Tom Cruise, 62, has been awarded the U.S. Navy’s highest civilian honor, the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service (DPS) Award. During a ceremony at Longcross Film Studios in England, the honor was presented by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro.
Cruise expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, "I know in life, something that is very true to me: to lead is to serve. And I know that to my core." Praising "the servicemen and women" around him, Cruise thanked them for their dedication and called the award an "extraordinary acknowledgment," as reported by the BBC.
A Legacy of Naval Advocacy
Cruise, described as a "staunch advocate for the U.S. Navy," has long supported the military branch through his work. After starring in the 1986 classic Top Gun, he led and produced the 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick. The film brought nostalgia to longtime fans while sparking interest among younger audiences in Navy aviation, earning Cruise the title of the U.S. Navy’s 36th Honorary Naval Aviator. The Navy acknowledged the film’s cultural impact, noting that it reinvigorated recruitment efforts and inspired countless viewers. Cruise credited his collaborators for his success, saying, "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." Del Toro praised Cruise for his "decades of naval advocacy through many movies" and added, "His work has inspired generations to serve in our Navy and Marine Corps."
Joining Hollywood Greats
Cruise isn’t the first Hollywood icon to receive this honor. Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks were also recognized with the DPS Award for their work on the World War II epic Saving Private Ryan.
Following the massive success of Top Gun: Maverick, which earned $1.496 billion worldwide and six Academy Award nominations (winning for Best Sound), Cruise is reportedly developing Top Gun 3.The Mission: Impossible star, whose next installment in that franchise The Final Reckoning is set for release in May 2025, continues to balance his on-screen legacy with real-world contributions, making him one of Hollywood’s most enduring and influential figures.
