Actor Tom Cruise, 62, has been awarded the U.S. Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award, its highest civilian honor, for his significant contributions to naval advocacy through cinema. The award was presented by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro during a ceremony at Longcross Film Studios in Surrey, England.
Cruise’s portrayal of naval aviator Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the 1986 film Top Gun and its 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, has been credited with enhancing public awareness of the Navy and inspiring recruitment efforts.
The original film notably led to a surge in Navy pilot applications in the late 1980s.
Tom Cruise has been awarded the United States Navy’s top civilian honor, the Distinguished Public Service Award.https://t.co/nHQaes5HTN
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In his acceptance speech, Cruise expressed deep respect for military personnel, stating,
““I’m happy I have been able to be a source of inspiration to many of the sailors who serve today or have served in the past,” said the Oscar nominee in the press release. “The effort was not just on my end, but the cast and crew I get to work with on all our sets. They are what really bring the work to life.””
Secretary Del Toro praised Cruise’s enduring support, noting, “Tom Cruise has spent nearly four decades as an unwavering supporter of the men, women, and families of the Navy and Marine Corps.”
Beyond the Top Gun series, Cruise’s filmography includes roles that highlight military service, such as Born on the Fourth of July and A Few Good Men.
He is currently working on the upcoming Mission: Impossible installment, set for release in May 2025.
The civilian honor has previously been bestowed upon Academy Award winners Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks for their contributions to the World War II film Saving Private Ryan.
