How a Marine’s “franken-gun” made from aircraft scrap became the deadliest weapon on Iwo Jima
The Legacy of Corporal Tony Stein: A Hero of Iwo Jima
On February 19, 1945, history witnessed one of its most brutal battles on the shores of Iwo Jima. Among the thousands of Marines storming the beaches was Corporal Tony Stein, a man whose ingenuity and bravery would leave an indelible mark on the annals of military history. This article explores the remarkable story of Stein, his legendary weapon known as the “Stinger,” and the legacy he left behind.
The Calm Before the Storm
As the sun rose over Beach Green 1, 30,000 Marines prepared to land on the small volcanic island of Iwo Jima, defended by 21,000 Japanese soldiers. The beach was eerily quiet following three days of naval bombardment that had unleashed 6,800 tons of shells. The Marines expected devastation but were met with silence. Lieutenant General Tatamichi Kuribayashi, commanding the Japanese forces, had devised a cunning strategy: let the Americans land and advance, then strike with lethal force.
The Birth of the Stinger
Tony Stein, a Marine Corps Corporal, hit the beach with a weapon that was not part of any official military arsenal. Weighing 25 pounds and capable of firing 1,200 rounds per minute, the Stinger was an unauthorized field modification made from parts of a crashed airplane and scrap metal. It was born out of necessity during the brutal combat on Bougainville Island, where Japanese snipers wreaked havoc on American troops. Traditional machine guns were ineffective against these elusive enemies, prompting Stein and fellow Marines to innovate.
The A/M2 Browning machine gun, designed for aircraft, became the foundation for the Stinger. Originally meant for use by gunners strapped into planes, it lacked features necessary for ground combat. However, Stein and his comrades saw potential in its rapid-fire capability. With the help of Sergeant Milan Gravich, they modified the weapon to make it more portable and effective for infantry use.
The Battle of Iwo Jima
As the landing commenced, Stein quickly recognized the dire situation. His platoon was pinned down by enemy fire from fortified positions. In a moment of tactical brilliance, he stood up in the open, exposing himself to enemy fire to locate the sources of the machine-gun fire. With the Stinger in hand, he unleashed a torrent of bullets, silencing the enemy positions one by one. Over the course of just three minutes, Stein single-handedly killed 20 Japanese soldiers and neutralized several pillboxes, allowing his fellow Marines to advance.
However, the battle was far from over. The volcanic sand of Iwo Jima made movement difficult, and the Marines faced heavy casualties. Stein’s determination shone through as he made multiple trips back and forth to the beach, carrying wounded Marines to safety while under constant enemy fire. In total, he completed eight trips, evacuating eight wounded comrades and resupplying his own ammunition.
A Legendary Sacrifice
Despite the chaos and danger, Stein’s spirit remained unbroken. He removed his boots and helmet to gain speed and maneuverability, sprinting barefoot across the beach while carrying the Stinger. His actions were not just courageous; they were emblematic of the tenacity and resourcefulness that defined the Marines. Tragically, during one of his missions, a sniper’s bullet struck Stein, killing him instantly. His body was recovered later that evening, and he was buried with honor on Iwo Jima.
Recognition and Legacy
Tony Stein’s heroism did not go unnoticed. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his gallantry and selfless actions during the battle. The recommendation for his Medal of Honor included 15 endorsements, a testament to the profound impact he had on his fellow Marines. His mother, Joan Stein, received the medal on behalf of her late son, symbolizing the sacrifice of countless families during the war.
The Stinger, the weapon that had proven so effective, did not survive the war. All six units built by Stein and Gravich vanished without a trace, likely discarded as scrap after the war ended. However, the principles behind the Stinger influenced future military designs, leading to the development of lighter, more efficient machine guns for infantry use.
Conclusion
Tony Stein’s story is one of innovation, bravery, and sacrifice. His actions at Iwo Jima exemplified the spirit of the Marine Corps and the lengths to which soldiers will go to protect their comrades. The legacy of the Stinger, though lost to history, lives on in the hearts of those who remember Stein’s courage and determination. As we reflect on the sacrifices made during World War II, we honor the memory of Corporal Tony Stein, a hero who refused to accept defeat and fought valiantly for his brothers in arms. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of ingenuity and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.
