Tom Skerritt was 80 years old when he played Ulysses S Grant in the film. However, Grant was only 42 at the time of the Battle of New Market (May 15, 1864) and only lived to be 63.
Shown at beginning of film: "Every year a parade is held at VMI to honor cadets who gave their lives at a turning point during the American Civil War. On May 15, 1864 seven friends marched into the Battle of New Market ... Only four came out."
The film portrays the only time in American history where an entire student body was sent into pitched battle and won.
Rubber bayonets were used during the battle.
At the start of the film the logo for BOSH Motion Picture Distribution shows the 23 Psalm moving rapidly across the screen as white lettering along two red lines.