President Biden’s Personal Tribute to War Hero Uncle Finnegan: A Memorable Story of Service and Loss

During a recent visit to a war memorial in Scranton, Pennsylvania, President Joe Biden shared a personal story about his uncle who served in World War II. He spoke passionately about his uncle, Ambrose Finnegan, who flew reconnaissance missions over war zones in single-engine planes for the Army Air Corps. Unfortunately, the president’s uncle was killed when his plane crashed during a mission over New Guinea.

The official account by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency differs from President Biden’s recounting of his uncle’s death. According to their report, the plane crashed due to engine failure off the north coast of New Guinea and an aerial search party failed to find any trace of it or its crew members. Second Lieutenant Ambrose J. Finnegan remains missing and is memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates told CNN that President Biden is proud of his uncle’s service and used his story as an example to emphasize the importance of honoring and supporting veterans. Bates highlighted President Biden’s commitment to equipping and caring for those who serve in war, reminding Americans that veterans are not “suckers” or “losers,” but rather heroes who deserve our respect and gratitude.