How did Eddie O’Hare – a business partner with Al Capone – contribute to the US WW2 effort? Eddie O’Hare, also known as Edward J. O’Hare, made a significant contribution to the U.S. World War II effort through his son, Lieutenant Commander Edward “Butch” O’Hare, who became a celebrated naval aviator.

Eddie O’Hare himself had a complex background, being a business partner of Al Capone. However, his direct contribution to the war effort came in an indirect manner. Eddie O’Hare was instrumental in providing crucial information to law enforcement that eventually led to the conviction of Al Capone on tax evasion charges. This act distanced him from organized crime, but it also had an unexpected impact on his family.

Butch O’Hare, Eddie’s son, joined the U.S. Navy and became a fighter pilot. His father’s efforts to disassociate from crime and his subsequent cooperation with authorities may have influenced Butch’s sense of duty and service. Butch O’Hare displayed extraordinary bravery and skill during the war, earning the Medal of Honor for his actions in February 1942, when he single-handedly attacked and shot down several Japanese bombers, preventing an attack on the aircraft carrier USS Lexington.

Butch O’Hare’s heroism and service were directly tied to the broader U.S. efforts during World War II, making Eddie O’Hare’s earlier decisions and actions a contributing factor to his son’s legacy and impact on the war effort.