Bernt Balchen

Authentic autographed vintage commemorative philatelic cover hand signed by Bernt Balchen, (1899-1973), Norwegian and Norwegian-American polar and aviation pioneer. In 1929, Balchen became the first person to fly over the South Pole, accompanied by a copilot, a photographer and Richard E. Byrd, navigator and organizer of the Antarctic expedition. Due to his reputation as a polar, transatlantic and aviation expert, Balchen was hired by Amelia Earhart as a technical advisor for a planned solo transatlantic flight. Balchen was also highly involved in WWII missions, and a good friend serving under Balchen was Thor Heyerdahl, marine biologist and explorer-to-be of Kon-Tiki fame.