John Wayne:Lt Cmdr. Duke E. Gifford;Patricia Neal:Lt. (j.g.) Mary Stuart;Ward Bond:Cmdr. John T. 'Pop' Perry;Scott Forbes:Lt. Larry;Philip Carey:Lt. (j.g.) Bob Perry;Paul Picerni:Jonesy;William Campbell:The Talker (as Bill Campbell);Kathryn Givney:Cmdr. Steele;Martin Milner:Ens. Caldwell;Sam Edwards:Junior;Jack Pennick:The Chief;Virginia Brissac:Sister Anna;James Flavin:SP Commander;Vincent Fotre:Soundman;Lewis Martin:Squad Commander;Louis Mosconi:Radarman Mosconi;Bess Flowers:Honolulu Nightclub Patron  (uncredited)