Ira Hayes, American marine who raised the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima (d. 1955)

Ira Hamilton Hayes: An Akimel O'odham Marine and Iwo Jima Icon

Ira Hamilton Hayes, born on January 12, 1923, and who tragically passed away on January 24, 1955, was a distinguished Akimel O'odham (often known as the Pima people) Native American and a valorous United States Marine during World War II. His profound roots were within the Gila River Indian Community, a self-governing tribal entity situated across Pinal and Maricopa counties in Arizona, where he was an enrolled member. Hayes began his dedicated service to the nation by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps Reserve on August 26, 1941, notably months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Following rigorous recruit training, he courageously volunteered to join the elite Paramarines, a specialized Marine paratrooper unit known for its airborne capabilities and amphibious reconnaissance roles, though it was eventually disbanded in 1944. As a Paramarine, he demonstrated exceptional bravery, participating in pivotal Pacific War engagements, including the intensely fought Bougainville campaign, which secured a crucial airbase, and the brutal Battle of Iwo Jima, a strategic island critical for air operations against Japan.

The Enduring Image: Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima

Ira Hayes achieved enduring recognition as one of the six courageous flag raisers immortalized in Joe Rosenthal's iconic photograph, "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima," an image that has become one of the most widely reproduced and recognizable war photographs in history, earning Rosenthal a Pulitzer Prize. It is crucial to understand that two separate flag raisings occurred on Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945, the very day the mountain was secured at the southern tip of Iwo Jima. The initial, smaller American flag was raised by members of the 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines. However, it was later deemed too small to be seen adequately from the ships offshore and by the Marines still fighting below. Consequently, a larger flag was brought ashore and raised just hours later. It was this second flag-raising, which depicted Hayes along with five other Marines, that was captured by Rosenthal and subsequently achieved global fame. Following the grueling battle, Hayes and two other surviving second flag-raisers, Rene Gagnon and John Bradley, were identified and reassigned to a critical public relations role: helping to raise substantial funds for the Seventh War Loan drive. This national campaign was vital for financing the ongoing war effort through the sale of war bonds, and their celebrity status proved instrumental. After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in 1946, Hayes played a pivotal role in correcting a significant historical inaccuracy, instrumental in revealing the correct identity of one of the Marines in the famous photograph, distinguishing Harlon Block from the previously misidentified Henry Hansen.

Post-War Struggles and a Tragic End

Upon returning to civilian life, Ira Hayes grappled profoundly with the unseen wounds of war, suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition then poorly understood and often stigmatized. His struggles sadly led him to descend into alcoholism, a common coping mechanism for veterans facing the immense psychological burdens of combat and the challenges of readapting to civilian society, compounded by the pressures of unexpected fame. A significant and poignant moment occurred on November 10, 1954, when Hayes attended the solemn dedication of the Marine Corps War Memorial, often referred to as the Iwo Jima Memorial, located in Arlington, Virginia. This magnificent bronze sculpture, crafted by Felix de Weldon, was directly modeled after Rosenthal's iconic photograph of Hayes and his five comrades raising the second flag on Iwo Jima, serving as a powerful tribute to all Marines who have died defending the United States. Tragically, in the early hours of January 24, 1955, after a night of heavy drinking, Ira Hayes succumbed to the combined effects of exposure to cold and acute alcohol poisoning. He was just 32 years old. His sacrifice and service were honored with a full military funeral at Arlington National Cemetery on February 2, 1955, where he rests among national heroes.

Enduring Legacy and Cultural Commemoration

Ira Hayes' story, emblematic of the sacrifices made by many World War II veterans and Native Americans, has resonated deeply in American culture and has been widely commemorated in various forms of art and film, both during his lifetime and posthumously. In 1949, remarkably, Hayes himself portrayed one of the flag raisers in the acclaimed war film "Sands of Iwo Jima," starring screen legend John Wayne, adding an unparalleled layer of authenticity to the portrayal of the event. His compelling narrative later became the subject of a powerful article by renowned journalist William Bradford Huie, which was subsequently adapted into the poignant 1961 feature film "The Outsider," with acclaimed actor Tony Curtis delivering a notable performance as Hayes. This film, in turn, deeply inspired folk singer-songwriter Peter La Farge to compose "The Ballad of Ira Hayes." This mournful yet powerful song gained widespread national popularity in 1964 after being recorded by the legendary "Man in Black," Johnny Cash, transforming Hayes' story into a significant cultural touchstone, often interpreted as a lament for the struggles of Native Americans and returning veterans. More recently, in 2006, Hayes' courageous yet tragic life was brought to the screen once more in Clint Eastwood's critically acclaimed World War II drama "Flags of Our Fathers," where he was portrayed by Canadian Indigenous actor Adam Beach, further cementing his place in historical memory and popular consciousness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ira Hayes

Who was Ira Hayes?

Ira Hamilton Hayes was an Akimel O'odham (Pima) Native American and a United States Marine recognized as one of the six flag raisers in Joe Rosenthal's iconic photograph "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima" during World War II.

What was Ira Hayes' Native American heritage?

Hayes was an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community, which is composed primarily of the Akimel O'odham (Pima) and Pee-Posh (Maricopa) peoples, located in Arizona.

What was Ira Hayes' role in the Iwo Jima flag raising?

He was one of the six Marines who raised the second, larger American flag on Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945. This moment was captured in the famous photograph, though he was not part of the initial flag-raising group.

Why were there two flag raisings on Iwo Jima?

The first flag raised on Mount Suribachi was deemed too small to be seen clearly by troops still fighting on the island and from ships offshore. A larger flag was subsequently raised hours later the same day, which is the one featured in the iconic photograph.

How did Ira Hayes contribute to identifying the flag raisers?

After the war, Ira Hayes was instrumental in correcting a significant historical error, helping to accurately identify all six flag raisers, specifically clarifying that Harlon Block, not Henry Hansen, was one of the men in the famous photograph.

What challenges did Ira Hayes face after the war?

Hayes suffered from severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and struggled with alcoholism, issues common among veterans returning from intense combat, exacerbated by the pressures of his unexpected fame.

Where is Ira Hayes buried?

Ira Hayes was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on February 2, 1955.

How has Ira Hayes been commemorated?

His life and struggles have been commemorated in various media, including the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial), films such as "Sands of Iwo Jima" (where he played himself), "The Outsider," and "Flags of Our Fathers," and the popular song "The Ballad of Ira Hayes" by Peter La Farge, famously recorded by Johnny Cash.