Tom Cruise’s ‘Top Gun’ Legacy Earns Him US Navy’s Highest Civilian Award

Tom Cruise has been honoured with the US Navy’s highest civilian accolade, the Distinguished Public Service Award, for his significant impact on the military through his iconic roles on screen. The 62-year-old actor was presented with the prestigious award during a ceremony held at Longcross Film Studios in Chertsey, Surrey, on Tuesday.

A Legacy of Military Support through Film

Cruise, best known for his portrayal of Navy fighter pilot Maverick in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, was praised for his efforts in increasing public awareness and appreciation for the armed forces. The movie, which was a massive box office success, not only catapulted Cruise to stardom but also had a lasting impact on military recruitment, as the Navy even set up recruitment tables in theaters following the film’s release.

In his acceptance speech, Cruise expressed deep admiration for the men and women in uniform, saying, “To lead is to serve, and I know that to my core.” The actor has remained a steadfast supporter of the military, both through his roles in Top Gun and other films like Born on the Fourth of July, A Few Good Men, and the Mission: Impossible series. His 2022 return to the Top Gun franchise in Top Gun: Maverick was hailed for revitalizing military interest among younger audiences.

US Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, praised Cruise for nearly four decades of unwavering support for the military, adding, “Tom Cruise has spent nearly four decades as an unwavering supporter of the men, women, and families of the Navy and Marine Corps.”

Cruise was in Surrey working on his upcoming film, Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning, set for release in May 2025. This honor places him among the ranks of other notable figures like Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, who were also awarded for their contributions through the 1998 World War II film Saving Private Ryan.