American actor Tom Cruise received the highest civilian award from the United States Navy on Tuesday for “outstanding contributions” to the military through his roles on the screen. TASR informs about it according to a BBC News report. Cruise’s starring role in the 1986 hit Top Gun made him a celebrity, and the film’s record-breaking success boosted the number of people interested in joining the armed forces.
The Distinguished Public Service Award was presented to Cruise during a ceremony at Longcross Film Studios in the English county of Surrey. Cruise (62) expressed gratitude for this “extraordinary recognition”.
“I admire all servicemen and women,” said the actor, standing next to US Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, who presented him with a medal and certificate. The Navy thanked this action hero who “raised public awareness and understanding of our highly skilled personnel and the sacrifices they make”.
Cruise played the lead role of pilot Maverick in the Cold War ace film Top Gun. The film had such an impact on the public that the Navy set up recruiting desks in American theaters. The actor reprized the role in the 2022 film sequel, which the Navy said “revived” younger audiences’ interest in the military. Cruise was also singled out for the films Born on the 4th of July (1989) and The Right Guys (1992).
Cruise is filming the next installment in the Mission: Impossible series of action films at Longcross Studioswhich will premiere in May 2025.
This prestigious civilian award was previously won by director Steven Spielberg and actor Tom Hanks – both Oscar winners – for work on the film Save Private Ryan (1998) about the events of World War II.
