During WW2, 17-year-old Ira Hamilton Hayes, a Pima Indian from Arizona, enlists in the Marine Corps. 

During boot camp at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, Ira strikes up a strong and long-lasting friendship 

with fellow marine, Jim Sorenson. Shipped to the Pacific Theatre of Operations, the two marines 

fight on Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima. They are among the six marines who raise the U.S. flag on Suribachi. 

Soon afterwards, Sorenson is killed by enemy fire in front of a stunned Ira. Later on, 

the surviving three marines who helped raise the flag at Iwo Jima are ordered back to the USA 

to participate in a war bond drive. They tour the country, surrounded by the mass-media and the 

adoring crowds. They participate at rallies, meetings, media-events and parades. 

They are asked to make public speeches to persuade the citizens to buy war bonds. 

However, heartbroken over his friend's death, Ira often turns to booze to give himself the 

courage to continue. His drinking worsens and he is sent back ...