The world’s most famous fictional Top Gun is now a decorated naval hero.
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Tom Cruise was awarded the US Navy’s top civilian honour on Tuesday for “outstanding contributions to the navy and the Marine Corps” with Top Gun and other films.
Cruise, who has been working in the UK, was given the Distinguished Public Service Award by US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro in a ceremony at Longcross Studios near London.
The 62-year-old actor said he was proud to receive the “extraordinary acknowledgement,” which came with a medal and a certificate.
“I admire all of the servicemen and women,” Cruise said. “I know in life, something that is very true to me, is that is to lead is to serve. And I know that to my core. And I see that in the servicemen and women.”
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The navy said Cruise had “increased public awareness and appreciation for our highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform”.