From Indiatimes · Yashasvi Vasistha · · 2m
Hegseth Awards Medal to Soldier Who Scolded Him
US defense secretary Pete Hegseth gives medal to Army specialist who reprimanded him at war memorial.
In brief
US defense secretary Pete Hegseth gives medal to Army specialist who reprimanded him at war memorial. US defense secretary Pete Hegseth awarded a Joint Service Commendation Medal to Army specialist Thomas Iglesias for reprimanding him at Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Originally reported by…
Hegseth awards medal
US defense secretary Pete Hegseth awarded a military medal to Army specialist Thomas Iglesias for reprimanding him at Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
“well done, specialist”
Soldier reprimanded Hegseth
Iglesias reprimanded Hegseth, his wife and aides for laughing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during Veterans Day ceremony.
“all visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times”
Award details
Hegseth presented Iglesias with the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his actions on November 11, 2.026.
“for the execution of his duties at the tomb of the unknown soldier on november 11, 2026”
Pentagon defends soldier
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said Iglesias correctly reminded everyone to maintain decorum at the memorial.
“correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum”
Rare medal for junior soldier
The Joint Service Commendation Medal is typically given to senior officers, not junior enlisted service members.
“not typically given to junior enlisted service members”
Hegseth faces impeachment threat
Hegseth survived a House impeachment attempt but Democrats may renew efforts to investigate him in January.
“this is not patriotism this is sabotage”
Hegseth dismisses impeachment
Hegseth called the impeachment push a farce and said he committed no high crimes under the Constitution.
“this is not patriotism this is sabotage”
Tomb of Unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a revered memorial for unidentified American service members since 1948.
“the resting place of unidentified american service members”
Guarded around the clock
The Tomb has been guarded by Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment since 1948, known as The Old Guard.
“the site has been guarded around the clock since 1948”
Hegseth's background
Hegseth has faced criticism over Iran war, military strikes in Latin America and dismissal of senior officers.
“the dismissal of senior military officers”
Event date
The incident occurred on November 11, 2026, Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery.
“on november 11, 2026”
Hegseth's social media
Hegseth shared photographs of the ceremony on social media, including one showing him pinning the medal.
“we love soldiers we love standards well done specialist”
Pentagon's response
The Pentagon defended Iglesias' intervention as correct and respectful.
“correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum”
Hegseth's stance
Hegseth dismissed the impeachment threat as a farce and claimed he committed no high crimes under the Constitution.
“this is not patriotism this is sabotage”
What happens next
Democrats may renew impeachment efforts against Hegseth after January elections.
“democrats have indicated they could renew efforts to investigate hegseth”
The takeaway
US defense secretary Pete Hegseth awarded a Joint Service Commendation Medal to Army specialist Thomas Iglesias for reprimanding him at Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
