On Tuesday, December 18, 2024, Tom Cruise was given the Distinguished Public Service Award by the Navy. His award is the highest level award possible for civilians to attain.
Cruise’s first Top Gun movie was released in 1986, and it was a turning point for military enlistment. Shortly after the movie came out, enlistment rates skyrocketed. The movie raised awareness of the military and shed light to the honor and excitement that the military offers. The Navy even started to set up enlistment stations at theaters showing the movie. Cruise released Top Gun: Maverick in 2022, which sent a second influx of enlistment rates.
He was given his award for “outstanding contributions to the Navy and Marine Corps”. It was awarded by the U.S. Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, just outside of London. The honor came with a certificate and a medal.
Cruise gave a shout out saying: “I admire all of the servicemen and women. 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.”
Military officials said Cruise had “increased public awareness and appreciation for our highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform.” At the age of 62, Tom Cruise is now officially a decorated Naval hero.
