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Hegseth awarded a medal to the sentinel who reprimanded his group at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
During a Veterans Day visit to Arlington National Cemetery, Army Specialist Thomas Iglesias told Hegseth’s group to maintain silence and respect near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after noise was heard. Hegseth later presented Iglesias with the Joint Service Commendation Medal at the Pentagon.
What the reports agree on
- Iglesias reprimanded or admonished a group that included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a Veterans Day visit. CBS News, France24, ABC News, Newsweek and 3 more
- The reprimand concerned noise or a breach of decorum, and Iglesias told the group to maintain silence and respect. France24, ABC News, Newsweek, PBS NewsHour and 1 more
- Hegseth awarded Iglesias the Joint Service Commendation Medal at the Pentagon. CBS News, ABC News, Newsweek, PBS NewsHour and 1 more
- Iglesias serves with the 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard. CBS News, Newsweek, PBS NewsHour, Guardian World
- Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Iglesias correctly and respectfully reminded visitors to maintain decorum. ABC News, Newsweek, PBS NewsHour
Reported by one outlet
- CBS News reported that the Pentagon responded to the initial incident, but its summary did not specify what the Pentagon said. CBS News
- ABC News reported that the incident happened around 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 11, 2026. ABC News
- The Hill reported that Hegseth hosted the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment at the Pentagon. The Hill
- Guardian World reported that Old Guard soldiers have maintained a round-the-clock watch at the tomb since 1948. Guardian World
The original reports
- CBS News Hegseth awards medal to soldier who reprimanded his group at Arlington National Cemetery
- CBS News What to know after Hegseth awards medal to soldier who reprimanded group at Arlington
- CBS News Hegseth awards medal to soldier who reprimanded his party at Arlington's scared tomb
- CBS News Hegseth awards medal to soldier who reprimanded his party at Arlington's sacred tomb
- ABC News Soldier who admonished Hegseth group at Arlington Cemetery awarded a medal
- PBS NewsHour Hegseth presents award to soldier who scolded him and his aides at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Guardian World Pete Hegseth awards medal to soldier who reprimanded him near Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Newsweek Hegseth Awards Medal to Soldier Who Rebuked Him at Tomb of Unknown Soldier
- CBS News Hegseth awards medal to soldier who reprimanded group near tomb
- The Hill Sentinel at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier awarded medal by Hegseth
- France24 US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reprimanded at war memorial
- CBS News Pentagon reacts after Hegseth's party was reprimanded at Arlington over laughing near sacred tomb
- ABC News Hegseth's group admonished at Tomb of the Unknowns during Veterans Day visit