Tom Cruise Receives U.S. Navy's Distinguished Public Service Award for 'Top Gun' Impact, Presented by Carlos Del Toro

Dec 17, 2024, 04:00 PM

Tom Cruise, a 62-year-old actor, has been awarded the U.S. Navy's highest civilian honor, the Distinguished Public Service Award, for his significant contributions to 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. The award, which came with a medal and a certificate, was presented by U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro during a ceremony at Longcross Studios near London. Cruise, who expressed admiration for servicemen and women, highlighted the principle of leadership through service, stating, 'to lead is to serve.' The Navy recognized Cruise's impact on increasing public awareness and appreciation for military personnel and their sacrifices. The original 'Top Gun' film in 1986, about Cold War flying aces, significantly boosted military enlistment, with the Navy even setting up recruitment tables in theaters. Its 2022 sequel, 'Top Gun: Maverick,' continued to inspire younger audiences about the Navy's opportunities. Cruise's next on-screen adventure, 'Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning,' is due for release in May 2025.