- The US Navy has honored American actor Tom Cruise.
- This for his “outstanding contributions to the Navy and Marine Corps” with “Top Gun” and other films.
Cruise, who is currently working in the UK, received the Distinguished Public Service Award from US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro at Longcross Studios near London.
The 62-year-old actor said he was proud of the “extraordinary recognition” he would receive.
The Navy said Cruise “increased public awareness and appreciation for our highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make in their uniform.”
Tom Cruise as Maverick in 1986's Top Gun.
imago images/xx MSDTOGU PA006
“Top Gun,” the 1986 film about Cold War flying aces, made Cruise a star and led to a surge in U.S. military recruiting. The Navy even set up recruiting tables in movie theaters.
Interest was renewed in 2022 with the sequel “Top Gun: Maverick,” in which Cruise’s character leads a new generation of elite aviators.
Tom Cruise promotes “Top Gun: Maverick” in Seoul on June 20, 2022.
Reuters/HEO RAN
Cruise has also been praised for his roles in “Born on the Fourth of July,” “A Few Good Men” and the “Mission: Impossible” films.
