[1] The working title of the film was Flag over Tarawa and was originally to have starred Ronald Reagan.

With Brady's recommendation, Sloan is later commissioned and assigned as an aide to a general (Onslow Stevens) back in the 2nd Marine Division headquarters in New Zealand.

Lt. Sloan meets Campbell's widow, Ruth (Julie Adams) to bring her letters written by Johnny.

However he meets Brady who is keeping company with Ruth's sister (Karen Sharpe).

The United States Marine Corps refused to cooperate with the producers, due to the theme of an officer out for glory killing his own men and a sergeant out for revenge.