500 attend Doss funeral

Desmond T. Doss, the first conscientious objector to win a Congressional Medal of Honor, received full military honors at his funeral in Chattanooga, Tenn.

The graveside service at the Chattanooga National Cemetery for the 87-year-old, who died last month, was attended by about 500 people and marked by a 21-one gun salute and the playing of Taps, The Chattanoogan reports.

Doss received the Medal of Honor for saving the lives of 75 wounded men under heavy Japanese fire in Okinawa during World War II.

In his tribute, Walter Joseph Marm, a Medal of Honor recipient from the Vietnam War, said: "I think his story that he refused to bear arms and became a medic to serve his country is a tremendous testament to his life. He saved many, many lives."

Retired Cmdr. Patti Parks, director of the Medal of Honor Museum, said: "He remained true to his convictions, even when it wasn't the most popular thing to do. He always kept God close, asking for guidance when times were hard and offering thanks when times were good."

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