Mile Lanciego
12/17/2024 at 4:33 p.m.
The star received a rare distinction in the world of cinema on December 17. Represented by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, the U.S. Navy awarded him the highest possible civilian badge in Chertsey, England.
Tom Cruise is a true hero, and not just in the movies! Iconic figure of action films like “Mission Impossible” and “Top Gun”, the Hollywood actor never lacks bravery when he is on set. A quality which was also rewarded this December 17, during a prestigious ceremony in Surrey, England. It was precisely at Long Cross Studios in Chertsey that the superstar received the highest possible civilian honour, that of public service.
This title is awarded by the Navy (Annapolis Naval Academy) to all those who have demonstrated “courage” or “heroism”. It was from Carlos Del Toro himself that Tom Cruise received his medal. The ex-husband of Katie Holmes proudly shook the hand of the Secretary of the US Navy before holding up his award with a big smile. The actor wore a tailored navy suit paired with a white shirt and pale blue tie for the occasion.
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Tom Cruise receives the U.S. Navy Public Service Award from U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toroaux at Longcross South Studios in Surrey, England, December 17, 2024.
© PA Photos/ABACA
Already in 2020, Tom Cruise was praised by the naval air forces for his performance in the “Top Gun” saga where he plays a US Navy pilot. According to the “Daily Mail,” this choice is explained by the fact that “in the history of cinema, there is no more iconic aviation film than Paramount Pictures’ Top Gun, released in 1986.” Tom Cruise has since had the right to wear the golden wings of the Navy and enjoy the privileges granted to aviators.
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Tom Cruise receives the Public Service Award from the U.S. Navy at Longcross South Studios in Surrey, England, December 17, 2024.
© Kin Cheung/AP/SIPA
Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Daniel Craig,… These actors honored for their courage
Only a few actors have ever received a similar award. Daniel Craig was appointed honorary commander of the Royal Navy in 2021. A rank identical to that of his character, James Bond.
Aboard the USS Normandy, Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks receive the Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest honor a civilian can receive from the United States Navy, on November 11, 1999.
© U.S. Navy/Getty Images
A quarter of a century earlier, Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks were recognized for their performances in “Saving Private Ryan”. The 77-year-old director and now 68-year-old actor received the Distinguished Public Service Award from Jerry Hultin, the Undersecretary of the Navy at the time. An event which took place aboard the legendary USS Normandy at Port Everglades.
