Breaking
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Thursday awarded a medal to the Army soldier who reprimanded his entourage at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day. Spc. Thomas Iglesias received the Joint Service Commendation Medal at the Pentagon. “We love soldiers. We love standards,” Hegseth wrote in a post on X. “Well done, Specialist.” He added, “Carry on Patriots.”
Video from Wednesday showed Iglesias calling for silence after laughter was heard as Hegseth and his entourage walked away from the Tomb following a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the soldier commanded.
Details & Background
A Pentagon official confirmed that Hegseth had “proudly” awarded Iglesias the medal for “the execution of his duties.” “As shown in the photos, Secretary Hegseth welcomed the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, the Old Guard, to the Pentagon where he proudly awarded Specialist Thomas Iglesias the Joint Service Commendation Medal for the execution of his duties at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11, 2026,” the official said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
The Joint Service Commendation Medal is awarded to service members who distinguish themselves through meritorious achievement or service, typically in joint military operations or activities. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded around the clock by soldiers of the Old Guard, who are trained to enforce silence and respect at one of the most sacred sites in the country. Visitors are expected to remain quiet in the presence of the Tomb, and sentinels are known for firmly reminding crowds of that rule. The Old Guard, formally the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, is the Army’s oldest active-duty infantry unit and serves as its official ceremonial unit. Hegseth also met with soldiers of the regiment during their visit to the Pentagon on Thursday, according to photos he shared on X.
Reactions
After the incident on Wednesday, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told CBS News that Hegseth and “the entire Department have always honored-and will always honor-the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe.” Parnell added, “While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.”
The honor comes during a difficult stretch for Hegseth, who this week survived an impeachment resolution brought by Rep. Thomas Massie that the House rejected. Some House Democrats have said they may bring new articles of impeachment when they take control of the chamber in January. By publicly praising the soldier who corrected his own team, Hegseth turned a moment that drew criticism into a recognition of the standards he says the military must uphold.
Why This Matters to You
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honors American service members who gave their lives and whose names are known only to God. The sentinels who guard it around the clock represent the discipline and devotion that Americans expect from their military. Recognizing a young soldier for doing his duty, even when it meant correcting the people around the secretary of war, sends a message that standards apply to everyone, no matter their rank or title.
For military families and veterans, the moment is a reminder of what Veterans Day is meant to honor. Leaders who back the troops who enforce the rules help build trust across the ranks. At a time of war with Iran and intense political fights in Washington, the image of a Pentagon chief thanking a soldier for upholding respect at the nation’s most sacred memorial is one that many Americans can appreciate, whatever their politics.
