In an emotional tribute at a WWII memorial, President Joe Biden made a striking claim about his late uncle, later refuted by Pentagon records, Daily Mail reported.

On April 17, 2024, President Joe Biden visited a war memorial in his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania. During his visit, he honored the memory of his uncle, Ambrose J. Finnegan, whose name is engraved at the site.

In a heartfelt speech, Biden recounted a family story concerning his uncle's tragic fate during World War II.

As part of his narrative, Biden stated that after his uncle’s aircraft was shot down, he was consumed by cannibals, a group reportedly active in the area at that time. Tragically, Biden noted, "They never recovered his body," emphasizing the uncertainty and sorrow surrounding his uncle's death.

Details from Pentagon Records Contradict President's Account

However, Pentagon documents tell a different story about the circumstances of Finnegan's demise. According to military records, the aircraft, an A-20 Havoc, experienced engine failure and was not shot down as previously claimed.

The plane was forced to ditch in the ocean off the northern coast of New Guinea during a routine courier flight from Momote Airfield to Nadzab Airfield on May 14, 1944.

The records further clarify that Finnegan was a passenger categorized as a courier on the flight manifest. Unfortunately, the devastating crash resulted in the loss of all on board except for one crew member who survived. Despite extensive search and recovery efforts post-war, no remains of the aircraft or Finnegan were ever found.

The Emotional Impact and Military Honor Highlighted

In response to inquiries about the discrepancies between Biden’s account and official records, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre avoided confrontation with the narrative. On April 19, 2024, Jean-Pierre remarked that there was "no cannibal tab" in her information binder, subtly sidestepping the contentious issue.

She reiterated that Finnegan perished in a military crash in the Pacific and commended Biden's emotional tribute at the memorial.

Highlighting the president's intentions, Jean-Pierre cited his profound respect for service members and veterans, which starkly contrasts with derogatory remarks reportedly made by former President Donald Trump, whom Biden accused of disrespecting American soldiers — claims Trump denies.

President Biden's Deep Ties to Military Service

The story of Finnegan serves as a poignant reminder of the personal connections Biden holds with military service and the sacrifices made by American soldiers.

During his speech, Biden intertwined his uncle’s story with broader themes of respect and recognition for veterans, further cementing his public stance on military honor.

While the factual accuracy of his recounted narrative may differ from Pentagon records, the emotional weight it carries for Biden is undeniable. It paints a picture of a family deeply affected by the wars of the past, a narrative many American families can relate to.

Public and Political Reactions to Biden's Claim

The reaction to Biden's statement has varied, with supporters appreciating his connection to military sacrifice and critics pointing out the discrepancies between his account and historical records. This incident has spurred discussions on the importance of accuracy in public memory and how personal and collective histories intersect.

Such narratives about military history often involve complex interplays of fact and family lore, highlighting the challenges in preserving accurate historical recollections amidst personal loss.

The story of Ambrose J. Finnegan, as recounted by President Biden, underscores the potent mix of personal conviction and historical interpretation that can influence public figures’ stories.

Conclusion: A Reflection on History and Memory

President Joe Biden's visit to a WWII memorial in Scranton brought to light a family story filled with drama and tragedy. However, his account of his uncle's fate involving cannibals contrasts with Pentagon records showing a tragic aircraft crash due to engine failure.

No remains were found, and the incident remains a poignant part of the Biden family's history. This narrative, whether fully accurate or not, highlights the profound impact of war on families and the complexities of remembering those who served.

Karine Jean-Pierre, representing the White House, emphasized the story's emotional significance and Biden's commitment to honoring the military while navigating the politically sensitive issues raised.