The term “saved” is somewhat subjective, making it difficult to definitively state who saved the most soldiers during World War II. However, one of the most notable figures who helped save countless lives during the war was Raoul Wallenberg.
A Swedish diplomat and businessman, Wallenberg is widely acclaimed for his brave and selfless efforts in rescuing as many as 100,000 Jews from Nazi-occupied Hungary during the Holocaust. Wallenberg was personally responsible for saving tens of thousands of Jews from the horror of concentration camps, issuing protective passports and setting up safe houses in Budapest.
He also negotiated with the Nazis to spare Jews with Swedish citizenship, and conducted numerous dangerous missions to rescue Jews in the face of Nazi oppression.
In addition to Wallenberg, the Allies are recognized for their immense contribution to saving countless lives during the war. By dedicating their efforts to protect as many civilians and combatants as possible, the Allied forces made significant strides in helping to preserve the lives of thousands of people.
From providing food, medical care, and other essential support to evacuating stranded civilians, the Allied forces actively worked to minimize unnecessary fatalities incurred by the war.
Overall, while it can be difficult to clearly state who saved the most lives during WW2, it is certain that numerous individuals and forces contributed greatly to the safety and wellbeing of many people involved in the war.
How many lives did private Dawson save?
Private Dawson was part of the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment and was one of the first US troops to parachute into Normandy on June 6th, 1944, as part of the D-Day landings. While on the battlefield, Dawson was credited with saving the lives of many of his fellow soldiers.
As the former captain of the regiment commended afterwards, Dawson “displayed extraordinary gallantry and intrepidity in rescuing so many alive”.
According to records, Private Dawson is credited with saving a total of at least 40 lives on D-Day. He single handedly rescued five US paratroopers from drowning in the flooded waters of the Douve River – and persuaded other stranded US paratroopers to fight their way back to the American lines.
During the course of that day, Dawson also managed to save numerous other troops from certain death by coming to their aid during intense gunfights, distracting or disabling enemy troops, and risking his own life in the process.
In recognition of these deeds, Private William G. Dawson was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and lifesaving actions on D-Day.
Who was the medic without gun?
The medic without gun was a non-combatant role most commonly associated with WWII and emerged from the belief that those assigned to medical roles should not bear arms. In many circumstances, a medic without gun, also known as a non-combat medic, was not allowed to carry a weapon, but was expected to care for the sick and wounded on the battlefield under any and all circumstances.
This meant that medics without gun often found themselves in difficult and dangerous situations. They had to care for the injured, regardless of which side of the conflict they were on, knowing that they were completely defenseless should they come under attack.
Did Desmond Doss save any Japanese soldiers?
Yes, Desmond Doss did save Japanese soldiers. In April 1945, Doss was injured in Okinawa, Japan and was taken to a makeshift medical facility where he found many wounded Japanese soldiers. Despite the fact that the two sides had been at odds, Doss treated all of the suffering soldiers with the same compassion and respect.
He used his own bandages and worked tirelessly to help treat the injured, regardless of their nationality. He even risked his own safety by staying behind to care for the wounded soldiers, long after American forces had ceased their attacks on the island.
His actions showed a remarkable amount of courage and kindness, and were an unforgettable example of selflessness in the face of adversity.
Is Desmond Doss still alive today?
Yes, Desmond Doss is still alive today. He passed away in 2006 after a long and fruitful life. He was 87 years old at the time of his death. During his lifetime, he was a devout Christian who served during the Battle of Okinawa as a conscientious objector – which is why Desmond was awarded the Medal of Honor and other decorations.
During his service, he was credited with saving the lives of 75 men without bearing arms and is remembered as an exemplary soldier and patriot. He later served as an advocate for veterans rights and is still remembered and honored for his service and valor today.
What happened to Desmond Doss after ww2?
After World War II, Desmond Doss’s service as a conscientious objector was widely celebrated. Following the war, Doss attended Junior College and married Dorothy Schutte in August 1946. He later returned to the United States Army as a medic and was discharged from active duty in August 1946.
Once back in the states, Doss received numerous awards for his heroism, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. He was also inducted into the Legion of Honor in 1945.
Following the war, Doss dedicated much of his life to helping others. He founded the Desmond Doss Christian Academy in Lynchburg, Virginia, and established Desmond Doss Computer Systems which provided software and service solutions to medical facilities.
He worked as a lecturer, mostly speaking to youth groups, focusing on encouraging them to live “uncomplicated, honest lives.” He also wrote a book, The Giving Year: A Windows Through Time, chronicling his time in World War II.
On March 23, 2006, at the age of 87, Desmond Doss passed away. He was buried at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee with full military honors. The USNS DOSS, a Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship, was named in his honor in 2017.
He remains an inspirational figure, having devoted himself to saving lives during the war and helping others afterward.
What was the deadliest day in ww2?
The deadliest day of World War II was April 8, 1945, when a total of approximately 29,000 people died across Europe in a single day. On this day, the Soviet Army attacked Berlin and its final assault to take the city began.
It experienced the heaviest fighting of the war, with heavy casualties on both sides. German losses in that day alone were estimated at over 20,000, chiefly among the forces defending the city. In addition to the Soviet forces, there were also Polish, Czech and French forces fighting alongside them.
On the same day, British forces sent an airborne armada to the Rhine to clear a path for the Canadian First Army, which resulted in almost 3,000 casualties. The liberation of the Netherlands also claimed 9,000 lives, mostly among German forces, as the Allied forces struggled to gain control of the country.
