A fourth U.S. soldier has been found dead after a week-long search in a swamp at a training ground in eastern Lithuania, officials from both countries confirmed.
Three other soldiers were found dead on Monday after rescuers recovered their M88 Hercules armored vehicle in a military training area near the border with Belarus.
The identity of the soldiers assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, has not yet been released, pending family notification.
U.S. Army Europe and Africa Commander Gen. Christopher Donahue offered condolences to families and friends of the fallen soldiers and thanked Lithuania and other allies for their support.
“This is a tragic event, but it reinforces what it means to have allies and friends,” he said.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda also offered condolences: “We have carried out the search operation tirelessly, feeling a great commitment to our American friends who are our staunch allies.”Tonight in #Lithuania:
— Vaidotas Beniušis (@BeniusisV) April 1, 2025
Hundreds gathered outside the US Embassy in Vilnius @USEmbVilnius to honor the fallen US soldiers. Flowers, candles, quiet solidarity. “The heart demands we show gratitude,” one participant said. #USArmy pic.twitter.com/xRR2ngRvTj
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also offered condolences and thanked the U.S., and Lithuanian soldiers involved in the rescue operation.Deeply saddened to announce that the body of the fourth U.S. soldier, who was training in Lithuania, has been found. Our heartfelt condolences go to our U.S. allies and their people.
— Gitanas Nausėda (@GitanasNauseda) April 1, 2025
Lithuania has been praying for all four missing soldiers, and now, with all our hearts, we stand…
On Tuesday, hundreds gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius to honor the soldiers. U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald told the crowd gathered outside the embassy: “Thank you very, very much for coming tonight to express solidarity.”Today, I was informed that the remains of the fourth and final missing U.S. Army Soldier from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division were recovered in Lithuania. I want to personally extend my deepest condolences to the families of all four fallen Soldiers.…
— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) April 1, 2025
The U.S. military has a significant presence in Central and Eastern Europe, including the Baltic states.Lithuania stands with its closest ally. 🇺🇸 People gathered at the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius to mourn the tragic loss of four American Soldiers. We feel profound solidarity, respect, and gratitude toward the U.S. Soldiers. pic.twitter.com/IFJVrTDliY
— Lithuania MFA | #StandWithUkraine (@LithuaniaMFA) April 1, 2025
