Lynchburg VA Clinic Celebrates Renaming Ceremony to Honor Local Word War II Hero and Medal of Honor Recipient
Veterans, VA staff and community members gathered on May 14, 2025, at the VA clinic in Lynchburg, Virginia, to celebrate the official renaming of the clinic as the Private First-Class Desmond T. Doss VA Clinic, in honor of the Medal of Honor recipient.
Speakers at the event included keynote speaker Desmond T. Doss Jr., son of Pfc. Doss; Colonel Tom Current, president of the Lynchburg Area Veterans Council; and Ms. Rebecca Stackhouse, Executive Director of the Salem VA Health Care System.
Doss, who was born in Lynchburg, was most recently brought to prominence by the movie Hacksaw Ridge. The film portrays how Doss, a pacifist due to his religious beliefs, chose to serve his country with the condition that he would not carry a weapon.
His son, keynote speaker Desmond T. Doss Jr., said his father never considered himself a “conscientious objector,” but instead called himself a “conscientious cooperator.”
Doss Jr. said his father’s message was one of love, compassion, forgiveness and acceptance for all—and that renaming the clinic in his honor would help spread that message to those who pass through its doors.
Doss Sr. received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Okinawa in Japan, where he single-handedly saved the lives of 75 soldiers by treating their wounds, dragging them to the edge of a 400-foot cliff and lowering them to safety.
“It’s heartwarming and gratifying. I just wish the most he could be here to see it,” said Doss Jr. “He would be gratified, and heart warmed that people have discovered his story of unconditional love, compassion and acceptance for all people.”
While the renaming was primarily intended to honor Doss and his heroism, it was also seen by many as an opportunity to acknowledge the service of all Veterans. VA facilities across the country have similarly renamed medical centers and clinics in honor of local Medal of Honor recipients.
“He is a Lynchburg native, born and raised in Lynchburg, so it’s our honor to be able to officially rename the clinic after him and honor the service and sacrifice he made for our country,” said Ms. Stackhouse. “All VA sites of care are here to meet our mission, which is to care for those who have borne the battle. So, it’s important to recognize that, to honor that and to keep that mission in our hearts as we provide care.”
The renaming serves as a permanent reminder of Pfc. Doss' valor and a reaffirmation of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ commitment to honoring the legacy and service of all who have served in the military.