Politics1 min read

Hegseth presents award to soldier who scolded him and his aides at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

By · Via PBS NewsHour · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The incident occurred after a Veterans Day ceremony when Iglesias confronted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, his wife, and senior aides over loud laughter on the memorial steps. Hegseth subsequently hosted the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier guard unit at the Pentagon to personally present the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell affirmed that the specialist acted respectfully to uphold standards at the sacred site. The event unfolded immediately after Hegseth survived an impeachment attempt led by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and backed by Democrats.

Key points

  • The Joint Service Commendation Medal is a high-level military award that is not typically…: The Joint Service Commendation Medal is a high-level military award that is not typically presented to junior enlisted personnel.
  • Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the specialist acted correctly to maintain re…: Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the specialist acted correctly to maintain required decorum at the Arlington memorial.
  • Hegseth dismissed a recent impeachment push as political sabotage as critics prepare to r…: Hegseth dismissed a recent impeachment push as political sabotage as critics prepare to renew efforts under incoming Democratic majorities.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

By — Konstantin Toropin, Associated Press Konstantin Toropin, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/hegseth-presents-award-to-soldier-who-scolded-him-and-his-aides-at-tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Hegseth presents award to soldier who scolded him and his aides at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier World Nov 12, 2026 1:35 PM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — 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. Watch the video from Wednesday when Spc. Thomas Iglesias reprimanded Hegseth and a group of his staffers in tne video player above. On social media Thursday, Hegseth posted photos that show him pinning the award and shaking hands with a soldier. His post says, "We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist." WATCH: Trump marks Veterans Day with wreath laying, remarks at Arlington National Cemetery Hegseth welcomed to the Pentagon the Army unit that guards the tomb and awarded Spc. Thomas Iglesias with the Joint Service Commendation Medal…

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