War Secretary Pete Hegseth awarded Army Specialist Thomas Iglesias a Joint Service Commendation Medal after the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier sentinel corrected Hegseth and members of his group over their volume and conduct at the solemn memorial.

The award followed an incident on Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery, where Hegseth appeared with his wife, Jennifer Hegseth, and several senior aides. Iglesias was serving as the sentinel at the Tomb during the visit.

Hegseth announced the recognition on social media Thursday. The announcement came after the Pentagon said Iglesias had “correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.”

Hegseth’s post offered direct praise for both the soldier and the standards he enforced at one of the nation’s most solemn military sites. “We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist,” the post reads.

A War Department official confirmed to Military Times that Iglesias received the Joint Service Commendation Medal for “the execution of his duties” on Wednesday. The medal recognized his conduct while carrying out his responsibilities at the Tomb.

Hegseth hosted soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment at the Pentagon to witness the event, according to the official. Those soldiers are members of The Old Guard, the unit entrusted with maintaining a constant vigil at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Old Guard’s responsibility includes preserving the atmosphere expected at the memorial. Its sentinels maintain the vigil around the clock and enforce strict expectations concerning noise, conduct and respect from visitors.

Hegseth’s Veterans Day group included Chief of Staff Ricky Buria, Deputy Chief of Staff Patrick Weaver, and Senior Advisor and Deputy Assistant Tami Radabaugh. His wife also accompanied him during the appearance at Arlington National Cemetery.

Members of the group were seen taking photographs and speaking among themselves while standing on the memorial steps. After laughter came from a member of the group, Iglesias issued a clear command from his assigned post.

“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.” Iglesias then continued walking along the site, returning to the precise duties expected of a sentinel guarding the Tomb.

The correction was consistent with the customary role of the guards. Sentinels reprimand visitors who fail to follow the Tomb’s strict rules governing noise and decorum, regardless of the visitor’s position.

The Old Guard began its continuous watch over the Tomb in 1926. The vigil has since remained an around the clock duty centered on maintaining the dignity and solemnity of the memorial.

Hegseth’s decision placed official recognition behind the soldier’s enforcement of those standards. His social media statement praised Iglesias rather than disputing the correction, while the Pentagon publicly described the reminder as correct and respectful.

The Joint Service Commendation Medal dates to 1963. It is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through outstanding achievement or meritorious service while assigned to a joint activity.

In this case, the War Department official tied the decoration specifically to Iglesias’ execution of his duties Wednesday. The award followed the public encounter at the Tomb and was presented with soldiers from his regiment invited to witness the occasion.

The episode began with a sentinel demanding silence at the Tomb and ended with the War Secretary publicly praising that sentinel’s commitment to standards. Iglesias enforced the established rules, continued his watch and received a commendation for doing his duty.

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