Desmond Doss is, without a doubt, one of the most remarkable figures in modern military history—and his story has been powerfully brought to life in Mel Gibson’s critically acclaimed film Hacksaw Ridge. Now, while many war films focus on combat and heroism through violence, this one stands out because it centers on Desmond Doss, a man whose strength came not from weapons, but from an unshakable moral compass. Set during the brutal Pacific campaign of World War II, the movie follows the real-life journey of Desmond Doss, a devout Seventh-day Adventist who made the bold decision to serve as a combat medic—despite refusing to carry a firearm.

Now, that choice wasn’t just unusual—it was controversial. In fact, Desmond Doss faced intense skepticism, ridicule, and even threats of court-martial simply for staying true to his beliefs. But here’s the thing about Desmond Doss: he never backed down. He believed deeply that he could serve his country without compromising his faith or his principles of nonviolence. And let’s be honest—standing firm in your convictions when everyone around you is questioning your loyalty? That takes a special kind of courage.

And then came the Battle of Okinawa—specifically, the harrowing fight at Hacksaw Ridge. This is where Desmond Doss truly became legendary. Amidst chaos, gunfire, and unimaginable danger, he single-handedly rescued 75 wounded soldiers, lowering them one by one down a steep cliff under constant enemy fire. What’s especially striking is that throughout all of it, Desmond Doss never fired a single shot. Not one. His weapon? Compassion. His mission? To save lives. And thanks to his bravery, men who would have otherwise been left behind made it back to safety.

It’s hard to overstate the impact of Desmond Doss’ actions. In a war defined by destruction, he became a symbol of hope, resilience, and moral integrity. The way he carried himself—calm, focused, driven by faith—earned him the respect of even those who once mocked him. Over time, his fellow soldiers went from doubting Desmond Doss to depending on him, knowing that if they fell, he’d be there to pull them up.

Of course, the film Hacksaw Ridge does more than just recount historical events—it invites us to reflect on what makes someone truly heroic. And in many ways, Desmond Doss redefines heroism itself. He wasn’t motivated by glory or revenge; instead, his actions were rooted in deep empathy and an inner sense of purpose. From a psychological perspective, Desmond Doss fits the INFP personality type remarkably well. As an idealist guided by introverted feeling, he prioritized personal values over societal expectations. Even when pressured to conform, Desmond Doss stayed aligned with his conscience, proving that quiet conviction can be just as powerful as loud defiance.

Moreover, his intuitive nature allowed him to think creatively in life-or-death situations—finding solutions where others saw only despair. And because he leaned toward introversion, Desmond Doss had the capacity for deep self-reflection, which helped him remain grounded in his mission despite overwhelming odds. All of this points to a man who wasn’t just brave, but profoundly self-aware—a rare combination in any era.

Looking at his Enneagram type, Desmond Doss exemplifies the 6w7 profile. As an Enneagram Six, he displayed unwavering loyalty, a strong sense of duty, and a need for security rooted in principle rather than fear. But the influence of the Seven wing added something unique—an underlying optimism, a spark of adventurous spirit, and a resilience that kept him moving forward even in darkness. While others might have succumbed to despair, Desmond Doss maintained hope. He didn’t ignore the danger—he faced it head-on, yet somehow still believed in a better outcome.

So when we talk about Desmond Doss, we’re not just talking about a soldier or a medic. We’re talking about a man whose legacy transcends war. His story reminds us that courage isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s quiet. It’s standing alone when necessary. It’s choosing compassion in a world that often rewards aggression. And perhaps most importantly, it’s showing that one person—just one—can make an extraordinary difference.

Thanks to Hacksaw Ridge, a new generation has come to know the name Desmond Doss. And rightly so. Because decades later, his example continues to inspire people to live with integrity, to act with kindness, and to stand firm in their beliefs—even when the cost is high. Whether you see him through the lens of personality psychology or simply as a human being of immense character, Desmond Doss remains a towering figure of moral strength. And honestly? We could all use a little more of that in our lives today.