John Wayne as Duke E. Gifford

Patricia Neal as Mary Stuart

Ward Bond as John "Pop" Perry

Scott Forbes as Larry

Philip Carey as Bob Perry

Paul Picerni as Jonesy

William Campbell as Talker

Kathryn Givney as Steele

Martin Milner as Caldwell

Sam Edwards as Junior

Jack Pennick as Chief

Virginia Brissac as Sister Anna

James Flavin as SP Commander

Vincent Fotre as Soundman

Lewis Martin as Squad Commander

Louis Mosconi as Radarman Mosconi

Bess Flowers as Nightclub Patron (uncredited)

John Baer as Fighter Pilot (uncredited)

Gail Davis as Nurse (uncredited)

Gayle Kellogg as Crewman (uncredited)

Milburn Stone as Ground Control Officer (uncredited)

Carleton Young as Pilot Briefing Officers on Carrier (uncredited)