Legs Diamond

Full Name: Jack "Legs" Diamond, possibly born John Thomas Diamond
Profession: Gangster

Biography: Jack "Legs" Diamond earned his nickname during the Prohibition era either due to his dancing or his ability to survive multiple attempted assassinations.

Diamond was born in 1897 to Irish immigrants in Philadelphia. After his mother's death in 1913, he moved to Brooklyn and joined the Hudson Dusters gang. He served in the United States Army during World War I but was convicted of desertion.

After his release from military prison in 1921, Diamond became a bodyguard for Arnold Rothstein, a powerful crime boss. During Prohibition, Diamond was involved in bootlegging and had conflicts with rival gangs, including that of Dutch Schultz. He owned the Hotsy Totsy Club, which was the scene of several violent incidents.

Diamond was married, with his wife Alice disapproving of his criminal lifestyle. He was also known for his womanizing, however, with Marion "Kiki" Roberts being his most notable mistress. Between 1924 and 1931, Diamond survived multiple assassination attempts, earning him the nickname "clay pigeon of the underworld."

In 1930, Diamond attempted to escape to Europe under a false name but was deported back to the United States. He faced various legal troubles, including charges of kidnapping and assault, and was convicted of bootlegging in 1931.

In December of 1931, Diamond was killed in Albany, New York. The identity of those who carried out or ordered the hit remains a mystery, with speculation pointing to Dutch Schultz as well as local political figures. Diamond's widow, Alice, was also murdered two years later in 1933.

Born: July 10, 1897
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Cancer

Died: December 18, 1931 (aged 34)
Cause of Death: Murdered