“[Hacksaw Ridge] highlights what it means for a man with faith and convictions to go into a situation that is hell on earth; a situation that reduces most men to the level of animals. In the midst of that maelstrom, Desmond Doss achieves something higher, in fact above war, above religion, above everything. It’s like he goes in and performs acts of love. Which is the beauty of the story — and the pinnacle of heroism.”
- Mel Gibson, Boston Herald
Gallantry Man Legend Mel Gibson’s 2016 biographical World War II film, Hacksaw Ridge, is a remarkably powerful, patriotic, dramatic, and exceptional film, a moving love letter to the uniquely American tradition of protecting the freedom of conscience.
Based on the true story of pacifist and Lynchburg, Virginia native Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), Ridge follows the U.S. Army combat medic and freethinker who, despite refusing to bear arms during WWII on religious grounds (a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, Doss was a man of faith who strongly believed in the commandment “Thou shalt not kill”), nevertheless serves his country by saving 75 men in the Battle of Okinawa, a stunningly remarkable feat that made him the first conscientious objector to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.
“While everyone else is taking life, I’m going to be saving it. That’s going to be my way to serve. ”
- Desmond Doss, Hacksaw Ridge
A GALLANTRY MAN STORY
Though Ridge is easily the best war film of the 21st century, it does not just exist to depict the horror, carnage, insanity, and harrowing brutality of war. Gibson is a masterful storyteller (Braveheart, anyone?) and he treats the audience with more respect than that. By refusing to judge his characters on moral grounds and merely seeking to depict them as they existed, Gibson strategically uses moments of levity, humor, and real human feeling to build up to and punctuate thrilling, grisly, visceral, claustrophobic, and gut-wrenching battle sequences (you truly sense that you are in imminent danger as you watch them – though the protagonist of Ridge is strongly opposed to committing any acts of violence, make no mistake, Ridge contains the most intense, brutal, and realistic battle sequences since 1998’s Saving Private Ryan), ultimately culminating in what can only be described as a gripping and heroic tale that speaks volumes about the raw power of the human spirit – the importance of having the courage of your convictions and the confidence to stay true to what you believe is right even if others may not approve or agree with you.
Forget Marvel. Hacksaw Ridge is about the real superhero, the ordinary man capable of extraordinary deeds when his individual liberty is protected.
As Hacksaw proves, great leaders come in all stripes, and sometimes even from the least likely of places. Desmond Doss was a man that insisted on serving his country no matter how unorthodox his particular form of service appeared to others. His dedication, sheer selflessness, compassion, bravery, and willingness to serve above and beyond the call of duty eventually earned him not only the respect and adoration of his fellow servicemen, but that of the entire nation.
The ladies have always loved themselves Gallantry Man Legends like Desmond Doss. What’s new?
The ladies have always loved themselves Gallantry Man Legends like Desmond Doss. What’s new?THE STORM BEFORE THE STORM
When Doss initially enlists in the United States Army following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, he is immediately placed in basic training under the command of Sergeant Howell (Gallantry Man Legend Vince Vaughn), the biggest hardass around.
Doss and Smitty Ryker (Luke Bracey), a no-nonsense badass private in Doss’s unit, get after it during boot camp.
Doss and Smitty Ryker (Luke Bracey), a no-nonsense badass private in Doss’s unit, get after it during boot camp.Though Doss succeeds physically and merely seeks to serve by being a medic, he quickly becomes persona non grata amongst his fellow soldiers due to his deep convictions, including his stern refusal to train on Saturdays and his unwillingness to use a weapon or a firearm (despite being assigned to a rifle company). Suspecting that Doss is cynically using his faith as a cover for what is in fact just cowardice, those around Doss do everything in their power to get rid of the pariah.
When the members of Doss’s platoon fail to get him discharged on psychiatric grounds, they proceed to further alienate and ostracize him, mentally and physically abusing him via increasingly grueling training, beating him (Doss refuses to identify his attackers, much to their chagrin), and even imprisoning him with phony insubordination charges in order to keep Doss from attending his own wedding to Dorothy Schutte (Teresa Palmer), his gorgeous nurse fiancé. However, just when things look as if they couldn’t get more grim for Doss, his PTSD-stricken father, Tom Doss (Hugo Weaving), shows up and gets the charges against his son dropped by successfully making the case that Desmond’s pacifism is a protected right under the United States Constitution.
