Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave a medal to the Army sentinel who reprimanded his group. That happened Wednesday.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth awarded a Joint Service Commendation Medal on Thursday, Nov. 12, to the soldier who reprimanded him and members of his staff at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, according to reports from CBS News, Newsweek and CNN Newsource.
Reports differ on what prompted the reprimand. CBS News said the group was making noise at the tomb. CP24 said the sentinel reprimanded the group after they laughed and chatted near the tomb. AlterNet, citing CNN, said Hegseth was chastised for taking photos and laughing. Aurax News has not confirmed these accounts, and no excerpt reviewed included a comment from Hegseth’s group on the original incident.
Hegseth shared an image on X showing him pinning the medal on the soldier, Newsweek reported. The soldier has not been named in the excerpts reviewed. The Pentagon’s reasons for the award, beyond the recognition itself, were not available to Aurax News.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in Arlington, Virginia, is guarded around the clock by Army sentinels. Reports described the site as sacred. Several outlets described the group as having been reminded to maintain a respectful atmosphere. Aurax News could not confirm who delivered that reminder or the exact words used. Further details may emerge as full reports and any official statements are published.
CBS News, Newsweek, NBC Washington, CP24 (CNN Newsource), AlterNet and The National Desk
The reprimand occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day. CNN first reported the incident, according to CP24, which carries CNN Newsource material. Newsweek reported that the soldier rebuked Hegseth and members of his entourage.