Hegseth Awards Soldier Who Challenged Him
The defense secretary presented Specialist Thomas Iglesias with a joint service commendation for enforcing decorum at Arlington National Cemetery.
By Lauren Foster ·
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pinned the Joint Service Commendation Medal onto the uniform of Specialist Thomas Iglesias at the Pentagon on Thursday. The award recognizes Iglesias for his actions at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11, 2026. The ceremony took place just one day after a video of Iglesias reprimanding Hegseth went viral.
The incident occurred on Wednesday after a Veterans Day ceremony attended by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Video footage showed Hegseth, his wife Jennifer, Chief of Staff Ricky Buria, Deputy Chief of Staff Patrick Weaver, and Senior Adviser Tami Radabaugh taking photographs on the empty steps in front of the tomb. A loud laugh was heard as they posed. Iglesias, a member of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, stepped in to remind the group to maintain decorum at the site, which serves as the final resting place for unidentified soldiers from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.
Hegseth posted photos of the award ceremony to social media on Thursday. The caption read, “We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist.” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum. The Joint Service Commendation Medal is a high-level award that is not typically issued to junior enlisted personnel.
The reprimand drew renewed attention to Hegseth, who had survived an impeachment attempt on Tuesday. Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican, led the effort, which was backed by Democrats. The House voted down the measure, but critics argue the delay may be temporary. Democrats are scheduled to take control of both the House and Senate in January, which could lead to renewed impeachment proceedings.
Hegseth addressed the failed vote during his first news conference in months on Tuesday. He argued that he had not committed high crimes as required by the Constitution for removal. He described the effort as an indictment against the nation’s service members. “This is not patriotism,” Hegseth said. “This is sabotage.”
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been guarded around the clock by a soldier from the Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, also known as The Old Guard, since 1948. The site is considered one of the most solemn war memorials in the United States. Hegseth welcomed the Army unit that guards the tomb to the Pentagon for the award presentation.
