(DailyVantage.com) – The tragic discovery of four Fort Stewart soldiers’ bodies in Lithuania has struck a solemn chord across military and civilian communities.
At a Glance
- The U.S. military identified Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, and Pfc. Dante D. Taitano among those found dead.
- The incident involved an M88A2 Hercules armored vehicle submerged in a bog during a training exercise.
- NATO allies combined efforts for the international recovery, with widespread financial support campaigns underway.
- The cause of the tragic incident is under investigation by both the U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities.
Identification and Impact
The bodies of Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, and Pfc. Dante D. Taitano were among those found dead in Lithuania during a military operation gone awry. They were part of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Stewart, Georgia. These soldiers were missing since March 25 during a training exercise involving an armored vehicle in a heavily bogged area near Pabradė, Lithuania.
The submerged M88A2 Hercules armored vehicle quickly vanished under 15 feet of water, mud, and silt. Despite immediate response, extraction proved challenging due to local conditions. A multinational recovery effort involving hundreds of U.S. service members, Lithuanian, Polish, and Estonian allies, and specialized equipment was necessary to retrieve the vehicle and locate the soldiers.
Heartbreaking news — one of the four U.S. soldiers killed during a military training accident in Lithuania was a young man from Glendale. We owe him and his fellow service members a debt that can never be fully repaid.
I’m holding his family, friends, and loved ones close in my… https://t.co/DLQxdMloNi
— Rep. Laura Friedman (@RepFriedmanCA) April 1, 2025
Camaraderie Among NATO Allies
The tragic event underscored strong international ties, with significant support from Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda who offered condolences and emphasized solidarity. The incident reinforced both the emotional and logistical importance of NATO alliances, showcasing a powerful framework for cooperation during crises.
“I can’t say enough about the support our Lithuanian Allies have provided us. We have leaned on them, and they, alongside our Polish and Estonian Allies — and our own Sailors, Airmen and experts from the Corps of Engineers — have enabled us to find and bring home our Soldiers. This is a tragic event, but it reinforces what it means to have Allies and friends.” – Gen. Christopher Donahue.
Recovery efforts were enhanced using divers, dogs, drones, and even U.S. Navy inflatable boats to locate and retrieve the missing soldiers. Key players on this mission remarked on the unity of allied forces, applauding the seamless cooperation across nationalities despite the tragic situation.
3 of 4 missing US soldiers found dead in armored vehicle pulled from Lithuanian swamp, Army says
By The Associated Press
March 31, 2025 at 12:34 pm EDTVILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — Three of the U.S. Army soldiers who went missing in Lithuania have been found dead in their armored… https://t.co/IdugAhsT5Y pic.twitter.com/ZFdc3zO4RQ
— SubX.News® (@SubxNews) March 31, 2025
Honoring the Fallen Soldiers
As the military community comes to terms with the loss, tributes across the nation commemorate these soldiers’ dedication and sacrifice. Financial support campaigns are being organized for the families, acknowledging the personal and national grief shared by their homeland and abroad.
“This loss is simply devastating” – Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie.
In addition to personal losses, the situation invokes a renewed commitment to safety and training improvement within military operations, ensuring that such tragic events do not repeat. While Army and Lithuanian authorities continue investigating the cause, the ultimate focus remains on offering solace and necessary aid to the grieving families.
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