Factual error: On the map behind the colonel during the first scene, Iceland is labelled as being under Nazi control. This is incorrect, as the British were in control of the country during the whole of the war. (00:05:10)
Factual error: The map shown has U.S. interstates displayed, but the U.S. interstate system wasn't developed until the 1950's. (00:06:30)
Continuity mistake: When we see the guy trying to open the coconut with his bayonet, his blade is either on top of the coconut or digging into the coconut depending on the shot. (00:21:20)
Revealing mistake: Near the end of the battle at the end of the episode, we see some Japanese troops coming out from the jungle. The Marines then shoot a machine gun, killing them. But pay attention to the ammo belt. All the bullets are blanks. (00:38:50)
Factual error: The climax of the first episode, The Battle of The Tenaru River, is not historically accurate. Leckie did not run about shoring holes in the Marine defensive line. The real heroes of the engagement known variously as The Battle of Alligator Creek (a misnomer - no alligators in the South Pacific), Battle of the Tenaru River (mismarked on Marine maps, properly known as The Battle of The Ilu a tidal lagoon) were Marines Leroy Diamond, Al Schimd and John Rivers. These men accounted for over 200 Japanese KIA. All three paid dearly. Rivers was killed, Diamond sustained over 8 bullet wounds and Schmid was blinded. For their gallantry in action the three were awarded the Nation's second highest honor the Navy Cross. An accurate depiction of this battle was in the movie "Pride of the Marines."
