Pete Hegseth honors soldier who scolded him at Arlington cemetery

The soldier had reprimanded the US Defense Secretary and his group after they were heard talking and laughing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The site is one of the most solemn military memorials in the US.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has awarded a soldier who reprimanded him and his entourage for laughing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Wednesday. Hegseth posted photos on his X account on Thursday that show him giving the Joint Service Commendation Medal to Specialist Thomas Iglesias "for the execution of his duties." The Joint Service Commendation Medal is seen as one of the US military's top awards and is not usually given to junior enlisted service members.

Soon after the video emerged, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell praised Iglesias for "correctly and respectfully" reminding Hegseth and his party to "maintain decorum." The public reprimand comes the same week that the under-fire defense secretary survived an impeachment attempt over his handling of the war with Iran.