President Joe Biden recently spoke about his uncle, Ambrose Finnegan, who died in a plane crash near New Guinea during World War II. Biden suggested that his uncle’s remains were not recovered because of the presence of cannibals in the region at that time. This contrasts with the official account by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which states that Finnegan’s plane crashed in the ocean and that three crew members were lost in the crash, with one survivor. Finnegan’s body was never found, and he is memorialized at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines.
During a visit to Pennsylvania, Biden paid his respects to his uncle at a veterans’ memorial site in Scranton. The White House reiterated Biden’s pride in his uncle’s service and highlighted his story as a way to emphasize the importance of honoring and caring for veterans and their families. Biden spoke out against disparaging remarks reportedly made by former President Donald Trump about US service members who were killed in battle. Trump has denied these reports, but former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly has supported the claims.
The White House did not provide further details on Biden’s mention of cannibals as a factor in the recovery of his uncle’s remains. Historical records do show that cannibalism was practiced in the region during the mid-20th century. Biden’s emotional recounting of his uncle’s story adds a personal dimension to his commitment to supporting veterans and ensuring they receive the respect and care they deserve. The President used his uncle’s experience to emphasize the importance of fulfilling America’s obligations to those who serve in the military.
Biden’s remarks about his uncle’s disappearance and the mention of cannibals in the region add a layer of intrigue to the story of Ambrose Finnegan’s tragic death during World War II. The discrepancy between Biden’s account and the official military report raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the crash and the efforts made to locate and recover the missing crew members. Despite the uncertainties surrounding Finnegan’s fate, his memory lives on through his inclusion on the Walls of the Missing and his memorialization at the veterans’ memorial in Scranton.
The emotional connection that Biden feels towards his uncle’s sacrifice resonates with his broader commitment to supporting military personnel and their families. By sharing his family’s personal experience with loss and honoring his uncle’s memory, Biden seeks to remind the country of the sacrifices made by service members in defense of freedom and democracy. The President’s tribute to his uncle serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of remembering and honoring those who have paid the ultimate price for their country. Biden’s words reflect a deep sense of respect and gratitude towards those who serve in the armed forces.
