Secretary of War Pete Hegseth awarded a U.S. Army soldier a military commendation Thursday after the soldier reprimanded Hegseth and members of his staff for talking too loudly at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Hegseth presented Army Spc. Iglesias, a member of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, with the Joint Service Commendation Medal following an incident during a visit to the memorial on Wednesday, according to WBAL-TV.

The exchange occurred after Hegseth and his group attended a Veterans Day ceremony and posed for photographs in front of the tomb. After the pictures were taken, some members of the group were heard laughing and talking, prompting Iglesias, who was standing guard, to stop his patrol and issue a warning.

“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” Iglesias called out, reminding the group of the memorial’s strict rules.

Hegseth did not criticize the soldier for interrupting the group. Instead, he publicly praised Iglesias and recognized him for enforcing the memorial's standards. On Thursday, Hegseth wrote on X, “We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist,” adding, “Carry on, Patriots.”

A Pentagon official confirmed that Hegseth welcomed members of The Old Guard to the Pentagon on Thursday and presented Iglesias with the medal for carrying out his duties at the tomb. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell also praised the soldier, saying Iglesias “correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.”

Hegseth was reportedly accompanied during Wednesday’s visit by his wife, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver, and senior adviser and deputy assistant Tami Radabaugh.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honors unidentified American service members who died in military conflicts and is among the nation's most solemn military memorials. Its sentinels maintain strict standards of conduct and ensure visitors respect the site.

Members of The Old Guard have maintained a continuous, 24-hour watch at the tomb since 1948. The rules apply to all visitors, regardless of rank or position, and sentinels regularly remind visitors to remain silent and respectful.