his inspiring heroism and tragic end
Ira Hayes was the first Marine paratrooper from the Pima tribe of Arizona who became a world-famous hero during the Battle of Iwo Jima, but he had a difficult time dealing with the aftermath of World War II and his subsequent fame. Upon returning home, the photo of Hayes and his comrades hoisting up the American flag atop Mount Suribachi had circulated and Hayes was soon bombarded by patriotic fans in his quiet hometown — and he was even offered a role to play himself in the John Wayne movie "Sands Of Iwo Jima."
In November 1954, the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial was unveiled at a dedication ceremony in Washington, D.C., which was attended by a struggling Hayes. Ten weeks after the ceremony, Hayes was found dead outside of his home in Sacaton, Arizona in the frigid January temperatures. The coroner ruled that his death was the result of alcohol poisoning and exposure.
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