The Distinguished Public Service Award was conferred upon Cruise during a ceremony held on Tuesday at Longcross Film Studios in Chertsey, Surrey. The 62-year-old actor expressed his appreciation for this "extraordinary acknowledgment."
"I admire all of the servicemen and women," Cruise said, standing next to US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro who handed him a certificate and medal.
"I know in life, something that is very true to me, is that is to lead is to serve. And I know that to my core. And I see that in the servicemen and women."
The Navy expressed gratitude to the action star, noting that he has "enhanced public awareness and appreciation for our highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform."
Cruise portrayed the character Maverick in Top Gun, a film centered on Cold War aviators, which was so impactful that the Navy established recruitment booths in cinemas. He reprised his role as Lieutenant Pete Mitchell in the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, which the Navy stated "reinvigorated" interest in military service among younger viewers.
On Tuesday, Del Toro remarked, "Tom Cruise has been a steadfast supporter of the men, women, and families of the Navy and Marine Corps for nearly four decades." Cruise was also recognized for his performances in notable films such as Born on the Fourth of July, A Few Good Men, and the Mission: Impossible franchise.
While in Chertsey, Surrey, Cruise was working on his upcoming film, Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning, set to be released in May 2025. This prestigious civilian award has also been bestowed upon Academy Award winners Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks for their contributions to the World War II film Saving Private Ryan.