Additional Coverage:
- Army identifies 3 American soldiers who died in Lithuanian swamp: ‘Simply devastating’ (foxnews.com)
Tragedy in Lithuania: Three US Soldiers Identified After Recovery Vehicle Sinks in Swamp
The U.S. Army has released the names of three soldiers who tragically died after their M88 armored recovery vehicle sank into a swamp in Lithuania.
The soldiers were identified as Sgt. Jose Duenez, Jr., 25, of Joliet, Illinois; Sgt.
Edvin F. Franco, 25, of Glendale, California; and Pfc.
Dante D. Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam.
A fourth soldier, also found in the vehicle, has yet to be identified.
The three named soldiers were M1 Abrams tank system maintainers and were on a mission to repair and tow another immobilized tactical vehicle when their own vehicle disappeared on March 25th. It was later discovered in a peat bog near Pabradė.
Sgt. Duenez served over seven years in the Army, including deployments to Germany and Poland.
Sgt. Franco also served for over six years, with deployments to Korea and Germany.
Pfc. Taitano, the youngest of the three, had served for nearly two years and was on his first deployment.
All three soldiers were assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Stewart.
“This loss is simply devastating,” said Maj. Gen.
Christopher Norrie, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division. “These men were honored Soldiers of the Marne Division.
We are offering our full support to their families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed condolences, calling the incident “another stark reminder of the selfless sacrifice of our brave military men and women.” She added that the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the entire White House are praying for the victims’ families and friends.