Ira Hayes, a Pima Native American, rose to fame as a United States Marine corporal during World War II. He became one of the six flag raisers in the iconic photograph taken during the battle of Iwo Jima. Born on December 12, 1923 in Arizona, Hayes was the eldest of six children to Nancy Hamilton, a teacher, and Joseph Hayes, a World War II veteran. His early years were marked by hardship and he attended the Phoenix Indian School for two years before joining the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1942.
Hayes' journey towards becoming a war hero began when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1942. He was assigned to the 5th Marine Division and participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima in February 1945. It was during this battle that the now famous flag raising incident took place, immortalized in a photograph that captured the courage and sacrifice of American soldiers.
Hayes' actions on the battlefield earned him the Combat Action Ribbon and the Presidential Unit Citation. Despite his heroism, he struggled with the unwanted fame that came with being a war hero. His thoughts on this topic were later featured in the 1959 book "The Outsider" by William Bradford Huie.
Hayes' story was later brought to the big screen in the 2006 film "Flags of Our Fathers," where he was portrayed by actor Adam Beach. The film shed light on the personal struggles and challenges Hayes faced as a Native American war hero in a predominantly white society.
Throughout his life, Hayes remained dedicated to honoring the memory of his fallen comrades and advocating for Native American rights. He passed away on January 24, 1955, at the young age of 32. Despite his untimely death, his legacy as a war hero and advocate for Native American rights lives on.