I can only count it as a blessing that these lessons from the Greatest Generation, or what he called “the Hardy Generation,” resonate not only with my generation, but with the countless other young people who have looked up to him as a beacon of wisdom and a life well lived. I am continually amazed to hear how many of my own friends held Louis in their own hearts. Given his love and concern for youth, it is no wonder.
I owe so much of my own identity to my grandfather. He was an adventurer and an outdoorsman, and he planted the seed for my own love of the wilderness, rock climbing, mountaineering, and taking time to stop and marvel in the glory of creation. In my own copy of Unbroken, Louis left me his signature and a quote from a man he admired, renowned environmentalist John Muir.
“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.”
CYNTHIA ZAMPERINI GARRIS
I wrote this letter to my father on his ninetieth birthday.
You saved my life when I was drowning in someone’s pool long ago. You took care of me when I was sick. You tenderly removed many a splinter from my feet, bandaged my every wound, and took me into your arms at night when I was afraid.
You taught me the value of honesty.
You inspired me to become a Christian when I was so young, and then I had both you and Jesus to make me feel safe and loved.
You had an athlete’s dinner on the table for me night after night when I’d return from hours of ballet lessons. Years later you taught me to ski, thus beginning an even closer friendship between us.
You’ve taken me with you to Japan and the Marshall Islands, both wonderful adventures I’ll always remember.
You’ve been my date for hundreds of lunches at El Cholo.
You continue to inspire me with your joyous spirit, enduring strength, unyielding health, and ability to land on your feet no matter what.
Last year both Luke and I found ourselves remarking that we wished we could be more like you: that you are healthier and happier than we have ever been, and that you have more friends than we could ever hope for.
What is it about you that is so very special? That kept you alive through the war? That helped you cheat death so many times in your life? That keeps you going through thick and thin, and that draws people by the hundreds to want to be with you?
I was asked this question while being interviewed in Torrance yesterday and I couldn’t put my finger on it. I’ve tried to figure it out in the past and still fall short of knowing. Maybe even you don’t know.
All I know is that you have it and always will. That undying flame within you is one and the same with the Olympic flame. You are both forged together forever. You are that flame of inspiration to all that have come before, and to all that will ever be.
But most of all, in my most intimate heart, you’re my friend, teacher, companion, and champion.
You’re my dad.
And with all the love a daughter can express, I thank you for bringing me into this world so that I could know you.
Acknowledgments
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LOUIS ZAMPERINI
Whatever I have accomplished I owe to the sacrifices of my mother and father; to the support of my sisters Virginia and Sylvia; and especially the love of my brother, Pete, who convinced me to run and saved my life. He was my mentor and inspiration.
I also owe much to my late wife, Cynthia. We were partners in a fifty-five-year adventure called marriage. She knew me before and after I changed my life and stuck with me through all of it. Thanks to her love, influence, and persistence we accomplished more than I dreamed possible.
I’m always grateful to my children, Cissy and Luke, who stand by me without fail. Also, my grandson, Clayton; his mother, Lisa; and my son-in-law, Mick. Their love and support mean the world to me.
Author David Rensin, who collaborated with me on my 2003 autobiography, Devil at My Heels, once again captured my voice, plain and simple, and brought my story to life. Finding someone you can trust and work with day in and day out is the most precious thing. Thank you, David.
I’m indebted to producer Draggan Mihailovich, who “rediscovered” me and, through CBS Sports and the 1998 Winter Olympics at Nagano, Japan, most certainly resurrected me. Thanks to author Laura Hillenbrand, who found me while researching her book Seabiscuit, and just as I finished my story in my own words asked if she could be my biographer. Her unbreakable commitment and passion once again brought my story to the world.
Thanks to the student body and teachers of Torrance High School who cheered me on at the beginning of my athletic career, as well as the entire city of Torrance, and the local police who chased me up and down every street in town.
This book, as well as my previous books, is a tribute to the memory of our faithful B-24 crew who did not return alive. It is also in recognition of the many thousands of young people in school and camp programs to whom I’ve spoken across the nation, worked with, or counseled directly these past sixty years.
Thanks also to the Reverend Dr. Billy Graham for his message that caused me to turn my life around.
I’m grateful to my agent, Brian DeFiore, for going above and beyond and then some, as well as my lawyer, Andrew Rigrod. Also, Peter Hubbard, Lynn Grady, and the entire team at Dey Street Books/HarperCollins, who believed in me immediately. My thanks also to Claudia Connal and everyone at Piatkus (Little, Brown) in the United Kingdom.
Finally, what can I say about the extraordinary Angelina Jolie? Her bravery, intelligence, and love in bringing my story to the big screen finally made the difference and brought a long-held dream of mine to life. Brad Pitt supported her every step of the way. Thanks also to Universal Pictures, who wanted to make this picture starting in 1957, and never gave up.
