The discovery of a fourth U.S. soldier's body concluded the tragic accident during NATO drills in Lithuania. This discovery marks the end of a six-day intense search operation.
According to the US Sun, A recent NATO exercise turned tragic when a U.S. military vehicle sank in a peat bog in Lithuania near the Belarus border, resulting in the death of four American soldiers.
The soldiers were part of a team operating inside an M88A2 Hercules, a robust armored recovery vehicle. They tasked with a mission at the Pabrade training ground when the vehicle became submerged in challenging terrain.
The first recovery, made on a Monday, identified three soldiers: Sgt. Jose Duenez, Jr., 25, of Joliet, Illinois; Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, 25, from Glendale, California; and Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, 21, from Dededo, Guam. Rescuers retrieved their bodies, along with the Hercules tank, from the swampy peat bog.
Following the initial recovery, the search continued relentlessly, involving hundreds of rescue workers from multiple countries, including the U.S., Lithuania, Poland, and Estonia. The use of recovery dogs and heavy armored vehicles played a critical role in the operation.
The team concluded the search the following Tuesday when they discovered the fourth soldier, whose identity they have not yet released. This brought a somber close to the search operations.
A memorial quickly arose at the Pabrade training grounds, echoing the grief that both military personnel and civilians felt. Additionally, people placed tributes such as flowers and candles outside the U.S. embassy in Vilnius, demonstrating the collective mourning the local population shared.
The military deployed these soldiers to Lithuania as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which aims to bolster NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. At the time of the accident, they were repairing and towing another armored vehicle back to safety.
Maj Gen. Christopher Norrie expressed the profound loss felt by the military community, stating, "This past week has been devastating. Today our hearts bear the weight of an unbearable pain… the world is darker without them."
Further confirming the depth of the tragedy, Maj. Gen. Norrie remarked, "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."
Relatives of the deceased have also voiced their anguish and pride. Willy Flores, related to Pfc. Taitano shared in a grief-stricken tone, "Unfortunately, Dante was one of the ones that they identified as one of the three recovered. Three bodies recovered, and so we just now have to put our nephew to rest."
Highlighting the multinational effort in the recovery, Major General Curtis Taylor appreciated the heroic efforts, particularly noting, "I'd like to personally commend the search parties, and especially our Lithuanian allies who were instrumental in the recovery efforts. Their courage and commitment to this operation will always be remembered and demonstrate the strong relationship between our countries."
Lieutenant General Charles Costanza called the incident "a tragic accident" and expressed being moved by the solidarity shown by international forces, saying, "It was humbling to watch the incredible recovery team from different commands, countries, and continents come together."
The resolution of this catastrophic event closes one of the most challenging chapters in recent NATO training exercises. Yet, investigations continue into how such an accident occurred and what measures can prevent similar incidents in the future, causing the repercussions of this tragedy to linger.
As the military community and families deal with the aftermath, they now shift their focus towards healing and honoring the bravery of those lost. We will remember the fallen soldiers for their commitment to duty and the ultimate sacrifice they made in the line of service.
