Tom Cruise awarded highest civilian honour by US Navy

Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise was honoured by the United States Navy on Tuesday with the Distinguished Public Service (DPS) Award, the highest civilian honour.

During a ceremony in London, Cruise was recognised for his contribution and dedication to the US Navy through his film work, CNN reported.

Secretary of the US Navy Carlos Del Toro presented Cruise with the award and said in a statement, “his work has inspired generations to serve in our Navy and Marine Corps.”

Cruise’s work in the film industry “increased public awareness and appreciation for the Navy’s highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform,” the release maintained.

“I’m happy I have been able to be a source of inspiration to many of the sailors who serve today or have served in the past,” Cruise said in a statement.

“The effort was not just on my end, but the cast and crew I work with on all our sets. They are what really bring the work to life.”

The 62-year-old actor expressed gratitude for the “extraordinary acknowledgement”, the BBC detailed.

“I admire all of the servicemen and women,” Cruise said, standing next to Del Toro who handed him a certificate and medal.

“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.”

Cruise is known for playing a Naval fighter pilot in the 1986 film Top Gun, and its sequel Top Gun: Maverick (2022) which amassed over $1 billion at the box office.

According to CNN, the Navy’s news release said that Cruise’s work on the first Top Gun movie increased Navy pilot recruitments at the time.

Cruise and Top Gun producer Jerry Bruckheimer were named Honorary Naval Aviators by the department in 2020.