The heroism of ordinary, good people

There always have been wars throughout history, but in more modern times, it is the politicians who start the wars and send the 18 to 21-year-olds to fight them.

I think that everyone would agree, that common people throughout the world are good people. This pertains, to us in the U.S., and those in Russia, China, and Europe. All people want to do is live a basic respectable life, whether it is a peasant in Russia, a farmer in China, or a worker in England.

But things happen and they are called to war by their political leaders. One such individual sent to war was 23-year-old corporal, Tony Stein from Dayton, Ohio. At Iwo Jima during World War II, his unit was stalled and pinned down and his buddies were getting killed by Japanese fire from a pill box.

Stein had had enough, he stood upright drawing the enemy’s fire, but he was just getting started. He had a light machine gun and charged the pill box firing as he went. He eliminated one pill box then went to another and another, he killed 20 of the enemy in close-range combat.

Out of ammunition, he threw off his helmet and raced to the beach for more ammo, and continued his assault. He did this eight times and each time he went back for more ammunition, he carried a wounded soldier back to the aid station.

For his action and courage, he became the first Medal of Honor winner on Iwo Jima.

Roger Gregory is a Vietnam veteran, serving in the 1st Infantry Division and is a business owner in Priest River.