Honoring U.S. Soldiers Lost in Lithuania

A NATO training tragedy turns into a global moment of unity and remembrance.

In the early hours of March 25th, four American soldiers – SGT. Anthony Duenez, SPC. Elijah Franco and two others, whose names have not yet been publicly released, drove their massive M88A2 Hercules vehicle into the Lithuanian wetlands. These young men were members of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, stationed in Europe as part of NATO’s Atlantic Resolve.

Their final mission was in the line of duty – performed in silence and service of freedom. What began as a maintenance operation turned into a tragedy. A recovery mission began. What followed was a multi-national effort, days of digging through peat bogs, and the discovery of three heroes who never returned. One is still missing.

Incident Timeline: Key Moments of the Tragedy

Date	Event
March 25, 0400 hrs	Contact lost with U.S. M88A2 Hercules during training near Pabradė.
March 26	Vehicle located submerged 15 feet deep in peat bog.
March 27–30	U.S., Lithuanian, and Polish forces led the international rescue effort.
March 31	Vehicle recovered; three bodies found inside. Fourth soldier still missing.
April 1	Lithuanian communities and supporters worldwide gather for memorial events.

Recovery Efforts

The incident occurred at the General Silvestras Žukauskas Training Area near Pabradė, a key NATO training site in Lithuania just 10 miles from the Belarusian border. This strategic location is often used for large-scale multinational exercises.

The extraction operation faced significant challenges due to the bog’s unstable terrain. The mission was led by U.S. Army engineers in coordination with the Lithuanian Armed Forces and supported by Polish military recovery teams. U.S. Navy divers from Commander, Task Force 68 conducted underwater assessments while Lithuanian fire and rescue units provided local logistical support. To retrieve the 63-ton Hercules vehicle, responders used floating crane platforms, amphibious recovery rigs, sonar imaging, and drones to assess structural integrity and locate the precise GPS coordinates of the wreckage. It was a high-risk, multinational effort made possible through seamless interoperability and days of around-the-clock operations. Hundreds of tons of gravel and earth were used to stabilize the site, ensuring the safety of recovery personnel. The collaborative efforts of U.S., Lithuanian, and Polish forces exemplified international solidarity in addressing the crisis.

Official Statements

Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, expressed profound sorrow:

“The soldiers we have lost in this tragedy were not just soldiers – they were a part of our family.”

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda extended condolences, emphasizing shared grief with the American nation.

Ovidijus Bernatonis, Commander of the Lithuanian National Guard, added:

“These soldiers served for our collective security, for our freedom and peace. Their loss is a painful reminder of the price of friendship and shared values. In this difficult moment, let us show that Lithuania remembers and that our support is sincere and strong.”

Call to Honor

In light of this tragedy, the Lithuanian National Guard, under the leadership of Commander Ovidijus Bernatonis, invites all Lithuanians and friends worldwide to gather in remembrance of the U.S. soldiers who lost their lives in Lithuania.

Memorial Gathering Details

• Date: April 3, 2025
• Time: 8:00 PM
• Location: 24 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
• Event: 🇱🇹 🙏🏻 🇺🇸 Honor the U.S. Soldiers Fallen in Lithuania

Visual Gallery – In Memory & Unity

Why Were U.S. Troops in Lithuania?

These soldiers were part of NATO’s Atlantic Resolve, an ongoing initiative launched in 2014 in response to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and broader regional instability. The mission aims to enhance deterrence and defense posture across Eastern Europe by rotating U.S. and allied forces through countries such as Lithuania, Poland, and Romania. As a cornerstone of NATO’s eastern-flank presence, Atlantic Resolve ensures continuous collaboration and readiness among member states. For Lithuania specifically, the presence of allied troops is a powerful affirmation of NATO’s Article 5 guarantee and the country’s strategic role in regional security. This enduring presence reflects a deep strategic alliance – built on shared values of freedom, sovereignty, and collective defense – that continues to unite nations like Lithuania and the United States under the banner of peace and deterrence.

We Remember

• Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., 25, of Joliet, Illinois: An M1 Abrams tank system maintainer, Sgt. Duenez had been in the Army for over six years, with deployments to Korea in 2020 and Germany in 2022.
• Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, 25, of Glendale, California: Also an M1 Abrams tank system maintainer, Sgt. Franco served in the Army for over six years, deploying to Korea in 2020 and Germany in 2022.
• Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam: Details about Pfc. Taitano’s military service is limited, but he was a valued unit member.
• Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins, 28, of Battle Creek, Michigan.

Source: https://apnews.com/article/missing-us-soldiers-lithuania-armored-vehicle-830cffbaae6dc319b92955d7c6aea5dc

May our collective remembrance testify to the enduring bond between nations and the sacrifices made to pursue peace and security. We encourage readers worldwide to share this message and consider organizing or attending similar events in their communities, showing that remembrance knows no borders.

Join the Conversation:

Use the hashtag #HonorInLithuania to share photos, tributes, and messages of support. Follow us for event coverage and updates.

Sources:

• U.S. Army Europe & Africa official releases: europeafrica.army.mil
• Lithuanian National Defense Ministry: kam.lt
• U.S. Embassy in Vilnius statements: lt.usembassy.gov
• Recovery operation details via Stars and Stripes

Developing News:

• Lithuanian, Polish troops aid in ‘search and recovery’ for 4 missing US soldiers from Fort Stewart
• Press Release – Three US Soldiers found deceased after M88A2 Hercules recovered
• Three of four US soldiers missing in Lithuania were found dead
• In Lithuania, 3 US soldiers were found dead in an armored vehicle. 1 is still missing