Navy Distinguished Public Service Award

Last updated
Navy Distinguished Public Service Award
US Navy Distinguished Public Service Medal.jpg
Medal of the award
Awarded forSpecific courageous or heroic acts or exceptionally outstanding service of substantial and long-term benefit to the Navy, Marine Corps, or Department of the Navy as a whole.
CountryFlag of the United States (23px).png  United States
Presented by Secretary of the Navy
EligibilityPrivate citizens not employed by the Department of the Navy
StatusActive
US Navy Distinguished Public Service Award Ribbon-vector.svg
Ribbon bar of the award
Precedence
Next (higher) Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award
Next (lower) Navy Superior Public Service Award

The Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, established in 1951, is an award presented by the U.S. Secretary of the Navy to civilians for specific courageous or heroic acts or exceptionally outstanding service of substantial and long-term benefit to the Navy, Marine Corps, or Department of the Navy as a whole. Originally a certificate with a lapel pin, the medal was first presented in July 1951. [1] It is the highest recognition that the Secretary of the Navy may pay to a civilian not employed by the Department of the Navy. [2]

Contents

Since 1951, the prestigious medal has been awarded to only 28 recipients including Tom Cruise, George Halas, Tom Hanks, Nancy Pelosi, Joseph Rosenthal, and Steven Spielberg. [3]

Design

The medal, designed by the United States Mint, is gold in color. The obverse has the Seal of the Navy Department, encircled by the inscription above "Department of the Navy" and below, "United States of America." The reverse has the words "Awarded to" with a blank tablet for inscription of the recipient's name, resting on a spray of laurel. Arched at the top rim of the reverse of the medal is the word "Distinguished." Horizontally, below the tablet, is the word "Public" and arched along the bottom rim is the word "Service." The medal is suspended by a ribbon using the colors of the United States Navy, half blue on the left, and half golden-yellow on the right. In addition to the medal it consists of a miniature medal, lapel bar, rosette, and a certificate signed by the Secretary of the Navy.

Notable recipients

Notable recipients include Joe Rosenthal, Pulitzer Prize winning photographer, known for the iconic photo, Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima . [4]

SECNAV Gives Distinguished Public Service Award to Mr. Tom Cruise 1000w q95.jpg-3.webp
SECNAV Gives Distinguished Public Service Award to Mr. Tom Cruise
Chris Jackson, a network cameraman, and Marines from Multi-National Force and Corps-Iraq pose for a group picture at an awards ceremony Jan. 24 090127-A-4325P-002.webp
Chris Jackson, a network cameraman, and Marines from Multi-National Force and Corps-Iraq pose for a group picture at an awards ceremony Jan. 24
Hanks and Spielberg were aboard the USS Normandy to receive the Distinguished Public Service Award from the U.S. Navy during a Veteran's Day celebration. Hanks and Spielberg were aboard the Normandy to receive the Distinguished Public Service Award from the U.S. Navy during a VeteranA*s Day celebration.png
Hanks and Spielberg were aboard the USS Normandy to receive the Distinguished Public Service Award from the U.S. Navy during a Veteran's Day celebration.

Actor Tom Cruise received the award in 2024. Cruise was honored for “outstanding contributions to the Navy and the Marine Corps” with Top Gun and other films. [5] [6] [7] Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro presented the 62-year-old actor at Longcross Studios near London. [8] [9] “Tom Cruise has spent nearly four decades as an unwavering supporter of the men, women and families of the Navy and Marine Corps,” Del Toro said. Two of the movie star’s biggest hits, “Top Gun” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” celebrate the world of naval aviators. When he received the honor, Cruise said he was proud of the “extraordinary acknowledgment.” [10] [11] [12]

For their work on their film Saving Private Ryan, the actor Tom Hanks and director Steve Spielberg received the US Navy Distinguished Public Service award in 1999. The award was presented on Veterans Day to honor the film's positive portrayal of U.S. service members. The Navy invited Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks aboard the USS Normandy at Port Everglades, south of Fort Lauderdale, Florida to bestow its highest civilian honor for their work. [13] . Under-Secretary of the Navy Jerry Hultin said Spielberg and Hanks had "dramatically increased the American public's awareness and appreciation of the sacrifices made by US veterans during the battle of Normandy". During the ceremony, which was part of Veteran Day events in the US, Spielberg and Hanks thanked the veterans for the sacrifices they made for the country. [14] [15]

