Hegseth gives medal to soldier who reprimanded him and his aides at Arlington National Cemetary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday awarded the soldier who reprimanded him and his aides at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier a Joint Service Commendation Medal. 

"We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist. Carry on Patriots," Hegseth said in a post on X under a photo of him pinning the award on the soldier. 

Hegseth invited the 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard, to the Pentagon, where the secretary awarded Specialist Thomas Iglesias for the proper execution of his duties, CNN reported. 

Hegseth, his aides and his wife were taking photos in front of the tomb after a Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Some members of the group were heard laughing and talking after the photos were taken. 

Iglesias was patrolling in front of the tomb at the time. He paused, faced the group and said, "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times." 

Sean Parnell, Pentagon spokesman, later said of the incident that the soldier had “correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.”