Hegseth awards medal to soldier who reprimanded him at Arlington National Cemetery

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday awarded a commendation to the Army sentry who chastised him and his guests for their behavior at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day.

“We love Soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist,” Hegseth wrote in a post on X with a photo of himself awarding Army Spc. Thomas Iglesias receives the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his actions while guarding the site.

Hegseth, his wife, Jennifer, and some of Hegseth’s top aides were taking photos, talking and laughing at the graveside Wednesday when Iglesias ordered them to stop.

“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” he shouted.

Hegseth did not acknowledge the reprimand at the time and looked over his shoulder before continuing up the stairs.

Asked for comment after the incident, Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell said Hegseth and the department “have always honored” the sacrifices of service members and praised Iglesias’ actions.

“While commemorating this solemn day, a Soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,” Parnell said in a statement.

The medal Hegseth presented to Iglesias is for service members who “have distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement or service,” according to the Army.

Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” guard the tomb 24 hours a day, in part to ensure that visitors behave respectfully. “In the early 1920s, people often used the tomb as a picnic area. Today, challenges include tourists talking too loudly or entering the post to get a better view,” according to the Pentagon website.

The incident occurred at a politically difficult time for Hegseth.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., introduced articles of impeachment against Hegseth earlier in the week. The Republican-led House voted 211-204 to suspend the resolution, but Democrats will likely renew their efforts to oust him when they become the majority party in January.

Hegseth called Massie’s efforts a “political spectacle,” saying the impeachment campaign was “a farce and a set-up.”