Tom Cruise Awarded Top U.S. Navy Civilian Award For ‘Top Gun,’ Other Military Films

Tom Cruise has received the U.S. Navy’s top civilian honor for “outstanding contributions to the Navy and the Marine Corps” thanks to his work on “Top Gun” and other military-themed films.

The 62-year-old actor was presented with the Distinguished Public Service Award by U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro in a ceremony at Longcross Studios near London on Tuesday, as the Associated Press reported. The honor came with a medal and certificate.

“I admire all of the servicemen and women,” Cruise said. “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 U.S. Navy credited the Hollywood star with “[increasing] public awareness and appreciation for our highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform.”

“Top Gun” (1986) depicts Cruise as Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a naval aviator aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. He and LTJG Nick “Goose” Bradshaw go on to train at the US Navy’s Fighter Weapons School at Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego.

The first film received mixed reviews but went on to become one of the most beloved action dramas of the time. “Top Gun” is a cult classic that earned $357 million worldwide after being produced for just $15 million. 

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A sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick,” was released in 2022 and absolutely dominated the box office, bringing in close to $1.5 billion worldwide and making it the highest-grossing film of Cruise’s career. 

The Navy said the “Top Gun” sequel “brought nostalgia to older audiences and reinvigorated the minds of newer audience members, effectively targeting a younger audience’s interest in the skill sets and opportunities the Navy can provide.”

Cruise was also recognized for other patriotic roles, including his parts in Born on the Fourth of July (1989) and A Few Good Men (1992). He has also starred in the Mission: Impossible franchise, with the next installment slated to be released in May 2025. 

“Top Gun 3” is in the early stages of being developed for Paramount Pictures.