Defense Secretary Awards Service Member Involved in Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Incident
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has awarded a service member who previously scolded him and his aides at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.
Roanoke Lynchburg, VA, November 12, 2026 —
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has presented an award to a service member who was involved in a prior incident at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. During that previous encounter, the service member had reportedly scolded Secretary Hegseth and his aides.
Details regarding the specific award bestowed upon the service member were not provided. The name of the service member who received the award was also not disclosed. Similarly, the exact date of the scolding incident at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the date of the subsequent award ceremony have not been made public.
The location of the event, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, is a significant national monument dedicated to the unidentified service members who died in war. Arlington National Cemetery, where the tomb is located, is a revered military cemetery. Incidents occurring at such a solemn site typically draw attention due to the historical and emotional weight associated with the location.
The circumstances leading to the service member’s actions during the initial encounter, which involved scolding the Defense Secretary and his staff, are not detailed in the provided information. The specific reasons or criteria that led to the decision to award the service member following this incident are also not stated. Information about any previous disciplinary actions or commendations for the service member is unavailable.
This award marks a notable development following the reported confrontation. Further information regarding the award, the service member, and the context of both the scolding and the subsequent recognition is pending. The reported event took place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.
Story summarized from the original created by KONSTANTIN TOROPIN, Associated Press on www.wfxrtv.com, see more information here.
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