Ira Hamilton Hayes, born on January 12, 1923, was an Akimel O'odham American and a United States Marine known for his brave service during World War II. As an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona, Hayes enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1942 and fought in the Bougainville and Iwo Jima campaigns in the Pacific War. He became famous for being one of the six men in the iconic photograph "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima" by Joe Rosenthal. After the war, Hayes struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism, ultimately passing away on January 24, 1955. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Hayes' life has been commemorated in various forms of art and media, including movies and songs that pay tribute to his legacy. Despite his quiet and sensitive nature, Hayes displayed remarkable intellect from a young age, excelling in language and education. His determination to serve in the Marine Corps led him to enlist after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Hayes' service and the iconic photograph continue to inspire and honor his memory.

Ira Jeffrey Glass, born on March 3, 1959, is a prominent American public radio personality known for hosting and producing the widely acclaimed radio and television series This American Life. He has also been involved in other NPR programs, including Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Talk of the Nation. Glass has garnered numerous accolades for his work in radio and television, such as the Edward R. Murrow Award for Outstanding Contributions to Public Radio and the George Polk Award in Radio Reporting. His journey in radio began as a teenager, and he honed his skills while attending Brown University, where he worked alongside Keith Talbot at NPR during summer breaks. Glass's career progressively evolved from being a story editor and interviewer to covering his own stories. His notable contribution includes the development of This American Life in collaboration with Torey Malatia, which achieved significant success and national syndication. Beyond his radio endeavors, Glass has also ventured into live performances, writing articles, books, and a comic book related to the radio show. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, to Jewish parents, Glass demonstrated a passion for comedy and performance from an early age, eventually pursuing a career in radio journalism that has left an indelible mark.

Ira Marvin Levin (August 27, 1929 – November 12, 2007) was a renowned American novelist, playwright, and songwriter. He achieved fame through his notable works including A Kiss Before Dying (1953), Rosemary's Baby (1967), The Stepford Wives (1972), This Perfect Day (1970), The Boys from Brazil (1976), and Sliver (1991). Levin's literary prowess extended to the stage, with the creation of the critically acclaimed play Deathtrap (1978), which became the longest-running comedy thriller on Broadway. His impactful storytelling led to many of his works being adapted into successful films. Levin's creative contributions were widely recognized, earning him the prestigious Prometheus Hall of Fame Award and multiple Edgar Awards. Despite his immense success, Levin remained humble and was described as "a nice Jewish boy from New York." His legacy continues to influence the world of suspense novels, as Stephen King once referred to Levin as the "Swiss watchmaker" of the genre. Levin passed away on November 12, 2007, leaving behind a timeless collection of literary masterpieces that have captivated audiences for generations.Total words: 182

Ira Frederick Aldridge (July 24, 1807 – August 7, 1867) was an American-born British actor, playwright, and theatre manager, best known for his remarkable portrayal of Shakespearean characters. Born in New York City, Aldridge faced discrimination in the United States and subsequently moved to England in 1824, where he made his professional debut at London's Royal Coburg Theatre. Throughout his career, his performances of Shakespeare's classics received critical acclaim. Notably, he became the manager of Coventry's Coventry Theatre Royal and embarked on successful tours across Continental Europe, earning prestigious accolades from various heads of state. Aldridge's influence and talent were such that he is the only actor of African-American descent honored with a bronze plaque at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. His legacy extends further through his daughters, Amanda and Luranah, who both became accomplished opera singers. Aldridge's impact on the theatrical world and his pioneering role as one of the first Black American tragedians have left an indelible mark on the history of performance arts.

Ira David Kaplan, born on January 7, 1957, is renowned as a co-founder, vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter of the esteemed American indie rock band Yo La Tengo. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, Kaplan's musical journey took off in the early 1980s when he co-founded Yo La Tengo with his spouse, Georgia Hubley. Prior to this, he delved into music criticism for notable publications such as the SoHo Weekly News, New York Rocker, Village Voice, and Matter. His multifaceted involvement in the music scene also extended to serving as a soundman, roadie, and backup musician for several New York-area bands. Jesse Jarnow's book, "Big Day Coming: Yo La Tengo and the Rise of Indie Rock," offers a vivid portrayal of Kaplan's life, family, and musical evolution. In a testament to his exceptional talent, Spin magazine recognized Kaplan as the 97th greatest guitarist of all time in 2012. His distinctive vocals graced Eluvium's 2013 album, "Nightmare Ending," featuring in the track "Happiness." Additionally, Kaplan shares his musical expertise through a free-form radio program on WFMU, where he goes by the moniker "Ira the K."