Lucky Luciano GO'S TO WAR #blues #bluescommunity #bluesmusician #keepingthebluesalive

During World War II, imprisoned Mafia boss Charles "Lucky" Luciano collaborated with the U.S. Navy in a covert initiative known as "Operation Underworld." In exchange for potential leniency, Luciano helped secure New York City docks against Axis saboteurs and provided key Sicilian Mafia contacts to aid the Allied invasion of Sicily. Wikipedia Wikipedia +2 Key details of Luciano’s cooperation include: Securing the Waterfront: Following the 1942 attack on the SS Normandie, the Navy sought Luciano's influence to prevent strikes and sabotage at New York docks by ensuring labor cooperation. Intelligence on Sicily: Luciano provided intelligence and contacts within the Sicilian Mafia to the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI), assisting in the planning of the 1943 Operation Husky. Wartime Assistance: He allegedly helped bridge contacts with Sicilian Mafia members who were opposed to Mussolini, easing the initial U.S. amphibious phase during the invasion. Post-War Commutation: While he was not released during the war, his sentence was commuted in 1946 for his wartime services, leading to his deportation to Italy. Wikipedia Wikipedia +6 The partnership was largely facilitated through his associate, Meyer Lansky, to avoid direct, damaging public knowledge of government-Mafia collusion.