War Secretary Pete Hegseth awarded a Joint Service Commendation Medal to a soldier who publicly corrected members of his own entourage for laughing and talking near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day.
Specialist Thomas Iglesias of the 3rd Infantry Regiment β known as “The Old Guard” β received the honor at the Pentagon on Thursday, one day after a viral video showed him firmly reminding Hegseth’s group to maintain silence at the hallowed memorial.
A Moment of Correction Goes Viral
The incident occurred Wednesday as Hegseth’s entourage, which included his wife and several staff members, visited the tomb. Video footage showed the group posing for photos before some members began laughing and talking. Iglesias, standing guard, immediately intervened: “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.”
Rather than taking offense, Hegseth turned the moment into a public demonstration of military values. “We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist,” the secretary posted on X alongside photos of the medal ceremony. “Carry on Patriots!”
Pentagon Backs Soldier’s Actions
A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed to CNN that Hegseth personally invited Iglesias to receive the award, praising his “execution of duties” at the memorial. Army Ranger veteran and chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated the War Department fully supported the soldier’s actions, calling his reminder “correct and respectful.”
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which holds remains of unidentified service members from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, maintains strict protocols for visitors. Members of The Old Guard routinely enforce these standards when tourists or officials fail to show proper reverence.
A History of Honor and Identification
The memorial gained attention in 1998 when DNA testing identified one set of remains previously interred there as Air Force Lt. Michael J. Blassie, a Vietnam War pilot shot down in 1972. His body had been buried as an unknown soldier from 1984 until the identification led to its removal and return to his family.
Thursday’s medal ceremony highlighted both the military’s commitment to discipline and the unique role of The Old Guard in preserving the dignity of America’s war memorials β even when that means correcting high-ranking officials.
Source: www.dailywire.com β https://www.dailywire.com/news/hegseth-awards-medal-to-soldier-who-scolded-his-entourage-on-veterans-day