Tomb of Unknown Soldier guard granted medal after reprimanding Hegseth at site

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth awarded an Army sentinel a Joint Service Commendation Medal after the soldier chastised the secretary and his staff for their loud behavior at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Hegseth announced the award on social media Thursday, following the Pentagon’s previous assertion that the soldier “correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.” “We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist,” the post reads. A Defense Department official confirmed to Military Times that the Joint Service Commendation Medal was granted to Specialist Thomas Iglesias for “the execution of his duties” on Wednesday. Hegseth hosted soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment at the Pentagon to witness the event, the official said. The soldiers are members of The Old Guard, whose duty is to maintain a 24-hour vigil at the Tomb of the Unknown. On Veterans Day, Hegseth was joined at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery by his wife Jennifer Hegseth and senior aides, such as Chief of Staff Ricky Buria, Deputy Chief of Staff Patrick Weaver and Senior Advisor and Deputy Assistant Tami Radabaugh. The group was seen taking photos and speaking among themselves on the memorial steps. Following a member of the group’s laughter, the sentinel, now confirmed to be Iglesias, shouted from his post, saying, “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.” Iglesias then continued walking along the site. While interned in 1921, it was not until 1926 that Old Guard sentinels began their 24-hour watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is customary that guards reprimand visitors who don’t maintain the strict rules regarding noise and decorum. The Joint Service Commendation Medal dates back to 1963 and is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves with outstanding achievement or meritorious service while assigned to a joint activity.