1919
The future hometown hero moves to Torrance with his parents, two sisters and a big brother. The move was at the suggestion of the Zamperini family doctor who felt the family move from the East Coast to the West Coast would improve Louis’ lung inflammation or pneumonia—which he succumbs to more than 95 years later.
1935
Louis Zamperini graduates from Torrance High School, land of the Tartars. His alma matter is the oldest of the four high schools in the Torrance Unified School District, and four of its buildings are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
1936
Just before he departs for the Olympic Trials in New York, the City of Torrance presents Louis Zamperini with a wallet filled with bills, a train ticket, clothes, a shaving kit and a suitcase labeled with “Torrance Tornado.” At the Olympics in Berlin, he runs the 5,000 meter race, running the last lap in a mere 56 seconds.
1938
After competing in the Berlin Olympics at age 19, Louis Zamperini continues to set records; while at the University of Southern California, he sets a 4:8.3 minute mile, an intercollegiate record.
1943
While serving as a bombardier during World War II, Louis Zamperini’s B-24 aircraft—the Green Hornet—crashes into the sea. He spends 47 days drifting at sea before being found and brought to a Japanese prisoner of war camp, where he spends the next two and a half years.
1946
On December 7, after learning of Louis Zamperini’s survival, the City of Torrance renames the field once named in his memory, Zamperini Field—sans the “memorial.” On May 25 of the same year, he marries the love of his life, Cynthia Applewhite of Miami Beach, Florida.
1954
After rediscovering his faith Zamperini started the Victory Boys Camp, which helped troubled youth to find their way.
“For me, there’s no greater reward than seeing once frightened and unhappy boys change into strong citizens who lead positive lives.”
– Louis Zamperini
2014
On July 31, 2014, the City of Torrance—from the mayor to Louis’ family, World War II veterans and friends—hold a memorial in his honor at Zamperini Stadium.