Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has awarded a top military commendation to the soldier who reprimanded him and his staff at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier following a Veterans Day ceremony. Hegseth announced the award on social media Thursday, posting photos of himself pinning the Joint Service Commendation Medal on Spc. Thomas Iglesias.
Iglesias received the award "for the execution of his duties at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11, 2026," according to the Pentagon. The soldier had scolded Hegseth and his aides after a loud laugh was heard while they were taking photos at the solemn memorial site. The incident occurred after a ceremony that included President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Video footage showed Hegseth, his wife Jennifer, and several staff members taking photos on the steps of the tomb. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a highly revered memorial dedicated to unidentified service members from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. It has been continuously guarded by a soldier from the Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment, "The Old Guard," since 1948.
The Joint Service Commendation Medal is a significant award, not typically given to junior enlisted personnel. The Pentagon's top spokesman, Sean Parnell, stated soon after the incident that the soldier had soldier had "correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum."
The reprimand drew renewed attention to Hegseth, who had narrowly survived an impeachment attempt by House Republicans and Democrats the day before the Veterans Day ceremony. With Democrats poised to take control of Congress in January, efforts to impeach Hegseth are expected to continue. Hegseth has previously criticized impeachment efforts, calling them "sabotage" rather than patriotism.