Ira Hayes

Ira Hayes, born on January 12, 1923, was a distinguished United States Marine who served valiantly during World War II. An enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona, Hayes enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve on August 26, 1942. After completing recruit training, he volunteered to become a Paramarine, participating in significant campaigns such as Bougainville and Iwo Jima in the Pacific Theater.

Hayes is perhaps best known for his role in the iconic photograph Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, captured by photographer Joe Rosenthal. The first flag raised over Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945, was replaced the same day by a larger flag, and the photograph of the second flag-raising, featuring Hayes, became a symbol of American valor. Following the battle, he and two other surviving flag-raisers were tasked with raising funds for the Seventh War Loan drive, and in 1946, he played a crucial role in identifying one of the Marines depicted in the famous image.

Despite his heroic service, Hayes faced significant challenges after the war, including post-traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism. He attended the dedication of the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington County, Virginia, on November 10, 1954, a monument inspired by the photograph of the flag-raising. Tragically, after a night of heavy drinking on January 23–24, 1955, he succumbed to exposure and alcohol poisoning, passing away at the age of thirty-two. He was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on February 2, 1955.

Hayes's legacy extends beyond his military service; he was commemorated in various forms of art and film. In 1949, he portrayed himself in the movie Sands of Iwo Jima, starring John Wayne. His story was later adapted into the film The Outsider in 1961, featuring Tony Curtis as Hayes. The poignant song