Hegseth Awards Soldier Who Reprimanded His Group at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier/ NEWSLOOKS/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth awarded Army Spc. Thomas Iglesias a Joint Service Commendation Medal after the soldier reprimanded his group at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The correction followed a loud laugh during a visit after Wednesday’s Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The Pentagon said Iglesias acted correctly and respectfully in reminding those present to maintain decorum.
Quick Look
- Soldier recognized: Spc. Thomas Iglesias received the Joint Service Commendation Medal.
- Pentagon presentation: Hegseth welcomed the Army unit responsible for guarding the tomb.
- Reason for recognition: The Pentagon cited Iglesias’ execution of his duties on Nov. 11.
- A decorum reminder: The soldier corrected Hegseth’s group after a loud laugh was heard.
- Hegseth's response: “We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist.”
- Official support: Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the reminder was appropriate and respectful.
- Political backdrop: The incident followed Tuesday’s House vote blocking immediate action on Hegseth’s impeachment.
Deep Look
Hegseth Presents Medal to Soldier Who Corrected His Group
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth awarded Army Spc. Thomas Iglesias a Joint Service Commendation Medal after the soldier reprimanded him and members of his entourage at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Hegseth posted photographs Thursday showing him pinning the medal on Iglesias and shaking his hand.
“We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist,” Hegseth wrote.
The Pentagon said Iglesias received the award “for the execution of his duties at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11, 2026.”
Hegseth also welcomed the Army unit responsible for guarding the memorial to the Pentagon.
Reprimand Followed Veterans Day Ceremony
The encounter occurred Wednesday after a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery attended by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Video showed Hegseth posing for photographs on the empty steps in front of the tomb with his wife, Jennifer, and several senior aides.
The group included chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh.
Iglesias delivered the reprimand after a loud laugh was heard. The account did not identify who laughed.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell subsequently said the soldier “correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.”
Tomb Represents One of Nation’s Most Solemn Memorials
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the final resting place of unidentified service members from World War I, World War II and the Korean War.
Soldiers from the Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” maintain its ceremonial watch through all weather conditions.
The guard’s intervention underscored the standards of conduct expected at the memorial, one of the country’s most revered military sites.
Recognition Comes Amid Impeachment Dispute
The encounter brought renewed attention to Hegseth a day after House Republicans blocked immediate consideration of an impeachment resolution against him.
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie led that effort, with Democratic support, over allegations concerning Hegseth’s conduct in office and military operations.
Tuesday’s procedural outcome did not approve impeachment. Democrats could revisit the matter after taking control of Congress in January.
At his Pentagon news conference Tuesday, Hegseth rejected the allegations and argued that the effort undermined military personnel and their accomplishments.
“This is not patriotism,” he said. “This is sabotage.”
More on US News