Hegseth gives medal to soldier who reprimanded his group for laughing at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth awarded a medal to the U.S. serviceman who reprimanded his entourage Wednesday for laughing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

Hegseth shared photos of the medal presentation Thursday in a post on X, praising the soldier for upholding military standards.

“We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist. Carry on Patriots,” Hegseth wrote.

The soldier pictured receiving the medal was the same serviceman who had loudly admonished Hegseth’s group during their visit to the memorial, CNN confirmed. A Pentagon official told the outlet that Hegseth awarded Specialist Iglesias the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his conduct at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day.

The incident happened on Wednesday when Hegseth and members of his entourage took photos at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial honoring unidentified American service members who died in combat.

As audible laughter was heard from the group, the soldier on duty called out: “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.”

Hegseth appeared caught off guard by the reprimand, turning around to see who had shouted the warning.