Four U.S. Soldiers Found Dead in Lithuania Recovery Mission
The U.S. Army confirmed the tragic loss of four soldiers involved in a recovery operation in Lithuania. The soldiers, who were operating in challenging conditions near the border with Belarus, were declared deceased following the sinking of their armored vehicle in a peat bog.
Details of the Incident
The missing soldiers were found after extensive search efforts that began on March 25. They were part of a mission to repair and recover an immobilized tactical vehicle when their own armored recovery vehicle became submerged. The vehicle was eventually located by the Army and local authorities on March 26, under approximately 15 feet of water, mud, and silt.
Identification of the Soldiers
The soldiers have been identified as follows:
- Sgt. Jose Duenez, Jr., 25, of Joliet, Illinois
- Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, 25, of Glendale, California
- Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam
- Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins, 28, of Battle Creek, Michigan
Community Response and Support
Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “This loss is simply devastating. These men were honored Soldiers of the Marne Division. We are wrapping our arms around the families and loved ones of our Soldiers during this incredibly difficult time.”
The soldiers were part of a much larger contingent of 3,500 personnel deployed in January as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, aimed at enhancing NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe.
Recovery Operations
The search and recovery operations involved not only U.S. forces but also significant assistance from Lithuanian and Estonian military and civil agencies. Recovery dogs were utilized to help locate the submerged vehicle amidst dangerous ground conditions, which required careful engineering efforts to extract the vehicle safely.
Additional resources, such as excavators and pumps, were mobilized to facilitate the recovery efforts at the site near Pabradė. General Christopher Donahue from U.S. Army Europe and Africa praised the collaboration with Lithuanian and Polish allies, emphasizing the tragic nature of the event while highlighting the importance of international partnerships.
Reflections on the Fallen Heroes
The deceased soldiers have been remembered as committed service members, each having made substantial contributions during their time in the military. Capt. Madyson K. Wellens lauded Sgt. Duenez for his consistently supportive demeanor, while others highlighted the camaraderie and positive spirits that defined each soldier’s presence in their unit.
In recognition of their service and sacrifice, Duenez, Franco, and Knutson-Collins were posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.
Reactions from Officials
Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda extended condolences to the families of the fallen and to the United States, affirming Lithuania’s shared grief during this sorrowful time.
About Lithuania
Lithuania, a NATO member since 2004, is strategically positioned northwest of Belarus and bordered by Poland and the Russian province of Kaliningrad. The Baltic Sea lies to its west, solidifying its geographical significance within the region.