Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth awards medal to soldier who upheld protocol at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth presented a Joint Service Commendation Medal on Thursday to a soldier who admonished him and his staff after they were heard laughing and talking near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a Veterans Day observance.

In a social‑media post, Hegseth wrote, “We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist. Carry on Patriots.” The post was accompanied by photos showing him with the soldier.

A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed to CNN that Hegseth hosted members of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, the Old Guard, at the Pentagon, where he presented Specialist Iglesias with the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his conduct at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11, 2026.

The award followed by one day a confrontation in which Specialist Thomas Iglesias rebuked members of Hegseth’s party at Arlington National Cemetery.

Hegseth and his staff were attending a Veterans Day ceremony at the cemetery, which also featured President‑elect Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance laying wreaths and delivering remarks. During his address, Trump praised Hegseth, calling him “fantastic” in his role as defense secretary.

Hegseth’s party included his wife, Chief of Staff Ricky Buria, Deputy Chief of Staff Patrick Weaver, and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh. The group was posing for photographs in front of the tomb when their conversation and laughter disrupted the solemn atmosphere.

While on patrol, Specialist Iglesias abruptly halted, turned toward the group, and issued a warning.

“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” Iglesias said.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell released a statement saying, “The secretary and the entire department have always honored – and will always honor – the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe.”

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery stands as one of the nation’s most sacred war memorials, honoring an unidentified World War I casualty.

Soldiers from the Old Guard have guarded the tomb around the clock since 1948, enforcing strict standards of silence and respect and correcting visitors whose conduct disrupts the solemn atmosphere.

The Joint Service Commendation Medal recognizes U.S. service members who demonstrate meritorious achievement or service while performing any assigned duties, as defined by the Air Force personnel center.

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