Edward Ohare
Edward O'Hare and Edward J. O'Hare
Edward "Butch" O'Hare
Early Life and Career
Edward Henry "Butch" O'Hare, born on March 13, 1914, in St. Louis, Missouri, was a distinguished American naval aviator in the United States Navy. He attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated in 1937, embarking on a career that would see him become one of the most celebrated pilots of World War II.
World War II Heroics
O'Hare's most famous action came during the Battle of the Coral Sea on February 20, 1942, when he single-handedly attacked and shot down multiple enemy bombers targeting the aircraft carrier USS Lexington. For his bravery and skill, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the first naval aviator to receive this prestigious decoration during the war.
Legacy
Tragically, O'Hare was killed in action on November 26, 1943, near the Gilbert Islands while leading the first-ever nighttime fighter attack from an aircraft carrier. He was posthumously promoted to Lieutenant Commander. In his honor, O'Hare International Airport in Chicago was named after him, cementing his legacy as a national hero.
Edward J. "Easy Eddie" O'Hare
Life and Career
Edward Joseph "Easy Eddie" O'Hare, born on September 5, 1893, in St. Louis, Missouri, was a prominent lawyer and businessman. He was known for his association with the infamous gangster Al Capone in Chicago during the Prohibition era.
Connection to Organized Crime
O'Hare's legal acumen and business associations led him to work closely with Al Capone, helping the gangster manage his illicit operations. However, in a dramatic turn, O'Hare eventually became an informant for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, providing crucial evidence that helped convict Capone for tax evasion.
Assassination
On November 8, 1939, Edward J. O'Hare was assassinated in Chicago, believed to have been a result of his betrayal of Capone. His legacy is entwined with both organized crime history and his son's later heroics.