Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was chastised Wednesday for taking photos and laughing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
CNN reported Thursday that Hegseth presented the soldier to reprimanded him with the Joint Service Commendation Medal.
“We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist,” Hegseth claimed in a post on social media. “Carry on Patriots.”
The specialist on Wednesday called out at Hegseth, his wife, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver and senior adviser and deputy assistant Tami Radabaugh. “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the soldier bellowed.
As Retired Brig. Gen. Ty Seidule described, the Tomb is perhaps the most sacred place in the United States.
“All the nations that fought in World War I created a Tomb of the Unknowns because there were so many that were killed that they did not know who they were. And we had one, the British had one, the French have one, and we started ours in the mid 1920s,” Seidule said.
“They march 21 steps down this black mat behind the tomb. Then they turn, they face east for 21 seconds. Then they turn and face north for 21 seconds and then take 21 steps down the mat and repeat the process,” the general continued. It comes from the 21-gun salute, which is the highest honor the military can give.
As CNN explained it, the Tomb is expected to remain quiet and respectful at all times. It is not unprecedented for the sentinel guarding the Tomb to demand an atmosphere of respect and correct people who may get too loud.
The sentinel position is a 24/7 job delegated to soldiers with The Old Guard since 1948.
Some believe the medal was a ploy to tamp down criticism of Hegseth and his crew for inappropriate behavior on Veterans Day.
“Only Pete Hegseth would sensationalize his moment of utter disrespect without actually issuing an apology. He is absolutely one of the most disgusting meat suits to walk this planet,” said one Democratic critic on BlueSky.
“He’ll be checking that soldier’s testosterone soon,” said another.
“What a joke. Resign,” said a San Francisco-based PR professional.
Many who witnessed the video on Wednesday posted that it was a “career-limiting move.” One even volunteered to be his lawyer for free if he was fired for the action.
“The left didn’t see this one coming,” said one MAGA supporter who cheered Hegseth for awarding the medal.
Following the incident, Hegseth’s post was flooded with insults and attacks calling him a “traitor,” a “Nazi” and a “disgrace.”
One woman demanded the secretary apologize for what he did.