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Tom Cruise was honored by the U.S. Navy on December 17, 2024, with the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service (DPS) Award for his “outstanding contributions to the Navy and the Marine Corps.” It is worth noting that the actor was awarded by the U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro in a ceremony at Longcross Studios.
However, Tom Cruise has not actually served as a member of the military. This award is a commendation for his film's success in raising "awareness" of the Navy.
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Entertainment Online called the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award the “highest honor,” as the U.S. Navy also released a statement announcing the honor for Tom Cruise, which read:
“His efforts in the film industry have increased public awareness and appreciation for the Navy’s highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform.”
Furthermore, Carlos Del Toro, the Secretary of the Navy, also said in a statement:
“It was an honor to present Tom Cruise with a Defense Public Service award for his decades of naval advocacy through many movies. His work has inspired generations to serve in our Navy and Marine Corps.”
The Navy also claimed that his movies have had a positive impact on the forces as the films encouraged “recruitment for Navy pilots surged in the late 1980s and early 1990s.” Furthermore, the Navy also spoke about the Top Gun sequel and stated how it “brought nostalgia to older audiences and reinvigorated the minds of the newer audience members.”
For the unversed, Tom Cruise’s 1986 film Top Gun was a massive hit, and Cruise was seen playing the role of a Naval fighter pilot in the movie. The movie's success also motivated the makers to release a sequel in 2022 called Top Gun: Maverick. The movie was also a hit and earned the makers billions at the box office.
“They are what really bring the work to life”- Tom Cruise’s statement after receiving the honor from the U.S. Navy explored
As Tom Cruise received the honor from the U.S. Navy, he thanked his crew and expressed how he has always admired “all of the servicemen and women.” As per CNN Entertainment, Tom Cruise said in a statement:
“I’m happy I have been able to be a source of inspiration to many of the sailors who serve today or have served in the past. The effort was not just on my end, but the cast and crew I get to work with on all our sets. They are what really bring the work to life."
According to the Associated Press, Cruise also said:
“I admire all of the servicemen and women. I know in life, something that is very true to me, is that to lead is to serve. And I know that to my core. And I see that in the servicemen and women.”
Top Gun, the movie for which Cruise received the honorable award, was directed by Tony Scott and produced by Don Simpson. The movie also starred Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards, and Tom Skerritt.
Apart from receiving a great response from the military personnel, the film also won many prestigious awards, including the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Grammy Awards.
