WWI, conscientious objectors could serve in non-combat roles, often as "ambulance men" or litter bearers. By the time the U.S. entered World War II, the U.S. military had developed a sort of "standard procedure" for conscientious objectors, enlisting them in the medical corps (which is where Doss spent some of his time, and was trained as a combat medic). Thus, Doss was by no means the first CO that the US had to accommodate when he entered service. The idea of a non-combatant being awarded the MOH for actions not related to defeating the enemy on the battlefield, though, probably hadn't crossed anyone's mind.
The shorthand of his exploits leading to the award can be read here:
http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/...
That gives a good idea, but the book does a much better job. The author is a journalist who also served in the military, and did an *excellent* job of capturing the voice of a peaceful, loving man. You can hear Mr. Doss's plain speech clearly in the writing. There are no literary embellishments, there is no hyperbolic manufactured drama, there are no action-movie-esque speeches or ridiculous superman-like claims. There is the straightforward account of a CO medic who saved the lives of literally countless people (including at least 50 in one day, the Army thinks 75, witnesses said closer to 100) at great risk to himself.
The book is quick and positively riveting. His struggle to be accepted (there was less animosity than I thought, although that could be because of who is telling the story), initial winning over of the troops by saving their lives, risking his own life time and time again (and again and again and again - the amount of combat this guy saw is staggering), losing close friends, and truly heroic acts seem tailor-made for a movie (I am surprised that one does not exist, and hope that this review does not make one happen, as it would probably be ruined). I quite literally could not put this down, and read it in one long sitting. The love that Mr. Doss had for his fellow man is wonderful to behold.
It should be noted that he saved no Japanese combatants. The first time he tried, two GIs pointed their rifles at him and told they would kill him if he did. He did not attempt to save any Japanese after that (their treatment during WWII of American POWs and local civilians was breathtakingly, disgustingly, almost indescribably horrible).
There have since been two other conscientious objectors, also both medics, to receive the MOH, both in Vietnam.
So do not come to this book for action (although there is plenty). Come to learn of a man whose dedication to his God forced him, happily for this reader, to stick with his principles.
[EDIT 2016-08-22: And now I found out that Mel Gibson, he of We Were Soldiers, is indeed making a movie out of this. Dammit, Mel. If you "The Patriot" this movie, I'm going to boycott...something.]
August 12, 2015
I read this book at a very young age, possibly 10-12 years old, for the first time. That is when I decided that if I ever had to serve my country, I would serve as Desmond T. Doss did as a conscientious objector too! A powerful story, and you will not be able to put this book down until you finish this amazing story of a love for mankind. Desmond T. Doss helped not only save American soldier's lives, he also managed to save several of the enemy fighting us, the Japanese. A true American Hero!
December 29, 2019
This is an incredibly moving story. Doss’s selfless sacrifices and dedication are an encouragement and a challenge to everyone.
I also found it incredibly sad; not because of the heartrending details of battle or the hardships he faced once home, but because of the lack of the true saving Gospel of Christ. There is a lot in this book about keeping the Sabbath, not drinking, and not killing, but there is nothing about Christ’s sacrifice on the cross to save us from our sins. What is presented is an empty religion of works, in which a person tries their hardest to please God through their efforts. The free offer of salvation through faith alone in Christ alone is completely missing. I truly hope that Doss did know Christ as his personal Savior, but this book doesn’t make that plain.
It is an incredible book about patriotism and self-sacrifice, and it is also very clean. The style is easy and inviting. I would recommend it for those qualities, but would strongly caution against the theology it presents as un-Biblical.
I also found it incredibly sad; not because of the heartrending details of battle or the hardships he faced once home, but because of the lack of the true saving Gospel of Christ. There is a lot in this book about keeping the Sabbath, not drinking, and not killing, but there is nothing about Christ’s sacrifice on the cross to save us from our sins. What is presented is an empty religion of works, in which a person tries their hardest to please God through their efforts. The free offer of salvation through faith alone in Christ alone is completely missing. I truly hope that Doss did know Christ as his personal Savior, but this book doesn’t make that plain.
It is an incredible book about patriotism and self-sacrifice, and it is also very clean. The style is easy and inviting. I would recommend it for those qualities, but would strongly caution against the theology it presents as un-Biblical.
Want to read
November 1, 2016I am on chapter 4 and have to return the book. I hope to finish it after I return from a long trip. I don't like to take library books overseas.
I became interested in the book because I heard that there is a movie being released this first weekend of November about this soldier.
He is an Adventist and wow, talk about legalism about the Sabbath day on Saturday. But have to admire his convictions.
