Tom Cruise Honored with U.S. Navy’s Highest Civilian Award

The actor was recognized for his decades-long contributions to naval advocacy through films like 'Top Gun' and its sequel.

Tom Cruise received the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award during a ceremony in London on December 17, 2024.
The award is the Navy’s highest civilian honor, acknowledging Cruise’s significant impact on public awareness and appreciation for the Navy and Marine Corps.
Cruise’s portrayal of a naval aviator in 'Top Gun' (1986) and 'Top Gun: Maverick' (2022) led to a surge in Navy recruitment, particularly among younger audiences.
The Navy highlighted Cruise’s broader filmography, including 'Born on the Fourth of July' and 'A Few Good Men,' for promoting the service and its values.
In 2020, Cruise was also named the U.S. Navy’s 36th Honorary Naval Aviator for his contributions to military representation in popular culture.