The world’s most iconic fictional Top Gun has officially been recognized as a distinguished naval figure.
Tom Cruise received the U.S. Navy’s highest civilian accolade on Tuesday for his “outstanding contributions to the Navy and the Marine Corps” through films like Top Gun and others.
The honor, known as the Distinguished Public Service Award, was presented by U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro during a ceremony at Longcross Studios near London, where Cruise has been working in the U.K.
Expressing his gratitude, the 62-year-old actor said he felt honored to receive the “extraordinary acknowledgment,” which included a medal and certificate.
“I admire all servicemen and women,” Cruise remarked. “One thing I’ve learned in life and hold as a truth is that to lead is to serve. That’s a principle I live by, and I see it exemplified in the men and women in service.”
The Navy praised Cruise for “enhancing public understanding and appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices of our highly trained personnel in uniform.”
Tom Cruise Receives Navy Medal
The 1986 blockbuster Top Gun not only catapulted Cruise to stardom but also significantly boosted military enlistment, with recruitment stations even being set up in theaters.
Interest in the franchise surged again with the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, where Cruise’s character took on the role of mentor to a new generation of elite pilots.
According to the Navy, the sequel “evoked nostalgia in older viewers while sparking the curiosity of younger audiences, effectively inspiring interest in the Navy’s unique skills and opportunities.”
Cruise’s contributions extend beyond Top Gun, as he was also commended for his performances in films like Born on the Fourth of July, A Few Good Men, and the Mission: Impossible series.
Looking ahead, Cruise’s next venture, Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning, is slated for release in May 2025.
