FORT STEWART, Ga. () — Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda awarded the Order of the Cross of Vytis to the four fallen soldiers who died in Lithuania earlier this year.

Staff Sergeant Jose Duenez, Jr., 25, of Joliet, Illinois, Staff Sergeant Edvin F. Franco, 25, of Glendale, California, Staff Sergeant Troy S. Knutson-Collins, 28, of Battle Creek, Michigan and Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam have been posthumously awarded the Order of the Cross of Vytis.

The four 3rd Infantry Division soldiers, assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, were found deceased near Pabradė, Lithuania after being reported missing. They were conducting a mission to repair and tow an immobilized tactical vehicle at the time of the incident in a training area, officials said.

On Monday, March 31, Duenez, Franco and Taitano were found and confirmed dead by officials. A day later on April 1, Knutson-Collins was found deceased.

Their M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle was recovered from a peat bog.

“The ceremony is a deeply solemn gesture recognizing their exceptional devotion to duty and ultimate sacrifice during NATO-allied exercises,” a 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson said. “These Soldiers gave their lives strengthening the security and defense of our NATO alliance. Lithuania’s highest honors reflect a shared commitment to freedom, unity, and peace.”

The ceremony is meant to signify the soldiers’ heroism and serve as a symbol of the partnership between the U.S. and Lithuania.

“To the families of these brave Soldiers: we honor your loss, we remember your loved ones, and we stand with you,” the 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson said. “Their service will never be forgotten.”

They were deployed to Lithuania in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve but were permanently stationed at Fort Stewart.