Staff Reports
President Biden made inaccurate statements about his uncle’s death during World War II as he remembered his service and criticized former President Trump’s qualifications to lead the military. The President claimed that his uncle, 2nd Lt. Ambrose J. Finnegan Jr., was shot down in New Guinea and suggested that cannibals were present in the area. However, official records do not support these claims. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency states that Finnegan was a passenger on a plane that crashed in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of New Guinea, and his body was never recovered.
Additionally, President Biden stated that his uncles enlisted in the military on D-Day in June 1944, but they actually joined the military weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. It seems that the President’s recollection of the events was inaccurate.
Biden botches details of his uncle’s WWII death as he calls Trump unfit to lead the militaryhttps://t.co/tgTnr2oZMq pic.twitter.com/ijELTwWIXw
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) April 18, 2024
Furthermore, President Biden criticized former President Trump for allegedly calling fallen service members “suckers” and “losers.” Biden’s remarks came in response to claims made by former Trump officials, although Trump has denied these allegations.
The President’s comments were made during a visit to his uncle’s memorial site in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He also mentioned that his family had a tradition of saying three Hail Marys at the gravesite of a family member, which he did during his visit.
It is important for leaders to ensure the accuracy of the information they share, especially when discussing the service and sacrifice of military members. In this case, the discrepancy between the President’s remarks and official records raises questions about the accuracy of his statements.
President Biden also shared a telegram from Gen. Douglas MacArthur expressing condolences to Finnegan’s family after his death. This telegram was published in a local newspaper following Finnegan’s passing.
The White House did not immediately comment on the inconsistencies between President Biden’s statements and the official records regarding his uncle’s wartime service and death. It is essential for leaders to provide accurate information, particularly when discussing the military and veterans.
