THE HORRIBLE STORY OF IRA HAYES:In 1955.
He is best known for being one of the six flag raisers in Joe Rosenthal’s iconic photograph “Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima," taken during the famous battle fought by the United States on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima from February 19th-March 26th, 1945.
Ira Hamilton Hayes was born on January 12th, 1923 on the Gila River Indian reservation in Sacaton, Arizona, and was a member of the Pima Indian tribe.
His parents were Nancy and Joseph Hayes. Growing up, Ira was said to be a quiet child, but read voraciously and had a good grasp of the English language.
He was a high school student at the Phoenix Indian School when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7th. 1941.
He ended up completing two years at the Indian School and served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in May and June of 1942.
He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve on August 26th, 1942.
After being shuffled around various regiments, Hayes ended up in Company E, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marine Regiment of the newly activated 5th Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California.
Ira Hayes led a troubled life, but his acts of heroism and dedication shine brighter.
It’s important not to forget his story, and to fight for the rights of Native veterans everywhere.
No comments:
Post a Comment