‘Navy’s best recruiter’ Tom Cruise awarded top civilian honor – and not everyone is happy about it

‘Navy’s best recruiter’ Tom Cruise awarded top civilian honor – and not everyone is happy about it

Online critics are slamming the US Navy’s decision to award Tom Cruise the highest honor a civilian can receive – with many calling the achievement a ‘joke.’

The movie star, 62, was given the US Navy Distinguished Public Service Award by US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. 

He was credited with promoting Naval service throughout his career, specifically by starring in the Top Gun movie franchise. 

But Cruise’s accomplishment, celebrated at Longcross Studios in England on Tuesday, sparked waves of outrage from those who believe he did nothing to earn the coveted accolade. 

‘Is this a joke?’ someone posted on Facebook.  

‘He PRETENDS to be in the military and gets a medal for ACTING…ridiculous…’ one Redditor asserted.

‘Shouldn’t this be given to someone who has shown exceptional bravery or courage rather than giving it to an actor?’ another asked. 

The award Cruise received is given to individuals who have demonstrated long-time extraordinary service on behalf of the Navy, and some people said that acting was not enough.

Tom Cruise, 62, was given the US Navy Distinguished Public Service Award on Tuesday 

The US Navy said Cruise's efforts have 'increased public awareness and appreciation for the Navy¿s highly trained personnel'

The US Navy said Cruise’s efforts have ‘increased public awareness and appreciation for the Navy’s highly trained personnel’

One man shared on Facebook: ‘Even though it’s a civilian award, the guy hasn’t even won an Academy Award, which is specifically awarded to those in the movie industry.’ 

Others claimed Cruise earning this award took attention away from the accomplishments of those actually serving in the military. 

‘What a frigging joke he never served!!! Give it to someone who served and defended his country!!!! Cruise was just playing dress up, how disgusting!!!!!!!!!!’ a woman reacted on Facebook. 

A disappointed mother shared on X: ‘My son was awarded the meritorious service medal this weekend. They mailed it to him! Tom Cruise gets it presented to him by [Secretary of the Navy] in person. 

‘My son’s award is rare because he was an E6, which this award usually goes to high ranking officers. I’m sad there isn’t more recognition.’

Other commenters went as far as to accuse Cruise of earning the honor for spreading ‘propaganda’ about the Navy through his acting. 

A Redditor wrote: ‘So a propaganda award?’

‘Tom Cruise: Propagandist Cult Prince,’ another declared, pointing to the fact that the US Department of Defense (DOD) worked with directors and provided resources for both Top Gun films.

The Washington Post reported that the popular films most likely would not have been made without the support they received from the Pentagon. 

The DOD offered directors the use of aircrafts and a naval air station for $1.8 million – an astounding deal considering one of those aircrafts could have cost about $38 million, according to the Post. 

Despite the harsh feedback, some fans praised Cruise and deemed him a worthy recipient. 

One X user wrote: ‘Tom Cruise has done more than you, or I, to make the Navy a conspicuous choice for millions of Americans. 

‘He’s a damn good actor and through his roles he’s highlighted the Navy, in a uniformly positive way, and humanized military service as well.’

Another supporter called Cruise ‘the Navy Recruiter of the Century.’

A press release from the US 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 leading role Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell in both Top Gun movies, the first of which came out in 1986

Cruise played leading role Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell in both Top Gun movies, the first of which came out in 1986

US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro granted Cruise the award for his promotional efforts for the Navy

US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro granted Cruise the award for his promotional efforts for the Navy  

‘As a result, recruitment for Navy pilots surged in the late 1980s and early 1990s.’ 

Cruise made ‘a wide range of contributions’ to the Navy between 1986 to 2023, according to the US Navy. 

The first Top Gun film debuted in theaters in 1986. The second movie, Top Gun: Maverick, came out in 2022. Cruise played leading role Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell in both movies. 

‘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,’ Cruise said.

‘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 is not the first Hollywood celebrity to be granted this military honor.  

In 1999, the Distinguished Public Service Award was given 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 was not the first time the Navy has recognized Cruise.

The ‘Mission: Impossible’ actor was awarded the honorary title of Naval Aviator from the US Navy in 2020.

He was granted the title alongside Top Gun producer Jerry Bruckheimer, at a ceremony held at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles.

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