American Actor Tom Cruise Receives Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award
Renowned American actor Tom Cruise has recently been honoured with the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service (DPS) Award in London. This prestigious award acknowledges Cruise’s significant contribution to the US Navy through his work in film production.
The DPS Award, considered the Navy’s highest honour for individuals outside of the Department of the Navy, was presented to Cruise by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. Del Toro stated that Cruise’s portrayal of military roles on screen has inspired countless individuals to serve in the Navy and Marine Corps.
Through his involvement in the film industry, Cruise has played a vital role in raising public awareness and appreciation for the Navy’s dedicated personnel and the sacrifices they make while serving their country.
Expressing his gratitude, Cruise mentioned that he is proud to have served as a source of inspiration for sailors in the Navy. He emphasized that the collaborative effort of the entire cast and crew on set is what truly brings his work to life.
Tom Cruise is best known for his roles in the iconic 1986 film “Top Gun,” where he portrayed a Naval fighter pilot, and the highly successful 2022 sequel “Top Gun: Maverick,” which grossed over $1 billion in ticket sales.
Notably, Cruise’s involvement in the original “Top Gun” film led to a significant increase in Navy pilot recruitment, showcasing the impact of his work on the military community.
In recognition of their contributions, both Cruise and the film’s producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, were honoured as Honorary Naval Aviators by the Navy in 2020.