WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has awarded a medal to the soldier guard who reprimanded his group for making noise at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day. 

Hegseth shared photos on social media platform X on Thursday morning of himself pinning a medal on the chest of Specialist Thomas Iglesias, as well as other photos of members of the unit that guard the tomb located on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery around the clock. 

"We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist. Carry on Patriots," Hegseth posted on X on Thursday. 

We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist. Carry on Patriots. https://t.co/Uk6ek6oOso

— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) November 12, 2026

Videos of Wednesday's incident shows Hegseth taking photos on the empty steps in front of the tomb with his wife, Jennifer, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh.

As the group broke from taking photos, a loud laugh could be heard, and the soldier guarding the tomb shouted that “all visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.”

Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s top spokesman, said that “while commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.”

“The Secretary and the entire Department have always honored — and will always honor — the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe,” he added.

The tomb is considered to be one of the most solemn and revered war memorials in the U.S., being the final resting place of unidentified soldiers from World War I, World War II and the Korean War. It has been guarded around the clock — rain or shine — by a soldier from the Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, also known as “The Old Guard,” since 1948.

Hegseth and his staff were at the tomb as part of a larger ceremony commemorating Veterans Day that also was attended by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

Wednesday's incident came a day after Hegseth narrowly survived an effort to impeach him by lawmakers in Congress.