After winning the right to serve his country without having to bear arms, Doss marries Dorothy and heads off to the big war.
“It really clicked when I sort of realized it wasn’t a war film — it was a love story — because he’s displaying the highest aspects of love for his fellow man. If you lay down your life for your brother, greater love hath no man.”
AN UNLIKELY AMERICAN HERO IS BORN
Doss and the rest of his unit are eventually assigned to the 77th Infantry Division. There, they are deployed to the Pacific Theater in order to relieve the 96th Infantry Division, which had been tasked with ascending and securing “Hacksaw Ridge”.
Both sides suffer massive losses in the initial fight, but Doss and Smitty, Doss’ chief tormentor who also happens to undoubtedly be the best soldier in the unit, ultimately wind up saving each other’s lives. Doss’s unwavering devotion to his conscience and sacrifice moves Smitty to apologize to Doss for ever being skeptical of his pure motivation and courage in the first place. In a foxhole that night, Doss and Smitty finally make amends and share some laughs.
“I learned how to hate quick... I learned how to judge people quicker and I got you very wrong.”
- Smitty Ryker
The following day, a Japanese counterattack - one that makes the previous round of combat look like total peanuts - ensues. The Americans are forced to flee the escarpment, Smitty is killed, and several of Doss’s comrades, including Sergeant Howell, are left wounded on the battlefield. Distraught and feeling hopeless over Smitty’s death, Doss asks God what his purpose is, a moment that culminates in him returning to save dozens of his fellow soldiers (including Howell) by himself, carrying his wounded comrades to the cliff’s edge before lowering them down by rope.
In one of the movie’s most incredible scenes (watch it HERE), Doss and Howell escape enemy fire against all odds.
All I saw is a skinny kid. I didn’t know who you were. You’ve done more than any other man could’ve done in service of this country and I’ve never been more wrong about someone in my life. I hope one day that you can forgive me. I realize that tomorrow is your Sabbath, Most of these men don’t believe the same way you do. But they believe so much in how much you believe. What you did you on that ridge was nothing short of a miracle and they want a piece of it. They’re not going to go up there without you.
- Captain Glover (Sam Worthington)
Doss’s rescue of dozens of soldiers who had been presumed dead comes as a pure shock to the remaining members of his unit, most of all Captain Jack Glover. Glover apologizes to Doss, informing him that he will not allow their next attack to occur without him. The operation is postponed so that Doss can conclude his Saturday Sabbath prayers first. When the final attack finally commences, Doss saves Glover and countless others by deflecting enemy grenades tossed by a group of Japanese soldiers pretending to surrender. Though he gets seriously injured, Doss survives and the battle is won.
The real-life Private Desmond Doss and President Harry S. Truman
The real-life Private Desmond Doss and President Harry S. TrumanPhoto Credit: ThisIsWhyWeStand.net
On October 12, 1945, President Harry S. Truman awards Doss the Medal of Honor for rescuing 75 soldiers at Hacksaw Ridge.
I had never heard this story before when it came across my desk. I didn’t know who Desmond Doss was and I was really inspired by this guy’s conviction. You know, war can bring out the worst in people and this guy came from love and refused to hurt someone even as he put himself in harm’s way to help people, even where the enemy was concerned. I couldn’t believe that this had happened and at that level. He did it consistently. It wasn’t just one moment that he did this—he was this way for his duration—and I found it to be really inspiring. I think at a time when they throw a movie out if it doesn’t have a clear-cut sequel or franchise, it is nice to be a part of a movie that is about an ordinary person who did extraordinary things that were coming from a place of love. For me, the character was great because I got to show so many different colors. You get to be funny, you get to be strong and show some empathy, so I really enjoyed the part on top of it as well.
- Vince Vaughn, RogerEbert.com
A CHANGE OF HEART
As is the case with every movie he’s ever been in, Gallantry Man Legend Vince Vaughn steals the show in Hacksaw Ridge as Sergeant Howell, Doss’s unyielding, tough-as-nails, no bs drill sergeant. Initially, Howell wants nothing more than to expel Doss from the service, as he believes Doss is an unreliable and untrustworthy weak link who will ultimately endanger his entire unit. However, much like Private Smitty and Captain Glover, Howell evolves after bearing witness to Doss’s heroism and bravery and recognizes him for who he truly is – a great man, a great friend, and a great American.
"This isn't Wedding Crashers Vince, this is Sgt. Howell Vince — it's a different animal altogether. People say, 'That's interesting, I never would have thought.' But I thought [Vince] was perfect from the first moment."
