Herman Hollis

Herman E. Hollis, born 01/27/1903 in Des Moines, IA.  Lived in Des Moines, IA. prior to entrance on duty. - Died 11/2719/34 near Barrington, IL.

On November 27, 1934, Inspector Samuel P. Cowley and Special Agent Herman E. Hollis were mortally wounded in an effort to apprehend Lester ("Baby Face" Nelson) Gillis.  SA Hollis died the same day and Inspector Cowley died the following day.  A wide search for Gillis was underway when word was received in the FBI's Chicago Office that he and his associates had visited Lake Como, Wisconsin.  When two Agents located Gillis, his wife, and his companion, John Paul Chase, in a car near Barrington, Illinois, a running gun battle ensued.  The Agents crippled the criminals' car, which was abandoned after a short pursuit.  When Inspector Cowley and SA Hollis encountered the criminals and began to exit their car, Chase and Gillis opened fire, mortally wounding both Agents.  Even though they were dying, the injured Agents continued firing and wounded Gillis, who died shortly thereafter.  Chase was later apprehended, tried, and sentenced to life in prison.