Many of the events in the book are based on Uris's own World War II experience with the 6th Marine Regiment.

The interaction of the characters as they learn to put aside their prejudices and biases to bond, developing esprit de corps, is a primary theme of the novel.

Their experiences in New Zealand reveal the very different cultures of the two allies, and how much the young marines enjoyed the hospitality of the local people, in spite of being what has been called a 'friendly invasion'.

The New York Times gave Battle Cry a mixed review, praising it as the most authentic account of how Marines were trained and how they fought, but noting its conventional approach to character development.

The film stars Van Heflin, Aldo Ray, James Whitmore, Tab Hunter and Fess Parker[5]