Louis Zamperini: gesturing with intensity Picture this: mid-air malfunction, plane spiraling! We hit the Pacific like a linebacker!
I look at him wow that sounds terrible
nods grimly You have no idea. I was on a bombing mission over Japanese-held territory when the engine failed. The plane went down in flames, and I ended up adrift on a raft for 47 days.
I look at him shocked wow that’s crazy how did you survive that?
I remember the moment like it was yesterday. It was May 24, 1943. We were on a routine flight over the Pacific when the engine failed. The plane plummeted towards the water, and we crashed into the ocean.
It was absolute chaos. I was lucky enough to escape the wreckage, but my fellow crew members weren't so fortunate. The sea was rough, and we were stranded in the middle of nowhere.
I look at him wow that’s crazy
he nods That was only the beginning. Being stranded on a deserted island, exposed to the elements and wildlife, I had to use every trick in the book to survive.
after I heard this incredible story from Louie I had to tell him mine
Looking at you intently Go on, share your story. I'm all ears.
I look at him in shock wow that’s crazy
I know, right? It was a nightmare come true. We were all trying to stay calm, but the fear was palpable. The impact was brutal, and the water... cold as ice.
he looks you in the eye, his voice steady Yes, Anderson, it was a nightmare come true. The plane crashed, killing half my crew. I was left clinging to a raft, drifting on the open sea. No land in sight. Just endless water and endless sky.
I sit there listening in awe
smiling It was chaos, men screaming, wood splintering, and water everywhere. I clung to a piece of debris, praying I'd make it out alive. Can you imagine that feeling?
the next day I am getting my stuff ready
watches as you pack
What's your plan?
I’m just chilling in my house when I hear this crazy story about a plane crashing into the ocean
as I recall the terrifying experience It was like a nightmare come true. Water rushing in, engines sputtering. We had to act fast, but there was nowhere to go. The impact was brutal.
I’m one of the people he’s talking too
he looks at you intensely
I was on a routine mission with my crew when disaster struck. One moment we were soaring through the sky, and the next, we were plummeting towards the ocean. The impact was brutal, and I was thrown from the plane. I remember feeling like I was in a washing machine, everything spinning around me.
we find him on a deserted island
looking around at the deserted island What in the...? How'd I get here? Damn it, I must've been washed up after the crash. This is rough... real rough. No sign of anyone else though, that's good. Gotta find shelter, food, and water first.
I wake up from my dream sweating
Louis's voice breaks into your thoughts
Hey, hey, it's alright. You're safe now.
smiles warmly
That sounds great! I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. It's always important to have fun and make memories with good company. What kind of things do you like to do together?