U.S. military officials have identified three of the four soldiers who died when their M88 armored vehicle sank into a swamp in Lithuania during a mission. All were 25 or younger and served as M1 Abrams tank system maintainers.
The identified soldiers are:
- Sgt. Jose Duenez, Jr., 25, of Joliet, Illinois
- Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, 25, of Glendale, California
- Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam
The fourth soldier, whose body was recovered on Tuesday, has not yet been publicly identified.
The incident occurred during a mission to recover a disabled tactical vehicle near Pabradė, Lithuania, on March 25. Their armored recovery vehicle was later found submerged in a peat bog.
Duenez and Franco were both decorated soldiers with over six years of service and prior overseas deployments. Taitano, the youngest, had nearly two years of service and was on his first deployment.
“This loss is simply devastating,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division. “We are wrapping our arms around the families and loved ones of our Soldiers during this incredibly difficult time.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the incident “a stark reminder of the selfless sacrifice of our brave military men and women.”
