Desmond Doss, the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor, has a connection to Newport News Shipbuilding. Doss, a native of Lynchburg, Virginia, was an NNS shipbuilder in the months leading up to his military service during World War II.

Due to his religious beliefs, Doss refused to bear arms. However, he still felt compelled to serve his country and entered the Army in 1942. Doss served as a medic and deployed to the Pacific in 1944.

During the Battle of Okinawa, Doss is credited with saving the lives of between 50 and 100 wounded men before being seriously wounded himself. For his actions at Okinawa, Doss received the Medal of Honor from President Harry Truman on Oct. 12, 1945. Doss also received two Bronze Stars for valor.

After the war, Doss faced illness and worked to recover from his injuries. However, medical issues would affect him for the remainder of his life. Doss died on March 23, 2006, at 87. He is the subject of several biographical books and the 2016 film “Hacksaw Ridge.”

As the nation prepares to recognize Veterans Day next week, shipbuilders are encouraged to reflect on the sacrifices of those who served to defend American freedom.