Factual error: During the plane ride into France, the Paratroopers are holding/carrying their weapons by their sides. In reality, their weapons (M1 Garands, B.A.R.s, etc.) would be carried in special "bags" strapped to their parachute harness. This not only protected their weapons, but also secured them to their person.
Factual error: There were no black paratroopers on D-Day or in the 101st, nor were white and black soldiers serving in the same unit.
Factual error: Private Boyce fires 10 rounds from his M1 Garand at the German officer. The M1 Garand or M1 Rifle holds a maximum of 8 rounds.
Factual error: Paratroopers were not issued Browning Automatic Rifle (B.A.Rs).
Suggested correction: The 'official' US Airborne table of organization did not include BARs in the equipment establishment for the parachute regiments. However, the glider troops had some and, it is very likely that parachute units could have acquired some unofficially as this sort of thing happened on a regular basis once these units entered combat. Once on the ground they could've picked one up from a dead comrade, or requested it from supply. 8400 men in the 101st alone, hard to say a few didn't slip in.
Factual error: During the plane, pre-drop scenes, the paratroopers are wearing their Airborne chinstraps. Which is a chin cup, used in addition to the stand M1 Helmet chinstrap to keep the helmet secure during jumps. The one in the film is made of cotton, canvas; most during World War II would be made of leather. The cotton ones are either late war or perhaps post-war issue.
Factual error: During the jump, Boyce lands in a flooded field. In reality, he and his fellow Paratroopers should be wearing Life Preservers in the event of a water landing (called B5 "Mae Wests"). but none of them are.
Factual error: End credits display a 50-star U.S. flag. Alaska and Hawaii became states in 1959, more than decade after the end of World War II. A period-correct WWII era U.S. flag has six rows of eight stars: 48.
