THE DOCUMENTARY

THE FILMING STORY

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For 50 years, Hollywood wanted to tell Desmond’s story...  

Desmond however declined, fearing the Movie Business' reputation of exploitation. He desired only to live out his post war years peacefully with his wife Dorothy, serve God and heed the call of his Country as an ambassador of good will. In 2000 nearing the end of his life, Desmond approached his Church expressing his wish for creation of a film on his life experience as an inspiration to youth. With a promise to uphold the integrity of Desmond’s convictions, Terry Benedict was entrusted by Desmond to take on this important mission, and so began the journey to make "The Conscientious Objector." Desmond's story is one of the most miraculous occurrences of World War II, and the impact of his heroic acts resonate today as it did during his military years.

A commentary by the late Senator Max Cleland stated the following...

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“This film promises to be a lasting testament of his valor and an inspirational message to all Americans.

I consider Desmond Doss a valuable friend and a human treasure to our country.”

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SYNOPSIS

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The story tells of Desmond's early years and events that shaped his character which would play a key role during his adulthood. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor Desmond, motivated by a desire to serve his Country enlisted in the Army even though his beliefs would not allow him to kill another human being. Refusing a deferment offered to him because of his job at the Newport News Naval Shipyard, Desmond determined to serve in the battlefield, joined the army to become a combat medic. During basic training his moral and spiritual beliefs came in conflict with established Army practices resulting in ridicule from fellow soldiers and attempts by superior officers to expel him from the army. Desmond never wavered, remained resolute and overcame the challenges placed before him. He ultimately won out with a letter from a commanding General confirming Desmond's right to serve under a Presidential order. Going into combat he developed a reputation as a fearless medic during the battles of Guam, Leyte, and Okinawa, [the "Hell Hole of the Pacific."]

It was on Okinawa the key combat engagement to defeat Japan, that Desmond's beliefs were put to the test in the most impossible of circumstances, by saving the lives of 75 of his fellow soldiers in a 12 hour span under intense enemy fire. Those acts witnessed first hand are told by the soldiers who served with Desmond and whose lives he saved on this the bloodiest battlefield of the Pacific. For his devotion to God, his unselfish love for his fellow soldiers and acts of extraordinary heroism above and beyond his call of duty, America bestowed on this humble Hero its highest recognition "The Congressional Medal of Honor." True to his character, Desmond said of his Nation's highest honor...

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 "I wear the medal for the real Heroes,

who paid the supreme sacrifice by laying down their lives for their country."

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"the Conscientious Objector"   

A documentary film by Terry L. Benedict

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Producer/Director  

Terry L. Benedict

Executive Producers 

Gabe D. Videla | Jon Sheinberg

Screenwriters  

Terry L. Benedict | Jeff Wood

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Production Executive  

Jeffrey E. Cordone

Genre  

Historical Military Documentary

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FILMING LOCATIONS  

Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Arizona, California USA
Okinawa, Japan

RELEASED

MARCH 2004  

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Running Time  

98 minutes

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Technical Highlight  

THE CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR was the first feature length documentary

using Panasonic’s new VariCam Cinema™ High Definition camera.