War Secretary Pete Hegseth Honors Soldier Who Enforced Tomb Decorum
War Secretary Pete Hegseth presented the Joint Service Commendation Medal to Specialist Thomas Iglesias of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” at the Pentagon Thursday morning.
Hegseth posted on X on November 12, 2026, writing, “We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist,” and added “Carry on Patriots!” while sharing photos of the brief ceremony.
A Pentagon spokesperson told CNN that Hegseth invited Iglesias to the Pentagon and proudly awarded the medal for his execution of duties at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11, 2026.
Army Ranger veteran and Pentagon chief of staff Sean Parnell said the War Department stood behind Iglesias, noting he “correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.”
The viral video captured Hegseth’s entourage — including his wife, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver, and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh — laughing near the Tomb before Iglesias reminded them to keep silence.
The Old Guard routinely addresses tourists and visitors who fail to observe the required silence at the memorial.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier currently holds the remains of three unidentified service members from World War I, World War II and the Korean War, and contains the interred remains of a fourth unknown recovered from Vietnam in 1984, later identified as Air Force Lt. Michael J. Blassie.
