WWII Hero Louis Zamperini, Born in Olean in 1917, Dies At Age of 97

OLEAN, N.Y. — After a battle with pneumonia, Louis Zamperini passed away Wednesday at the age of 97.

The World War II veteran, whose life story is featured in an upcoming movie, was born in Olean and moved to California at the age of 2.
"We like to refer to him as a favorite son. Just the mere fact that he was born here and spent his first couple years of his life here. The reason he ended up in Torrance, California was because his doctors recommended that him and his family move to a climate that was warmer and drier," said James Bardenett.

Zamperini was an Olympic distance runner who competed in the 1936 Berlin games.
During World War II, he survived 47 days on a raft in the Pacific Ocean after a plane crash, and then spent two years in a Japanese prisoner of war camp.
As a result, state Senator Cathy Young had him inducted into the state Senate Veterans Hall of Fame this May.
"After the war, he could have been broken and bitter and instead he shared his inspirational message of forgiveness, profoundly helping so many other people." said state Sen. Cathy Young, R-Olean.
A veterans committee in Olean has been working for some time to build a monument for Zamperini. Although $5,000 short of the goal, the committee hopes to unveil it Aug. 23 at the War Veterans Park.
Zamperini knew about the monument before his passing.
"He sent word back through his daughter to us also that he was very appreciative of the recognition we're giving him here in Olean and you know, it's very little considering what he's done for this country," said Bardenett, who's on the committee.
Zamperini's story was featured in a best-selling book called "Unbroken" and was being made into a movie directed by Angelina Jolie. She released a statement saying:
"We are all so grateful for how enriched our lives are for having known him."

The movie is slated to be released in December.
"I'm sure there will be long lines people trying to get in, and it would be nice if they could kind of give us a preview. We're kind of hoping for that but that's wishful thinking, but I'm sure it will be well received here in Olean," Bardenett said.

The city still needs to approve the monument in Zamperini's honor. A vote will take place July 8.
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