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Ira Hayes
Corporal Ira Hamilton Hayes (Pima, 1923–1955) remains one of the best-known American Indians to serve in World War II. In 1945, Hayes was one of the six servicemen who raised the American flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima in the South Pacific -- a moment captured in a celebrated photograph. The men became national heroes.
"Sometimes I wish that guy had never made that picture," confessed Hayes, who afterward attempted without success to lead a private life. Uncomfortable with fame, Hayes succumbed to alcoholism and died at age 33. He was buried with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery. |