At 17, Ira Hamilton Hayes has never left the Pima reservation in Arizona when he enlists in the United States Marine Corps to serve during World War II. Facing prejudice and isolation from his fellow soldiers—except for the supportive Jim Sorenson—Hayes finds himself among the five U.S. servicemen who famously raise the American flag on Mt. Suribachi during the intense Battle of Iwo Jima. Sorenson is killed soon after, leaving Hayes traumatized. Returning home, Hayes is celebrated as a hero and recruited to promote war bonds. However, the unwanted attention and memories of battle lead him into deep depression and alcoholism, sparking public scandal. Although a tribal chief persuades him to travel to Washington, D.C. to advocate for an irrigation bill, Hayes struggles to overcome his trauma until a visit to the Iwo Jima memorial in Arlington, Virginia begins his path to recovery. Ultimately, Hayes returns to the reservation, only to find himself ostracized by the tribal council. Sinking back into despair and alcoholism, he eventually dies alone from exposure, ten years after the battle, at the age of 32. Cast: - Tony Curtis as Ira Hayes - James Franciscus as Jim Sorenson - Gregory Walcott as Sgt. Kiley - Bruce Bennett as Gen. Bridges - Vivian Nathan as Nancy Hayes - Edmund Hashim as Morago - Paul Comi as Sgt. Boyle Runtime: 108 minutes.