Tom Cruise Awarded US Navy’s Top Civilian Honour for Enhancing Military Appreciation Through ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Mission Impossible’ Movies
The world’s most famous fictional Top Gun is now a decorated naval hero. Tom Cruise was awarded the US Navy’s top civilian honour on Tuesday for “outstanding contributions to the Navy and the Marine Corps” with Top Gun and other films. ‘Mission Impossible – The Finale Reckoning’: Tom Cruise Shares Sneak Peek of Underwater Filming Process, Says ’Can’t Wait To Share It With You! (Watch Video & Pic).
Cruise, who has been working in the UK, was given the Distinguished Public Service Award by US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro in a ceremony at Longcross Studios near London. The 62-year-old actor said he was proud to receive the “extraordinary acknowledgement,” which came with a medal and a certificate.
Tom Cruise Awarded US Navy’s Top Civilian Honour
In my opinion, this is not just an award but a demonstration that Tom Cruise is one of the greatest and coolest actors in the history of world cinema. It may sound quite bold and loud that Tom Cruise is one of the best personalities that the USA has given to the world. #TomCruise pic.twitter.com/gByUjhqp7N
— NickTur& (@Nicktur2403) December 17, 2024
“I admire all of the servicemen and women,” Cruise said. “I know in life, something that is very true to me, is that to lead is to serve. And I know that to my core. And I see that in the servicemen and women.” The Navy said Cruise had “increased public awareness and appreciation for our highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform.” Top Gun, the smash hit 1986 movie about Cold War flying aces, made Cruise a star and drove a spike in military enlistment. The Navy even set up recruitment tables in theatres.
Interest was renewed with the 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick, in which Cruise’s character mentored a new generation of elite aviators. The Navy said the sequel “brought nostalgia to older audiences and reinvigorated the minds of newer audience members, which effectively targeted a younger audience’s interest into the skill sets and opportunities the Navy can provide.” ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ Trailer: Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt Goes All In for What Could Be His Last Action Adventure (Watch Video).
Cruise was also commended for his roles in Born on the Fourth of July, A Few Good Men and the Mission: Impossible movies. Cruise’s next on-screen adventure, Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning, is due for release in May 2025.