Three US soldiers found dead in Lithuania identified as search ends

The bodies of three US soldiers found dead in Lithuania have been identified as Dante Taitano, 21, Edvin Franco, 25, and Jose Duenez, 25. The identity of the fourth and final body recovered is being withheld for the moment, according to US military officials, but the search is now over.

The body of the last missing soldier was found dead on Tuesday, marking the end of the week-long search for the four service members whose armoured vehicle was recovered from a swampy training area.

A solidarity rally outside the US Embassy yesterday drew hundreds of people, including politicians, soldiers, and civilians, to pay respects to the fallen servicemen.

Speaking at the gathering, Kara C. McDonald, the US Ambassador to Lithuania, expressed deep gratitude for the country’s support during the search. She described the alliance between the two nations as strong and heartfelt.

“We feel that we are one of your own, and that is an expression of alliance,” she said. “And we are so grateful for that alliance. Thank you so much for the capabilities you have brought to bear.”

“Thank you so very, very much for coming out tonight to express your solidarity with these families, to express your solidarity with the troops who are working so hard at the site.”

The soldiers were on a tactical training exercise when they and their vehicle were reported missing.

The first three bodies were found on Monday when US, Polish, and Lithuanian rescuers pulled their armoured vehicle out of a peat bog at a training ground in the town of Pabradė, near the Belarus border. The fourth soldier’s body was found near the submerged vehicle using excavators.

Video editor • Lucy Davalou