Courage 03 · Foundation
Desmond Doss
Stand by your convictions.
Desmond Doss wanted to serve his country. His Christian faith also led him to refuse to carry a weapon. He served as an Army medic, taking responsibility for saving lives.
Some fellow soldiers questioned whether they could depend on him. At Okinawa in 1945, his actions answered them.
When heavy enemy fire forced troops back from a ridge, wounded men remained above. Doss stayed, treated the injured, and lowered them to safety, one by one. He is credited with rescuing approximately 75 men.
He later received the Medal of Honor.
Doss found a way to serve without abandoning his convictions. Then he developed the skills and took the risks that service required.
The Lesson
Conviction becomes useful when you put it to work for others.
Knowing what you believe is a beginning. Courage asks what you will do because of it. Doss held to his faith and made himself someone others could depend on.
Reflection
What conviction do you need to put into practice, and who could benefit from your action this week?
Sources: U.S. Army · Medal of Honor citation
Built on Him. Built to become.