Louis Zamperini was an American Olympic athlete and World War II bombardier. Born on January 26, 1917, in Olean, New York, he gained fame as a distance runner, competing in the 5,000 meters at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. His athletic prowess earned him recognition and respect. During World War II, Zamperini served in the United States Army Air Forces. His plane crashed in the Pacific Ocean, leading to a harrowing survival ordeal that lasted over a month. He was eventually captured by the Japanese Navy and endured harsh treatment as a prisoner of war until the end of the conflict.