During the Gianolla-Vitale war several of Detroit's future Mafia leaders would be recognized as top Gianolla gunmen during the violent episode, including Giuseppe Manzello, Angelo Meli, Bill Tocco, Joe Zerilli, Leo Cellura and Angelo Polizzi. Even with so many seasoned mafiosi and shooters on the side of the Gianolla gang, the Vitale gang fought fiercely and struck the first major blow to their rivals when Mafia boss Tony Gianolla was murdered in January 1919. With the elimination of Tony Gianolla his brother and war chief Sam took over as the new leader of the gang. The Vitale gang was relentless and made an attempt on the life of Sam Gianolla in February 1919, but the youngest Gianolla brother escaped unharmed, but his brother-in-law Pasquale D'Anna was killed.