Colonel Bernt Balchen papers, 1906-2004

Colonel Bernt Balchen papers, 1906-2004

P1377

1906-2004

Biographical material, articles, correspondence and photographs of an aviation pioneer and artist. Balchen was born in Tveit, Norway, 1899. Trained in the Norwegian Army and later volunteered for Finland's White Army. A top athlete, Balchen was a member of Norway's Olympic boxing team and set records in cross-country skiing and bicycling. He joined the Royal Norwegian Naval Air Force, graduating in 1921. Assisted in, Amundsen attempted flight across the North Pole in the dirigible "Norge." Richard E. Byrd asked Balchen to join him in the United States as a test pilot in 1927. In 1948, he began a serious study of water color painting techniques and achieved critical acclaim for his works. Awarded the Air Force distinguished Service Medal (1956) and a special Congressional Medal for Byrd Antarctic Expedition (1928-1930). Enshrined in the Aviation Hall of Fame.

1.8 cubic feet (1 archives box and 2 oversized boxes)

English

Norwegian

Manuscripts

Clippings

Correspondence