Actors Katherine Cannon & Michael Durrell would reunite 15 years later. In 1993 they were on BH90210 as Tori Spelling tv parents
This episode is a great example of the men on the ground, or in the sky in this case, having a better understanding of the realities of war. In this episode, both the American and Japanese flight leaders are frustrated by the brass not realizing the conditions as they exist versus the rules as written.
The ribbons the Japanese military officers are wearing on their uniforms in this episode are American, hence, all wrong. One specifically noticed was the National Defense Service Medal, which was not awarded even to American servicemen during World War II. It was not established until 1953 in the administration of President Dwight Eisenhower.
Somewhat unique for the series was a dual-view of both American and Japanese commanders both faced with bureaucracy from their respective leaders in Washington and Tokyo. In both cases, the leaders valued book experience over actual combat experience.