The Tragic Passing of Flag Raiser Ira Hayes

Ira Hayes, an iconic figure from World War II, faced a tragic and early death, contrasting sharply with his legendary status as one of the six flag raisers on Iwo Jima.

Who was Ira Hayes?

Born on January 12, 1923, in Arizona, Ira Hayes was a Pima Native American who etched his name into the annals of history as a United States Marine corporal. He gained legendary status as one of the six flag raisers in the iconic photograph of the flag raising on Iwo Jima during World War II—a symbol of American resilience and victory.

Hayes was the eldest of six children born to Nancy Hamilton, a teacher, and Joseph Hayes, a World War II veteran. Before enlisting, he attended the Phoenix Indian School for two years and served with the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1942.

The fame that came with his heroism was unwelcome to Hayes, a sentiment captured in the 1959 book The Outsider by William Bradford Huie. His struggles and the weight of his newfound celebrity status were further immortalized in the 2006 Clint Eastwood-directed film Flags of Our Fathers, where Adam Beach portrayed Hayes.

The Death of Ira Hayes

After the war, Hayes suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and descended into alcoholism. Ira Hayes’ life came to a premature end on January 24, 1955, when he was found dead from hypothermia and alcohol poisoning. He was only 32 years old at the time of his death. The tragic event took place in Sacaton, Arizona, a sorrowful end to the life of a man who had seen the highs and lows of human experience.

Hayes was subsequently buried in Arlington National Cemetery, which is maintained by the United States Army—a final resting place befitting a war hero.