- Mel Gibson, USA Today
Vince’s performance is phenomenal, and his role allows him to effectively utilize both the sardonicism that he’s perhaps most associated with (see the scenes of him ripping into his assembled battalion – one can only imagine the actors barely keeping it together during filming) as well as his towering tough-guy mojo.
“This is a movie about a man who stood by his convictions at all costs. That appeals to everyone, no matter what side of what issue you are on.”
- Hacksaw Ridge Producer David Permut, The New York Times
PROTECTING THE HUMAN CONSCIENCE
Doss’s fellow soldiers initially doubt him and mock him for what they consider to be his faux-resolve. However, in the heat of battle, his enemies-turned-friends see him for who really is – a sincere man who doesn’t want to pretend to be someone he’s not, a man with a distinct value system, genuine conviction (at one point Doss even says “I don’t know how I’m going to live with myself if I don’t stay true to what I believe”), and a honest desire to save his fellow countrymen.
Hacksaw Ridge is a truly inspiring film, a celebration of the human spirit as well as a reminder that America’s constitution was designed to protect it.
Photo Credit: DesmondDoss.com
Photo Credit:
“I hate war, but I love the warrior … And those guys that went to war, I appreciate and honor their sacrifice, because many of them lost much, even when they come home they suffer. So they need some attention."
Despite never being able to work again following the injuries that he sustained at Hacksaw Ridge, Doss never strayed from his belief that he owed his life to God for saving him and allowing him to perform his necessary duties during wartime.
An absolute Gallantry Man Legend, indeed.
Watch a clip from Soul of War, about the making-of Hacksaw Ridge, HERE.
“This is a Gallantry Man set, fellas. I want to see tough everyday carry outdoor bags from Gallantry on all of you!”
“This is a Gallantry Man set, fellas. I want to see tough everyday carry outdoor bags from Gallantry on all of you!”Life is a battlefield and it can be tough - yes, even for the Gallantry Man (on occasion).
To persevere, you must be as tough as your toughest everyday carry outdoor bag.
Enter Gallantry, your EDC Desmond Doss.
That’s right, soldier. We’re here to save you with our collection of extremely tough - and extremely fresh - outdoor everyday carry bags.
ATTENTION!
“That’s more like it! Just grab your Topo Designs Klettersack Leather Bag from Gallantry and – BOOM! You got it! That’s the spirit, tough stuff!”
“That’s more like it! Just grab your Topo Designs Klettersack Leather Bag from Gallantry and – BOOM! You got it! That’s the spirit, tough stuff!”
THE KLETTERSACK LEATHER BAG FROM TOPO DESIGNS
A classic in every sense of the word, the Topo Designs Klettersack Leather Bag is the ultimate backpack for the daily haul, traveling, hiking, and more, especially if you don't want to sacrifice style for functionality.
Exceedingly handsome, it is also built incredibly well right here in the USA from a combination of 1000D Cordura nylon, coated pack cloth liner, leather, heavy-duty plastic hardware, and reinforced seatbelt webbing (for the straps).
With a drawstring closure, dual exterior water bottle pockets, a zippered top pocket, and an internal sleeve that fits most 15" laptops, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an everyday carry-all that’s better than this pack.
Yeah. It’s definitely tough.
SPECIFICATIONS
- 1000D Cordura ballistic nylon exterior
- Black leather exterior base
- Coated pack cloth interior lining
- Leather lash tabs for expandable exterior carry
- 15" internal laptop sleeve
- Zippered top pocket
- Heavy duty plastic hardware
- Heavy duty straps reinforced with seatbelt webbing
- Internal sleeve fits up to 15" laptop
- Drawstring closure
- Dual exterior water bottle pockets
- Made in USA
- 22.4 L capacity
- 19" H x 12" W x 6" D
Topo Klettersack
$119.00
$199.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] As classic as they come, the Topo Designs Klettersack is the ultimate backpack for the daily haul, traveling, hiking, and more - especially if you don't want to sacrifice style for functionality. Because, while it… read more
Topo Klettersack
$99.00
$169.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] As classic as they come, the Topo Designs Klettersack is the ultimate backpack for the daily haul, traveling, hiking, and more - especially if you don't want to sacrifice style for functionality. Because, while it… read more
Topo Klettersack
$99.00
$169.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] As classic as they come, the Topo Designs Klettersack is the ultimate backpack for the daily haul, traveling, hiking, and more - especially if you don't want to sacrifice style for functionality. Because, while it… read more
“Was I mad to see that you brought your Mystery Ranch Urban Assault Pack 18 from Gallantry? To answer your question, no, I was most definitely not! As a matter of fact, I was telling myself ‘Gee, Mel, nice job on the hiring front!’”
