Continuity mistake: When the "Flag-Raisers" begin stripping down to go swimming, they show a few of the Marines already down to their boxers. They switch to a shot of Bradley and then back to the Marines and all have their pants on.
Continuity mistake: When the marines start marching inland, where the Japanese are not shooting, you see several clips of the row of soldiers walking inland, then a clip of their waiting comrades, and then a clip of the soldiers - still walking in the exact same place, without moving forward.
Continuity mistake: When Ira exits the stadium after the flag show to vomit, the alleyway in which he vomits is at first dark. In the next few shots, it is lit up and then once again dark.
Continuity mistake: When Ira is leaving Chicago on the train, the train starts moving while he's standing and saying goodbye the last time. In the next clip he's shown right next to the train door, but that would have moved further away.
Continuity mistake: The monument was dedicated in November 1954, but Rene Gagnon (and Ira Hayes for that matter) didn't look one day older during the ceremony than during the battle 10 years earlier.
Answer: It's hard to truly understand why some people aren't comfortable in the spotlight. But Hayes was known for saying "I am not a hero" and that the real heroes were "the brave men who died." He really didn't want to be known as a hero for raising the flag, especially when so many of his friends died and didn't earn the respect he was getting. Unfortunately, he turned to alcohol and developed a drinking problem, which lead him to shun fame even more. However, these things are not unique to him. Many soldiers, especially those who suffer PTSD, which Hayes may have had, feel guilt or remorse for surviving when friends didn't. Fame and the spotlight only exasperates these feelings as it becomes a constant reminder of their survival. Alcoholism also leads some to want to be left alone for numerous reasons.
Bishop73