# John Dillinger

> American bank robber

**Wikidata**: [Q243918](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q243918)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Dillinger)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/john-dillinger

## Summary
John Dillinger was an American bank robber who became one of the most notorious figures of the Great Depression-era crime wave. Known for his daring heists and evasive lifestyle, he was a fugitive for most of his adult life before his 1934 capture and execution.

## Biography
- Born: June 22, 1903, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Unknown (no formal education records available)
- Known for: Leading high-profile bank robberies during the Prohibition era
- Employer(s): None (operated independently as a criminal)
- Field(s): Criminal activity, organized crime

## Contributions
John Dillinger is primarily known for his involvement in numerous bank robberies, including:
- The 1933 robbery of the First National Bank of Chicago, where he and his gang stole $10,275.
- The 1934 robbery of the Bi-State Bank in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he and his gang stole $10,200.
These heists made him a symbol of the violent crime wave that plagued the United States during the Great Depression.

## FAQs
**What crimes was John Dillinger convicted of?**
John Dillinger was convicted of multiple bank robberies, including the 1933 robbery of the First National Bank of Chicago and the 1934 robbery of the Bi-State Bank in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was executed for these crimes.

**How did John Dillinger die?**
John Dillinger was executed by electric chair on July 22, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, for his involvement in bank robberies.

**What was John Dillinger's signature style?**
John Dillinger was known for his bold, often violent bank robberies, which involved armed confrontations and a distinctive signature—his signature was often used to authenticate his notes.

## Why They Matter
John Dillinger's criminal career had a profound impact on American law enforcement and public perception of crime. His high-profile robberies and eventual capture and execution made him a symbol of the violent underworld during the Great Depression. His story influenced later portrayals of outlaws in popular culture, including films and literature.

## Notable For
- One of the most wanted fugitives in American history during the 1930s.
- Led high-profile bank robberies that drew national attention.
- Executed by electric chair for his crimes, marking a significant moment in American criminal justice history.
- Became a folk hero to some, symbolizing resistance against economic hardship.

## Body
### Early Life
John Herbert Dillinger was born on June 22, 1903, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to a working-class family. Little is known about his early life, but he was raised in poverty and engaged in criminal activity from a young age. By his late teens, he had already been involved in several minor crimes, including armed robbery.

### Criminal Career
Dillinger's criminal career began in earnest during the Prohibition era, when he and his gang carried out a series of daring bank robberies. His most famous heists included the 1933 robbery of the First National Bank of Chicago, where he and his gang stole $10,275, and the 1934 robbery of the Bi-State Bank in Lincoln, Nebraska, where they stole $10,200. These robberies made him a household name and a target of the federal government.

### Capture and Execution
After years on the run, Dillinger was finally captured in a shootout with police in Chicago on July 22, 1934. He was convicted of multiple bank robberies and sentenced to death. He was executed by electric chair the same day, becoming one of the most infamous figures of the Great Depression-era crime wave.

### Legacy
John Dillinger's life and crimes have been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries. His story continues to fascinate people, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of organized crime and the harsh realities of the Great Depression. His signature, which he used to authenticate his notes, remains a symbol of his criminal legacy.

## References

1. Find a Grave
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
4. GeneaStar
5. MAK
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. Quora