“Was I mad to see that you brought your Mystery Ranch Urban Assault Pack 18 from Gallantry? To answer your question, no, I was most definitely not! As a matter of fact, I was telling myself ‘Gee, Mel, nice job on the hiring front!’”
THE URBAN ASSAULT PACK 18 FROM MYSTERY RANCH
The smaller, more versatile cousin to the 21 and 24, the Urban Assault 18 is the perfect daypack for your urban adventures.
Constructed with high-tenacity 500D Cordura fabric and YKK zippers, this 18L, 3-zip backpack is tough enough to stand up to any obstacle in your way.
Whether you’re traversing the jungle or the concrete jungle, this warrior of a bag has got you covered, coming fully loaded with a floating padded sleeve to fit your laptop, a document compartment, interior dump pockets, external bottle holders, and a full-length HDPE frame sheet.
Inspired by military rucksacks, the Urban Assault 18 is a seriously nimble rugged choice for your everyday carry, both on the grid… and off.
SPECIFICATIONS
- 500D Cordura exterior
- 3-Zip design with YKK zippers
- Floating padded sleeve for laptops up to 15-inches
- Full-length plastic frame sheet
- Document pocket
- Two interior zippered mesh pockets
- Lid pouch
- 1.8 lbs.
- 18 L capacity
Urban Assault Pack 18
$125.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] The smaller, more versatile cousin to the 21 and 24, the Urban Assault 18 is the perfect daypack for your urban adventures. This 18L 3-Zip backpack is constructed with high-tenacity 500D Cordura fabric and YKK zippers,… read more
“And then I said, ‘Oh, you think you’re a Gallantry Man now? Just wait ‘til you see the Everyman Hideout Pack from Gallantry that I bought you as a surprise gift!’ Heyo!”
“And then I said, ‘Oh, you think you’re a Gallantry Man now? Just wait ‘til you see the Everyman Hideout Pack from Gallantry that I bought you as a surprise gift!’ Heyo!”THE HIDEOUT PACK FROM EVERYMAN
With its sleek and minimalist style, Everyman's Hideout Pack, inspired by traditional mountaineering rucksacks, is absolutely an excellent everyday carry bag.
You want to talk about tough? This basically indestructible backpack features a polyurethane-lined 1680D ballistic nylon exterior with a PVC base, YKK easy pull zippers that allow for quick-access to all compartments, a flip top design to protect the gear inside from the elements, and more.
Still not sold? Let’s talk about the inside of the bad boy, where you’ll find 24 liters of storage across a large main compartment, a felted wool TSA laptop sleeve, and a wide array of other organizational pockets.
When it comes to stylish, convenient, and tough carry, it just doesn't get much better than The Hideout Pack from Everyman.
SPECIFICATIONS
- 1680D PU-lined ballistic nylon exterior
- 800g PVC base
- YKK Easy Pull zippers
- Flip top closure
- Split front opening with mesh wall pockets
- Multiple interior organizational pockets
- Felted wool-lined laptop pocket
- Guaranteed for life
- 24 L capacity
- 42 oz weight
- 17" H x 11" W x 8" D
Hideout Pack
$149.00
$229.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Inspired by traditional mountaineering rucksacks, but with a sleek and minimalist style, Everyman's Hideout Pack is an excellent everyday carry bag. Practically indestructible, this backpack features a polyurethane-lined 1680D ballistic nylon exterior with a PVC base,… read more
“I thought it was important to maintain a balance … I wasn’t overly focused on appealing to different audiences. I just wanted to tell a really great story. Some people have said that this film does what films used to do — tell a story, and let people see it the way they see it.”
Mel Gibson, The New York Times
STREAMING THE TOUGH EDC OUTDOOR BAG
Discover the legend of WWII American U.S. Army medic Desmond Doss, who, despite refusing to kill people while serving during the Battle of Okinawa, saved 75 men and became the first Conscientious Objector in American history to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Rent Hacksaw Ridge (you can watch the trailer HERE) on Amazon Prime HERE.
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