‘Hacksaw Ridge’ Hero to Receive Posthumous PETA Award for Being Lifelong Vegetarian

Principal at Desmond T. Doss Christian Academy Will Accept Plaque From PETA Senior Vice President on Doss’ Birthday

For Immediate Release:
February 6, 2017

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

Desmond Doss, the late World War II hero brought to life in the Oscar-nominated film Hacksaw Ridge, received a Presidential Medal of Freedom for saving 75 soldiers—even though he refused to touch a gun. Now, he’s being honored by PETA for refusing to touch a steak knife.

Doss, a Lynchburg native whose religious beliefs as a Seventh Day Adventist precluded him from taking any life—including those of animals—will be honored on his birthday at the Desmond T. Doss Christian Academy. Principal Stephen Doss will accept the award (image here) for his school’s namesake from PETA Senior Vice President Dan Mathews in front of the entire student body.

Date:    Tuesday, February 7

Time:    11 a.m.

Place:    Desmond T. Doss Christian Academy, 19 George St., Lynchburg

“Hacksaw Ridge shows how Desmond Doss saved soldiers on the battlefield during World War II and spared animals the horror of the slaughterhouse throughout his life,” says Mathews. Doss was born on February 7, 1919, and died in 2006. On February 26, Hacksaw Ridge will compete for six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director (Mel Gibson), and Best Actor (Andrew Garfield, who plays Doss).

For more information, please visit PETA.org.