Ira Hayes became a reluctant hero when he was captured raising the American flag in one of the most famous photos of World War II.

But few among the Gila River Indian Community remember the man. His lone surviving brother is Kenneth, 75, whose memories are fading, said a relative.

"Soon, there will be no one left to tell his story," Sara Bernal told the Associated Press.

For now, Hayes' life is captured in the movie "Flags of Our Fathers," which took in $10.2 million at the box office during its opening weekend. Native actor Adam Beach portrays Hayes, who died in January 1955 after a night of heavy drinking.

"People still talk about him," said Merla Shorthair, who works at the Gila River Indian Center gift shop. "But mainly all they know about him is about the flag and that he lived here."

Get the Story:
Mystery veils man made famous by Iwo Jima photo (AP 10/27)

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Relevant Links:
Flags of Our Fathers - http://www.flagsofourfathers.net
Adam Beach, official message board - http://www.adam-beach.com/beach_talk

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Review: Flags with Adam Beach one of best movies (10/20)
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Adam Beach praised for portrayal of Ira Hayes (10/10)
Adam Beach plays Ira Hayes in 'Flags of Our Fathers' (10/6)