The Shocking Truth About Drowning in Minimal Water: Ira Hayes and the Iwo Jima Six

Drowning is often thought of as a danger only in large bodies of water, but the reality is that it can occur in remarkably small amounts of water. In some cases, people have drowned in as little as 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of water. This is a particularly dangerous situation for small children, but adults are not immune to the risks either, especially under specific circumstances such as incapacitation due to medical issues, intoxication, or accidents.

The Unexpected Drowning Incident: Ira Hayes

One of the most tragic examples of drowning in minimal water is the unfortunate story of Marine Private Ira Hayes. On January 24, 1955, at the age of 32, Ira Hayes drowned while passed out drunk in just 2 inches of rainwater. This incident highlights the dangers that even tiny amounts of water can pose and the tragic consequences that can result from them.

The Heroic Iwo Jima Six

Ira Hayes was, among other things, a participant in the iconic flag-raising on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in February 1945. His participation in this event earned him a place among the renowned 'Iwo Jima Six:'

Mike Strank Harlon Block Franklin Sousley Rene Gagnon John Bradley Ira Hayes

Each of these six men played a pivotal role in the critical flag-raising moment that was captured in a famous photograph by Joe Rosenthal on February 23, 1945. However, their heroic moment in history was short-lived, as the battle for Iwo Jima and its aftermath brought them tragic fates.

The Lives of the Iwo Jima Six

While the iconic photograph immortalized them, the lives of the Iwo Jima Six were marked by a mix of heroism, adversity, and tragedy. Here is a brief overview of each member:

Mike Strank

Strank was the first of the six to die, falling to a mortar blast on February 23, just hours after the photograph was taken. He left behind a widow and two children.

Harlon Block

Block briefly took over as leader of the flag-planting group after Strank's death but was killed by a mortar blast less than a day later. His funeral was attended by thousands of soldiers.

Franklin Sousley

Sousley was the third member of the flag-planting group to die. He succumbed to his combat injuries on March 21, 1945, and is buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Rene Gagnon

One of the last survivors, Gagnon served as the official flag-carrier during the wringing of the flag. He returned to the United States after the Battle of Iwo Jima and participated in the Seventh War Bond Drive tour. He died in Manchester, New Hampshire, on October 12, 1979, at the age of 54.

John Bradley

Bradley was the youngest member of the flag-raising group and the last one to survive. He, too, returned to the United States and was active in various public ceremonies. He died in Antigo, Wisconsin, on January 11, 1994.

Ira Hayes

Hayes was the longest-surviving member of the flag-raising group but eventually succumbed to the fame and the struggles of celebrity. He struggled with alcoholism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and died in Bapchule, Arizona. His story is remembered and documented in films, songs, and books.

August 7, 2014: Remembering Ira Hayes

On August 7, 2014, the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia, commemorated the 65th anniversary of the flag-raising on Mount Suribachi. The event included a flag swap from the 3rd Marine Division (2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment), the unit that had originally hoisted the first American flag on Mount Suribachi. The flag is now on display in the museum, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Iwo Jima Six and the events that reshaped American history.

The Last Known Survivor: John Bradley

John Bradley, the last survivor of the Iwo Jima Six, passed away on January 11, 1994. His death marked the end of a remarkable chapter in U.S. military history and the transition of a significant piece of national iconography from active service to public memory.

Conclusion: Michael Strank’s Legacy

Mike Strank's untimely death remains a poignant reminder of the human cost of war. His story and the stories of his comrades represent the countless individuals who answered the call of duty and lost their lives in the line of service.

Related Keywords

drowning Ira Hayes Iwo Jima Six

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