"The story is familiar - a seasoned, battle-wise sergeant whips his men into shape, they hate him, but his training is ultimately vindicated during tough campaigns in Tarawa and Iwo Jima. Nonetheless, superb battle scenes and a timeless performance by John Wayne as the archetypal, tough sergeant give this rousing war story a special excitement, with cinematic resonance provided by veteran director Allan Dwan." --Michael Goodwin