Tom Cruise Presented With Navy’s Highest Civilian Honor

On December 17th, 2024, in a ceremony held at Longcross Studios near London, Tom Cruise, the iconic actor renowned for his portrayal of naval aviator Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the Top Gun franchise, was awarded the United States Navy’s highest civilian honor—the Distinguished Public Service Award. This accolade, presented by U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, recognizes Cruise’s exceptional contributions to the Navy and Marine Corps through his cinematic endeavors.

About the Distinguished Public Service Award

The Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service is the highest civilian award presented by the U.S. Secretary of Defense. Created in 1947, it honors individuals who provide exceptionally distinguished service that greatly benefits the Department of Defense (DoD) or its branches. This prestigious recognition highlights the vital role civilians play in supporting military and defense operations.

The award is open to a wide range of people, including non-career federal employees, private citizens, and even foreign nationals. To qualify, nominees must have made a significant impact on the DoD, often through close collaboration with senior government officials like the Secretary of Defense or the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Their contributions must be so extraordinary that recognizing them with a lower-level award would not suffice.

Recipients of this honor receive an impressive set of items: a gold medal, a miniature version of the medal, a rosette, and a personalized citation signed by the Secretary of Defense. The medal’s design includes an eagle clutching arrows, surrounded by symbols representing the Department of Defense.

Individuals can earn this award more than once. Subsequent recognitions are marked with bronze, silver, or gold palm decorations to signify repeated exceptional service. This unique feature underscores the ongoing value that some individuals bring to national defense efforts.

Over the years, this medal has been awarded to many distinguished figures from diverse backgrounds, including politicians, public servants, and private citizens. It underscores the critical contributions civilians make to national security, defense policy, and the effectiveness of the military, reflecting a deep commitment to patriotism and public responsibility.

Cruise’s Relationship with the Navy

Tom Cruise has built a strong and lasting relationship with the U.S. Navy over the years, largely through his roles in military-themed films. This connection has proven mutually beneficial. Cruise’s performances have significantly boosted military recruitment, while the Navy has formally recognized his contributions to their mission and public image.

In addition to his most recent award, in 2020, Cruise was named the Navy’s 36th Honorary Naval Aviator, an accolade he shares with producer Jerry Bruckheimer. This title recognizes his impactful portrayal of naval aviation in the Top Gun films.

Cruise’s work has had a significant effect on Navy recruitment and interest in naval aviation in general. The release of the original Top Gun in 1986 led to a dramatic increase in applications to the Navy, particularly for aviation roles, with over 100,000 new applicants. The 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, brought a new wave of interest in naval aviation careers, particularly among younger audiences, demonstrating the enduring influence of the franchise.

Cruise and the Navy have continued to collaborate on film projects. In 2023, the Navy granted permission to film scenes aboard an aircraft carrier for the eighth Mission Impossible movie. This collaboration reflects the Navy’s appreciation for Cruise’s role in raising public awareness of the sacrifices and dedication of service members.

Throughout his career, Cruise has expressed deep respect for the armed forces, emphasizing that his work is meant to inspire future generations to consider careers in military service. His ongoing relationship with the Navy highlights how popular culture can positively impact public perception of the military and bolster recruitment efforts.

The Impact of Top Gun: Maverick

Top Gun: Maverick became a global phenomenon, grossing $1.4 billion worldwide and surpassing major Marvel films to claim the #5 spot on all-time domestic box office charts. The film’s success was especially remarkable, as it thrived in a post-COVID theatrical landscape where box office numbers had been struggling to rebound.

The movie sparked a significant renewed interest in naval aviation, even though precise recruitment statistics were hard to track due to the pandemic. Recruiters set up booths in theater lobbies to engage with potential candidates, and military recruitment ads surged across digital platforms. The Navy also began offering generous enlistment bonuses, such as $25,000, to attract new recruits.

Top Gun: Maverick stood out in the cinematic world by featuring real people in real planes, steering away from the digital-heavy blockbusters that dominate Hollywood. Its ability to evoke nostalgia and patriotic sentiment made it a cultural milestone, earning it a spot as a box office champion.