Cameraman Christopher Jackson received the award for rescuing Marine Corps Sgt Courtney Rauch from a burning Humvee in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan in August 2008. [16] [17] While filming for LtCol (Ret) Oliver North’s show on the Fox News Channel, the Humvee in which Jackson and Rauch were riding was struck by an IED, knocking Sgt Rauch unconscious. Although injured [18] in the blast, Jackson pulled Rauch from the vehicle to safety. MajGen Paul Lefebvre presented Jackson with the award January 24, 2009, at Al Faw Palace in Baghdad, Iraq. [19] [20] [21]

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi was bestowed the Distinguished Public Service Award by U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus at a ceremony in the Capitol in 2013. “The courage of our men and women in uniform is what makes our democracy possible, and the Distinguished Public Service Award is truly a tribute to the work of Congress to honor the service and sacrifice of our Navy and all of our service members,” Pelosi said. “This award will hold a place of pride and prominence in my heart, and it will inspire me to always stand with Secretary Mabus, our officers, our sailors and Marines to ensure the security of our country and the strength of our military.” [22]

Sybil Stockdale, wife of the late Vice Admiral James Stockdale, was honored with the award for her work to publicize the mistreatment of POWs and campaign for their families during the Vietnam War. She co-founded the National League of Families. She is the only wife of an active-duty officer ever to have received this award. [23]

Democratic Leader Pelosi Receives U.S. Navy Distinguished Public Service Award (8661716622) Democratic Leader Pelosi Receives U.S. Navy Distinguished Public Service Award (8661716622).jpg
Democratic Leader Pelosi Receives U.S. Navy Distinguished Public Service Award (8661716622)
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus presents the Navy Distinguished Public Service Medal to U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal Navy Distinguished Public Service Medal Awardee Richard Blumenthal.jpg
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus presents the Navy Distinguished Public Service Medal to U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal

The late former Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa) received the award in 2009 for his “courageous leadership, vision, and loyalty to the men and women of the Department of the Navy." At the time of his award Murtha was the influential chairman of the House Appropriations Committee’s Defense Subcommittee. [24]

Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) received the award in 2013. Frelinghuysen, also a sitting member of the Defense Subcommittee, was recognized for his "long and selfless service to the nation’s sailors and Marines [that] ensured they were provided the resources necessary to support and defend the nation’s interests around the globe." [24]

Capt. John “GiddyUp” Bunch received the award in 2018. [25] [26] Bunch was honored for his timeless devotion and support of US Navy & US Marines returning from combat from 2005 onwards. 3,993 US Troops have received free R&R’s, 103 free weddings, Same Day PTSD Counseling, and direct assistance with The Fallen. Bunch was also awarded The Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. Total benefits exceed 18.3 Million Dollars. Bunch, a US Marine Officer served from 1969-1976.

Acclaimed ocean explorer and founder of Lost 52 Project, Tim Taylor was bestowed the Distinguished Public Service Award by U.S. Secretary of the Navy in 2021. The medal was awarded in a private ceremony at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy in Washington DC. Mr. Taylor and his "Lost 52 Project" have discovered and documented seven WWII Submarines and the final resting place of 288 servicemen. [27]

