Balchen, Bernt, 1899-1973

found: NUCMC data from Library of Congress Manuscript Division for His Papers, n.d.(Balchen, Bernt, 1899-1973; aviator, explorer, and Air Force officer)

found: NUCMC data from San Diego Air and Space Museum, Library and Archives for His Papers, 1903-2002(World renowned aviator Colonel Bernt Balchen was born October 23, 1899 in Tveit, Norway. He started flying in 1921 and became a U.S. citizen in 1930. His career spanned 35 years, serving both governments in cold-weather aviation. His many accomplishments include: pilot of the “America” transoceanic flight, searching for Amundsen, Byrd Antarctica expedition, building a secret air base in Greenland, rescues of downed planes, flying arms to Norwegian Resistance movement, rebuilding SAS Airlines, the DEW Line, and many other notable achievements. He retired from the USAF in 1956. He received many honors for his contributions to aviation. Colonel Balchen passed away October 17, 1973 in Mount Kisco, New York and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery (next to Commander Richard E. Byrd) on his 74th birthday.)