Mel Gibson's new film to shine spotlight on Adventist history of conscientious objection

[phkrause]

"I felt it an honor to serve my country, God and country, same as the rest of them. The only thing, I just didn't want to take life. I wanted to save life instead of taking life…"

Desmond Doss (March 20, 1987)

http://religiousliberty.tv/mel-gibsons-new-film-to-shine-spotlight-on-adventist-history-of-conscientious-objection.html

[Gregory Matthews]

The idea that Doss is the only soldier to be awarded the Medal of Honor (the correct name) who was a conscientious objector is simply false. An African American, conscientious objector medic, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service in saving lives during Viet Nam.

A Roman Catholic priest was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service during WW II. Under international agreement military chaplains are considered non-combatant and required to refrain from the use of weapons. So, he was officially considered non-combatant. Whether or not this was his personal belief in not known.

Doss was rightfully considered a hero. But, he should not be thought to be the only person who as a conscientious objector was awarded the Medal of Honor.

[Gregory Matthews]

Sandra Blackmer writing in the November 14 online edition of the REVIEW tells us that Doss was one of three conscientious  objectors to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Steven Chavez, in a comment to the same article tells us that the other two were: Thomas W. Bennett and Joseph G. LaPoint, both Baptists.

 

Quote

 Over several days in May 1945 Doss rescued more than 80 wounded comrades on the Pacific island of Okinawa. For his bravery he is one of three conscientious objectors to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.

¹

His citation reads in part, “Through his outstanding bravery and unflinching determination in the face of desperately dangerous conditions, Pfc. Doss saved the lives of many soldiers.”

  

 

sandra