This film was so coveted by the USMC that it was required viewing to all recruits during basic training into the early 80's.
This movie utilized actual original black-and-white newsreel footage. This material is edited into this movie's combat scenes.
This movie's credits state the following historical note: "The first American flag was raised on Mount Suribachi by the late Sgt. Ernest I. Thomas, Jr., U.S.M.C. on the morning of February 23, 1945."
Thousands of feet of barbed wire were used in the making of this movie.
Two thousand U.S. Marines appeared as extras, according to an article in The Los Angeles Daily News.