24 Jan Come North With Me
Come North With Me, an autobiography by Bernt Balchen
Come North With Me: An Autobiography was written by Bernt Balchen in 1958. Balchen was born in Norway. When he was twelve years old he was introduced to Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian explorer who first reached both the south and north poles. Balchen described Amundsen, who became his mentor and role model, as “the last Viking.”
There is really just one chapter that deals with World War II, and I read that when I first bought the book. This time I read the entire book cover to cover, each and every word. I am mesmerized by this adventurous and courageous man.
One of the gentlemen who has helped me so much with my research said to me, “Bernt Balchen is my personal hero.” Now I know why. He is my personal hero too.
Balchen piloted the plane that Richard Evelyn Byrd flew over the South Pole in 1929. As I read about this two year venture I couldn’t put the book down. The cold. What they had to endure.
As head of “Operation Sonnie” during World War II, Balchen worked out of Sweden to give critical assistance to the Norwegian Underground. He also flew US internees who were leaving Sweden back to Great Britain.
This is how he knew Herman F. Allen, my Dad.
Today goes fast, and tomorrow is almost here, and maybe I have helped a little in the change. (Bernt Balchen)
Come North With Me: An Autobiography at amazon.com
Joy
Posted at 15:45h, 12 AprilI finally found this book at the library and am almost done with it. What an incredible figure Balchen was. Ve can do it! he said…and he did. When others failed, he was willing to try, and usually succeeded.