"Keep Quiet"... Soldier Who Scolded U.S. Defense Secretary Receives Medal

Hegseth and His Entourage Reprimanded for Laughing and Talking at Arlington National Cemetery
Invited to the Pentagon the Next Day and Presented with the Joint Service Commendation Medal

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth presented a medal to a soldier who had stopped him and his party from behaving disruptively at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Associated Press, CNN and other outlets reported that Hegseth presented the Joint Service Commendation Medal to Corporal Thomas Iglesias of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment at the Pentagon on November 12 (local time). Iglesias was the soldier who had asked Hegseth and his aides to remain quiet in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on November 11.

The incident occurred after a memorial ceremony for Veterans Day, attended by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and others. Hegseth was photographed laughing and talking with his wife and White House and Defense Department officials in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Corporal Iglesias, who was patrolling the cemetery at the time, addressed the group in a stern voice, saying, “All visitors must maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.”

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (right) presented a medal to a soldier who stopped him and his party from behaving disruptively at Arlington National Cemetery. Screenshot from Pete Hegseth’s social media account, Yonhap News.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington honors U.S. service members who died in war but whose identities were never established. Since 1948, soldiers from the Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment have guarded the tomb around the clock in shifts. The sentries are also tasked with correcting visitors who cause disturbances or fail to show proper respect.

The scene drew attention after it was captured by television cameras and spread on social media. The Department of Defense said the soldier had correctly instructed all visitors to show appropriate respect.

Criticism followed, with some saying Hegseth had acted carelessly just after escaping the threat of impeachment when a vote in the House of Representatives failed on November 10. In an interview with CNN, former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger said, “If you can’t understand that the secretary of defense took pictures, laughed and talked at a solemn memorial, I take pride in the sentry who upheld the rules, regardless of rank.”

The following day, November 12, Hegseth invited Corporal Iglesias and members of his unit to the Pentagon and presented them with medals. He posted a photo of the medal ceremony on social media, writing, “We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, soldier.”

The Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCM) received by Iglesias is awarded to service members for outstanding meritorious achievement or service during military duty. It is regarded as the highest honor for enlisted personnel.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.