Hegseth gives top award to soldier who scolded him at war cemetery
The soldier reprimanded US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and a group of his staffers when a loud laugh was heard after they took photos at the site, following a ceremony that included President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth honored Specialist Thomas Iglesias with the Joint Service Commendation Medal at Arlington National Cemetery, following a Veterans Day ceremony. Iglesias had reprimanded Hegseth and other staff members for a loud laugh at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where laughter was deemed inappropriate. The Pentagon confirmed that the incident occurred on November 11, 2026, during a ceremony attended by President Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, and other officials.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded by the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment, also known as The Old Guard, since 1948, and is considered one of the most solemn war memorials in the country. The Joint Service Commendation Medal is a high honor typically awarded to senior enlisted or junior officer personnel for exemplary service.
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- Pete Hegseth honors soldier who scolded him at Arlington cemetery dw.com
- US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reprimanded at war memorial france24.com
- Hegseth awards medal to soldier who reprimanded group near tomb cbsnews.com
- Hegseth and his entourage scolded by military sentinel at Tomb of the Unknowns torontosun.com
