The Battle for Okinawa and Hacksaw Ridge
The battle for Okinawa pitted 182,000 American soldiers against a Japanese force between 100,000 and 120,000. The advantage the Americans enjoyed in numbers support by naval gunfire were was mitigated by the Japanese dug into bunkers and extended underground tunnels. The resultant conflict was one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific theater.
The battle began when American troops landed on the beaches on 1 April 1945. The Americans met little resistance until they moved inland. The 96th Infantry Division reached Hacksaw Ridge on 25 April. They climbed rope ladders to the crest. Attempts to breach the Japanese defenses were repulsed. Battered, the 97th was relieved by the 77th Division on 29 April. 30 April the 77th began its assault and succeeded in taking the Ridge after several days of heavy fighting, some of it hand-to-hand.
Hackshaw Ridge, the Movie
The movie directed by Mel Gibson is the story of Desmond T. Doss. Doss was a 7th Day Adventist conscientious objector. The trials he endured for his convictions previewed his performance in combat.
Andrew Garfield gave a stellar performance as Doss. Vince Vaughn made a believable drill sergeant who had little shift for a soldier who refused to carry a gun. Teresa Palmer gave a good performance as Doss’ girlfriend and wife. There was a cast of characters who made Doss’ training challenging and provided fodder for the vivid combat scenes. There was enough gore to make combat realistic. When the story was finished, it was easy to understand how a conscientious objector could win the highest military award.
[bctt tweet=”Hackshaw Ridge is a good story with a message. #movie ” username=”dwaneknott”]
I would like to hear your opinion of the movie.