Chicago Bears owner George Halas was given the award in 1956. [28] [29] Halas served as an ensign in the United States Navy during World War I. Halas entered the United States Navy again after the advent of World War II in 1942, with the rank of lieutenant commander. He served overseas for 20 months under the command of Admiral Chester Nimitz. His duties were supporting the welfare and recreational activities of the Seventh Fleet.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Kerrigan, Evans E. (1971). American War Medals and Decorations . Viking Press. pp.  123–124. ISBN   9780670121014.
  2. ↑ Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Civilian Human Resources) (September 2005). "Guide No. 451-02 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY (DON) HUMAN RESOURCES IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE". Archived from the original (.DOC) on 2012-09-26. Retrieved 2011-03-08.
  3. ↑ cconnolly@chespub.com, CONNIE CONNOLLY (2018-03-19). "'Capt. Giddyup' wins Navy medal". The Star Democrat. Retrieved 2025-10-23.
  4. ↑ Odom, Sgt. Christine C. (September 17, 2006). "Marine Corps awards Joe Rosenthal Distinguished Public Service Medal". Marine Corps News. United States Marine Corps. Archived from the original on January 17, 2009. Retrieved January 23, 2009.
  5. ↑ "Tom Cruise gets a top U.S Navy honor for boosting the military with his screen roles". The Associated Press. 17 December 2024. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  6. ↑ "Tom Cruise honoured with US Navy's highest civilian award". www.bbc.com. 2024-12-17. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  7. ↑ Rosenbloom, Alli (2024-12-17). "'Top Gun' star Tom Cruise becomes a military hero in real life". CNN. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  8. ↑ "SECNAV Del Toro presents Tom Cruise with the Distinguished Public Service Award". United States Navy. Archived from the original on 2025-08-01. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  9. ↑ "Tom Cruise Is Awarded the U.S. Navy's Highest Civilian Honor: 'To Lead Is to Serve'". People.com. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  10. ↑ "Tom Cruise awarded highest Navy honor for a civilian". KTLA. Archived from the original on 2024-12-31. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  11. ↑ Tapp, Tom (2024-12-17). "Tom Cruise Awarded U.S. Navy's Top Civilian Honor". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  12. ↑ Press, The Associated (2024-12-17). "Tom Cruise awarded top Navy honor for military movie roles". Navy Times. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  13. ↑ "Navy Honors Spielberg, Hanks - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. 1999-11-11. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  14. ↑ "BBC News | Entertainment | Spielberg and Hanks honoured". news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  15. ↑ "Spielberg, Hanks receive Navy honor". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  16. ↑ Carter, Tristan (5 March 2009). "Local Hero Commended by US Navy". The Toronto Observer. Retrieved 2011-03-08.
  17. ↑ •. "Navy cites civilian cameraman for bravery". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 2025-10-22.{{cite web}}: |last= has numeric name (help)
  18. ↑ "FNC Cameraman Injured in Afghanistan". 2008-08-04. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  19. ↑ Graulich, Heather. "Injured Cameraman Receives Navy's Distinguished Public Service Award". National Press Photographers Association. Retrieved on March 30, 2009.
  20. ↑ Multi-National Corps – Iraq (2009-01-27). Civilian journalist receives Navy’s second highest honor. Press release. Retrieved on March 30, 2009.
  21. ↑ "Civilian journalist receives Navy's second highest honor". DVIDS. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  22. ↑ "Pelosi Receives U.S. Navy Distinguished Public Service Award | Representative Nancy Pelosi". pelosi.house.gov. 2013-04-18. Retrieved 2025-10-23.
  23. ↑ "An Indomitable Spirit", James Stockdale Biography, Museum of Living History, Academy of Achievement, Washington D.C., "James Stockdale Biography -- Academy of Achievement". Archived from the original on 2011-05-11. Retrieved 2011-04-13.
  24. 1 2 Garber, Phil (June 21, 2013). "Navy's highest civilian honor goes to Frelinghuysen" . Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  25. ↑ "Operation Open Arms founder receives Navy Distinguished Public Service Medal". FORT MYERS - Beach Observer and Beach Bulletin. Retrieved 2025-10-23.
  26. ↑ cconnolly@chespub.com, CONNIE CONNOLLY (2018-03-19). "'Capt. Giddyup' wins Navy medal". The Star Democrat. Retrieved 2025-10-23.
  27. ↑ Project, Lost 52. "Ocean Explorer Awarded US Navy's Highest Civilian Medal". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2025-10-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  28. ↑ "The Story of "Papa Bear" George Halas". University of Illinois Athletics. 2020-02-02. Retrieved 2025-10-23.
  29. ↑ Sr, Victor Roman (2017-01-07). "George Halas (True) Rookie Cards". True Rookie Cards. Retrieved 2025-10-23.
  30. ↑ picture @ alamy.com
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