Frank Sutton, who played Gunnery Sgt. Vince Carter, did not pass the U.S. Marine Corps physical during World War II and ended up serving in the Army. During his service, he distinguished himself by taking part in 14 assault landings, including Leyte, Luzon, Bataan, and Corregidor.
According to producer Sheldon Leonard, the U.S. Marine Corps gave them unlimited access to its equipment because it felt the series would be good for the corps' image.
Although the series had a military setting and the Vietnam War was going on at the time it originally aired, the war itself is never discussed.
Jim Nabors said that it was always difficult for him to watch the opening of the show because many of the men with whom he is seen marching were killed in Vietnam.
The show ended after five seasons, despite good ratings, because Jim Nabors announced he wanted to do a musical-variety show. The Jim Nabors Hour (1968) ran from 1969-71. The producers considered continuing this show, using the remaining regular cast (much as The Andy Griffith Show (1960) became Mayberry R.F.D. (1968) after Andy Griffith left), but when Frank Sutton and Ronnie Schell announced they were joining Nabors on his new show, the plans were dropped.