US Defense Secretary Decorates Soldier Who Reprimanded Him at Arlington Cemetery

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth awarded a soldier a military decoration after the soldier reprimanded him and his entourage for laughing at Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Wednesday. The soldier, on guard duty, shouted that visitors must maintain silence and respect after hearing laughter from Hegseth, his wife, and staff as they climbed the monument steps. The Pentagon announced Thursday the soldier received the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Hegseth posted photos of the award ceremony on X, writing "We love soldiers, we love rules. Well done, specialist." The soldier was honored for enforcing conduct rules at one of America's most solemn military sites, even against his own superior.