America's secret deal with the mafia | ABC Radio National

Key Concepts:

• USS Normandy fire: A ship fire in New York Harbor shortly after Pearl Harbor that caused public panic.
• Navy's security threat: The vulnerability of the New York waterfront to sabotage.
• Recruitment of the Mafia: The Navy's plan to use the Mafia as spies and security on the waterfront.
• Secrecy of the deal: The agreement between the Navy and the Mafia was kept secret for years.
• Impact on organized crime and the war: The deal had significant consequences for both organized crime and the course of World War II.

The Fire on the USS Normandy and Public Panic

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States was in a state of high alert. The situation was exacerbated when the USS Normandy caught fire in New York Harbor. The fire created a massive spectacle, with smoke visible across the city, causing widespread fear among New Yorkers. People feared that this was a Nazi sabotage or an attack on the city.

The Navy's Unexpected Security Threat

The fire on the USS Normandy highlighted a critical security vulnerability: the New York waterfront. The Navy realized that the waterfront was susceptible to sabotage and attacks, posing a significant threat to national security.

The Wild Idea: Recruiting the Mafia

To address the security threat, the Navy conceived an unconventional plan: to recruit the Mafia as spies and security personnel. The idea was to leverage the Mafia's knowledge of the waterfront and their ability to maintain order through their established networks.

The Mafia's Role and Impact

The Mafia's involvement was kept secret for years. The deal had a profound impact on organized crime and the war effort. The Mafia provided valuable intelligence and security, helping to protect the New York waterfront from sabotage. The outcome of World War II was uncertain in the early years, and the Mafia's contribution played a role in securing the Allied victory.