In a tragic turn of events, the body of the fourth U.S. soldier missing during a training mission in Lithuania has been recovered, marking a sorrowful conclusion to a harrowing search operation. The soldier was found on April 1, 2025, as part of a joint effort involving hundreds of rescue workers from the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Lithuanian Armed Forces, and other allied forces.
The incident began on March 25, 2025, when an M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle, carrying four soldiers from Fort Stewart, Georgia, sank into a peat bog near Pabradė, a town located just 10 kilometers west of the Belarus border. The vehicle was discovered submerged in approximately 15 feet of water on March 26, prompting a massive recovery operation that lasted for nearly a week.
According to U.S. Army Europe and Africa, the vehicle was found encased in about 2 feet of mud, which complicated the retrieval efforts. U.S. Navy divers were able to reach the vehicle on March 30, and after a six-day search, it was finally pulled from the bog early on March 31. Sadly, three of the four soldiers were found deceased inside the vehicle.
Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, "This past week has been devastating. Today our hearts bear the weight of an unbearable pain with the loss of our final Dogface Soldier. Though we have received some closure, the world is darker without them." He emphasized the soldiers were not just military personnel but part of a family, and their loss reverberates throughout the entire division.
In a statement, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praised the efforts of the servicemembers involved in the recovery, saying, "We are deeply grateful to our brave servicemembers who enabled this difficult recovery and to our Lithuanian hosts who labored alongside them. The recovery was conducted with urgency, resolve, and deep respect for the fallen. We will never forget these soldiers — and our prayers are with their families."
The recovery effort was extensive, involving hundreds of personnel and significant resources. Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė confirmed that the vehicle was retrieved at 4:40 a.m. on March 31, and she thanked the joint forces for their hard work and dedication during this challenging time. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, as both U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities are working to determine the cause of the accident.
As the search for the fourth soldier concluded, the focus shifted to supporting the families of the fallen. Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda expressed condolences on social media, stating, "Lithuania mourns together with the American nation. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, as well as those of the Lithuanian people, to you, the loved ones of those who lost their lives, and all the people of the United States of America."
The M88 Hercules, manufactured by BAE Systems, is a vital piece of military equipment designed for recovering disabled combat vehicles from difficult terrains. This incident has highlighted both the importance of such vehicles and the inherent risks faced by military personnel during training exercises.
In the wake of this tragedy, the U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities are committed to a thorough investigation to understand how the 70-ton vehicle became submerged in the bog. The goal is to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety of soldiers during training missions.
The loss of these brave soldiers serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by military personnel, even during routine training exercises. The heroic recovery operation, while ultimately unable to bring all four soldiers home, showcased international cooperation and the dedication of countless individuals. Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of the fallen soldiers as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
