Tom Cruise has received the US Navy’s highest civilian honor, the Distinguished Public Service Award, for his “outstanding contributions” to the military through his film roles.
Cruise’s portrayal of fighter pilot Maverick in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun catapulted him to international fame and significantly boosted military recruitment. The award was presented to the 62-year-old actor during a ceremony at Longcross Film Studios in Chertsey, Surrey, on Tuesday.
Expressing his gratitude, Cruise called the honor an “extraordinary acknowledgment,” adding, “I admire all of the servicemen and women.” He also shared his belief that “to lead is to serve,” a principle he feels deeply, noting that he sees it reflected in the dedication of military personnel.
The Navy thanked Cruise for increasing public awareness and appreciation for its highly trained members and their sacrifices. Top Gun, a Cold War-era action film, inspired many young people to consider military service, with recruitment tables even set up in theaters. Cruise reprised his role in the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, which further sparked military interest among younger generations.
US Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, praised Cruise’s nearly 40-year commitment to supporting the Navy and Marine Corps, citing his roles in Born on the Fourth of July, A Few Good Men, and the Mission: Impossible series.
Cruise was in Chertsey, Surrey, working on his upcoming film Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning, scheduled for release in May 2025.
The prestigious award has been previously given to Academy Award-winning filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks for their work on Saving Private Ryan.
