“Louis Zamperini, who was one of USC’s greatest distance runners and gained international acclaim for his amazing exploits during World War II, will be honored at a dinner celebrating his 90th birthday on Friday, Jan. 26, at 6:30 p.m. at USC’s Town & Gown.
A 3-year USC letterman (1938-39-40) who co-captained the 1940 Trojan squad and was a member of 3 NCAA championship teams, Zamperini was the NCAA champion in the mile run in 1938 and 1939. The collegiate mile record (4:08.3) that he set lasted for 15 years. He placed eighth in the 5,000-meter run at the 1936 Olympics.
He was lost at sea during World War II, spending 47 days adrift and then two-and-a-half years as a prisoner of war in Japan. Following the war, he returned to Japan as a missionary. In 1998, he carried the Olympic torch (his third of five times) through his former POW camp outside Nagano. His experience was the subject of a CBS-TV feature and an upcoming book.
Tables and seats for the dinner are available by contacting Friends of Louis Zamperini, P.O. Box 50107, Pasadena, Calif., 91115 or emailing John@JohnNaber.com. Personal messages can be included in the tribute’s printed program for a tax deductible contribution.”
A book on his exploits is available on Amazon.com
Happy Birthday, Louis
Roger Freberg