FACT CHECK: Is U.S. Marine Corps General H. David Berger ‘Missing In Action’?

Christine Sellers | Fact Check Reporter

A post shared on Facebook purports U.S. Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger is allegedly “missing in action” and has not been seen since Jan. 6.

Verdict: False

The claim stems from a satirical website. There is no evidence supporting the purported claim.

Fact Check:

Berger recently toured a Mississippi shipyard where amphibious ships that will serve as Marine transport are being built, according to GulfLive.com. The U.S. Marine Corps is currently working on its Force Design 2030 initiative, with an update expected to be shared in the spring, the Marine Corps Times reported.

The Facebook post purports Berger is allegedly “missing in action” and has not been seen since Jan. 6, 2023. The post further claims Berger had supposedly stepped down from his role as U.S. Marine Corps general prior to his disappearance but said he would remain near Camp Pendleton as an advisor for “the near future.”

The claim is false. There are no credible news reports suggesting Berger is allegedly “missing in action” and hasn’t been seen since Jan. 6, 2023. Likewise, the claim is neither mentioned on the U.S. Marine Corps’ website nor on its verified social media accounts. In addition, the White House has not publicly commented on the purported claim.

A keyword search reveals the claim stems from a Jan. 11 article published on the website “Real Raw News.” A disclaimer included on the site’s “About Us” page indicates it contains “humor, parody, and satire.” (RELATED: Did David Berger Step Down As Marine Corps General Following A Conversation With Donald Trump?)

Berger was active on Twitter on Jan. 11 and posted a thread to his verified account regarding changes the U.S. Marine Corps will implement in order to address “regional and global security challenges.” Berger indicated the changes were announced by the U.S. and Government of Japan Security Consultative Committee.

Check Your Fact has contacted the U.S. Marine Corps for comment and will update this piece accordingly if one is received.

This is not the first time a satirical claim has been promoted as true online. Check Your Fact previously debunked a social media post purporting the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is responsible for riots in Brazil following the election of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Christine Sellers

Fact Check Reporter

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