Tom Cruise received the US Navy’s highest civilian honor, the Distinguished Public Service Award, for his “outstanding contribution” to the promotion of the Navy and Marine Corps through his performances in iconic films such as ‘Top Gun,’ ‘Born on the Fourth of July’, ‘A Few Good Men’ and ‘Top Gun: Maverick’.

The top honor was presented to the Hollywood star by US Shipping Secretary Carlos del Toro during a special ceremony at Longcross Film Studios in Chertsey, Surrey.

In a statement, the Navy emphasized that Cruz, “raised public awareness and appreciation for our highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make.”

After the award the famous actor said he was proud to receive the “excellent recognition”, which comes with a medal and a certificate, according to the BBC.

“I admire the women and men of the armed forces”he said characteristically. “I know that in life, which is very important to me, to be a leader is to serve. And I know this to my core. And I also see it in those who serve.”

“Top Gun”the 1986 hit film about Cold War flying aces, launched Cruise’s career and led to a rise in the ranks in the military. The Navy even set up recruiting tables in movie theaters.

Interest was renewed in 2022 with the sequel “Top Gun: Maverick”in which the actor’s character mentored a new generation of elite airmen. The star is in Chertsey, Surrey as he prepares his next film, ‘Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning’ which is expected to open in theaters in May 2025.

The same distinction has been received in the past by the Oscar winners Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks through the war drama “Saving Private Ryan” of 1998.