Thrilling Facts About John Dillinger, Public Enemy Number One
America’s Most Wanted
A gentleman to some and a menace to others, John Dillinger put America in a frenzy with a spree that led to the formation of the FBI itself—until his luck ran out.
1. His Father Tried To Keep Him Out Of Trouble
Before becoming public enemy number one, John Dillinger grew up in Indiana, born in 1903 to John Dillinger Sr and Mary Ellen Lancaster. John Dillinger Sr was a no-nonsense kind of man who did everything he could to keep his son on a straight and narrow path.
This led to a strained relationship.
2. He Had Issues With His Parents
Sadly, Dillinger’s mother passed shortly before he turned four, leaving him with his father. As he described, his father had no problems with more severe forms of discipline, taking it into his hands to ensure Dillinger didn’t get into trouble.
Likely in response, the young Dillinger grew more and more rebellious.
3. He Was A Troublemaker
During his adolescence, Dillinger gained a reputation as an ill-mannered rabble-rouser, quickly dropping out of school. He often found himself in hot water, having been caught fighting or stealing. This inevitably led to his first brush with the law.
4. He Committed His Biggest Offence Yet
Dillinger couldn’t help himself but keep pushing the limits, and he was eventually caught by authorities. While he hadn’t gone after anything too big yet, the courts charged him with auto theft. As a consequence, they ordered Dillinger to serve his country.
