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Louie Zamperini is born in Olean, New York to an Italian immigrant family. Little did they know of the immense journey ahead of them as Louie grows older. The time spent in Olean, New York was short lived as they soon move to California after Louie fell ill at a young age.
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In 1919, at two years old, Louie came down with pneumonia. After seeking a pediatrician's advice, Louise and Anthony Zamperini decided to move their children to the warmer climate of Torrance, California. This would become the setting for Louie's adolescence and road to the Olympics.
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In his adolescence, Louie was quite the troublemaker in his spare time. He loved to cause trouble, pull pranks, and steal things. Louie also stole food, smoked, drank and was able to out run all his pursuers. In his childhood Louie did more than create mischief; He shaped who he would become in his manhood. Louie became incapable of discouragement. When history brought him into war, this resilient optimism would become what defined him.
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August 26, 1929, a twelve-year-old Louis Zamperini looks outside to see a massive object blocking out the sky. The flying craft had shocked the world much like this young boy as it flew around the globe. This was the world renowned Graf Zepplin, a German dirigible.
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Louie runs away from home and wanders the streets of San Diego for days. This episode encapsulates the rebelliousness of his childhood. The young boy slept under a highway overpass and limped home after gashing his knee on a ragged edge of a tree. Even once he arrived back home twenty-seven stitches couldn't keep Louie from finding his way into trouble.
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This is around the time that Louie starts running competetively. His older brother was a great influence on him, and it was because of him that Louie tried out for the track team. While Louie was skilled in many sports finds he has a special talent for running. With his newly discovered passion Louie starts his journey to the 1936 Olympics.
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The optimistic and jubilant Zamperini is hopeful to find a spot in the Berlin Olympics. With his fellow runner, Norman Bright, the two set off for New York. With steep competition the two give it their all and Louie manages not only to qualify but also have a photo finish!
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Louie boards the luxury steamer Manhattan to Germany, on his way to compete in the Olympics. The poor Italian had never been at such an extravagant place in his entire life. The best part of the experience was the food! While aboard the ship, Louie ate so much food that he gained twelve pounds
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Louie ran his last lap in 56 seconds, breaking a final-lap record in the Olympic 5,000 meter race. This feat entitled Louie to a brief visit with Adolf Hitler, Der Fuhrer, after the race. Once he returns from the Germany he sets his eyes on Tokyo for the next Olympics.
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While at the Olympic Village, Louie shares a room with famous athlete Jesse Owens and gets to hang out with other athletes and Hitler Youth. During his travels Louie snags many souvenirs such as ash trays and even tries to steal a nazi flag off the Reich Chancellery. Once he returns from the Germany he sets his eyes on Tokyo for the 1940 Olympics.
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In 1941, Louie joined the army air corps. He soon dropped out due to air sickness. In this year, Louie got a job working as an extra in the film "They Died With Their Boots On." Louie realized the papers he had signed while joining the air corps previously now required him to return to war.
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On this tragic day the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the American Pearl Harbor Base in Hawaii. 2,355 service men and 68 civilians were killed in the incident. This causes America and Louie to enter the war, ushering a new chapter to the olypian's life.
