Pentagon medals soldier for silencing laughing officials at Arlington

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth awarded a Joint Service Commendation Medal to the soldier who reprimanded him and his staff at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony took place on Thursday, one day after the initial incident at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

On Wednesday, Hegseth, his wife, Chief of Staff Ricky Buria, Deputy Chief of Staff Patrick Weaver, and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh posed for photographs following a Veterans Day ceremony. After the pictures were taken, members of the group laughed and chatted. Specialist Thomas Iglesias, who was patrolling the area, stopped his march and faced the visitors to restore order.

Iglesias called out, "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times." Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell later stated that the soldier "correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum." The post is a 24/7 duty delegated to the 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, since 1948.

Hegseth welcomed The Old Guard to the Pentagon on Thursday. According to a Pentagon official, the secretary "proudly awarded Specialist Iglesias the Joint Service Commendation Medal for the execution of his duties at the Tomb of the unknown Soldier on November 11, 2026."

In a social media post, Hegseth wrote, "We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist. Carry on Patriots." The medal recognizes Iglesias for upholding the traditional standards of the memorial, a site frequented by politicians and foreign dignitaries who are expected to observe quiet reverence.

The incident first gained attention through reports by CNN. The Old Guard has long been responsible for maintaining the solemn atmosphere around the tomb, which honors unidentified American service members.