El Heroe de Hacksaw Ridge : La Conmovedora Historia Veridica Detras de la Pelicula

by Booton Herndon

"Doss, al entrar al combate de guerra, no vas a volver vivo. Yo mismo te voy a disparar". Los hombres de la 77a Division no entendian porque el Privado Desmond T.Doss se arriesgaria a los horrores de la Segunda Guerra Mundial sin una sola arma para defenderse." No eres mas que un cobarde!" Pero el medico de combate insistia que su mision era sanar y no matar. Cuando Desmond se arrodillo al lado de su litera para orar sus colegas guerreros le llovieron botas e insultos. Y su comandante queria echarlo del Ejercito. Pero al llegar al campo de batalla, el intrepido medico les comprobo que no era ningun cobarde. Un dia en la aterradora batalla de Okinawa, sus exatormentadores se desangraban moribundos en la cresta de Hacksaw Ridge. Bajo una lluvia de municiones japonesas, su panorama no era nada halagador. Podria salvarlos un hombre desarmado? Este increible relato revela como Desmond Doss se convirtio en el primer objetor de conciencia en ser premiado con la Medalla de Honor. La dramatica experiencia de integridad, redencion, y heroismo de Desmond Doss nos inspira a vivir el valor de los principios.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography, World War II, War, Historical, Military Fiction

Paperback

First published November 1, 2016

Reviews

[AMEERA · Rating 5 out of 5]

after i read the book and saw the movie i'll be sad if La La land won the oscar we don't need song and dance we need something unique like this and peace

[Mary Herceg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommended in particular to anyone with an interest in history, the military, medical things, or World War II.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, if you ever want to be challenged to live what you believe, Desmond Doss's story will gladly step up to the plate and make you examine yourself and your convictions and whether you're living what you believe or not. This man is the definition of a hero, not only heroic, but humble. He knew God kept him alive to save lives, and from all accounts, that's verifiable truth. Even in the last sniper's wound he took with his body, if it weren't for him taking that bullet through the arm, a man would have died. I have a feeling, though it wasn't in the text, Doss was happy to have God use his arm to save another's life despite the physical pain he endured because of it. I'm sorry I didn't know of him before his death, I might have kept a lookout for him being anywhere near me in his occasional speaking gigs just so I could travel to shake his hand.

Desmond's story will likely make you examine yourself and want to be better, it did me. It was fascinating and inspiring. I borrowed this from the library, but I want a copy for my children to read later down the road.

[Hanan Alkhawaja · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story worths 5 starts but unfortunately it wasn’t written by an experienced author.
The book goes much more deeply into Doss’s beliefs to enter the war without a weapon than the movie. Its more like a documentary of his life. Whether you watch the movie or read the book, knowing Doss’s story is definitely worthwhile.

[Marquise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to read this after watching the Mel Gibson film, and it's even better! Lots of details the film glossed over, especially from Desmond's childhood and his life after WWII. Such a brave and admirable man, with a story that you have to read (and see pictorial and written proof of) in order to believe, because it sounds like something a Hollywood scriptwriter with too much imagination would invent. And yet, it's entirely true, all of it.

[Denise Spicer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the gripping story of a real-life hero. The adventures of Desmond Doss, a World War II medic, gives us a real page-turner of a story. Even those who do not usually read war/military books will find the incredible heroic action to be an inspiration to us all. The story covers the Okinawa campaign of the 77th division. The last one-fourth or so of the book is a bit preachy and explains the beliefs of Seventh Day Adventists but overall the book provides us with a great story.

[Greyson Daviau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tough one to decide here. Toss up between a 4 and a 5. The story itself is absolutely a 5, the writing and book a 4.

I fell in love with the story of Desmond Doss through the movie “Hacksaw Ridge” so I had to get this book when I saw it on the shelf. And the story only got better…

I loved the way this book shared about how Doss’ faith impacted every part of his life. His conviction and persistence to remain obedient to those convictions is truly inspiring. I also have a ton of respect for the way that he gives glory to God and assures that all he does for the rest of his life honors God for His faithfulness in his life. Guess it’s time to go watch the movie for the tenth time!

