World War II drama starring Tony Curtis as a solider who raises the US flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Pima Indian Ira Hamilton Hayes (Curtis) shocks his family and friends when he announces his intention to enlist in the US Army to join the fight against the forces of fascism. The reaction to Ira among the corps is mixed. While many of his fellow soldiers ignore or insult him, Ira strikes up a lasting friendship with Private Jim Sorenson (James Franciscus). However, when the men are tested to the full in the heat of battle, Ira's heroism seems certain to win him the respect of his peers...