Salvatore Joseph "Sam" Battaglia (November 5, 1908 – September 7, 1973) was an American mobster and high-level member of the Chicago Outfit criminal organization.
[citation needed] Debtors behind in their payments would be brought to Battaglia in the back room of the Casa Madrid restaurant, in Melrose Park, IL., where they would be severely beaten or killed.
"[citation needed] By 1950, Battaglia had an extensive criminal record that included over 12 counts of burglary, robbery, and murder (he was a suspect in seven homicides).
As long-time Outfit leader Antonino ("Tony," "Joe Batters") Accardo stepped away from the limelight to shield himself in the 1950s, Battaglia struggled for power along with rivals Giancana, Felix Alderisio and Fiore "Fifi" Buccieri.
With Battaglia in prison and Giancana living in exile in Mexico, Felix "Milwaukee Phil" Alderisio took over as day-to-day boss.