Defense Spending and Standards: Hegseth Awards Medal to Sentinel Who Challenged Him
The Joint Service Commendation Medal, established in 1963, was given to Specialist Thomas Iglesias after he corrected the Pentagon chief’s group for laughing at the Arlington National Cemetery memorial.
By Lorenzo Marshall ·
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal to Army Specialist Thomas Iglesias on Thursday. The citation recognizes Iglesias for the execution of his duties at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A Pentagon official confirmed the award to The Hill, noting the medal was created in 1963.
The recognition followed an incident on Wednesday where Iglesias verbally corrected Hegseth and his staff. The group had stopped to take photographs in front of the tomb. During the exchange, Iglesias yelled, All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times. Television crews captured the moment, and the video circulated widely online.
Hegseth hosted the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard, at the Pentagon for the presentation. The defense secretary stated he was proud to make the award. He shared a photograph of the ceremony on the social platform X, writing, We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist. Carry on Patriots.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier marks the final resting place of a service member killed in World War I. Strict decorum is observed at the site. Hegseth was accompanied by his wife, Jennifer Hegseth, and senior aides Ricky Buria, Patrick Weaver, and Tami Radabaugh. It remains unclear which specific member of the group laughed during the photo stop.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell addressed the episode in a statement on Wednesday. He said the secretary and the department have always honored the sacrifices made by military service members. Parnell added that a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum while commemorating the solemn day.
Hegseth and his team were at the cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony. The award process moved quickly from the Wednesday incident to the Thursday presentation at the Pentagon. The Joint Service Commendation Medal is a specific recognition for distinguished service.
The Old Guard regiment was present for the ceremony. Hegseth’s team included key staff members who were part of the original visit. The visual record of the correction at the tomb preceded the formal award by one day.
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