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Colonel Bernt Balchen papers, 1906-2004
- Title
- Colonel Bernt Balchen papers, 1906-2004
- Identifier
- P1377
- Date
- 1906-2004
- Creator
- Balchen, Bernt, 1899-1973
- Description
- 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.
- Location: 11/B/2
- Extent
- 1.8 cubic feet (1 archives box and 2 oversized boxes)
- Subject
- Balchen, Bernt, 1899-1973
- Ellsworth, Lincoln, 1880-1951
- Augustana Academy (Canton, S.D.)
- Augustana College (Canton, S.D.)
- Amundsen, Roald
- Type
- Manuscripts
- Clippings
- Correspondence
- Access Rights
- This collection is open to research.
Collection
Citation
Balchen, Bernt, 1899-1973, “Colonel Bernt Balchen papers, 1906-2004,” Norwegian American Historical Association, accessed October 17, 2026, https://norwegianamericanhistory.org/catalog/items/show/11925.