In a tragic incident overseas, the bodies of three U.S. soldiers have been recovered after their military vehicle became submerged in a bog in Lithuania last week. The soldiers, who were part of a maintenance training mission, had been missing since March 25.
Vehicle and Three Soldiers Recovered, One Still Missing
The U.S. Army confirmed the recovery of the M88 Hercules vehicle and the bodies of three of the four missing soldiers on Monday. Recovery teams are continuing efforts to find the fourth soldier, with no timeline yet for when the search might end.
The soldiers were part of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Their names are being withheld until all families have been notified.
Army General and Lithuanian President Express Grief
Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, released a heartfelt statement:
“The Soldiers we lost were more than just troops — they were family. Our sorrow is deep, and we stand united with their loved ones. But the mission isn’t over until every soldier is home.”
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda also offered condolences to the United States:
“Lithuania mourns together with the American nation… Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time,” he wrote in a message tagging President Donald Trump.
Soldiers Were Recovering Another Vehicle
The accident occurred while the troops were using the M88 Hercules recovery vehicle to assist another U.S. military vehicle during a maintenance operation. The vehicle became stuck in a bog, weighing nearly 70 tons, making recovery extremely difficult.
The submerged vehicle was located on March 26, and recovery teams have been working nonstop ever since.
Joint Effort from Multiple Nations
This mission involved tremendous collaboration. U.S. and NATO allies, including Lithuania and Poland, provided manpower and heavy equipment. Over hundreds of soldiers and various government and civilian agencies from all three countries contributed to the rescue and recovery operation.
According to Maj. Nicholas Chopp, Lithuanian officials, including the Prime Minister and Defense Minister, visited the site daily, asking the teams on the ground, “What do you need that you don’t have?”
Lithuania provided:
- Helicopters and drones
- Fixed-wing aircraft
- Search-and-rescue teams
- Excavators and water pumps
- Technical experts and construction equipment
Importantly, Lithuania offered all this support without asking for any reimbursement.
A Powerful Moment of Solidarity
The recovery operation was seen as a clear example of unity and commitment among NATO allies. Col. Martin O’Donnell, speaking from NATO’s Supreme Headquarters, said:
“This is what an alliance means—standing together in difficult times.”
The Archbishop of Vilnius even led a special prayer service at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Stanislaus and St. Ladislaus on March 30, praying for the lost soldiers and the ongoing recovery efforts.