CNN
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After years of playing military heroes on screen, Tom Cruise is now one in real life.
‘Top Gun’ star received Department of the Navy’s Distinguished Public Service (DPS) Award at ceremony ceremony in London on Tuesday, which recognized Cruise’s contribution and dedication to the U.S. Navy through his film work.
According to a press release, the award is the highest Navy honor that an individual outside the Department of the Navy can receive. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro presented Cruise with the award, saying in a statement that “his work has inspired generations to serve in our Navy and Marine Corps.”
Cruise’s efforts in the film industry have “increased public awareness and appreciation for the Navy’s highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while wearing the uniform,” the release said.
“I am pleased that I have been able to be an inspiration to many Sailors who are serving today or have served in the past,” Cruise said in a statement. “The effort was not just on my part, but also the cast and crew I work with on all our sets. They are the ones who really bring the work to life.
Cruise is known for starring in the 1986 classic “Top Gun,” in which he played a naval fighter pilot, and the 2022 sequel “Top Gun: Maverick,” which grossed more than $1 billion worldwide. box office.
The Navy said in the news release that Cruise’s work on the original “Top Gun” film sparked a surge in Navy pilot recruitment at the time.
The film’s producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Cruise were appointed Honorary Naval Aviators by the department in 2020.