During a recent speech, President Joe Biden shared a unique account of his Uncle Ambrose Finnegan’s World War II experience, which has since sparked controversy.
On the morning of April 17, 2024, while visiting a war memorial in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden implied that his uncle could have fallen prey to cannibals after his plane was shot down over New Guinea during World War II. He stated that remnants of the aircraft were discovered, but Finnegan’s remains were never recovered.
In a subsequent speech in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he reiterated the absence of Finnegan’s body and associated his disappearance with the region’s history of cannibalism. This claim elicited negative reactions from some people in Papua New Guinea, who felt their historical practices were being unfairly portrayed.
Due to the ensuing confusion and criticism, the White House issued a clarification stating that there was no substantiating evidence for Biden’s claim. Pentagon records indicate that Finnegan was involved in a plane crash caused by engine failure over the Pacific, not due to enemy action or cannibalism.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre underscored the personal nature of Biden’s account during her briefing, using it to highlight his respect for the military. She contrasted this with allegations that former President Trump disrespectfully referred to U.S. service members as “suckers” and “losers” during a 2018 visit to a French military cemetery. Trump, who vehemently denied these allegations, had been defended by Mike Pompeo and Sarah Sanders, who claimed the accusations were baseless attacks.
Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea responded to Biden’s comments, suggesting that they might have been made in error but emphasizing that such labels are unjust for his country. Marape called on the U.S. to help address the historical issues related to WWII, including the unknown fate of missing servicemen like Finnegan.
Maholopa Laveil, an economics lecturer at the University of Papua New Guinea, voiced concerns over Biden’s remarks. He criticized them as harmful and unhelpful, noting that they negatively portray Papua New Guinea amidst existing challenges like tribal conflicts and riots. Laveil pointed out that these unfounded claims were particularly inappropriate given the recent diplomatic engagements and cooperative projects between the U.S. and Papua New Guinea. He urged against making such remarks, particularly in light of the developing strategic partnerships in the Pacific region.
Allan Bird, the governor of East Sepik in Papua New Guinea, near the site of the crash, responded with humor to Biden’s statement. He suggested that they could be attributed to stories Biden might have heard during his youth.
Contrary to Biden’s account, the Pentagon’s Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency insists that Finnegan’s plane crashed into the ocean due to mechanical failure, not enemy action. The reports confirm that all but one of the crew members perished in the crash.
