Germans Couldn’t Believe 3 “Junk Shermans” Stopped Their Advance in 30 Minutes
# The Daredevils of the 740th Tank Battalion: A Tale of Ingenuity and Valor
At 0150 hours on December 19, 1944, Private First Class Harry Miller crouched in the loader’s position of a Sherman tank at Stumont Station, Belgium. The air was thick with fog, and the tension was palpable as he watched the road where German Panther tanks were expected to appear within the hour. At just 18 years old, Miller had zero combat missions and no enemy tanks destroyed to his name. Yet, he was about to play a crucial role in a battle that would become a significant chapter in World War II history.
## The Context of the Battle
The German forces had launched a massive offensive, known as the Battle of the Bulge, just days earlier. The 6th SS Panzer Army, under the command of General Sepp Dietrich, had already pushed through the Ardennes, annihilating three American divisions in just 72 hours. The 740th Tank Battalion, to which Miller belonged, was caught in the chaos of this unexpected assault. They had lost 11 machine gunners in the past four weeks during training exercises, highlighting the urgent need for effective firepower in the face of overwhelming enemy forces.
The standard M1919 A6 light machine gun used by American troops weighed 32 pounds and fired 400 rounds per minute, while the German MG42 could fire 1,200 rounds per minute. The disparity in firepower left American Marines vulnerable, and Miller had witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of being outgunned.
## The Urgency for Innovation
Faced with the impending invasion, Lieutenant Colonel George Rubel of the 740th Tank Battalion recognized the need for a solution. Grevich, having previously served with the Third Parachute Battalion, recalled a modification he had seen that involved salvaging M2 aircraft machine guns from crashed dive bombers. These guns fired at a much higher rate—1,200 rounds per minute—and were lighter than the M1919 A6.
Understanding that the M1919 A6 was inadequate for the upcoming battle, Grevich approached his company commander with a proposal: to modify the M2 machine guns for ground combat. After receiving approval from his superiors, he began the daunting task of gathering the necessary parts to build six modified weapons.
## The Quest for Parts
Grevich and Private First Class John Little, a machinist, embarked on a mission to scavenge the base for the required components. They visited maintenance depots, salvage yards, and aircraft repair facilities, eventually locating six M2 receivers that were slated for scrap. They also found additional parts needed for their modifications.
Working tirelessly in a makeshift shop after hours, Grevich and Little transformed the M2 machine guns into functional ground weapons. They added shoulder stocks, trigger assemblies, and ammunition feed systems, allowing a single Marine to operate the weapon effectively. By December 20th, they had completed all six modifications, and they were ready for combat.
## The Invasion of Iwo Jima
On January 7, 1945, the Fifth Marine Division boarded transport ships bound for Iwo Jima. The stakes were high, as intelligence reports indicated that 21,000 Japanese defenders were entrenched on the island. The Marines would face a brutal fight on the black volcanic sand, with little cover against the enemy’s firepower.
As the invasion began on February 19, the modified M2 machine guns, affectionately dubbed “Stingers,” proved invaluable. Grevich and his fellow gunners used their weapons to suppress Japanese positions effectively, allowing their fellow Marines to advance despite heavy enemy fire. The Stingers provided the firepower needed to maintain momentum, and the psychological impact on Japanese defenders was significant.
## The Battle of Stumont Station
During the battle, the 740th Tank Battalion faced fierce resistance. The Germans had prepared extensive defenses, and the fighting was intense. Grevich’s Stinger allowed him to engage enemy positions quickly and efficiently, providing critical support to his comrades. The effectiveness of the modified weapons became apparent as they suppressed multiple enemy machine gun nests, enabling American troops to advance.
However, the Stingers faced challenges. The barrels of the modified M2s began to overheat due to sustained fire. Grevich and his fellow gunners quickly learned to manage this issue by firing in short bursts and allowing the barrels to cool between engagements. This adaptation was crucial in maintaining the weapons’ functionality throughout the battle.
## The Turning Point
As the battle raged on, Grevich’s Stinger and the other modified weapons played a pivotal role in the Marines’ success. By the end of the first day of fighting, the 740th Tank Battalion had successfully captured key positions, including Stumont Station. The ingenuity of Grevich and Little had turned the tide in a desperate situation, allowing the Marines to hold their ground against overwhelming odds.
Despite the success, the wear and tear on the Stingers became evident. By the second day of fighting, several of the modified weapons had suffered critical failures. Grevich’s Stinger was no exception. After firing its last rounds, the barrel was visibly warped, and the weapon was rendered inoperable. Nevertheless, the impact of the Stingers on the battle was undeniable.
## The Aftermath and Legacy
The 740th Tank Battalion emerged from the battle with a sense of accomplishment, having successfully defended against the German advance. The innovative modifications made by Grevich and Little had proven effective, and their contributions were instrumental in the success of the operation. However, the story of the Stingers remained largely untold, overshadowed by the larger narrative of the war.
After the war, Grevich returned to civilian life, but he carried the lessons of Iwo Jima with him. He understood the importance of innovation and the need to challenge the status quo in times of crisis. His experience would shape his future endeavors, reminding him that sometimes the most effective solutions come from unexpected places.
Years later, the story of the Stingers would be rediscovered by historians, highlighting the ingenuity and bravery of the Marines who fought on Iwo Jima. Grevich’s efforts would be celebrated as a testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity, proving that creativity and determination can make a difference in the lives of others.
## Conclusion
The tale of Private First Class Harry Miller and the modified M2 machine guns serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of innovation and courage in warfare. It illustrates how ordinary individuals, driven by necessity and ingenuity, can rise to the occasion and make a difference in the lives of their comrades. As we remember these stories, we honor the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and the innovative spirit that continues to inspire us today. The legacy of the Daredevils of the 740th Tank Battalion and their Stingers lives on, reminding us that true heroism often comes from those who dare to think differently and act boldly in the face of overwhelming odds.
