Hacksaw Ridge is an inspiring movie, focusing on the true story of Private Desmon Doss, who saved 75 men as a medic in World War 2.

“Just One More!” was what he kept saying to himself, so that his actions followed his words, when his mind and body were screaming otherwise. It would have still been heroic to stop at 1 or 10 or 20 people saved; but he kept saying “Just One More!” until there was no one alive to save. By the end of it, he saved 75 lives. Such was the power of Desmond’s words which translated to brave, fearless, heroic action.

The movie provokes valuable reflection on almost every transformational distinction, including leadership, commitment to extraordinary, transformation, courage, authenticity, integrity, unreasonable, urgency, source, master enroller, on the field.

Hacksaw Ridge can represent some courageous project that we can’t seem to start, continue or finish. In that sense, breaking through our own Hacksaw Ridge fears is something we can train to be.

Or better yet, Hacksaw Ridge can represent the event or period in real life when our integrity, commitment, authenticity is tested to its maximum. It is when death or a difficult life is a possibility that exists and we get to choose that possibility over the other possibility of the easy way out. Hacksaw Ridge happens when we have the option of not being true to our word, being reasonable and following the easy way. Even when no one is watching.

Here is the official trailer:

It is not a surprise that this is given as an assignment during training of transformational leaders and coaches.

As this blog serves as my own transformational training notebook, and as reference to leaders, here are my answers to the questions:

How did Desmond Doss’s unwavering commitment to his values inspire others around him?
Desmond Doss’s steadfast commitment to his values ultimately inspired his fellow soldiers, military leaders, and even skeptics. Initially mocked and harassed for refusing to carry a weapon, Doss stayed true to his convictions, demonstrating commitment, authenticity and integrity.  His courage on the battlefield, where he risked his life repeatedly to save injured comrades without a weapon, showed those around him that strength can come from being his word, not just physical force. This moved others to respect him deeply, as he embodied a different kind of bravery, inspiring his unit to reframe their context of courage and self-sacrifice.

In what ways did Doss demonstrate integrity, even when faced with extreme pressure and adversity?
Doss showed integrity by standing firm in his beliefs, despite immense pressure from his superiors and peers to conform to military norms. He faced court-martial threats and physical abuse, but he did not waver from his pacifist stance. It would have been simpler, faster, easier, more comfortable to just wave a gun, for show. Instead, he risked being imprisoned and kept away from his wife, if only to be true to his word.
Even in the heat of battle, when he had every reason to abandon his commitment to non-violence, he refused to pick up a weapon. His integrity was demonstrated by his consistent alignment with his word, always acting his word and beliefs rather than seeking personal safety or recognition.

What ways of being did Desmond Doss display that supported him on his vision of saving more lives?
Doss exhibited ways of being such as source, courage, unreasonable, urgency, commitment to extraordinary, integrity, authenticity and transformational leadership. 

Movie Summary

Hacksaw Ridge (2016), directed by Mel Gibson, is a gripping war film based on the true story of Desmond Doss, a combat medic and devout Seventh-day Adventist who served during World War II. Doss, played by Andrew Garfield, is a conscientious objector who, due to his religious beliefs, refuses to carry a weapon or take a life. However, he is deeply committed to serving his country as a medic.

The story follows Doss from his early life in Virginia, marked by a turbulent family dynamic with a violent father who is a traumatized WWI veteran. As World War II unfolds, Doss feels compelled to enlist, though his pacifist stance and refusal to wield a weapon bring him into conflict with his fellow soldiers and military superiors. Despite relentless harassment and pressure, he holds firm to his beliefs, determined to save lives rather than take them.

Doss’s convictions are ultimately put to the test during the Battle of Okinawa, one of the war’s bloodiest conflicts. His courage and selflessness come to the fore as he single-handedly rescues 75 wounded soldiers from the battlefield, lowering them to safety down a steep ridge under heavy enemy fire. Doss’s acts of bravery, performed without the use of a weapon, earn him the admiration of his fellow soldiers and, eventually, the Congressional Medal of Honor, making him the first conscientious objector in U.S. history to receive the award.

Hacksaw Ridge is both a powerful anti-war statement and a testament to the strength of individual conviction, exploring themes of faith, courage, and resilience against the odds. The film combines intense battle scenes with a heartfelt portrayal of one man’s journey to stay true to his values amidst chaos.

Movie Notes

A conscientious objector is an individual who refuses to participate in military service or combat due to deeply held moral, ethical, or religious beliefs. Conscientious objectors often oppose war and violence in any form and, for this reason, may request exemption from military duties that require them to fight or carry weapons. In many cases, they serve in alternative, non-combat roles, such as medics, where they can help others without compromising their values.

The stance of a conscientious objector is often rooted in a commitment to non-violence, pacifism, or religious doctrines that forbid taking human life. Throughout history, conscientious objectors have faced social and legal challenges, as refusing military service is sometimes seen as unpatriotic. However, international agreements, like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, recognize the right to conscientious objection as a form of religious and moral freedom.

In Hacksaw Ridge, Desmond Doss embodies the conscientious objector’s dilemma. While willing to risk his life to save others, he adheres to his religious and moral principles by refusing to carry a weapon or directly engage in violence, ultimately demonstrating that courage and heroism come in many forms beyond traditional combat roles.