Under-Secretary of the Navy Jerry Hultin awarded the movie's leading man and director the Distinguished Public Service Award on aboard the USS Normandy at Port Everglades, south of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Oscar winner: World War II epic Saving Private Ryan

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.

"God bless all the men and women, who have ever served, especially inside this century, where the price of freedom has never been higher," said Spielberg.

"Congratulations gentlemen, proof positive is in hand. You saved the world," said Hanks, who has become involved in a campaign to fund a permanent US national memorial to World War II.

Spielberg and Hanks met centenarian Winifred Lancy

After the ceremony, Spielberg and Hanks met with 100-year-old Winifred Lancy, a World War II "Gold Star Mother", whose son Norman was killed on 4 August 1944, aged 20.

Saving Private Ryan, which won five Oscars including Spielberg's second for best director, told the story of a battle-weary platoon's search for a US soldier - the only survivor of four brothers - behind enemy lines after the Normandy invasion.

Its vivid portrayal of American troops storming France's beaches on D-Day drew huge audiences around the world.

In August, Spielberg also received the US military's highest civilian honour for Saving Private Ryan.