Operation Underworld: The Secret Alliance Between the U.S. Government and the Mafia During WWII

By

Daniel Tobias Flint

Logo By CECILIA MARIE TATTOOS

Amid the chaos and complexities of World War II, one of the most unexpected collaborations in American history unfolded not on foreign battlefields, but within the shadows of New York City’s docks. At a time when the U.S. government feared sabotage from Axis powers, a covert partnership between the government and organized crime—known as "Operation Underworld"—became crucial in securing the nation’s largest and most vulnerable port, New York Harbor. This unlikely alliance played a pivotal role in safeguarding vital wartime supplies and was instrumental in the Allied effort against Nazi and Italian forces.

The Strategic Importance of New York Harbor

By the early 1940s, New York Harbor was the central hub for transporting troops, supplies, and military equipment between the United States and Europe. As the war escalated, the port’s role in supporting the Allied war effort became more vital, but it was also increasingly vulnerable to sabotage. The harbor's extensive network of piers, warehouses, and docks was a sprawling, chaotic system rife with corruption and susceptible to espionage. This made it an ideal target for Axis agents, who sought to disrupt the flow of military supplies.

The tension grew after a catastrophic event on February 9, 1942, when the French luxury liner SS Normandie, which was being converted into a U.S. Navy troop transport ship, caught fire and capsized while docked in Manhattan. Though the incident was officially deemed an accident, widespread speculation suggested sabotage, especially in light of Axis submarine activity in the Atlantic. The U.S. Navy realized that the harbor needed to be secured quickly to prevent further disruption of wartime logistics.

A Surprising Alliance

As the threat of sabotage grew, the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) began looking for unconventional ways to protect the harbor. The Mafia, long embedded in New York’s dockside operations, controlled the unions, longshoremen, and many aspects of daily life on the waterfront. ONI realized that securing the harbor without the Mafia’s cooperation would be nearly impossible.

The key figure who brokered this alliance was Meyer Lansky, a notorious organized crime figure with connections throughout various criminal syndicates. Lansky, despite his criminal background, was also staunchly anti-fascist and agreed to help secure the port. He saw the war as a fight against a common enemy and leveraged his influence to involve Charles “Lucky” Luciano, a powerful Mafia boss who was incarcerated at the time but still wielded considerable influence over the city’s dock operations from prison.

The Mafia’s Role in Securing the Harbor

The Mafia’s involvement in Operation Underworld provided critical services to the U.S. government, enabling it to bolster security at the harbor and protect vital war resources. Key contributions included:

1. Union Control: The Mafia maintained control over the longshoremen’s union, ensuring that dockworkers remained loyal and compliant during the war. By preventing labor strikes, they kept the harbor running smoothly, which was crucial for the timely shipment of military supplies.
2. Intelligence Gathering: Mafia-affiliated dockworkers and union leaders acted as an unofficial network of spies, reporting suspicious activities and potential threats to the government. These workers were positioned in key locations, which gave them access to a wide range of information that proved invaluable in identifying possible Axis agents and sympathizers.
3. Physical Security: Mafia enforcers, known for their street-level authority, patrolled the docks. Their presence helped deter Axis spies and criminals from sabotaging operations. The Mafia’s ability to maintain order and prevent disruptions in this crucial supply chain was a key element in the success of the operation.

This collaboration ensured that New York Harbor became one of the most secure ports in the U.S. during the war, despite its previous vulnerabilities.

The Government’s Concessions

While the partnership between the Mafia and the U.S. government was crucial, it was also controversial. In exchange for their help, the Mafia demanded certain concessions that had long-lasting effects on postwar America:

• Reduced Sentences: Charles “Lucky” Luciano, who had been imprisoned in 1936 for running a large prostitution ring, was offered a commuted sentence after the war in recognition of his assistance. He was released from prison in 1946 and promptly deported to Italy. This marked a turning point for Luciano, who regained his power and influence in the postwar criminal underworld.
• Tolerated Activities: The U.S. government largely turned a blind eye to the Mafia’s criminal enterprises during the war, choosing to prioritize national security over domestic law enforcement. This allowed organized crime to flourish even as the government remained focused on defeating the Axis powers.

The postwar consequences of this tacit agreement between the government and the Mafia were significant. Organized crime syndicates, empowered by their wartime cooperation with the government, were able to expand their influence in American cities and beyond.

Legacy of Operation Underworld

The legacy of Operation Underworld is complex and remains the subject of debate:

• A Wartime Necessity: Many historians view the alliance between the U.S. government and the Mafia as a necessary evil, a pragmatic response to a dire situation. Faced with the threat of sabotage, the government made a difficult decision to enlist the Mafia’s help, which ultimately contributed to securing the flow of war supplies.
• Moral Ambiguity: Critics argue that collaborating with organized crime during the war set a dangerous precedent, strengthening criminal organizations and undermining the rule of law. The postwar years saw a significant increase in Mafia power, as the U.S. government’s focus shifted away from law enforcement to rebuilding after the war.

