# Hegseth awards soldier after Tomb of Unknown Soldier incident

> Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gives medal to soldier who reprimanded him at Arlington's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- Title: Hegseth awards soldier after Tomb of Unknown Soldier incident
- Summary: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gives medal to soldier who reprimanded him at Arlington's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- Keywords: pete hegseth, tomb of unknown soldier, specialist thomas iglesias, joint service commendation medal, 3rd us infantry regiment, old guard, impeachment attempt, house republicans, trump, The Boston Globe
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/11/12/nation/hegseth-gives-tomb-unknown-soldier-award
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pete hegseth, tomb of unknown soldier, specialist thomas iglesias, joint service commendation medal, 3rd us infantry regiment, old guard, impeachment attempt, house republicans, trump, news, local
## Tomb incident
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and guests were scolded by a guard at Arlington Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for loud behavior during photos.

> All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times
## Hegseth awards soldier
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth awarded Specialist Thomas Iglesias the Joint Service Commendation Medal after the incident.
## Political fallout
Hegseth faces potential Democratic impeachment articles after Republicans' midterm election losses blamed on his Iran war actions.
## Key takeaway

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth awarded Specialist Thomas Iglesias the Joint Service Commendation Medal after the soldier reprimanded him for loud behavior at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.