The story was based on Yang Kyoungjong, He served three sides during World War 2 Empire of Japan,Nazi German & Soviet Union. He was later captured by the American Paratroopers in June 6 1944, D-Day.
The German officer addressing the German troops at Normandy is played by former German judoka Alexander von der Groeben (billed in the closing titles as Alexander Graf von der Groeben). Participant of the Olympic Games 1984 and 1988, and two times European champion in 1984 and 1985.
The Normandy beach landing scene appears to be a combination of the action on the American beaches on D-Day. The heavy casualties, bunkers and beach obstacles is a staple of Omaha Beach, while the men assaulting the beach wear 4th Infantry Division patches, which attacked Utah Beach. Lastly, the climbing up the cliff using ropes are from the assault on Pointe Du Hoc, between the Utah and Omaha beaches.