Operation Underworld also highlights the moral and ethical complexities faced by governments during times of war. The decision to work with criminals in the name of national security challenges traditional notions of right and wrong, illustrating the tough choices that nations must make in extraordinary circumstances.

A Story for the Ages

The story of Operation Underworld is not just a footnote in World War II history; it is a striking example of how unconventional alliances can emerge in times of extreme crisis. This hidden chapter in American history underscores the high stakes of wartime survival and the lengths to which a nation will go to protect itself, even if it means making compromises with those on the wrong side of the law.

Whether viewed as a strategic necessity or a Faustian bargain, Operation Underworld serves as a reminder that in war, the line between right and wrong is often blurred. The alliance between the U.S. government and the Mafia remains a fascinating study in pragmatism, ethics, and the unexpected ways in which history unfolds.

Movie “Operation Underworld” – Executive Summary

The covert collaboration between the U.S. government and organized crime during World War II is a tale of necessity born from desperation. Known as “Operation Underworld,” this alliance emerged as Axis sabotage and espionage posed significant threats to New York Harbor—a vital hub for the Allied war effort. Following the mysterious fire aboard the SS Normandie in 1942, Naval Intelligence turned to the Mafia, whose stranglehold over dockworkers and unions made them uniquely positioned to secure the waterfront. Figures like Meyer Lansky and Charles “Lucky” Luciano played pivotal roles in organizing dockside security, rooting out potential saboteurs, and maintaining order. Despite the success of the operation, the partnership came at a moral cost, as the government granted favors to organized crime in exchange for their help. This intriguing historical backdrop sets the stage for a gripping narrative, perfectly suited for a film adaptation.

Why It Should Be Made:

"Operation Underworld" is a historical crime thriller that delves into one of the most unlikely and morally complex alliances of World War II—the collaboration between the U.S. Navy and the Mafia to secure New York Harbor. The operation was born out of desperation, with Axis sabotage and espionage threatening the vital port, and the Mafia, led by figures like Meyer Lansky and Charles “Lucky” Luciano, stepping in to help.

This film offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the tension between patriotism, criminality, and moral compromise in a historical context, making it both educational and highly engaging. The blend of espionage, intrigue, and wartime necessity provides a compelling narrative for audiences drawn to gripping, character-driven stories.

Historical Significance:

The film will accurately portray the complexities of Operation Underworld, a little-known chapter in American history where national security was entrusted to organized crime. The movie will highlight the wartime sacrifices made by both the U.S. government and the Mafia, with an emphasis on the moral dilemmas faced by those involved. The strategic importance of New York Harbor, the sabotage threats, and the pivotal roles played by Lansky and Luciano will be depicted with historical accuracy, offering an exciting, yet authentic, perspective on this covert operation.

Themes & Impact:

• Morality in Wartime: The uneasy balance between doing what’s right and what’s necessary during a time of national crisis is a universal theme that will resonate with contemporary audiences.
• Loyalty and Power: The film will explore the dynamics between the Navy and the Mafia, showing how desperate times lead to complex alliances and betrayals.
• Shadows of Justice: The lasting consequences of trading justice for security will serve as a powerful narrative thread, allowing for deep character development and emotional impact.

Visual Style and Tone:

With its gritty, atmospheric settings and high-stakes espionage, “Operation Underworld” will appeal to fans of films like The Godfather and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. The tense, shadowy visuals of the docks, union halls, and clandestine meetings will enhance the film's gripping sense of danger and moral ambiguity.

Audience Appeal:

This film will appeal to history buffs, crime drama enthusiasts, and general audiences interested in WWII and morally complex stories. With a compelling cast, deep historical narrative, and high emotional stakes, it has the potential to captivate a wide range of viewers.

Conclusion: “Operation Underworld” promises to be a thrilling and thought-provoking film that uncovers a hidden chapter in WWII history. It will offer a fresh perspective on wartime decision-making, highlighting the complex and often morally ambiguous choices made by those entrusted with national security. With its rich narrative and strong characters, this film has the potential to be a standout in the genre of historical thrillers.

Movie Pitch Layout: "Operation Underworld"

Genre: Historical Crime Thriller Tagline: “When the nation was under threat, unlikely allies stepped out of the shadows.”

Synopsis: Set during the perilous height of World War II, Operation Underworld delves into the secret alliance forged between the U.S. Navy and the Mafia as they band together to defend New York Harbor from Axis sabotage. This extraordinary collaboration, born of necessity and desperation, reveals the complex interplay of patriotism, criminal enterprise, and moral compromise. The film explores the intricate dance of espionage and treachery that ensues as two unlikely factions—one bound by duty and the other by loyalty to a criminal code—must navigate dangerous waters to protect the nation’s war effort. With high-stakes suspense and deep ethical dilemmas, Operation Underworld is a pulse-pounding narrative about wartime survival, betrayal, and the choices that can shape the course of history.

