Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth faced sharp criticism this week after he was seen taking photos and laughing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — and then awarded a medal to the soldier who reprimanded him for it.

According to a CNN report published Thursday, Hegseth presented the Joint Service Commendation Medal to the soldier who had called out his group during Wednesday's visit. The Joint Service Commendation Medal is a Department of Defense decoration awarded to service members for meritorious achievement or service.

“We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist,” Hegseth wrote in a post on social media. “Carry on Patriots.”

The encounter occurred Wednesday — Veterans Day — when the specialist loudly called out 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.

Retired Brig. Gen. Ty Seidule, describing the site, called the Tomb perhaps the most sacred place in the United States. The Tomb sits at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia and holds the remains of unidentified American service members killed in war.

“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, explaining that the ritual stems from the 21-gun salute, the highest honor the military can give.

As CNN explained, the Tomb is expected to remain quiet and respectful at all times, and it is not unprecedented for the sentinel guarding it to correct visitors who get too loud. The sentinel post has been staffed 24/7 by soldiers of The Old Guard — the Army's 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment — since 1948.

Some observers suggested the medal presentation was an attempt to blunt criticism of Hegseth and his team for their conduct 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,” wrote one Democratic critic on BlueSky.

“He’ll be checking that soldier’s testosterone soon,” said another.

“What a joke. Resign,” wrote a San Francisco-based PR professional.

Many who watched Wednesday’s video described the reprimand as a “career-limiting move”, and one even volunteered to serve as the soldier’s lawyer free of charge if he was fired for the action.

“The left didn’t see this one coming,” wrote one MAGA supporter who cheered the medal award.

Hegseth’s post was subsequently flooded with insults, with users calling him a “traitor,” a “Nazi” and a “disgrace.” One woman demanded that the secretary apologize for what he did.