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Pete Hegseth awards medal to soldier who reprimanded him near Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Defence secretary Pete Hegseth awarded Specialist Thomas Iglesias a Joint Service Commendation Medal after Iglesias reminded Hegseth’s group to keep silent and respectful at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The award recognises Iglesias’s enforcement of the memorial’s rules, following an incident during a Veterans Day visit.
Hegseth and his group had been posing for photographs when Iglesias, on patrol, called out that visitors must maintain silence and respect. The visit took place on 11 November 2026, alongside a ceremony attended by Donald Trump and JD Vance. Old Guard soldiers have guarded the tomb around the clock since 1948, and the medal is given for meritorious achievement or service.
In short
- Iglesias was awarded a commendation medal after enforcing silence at the tomb.
- Hegseth’s group had been heard laughing and talking during the visit.
- Old Guard soldiers have guarded the memorial around the clock since 1948.