Tom Cruise Receives Top U.S. Navy Honour for Boosting Military Morale Through Film

Tom Cruise isn’t just a Hollywood hero—he’s now an official Navy legend.

The 62-year-old actor was awarded the U.S. Navy’s highest civilian honour this week for his significant contributions to the Navy and Marine Corps through his iconic film roles, including Top Gun.

In a statement, Cruise expressed his gratitude, calling the recognition an “extraordinary acknowledgement.” The award, which included a medal and certificate, highlighted Cruise’s ability to increase public appreciation for the military and the sacrifices of those in uniform.

Related: Tom Cruise Thanks Fans While Skydiving

From Top Gun to Top Honours

Cruise first took to the skies as Maverick in 1986’s Top Gun, the Cold War-era blockbuster that not only cemented his status as a global superstar but also sparked a surge in Navy enlistment. Fun fact: the Navy even set up recruitment tables at theatres to catch the Top Gun buzz.

Fast forward to 2022, and Top Gun: Maverick once again reignited excitement for elite aviation as Cruise’s character passed the torch to a new generation of pilots. The sequel became one of the year’s biggest films, proving that Maverick’s appeal spans decades.

Cruise was also honoured for his work in Born on the Fourth of July, A Few Good Men, and The Mission: Impossible series—all of which portrayed aspects of courage, patriotism, and high-stakes action.

Cruise's Next Mission

While Cruise’s on-screen accolades continue to stack up, fans can look forward to his next adventure, Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning, set to hit theatres in May 2025.

Whether he's piloting fighter jets or pulling off impossible stunts, Cruise’s influence clearly extends beyond the big screen. With this latest recognition, he’s solidified his place as a cinematic icon and a real-life ally of the armed forces.