The USS John Paul Jones in reality was the Benson Class destoyer USS Hobby (DD610). She was primarily used for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) in both the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters. She servived the war, but would eventually be destroyed as a training target in 1972.
During the air attack on the destroyer, U.S. airplanes pose as Japanese planes; specifically, Douglas SBD dive bombers with solid circles painted on their wings, and a Grumman Avenger torpedo bomber. During the strafing runs, close ups of the planes' noses show two machine guns. Both the Douglas SBD and Zero had these, albeit of different calibers.
"Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60 minute radio adaptation of the movie on
April 3, 1944 with Edward G. Robinson and Marguerite Chapman reprising their film roles.
Glenn Ford co-starred with Edward G Robinson, his real life neighbor.
Two of the original Dead End Kids/Bowery Boys are in this film - Leo Gorcey and Bobby Jordan,