Louis Zamperini who was not only a decorated World War II hero, but an Olympian as well, died peacefully in the presence of his family on Wednesday in Los Angeles at the age of 97 after a long battle with Pneumonia. The story of Louis is one of the most amazing for any war veteran. Before joining the forces, he was a long distance runner and participated for the University of Southern California.
He came into the limelight when he represented the United States in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. He was at the eighth position in the 5000 meter race and was the fastest US athlete, but he caught the attention of everyone when he ran the last lap in just 56 seconds. During that event, Louis wanted to see Adolf Hitler and he even managed to meet him.
Another incredible incident that happened to him was during the second world war. He was a pilot with the US Air Force stationed at the Pearl Harbor. He and his crew was one day searching for a crashed B-25 over the Pacific. Unfortunately their own plane went down killing eight oh his men. Only three survived and they drifted on the ocean on a raft for almost 50 days after which they were captured by the Japanese forces.
He was later released by Japan after spending more than two years as a Prisoner of War in a Japanese prison and had to endure severe torture at the hands of the Japanese. He got a hero’s welcome on his return. His incredible story has been told in a book by the name “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand and a movie is also being made by the same name directed by Angelina Jolie.
After returning home from the war, it was not smooth sailing for him as he had to battle alcoholism which almost led to his divorce. However, he recovered and kept his marriage alive. He was survived by a son, a daughter and a grandchild.