The body of Silverio Avendano Huilipan, a young draftee, was found near the Antuco volcano, military sources said here in this city some 500 kilometers (300 miles) south of Santiago.

Nearly 400 soldiers were on a training exercise on May 18 when a blizzard hit while the men marched along a 25-kilometer (15-mile) path linking two shelters near Antuco, east of the army base at Los Angeles.

The group fell into difficulty in the heavy snow, and several were separated. Some men were rescued alive days later.

The victims of the "Tragedy of Antuco," as it is being called here, were mostly young conscripts between the ages of 18 and 20, which revived a debate over mandatory military service.

The head of the army, General Juan Emilio Cheyre, had vowed that patrols would continue until the remains of all the soldiers were found.

Speaking to reporters, a visibly emotional Cheyre said that the soldier was found buried in the snow "with a serene look on his face," like all the other soldiers that froze to death.

The incident leaves the Chilean army "with a wound that will never heal," he said.

The march was ordered despite forecasts of heavy snowfall.

Survivors identified Major Patricio Cereceda as the officer who ordered the training exercise. Cereceda, along with his superior, Colonel Roberto Mercado and a subordinate, Lieutenant Luis Pineda, were discharged from the army.

Prosecutors are weighing possible charges of involuntary manslaughter against the former officers that could result in up to 10 years' prison.