When Hollywood dramatizes history, it often takes liberties for the sake of excitement. But sometimes, the truth is so astonishing that even the best filmmakers can’t keep up. The story of Desmond Doss—the hero of Hacksaw Ridge—is one of those rare cases where reality is even more unbelievable than fiction.

Desmond Doss wasn’t your typical World War II soldier. A devout Seventh-day Adventist, Doss refused to carry a weapon or harm another human being, earning him the label of “conscientious objector.” His fellow soldiers mocked him, and his superiors doubted his courage. But Doss was determined to serve his country as a medic, saving lives rather than taking them.

The turning point came during the brutal Battle of Okinawa, at a place known as the Maeda Escarpment—or “Hacksaw Ridge.” The cliff was a death trap, riddled with enemy machine guns and booby traps. When Doss’s battalion was ordered to retreat, he stayed behind. Alone and unarmed, he crawled through mud and blood, dragging wounded soldiers to the edge of the cliff and lowering them to safety with a rope. Over and over, Doss risked his life, praying, “Lord, please help me get one more.”

By sunrise, he had rescued an estimated 75 men—though Doss himself humbly insisted it was closer to 50, while others believed it was over 100. The official number settled at 75, but the feat remains staggering by any measure.

For historians, Doss’s story is a powerful reminder that individual conviction can shape the course of history. His actions challenge our assumptions about courage, faith, and the nature of heroism. Here’s what stands out:

For history geeks and anyone who loves a good story, Doss’s life is a treasure trove of lessons about resilience, humility, and the unpredictable ways history unfolds.

While Hacksaw Ridge captures much of the drama, it can’t fully convey the sheer audacity of Doss’s actions. The real Desmond Doss was wounded multiple times—hit by shrapnel, suffering a broken arm from enemy fire—yet he kept going until he physically couldn’t. He was twice awarded the Bronze Star for heroism in Guam and the Philippines before Okinawa. And after the war, he lived with the lasting effects of his injuries, quietly inspiring everyone he met.

If you love stories where truth outpaces fiction, you’re in the right place. Help us keep history alive (and a little bit bananas):

History isn’t just about dates and battles. It’s about people like Desmond Doss, whose courage proves that reality can be stranger—and more inspiring—than anything Hollywood dreams up.