Combined, the fighting in Berlin, the airborne assault, and the liberation of the Netherlands made April 8, 1945 the deadliest single day of World War II.
How did the Japanese survive Hacksaw Ridge?
The Japanese forces on Hacksaw Ridge displayed remarkable resilience and toughness throughout the desperate battle for control of the ridge. Despite being outnumbered, outgunned, and facing a heavy onslaught of enemy fire, the Japanese unit displayed a level of tenacity and determination which allowed them to survive the attrition until their eventual withdrawal from the ridge.
The Japanese defended the ridge fiercely, engaging in fierce hand-to-hand combat and using the land’s terrain and vegetation to their advantage. The Japanese were able to move quickly between fortified positions, taking advantage of their superior knowledge of the battlefield to strategically outmaneuver their enemy.
Japanese forces knew their positions inside and out and capitalized on this to maximize their defensive capabilities.
The Japanese unit further used its guerilla-style tactics such as attacking in small groups, using caves and tunnels to move undetected and fight from hidden spots, and planting mines in order to gain the upper hand on their enemy.
Despite their resilient defense, the sheer number of American soldiers on the battlefield eventually weakened the Japanese forces, leading to their eventual withdrawal from the ridge. However, the extreme bravery of the Japanese forces at Hacksaw Ridge stands as an inspiration to this day for their commitment to preferring death to defeat.
Why didn’t Desmond Doss use a gun?
Desmond Doss was a conscientious objector during World War II, as his religious beliefs prohibited him from using any form of weaponry in war. As a Seventh-Day Adventist, he was strongly opposed to taking the lives of other human beings, and he instead chose to deploy to the Pacific as a medic to take care of the wounded.
In the face of consistent ridicule from fellow soldiers and officers for not carrying a gun, Doss held firm in his beliefs. Even in the face of extreme danger, Doss refused to use a gun on moral grounds and chose to provide medical care as his contribution to the war effort.
His unwavering commitment to his religious beliefs earned him the Medal of Honor, and he went on to inspire many young men in his faith about the importance of honoring their commitment to peace.
Did Desmond Doss survive the war?
Yes, Desmond Doss survived the war. During World War II, Doss enlisted in the United States Army and became a medic. He was the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor for his brave actions during the Battle of Okinawa.
Doss saved the lives of 75 soldiers without ever carrying a weapon or firing a shot. Throughout the entire conflict, Doss consistently put himself in danger to save others. His selfless actions endeared him to his unit, and as a result, Doss eventually returned home from the war in 1945 as a decorated veteran.
Upon his return, Doss received a hero’s welcome from his hometown of Lynchburg, Virginia, where he subsequently married his lifelong love, Dorothy Schutte. Today, Desmond Doss is remembered as a valiant and courageous individual who risked his own life to fulfill his commitment to saving others.
Did Doss really kick a grenade?
Yes, Desmond Doss really did kick a grenade during the Battle of Okinawa. On May 21, 1945, Doss and his platoon reached the top of a hill called Hacksaw Ridge and were confronted with an entrenched group of Japanese forces.
Under the cover of darkness, a Japanese soldier threw a grenade into their midst. Without hesitating, Doss ran forward and kicked the grenade away from his fellow soldiers. Though it exploded, no one was injured.
For this brave deed, Doss was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
How old was private Doss when he died?
Private Desmond Doss died on March 23, 2006 at the age of 87. He was born on February 7, 1919 in Lynchburg, Virginia. Doss enlisted in the United States Army in April 1942 and served as a medic throughout World War II.
In 1945, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Okinawa. After the war, he returned home to Virginia, where he lived with his wife and family until his death in 2006.
Why did Desmond Doss refuse to carry a weapon in the movie?
Desmond Doss, the main character in the movie, refused to carry a weapon due to his strong set of religious beliefs as a Seventh-day Adventist. He held his beliefs strongly and wouldn’t compromise them in any case.
Doss honored the sixth commandment, “You shall not kill”, which normally would predispose someone to not serve in the U.S. military. However, Doss believed that the commandment only prohibited against taking the life of another human and felt the core service of a medic was to save lives and not to take them.
Therefore, he enlisted as a medic and refused to carry or use a weapon. Even when he was court-martialed and sent to prison, he never wavered in his beliefs and refused to carry a gun. This refusal to carry a weapon made his story even more remarkable and inspiring, as his bravery and unwavering faith earned him the Medal of Honor.
How long did it take Desmond Doss to save 75 people?
Desmond Doss’s heroism took place over a three-day period. On May 5, 1945, while serving with the 307th Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division on Okinawa Island, Japan, Desmond Doss single-handedly rescued 75 soldiers who were trapped behind enemy lines in the Maeda Escarpment.
Doss used the rope ladders and carried the wounded on his back for hours, all during heavy enemy fire, to bring them to safety. His bravery and courage saved lives, and has earned him the Medal of Honor, which is the highest military honor an individual can receive.
What did soldiers think of Desmond Doss?
Desmond Doss was held in high regard among the soldiers that he served with. They greatly admired him for his courage, commitment and determination in the face of danger. His devotion to his religious beliefs and refusal to take up arms was impressive, but his heroic service in numerous battles earned him the deep respect of his battle-hardened comrades.
He refused to carry a rifle or fire upon an enemy, but instead bravely risked his own life to save others. His skills as a medic and unselfish acts saved the lives of dozens of wounded men during the Battle of Okinawa.
He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery, which further increased his unit’s admiration for him. Overall, the soldiers served with Desmond Doss thought highly of him and held him with the highest respect.
