Tom Cruise receives U.S. navy honour for films

Tom Cruise Honored with U.S. Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award

LONDON –

Tom Cruise, the renowned actor known for his iconic role in “Top Gun,” has been recognized as a decorated naval hero by the U.S. Navy. On Tuesday, Cruise was presented with the Distinguished Public Service Award by U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro at a ceremony held at Longcross Studios near London.

Cruise, who has been filming in the U.K., expressed his pride in receiving the prestigious award, stating that he admires the dedication and sacrifice of all servicemen and women. He emphasized the importance of leadership through service, a value that resonates deeply with him.

The navy commended Cruise for his outstanding contributions to increasing public awareness and appreciation for the Navy and the Marine Corps through his roles in films such as “Top Gun,” “Born on the Fourth of July,” “A Few Good Men,” and the “Mission: Impossible” series.

“Top Gun,” released in 1986, catapulted Cruise to stardom and sparked a surge in military enlistment, with the navy even setting up recruitment tables in theatres screening the film. The recent sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick,” further fueled interest in naval aviation among audiences of all ages.

The navy acknowledged Cruise’s role in bringing nostalgia to older viewers and inspiring a new generation to consider the skill sets and opportunities the Navy offers. His upcoming film, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” is highly anticipated and set for release in May 2025.