Tom Cruise, actor and 36th Honorary Naval Aviator of the United States Navy (US Navy), has been awarded the Distinguished Public Service (DPS) medal, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a civilian outside the Department of the Navy.
The ceremony was presided over by the Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, who highlighted Cruise’s impact in promoting the values and work of the Navy. «It was an honor to present Tom Cruise with the Distinguished Public Service award for his decades of support to the Navy through various films. His work has inspired generations to serve in our Navy and Marine Corps,» said Del Toro.
Since the release of Top Gun in 1986, Cruise’s work has contributed to increased recognition and public appreciation for the highly skilled professionals of the Navy. This cinematic portrayal not only reinforced the institution’s positive image but also led to an increase in naval pilot recruitment in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
In addition to his role in Top Gun and its recent sequel, Top Gun: Maverick (2022), which reignited interest among younger generations in the opportunities offered by the Navy, Cruise has portrayed other military characters in films such as A Few Good Men (1992) and Born on the Fourth of July (1989).
A shared honor
During the ceremony, Cruise expressed his gratitude for the recognition and shared the credit with his collaborators. «I am happy to know that I could be a source of inspiration for many sailors who currently serve or have served in the past,» he stated. «This effort is not just mine but also that of the cast and crew with whom I have the privilege of working on every film. They are the ones who truly bring these stories to life.»
The distinction also reflects the cultural impact of his films, particularly Top Gun: Maverick, which combined nostalgia for older audiences with renewed enthusiasm among younger generations, highlighting the skills and sacrifices of the men and women of the US Navy and Marine Corps.