Plot Overview:

Act I:

• Opening Scene: February 1942—A catastrophic inferno breaks out aboard the luxury liner Normandie as it docks in Manhattan. The fire’s devastation sends ripples of fear throughout New York City and the U.S. military, leading Naval Intelligence to suspect sabotage by Axis agents. This chilling event sets the stage for a major reassessment of security at the waterfront, a vital entry point for the Allied war effort. The government is desperate, and something must be done to prevent further attacks.
• Introduction of Key Players:
• A Dangerous Decision: Faced with no other choice, Commander Ellington persuades his superiors to endorse a secret deal with the Mafia. This partnership will ensure that the Mafia’s extensive network of dockworkers and union leaders can keep watch over New York’s shipping lanes. However, the deal comes at a cost: the Navy will have to make concessions, including favorable treatment of Luciano in exchange for his help.

Act II:

• Operation Underworld Mobilized: Lansky’s criminal empire springs into action, recruiting a mix of mobsters, union workers, and dockhands to secure the waterfront. They begin to quietly root out suspected Axis agents, placing undercover operatives and informants on the docks. As the operation expands, Ellington becomes increasingly uneasy about the Mafia’s methods and the ethical implications of their partnership.
• Espionage, Intrigue, and Betrayal: The docks, a place where legitimate commerce and criminal activity meet, become a hotspot for espionage as Nazi spies infiltrate the city to sabotage the U.S. war effort. As Ellington and Lansky work together, they uncover a terrifying German plot to cripple the U.S. supply chain by sinking key cargo ships. With time running out, Ellington and Lansky must set aside their mistrust and work together in a race to neutralize the threat before it’s too late.
• Internal Conflict: Tensions within the Navy and the Mafia grow as Luciano demands a reduction in his prison sentence in exchange for his help. Ellington, bound by his sense of duty to his country, is forced to make compromises that he never thought he would. Meanwhile, Lansky grapples with the personal cost of loyalty to both his criminal empire and his country. The question of what constitutes "honor" becomes a central theme.

Act III:

• Climactic Showdown: As the Axis sabotage plot comes to a head, Ellington, Lansky, and their teams engage in a heart-pounding mission to intercept explosives being smuggled onto a cargo ship bound for the frontlines. With time running out, they must blend street-level cunning with military precision to foil the enemy's plan. The operation culminates in a tense, high-stakes showdown that will determine not only the fate of New York Harbor but also the moral integrity of those involved.
• Aftermath: The sabotage threat is neutralized, and New York’s docks are secured, but the cost of the alliance is undeniable. Luciano receives a reduced sentence, only to face immediate deportation. Lansky, having helped secure a victory for the U.S., reflects on his dual role as a criminal kingpin and a reluctant patriot. For Ellington, the war effort continues, but his disillusionment grows as he grapples with the compromises he made in the name of national security.

Key Themes:

• Morality in Wartime: The moral lines blur as desperate times force individuals to make uncomfortable choices. Can one’s loyalty to their country justify working with criminals?
• Loyalty and Power: The story examines the shifting allegiances between those in the Navy and the Mafia, highlighting the complexities of power dynamics and how loyalty can be shaped by personal ambition or survival.
• Shadows of Justice: The long-term consequences of bending the rules in the name of national security—a cost that impacts both the government and the individuals who made it possible.

Visual Style and Tone:

The visual tone of Operation Underworld is gritty and atmospheric, blending the tension of classic crime thrillers with the suspense and urgency of wartime espionage. Dimly lit, rain-slicked docks, shadowy warehouses, and bustling union halls provide a dark and immersive backdrop for a story laced with danger and deception. The film’s tone is reminiscent of The Godfather’s stark realism and the cerebral tension of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, creating an atmosphere where every decision could have life-or-death consequences.

Potential Cast:

• Commander Edward Ellington: Cillian Murphy or Oscar Isaac—Both actors bring a sharp intensity and moral gravitas to the role of a dedicated Naval officer caught between duty and disillusionment.
• Meyer Lansky: Adrien Brody or Ben Kingsley—Brody’s ability to play complex, layered characters makes him an ideal choice to portray Lansky’s cunning, while Kingsley could bring a seasoned edge to the role of the mobster-turned-patriot.
• Charles "Lucky" Luciano: Jeremy Strong or Sebastian Stan—Strong’s brooding intensity and Stan’s versatility would allow them to bring the right balance of menace and strategic brilliance to Luciano.

Why It Works:

Operation Underworld offers a gripping, character-driven historical narrative, blending real-world events with the high-stakes tension of a crime thriller. It explores the gray areas of morality during a time of national crisis, providing a fresh take on World War II that blends espionage, criminality, and patriotism. The story of unlikely allies and the moral compromises made in the name of national security is timely and powerful, offering both an engaging historical drama and a thriller filled with twists and turns. This is a film that will resonate with audiences seeking both intellectual depth and thrilling, character-driven storytelling.

Would you trust the underworld to protect the nation?