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Died Age: 56
source: wikipedia.org
Melvin Purvis
Birthday:
24 Oct, 1903
Date of Death:
29 Feb, 1960
Cause of death:
Gunshot wound
Nationality:
American
Famous As:
Law enforcement official
Age at the time of death:
56
Early Life and Education
Melvin Purvis was an American law enforcement officer who played a crucial role in the 1930s by leading investigations against several notorious criminals. He is most known for his involvement in apprehending and eliminating John Dillinger, who was considered the FBI’s “Public Enemy No. 1.”
Born in Timmonsville, South Carolina, in 1903, Purvis completed his studies at the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1925 before joining the FBI two years later. Due to his exceptional skills and dedication, he swiftly advanced within the ranks and assumed leadership as special agent of the Chicago office by 1932.
Manhunt for John Dillinger
Purvis spearheaded a manhunt for John Dillinger, who had managed to escape from prison on multiple occasions while simultaneously robbing numerous banks across the Midwest. On July 22, 1934, Purvis and his team tracked down Dillinger at a cinema in Chicago, where they ultimately shot him dead during an attempted getaway. Recognizing his remarkable accomplishment, President Franklin D. Roosevelt personally commended Purvis with a congratulatory letter.
Legacy in Law Enforcement
Due to his relentless pursuit of justice and unwavering determination to protect society from dangerous criminals like John Dillinger, Melvin Purvis was able to solidify himself as a valuable asset within law enforcement circles during one of America’s most notorious eras.
Melvin Purvis's Quote's
Contributions Beyond Dillinger
Purvis also played a crucial role in capturing or eliminating several other renowned criminals, such as Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd. In 1935, Purvis left the FBI due to a reported disagreement with J. Edgar Hoover, the director of the FBI, regarding credit for the Dillinger case.
Tragic End
Tragically, he passed away in 1960 from a gunshot wound that was deemed accidental by the coroner.
Profile Snapshot
Name:
Melvin Purvis
Popular Name:
Melvin Purvis
Gender:
Male
Cause of Death:
Gunshot wound
Spouse:
Marie Rosanne Willcox
Place of Birth:
Timmonsville, South Carolina, United States
Place of Death:
Florence, South Carolina, United States
Occupation / Profession:
Law enforcement official
Personality Type
Logistician: Melvin Purvis was very tactical in his approach to tracking down fugitives. He preferred to cover all his bases since he knew he had one shot at taking down a criminal.
Melvin Purvis's Interesting Facts
Despite his successes, Purvis resigned from the FBI in 1935 due to internal politics.
Melvin Purvis led the manhunt against John Dillinger.
He played a key role in capturing several high-profile criminals during the "Public Enemy Era."
Purvis led the successful raids that resulted in the deaths of John Dillinger and Pretty Boy Floyd.
Achievements & Awards
Led the operation that resulted in the death of John Dillinger on July 22, 1934, earning him the nickname “The Man Who Got Dillinger.”
Developed a reputation as an excellent field agent known for his painstaking diligence in investigations, which led to his success in tracking down notorious criminals of the 1930s.
Credited with the capture and killing of Charles Arthur Floyd (aka “Pretty Boy Floyd”) on October 22, 1934.
Quickly rose through the ranks of the FBI, becoming head of the Chicago office by 1932 after leading offices in Birmingham, Oklahoma City, and Cincinnati.
Became one of the most famous law enforcement officers in America, second only to President Roosevelt in public recognition at the time.
External Links