January 26: Birthday of Louis Zamperini (1917)
Prayer Idea
Pray for people who are seeking emotional and physical healing after traumatic experiences.
History Note
Louis Zamperini was born in Olean, New York, on January 26, 1917. His parents were Italian immigrants.
The Zamperini family moved to California, where Louis grew up. He picked up bad habits and got into serious trouble as a child. He finally discovered running and became a star track and field athlete, setting a high school record in the mile.
Zamperini earned a scholarship to the University of Southern California and a place at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany. Even though he finished in 8th place in the 5000m race, his performance impressed Adolf Hitler, who asked to meet him.
During World War II, Zamperini served as a bombadier with U.S. forces in the Pacific Theater. On a mission in May of 1943, Zamperini’s plane crashed in the ocean. Only three men survived the crash, and one of them, Francis McNamara, died during their 47-day ordeal at sea.
Finally Zamperini and crewmate Russell Phillips were picked up by the Japanese and spent the rest of the war in POW camps. They suffered brutal treatment at the hands of their captors.
When the war ended, Zamperini returned to the United States but continued to suffer from nightmares. His heavy drinking nearly ended his marriage, but he committed his life to Christ after attending a Billy Graham crusade in Los Angeles. He later met with several of his Japanese captors and forgave them. He also created a camp to help struggling young people.
Zamperini died in 2014 at the age of 97.
1st Lieutenant Louis Zamperini in April of 1943. Photo courtesy the National Archives.
Learn More
This news story provides a brief look at Zamperini’s life.
Find an interview with Louis Zamperini talking about his experiences and his conversion at Homeschool History.
