I haven't read this book but have heard about it, it recounts the story of Louis Zamperini, who sure stomped the terra in his time. It should be a good read.

I'm reminded of other stories of downed airmen who drifted for days or weeks - when I was 10 years old I read the autobiography of Eddie Rickenbacker, who was in a B17 that ditched in the Pacific during WWII and he and the crew floated for 24 days. The man led a fascinating life - early automobile pioneer, early race car driver, early aviator, the Ace of Aces during WWI, started Eastern Air Lines, survived at least one horrid commercial aviation crash and the ditching in WWII etc etc. If folks are interested in inspirational stories about a life of perseverance and survival, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of that book too.

What is it about the Greatest Generation that created life stories like Zamperini and Rickenbacker? They are almost all (but not entirely) gone now. I just can't imagine similar lives being lived by people whose eyes are glued to their iDevices, GPSes etc. People in the 20th century simply rose to the challenges before them.