What mafioso was employed by the US Army Headquarters in Naples during the last two years of World War II, though he had been a good friend of Benito Mussolini's and a close ally of Lucky Luciano?

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Vito Genovese Mussolini's rise to power in the 1920s was the first real threat to Cosa Nostra domination. "Il Duce" no stranger himself to brutality and illegality, decided to restore the authority of the state. Ignoring many of the finer points of law, he had over a thousand Mafia leaders and their lieutenants incarcerated in the first wave of arrests. However consistency was never a strong point with the Fascist dictator. The whole campaign, though effective in the short term, was folded once it threatened his party and supporters. A side effect of the crack down was that many Mafiosi fled to the USA where they set up in business doing what they had at home, prohibition was in full swing which provided especially rich pickings. The Second World War provided the possibility for a resurgence. Once the USA had joined in, Cosa Nostra became a secret partner in its endeavours. Salvatore Lucania, better known as Lucky Luciano, the one time head of all the Mafia families in the New York, had control over the east coast ports. He ensured there would be no dockworker's strike and no sabotage, guaranteeing the lifeline to Europe. His connections in Sicily were a perfect off the peg espionage ring and trained partisan army. As a reward for his help he was granted early parole and sent back to Sicily. Lucky Luciano's lieutenant, Vito Genovese, also destined to command his own New York crime family and once a close friend of Mussolini knew when to change sides. Still wanted on charges of murder in the US, he became the most trusted liaison officer of its army in Italy. A convenient position, providing communications and transport to pursue his criminal activities. http://www.italywithrelish.it/articles/family-business.htm Aug 16 10, 9:05 AM