Hegseth Pins Medal on Soldier Who Yelled at Him at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

No hard feelings for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who awarded a Joint Service Commendation Medal on Thursday to a soldier who yelled at him and his party of visitors at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day. On Wednesday, Mr. Hegseth participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb, a memorial to those whose remains are not identified after being killed in combat operations. The tomb currently holds the remains of three soldiers — one killed during World War I, another killed during World War II, and a third killed during the Korean War. The tomb is guarded around the clock by members of the Third Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard.” It is the responsibility of the soldier guarding the tomb to admonish visitors who do not act with “decency” or “decorum.”After the wreath-laying ceremony on Wednesday, the soldier on guard yelled at Mr. Hegseth’s group for laughing and speaking loudly. “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the soldier yelled. On Thursday morning, Mr. Hegseth welcomed the soldier — identified only as Specialist Iglesias — into his office at the Pentagon to receive the medal. Mr. Hegseth pinned the medal on Specialist Iglesias himself. “We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist,” Mr. Hegseth wrote on X. “Carry on Patriots.” The Joint Service Commendation Medal is bestowed upon a member of the armed services “who distinguishes himself by meritorious achievement or service while serving in any specified activity after Jan. 1, 1965.”In a lengthier statement on Wednesday night, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell praised Specialist Iglesias for following the proper procedures. “The Secretary and the entire Department have always honored — and will always honor — the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe,” Mr. Parnell said. “While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.”Mr. Hegseth has been embattled in the wake of the midterm elections, with even some Republicans saying the president should fire him after voters voiced deep disapproval for the war with Iran at the polls last week. Mr. Hegseth survived an impeachment attempt on Tuesday night, though Democrats are vowing to make another pass at impeachment once they retake the majority in January.

Hegseth Pins Medal on Soldier Who Yelled at Him at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Hegseth Pins Medal on Soldier Who Yelled at Him at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

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