Tom Cruise Awarded Navy’s Highest Civilian Honor for Inspiring Generations of Service

Hollywood icon Tom Cruise received the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, the Navy’s highest honor for a civilian, during a ceremony in London on Tuesday, CNN reports.

The award recognizes Cruise’s significant contribution to promoting and enhancing public appreciation for the US Navy and Marine Corps through his film work.

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro presented the award, praising Cruise for inspiring generations to serve. “His work has increased public awareness and appreciation for the Navy’s highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform,” Del Toro stated in a press release.

Cruise, known for his portrayal of a Naval fighter pilot in the iconic 1986 film “Top Gun” and its blockbuster sequel “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022), expressed his gratitude.

“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,” Cruise said in a statement.

He credited the success to the collaborative efforts of the casts and crews involved in both films.

The Navy highlighted the significant impact of the original “Top Gun,” citing a surge in Navy pilot recruitment following its release. This success, coupled with the phenomenal box office success of “Top Gun: Maverick,” which grossed over $1 billion, solidified Cruise’s influence on public perception of naval service.

Cruise and producer Jerry Bruckheimer were previously named Honorary Naval Aviators by the Department of the Navy in 2020.