Online critics are slamming the US Navy’s decision to award Tom Cruise with the highest honor a civilian can receive, with many calling the achievement 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, specifically by starring in the Top Gun film franchise.
But Cruise’s achievement, celebrated Tuesday at Longcross Studios in England, sparked waves of outrage among those who believe he did nothing to earn 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 stated.
‘Shouldn’t I give it to someone who has shown exceptional bravery or courage instead of giving it to an actor?’ asked another.
The award Cruise received is given to people who have long demonstrated extraordinary service on behalf of the Navy, and some people said acting wasn’t enough.
Tom Cruise, 62, received the U.S. Navy’s 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.”
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 those in the film industry.”
Others claimed that Cruise winning this award diverted attention from the achievements of those who actually served in the military.
What a damn joke never worked!!! Give it to someone who served and defended their country! Cruise was just playing dress up, yuck!!!!!!!!!!!!’ one woman reacted on Facebook.
One disappointed mother shared on X: ‘My son received the Meritorious Service Medal this weekend. They sent it to you in the mail! Tom Cruise introduces him (the Secretary of the Navy) in person.
‘My son’s award is unusual because he was an E6, and this award is usually given to high-ranking officers. “It saddens me that there isn’t more recognition.”
Other commentators went so far as to accuse Cruise of earning honor by spreading “propaganda” about the Navy through his performance.
One Redditor wrote: ‘So a propaganda award?’
‘Tom Cruise: Prince of Cult Propagandist,’ declared another, pointing to the fact that the US Department of Defense (DOD) worked with directors and provided resources for both Top Gun films.
He Washington Post reported that the popular films probably would not have been made without the support they received from the Pentagon.
The Defense Department offered the directors the use of planes and a naval air station for $1.8 million, a surprising deal considering one of those planes could have cost about $38 million, according to the Post.
Despite the harsh comments, 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 top choice for millions of Americans.
“He is an excellent actor and through his roles he has highlighted the Navy, in a uniformly positive way, and also the humanized military service.”
Another supporter called Cruise “the naval recruiter of the century.”
TO Press release of the US Navy states: ‘His efforts in the film industry have increased public awareness and appreciation for highly trained Navy 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 presented Cruise with the award for his Navy advocacy efforts.
“As a result, Navy pilot recruitment increased in the late 1980s and early 1990s.”
Cruise made “a wide range of contributions” to the Navy between 1986 and 2023, according to the US Navy.
The first Top Gun film 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 happy to 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 part, but also the cast and crew I work with on all of our sets. They are the ones who really give life to the work.”
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 received the honorary title of Naval Aviator from the United States Navy in 2020.
He was awarded the title alongside Top Gun producer Jerry Bruckheimer at a ceremony at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles.