Analysis of the Accuracy of Hacksaw Ridge: Desmond Doss Wartime Experience

The film ldquo;Hacksaw Ridgerdquo; sparked controversy and debate regarding the accuracy of its portrayal of Desmond Dossrsquo; wartime experiences. This article delves into the differences between the filmrsquo;s depiction and the actual events that transpired, highlighting key inaccuracies and the true bravery of Desmond Doss.

Desmond Dossrsquo; Early Army Service

Before delving into the filmrsquo;s inaccuracies, it is important to establish the facts surrounding Desmond Dossrsquo; early service in the military. While the film begins by showing Doss joining the army, the reality was quite different. Doss, a conscientious objector, was assigned to the 77th Infantry Division and had already seen action on Guam and the Philippines.

For his bravery, Doss had been awarded two Bronze Stars with V devices. In these operations, Doss had already displayed immense courage and dedication to saving lives, even before he was assigned to the 77th Infantry Division.

The Landed on Okinawa Mistake

A significant error in the filmrsquo;s depiction is the landing on Okinawa. The truth is that Doss and his unit were already experienced veterans when they landed on the island. Their combat experience and valiant deeds were not accurately portrayed in the film.

False Depiction of Climbing at Maeda Escarpment

The film severely underestimates the actual challenges faced by the soldiers at the Maeda Escarpment. It portrays Doss climbing a high cliff, but the reality was that the escarpment was not as high as depicted in the film. Notably, the image of Doss lowering men down the cliff by himself is indeed a remarkable feat, but it was not accurately portrayed in the film.

Exaggerated Heroic Deeds Before Wounding

The film inaccurately suggests that Doss performed heroic acts for only a couple of days before being wounded. In reality, Doss was involved in combat for almost a month before his injury. His Medal of Honor citation mentions he saved at least 75 men and lowered them down the escarpment. He also had several occasions where he exposed himself to enemy fire to treat wounded men. Additionally, during a night attack on the Shuri line, he stayed behind in the dark to look for wounded soldiers, risking fire from both sides. He was eventually wounded and waited 5 hours for recovery before being evacuated.

Post-War Health and Legacy

The film fails to mention the long-term impact of the war on Doss. He ended the war with a partially disabled left arm and tuberculosis, which he contracted in the Philippines. Despite his military honors, he remained in hospital for months due to these conditions. By 1951, he was classified as 90% disabled. Despite this, Doss did not regret his actions; his only regret was not being able to save more lives.

The inaccuracies in ldquo;Hacksaw Ridgerdquo; distort the true bravery and dedication of a man who risked his life to save others. While the film is an entertaining piece of cinema, it is essential to recognize its shortcomings and acknowledge the real-life heroism of Desmond Doss.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, while ldquo;Hacksaw Ridgerdquo; is a well-intentioned film, it falls short in accurately depicting the true experiences of Desmond Doss. It is important for filmmakers to prioritize historical accuracy to honor the bravery and sacrifice of real-life heroes like Doss, especially during tumultuous periods like the Pacific War.

Keywords: Hacksaw Ridge, Desmond Doss, Pacific War