Tom Cruise’s work on the big screen got him recognized by the U.S. military.

Famous Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, the U.S. Navy’s 36th Honorary Naval Aviator and staunch advocate for the U.S. Navy, was awarded the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service (DPS) Award for his dedication to the Navy.

Awarded by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, the DPS Award is the highest honor the Secretary can bestow on a civilian outside the Department of the Navy.

SECNAV del Toro presented the medal to Cruise, who said he was proud of the “extraordinary acknowledgment.”

“It was an honor to present Tom Cruise with a Defense Public Service award for his decades of naval advocacy through many movies,” said Secretary Carlos Del Toro. “His work has inspired generations to serve in our Navy and Marine Corps.”

Cruise’s contributions to the Marine Corps and the Navy for his roles in films include the “Top Gun” series and “A Few Good Men.” His dedicated efforts in the film industry have significantly increased public awareness and appreciation for Navy personnel and their sacrifices. As a result, recruitment for Navy pilots surged in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

“I’m happy I have been able to be a source of inspiration to many of the sailors who serve today or have served in the past,” said Cruise. “The effort was not just on my end, but the cast and crew I get to work with on all our sets. They are what really bring the work to life.”

Cruise’s movies have increased public awareness and appreciation for the Navy’s highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform. Cruise starred as the pilot Maverick in ‘Top Gun,’ a movie about Cold War flying aces, and it was so influential that the Navy even set up recruitment tables in theaters.

His most recent Navy-themed movie, ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ brought nostalgia to older audiences and reinvigorated younger viewers’ interest in the skill sets and opportunities the Navy provides. The success of this portrayal led to Cruise being named the U.S. Navy’s 36th Honorary Naval Aviator.

He was also recognized for his outstanding contributions to the Navy and Marine Corps. Cruise has made a wide range of contributions to the Department of the Navy from 1986 to 2023, spending nearly four decades as an unwavering supporter of the men, women, and families of the Navy and Marine Corps.

The prestigious civilian honor was previously awarded to Academy Award winners Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks for their work in the World War II movie ‘Saving Private Ryan.’