 This movie was based on the W. L. Whites book, THEY WERE EXPENDABLE  covering the exploits of Lieutenants John Bulkeley and Robert Kelly.  Lieutenant Robert Kelly and U.S. Army Nurse "Peggy Smith", sued MGM,  John Wayne and Donna Reed for their portrayal of them in the film.  Although the film follows the book fairly closely, it does portray  Lieutenant Kelly as impetuous and "hell bound for glory." Nurse  Smith is shown romantically involved with Lieutenant Kelly. Wayne,  Reed and MGM settled out of court for a nominal sum (less than  $5,000.00). This event prompted movies to start adding disclaimers  such as "All characters are fictional. Any resemblance to actual  people is purely by coincidence and any of their actions in actual  historical events is not accurate".