📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / U.S. Department of Defense
Defence
Pete Hegseth Awards Soldier Thomas Iglesias for Standing Up at Tomb of Unknown Soldier
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 13 Nov 2026, 06:33 AM
👁 20
Former congressman Pete Hegseth presented an award to soldier Thomas Iglesias, who had publicly reprimanded him during a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Former U.S. congressman Pete Hegseth presented a special commendation to Army soldier Thomas Iglesias during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Iglesias had earlier reprimanded Hegseth for remarks made during a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Hegseth, a former Army Ranger and long‑time advocate for veterans, was visiting the memorial when Iglesias, then a junior officer, publicly challenged him on the conduct of the ceremony. The confrontation drew attention from the media and the military community.
In the award ceremony, Hegseth acknowledged Iglesias’ courage and integrity, noting that the soldier’s actions reflected the core values of the U.S. Army. The award was given as a gesture of respect for those who uphold military standards.
The event highlighted the importance of accountability within the armed forces and underscored Hegseth’s willingness to recognize exemplary conduct, even when it came from a junior officer.
Hegseth, a former Army Ranger and long‑time advocate for veterans, was visiting the memorial when Iglesias, then a junior officer, publicly challenged him on the conduct of the ceremony. The confrontation drew attention from the media and the military community.
In the award ceremony, Hegseth acknowledged Iglesias’ courage and integrity, noting that the soldier’s actions reflected the core values of the U.S. Army. The award was given as a gesture of respect for those who uphold military standards.
The event highlighted the importance of accountability within the armed forces and underscored Hegseth’s willingness to recognize exemplary conduct, even when it came from a junior officer.