Hollywood motion hero Tom Cruise is introduced with an award for ‘valour’ by the US Navy which is the best attainable accolade given to a civilian
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Tom Cruise has been awarded with the highest possible civilian accolade from the US Navy which is given to those who have shown ‘valour or heroism’.
The Hollywood actor, 62, was presented with the US Navy Distinguished Public Service Award by US Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro.
The prestigious ceremony took place at Long Cross Studios in Chertsey, Surrey, and Cruise posed proudly with the medal after receiving it.
The award is presented by the navy to civilians who have demonstrated extraordinary service on behalf of the Navy over a lengthy interval.
Cruise looked typically dapper in a smart tailored two-piece navy suit with a white shirt, pale blue tie and a pair of dress shoes.
The Mission Impossible actor shook hands with the US Secretary of the Navy, who was wearing a grey suit and tie in the official photos.
Tom Cruise has been awarded with the highest possible civilian accolade from the US Navy which is given to those who have shown ‘valour or heroism’
The Hollywood actor, 62, was presented with the US Navy Distinguished Public Service Award by US Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro
The prestigious ceremony took place at Long Cross Studios in Chertsey, Surrey, and Cruise posed proudly with the medal after receiving it
The civilian honour was previously bestowed to Academy Award winners Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks for their work on the World War II epic Saving Private Ryan.
In 1999 Under-Secretary of the Navy Jerry Hultin awarded them the Distinguished Public Service Award on aboard the USS Normandy at Port Everglades.
During the ceremony, which was part of Veteran Day events in the US, Spielberg and Hanks thanked the veterans for the sacrifices they made for the country.
Spielberg said: ‘God bless all the men and women, who have ever served, especially inside this century, where the price of freedom has never been higher.
Hanks added: ‘Congratulations gentlemen, proof positive is in hand. You saved the world.’
The film is set in 1944 France during World War II, following a battalion lead by Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) to find Private James Ryan, after it was learned his three brothers had been killed in action.
Saving Private Ryan is considered to be one of legendary director Spielberg’s best films, and one of the best war films ever made, nominated for 11 Oscars and winning six, including Best Director for Spielberg.
Cruise has previously also been awarded the honorary title of Naval Aviator from the United States Navy.
The award is presented by the navy to civilians who have demonstrated extraordinary service on behalf of the Navy over a lengthy interval
Cruise looked typically dapper in a smart tailored two-piece navy suit with a white shirt, pale blue tie and a pair of dress shoes
He received the award in 2020, along with Top Gun producer Jerry Bruckheimer, at a ceremony held at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles.
Cruise accepted the award via video call while Bruckheimer, who is also known for Black Hawk Down and Con Air, was on hand to receive the esteemed honour.
The Naval Air Forces explained: ‘In the history of motion pictures, there is not a more iconic aviation movie than the 1986 Paramount Pictures film Top Gun.’
‘Its characters, dialogue, and imagery are ingrained in the minds of an entire generation of Americans.
‘The movie captured the hearts of millions, making a profound positive impact on recruiting for Naval Aviation.’
Top Gun follows the adventures of Maverick as he enters the elite Fighter Weapon School at Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California.
Cruise portrayed Lt. Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell in the classic ’80s flick Top Gun
Wingman: Top Gun follows the adventures of Maverick as he enters the elite Fighter Weapon School at Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego, Caifornia
The release also explained that the 1986 movie where Tom portrays a US Navy pilot ‘significantly promoted and supported Naval Aviation and put aircraft carriers and naval aircraft into popular culture’.
Tom and Jerry have both returned to the franchise to make the sequel Top Gun: Maverick, which is slated for release in 2021.
And they’ve been hailed by the Naval Air Forces for seeking to ensure the franchise remains ‘true to the unparalleled tactical excellence of the Navy Fighter Weapons School, the ethos of Naval Aviation, and the fighting spirit of the men and women of the world’s greatest Navy.’
The Mission: Impossible actor and the 77-year-old producer are now both entitled to wear the Navy’s wings of gold and enjoy the other privileges afforded to Naval Aviators.
Previous recipients of the award include comedy legend Bob Hope.
Hope became an Honorary Naval Aviator in 1986, having made more than 50 tours for the United Service Organisations and entertained thousands of American military personnel around the world.
