Louis Zamperini
Louis Zamperini Zamperini at the May 2014 announcement of the 2015 Tournament of Roses Grand Marshal Birth name Louis Silvie Zamperini Born (1917-01-26)January 26, 1917 Olean, New York Died July 2, 2014(2014-07-02) (aged 97) Los Angeles, California Allegiance  United States of America Service/branch United States Army Air Forces Years of service 1941–1945 Rank Captain Unit 372nd Bombardment Squadron, 307th Bombardment Group 7th Air Force Battles/wars World War II Pacific War Awards Purple Heart Distinguished Flying Cross Prisoner of War Medal Spouse(s) Cynthia Applewhite (m. 1946–2001; her death) Personal information Nationality American Height 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) Weight 132 Sport Sport Track, Long-distance running Event(s) 1500 meters, 5000 meters College team USC Achievements and titles Personal best(s) 1500 meters: 3:52.6 Mile: 4:08.3 5000 meters: 14:46.8 Louis Silvie "Louie" Zamperini (January 26, 1917 – July 2, 2014) was an American prisoner of war survivor in World War II, a Christian inspirational speaker, and an Olympic distance runner. Zamperini is the subject of two biographies and the 2014 film Unbroken.