Tom Cruise Recognized with Prestigious Public Service Award from U.S. Navy
Tom Cruise is proudly accepting a significant accolade from the U.S. Navy.
The 62-year-old “Top Gun” actor was awarded the Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award, which is the highest honor that Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro can give to a civilian.
This award highlights Cruise’s “commitment to the Navy,” recognizing how his contributions to the film industry have elevated public knowledge and appreciation for the Navy’s skilled personnel and their sacrifices made while in service, as stated in a press release.
Del Toro remarked that it was a privilege to present this award to Cruise for his “years of promoting the Navy through numerous films.” He added that Cruise’s contributions have motivated many to join the Navy and the Marine Corps.
“I’m thrilled to have been a source of motivation for many sailors, both current and former,” said Cruise. “This achievement reflects not only my efforts but also those of the talented cast and crew I collaborate with on every project. They truly bring these stories to life.”
Cruise is best known for portraying Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the iconic 1986 film “Top Gun,” which follows pilots at the Navy’s Fighter Weapons School. Following the film’s popularity, the U.S. Navy saw an increase in pilot recruitment during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Cruise reprised his role in the 2022 sequel “Top Gun: Maverick,” which earned over $1.4 billion at the box office and received a best picture nomination at the Academy Awards.
To film the exciting air scenes in “Maverick,” IMAX cameras were installed inside F-18 cockpits, piloted by real Navy personnel. According to the Military Officers Association of America, retired Navy pilot Frank “Walleye” Weisser was the one flying Cruise’s fighter jet during the movie.
Aside from “Top Gun,” Cruise has portrayed a Navy lawyer in “A Few Good Men” and a Marine sergeant in “Born on the Fourth of July.”
The U.S. Navy designated Cruise as an honorary naval aviator in 2020, granting him permission “to wear the ‘wings of gold’ of a U.S. naval aviator.” The commendation acknowledged his commitment to ensuring the “Top Gun” franchise retains its authenticity.
