The original post: /r/todayilearned by /u/mortskaa on 2024-12-09 10:59:40.

Original Title: TIL about Bernt Balchen, a Norwegian-American aviation pioneer, Arctic explorer, and decorated war hero. He was the first person to pilot an airplane over the South Pole in 1929 and played a crucial role in advancing polar aviation. During WWII, Balchen led covert missions for the Allies.