Tom Cruise Gets U.S. Navy Honor Due to 'Top Gun'

Image from Variety

• Cruise awarded Navy's Distinguished Public Service Award, the military branch's highest civilian honor, for his on-screen portrayal of Navy aviators in the 'Top Gun' franchise.
• The award recognizes Cruise's 'outstanding contributions to the Navy and the Marine Corps' through his iconic performance as the cocky yet skilled pilot Maverick, which helped boost recruitment and boost the Navy's public image.