Ira Hamilton Hayes (1923-1955) grew up in the Gila River Indian Community in south central Arizona. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in Phoenix in 1942.
After the war Ira became afflicted by alcholism. On November 10, 1954, he attended the dedication of the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, which was modeled after the Iwo Jima photograph.
After a night of heavy drinking on January 23-24, 1955, Ira Hayes died of exposure to cold and alcohol poisoning. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on February 2, 1955.
The life of Ira Hayes - and his tragic death - have been commemorated in art, song and film. Click the two links above to learn more about him and to honor his memory during Native American Heritage Month.
(With thanks to Wikipedia)