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This is the day the wonderful runner and war hero
Louis was born. -
Louis started to steal, smoke, and drink by the time he was 5 years old. He started his life out as a "bad boy" early.
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Louis attended the 1936 Olympics and competed in running events including the mile and 5000 meter.
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The fight of his life for Louis - WWII was a life changing event for many people across the globe.
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Louis' career as a bombardier starts when he is drafted into the military.
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Bombings versus the U.S. and Japan get more and more intense and now Louis is included in all of it. He was a bombardier in one the most important aircraft the U.S. had.
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Mac decides to eat the chocolate bars behind the other's backs. This is the start of Mac's health slowly declining as he had no will to live anymore. He eventually dies and "the sharks let him be"
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Louis and his crew - Mac and Phil - were at sea for 46 days. Slowly growing weaker and weaker, they did many things to survive including fishing, collecting rain, and pretending to actually have food. This played a big role in keeping Phil and Louis alive. The mentality of them having food is what tricked their brains into survival.
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Louis and Mac are taken captive when a Japanese ship finds them floating in the ocean. The Japanese saved their lives while also destroying them at the same time. It was a bitter-sweet moment.
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Louis endures the torture, humiliation, undernourishment, and poor conditions for two years. As he is moved from camp to camp he has to do different brute task. These include moving rocks, holding logs, carrying supplies, and standing in small closets for days on end.
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After the war and his return home, Louis suffered with PTSD, alcoholism, and other issues many veterans faced. It took him a few years to overcome his challenged mentality. He eventually forgave his captors and went on the road to recovery. He remarried his wife and his life got back on track when they re-married in 1949.
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The book is published and written by Laura Hillenbrand, creating an inspiring story for many to read.
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Louis passes away leaving behind many changed people and inspiring stories.
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The book was made into a movie.
