Jack Whalen
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2012) |
Jack Whalen | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The Enforcer |
| Born | May 11, 1918 Sherman Oaks, California, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service |  United States Army Air Forces |
| Years of service | 1944–1946 |
| Battles / wars | World War II |
| Spouse(s) |
Kay Sabichi (m. 1943) |
| Other work | Mob Contract Killer |
Jack Whalen (May 11, 1918 – December 2, 1959), also called Jack O'Hara and "The Enforcer," was a criminal and freelance
Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel, the Shannon brothers (Joe, Izzy, Moe, and Max) and Mickey Cohen during the 1940s and 1950s.[2]
Life
Jack F. Whalen was born in
military school to give his son a better life. Jack played polo in school and piloted bombers in World War II. After the war, he married into a rich family in Los Angeles; however, by 1955, his own criminal career had begun. He was soon called "The Enforcer" because he was "so tough he didn't need a gun."[3]
Death
On December 2, 1959, Whalen was shot "square between the eyes" and killed at Rondelli's restaurant in
Sherman Oaks in the presence of Mickey Cohen and three other of his associates.[4] Sam Frank LoCigno, although claiming self-defense, was charged with, but later acquitted of, the murder. Whalen was 41 years old at the time of his death.[5]
In popular culture
Whalen is depicted in the 2013 film Gangster Squad by actor Sullivan Stapleton. Whalen is also a featured character in James Ellroy's novel L.A. Confidential; as part of the power struggle for Mickey Cohen's criminal empire against gangster Morris "Mo" Jahelka.
References
- ISBN 9781250020116. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
- ISBN 0-312-28076-9
- ^ Unlikely pals' luck changes
- ^ Juvenile Delinquency: Hearings before a Subcommittee to Investigate Juvenile Delinquency. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1971. (pg. 3255)
- ^ "Jack 'the Enforcer' Whalen Killed". Los Angeles Times. December 3, 2009. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
External links
- "Jack Whalen". Find a Grave. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
