Who is Ira Hayes from Flags of Our Fathers and what is their importance?

Ira Hayes was born on the Gila River Indian Reservation in Arizona. Ira joined the Marines when he was 19 years old and became one of the six flag raisers on Iwo Jima. He had difficulties after returning from active duty. He was arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct at least 50 times. He died when he was just 32 years old.