President Joe Biden shared during a speech that his uncle, Ambrose Finnegan, was unable to have his remains recovered after his plane crashed near New Guinea during World War II because of the presence of cannibals in the region. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency’s account of the incident states that Finnegan’s plane crashed in the ocean for unknown reasons and that three crew members did not survive the crash. Biden stated that his uncle was a reconnaissance pilot and ended up being shot down in New Guinea, with his body never being found due to the cannibals in the area.
The DPAA report confirms that three crew members did not survive the crash, with an aerial search the next day finding no trace of the missing aircraft or crew members. While one crew member did survive the crash, Finnegan’s remains were never recovered. He is memorialized at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines and President Biden paid his respects to his uncle at a veterans’ memorial site in Scranton, Pennsylvania during his visit to the area. The White House has confirmed that Biden is proud of his uncle’s service and highlighted his story as a way to emphasize the importance of honoring and caring for veterans and their families.
President Biden’s comments were made in the context of criticizing former President Donald Trump regarding reports that Trump had disparaged US service members who were killed in battle and had skipped a ceremony honoring veterans. Trump has denied these reports, but former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly later confirmed the reporting to CNN’s Jake Tapper. Biden used his uncle’s story as a way to emphasize the importance of honoring and caring for veterans and the sacred commitment to those who serve in the military.
The White House did not provide additional information regarding Biden’s claim about cannibals preventing the recovery of Finnegan’s remains. Biden’s statements were made during speeches in Pittsburgh and Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he shared the story of his uncle’s tragic death during World War II. Despite the lack of recovery of Finnegan’s remains, Biden emphasized the importance of honoring and caring for veterans and their families, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that those who serve in the military are taken care of when they return home.
Biden’s recounting of his uncle’s death and the possible cannibalization differs from the official account provided by the DPAA, showcasing a personal connection to the story that reflects on the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military. The president used his uncle’s story as a way to advocate for better treatment and care for American veterans and to counter claims made against him by former President Trump. By sharing his uncle’s story, Biden highlights the importance of remembering and honoring those who have served their country, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
