Diary of the Late Thomas McDade '32 Chronicles His Career As Depression-Era G-Man

Produced by: School of Law

January 10, 2014

Alumni in the News

Diary details life of Depression-era 'G-Man'
By Richard Liebson
USA Today
January 10, 2014

Excerpt:
Brooklyn-born Thomas McDade studied law and accounting at St. John's University and by 1934 had worked at a few law firms when, for reasons even his son isn't sure about, he wrote a letter to FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, asking for a job.

Within a few months, on Nov. 27, 1934, the fedora-wearing 28-year-old was a "G-Man," gunning the engine of a souped-up Ford, while he and his FBI partner shot it out with "Public Enemy No. 1," Baby Face Nelson, during a wild chase in Barrington, Ill.

Read More

Related News

Starting Strong: Ozan Isik’s First Year Success

For first-year Legal Studies major Ozan Isik, choosing St. John’s University marked the start of a fresh chapter in his life. Eager to immerse himself in college life, he arrived on the Queens, NY...

A New Chapter: Celebrating the School of Education’s Class of 2026

Graduation marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and academic rigor—made possible through the unwavering support of family, friends, faculty, and mentors. For students and alumni...

St. John’s University Tobin College of Business Honors Faculty and Staff Excellence

QUEENS, NY — May 4, 2026 — The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University celebrated excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and service during its annual end-of-year gathering...