Dodson (1907–1999) served on the USS Pierce (APA 50) in World War II and used his experiences there as a guide for his novel. He was encouraged in his writing by Carl Sandburg, who had read some of Dodson’s letters written from the Pacific. The film stars Jeff Chandler, George Nader, Lex Barker, Julie Adams, Keith Andes, Charles McGraw, and Richard Boone.