Tom Cruise has been awarded the US Navy’s top civilian honor for his significant contributions to the Navy and Marine Corps through films such as Top Gun, Born on the Fourth of July, A Few Good Men, and Top Gun: Maverick.
The 62-year-old actor received the Distinguished Public Service Award in a ceremony held at Longcross Studios near London, where he has been filming. The award, presented by US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, includes a medal and certificate.
Cruise expressed pride in receiving the recognition, emphasizing his admiration for servicemen and women. “To lead is to serve,” he said, highlighting his deep respect for military personnel. The Navy praised Cruise for boosting public awareness and appreciation for the sacrifices of its highly trained members.
Top Gun (1986) catapulted Cruise to fame and significantly boosted military recruitment, with the Navy even setting up recruitment tables in theaters. The 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, reignited interest in the franchise, appealing to both older and younger audiences and encouraging interest in Navy careers. Cruise’s next film, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, will be released in May 2025.
