Hegseth awards medal to guard who told his group to be quiet

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has awarded a commendation medal to an Army guard who told his group to be quiet during a Veterans Day observance at Arlington National Cemetery.

A video of Wednesday’s ceremony shows Hegseth, his wife and senior advisers talking and laughing as they posed for photographs in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The guard, Specialist Thomas Iglesias, stepped towards them and called out: “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.”

The Pentagon said Hegseth presented Iglesias with a Joint Service Commendation Medal “for the execution of his duties at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier”. Photos posted by Hegseth show him pinning the medal on Iglesias.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the soldier had “correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum”. Hegseth’s post accompanying the medal presentation said: “We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist. Carry on Patriots.”

The Old Guard, the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, is responsible for the tomb’s vigil. A member of the regiment has stood watch there around the clock since 1948. Arlington National Cemetery asks visitors to speak quietly and avoid disrespectful or disorderly conduct; such reminders from guards are not unusual, according to CBS News.

The incident took place during a Veterans Day ceremony attended earlier by President Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance and other senior officials. Trump praised Hegseth at the event, saying he had done a “fantastic job” as defence secretary.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday rejected an effort to impeach Hegseth over allegations that he waged war on Iran without congressional authorisation. Hegseth has called the impeachment effort a “farce” and a “stunt”.