Posted on 07/03/2014 10:50:46 AM PDT by maddog55
An Olympic distance runner and World War II veteran who survived 47 days on a raft in the Pacific after his bomber crashed, then endured two years in Japanese prison camps, has died. Louis Zamperini was 97.
Universal Pictures studio spokesman Michael Moses says Zamperini died Wednesday.
"Having overcome insurmountable odds at every turn in his life, Olympic runner and World War II hero Louis Zamperini has never broken down from a challenge," the Zamperini family said in a statement.
"He recently faced the greatest challenge of his life with a life-threatening case of pneumonia. After a 40-day long battle for his life, he peacefully passed away in the presence of his entire family, leaving behind a legacy that has touched so many lives. His indomitable courage and fighting spirit were never more apparent than in these days," the statement said.
Zamperini enlisted in the Army before Pearl Harbor and was a pilot in World War II. He and his crew were searching for a downed B-25 when their plane crashed into the Pacific, killing eight of the 11 men.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
I met him at a USC football game a few years ago. I was fortunate enough to be able to arrange for Sal Mena, an SC football player in the late 1930s, to be on the field to present the ceremonial game ball before the very first Pac 12 football game at the Coliseum. Both men were honored at that time.
Hand salute.
Gob bless him and his family.
It won’t be too long before they are all gone.
History is a strange thing...
When my mama was young, there were civil war veterans still around.
When I was young there were several Civil War veterans still alive. I can remember there being 3. When Uncle Bill Lundy died, there was still 2 left but I think recent research has shown both of them were fakes.
If so, Bill Lundy of Crestview, Florida was the last one.
Funny thing was that so many of the old men took on a new young wife
who were attracted by the on-going widow’s pension.
There are several of those back in my and my wife’s lineage.
My Great Uncle Ben was a combat veteran of WW I. He was gassed and had a VA pension. Having a pension back then in a poor area made him the catch and sure enough he married the prettiest girl around.
I could not put this book down!!!!!...The narrative was that compelling!
He was to have been the Grand Marshall in next year’s Rose Parade.
Hillebrand writes great books. I couldn’t put down her book on Seabiscuit either.
Angelina Jolie must be devastated. She and Louie were very close as she was the principal director of a feature film based on Zamperini's life. She felt duty bound to get the movie completed and released while Louie was still alive.
Jolie said, "it is a loss impossible to describe. We are all so grateful for how enriched our lives are for having known him and will miss him terribly."
Universal Studios also issued a statement and later said they are plowing forward to release the movie (also named Unbroken) on Christmas Day, December 25, 2014.
Well done Louie, for a life of example for we who remain. I pray that the name of Louie Zamperini live on in the hearts of American Patriots now and in the future. May his upcoming movie stir a renewal of America to live righteously according to God's will for us, through Christ Jesus.
If my kids were still young enough to tell them what to read, I would make them read Unbroken. It was an amazing read.
This guy was like Zelig—he seemed to be everywhere important.
The world lost something when he passed. God bless him and his family.
What an honor.
God Bless you Louie - what an inspirational man!
His and Bud Day’s stories are remarkably parallel.
I’m not fit to tie his shoes.
RIP
Well said
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