Desmond T. Doss - Medal of Honor Recipient

Today, on the 66th anniversary of D-Day, we remember Desmond T Doss, Medal of Honor Recipient.

"For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword...a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

"Fellows, come over here and gather around. Doss wants to pray for us."

Corporal Desmond Doss, the lanky medic, cringed inside. This was not what he had meant when he'd suggested prayer to Lieutenant Goronto. Faced with an assault on the 400 foot sheer cliff that split the island of Okinawa, Doss had merely meant that each soldier might want to spend a few moments in personal, private prayer, before the attack began.

Prayer certainly was in order that April morning in 1945. Doss's 77th Division had landed on Okinawa after fierce fighting in Guam and Leyte. The Japanese were dug in all over the island. Presenting an additional barrier was the Maeda Escarpment, the 400 foot cliff that stretched across the island. The escarpment rose with a steep, rugged rise for the first 360 feet, then rose another 40-50 feet as a sheer face. Honeycombed throughout were multi-story caves, tunnels, and enemy gun emplacements. Wresting control of the escarpment from the enemy would be a major struggle, the Americans fighting not only a well entrenched and often camouflaged enemy, but formidable terrain. When the order to attack had come, Doss told Lieutenant Goronto, "I believe prayer is the best life saver there is. The men should really pray before going up."

Article continues here: Home Of Heroes

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Quote of the Day:
"It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favors." --George Washington