Pentagon backs war memorial guard who reprimanded Hegseth’s group

The US Pentagon has presented Specialist Thomas Iglesias with a Joint Service Commendation Medal after he asked Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s party to keep quiet at Arlington National Cemetery. The award was given for his conduct while on duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, according to a Pentagon statement. The incident occurred during a Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday when Hegseth, his wife and senior advisers were posing for photographs.

Footage from the event shows the guard approaching the group and loudly stating, "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times." The video captured Hegseth, his wife and advisers laughing and talking before the reprimand was issued.

Photos posted on the defence secretary’s X account later displayed Hegseth handing the medal to Iglesias. The accompanying caption on the post reads, "We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist. Carry on Patriots," as reported by the Pentagon.

The guard was identified as a member of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard, which is tasked with the continuous vigil at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.