In a deeply sorrowful turn of events, three of the four U.S. soldiers who went missing after their vehicle plunged into a bog in Lithuania have been recovered, the U.S. Army reported on Monday. The Army also confirmed that the vehicle, an M88 Hercules, has been successfully retrieved. This marks a somber moment for the U.S. military, as the families of these brave soldiers await news of the final recovery.
Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, the commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, expressed the profound grief felt by the Army. “The Soldiers we have lost in this tragedy were not just Soldiers – they were part of our family. Our hearts are heavy with sorrow that echoes across the entire Marne Division, both on the front lines and back home,” he said in an official statement. He continued, “We stand together in grief with the families and loved ones of these extraordinary ‘Dogface Soldiers’ during this unimaginable time. But the search is not over. We won’t rest until every soldier is accounted for.”
The efforts to locate and recover the fourth soldier are ongoing, with military forces working tirelessly. While the identities of the soldiers are still being withheld pending family notification, the dedication of those involved in the search remains unwavering.
These soldiers were part of the 1st Armored Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, based at Fort Stewart, Georgia. They had been participating in a maintenance training mission, retrieving another U.S. vehicle in a designated training area in Lithuania when tragedy struck on the morning of March 25. The M88 Hercules was discovered the following day, on March 26, and since then, a monumental, around-the-clock recovery operation has been underway.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda expressed his condolences, stating, “Lithuania mourns together with the American nation. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, as well as those of the Lithuanian people. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with you.” His tweet, which also tagged President Donald Trump, resonated deeply with both nations as they united in this moment of loss.
The M88 Hercules, a nearly 70-ton recovery vehicle, had been submerged in a bog, and pulling it out was no easy task. The recovery operation has mobilized a vast array of resources from both Lithuania and its NATO partners. Hundreds of service members from the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Lithuanian Armed Forces, and Polish Armed Forces, along with other civilian and government agencies, have been working together to recover the soldiers. The joint effort demonstrates the powerful bonds that unite NATO allies, even in the face of such tragic events.
This operation has highlighted the strength of international cooperation, especially as the political climate around NATO and U.S. allies has been tense recently, particularly with the ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite political rhetoric, the recovery mission has showcased the importance of collaboration between countries.
An Army official shared with CNN that the recovery efforts, carried out by troops on the ground, were more than just logistical; they represented the spirit of camaraderie and trust built over years of working together. "For those who claim our allies aren't doing enough, they haven't seen this," the official said. "Those who weren’t here don’t understand the depth of what’s happening. If I were the one in that Hercules, Lithuania would be the country I’d want helping bring me home."
In fact, the response from Lithuania has been nothing short of extraordinary. As soon as the vehicle was found submerged, Lithuanian divers were on the scene rapidly, with Poland also sending dozens of engineers and combat engineers. The coordination between the two nations was crucial, as Maj. Nicholas Chopp, a spokesman for U.S. Army Europe and Africa, noted, “There were chief of defense to chief of defense conversations happening every day to ensure the recovery was progressing efficiently.”
Lithuania has spared no effort in the recovery operation. The Lithuanian government provided a range of resources, including helicopters, drones, fixed-wing aircraft, search-and-rescue teams, excavators, and pumps to remove water from the bog. Remarkably, Lithuania has not sought reimbursement for these extensive efforts. "Everything they've done is out of pocket," said an Army official, underscoring Lithuania’s commitment and support.
The dedication to bringing the soldiers home was evident on the ground, with Lithuanian defense ministers and even the Prime Minister visiting the site daily. They continuously checked with rescuers, asking, “What do you need that you don’t have?” This level of commitment and direct involvement from Lithuanian leadership highlighted the country’s unwavering support for its allies.
This recovery mission has been an example of NATO's core principles in action. Col. Martin O’Donnell, a spokesman for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, emphasized the unity between NATO allies, stating, “This is what an alliance is all about. NATO has done everything in its power to recover America’s missing soldiers. As the Lithuanian Minister of Defense said earlier this week, ‘Just as America doesn’t leave its own behind, we in Lithuania don’t leave our own behind either.’”
Adding to the emotional weight of the situation, a mass was held at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Stanislaus and St. Ladislaus of Vilnius on March 30, led by the Archbishop Metropolitan of Vilnius. This special service was held to pray for the fallen soldiers, their families, and those still engaged in the search and recovery efforts.
The commitment to rescuing and recovering the missing soldiers exemplifies the true essence of international alliances. Through the coordination of military forces, diplomacy, and shared sacrifice, the U.S., Lithuania, and Poland have worked together to demonstrate the unbreakable bonds between nations. Their efforts are a testament to the value of mutual support and solidarity in times of crisis.
In the coming days, as the search continues for the fourth soldier, the collective resolve of those involved remains strong. Every resource is being exhausted to bring this soldier home, honoring the sacrifices made by these brave men and women. The loss of these soldiers is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by military personnel every day, but it also highlights the spirit of unity and commitment that can rise from such a tragedy.
As recovery efforts continue, the memory of these soldiers and the international teamwork that has marked this mission will remain etched in the hearts of many. For all those involved, it is a reminder that in the world of alliances, no one is ever truly left behind.
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