Most revered man

Nice article (Hoppe, “Gangsters, Guns and Gasoline,” May 3-10). Dillinger’s last year and a half was filled with all kinds of events — like the ones you wrote about. As well-known in his day as Roosevelt and any other famous celebrity.

He was robbing a bank one day and curious spectators noticed it, crowding around the bank windows peering in. By the time he came out, the people had multiplied — maybe 25 to 30. They followed him down the street with their hands raised in the air until he and his cronies reached the car. I think he used some of them standing on the running boards so the police would not shoot.
His capture in Tucson — police allowed a car dealer to use his car for advertising; sign read: “Dillinger choose 1934 Hudson for his personal use.” Pennsylvania restaurant had a billboard out in front reading, “Dillinger welcomed to dine here.” His dad in Mooresville offered five grand a week to go on the vaudeville circuit and talk about John Jr. And on and on. He was a most revered man in 1934 by all Americans.