OR

source: wikipedia.org
24 Oct, 1903
29 Feb, 1960
Gunshot wound
American
Law enforcement official
56
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tragically, he passed away in 1960 from a gunshot wound that was deemed accidental by the coroner.
Melvin Purvis
Melvin Purvis
Male
Gunshot wound
Timmonsville, South Carolina, United States
Florence, South Carolina, United States
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.
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.
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.