Bodies of Three Missing U.S. Soldiers Found in Lithuanian Swamp

Pabrade, Lithuania - April 1, 2025 - The search for four U.S. soldiers missing since March 25 has officially led to the discovery of their bodies in a swamp near the Pabrade training area, while one soldier remains unaccounted for. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

The rescue teams worked tirelessly for six days to retrieve the soldiers and their M88A2 Hercules armored vehicle from the bog. The vehicle, which weighs 63 tons, was found submerged in the swamp the day after the soldiers were reported missing.

According to a report from USA Today, the recovery operation successfully lifted the armored vehicle from the bog on March 31 using excavators, pumps, and other equipment. The search for the fourth soldier is ongoing.

As details emerge, the identities of the fallen soldiers have not yet been disclosed. They were part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia. At the time of their disappearance, they were conducting tactical training in Lithuania, located near the border with Belarus.

Major General Christopher Norrie, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, expressed gratitude to the search and rescue teams for their unwavering dedication. "These soldiers are part of our family, and the search will not end until all are brought home," he emphasized.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda extended condolences, stating, "Lithuania shares in the sorrow of America. I send my deepest sympathies to your President and to the loved ones of the fallen soldiers, as well as to all American citizens. In this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with you."

In response to the incident, U.S. and Lithuanian militaries have launched an investigation to determine the incident's cause. Lithuania, a former Soviet republic and a NATO member since 2004, has hosted hundreds of U.S. soldiers as part of NATO's Atlantic Resolve operation, initiated following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. The situation remains tense while officials work to recover the missing soldier and further conduct their inquiry into the circumstances that led to this unfortunate loss.