Explore

Hegseth awards soldier who scolded him and his aides at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Hegseth awards soldier who scolded him and his aides at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has given a top award to the service member who scolded him and his staff at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier following a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery

Hegseth awards medal to soldier who rebuked his group outside Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Hegseth awards medal to soldier who rebuked his group outside Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

By Phil Stewart WASHINGTON, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth awarded a medal on Thursday to a US Army sentinel who appeared to admonish him and his aides for failing to adhere to proper decorum outside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day.

Defense Secretary Hegseth Awards Soldier for Upholding Decorum at Tomb of Unknown Soldier Amidst Impeachment Attempt

Defense Secretary Hegseth Awards Soldier for Upholding Decorum at Tomb of Unknown Soldier Amidst Impeachment Attempt

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has awarded Spc. Thomas Iglesias with the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his actions at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11, 2026. Iglesias, a soldier from the Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment, reprimanded Hegseth and his staff for a loud laugh heard after they took photos at the solemn site following a ceremony that included President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The Pentagon confirmed the award was for 'the execution of his duties' in maintaining decorum at the memorial. This incident occurred shortly after Hegseth survived an impeachment attempt led by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and supported by Democrats. Hegseth posted photos of himself pinning the award on social media, stating, 'We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist.' The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a revered war memorial, is guarded 24/7, and the Joint Service Commendation Medal is considered a high military honor, not typically given to junior enlisted service member...

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Reprimanded at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for Lack of Decorum

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Reprimanded at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for Lack of Decorum

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, his wife Jennifer, and several top aides were reprimanded by an Army sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day. The group was observed taking pictures, talking, and laughing, which prompted the sentinel to loudly instruct them to maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect. This incident occurred shortly after President Donald Trump had laid a wreath at the memorial as part of a Veterans Day ceremony. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred memorial dedicated to unidentified service members killed in battle, and it is guarded 24 hours a day by soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard. Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell acknowledged the incident, stating that a soldier 'correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum' and that Hegseth and the department 'have always honored' service members' sacrifices. The event quickly garnered media attention, highlighting the strict p...

War Secretary Pete Hegseth's Team Scolded for Laughter at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

War Secretary Pete Hegseth's Team Scolded for Laughter at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

War Secretary Pete Hegseth and his team were reprimanded by a soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery after a Veterans Day ceremony. The incident occurred on Wednesday when Hegseth, his wife Jennifer, Chief of Staff Rick Buria, Deputy Chief of Staff Patrick Weaver, and Senior Advisor Tami Radabaugh were taking photos. A loud laugh from the group prompted the soldier on guard to shout, reminding them to "maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times." Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the soldier "correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum." The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a revered memorial for unidentified soldiers from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, guarded continuously by the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment since 1948. President Trump and Vice President JD Vance also delivered remarks at the Veterans Day commemoration.

Secretary of Defense Hegseth Awards Medal to Soldier for Upholding Standards at Tomb of Unknown Soldier

Secretary of Defense Hegseth Awards Medal to Soldier for Upholding Standards at Tomb of Unknown Soldier

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth awarded a joint service commendation medal to Specialist Iglesias. This recognition followed an incident on Veterans Day where Specialist Iglesias, while patrolling the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, reprimanded Secretary Hegseth, his wife, and top aides. The reprimand occurred after some members of the group were heard laughing and chatting after taking photos at the sacred site, violating the expected silence and respect. Secretary Hegseth publicly acknowledged the specialist's actions, stating on social media, “We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, specialist.” The award was given the day after the incident, highlighting the importance of maintaining decorum at national monuments.

Hegseth honors guard who scolded him for laughter at Tomb of Unknown Soldier

Hegseth honors guard who scolded him for laughter at Tomb of Unknown Soldier

Pete Hegseth honored the guard who scolded him and a group of advisers a day earlier at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Hegseth and staff reprimanded by guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Hegseth and staff reprimanded by guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

A soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier reprimanded Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his staff for breaking decorum after a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery

Guard scolds Hegseth, advisers for laughing at Tomb of Unknown Soldier

Guard scolds Hegseth, advisers for laughing at Tomb of Unknown Soldier

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and his advisers were scolded by a U.S. Army sentinel guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Solider for not being respectful.

Guard appears to rebuke Hegseth's delegation at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Guard appears to rebuke Hegseth's delegation at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

By Phil Stewart WASHINGTON, Nov 11 (Reuters) - A US Army sentinel guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier appeared to rebuke Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's delegation on Wednesday after laughter could be heard as they climbed the steps of the solemn site, according to a video of the incident.

Hegseth treating Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as prop says it all | Opinion

Hegseth treating Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as prop says it all | Opinion

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, already widely disliked, was yelled at by a sentinel guarding the sacred Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day.