Pete Hegseth awards soldier who reprimanded him and group at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: What is known about Specialist Thomas Iglesias?

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Thursday, November 12, awarded the soldier who reprimanded him and a group accompanying him at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The incident occurred after a veteran's day ceremony before the tomb at the Arlington National Cemetery.

The group was scolded by service member Specialist Thomas Iglesias for allegedly laughing and talking near the tomb. In a video, since viral on social media, Iglesias could be heard saying to the group walking up the stairs that, “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.” The group consisted of Hegseth, his wife Jennifer, and other staff members including chief of staff Rciky Buria.

Following the incident, the Pentagon issued a statement saying the soldier had “correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.”

Hegseth awards Thomas Iglesias with special honor

The Defense Secretary awarded Specialist Thomas Iglesias with a medal after the incident. Sharing a post on social media, Hegseth wrote, “We love soldiers, we love standards, well done, Specialist.” He shared photos of him pinning the medal on Iglesias and shaking his hands. He concluded the post saying, “carry on patriots”.

According to PBS, the Army unit that guards the tomb were invited to the Pentagon on Thursday. Specialist Iglesias was awarded with the Joint Service Commendation Medal “for the execution of his duties at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11,” the Pentagon said.

The Joint Service Commendation Medal is regarded as a high honor in the military and is not usually conferred upon junior service members, CBC reported.

What is known about Specialist Thomas Iglesias?

Specialist Thomas Iglesias belongs to the 3rd Infantry Regiment. The regiment is generally referred to as ‘The Old Guard’. According to the Department of Defense, it is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the US Army.

The regiment has kept a constant vigil at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier since November 1925. The tomb is the grave of three unknown American soldiers. The unit does not wear any military insignia on their uniforms.

Not much information is public about the service member as of now.