Tom Cruise Honours US Navy’s Highest Civilian Award

PA Media representative Tom Cruise receives US Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award from USPA Media. Tom Cruise has received the US Navy’s highest civilian award for his “outstanding contributions” to the military through his on-screen roles.

Cruise’s starring role in the 1986 film “Top Gun” made him a celebrity, and the film’s record-breaking success led to a surge in enlistments.

On Tuesday, the cruise was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Award at Long Cross Film Studios in Surrey.

The 62-year-old star expressed gratitude for the “extraordinary recognition.”

“I admire all members of the military,” Cruz said, standing next to US Navy Secretary Carlos del Toro, who presented him with a certificate and medal.

“I know what is most true for me in life, that leadership means service. I know it deep in my heart. I’ve seen it in the military.”

The Navy thanked the action hero, saying he “raised public awareness and appreciation for our highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform.”

Cruise played pilot Maverick in the Cold War film Top Gun, which had such an impact that the Navy set up recruiting tables in movie theaters.

The Oscar-nominated star reprised his role as Lieutenant Pete Mitchell in the 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick, which the Navy said had “reinvigorated” military interest among younger audiences.

“Tom Cruise has been a staunch supporter of the men and women of the Navy and Marine Corps and their families for nearly four decades,” del Toro said Tuesday.

Cruise has also been honored for his roles in action films Born on the Fourth of July, A Few Good Men and the Mission: Impossible franchise.

Cruise was in Chertsey, Surrey, filming his upcoming movie Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning, which is scheduled for release in May 2025.

The prestigious civilian honour has previously been given to Oscar winners Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks for their work in the World War II film Saving Private Ryan.