One interesting feature of the film is the significant role of African-American actor Ben Carter as messman Oliver Cromwell Jones . While most World War II movies ( particularly those made during the war ) feature few , if any , African-American characters , '' Crash Dive '' is a notable exception . Although Carter plays a stereotypical role as a low ranking sailor , his character is more developed than most African-American character of the time by being shown to be a confidant to a higher ranking crewmember and participates in a commando raid late in the film . One scene which subtly comments on the racial mores of the time is when the white sailors are blackening their faces in preparation for a nighttime raid and Jones says loudly , " It looks like I am the only natural born night fighter here ! " The film won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects ( Fred Sersen , Roger Heman Sr. ) at the 16th Academy Awards
16th Academy Awards
16th Academy Awards
Crash Dive