Tom Cruise has been recognised by the US navy for "boosting the force's recruitment of pilots" following his role as Lieutenant Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell in the first Top Gun film.
The actor who starred in the 1986 movie, as well as the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, received the Distinguished Public Service Award by US navy secretary Carlos Del Toro, at the Longcross Film Studios in Chertsey, Surrey, on Tuesday.
This award recognises civilians for acts of heroism or support the navy.
According to Mr Del Toro, Cruise's exploits "brought nostalgia to older audiences and reinvigorated the minds of newer audience members". He also added that Cruise's role in these movies has "significantly increased" the force's recruitment numbers.
Cruise was awarded this accolade for his "exceptional and wide-ranging contributions made to the department of the navy from 1986 to 2023".
"Tom Cruise has spent nearly four decades as an unwavering supporter of the men, women and families of the navy and marine corps", Del Toro told the audience at the ceremony.
"His dedicated support to our sailors, marines and civilians through his efforts in the film industry increased public awareness and appreciation for our highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform".
He added: "As a result, recruitment for navy pilots increased significantly in the late 80s and early 90s - I wonder why?".
After being presented with this award in front of Hollywood professionals and US navy staff, Tom Cruise gave this speech.
"In life, something that is very true to me is, to lead is to serve", he began.
"I know that to my core and I see that in the servicemen and women. I appreciate everyone’s dedication and it’s a true honour to represent them", the actor added: "I’m just very proud and overwhelmed".
Cruise added that he would: "continue serving the country to make this world a better place".
When asked if he would perform a stunt on set, which consisted of fake escarpments about 16 feet tall, Cruise joked: "It’s way too low for me to jump from".
Among those in attendance included director Christopher McQuarrie who worked with Cruise on the Top Gun sequel in 2022, as well as four Mission Impossible movies.
The actor's sister Cass Capazorio and Chris Diaz also attended the event. Diaz is the chief of staff to the secretary of the US navy.
Cruise also thanked everyone for turning up to the event early, so he could carry on with his busy filming schedule.
"That’s what I do - I get on the 4am train and make films all day", he said.
