Biden's Claim About Uncle's WWII Death Contradicts Military Records

President Joe Biden recently told a story about his uncle Ambrose "Uncle Bozey" Finnegan being shot down and eaten by cannibals in New Guinea during World War II. However, this account conflicts with the official military report on Finnegan's death.

According to the Defense POW MIA Accounting Agency, Finnegan was a passenger on a plane that experienced engine failure and crashed into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of New Guinea in 1944. The report states that the plane "hit the water hard" and three crew members, including Finnegan, "failed to emerge" from the wreckage. One crew member survived and was rescued. There is no mention of the plane being shot down or Finnegan's body being consumed by cannibals.

Biden's remarks have sparked outrage in Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister James Marape accused the U.S. president of disparaging the country by implying that his uncle was eaten by "cannibals." "Papua New Guinea does not deserve to be labeled as such," Marape said in a statement. He urged Biden to focus instead on helping recover the remains of American servicemen still lost in Papua New Guinea's jungles from World War II.

Why this matters: Biden's false claim, while attempting to honor his late uncle's military service, has caused a diplomatic rift with Papua New Guinea at a time when the U.S. is seeking to strengthen ties in the Pacific region to counter China's growing influence. The incident highlights the need for accuracy and cultural sensitivity from world leaders when discussing historical events.

The White House has acknowledged that Biden's story about cannibals was inaccurate but defended his larger comments as meant to honor his uncle's service and the sacrifices of veterans. "The theaters of war in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands are littered with the remains of the Second World War," Marape noted, calling on the U.S. to help find its war dead and clean up the wreckage. Despite the controversy over Biden's remarks, both countries have expressed a desire to maintain respectful relations and cooperation.

Key Takeaways

• Biden claimed his uncle was eaten by cannibals in WWII, contradicting official report.
• Papua New Guinea PM accused Biden of disparaging the country with the claim.
• The false claim has caused a diplomatic rift as U.S. seeks to counter China's influence.
• White House acknowledged Biden's story was inaccurate but defended honoring his uncle's service.
• Both countries expressed desire to maintain respectful relations despite the controversy.