Mission: Impossible Star Joins Elite List of Aeronautical Pioneers
Tom Cruise has achieved another major milestone, receiving a prestigious aviation award recognising his contributions to the field.
The Mission: Impossible actor was honoured by Aero-Club de France, the world’s first aeronautical institution, with the Grand Médaille for his “significant contribution to the history of aviation and inspiring future pilots.”
This recognition follows his Distinguished Public Service Award from the US Navy in December, which was presented by Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro in appreciation of his portrayal of ‘Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell’ in Top Gun. The award is the highest civilian honour given for acts of heroism and support for the Navy.
Earlier today, the 62-year-old attended the award ceremony, where Aero-Club de France shared images of him receiving the accolade in an elegant suit.
The Grand Médaille has previously been awarded to aviation legends such as Charles Lindbergh, the Wright Brothers, and Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. With this honour, Cruise joins an exclusive list of aerospace pioneers, further cementing his influence beyond Hollywood.