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short & quick but interesting read. Very good story of this hero. Recommended

[Narges · Rating 5 out of 5]

دزموند گفته بود : بشریت میره تو جنگ خودش رو تیکه پاره کنه، من میام تا تیکه‌هاش رو بهم وصل کنم!
جایی خونده بودم که مادر ترزا گفته بود: من رو برای راهپیمایی ضد جنگ دعوت نکنین من فقط برای صلح شرکت میکنم! دزموند عالی‌ترین حرف از این بانو رو به بشریت نشون داد!
چیزی شبیه یک فانتزیست که سربازی بدون اسلحه به میدون جنگ بره! دوستانش رونجات بده و در نهایت مدال افتخار بگیره!
دزمون داس، این شخصیت بزرگ تاریخ رو باید بزرگ مرد درس صلح و انسانیت معرفی کرد!
او بزرگترین درس انسانیت رو به تمامی سربازان دنیا داد!
!این فیلم، فراتر از یک کلمه‌ی فوق العادست

[Atwalys Tristan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gripping story of a hero, but he was uncomfortable with this accolade because he always identified the real heroes as the men he served with, especially those who lost their lives. A real page turner, so moving to witness the men of his batallion that came to respect, admire and champion Desmond Doss. His gallantry, courage, and love will inspire you. This man is larger than life. A outstanding godly hero. One of the greatest heroes of america and of the world. One of the most beautiful human beings that ever lived. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Recently having shifted towards a mindset of non-violence, I was intrigued by the story of Desmond Doss, and after reading this I truly appreciate his decisions and his life. That being said, this book was nothing more than propaganda for the Seventh Day Adventist church and the US Army. The writing reads like a government press release, with a few “Jesus jukes” thrown in for good measure.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story of courage and faith. Desmond Doss joined the army as a conscientious objector. Armed with nothing more than his medical kits and an unshakable belief in God he braved some of the fiercest battles of WWII's Pacific Campaign.

[NJB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick read about an incredible man who was truly a hero.

[Whitney Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an American hero! I have fallen in love with books like this. So, so grateful for our veterans. This is a fast, easy read. Would be great for a high school class to read.

[Jeremi Kulík · Rating 5 out of 5]

really interesting and exciting story!

[Allie Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I just kept praying Lord, help me get one more . . ."

"Redemption at Hacksaw Ridge" is the incredible true story of Desmond Doss, recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during WWII. Doss was a Virginian, a patriot, and perhaps most crucial to the story, a devout Seventh Day Adventist. When the United States entered WWII, Doss didn't have to think twice about enlisting. He would, of course he would. He would enlist as a medic--in that way, he would be able to serve his country, do his duty, and also refrain from carrying a firearm. As an Adventist, Doss believed in the biblical command "Thou shalt not kill." He believed in the right to not bear arms, and since he believed those things, he would enter the military as a medic and a "Conscientious Objector"--or as he liked to call himself, a "Conscientious Cooperator."

Life in training was not easy for Doss, as you can imagine. Soldiers who did not share his faith were cruel, and his superiors found it hard to respect a man who did not take up arms to defend himself. Doss didn't have to wait long to prove himself, though. At Hacksaw Ridge, he showed the world that he was just as brave, just as strong, just as patriotic as the men with the guns--even more so, really.

The story of Desmond Doss brings validity to the statement: "Truth is stranger than fiction." It is unbelievable, at times. Almost unimaginable that one man could be so strong in the face of such impossible odds. But Doss did it . . . And he gave God all the credit for everything.

All that being said, the writing was awful. About halfway through, whenever someone asked me about the book, I said I thought this book must have been the author's first. It wasn't. Booton Herndon is actually a very legitimate author, but I didn't like his style at all. He failed to include something that is critical in nonfiction: raw emotion. Doss endured horrific things. He defied impossible odds. He essentially cheated death on several different occasions, and he never. felt. a. thing. No anger at his circumstance, no fear, no doubt. Doss is a Christian, and I understand his hope in Christ, his higher call, his acceptance that these circumstances were beyond his control. But everyone experiences anger, fear, and doubt--especially in situations like the ones Doss endured. Christians are not unemotional, they are not free from basic human emotions such as fear and doubt, they just don't sit in their fear and doubt. They rely on God to pull them out of it, to help them overcome it. Herndon portrayed Doss as a Christian robot with no feelings, just pure devotion to God. And while I'd like to believe that Doss never wavered in his faith, never had even an inkling of doubt, I know that can't be true.

