LONDON: Tom Cruise, celebrated for his portrayals of military heroes on screen, was honored with the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service (DPS) Award in London on Tuesday. The prestigious award, which is the highest honor given to individuals outside the Department of the Navy, recognized Cruise’s significant contributions to the U.S. Navy through his iconic film roles.
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro presented the award, praising Cruise’s ability to inspire generations to serve in the Navy and Marine Corps. Del Toro emphasized how Cruise’s work has enhanced public awareness and appreciation for the Navy’s skilled personnel and the sacrifices they make while in service.
Cruise is most famously known for his role as a Naval fighter pilot in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun and its 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick. The latter film was a massive success, grossing over $1 billion globally, and further solidified Cruise’s connection with the U.S. Navy. The original Top Gun movie had a profound impact, contributing to a notable surge in Navy pilot recruitment at the time of its release.
In 2020, Tom Cruise and Top Gun producer Jerry Bruckheimer were both honored as Honorary Naval Aviators by the Navy for their outstanding contributions. The DPS Award marks another milestone in Cruise’s long-standing relationship with the Navy, showcasing how his work continues to influence and inspire both audiences and active military personnel.
Through his cinematic achievements, Cruise has left an enduring legacy that transcends the silver screen, influencing real-life military service and recruitment.
 Award in London.){kind=link}