Hegseth gives top military medal to soldier who scolded him
Hegseth gave a top military medal to Specialist Iglesias, who scolded him for laughing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave a top military medal to Specialist Thomas Iglesias. Iglesias scolded Hegseth and his staff for laughing loudly at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11.
The Joint Service Commendation Medal is rarely given to junior soldiers. Hegseth posted photos of pinning the medal on Iglesias.
He wrote: "We love soldiers. We love standards.
Well done, Specialist." The Pentagon said Iglesias was honoured for his duties at the tomb.
- Joint Service Commendation Medal
- Medal awarded
- November 11, 2026
- Date of incident
- 3rd Infantry Regiment, guarding since 1948
- Tomb guard unit
Why it mattersThe award shows that Hegseth values military discipline and standards. He gave it even when a junior soldier corrected a senior leader in public.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect, though the story reflects on international military culture and US defence leadership at a time of shifting US politics.