Taking the emotion out of Doss's story robbed it of something valuable: hope. Hope in Christ, hope that trials do not last forever, hope that we can overcome, hope that the impossible is possible. Not because we do not feel, but because we do--and because we choose to put our feelings aside, as millions of people do every day, in order to do what needs to be done. In order to live. In order to see redemption.

[Gary Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

50th book read in 2017.

Number 478 out of 614 on my all time book list.

[Sher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desmond T. Doss was the embodiment of a true Christian, someone who was determined to live God’s commandments to the best of his ability. That included keeping the Sabbath day holy, not taking another person’s life and being loyal to his country. Sometimes those things came in conflict with one another, such as in times of war. But Doss was brave enough to stand up for what he believed. Somehow or other, he was able to serve his country AND stay true to those beliefs, and as a result, save many lives. He would not touch a gun, but he tried to save every wounded person he came across, somewhere around 100 in one battle alone (he claimed it couldn’t be more than fifty, his men said it was at least a hundred, so it went down officially as seventy-five), while putting himself in grave danger.

Although the story of Desmond T. Doss is truly amazing, and worthy of praise, I was not overcome with the telling of it. I saw the movie directed by Mel Gibson several years ago, and it was remarkable. It reportedly stayed very close to what really happened, so I was excited to read this book. Although it reported the events just as I remembered them in the movie, there wasn’t much drama to it, and I had a hard time envisioning the events in my mind. It wasn’t riveting. Still, it was enjoyable (how do you compete with a Mel Gibson movie for drama?) and I finished it very quickly, and felt a great deal of admiration for this man.

I have to say the praise for Doss went on a little too long. But it is a great story, very much worth reading, and Doss’s life is very much worth emulating in many ways. He was a man of great faith, and that is always to be looked up to and imitated.

[Kristall · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐

"In the midst of this mad rush was the one remaining medic in the whole battalion, Desmond Doss. He ran from one fallen man to be other doing what he could. He didn't think of saving his own skin; he was too busy. He didn't think about the Japanese soldiers on the hilltop with him, shooting and throwing grenades. God had looked after him before. Why would He stop now?"

The Hero of Hacksaw Ridge was a quick read largely due to it being abridged. For that reason, I wasn't a fan. I did want to know more about Desmond Doss. I wanted more details and I wanted it to be a slower pace. However, it's been difficult finding any full books written about him. I picked this abridged version up at a used book sale for 50¢.

So because it is shortened, the writing is unimaginative and dull. It's all action with very little introspection or reflection. I was glad to learn a little more about Desmond Doss though and this was a very quick overview of his early life and heroics in Okinawa during WWII.

I felt a special connection to Desmond's story because he was a conscientious objector that volunteered to go to war (or rather a "conscientious co-operater" as Doss would say). Since he was a devout Seventh-Day Adventist, he was a pacifist. This is very similar to what some Mennonites did. My grandfather here in Canada, volunteered for the Royal Canadian Service Army Corps as a CO and went to war refusing to touch a gun. I don't know how he survived because he never talked about it with my mom and he died when I was around 5 years old. Reading The Hero of Hacksaw Ridge has made me want to learn more about the RCASC and what they did overseas during WWII.

There are no photos included in this book and I really wish there were. A small map of the battle on the escarpment would have been nice as well.

All in all, I'm glad to have learned more about Desmond— information that wasn't included in the movie—however I craved more. I don't think abridged books are my cup of tea.

[Trae Jeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story about Desmond Doss is extremely accurate to history, going over his upbringing, his conscious objection, and the hardships he faced with other marines in the 77th. The book mentions how his squad mate who wished to shoot him because of his religious differences which resulted in Desmond being absent from chores in the barracks on Saturdays, which made the soldiers believe he was reviving special treatment. The book also mentions how that same solider went to Desmond to seek advice on how to deal with the war, and how to be a better person.

