LOS ANGELES, Dec 18: Hollywood star Tom Cruise has been awarded the US Navy’s highest civilian honor for his significant contributions to the military, particularly through his iconic roles in films that have promoted military service and supported the armed forces.

Cruise, renowned for his portrayal of Maverick in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, was presented with the Distinguished Public Service Award at Longcross Film Studios in Chertsey, Surrey, on Tuesday. The award recognizes Cruise’s role in boosting military enlistment and increasing public awareness of the sacrifices made by the Navy and its personnel.

During the ceremony, Cruise, 61, expressed his gratitude for the “extraordinary acknowledgment” and spoke highly of the servicemen and women. “I admire all of the servicemen and women,” Cruise said, standing beside US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, who presented him with the certificate and medal. He further added, “I know this to my core, and I see that in the servicemen and women,” emphasizing his belief that “to lead is to serve.”

The Navy recognized Cruise for his contributions to raising awareness and appreciation for its highly trained personnel. Top Gun was credited with a record-breaking success that greatly boosted military enlistment, and the Navy even set up recruitment tables in theaters to capitalize on the film’s popularity. Cruise reprised his role in the 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick, which the Navy said played a key role in “reinvigorating” interest in the military, especially among younger audiences.

Secretary Del Toro highlighted Cruise’s unwavering support for the Navy and Marine Corps, noting, “Tom Cruise has spent nearly four decades as an unwavering supporter of the men, women, and families of the Navy and Marine Corps.”

In addition to his work on Top Gun, Cruise was celebrated for his performances in other films such as Born on the Fourth of July, A Few Good Men, and the Mission: Impossible series, which have also contributed to public understanding and support of military personnel.

Cruise, who is currently in Chertsey, Surrey, working on his next film, Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning, set for release in May 2025, joins a distinguished list of honorees who have received the prestigious award, including filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, who were recognized for their work on the World War II epic Saving Private Ryan.