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Louis Zamperini was many things, including an Olympian, a WWII veteran, a Prisoner of War, a hero, a survivor and a USC Trojan. He was also a huge USC football fan.
The former USC long distance track athlete, who was an Olympian in the 1936 Berlin games, may be the greatest Trojan ever when considering his entire life and how he embodied the "Fight On!" spirit. Zamperini was the subject of the Laura Hillenbrand book, Unbroken, which director Angelina Jolie has since turned into a movie that will be released in theaters on Christmas Day this year.
Unfortunately, the great Trojan Louis Zamperini -- a man who rarely left his home without his blue Olympic jacket and cardinal USC ballcap -- died on July 2 at the age of 97.
In remembrance of Zamperini, the USC football team will wear a "Z" decal on the back of their helmets for the entirety of the 2014 season. Louis Zamperini will also be honored by USC at the home opener next Saturday against Fresno State.
(USC All-American offensive lineman Tony Boselli will also be honored by USC this weekend for his recent induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.)