President Biden found himself under scrutiny after recounting a story about his uncle’s wartime experience, which included implications of cannibalism during World War II. The tale, shared during Biden’s visit to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, stirred skepticism and ridicule online.
During his visit, Biden recounted the story of his uncle, 2nd Lt. Ambrose J. Finnegan Jr., also known as “Bosie,” who served as a reconnaissance pilot in the war. Biden described how Finnegan’s plane was shot down in New Guinea, a region known for cannibalism at the time. He claimed that Finnegan’s body was never recovered due to the presence of cannibals in the area.
Earlier that day, while visiting a war memorial in Scranton, Biden had told a similar version of the story, emphasizing the challenges of finding Finnegan’s body in a region inhabited by cannibals.
However, reports from sources like the Associated Press contradicted Biden’s account, stating that the U.S. government’s records did not attribute Finnegan’s death to hostile action or mention cannibalism as a factor. According to the Pentagon’s Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Finnegan died as a passenger on a plane that crashed in the Pacific Ocean off New Guinea’s northern coast due to engine failure.
White House spokesman Andrew Bates defended Biden’s remarks, stating that the president was proud of his uncle’s service and highlighting the importance of honoring veterans’ sacrifices. Bates emphasized Biden’s commitment to supporting veterans and their families.
Social media reactions to Biden’s story ranged from criticism to humor, with some pointing out discrepancies in the details provided by the president.
Zach Parkinson, a GOP communications expert, noted discrepancies in Finnegan’s military record and the circumstances of his death, refuting Biden’s account. Others, like Substack writer Jim Treacher, likened Biden’s story to a plot from a movie, suggesting it lacked credibility.
The controversy surrounding Biden’s recounting of his uncle’s wartime experience highlights the challenges of accurately remembering historical events and the importance of fact-checking in public discourse.
