Hegseth awards Joint Service Medal to Tomb Guard who silenced his group

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth awarded a Joint Service Commendation Medal to Specialist Thomas Iglesias, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier sentinel who silenced his group on Veterans Day, sparking national attention. The medal was presented Thursday at the Pentagon to the Old Guard soldier, who on Wednesday halted his walk and ordered Hegseth's party to maintain silence after an audible laugh was heard. Pentagon rules typically restrict this medal to joint duty assignments, with exceptions requiring approval. The Army Commendation Medal is the standard award for Old Guard members, and no citation or award orders were released. The Pentagon has backed Iglesias, noting such corrections are routine at the Tomb, guarded continuously since 1937.