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."
"We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist," Hegseth said alongside the photos.
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.
In footage that was widely shared on social media, Iglesias was seen forcefully reprimanding Hegseth and a group that included his wife and some of his staffers, who were heard talking and laughing while taking photos on the steps in front of the tomb.
Iglesias shouted: "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!"
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.
US President Donald Trump pointed to the war as a major factor behind his Republican Party's stunning defeats in midterm elections…
