Hegseth awards medal to Arlington Guard sentinel who shouted at his party to keep quiet at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Thursday honored the military guard who rebuked the Pentagon chief’s entourage for talking and laughing as the soldier stood watch at the Arlington National Cemetery.The soldier, Army Specialist Thomas Iglesias, went viral Wednesday after being captured on live television yelling out instructions for the group Hegseth was with at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to be more respectful.In response, Hegseth awarded Iglesias the prestigious Joint Service Commendation Medal and hosted the soldier and other members of the U.S. Army sentinels who guard the tomb at the Pentagon. “We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist,” Hegseth said in a post to X, highlighting photos of himself and Iglesias. “Carry on Patriots.”The development comes after Hegseth attended a Veterans Day ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Wednesday. Afterward, the war secretary, his wife, and multiple others posed for photos. As the group was walking off, Iglesias, who was the guard on duty tasked with patrolling in front of the tomb, yelled out an admonition, saying “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.” The Pentagon immediately praised the soldier’s action.“The Secretary and the entire Department have always honored—and will always honor—the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe,” spokesman Sean Parnell said. “While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.”VANCE ACCUSES MICROSOFT OF FRAUD AS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION CLAMPS DOWN ON H-1B VISA ABUSEThe saga came as Hegseth faces the prospect of possible impeachment when Democrats take control of both chambers of Congress in January 2026.On Tuesday, Rep. Thomas Massie’s (R-KY) effort to impeach Hegseth under accusations that he waged war on Iran without congressional authorization, among other issues, failed to advance in the House.