I became interested in the book because I heard that there is a movie being released this first weekend of November about this soldier.
He is an Adventist and wow, talk about legalism about the Sabbath day on Saturday. But have to admire his convictions.
February 26, 2017
To really appreciate what he did, go look at the Maeda escarpment in Okinawa
March 21, 2025
The Unlikeliest Hero is a real story that takes place during World War I, about a Seventh-day Adventist, whose name was Desmond Doss, who was against fighting, but still joined the force. This story is very entertaining and shows how loyal he stayed to his beliefs, even during such a horrible thing, like war. He chooses to be a medical soldier, because he refused to touch a gun. Back at the barracks they called him names, and made fun of him because he was Christian. But it wasn't easy, they attempted to court martial him. They sent him to jail, where his fiance visited. There was this time where he was saving soldiers, he lost his bible and went back to retrieve it. He kept on praying to God and saying that he could save one more, despite the pain. I like this part because it was very brave of him, to go back, and to save injured soldiers. There was this one soldier in particular who was blinded, Desmond poured water on his eyes and he could see again. I like this story because when the soldier could see again he was happy. Desmond Doss earned the medal of honor and saved an estimated 75 soldiers. I recommend this book, I think this is one of the best non fiction books I've read so far.
July 19, 2022
After watching the movie a few years ago, I kept thinking I should read the book. It is astounding how God used Doss' faith to perform some incredible feats. Even despite some questionable theology haha. A solid read, this should be in curriculums.
August 1, 2019
From beginning to end, non stop, couldn't put the book down. Movie was good but not near what the book was. A Must Read!
December 24, 2019
This is an unbelievable story. Desmond Doss is a hero beyond heroes!! Awesome story, awesome book, awesome man.
June 19, 2024
One of the best books I have ever read!
February 25, 2017
Good background for those who want to see the movie Hacksaw Ridge
April 13, 2020
The story of Desmond Doss is a must-know! The book is not super-detailed, but gives a great overview of the man, the missions, and the hero. The book is hard to find, but if you can track a copy down, it's worth your time.
Desmond wins the MOH for saving roughly 75 American lives in an intense campaign on Okinawa during WWII. Desmond's faith is real and living. He is moved to action because of his belief in God, his obedience to the commandments, and his unconditional love for his fellow-man. I am inspired by this humble man and his story. But I am not alone in my admiration. The men of Desmond's company and battalion were also inspired by him and blessed by his example and actions. Please read this book for yourselves, but also to your children. Doss represents the caliber of people we should try to be and to raise in this country.
Desmond wins the MOH for saving roughly 75 American lives in an intense campaign on Okinawa during WWII. Desmond's faith is real and living. He is moved to action because of his belief in God, his obedience to the commandments, and his unconditional love for his fellow-man. I am inspired by this humble man and his story. But I am not alone in my admiration. The men of Desmond's company and battalion were also inspired by him and blessed by his example and actions. Please read this book for yourselves, but also to your children. Doss represents the caliber of people we should try to be and to raise in this country.
May 8, 2011
A very interesting story from the times of World War 2. Desmond Doss would not touch a weapon because of his religion. He ended up earning the Medal of Honor and this book does a great job of explaining why Desmond was so serious in his faith and how that faith helped the men in his company. An older book that might be harder to find, but worth the search.
November 21, 2016
I discover the library owned this book and realized it was the true story about Desmond Doss that the movie "Hacksaw Ridge" was about. Quick read the book and then my husband and I went to the movie. The book was good but the movie was tough. The sounds, realistic dying and things in the movie were tough to watch but still a good movie. Glad I read the book first of course.
March 28, 2021
The bravery and boldness of Desmond is nothing to poo poo, this book obviously comes from a didactic and religious viewpoint, which over exalts the motivation part and underplays the moral fortitude of the man himself. Like his conscientious objection someone gave him special protection instead of being one lucky sob combined with tenacity and personal courage.
January 1, 2015
This book tell the true story of Desmond Doss who won the Medal of Honor while refusing to touch a gun during WWII. It tell of his strong religious convictions and determination not to break the 10 Commandments. I believe it is the most amazing story of WWII.
August 20, 2014
4.5 stars. Review to come.
November 24, 2016
Amazing story of a devout and brave man. The movie Hacksaw Ridge is about Doss.
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October 11, 2018A thrilling biography of Desmond T Doss, the soldier who wouldn’t touch a gun. You have to read the rest. War scenes, bloody soldiers, and lots of strategy is what you’ll find in this spectacular TRUE STORY
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews