US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has given a top military medal to the soldier who scolded him and his group.
The soldier is Specialist Thomas Iglesias, a member of the US Army unit that guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The incident took place after a Veterans Day ceremony on November 11.
Video showed Hegseth taking photos on the empty steps in front of the tomb with his wife and senior staff.
Iglesias spoke up when a loud laugh was heard. He reminded visitors to keep silence and respect at the memorial.
Key points
- Specialist Thomas Iglesias received the Joint Service Commendation Medal.
- He had corrected Hegseth and his group at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11.
- The Pentagon said he acted correctly and respectfully.
- Hegseth had survived an impeachment attempt a day earlier.
So what did the soldier say, and how did the Pentagon respond?
Hegseth shared photos of the award on social media on Thursday. His post said, "We love soldiers. We love standards.
Well done, Specialist."
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said soon after the video emerged.
He said the soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum, which means proper and polite behavior.
Why is this medal considered so important?
The Joint Service Commendation Medal is one of the higher awards in the military.
It is not usually given to junior enlisted members, meaning soldiers in the lower ranks.
The tomb is the final resting place of unidentified soldiers from World War I, World War II and the Korean War.
It has been guarded around the clock since 1948.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
The rule of quiet respect at such a memorial applies to everyone. That includes senior officials visiting the site.
Why is Hegseth under pressure right now?
A day before the award, an effort to impeach Hegseth failed in a vote on Tuesday.
The move was led by Republican Representative Thomas Massie and backed by Democrats.
Hegseth said he had not committed the high crimes required for his removal.
He called the effort an attack on the nation's service members.
Democrats are set to take control of the House and Senate in January. Those efforts are likely to be renewed then.
Sources
- Hindustan Times: Pete Hegseth awards Thomas Iglesias, soldier who reprimanded him at Tomb of Unknown Soldier
- Indiatimes: Pete Hegseth awards soldier who reprimanded him and group at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: What is known about Specialist Thomas Iglesias?
- Yahoo: Hegseth awards medal to guard who scolded him at Tomb of Unknown Soldier
