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.
![[The US Navy said Cruise's efforts have 'increased public awareness and appreciation for the Navy’s highly trained personnel']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/19/93286351-14206861-image-a-82_1734551421850.jpg)
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'. 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.'.
