Bernt Balchen was a Norwegian pioneer polar aviator, navigator, aircraft mechanical engineer and military leader. A Norwegian native, he later became an American citizen and was a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Wikipedia
Born: October 23, 1899, Tveit, Ryen, Norway
Died: October 17, 1973 (age 73 years), Mount Kisco, NY
Spouse: Audrey Balchen (m. 1966), Inger Balchen, and Emmy Alvhilde Balchen
Books: The Next Fifty Years of Flight and Next Fifty Years
Awards: Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal
Parents: Dagny Balchen and Lauritz Balchen