Desmond Doss Quotes in Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

Desmond Doss: With the world so set on tearing itself apart, it don't seem like such a bad thing to me to want to put a little bit of it back together.

[repeated line]

Desmond Doss: Help me get one more.

Desmond Doss: I don't know how I'm going to live with myself if I don't stay true to what I believe.

Prosecutor: There is only one question that any military court need ask of the accused: do you deny disobeying Col. Sangston's direct orders?

Judge: Well, do you, Private?

Desmond Doss: No, sir, I don't.

Judge: Why are you contesting it, then? Why is it so important to you, given your refusal to even touch a weapon to serve in a combat unit?

Desmond Doss: Because when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, I took it personal. Everyone I knew was on fire to join up, including me. There were two men in my hometown declared 4-F unfit, they killed themselves cause they couldn't serve. Why, I had a job in a defense plant and I could've taken a deferment, but that ain't right. It isn't right that other men should fight and die, that I would just be sitting at home safe. I need to serve. I got the energy and the passion to serve as a medic, right in the middle with the other guys. No less danger, just... while everybody else is taking life, I'm going to be saving it. With the world so set on tearing itself apart, it doesn't seem like such a bad thing to me to wanna put a little bit of it back together.

[first lines]

Desmond Doss: Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the Earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.

Sgt Howell: I have seen stalks of corn with better physiques. Makes me want to pull an ear off, Private! Can you carry your weight?

Desmond Doss: Yes, Sergeant!

Sgt Howell: It should be easy for you then. Corporal!

Corporal Jessop: Sergeant.

Sgt Howell: Make sure you keep this man away from strong winds.

Smitty Ryker: After what we've just been tough, any sane man would be screaming for a weapon.

Desmond Doss: I never claimed to be sane.

Desmond Doss: [looking at Hollywood's face wound] It looks much worse than it is. Girls will still want to kiss you.

Desmond Doss: [Repeating Sgt. Howell's words to him] You're tying a bowline boy, not building a bra.