For Veteran’s Day, The Armory would like to send a special thanks to those who have proudly served our country. In addition to serving through the Armed Forces, a number of veterans have honored the US by representing their country on the international track and field circuit. We found a few photos from our archive room of veterans who have done so, and decided to share their amazing stories (we encourage you to search for more in-depth information on them through various forms of media). 

Louis Zamperini visiting The Armory. Photo taken on February 3, 2003.

Every American veteran has a unique and interesting story, Zamperini especially so. While attending High School in Torrence, CA, Zamperini fell victim to bullies and struggled academically. His family, who had immigrated from Italy, spoke only Italian at the time and encouraged Zamperini to take up boxing for self-defense. His brother would later get him to try running and helped train Zamperini toward going undefeated during nearly all of his cross-country races.

During his youth, Zamperini set a number of running records and earned himself a scholarship to the University of Southern California. At the age of 19, Zamperini would use his tremendous kick to fight to the finish at the 1936 Olympic Trials at Randall's Island, NY, securing his Olympic spot with a dead-heat tie for first in the 5000m. He would go on to finish fifth at the ensuing Berlin games. 

In 1941, Zamperini enlisted in the US Air Force, earning a commission as a Second Lieutenant. He served in the Pacific as a bombardier and while on a search for a lost aircraft and crew, experienced a plane crash and was left stranded at sea with his two crewmates, Russell Phillips and Francis McNamara. 

While at sea, the three bravely fought off sharks while struggling to secure rain water to drink and fish to eat. McNamara passed on their 33rd day at sea and on their 47th day, Zamperini and Phillips were captured and severely beaten by the Japanese Navy. The two would be transferred and continually abused at several camps until the wars end. 

Zamperini would return to the US a hero an inspirational figure. He passed away on July 2, 2014 in Los Angeles, CA. 

Billy Mills, left, receiving the Charles J. Dieges Memorial Award (official U.S. Marine Corps photograph). Photo taken on May 1, 1965 in Quantico, VA.

Billy Mills overcame tremendous adversity to become one of the most iconic figures in track and field’s history. He was raised on an impoverished reservation in Lakota, South Dakota, and battled racism as a half caucasian, half Native American. Running was Mills' outlet and he used it to earn a scholarship to the University of Kansas, where he achieved All-American honors three times and helped his team capture national championship titles in 1959 and 1960. 

After graduating, Mills was commissioned to the Marine Corps and continued to run competitively. He was a First Lieutenant and relatively unknown athlete when he shocked the sports world in the 1964 Olympic games, pulling off a huge victory in the 10k over Australia’s Ron Clarke, who held the event’s world record at the time. With that race, Mills set the Olympic 10k record at 28:24.4. He went on to set a number of other records, but to this date, Mills is the only American athlete to ever win a gold medal in the 10k. 

Mills went on to co-found Running Strong For American Indian Youth and is currently focusing on being a spokesperson for the organization. Earlier this year, Mills received the Theodore Roosevelt Award, the NCAA's highest honor. 

Roy Cochran posing with the Acceleration Unit at the US Naval Station. Photo taken on January 1, 1952 in Pensacola, FL.

Roy Cochran was a natural athlete. While attending high school in Richmond, MI, Cochran was described as a “one man track team.” He was also a football star and was able to take his pick at a number of colleges that were recruiting him for both sports. He decided to run at Indiana University, where he became an All-American and took four Big 10 Conference titles. 

After college, Cochran was selected to compete at the 1940 Olympics; however, the games were cancelled due to WWII. Upon notice of the war, Cochran enlisted in the military, joining the Navy’s sub chaser training program and serving as an Officer in the Pacific.

After the war, Cochran enrolled in the University of Southern California for his masters and jumped backed into track and field. Despite being “past his prime” Cochran decided to train at a professional level at the age of 29. As a professional, Cochran was best known for capturing a gold medal in the 400m hurdles at the 1948 London games, where he set the Olympic record at 51.1. Days later, Cochran earned another gold medal in the 4x400m relay.

He passed away on September 26, 1981 at the age of 62.

By Justin Gaymon