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The Descriptive Finding Guide for the Bernt Balchen Personal Papers
SDASM.SC.10012
SDASM.SC.10012
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Table of contents
Title: Colonel Bernt Balchen, 1899-1973 Personal Papers
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10012
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
0.4 Cubic feet
1 manuscript box
Date (bulk): Bulk, 1903-1973
Date (inclusive): 1903-2002
creator:
Balchen, Bernt, 1899-1973
[Item name] Personal Collection of Bernt Balchen, 1899-1973, Archives, San Diego Air & Space Museum.
World renowned aviator Bernt Balchen was born in Tveit, Norway on October 23, 1899. Colonel Balchen, a native Norwegian, started
flying in 1921. He 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 in 1973 and was buried on his 74th birthday.
This collection covers Bernt Balchen’s admirable career as a cold weather aviator who made many valuable contributions to
the aviation world. This collection contains family photos of Colonel Balchen as a child in the early 1900’s and ranges to
articles and letters received by his wife and family in the early 2000’s. The materials cover a wide time span and consist
of a variety of materials relating to the life and achievements of this great aviator.
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
Most of the collection was donated to the Museum in the early 2000’s.
Conditions Governing Access note
The collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.
Related Archival Materials note
Secondary Sources: http://www.nationalaviation.org/balchen-bernt/
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Cold-weather aviation
Scandanavian Airlines System