KUALA LUMPUR: Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise, best known for his iconic role in Top Gun, has received the US Navy's highest civilian honour, the Distinguished Public Service Award.
According to AP, the award was presented by US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro on Tuesday during a ceremony at Longcross Studios near London, where Cruise has been working.
The 62-year-old actor was recognised for his "outstanding contributions to the Navy and the Marine Corps" through his work in films like Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick.
"I admire all servicemen and women," Cruise said.
"To lead is to serve, and I know that to my core."
The Navy highlighted Cruise's role in increasing public appreciation for its personnel and their sacrifices.
The 1986 release of Top Gun, a blockbuster centred on Cold War fighter pilots, not only cemented Cruise's stardom but also spurred a surge in military enlistment, with recruitment tables set up at cinemas across the US.
The success of the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, renewed interest in naval aviation. According to the Navy, the film "brought nostalgia to older audiences and inspired younger viewers to consider the skills and opportunities offered by the Navy."
In addition to Top Gun, Cruise was commended for his performances in Born on the Fourth of July, A Few Good Men, and the Mission: Impossible franchise, which showcase themes of service and dedication.
Cruise's next project, Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning, is set to hit cinemas in May 2025.