Defense secretary awards soldier who rebuked him at Arlington tomb
Pete Hegseth presented Specialist Thomas Iglesias with the Joint Service Commendation Medal on 12 Nov after the sentinel shouted at the secretary and his aides for laughing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day. The award follows Hegseth’s survival of an impeachment attempt earlier in the week. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said Iglesias correctly reminded the group to keep silence at the sacred site in Arlington National Cemetery.
Key facts
- Iglesia’s medal is a rare award for junior enlisted personnel.
- The sentinel’s full name is Specialist Thomas Iglesias.
- Hegseth’s party included wife Jennifer, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief Patrick Weaver, and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh.
- The tomb honors unknown service members from World War I, World II, the Korean War and a vacant Vietnam site.
- The sentinel guards the site 24 hours a day.
Summarised with AI from 5 sources · Updated 05:11Read our AI policy
Why it matters
The ceremony highlights military decorum and the political spotlight on Hegseth after his impeachment bid.
What changed
Summary updated
Summary updated
First published from The Independent, BBC News, Hindustan Times, South China Morning Post and RTÉ News