Doss was a real WWII combat medic and the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor. His unwavering faith, refusal to carry a weapon, and incredible bravery under fire are accurately portrayed as the core of his story.

Dorothy Schutte was Doss's real wife. The film accurately portrays her supportive role, though details of their courtship and marriage timeline (like him missing the wedding due to imprisonment) are dramatized and differ from reality (they married before he went overseas).

Tom Doss was Desmond's father and a WWI veteran who struggled with alcohol. The film accurately depicts his struggles, though the specific incident where Desmond prevents him from shooting his mother is altered (in reality, it involved Tom's brother-in-law).

Howell (played by Vince Vaughn) is a fictional character, likely a composite representing the tough NCOs responsible for training recruits and the initial skepticism/harassment Doss faced.

Glover was Doss's real company commander. He initially tried to get Doss transferred but later deeply respected his bravery, reportedly saying Doss saved his life multiple times. The film accurately portrays this shift in attitude.

Smitty (played by Luke Bracey) is a fictional composite character representing the soldiers who initially bullied and distrusted Doss but eventually came to respect his courage and depend on him.

Doss's Seventh-day Adventist faith and the commandment "Thou Shalt Not Kill" were central. The film accurately depicts a childhood fight injuring his brother Hal. It alters another incident, showing Doss stopping his father from shooting his mother; reality involved Doss's father and uncle.

Doss wanted to serve as a medic. While the film shows him enlisting, he was actually drafted into the army in 1942 but designated himself a conscientious objector who would serve, just not bear arms.

Doss faced significant harassment, ridicule, and physical abuse from fellow soldiers and pressure from commanders due to his refusal to handle weapons or train on the Sabbath.

Superiors did attempt to discharge Doss on grounds of mental instability (Section 8) and later tried to court-martial him for refusing a direct order to carry a rifle. Both attempts failed.

Doss's father did contact his former commander (a chairman on the committee for legislation for conscientious objectors) who then contacted the military leadership, leading to the dismissal of the court-martial attempt.

The film focuses solely on Okinawa. In reality, Doss had already served heroically in the battles of Guam and Leyte, earning Bronze Stars for bravery in both campaigns before reaching Okinawa.

The 77th Infantry Division, including Doss's unit (1st Battalion, 307th Infantry), faced brutal fighting to take and hold the heavily defended Maeda Escarpment during the Battle of Okinawa.

After his unit was forced to retreat, Doss remained alone atop the escarpment under heavy fire and rescued dozens of wounded men over approximately 12 hours.

Doss devised a rope system (using a special knot he knew) anchored to a tree stump to lower the wounded soldiers safely down the ≈35-foot cliff face to friendly hands below.

Doss estimated he saved around 50 men, while his commanders estimated 100. They compromised on 75 for the Medal of Honor citation, the number generally accepted and used by the film.

Accounts suggest Doss treated wounded enemy soldiers alongside Americans, reflecting his commitment to saving lives regardless of side.

While Doss's faith was well-known and respected by this point, the specific scene where the final assault is delayed until Doss finishes praying is likely a dramatic embellishment, though plausible given the respect he had earned.

Doss was eventually wounded twice: first in the legs by shrapnel from a grenade (while treating others), and later, while being carried off on a stretcher, his arm was shattered by a sniper's bullet. He gave up his stretcher spot for another wounded man.

Doss was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Truman in 1945 for his actions at Hacksaw Ridge, becoming the first conscientious objector to receive it.

The film ends after the war; Doss later contracted Tuberculosis (losing a lung and ribs) likely from his service, and lost his hearing due to an antibiotic overdose during treatment.

The depiction of Doss's hometown environment, including the Seventh-day Adventist community influence, reflects the period accurately.

The atmosphere of barracks life, military discipline, and the pressures faced by recruits during WWII basic training is effectively portrayed.

The film accurately shows a steep escarpment requiring ropes/ladders. However, historians note the film may exaggerate the height and sheerness compared to the actual Maeda Escarpment for dramatic effect.

The film is noted for its intense, graphic, and realistic portrayal of the brutal close-quarters combat, heavy artillery barrages, and chaotic conditions typical of Pacific island fighting in WWII.

US Army uniforms, Japanese uniforms, standard-issue weapons (M1 Garand, BAR, Thompson, flamethrowers), helmets, and field gear appear authentic for the Pacific Theater in 1945.

Doss's actions as a medic, including administering morphine, applying bandages (sulfanilamide packets), and using makeshift stretchers, reflect WWII combat medicine practices.

The film accurately shows the Japanese utilizing fortified positions, tunnel networks, and fierce resistance including nighttime infiltrations and Banzai charges encountered on Okinawa.

The use of flamethrowers against bunkers and heavy reliance on grenades and satchel charges by both sides is consistent with the fighting on Okinawa.

The film effectively conveys the high-stress, high-casualty nature of the Okinawa campaign and the specific fight for Hacksaw Ridge, emphasizing mud, gore, and constant danger.