She is also active in the community and is helping with special plans to honor a Dayton hero, U.S. Marine Cpl. Tony Stein, who bravely died in battle during World War II.
“We must never let the memory of Tony or his legacy die,” Elinor said. “The young generation needs to know of him.”
The celebration of Cpl. Stein’s life will come during Old North Dayton Heritage Day, Aug. 8, at 5 p.m. at Eintracht Park, 2700 Old Troy Pike.
“Tony Stein was a rawboned, rugged young man who put his heart and soul into everything he did,” Elinor said. “Tony was a child of destiny. He was little boy born during the Depression who became a leader of men, and who ultimately gave the supreme sacrifice.”
She continued, “He was just like the kids in Old North Dayton. He lived on Alaska Street and went to school, went to Our Lady of the Rosary Church, played ball in the streets and in Stuart Patterson Park. He loved softball, football, boxing and golf. He became a Golden Gloves champion and he set pins in the neighborhood bowling alley.”
Elinor has done considerable research and said she learned that “in 1940, when he was 19, Tony saved a young boy from drowning in the Mad River. That was the first time he got his name in the newspaper as a hero.”
Tony dropped out of Kiser High School to work as a tool maker, to help support his widowed mother and two younger sisters, Theresa and Mary Louise.
“Then in 1942, during war times, he enlisted in the Marines to become a paratrooper,” Elinor said. “His mother tried to keep him from war. But he told all his family and friends that it was his duty ... he owed it to his country.”
While in battle, on March 1, 1945, Stein volunteered to help clear a ridge of Japanese snipers on Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima.
He died that day “under merciless hail of exploding shells and bullets which fell on all sides, as he boldly charged the enemy during the furious unrelenting savagery and confusion of battle.”
The wording on the citation, issued by President Harry Truman for the Medal of Honor presentation to Stein also said, “Stouthearted and indomitable, Cpl. Tony Stein, by his aggressive initiative, sound judgment and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of terrific odds ... enhances the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service.”
Elinor said all veterans, from all the wars, and all members of the services are invited to gather at the memorial service for Cpl. Stein on Aug. 8.
“In December of 1948 he was brought home to Dayton to be buried from his parish church,” Elinor said. “He rests in peace, forever, in Calvary Cemetery. We will never forget Tony’s contribution to making this a safer world. He is our hero.”
Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. He’d like to share a story about you, your family, or a friend. This column is for you. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.
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