Facts and Stories from WWII That We Won’t Find in History Books

56. The U.S. and Mafia’s Secret Pact

In an unlikely alliance during World War II, the U.S. Navy joined forces with the Mafia, spearheaded by the notorious mobster Charles “Lucky” Luciano, for “Operation Underworld.” This operation was a strategic move to protect New York Harbor from potential sabotage threats. Luciano, despite being behind bars, played a pivotal role in securing the waterfront, leveraging his underworld connections for the sake of national security.

This collaboration highlighted a moment in history where the lines between law enforcement and organized crime blurred for a common goal. In appreciation of Luciano’s assistance, his prison sentence was significantly reduced, marking a rare instance where crime and punishment intersected with wartime necessity.