Cellini-Freedom Fighter – Gangster, soldier, resistance fighter, secret agent, inventor–a true story spanning 95 years.

Cellini-Freedom Fighter
556 Pages
ISBN 978-1-943492-39-8

For years, Italian-American Vito Cellini kept his mouth shut to protect himself and his family. Now in his 90s, he wants tell his story.

Born in New York, raised in Italy, Vito “Tutuc” Cellini was forced to join the fascist Italian army in WW2, then deserted to fight with communist Partisans in Yugoslavia. Later he became an undercover agent for Allied Intelligence. Trusted friend to a Mafia consiglieri and respected by the New York mob… he was hired to negotiate with deadly organized crime bosses in Naples… was embroiled in an assassination that led to the Sandanista uprising in Nicaragua… acted as bodyguard to a merciless Mexican drug lord. A self-taught mechanic and gunsmith with 19 patents, one of his inventions was financed by a high-profile Texas billionaire and adopted by US Special Forces. 

Cellini-Freedom Fighter was written after more than 2 years spent interviewing Cellini, traveling in the US and Europe with him, talking to those who know him, visiting the sites of his adventures and researching the historical background that is the backdrop for the book which includes more than 75 photos. Cellini Freedom Fighter earned a Starred Review and was named a “Best Indie Book of 2018” by Kirkus Reviews.

Mick J. Prodger

About Mick J. Prodger (San Antonio, Texas Author)

Mick J. Prodger

Michael J. (Mick) Prodger was born in North Wales and grew up in Sussex, in England, where he developed a keen interest in the rich history of his surroundings, especially the World War Two period. After completing Art College he worked as a graphic designer and syndicated cartoonist before moving to the US where he co-founded a successful advertising company.

Well-known for the scholarly approach and meticulous research in his writing, his acclaimed reference books on vintage military aviation equipment are considered definitive works.

His latest book, "Cellini-Freedom Fighter," a biography, was written after more than two years spent interviewing American-Italian Vito Cellini, traveling in the US and Europe with him, talking to those who know him, visiting the sites of his adventures and researching the historical background that is the backdrop for the book. "Cellini Freedom Fighter" earned a Starred Review and was named a “Best Indie Book of 2018” by Kirkus Reviews.