U.S. Navy recruitment statistics and official statements

Tom Cruise Receives U.S. Navy's Distinguished Public Service Award from Carlos Del Toro for 'Top Gun' Films

Dec 17, 2024, 07:17 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 'outstanding 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 was presented by U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro at a ceremony held at Longcross Studios near London. Cruise's work has been recognized for increasing public awareness and appreciation for the Navy's highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform. The original 'Top Gun' film in 1986 significantly boosted Navy recruitment, and its 2022 sequel, 'Top Gun: Maverick,' continued to inspire interest among younger audiences in naval aviation. Cruise expressed his admiration for servicemen and women, stating, 'To lead is to serve, and I know that to my core.'