# Hegseth awards medal to reprimanded guard

> US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth gives medal to soldier who told him to be quiet at Arlington National Cemetery.
- Title: Hegseth awards medal to reprimanded guard · BBC News
- Summary: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth gives medal to soldier who told him to be quiet at Arlington National Cemetery.
- Keywords: us defence secretary, specialist thomas iglesias, arlington national cemetery, tomb of the unknown soldier, joint service commendation medal, 3rd us infantry regiment, old guard, veterans day, reprimand, pentagon, BBC News
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.com/news/articles/cmvg2r3dq7xno
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: us defence secretary, specialist thomas iglesias, arlington national cemetery, tomb of the unknown soldier, joint service commendation medal, 3rd us infantry regiment, old guard, veterans day, reprimand, pentagon, news, world
## Hegseth reprimanded by guard
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was told to be quiet by a soldier at Arlington National Cemetery during Veterans Day observance.

> All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times
## Hegseth awards medal
Pentagon announced Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth gave Specialist Thomas Iglesias a Joint Service Commendation Medal for his actions.
## Guard's role
Specialist Thomas Iglesias is a member of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard, who holds vigil at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
## Pentagon statement
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the soldier correctly reminded visitors to maintain decorum at the solemn site.
## Historical context
The 3rd US Infantry Regiment has held vigil at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier since 1948.
## Political context
President Donald Trump praised Hegseth's work during Veterans Day ceremony, despite impeachment efforts targeting him.
## Key takeaway

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth awarded Specialist Thomas Iglesias a Joint Service Commendation Medal for reprimanding his group at Arlington National Cemetery.