The book goes over Desmond’s combat experiences leading up to Hacksaw and how he saved several dozen soldiers before hacksaw ridge, and how he rescued an officer that have been bleeding out for hours, which required him to charge towards enemy lines in order to rescue them. The book also suscribes in great detail about the main event in his life, where he stood for hours lowering soldiers down a cliff face on a makeshift stretcher and make shift ropes rescuing dozens of soilders

[Lauren Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a pretty easy day read. It felt a little bit like religious propaganda in a way, at times, but it was really touching. As someone who struggles with faith, differing beliefs or not, it was amazing how firm he was in his beliefs and how he used them for such good instead of the hate people often use it for. His steadfastness in his faith and morals and his commitment to helping others, come what may, was very moving. I felt like the movie did a better job of portraying the events and the true heroism during the heat of battle, but that's just a personal preference. I understand that this is an abridged version thoughso I'm sure there would have been more information/context given in The Unlikeliest Hero (1967). Overall a good read for what it was.

[Nate Lanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Lord, please let me save one more”

The story of Desmond Doss is incredible, a conscientious objector who enlists in the army and ends up saving over a hundred lives. The faith that Desmond had was unbelievable, and this book really highlights how central it was to his entire life. Here was a man who was truly living his faith, putting himself at risk over and over again to save friends and strangers. The only complaint I have about this book is that I wish it was longer! I would have loved more details on his campaigns through the South Pacific and some more elaboration on his life before and after the war. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Tanner Klein]

The first thing I liked was the history behind this book and how this was going on in history. And I really like history. The fact that he fought through adversity and kept going even though people told him he couldn't do it. He carried a guy on his shoulders he cared so much. He wouldn't give up no matter what they threw at him. Whether it was his brothers beating him up or him getting told to quit. I also liked he stuck to his religion no matter what anyone said to him or did to him he stuck to it.

I did not like how badly the guys treated him. Just cause he was sticking to his religion and wouldn't touch a gun. I didn't like how he went and got the guys that treated him like crap. He risked his own life to save others that treated him badly I don't really like that. There isn't really anything else I don't like because that book is a true story so there's nothing I wish could change.

[Carson Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was interesting. The story is fantastic, and literally so much could have been done in the way of dramatic writing to make it powerful and moving, but the author either didn't want to do that or couldn't do it. So, in that way, the book failed -- but the story in and of itself is still impactful enough to carry everything a long ways.

I completely disagree with Doss and his pacifistic ideas about war, but at the same time, you can't help but admire him. The man isn't a pacifist because he's a coward. He may be the only pacifist in history who was a pacifist because they were courageous.

In other words, not Tim Mackie.

[Martina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tänk att jag hittade den här boken på en loppis i Reykjavik? Den låg där högt uppe på en hylla, bara en liten kant som tittade fram, men eftersom framsidan på boken är likadan som på filmen så rev jag nästan ner hyllan när jag först såg den.

Jag har sett filmen så många gånger att jag har tappat räkningen, så det var självklart att jag skulle läsa boken. Jag är inte heller förvånad att jag gillade den. Det enda jag känner är att den hade kunnat vara lite längre. Därför är det nog dags att se filmen igen!
4,5⭐️

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this account of Desmond Doss. His devotion to God and his beliefs could not be shaken. The absolute faith he had in the power of obedience is awesome. He was the perfect embodiment of the teaching of Russell M. Nelson: “Obedience brings success; exact obedience brings miracles.” He certainly did not have an easy life during or after the war, but the joy he had in his face in all the pictures speaks to a serenity that comes from deep faith.

[Emily Severin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hacksaw Ridge was an amazing movie, so I decided to read this. It definitely took some liberties with the actual story. Great autobiography, he led a really interesting life. I quite enjoy learning about what the seventh day Adventists believe and how it intersects with mine. Desmond doss was an amazing man

[Gunner W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been a great book it has academy award winning movies and book if you like action packed books it's all yours if you like world war 2 movies or books than this is the book for you my favorite part is when doss almost die jumping from hack saw rige he jumped of the rige to avoid a grande and rifle fire he ends up breaking his leg and shattering his leg bone and he still saves his men from being dead wounded and dying all fought to the last breath so if you like action packed books I recommend this book for you. gunslinger j Wilson

[Carol Irvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 and 1/2 stars! Loved the movie & loved the book!! Amazing true story about Desmond Doss!!

[Shane Semler · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute page turner