Ossinine, N. Y.,_Sept. 16. — After surviving a midnight operation, Frank Plaia, a New York gunman, fought grimly in Sing Sing hospital today for a life the state hopes to claim. If he wins he loses. Plaia has been sentenced to die for the slaying of Sorro and Mary Graziano, Elmont, L. I., couple, December 14, 1928. “I'] beat this rap,” Plaia said to those in the sickroom. “Then I'll get out from that death house and get myself another trial.” “I hope he recovers,” said Warden Lawes. “I ordered his operation when doctors told me it was abso lutely necessary to save his life.”