While the film’s impact on recruitment may not match the original Top Gun—which reportedly sparked a 500% increase in Navy enlistment—it undeniably rekindled public fascination with naval aviation and military service. Industry experts suggested the movie’s unique combination of factors created a legacy that would be difficult for other studios to replicate. 

Will there be a third movie in the Top Gun series? Time will tell, but I’d say go out on top and stop at two. Or, wait a second, maybe someone could write a script where there was a son born from “Charlie” and Maverick’s relationship in the first film. Maverick doesn’t know about him but he, surprise of surprises, grows up to be a naval aviator and finally meets his wise father for some sage fighter pilot advice. Let me get started on that.

Military Themes in Cruise’s Filmography

Beyond the Top Gun series, Cruise’s filmography includes roles that have brought attention to various aspects of the military. His portrayal of Ron Kovic in Born on the Fourth of July (1989) earned him a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination, shedding light on the harrowing experiences of Vietnam War veterans. In A Few Good Men (1992), Cruise played a Navy lawyer, further cementing his association with military-themed narratives.

Remarks from the Ceremony

During the recent award ceremony, Secretary Del Toro praised Cruise’s dedication to authenticity in his portrayals, stating:

“His work has inspired generations to serve in our Navy and Marine Corps.”

Cruise, in his acceptance speech, expressed his admiration for servicemen and women, emphasizing the importance of leadership and service. He remarked:

“I know in life, something that is very true to me, is that to lead is to serve. And I know that to my core.”

Hollywood and the Armed Forces

Hollywood and the U.S. military have shared a mutually beneficial relationship for over a century, adapting to changing societal attitudes and military needs. This partnership began as early as 1910-1911, with the military supporting films about World War I and air shows. The collaboration was cemented in 1927 with the film Wings, which featured extensive military involvement and won the first Oscar for Best Picture. This set a precedent for future collaborations, showcasing the potential of Hollywood to boost public support for the armed forces.

For the military, Hollywood serves as a powerful recruitment and public relations tool. Films like Top Gun (1986) led to dramatic increases in Navy applications. Additionally, Hollywood productions have helped rehabilitate the military’s image, especially after the Vietnam War, and increased public appreciation for the sacrifices of service members. For filmmakers, the military provides valuable resources, such as access to aircraft, ships, and bases, which add authenticity and reduce production costs. Military advisors also ensure that portrayals of service members and operations are realistic. Of course this happens to varying degrees and every Army guy I know loves to beat up on “The Hurt Locker”. I’ll leave that discussion for another day. 

The Pentagon’s liaison office in Los Angeles plays a key role in this collaboration by coordinating with filmmakers. This includes reviewing scripts to ensure the military is portrayed favorably and selecting projects that align with recruitment goals. While support is highly sought after, the military is selective—rejecting approximately 95% of assistance requests from filmmakers. Productions like the Top Gun franchise and some Marvel Cinematic Universe films, including Iron Man and Captain Marvel, have successfully passed the rigorous approval process, benefiting both Hollywood and military recruitment efforts.

Over time, this relationship has evolved from the ideological alignment of World War II to a more transactional partnership. As recruitment numbers decline, the military increasingly relies on Hollywood collaborations to reach younger audiences and inspire interest in service. While the dynamics may have changed, the Hollywood-military connection remains a powerful tool for shaping public perception of the armed forces and supporting recruitment while giving filmmakers the resources to create authentic and visually striking military-themed entertainment.

An Enduring Legacy

As Cruise continues his extraordinarily successful career, his contributions to the portrayal of military service in cinema remain influential. His upcoming projects, including the next installment in the Mission: Impossible series, are highly anticipated by audiences worldwide. However, it is his enduring association with the Top Gun franchise that has solidified his legacy within the U.S. Navy, making this recent honor a testament to the lasting impact of his work.

Take Away Message

Tom Cruise’s receipt of the Distinguished Public Service Award is a recognition of his exceptional contributions to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps through his cinematic portrayals. His commitment to authenticity and his ability to inspire through film has left an indelible mark on the military community and the public at large.