Tom Cruise was awarded the U.S. Navy’s highest civilian award for “outstanding service” to the military for his film roles.

Cruise’s starring role in the 1986 hit “Top Gun” brought him fame, and the film’s record-breaking success boosted military enlistment.

The Distinguished Public Service Award was presented to Cruise at a ceremony at Longcross Film Studios in Chertsey, Surrey, on Tuesday.

The 62-year-old star thanked her for the “extraordinary recognition.”

“I admire all servicemen and women,” Cruise said, standing next to U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, who presented him with a certificate and a medal.

“I know that in life, for me, leading is synonymous with serving. And I know that deep down. And I see that in the servicemen and women.”

The Navy thanked the action hero, who it said had “increased public awareness and appreciation for our well-trained personnel and the sacrifices they make in uniform.”

Cruise starred as pilot Maverick in “Top Gun,” a film about Cold War flying aces, and was so influential that the Navy even set up recruiting tables in movie theaters.

The Oscar-nominated star reprized his role as Lieutenant Pete Mitchell in the 2022 sequel “Top Gun: Maverick,” which the Navy said “revitalized” military interest among younger audiences.

On Tuesday, Del Toro said, “Tom Cruise was a steadfast supporter of the men, women and families of the Navy and Marine Corps for nearly four decades.”

Cruise was also celebrated for his roles in the action hits “Born on the Fourth of July,” “A Few Good Men,” and the series “Mission: Impossible.”

Cruise was in Chertsey, Surrey, while working on his next film, Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning, which is due to be released in cinemas in May 2025.

The prestigious civilian award was previously given to Oscar winners Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks for their work in the World War II film Saving Private Ryan.