Tom Cruise has received the highest civilian award from the US Navy for his "exceptional contributions" to the military through his roles in movies, reports BBC.
Tom Cruise became a huge celebrity after starring in the 1986 hit Top Gun, which also led to a rise in military enlistment.
On Tuesday, he was given the Distinguished Public Service Award at a ceremony at Longcross Film Studios in Surrey.
The 62-year-old actor thanked the Navy for the "extraordinary recognition." He expressed his admiration for the military, saying, "To lead is to serve," and shared how much he respects the service members.
The Navy thanked Cruise for helping raise awareness and appreciation for their skilled personnel and the sacrifices they make while serving.
Cruise starred as the pilot Maverick in Top Gun, a movie about Cold War flying aces, and it was so influential that the Navy even set up recruitment tables in theatres.
The Oscar nominated star reprised his role as Lieutenant Pete Mitchell in the 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick, which the Navy said "reinvigorated" military interest from younger audiences.
Cruise was also celebrated for his roles in action hits Born on the Fourth of July, A Few Good Men and the Mission: Impossible series.
Cruise was in Chertsey, Surrey while working on his next film Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning, due for release in May 2025.
The prestigious civilian honour was previously awarded to Academy Award winners Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks for their work in the World War II movie Saving Private Ryan.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
