(1913 - 1976) American gangster who started his career as Bugsy Siegel's bodyguard, but said to have been absent at Siegel's death on orders from Meyer Lansky. Cohen later fought for control of the Los Angeles mob, surviving many attempts made by rival Jack Dragna to 'eliminate' him, including dynamiting his home, shotgun blasts, and so on. Cohen won out once Dragna lost police protection and found himself in jail. After facing crime hearings with great aplomb, Cohen himself was finally nailed on tax charges, served ten years in jail, and then 'went straight'. Rare A.L.S. on prison letterhead signed three time (twice as ‘Meyer Harris Cohen’ and once as ‘Mickey Cohen’), 1p. 4to., Dallas, Nov. 22, 1964, to ‘Al’, in part: ‘…I received your welcome letter and believe me it was a most pleasant surprise. I am most pleased that everything turned out ok for you, and in any way or at any time that I can be of help to you in your making it out there on the right path, just don’t hesitate to call upon me. I am very pleased and happy to learn that you are working at the St. Paul Hospital, and that you are thinking of trying to go to that exRay school. All my good wishes are with you…I hope that you stay close to the church and minister Wallace Chappell…P.S. Give my regards and respect to the minister Mr. Chappell…’ Folds, light offsetting, very good.