Life on Gramercy

At the age of 2, Louis Zamperini and his family moved from the East Coast to Torrance, California. Zamperini’s family home is located at 2028 Gramercy Avenue in Old Torrance.

Good Tidings of John Muir

Louis Zamperini had an affinity for the outdoors as he often ran through Old Torrance and along Torrance Avenue to the beach. He often quoted John Muir, even writing one of his passages in a dedication in his copies of “Unbroken”: “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”

A Track with His Name On It

In 1935, Louis Zamperini graduated from Torrance High School—where they would later film such shows as “Beverly Hills 90210” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” While in attendance at the future film back-drop, he was a star runner—having joined the track team at the urging of his big brother, Pete. In September 1987, Torrance High School’s home football, soccer, and track stadium was dedicated to its famous alumnus and now bears the title of Zamperini Stadium. And just four years prior to that, Louis’ famous high school joined the National Register of Historic Places.

Practicing What He Preached

After attending Billy Graham Crusades at the suggestion of his wife, Cynthia, Louis Zamperini renewed his faith from his early days at the Torrance First Baptist Church and practiced “forgiveness,” returning to Japan to forgive his POW camp capturers.

Courage Recognized

Louis Zamperini overcame impossible odds during World War II, showing extreme courage along the way. For this, he was promoted to captain and received several awards including: the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster, the Philippine Liberation Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the American Campaign Medal with battle stars. He later gave his Purple Heart to the author of the book “Unbroken,” Laura Hillenbrand for her courage to thrive in the face of adversity.

"Bravery, compassion and love"

City of Torrance Mayor Pat Furey was quoted “The three qualities I associate with Louis are bravery, compassion and love. It was an honor to know him. And, I feel blessed to have enjoyed his presence at so many occasions. He is an icon of Torrance. One that is missed daily.”

RnR and Romance

In March 1946, Louis Zamperini visited the Macfadden-Deauville Club in Miami Beach, Florida, as part of the government’s offer to send returning vets to one of four resorts for some rest and relaxation. While there, he met the beautiful Cynthia Applewhite. Shortly thereafter, Louis and Cynthia wed in 1946. However, this wasn’t the first time, Louis caused the church bells to ring. As a child, he once climbed the steeple of his Baptist church and rang the bell, awakening all of Torrance including local police.

“The greatest generation was hardy, because we were all in the same boat. Everyone pitched in and helped each other.” -The Hardy Generation

While some call his generation the greatest one, Louis Zamperini felt a better term was the “hardiest.” In a 2010 interview with Runner’s World, he said “the greatest generation was hardy because we were all in the same boat. Everyone pitched in and helped each other.” He experienced a hardy upbringing in Torrance as part of a family that banded together. From his Italian immigrant parents to his two sisters and a big brother, Louis had the support and inspiration he needed—to ward off his bullies and persevere through his track race, World War II trials and beyond.

“I’d made it this far and refused to give up because all my life I had always finished the race.”

Zamperini’s unmatched determination and winning spirit contributed to his success. His attitude and motivation helped him not only face, but overcome many of his life’s trials. Much of his inspiration came from the support of his fellow Torrance High classmates, who gave him the extra “kick” he needed to finish the race on and off the track.

A Suitcase and a Dream

On July 3, 1936 Zamperini prepared to leave for the Olympic Trials in New York. The merchants of Torrance showed unwaivered support by presenting Zamperini with a wallet full of bills, a train ticket, clothes, shaving kit and the infamous suitcase labeled “The Torrance Tornado.”

“God knew my needs and took care accordingly.”

Zamperini had a very well documented history of having a troubled youth. With many hiding spots around the city of Torrance, Zamperini often stole and stashed goods around town. In an effort to help young men change their ways and live a positive lifestyle, Zamperini founded the Victory Boys Camp in 1954.

Bridging the gap.

In his youth Louis Zamperini often hung out at the Pacific Electric Railway – El Prado Bridge in Torrance. This landmark is now the gateway to Torrance and is one of the only remaining landmarks from his youth.

“If you can take it, you can make it.”

Louis Zamperini learned many lessons from his older brother, Pete. Pete trained his younger brother and encouraged him to join the Torrance High School track team. Constantly telling him “if you can take it, you can make it,” Louis Zamperini found constant inspiration from his older brother; it was this motivation that helped him persevere during the toughest of times.

The Fastest Man in Town

You could say Zamperini zoomed past the competition. He was known for setting records during his days at Torrance High School and the University of Southern California. This is where he earned the nickname, the Torrance Tornado.

“Just get out there and experience as much as you can.”

Want to run like the Torrance Tornado? Well, brush up on that kick and get running. You can follow Zamperini’s footsteps throughout the town. Start at Torrance Avenue, run down to the beach, and finishing at his former home on Gramercy. The best way to experience Torrance is to run a mile or two…or even four in his shoes.

#BEHARDY for a Good Cause

Having grown up as a troubled youth—smoking at the age of 5, drinking by 8 years of age and often evading local authorities in Torrance – Louis Zamperini was thankful for those people in his life who suggested positive outlets for his passions, such as going from outrunning police to running track. That is why more than 60 years ago, he established the Victory Boys Camp, as a way to help wayward youth find their way. The #BEHARDY wristband supports this great cause. To learn how you can contribute to the Victory Boys Camp visit www.victoryboyscamp.org.

Tied to his Torrance Roots.

Zamperini’s Father worked at the Torrance Red Car Depot repair barns — he was known as a strong willed man who instilled the “fighting spirit” in his son, Louis. After 47 days at sea, and two and a half years in a Japanese POW Camp, it was Louis Zamperini’s courage that enabled him to persevere. Louis was quoted, “I was raised to face any challenge.”

The legacy of a living legend.

1944 Zamperini was believed to have been killed in action, as a sign of recognition, the city of Torrance Airport changed their name to Zamperini Memorial Field. Two years later in 1946 it was discovered Zamperini was alive and well, it was at this point, the name was changed to Zamperini Field.

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100% of proceeds will be donated to the Victory Boys Camp, which helps disadvantaged youth get back on track.

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