In a devastating incident during a training exercise in Lithuania, three U.S. Army soldiers have been confirmed dead, while a fourth remains missing after their armored recovery vehicle became submerged in a peat bog. The soldiers, all from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were deployed to Lithuania as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, supporting NATO’s deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe.
The tragic incident occurred on the morning of March 25, when the soldiers’ M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle sank into a dense peat bog during a mission to recover an immobilized tactical vehicle. Despite the swift response from American and Lithuanian armed forces, the challenging terrain hampered immediate rescue efforts.
The identities of the fallen soldiers are being withheld until families are notified, according to the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Public Affairs Office. Recovery operations remain ongoing for the fourth missing soldier.
Over the past six days, a coordinated search effort involving hundreds of American and Lithuanian soldiers, law enforcement, and specialized equipment has scoured the forested and swampy terrain of the accident site. The rescue operation required the use of Lithuanian military helicopters, unmanned aerial systems, fixed-wing aircraft, and heavy-duty excavation tools. Hundreds of tons of gravel and earth were brought in to stabilize the soft ground, allowing the 63-ton armored vehicle to be extracted early Monday morning.
Major General Christopher Norrie, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, expressed profound grief over the tragic loss:
> “The Soldiers we have lost in this tragedy were not just Soldiers — they were a part of our family. Our hearts are heavy with a sorrow that echoes across the whole Marne Division, both forward and at home. We stand in grief with the families and loved ones of these extraordinary ‘Dogface Soldiers’ during this unimaginable time. But the search isn’t finished until everyone is home.”
The U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with military training exercises, particularly in challenging environments.
Lithuania, a NATO member since 2004 and a former Soviet republic, has hosted hundreds of U.S. troops since 2014 as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. The mission was established in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to European security and deterrence.
As the search for the missing soldier continues, the U.S. Army mourns the loss of these brave soldiers who dedicated their lives to duty and defense.
