Louis Zamperini was an incredible athlete and war hero. Born in 1917 in Olean, NY, he competed in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany, where he placed 8th in the 5000 meter race. During World War II, he was held as a prisoner of war in Ofuna, Japan, and was awarded a Purple Heart medal for his service.
Louis Zamperini is a member of War Hero
Age, Biography and Wiki
💰 Net worth: $1 Million (2024)
Some Louis Zamperini images
About
He finished 8th in the 5000 meter race at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin Germany. He then earned a Purple Heart medal after being held as a prisoner of war in Ofuna, Japan during World War II.
Before Fame
When he enrolled at Torrance High School in California, he barely spoke English and other students teased him. He then went on to attend the University of Southern California where he set a national college record for the mile, which he ran in 4 minutes and 8 seconds.
Trivia
After his war career, he began a career as a Christian inspirational speaker.
Family Life
He was born to Anthony Zamperini and Louise Dossi, a pair of Italian immigrants, and raised with a brother named Pete and two sisters named Virginia and Sylvia. He was married to Cynthia Applewhite from 1946 to 2001. He had children named Luke and Cissy.
Associated With
Laura Hillenbrand wrote a book about his life and it was adapted into a 2014 film called Unbroken, directed by Angelina Jolie.