It was 80 years ago today when the Battle of Okinawa commenced during World War 2.
The United States Marine Corps’ invasion was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific Theatre, as the Allies fought their way through the Imperial Japanese Army in a bloody 82 day battle.
During this part of the conflict, an American combat medic called Desmond Doss saved an estimated 75 men.
A Seventh-Day Adventist, he refused to carry any weapon during the war and became the first conscientious objector to be awarded the Medal of Honour.
Mel Gibson adapted his incredible story of heroism for the big screen in his amazing 2016 war epic, Hacksaw Ridge.
The war film stars Andrew Garfield as Doss, as he faces tough opposition from his own unit for refusing to take up arms. Only when he saves so many lives in the film’s second half that his fellow soldiers’ attitudes and hearts are changed. Nominated for six Oscars, Hacksaw Ridge is now streaming for free on ITVX.