‘Navy’s best recruiter’ Tom Cruise awarded top civilian honor – and not everyone is happy about it
Online critics are condemning the US Navy’s decision to award Tom Cruise the highest award a civilian can receive. Many call this feat a ‘joke’.
The movie star, 62, received the US Navy Distinguished Public Service Award from US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro.
He was credited with promoting the naval service throughout his career, most notably starring in the Top Gun film franchise.
But Cruise’s achievement, which was celebrated on Tuesday at Longcross Studios in England, caused waves of outrage among those who believe he did nothing to deserve the coveted award.
“Is this a joke?” someone posted on Facebook.
“He pretends to be in the military and gets a medal for ACTING…ridiculous…” one Redditor claimed.
“Shouldn’t this be given to someone who has shown exceptional bravery or courage, rather than giving it to an actor?” asked another.
The award Cruise received is given to individuals who have demonstrated long-term extraordinary service to the Navy, and some people said acting wasn’t enough.
Tom Cruise, 62, received the US Navy Distinguished Public Service Award on Tuesday
The U.S. Navy said Cruise’s efforts have “increased public awareness and appreciation for the Navy’s highly skilled personnel.”
One man shared on Facebook: “Even though it’s a civilian award, the guy hasn’t even won an Academy Award, which is given specifically to people from the film industry.”
Others argued that Cruise deserved this award and distracted from the achievements of those who actually served in the military.
‘What a damn joke he never made!!! Give it to someone who served and defended his country!!!! Cruise was just playing dress up, how disgusting!!!!!!!!!” one woman responded on Facebook.
A disappointed mother shared on X: ‘My son received the Meritorious Service Medal this weekend. They emailed it to him! Tom Cruise gets it offered to him by [Secretary of the Navy] personal.
“My son’s award is rare because he was an E6, and this award usually goes to senior officers. I think it’s a shame that there isn’t more recognition.’
Other commentators even went so far as to accuse Cruise of taking credit for spreading “propaganda” about the Navy through his acting.
One Redditor wrote: “So a propaganda award?”
“Tom Cruise: Propagandist Cult Prince,” another declared, pointing out that the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) worked with directors and provided resources for both Top Gun films.
The Washingtonpost reported that the popular films would most likely not have been made without the support they received from the Pentagon.
The DOD offered directors the use of planes and a naval air base for $1.8 million — an astonishing deal, considering one of those planes could have cost about $38 million, according to the Post.
Despite the harsh feedback, some fans praised Cruise and considered him a worthy recipient.
One X user wrote, “Tom Cruise has done more than you or me to make the Navy a standout choice for millions of Americans.
“He’s a damn good actor and through his roles he has put a uniformly positive spotlight on the Navy, as well as the humanized military service.”
Another supporter called Cruise “the Marine Recruiter of the Century.”
A press release of the U.S. Navy states, “His efforts in the film industry have increased public awareness and appreciation for the Navy’s highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform.
Cruise played the lead role of Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell in both Top Gun films, the first of which was released in 1986
U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro awarded Cruise the award for his promotional efforts for the Navy
“As a result, recruitment for Navy pilots soared in the late 1980s and early 1990s.”
According to the US Navy, Cruise made “a wide range of contributions” to the Navy between 1986 and 2023.
The first Top Gun movie debuted in theaters in 1986. The second film, Top Gun: Maverick, was released in 2022. Cruise played the lead role of Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell in both films.
“I am pleased to have been an inspiration to many of the sailors who serve today or have served in the past,” Cruise said.
‘The effort was not only mine, but also the cast and crew I get to work with on all our sets. They really bring the work to life.’
Cruise is not the first Hollywood celebrity to receive this military honor.
In 1999, the Distinguished Public Service Award was presented to Academy Award winners Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks for their work on the World War II epic “Saving Private Ryan.”
In fact, Tuesday’s ceremony wasn’t the first time the Navy recognized Cruise.
The ‘Mission: Impossible’ actor was awarded the honorary title of Naval Aviator by the US Navy in 2020.
He was awarded the title along with Top Gun producer Jerry Bruckheimer at a ceremony at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles.