Special Poll
During a speech criticizing former President Donald Trump’s remarks about the military, President Joe Biden recounted the story of his uncle Ambrose J. Finnegan’s death during World War II. However, Biden’s description of the circumstances involving cannibals in New Guinea did not align with official U.S. military records.
According to the records, Finnegan’s aircraft was forced to ditch in the ocean off the north coast of New Guinea due to engine failure at low altitude. The plane crashed, and the three men aboard, including Finnegan, were not found.
White House spokesman Andrew Bates did not directly address Biden’s mischaracterization but emphasized Biden’s pride in his uncle’s service and highlighted the broader context of Biden’s remarks about honoring veterans and refuting derogatory comments about military personnel.
In his speech, Biden contrasted his family’s military service with Trump’s disparaging remarks about fallen soldiers, using phrases like “suckers” and “losers.” Biden’s emotional connection to military service extends to his son Beau Biden, who served in Iraq and later passed away from brain cancer. While Biden has occasionally made errors in recounting specific details, his overall message about honoring veterans and their sacrifices remains consistent.