To that brave Marine, Ira Hayes (January 12, 1923 – January 24, 1955) a Pima Indian who helped raise the US flag on Iwo Jima - a salute!!
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“Ira Hayes was one of the Marines in the photo. Born in 1923 on the Gila River Indian Reservation, Hayes enlisted in the Marines in 1942 and was trained as a paratrooper.
He served in several invasions during the Pacific campaign, and landed on heavily fortified Iwo Jima on Feb. 19, 1945.
His outstretched arms helping to loft the flag made him an instant celebrity. He served on a bond-selling tour in spring 1945, raising money for the war.
Hayes appeared with fellow surviving flag-raisers John Bradley and Rene Gagnon in the 1949 John Wayne movie “Sands of Iwo Jima.” The three played themselves.
Following the war, Hayes returned to Sacaton. He suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, exacerbated by alcoholism and prejudice, and had brushes with the law.
On Jan. 24, 1955, after a card game turned into a scuffle, Hayes was found dead near his home on the reservation. It is not clear if his death was the result of foul play. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.”
(Source: tucsoncitizen.com)
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