Of course, there are so many including Sophie Tedesco, Matt Baer, Ron Salisbury, Debbie Hayes, Robert Yonover, the Torrance Historical Society, and Jim Standifer, as well as others living and gone, who in ways large and small contributed to my life. Had I the space I would mention every name, but I’ll take comfort that you and your families know who you are. Thank you all.
DAVID RENSIN
For almost sixteen years I have had the greatest respect for Louie Zamperini. He lived a miraculous life, set an indelible and inspirational example, and has taught me more than I ever expected to learn. I’m so glad he decided that he still had something to say to the world, and the desire to complete our long-simmering project. All things do work together for good.
The devil may have been at Louie’s heels, but Lucifer never caught him.
Thanks to my agent, Brian DeFiore, for always being open to my instincts, and then for making it possible for me to embark on yet another new adventure. As usual, Cynthia Price shared her eagle editorial eye, moral support, and grace under pressure: just three of the many reasons I have never done a book without her. For friendship, counsel, spadework, and ceaseless encouragement, I’m indebted to Bill Zehme, Joe Rensin and family, George Hodak, Nancy Rommelmann, Erika Schickel, Steve Randall, Amy Alkon, Zorianna Kit, Jennifer Gates, Eric Estrin, Mark Ebner, SA Jennifer Laurie, Lisa Kusel, Jane and Gary Peterson, Paul Peterson, Joshua Marquis, Samantha Dunn, Laurie Abkemeier, Carrie Ann Neeson, Taffy Brodesser-Akner, Aria Sheeks, Brandy Engler, Cheryl Bianchi, Mike Thomas, Sara Grace, Bruce Kluger, and Diana Price. Did I forget anyone? Apologies. If you think you should be in this list, then you absolutely are.
Cynthia Zamperini Garris, Mick Garris, and Luke and Lisa Zamperini were unstinting in their faith and trust. Thanks also to Draggan Mihailovich, Clay Zamperini, and Kyle Gauthier for sharing their precious memories.
Dey Street Books executive editor Peter Hubbard, publisher Lynn Grady, and their enthusiastic team led the way forward. Thanks also to Claudia Connal and the dedicated staff at Piatkus (Little, Brown) in the United Kingdom.
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sp; David Mackintosh contributed his excellent photo editing, and I’m grateful to the LA84 Foundation for their permission to quote from George Hodak’s interview for the then-named Amateur Athletic Foundation of Los Angeles.
Finally, I wouldn’t be part of this extraordinary experience were it not for the late Cynthia Zamperini, a friend since she acted as the intermediary between me and surfer Miki Dora for a magazine profile in 1982, and always urged him to do a book with me. When I finally did the book—All for a Few Perfect Waves—both Miki and Cynthia had passed away, but her restless spirit informs the result. Cynthia also introduced me to Louie and is responsible for our collaborations. I’ve always appreciated her lust for life and certainty that I could tell Louie’s story. I miss her unique and delightful voice.
As always all my love and gratitude in great measure for my wife, Suzie Peterson, and our son, Emmett Rensin—now an excellent writer himself. (He makes me beyond proud.)Their support, indulgence, wisdom, and willingness to put up for years with a guy who’s gone to great lengths to avoid ever having a regular job make all things possible. People may tell me everything but you both mean everything to me.
Input about this book and Devil at My Heels is welcome at my website, http://www.tellmeeverything.com/tellme.html, and encouraged in the comment and review sections of all online bookstores, news media, and social networks. We’d love to hear what you think. Thanks!
About the Authors
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A son of Italian immigrants, LOUIS ZAMPERINI (1917–2014) was a U.S. Olympic runner, World War II bombardier, and POW survivor. After the war, he returned to the United States to found the Victory Boys Camp for at-risk youth and became an inspirational speaker. Zamperini’s story was told in his 2003 autobiography Devil at My Heels, as well as in Laura Hillenbrand’s 2010 biography Unbroken.
DAVID RENSIN worked closely with Louis Zamperini for many years and cowrote Devil at My Heels, as well as fifteen other books, including five New York Times bestsellers.
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Books by Louis Zamperini
“Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In”
Devil at My Heels
Credits
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Cover design by Amanda Kain
Cover photographs: courtesy of the author (top left and top middle); © Tom Sanders (top right); © Bettmann/Corbis (bottom)
All photographs courtesy of Louis Zamperini
Copyright
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DON’T GIVE UP, DON’T GIVE IN. Copyright © 2014 by The Louis Zamperini Trust. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the nonexclusive, nontransferable right to access and read the text of this ebook on screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins e-books.
FIRST EDITION
ISBN 978-0-06-236833-1
EPub Edition NOVEMBER 2014 ISBN 9780062368812
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