Nearly 40 years after he first starred as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the film “Top Gun,” the U.S. Navy awarded actor Tom Cruise with its top civilian honor on Tuesday. U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro presented the Distinguished Public Service Award to Cruise during a ceremony in London for his contributions to the Navy and the Marine Corps.
“I admire all of the servicemen and women,” Cruise said during the ceremony.
He continued, “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. And I see that in the servicemen and women. I see that in you, and you understand that. I appreciate everyone’s dedication. It’s a true honor to represent them. I’m just very proud.”
The Navy said the 62-year-old actor’s efforts in the film industry have increased public awareness and appreciation for its “highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform.”
As for what’s next for Cruise, his film “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” is set to be released in theaters in May.
