Ira Hayes

Date of Birth: January 12, 1923

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: January 24, 1955

Biography

Ira Hamilton Hayes was a Pima Native American and a United States Marine during World War II. He is best known for being one of the six Marines who raised the American flag on Iwo Jima’s Mount Suribachi, a moment immortalized in the famous photograph by Joe Rosenthal and the subsequent iconic war memorial. Born in Sacaton, Arizona, in 1923, Hayes grew up on the Gila River Indian Community reservation. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 and served with distinction in the Pacific Theater. The flag-raising on Iwo Jima occurred on February 23, 1945, and Hayes returned to the United States as a national hero. However, he struggled with the pressures and expectations placed upon him, and his post-war life was marked by personal difficulties and alcoholism. He died in 1955 at the age of 32.

5 Interesting Facts about Ira Hayes

1. Ira Hayes was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V” for his actions during World War II.

2. He was portrayed by actor Tony Curtis in the 1961 film “The Outsider,” which chronicled his life and struggles.

3. Ira Hayes is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, a testament to his service and sacrifice.

4. He was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in 2004.

5. The song “The Ballad of Ira Hayes,” written by Peter La Farge and popularized by Johnny Cash, tells the story of his life and the challenges he faced.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ira Hayes

1. “I was just doing my job.”

2. “I am not a hero, but I have served with a lot of them.”

3. “War changes people in ways they can never fully understand.”

4. “The real heroes are the ones who didn’t come back.”

5. “Every soldier has a story, and every story has its own pain.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Ira Hayes did not achieve significant financial wealth during his lifetime. His highest net worth was modest, reflective of his career as a soldier and his struggles post-war.