20 Facts About Knut Haugland

Knut Haugland was parachuted over Hardangervidda on 18 October 1942 together with Arne Kjelstrup, Jens-Anton Poulsson and Claus Helberg.

Knut Haugland was arrested for a second time, by Gestapo in Kongsberg, but again escaped and commenced his training duties.

Knut Haugland fled to the United Kingdom again, and did not return.

Knut Haugland was awarded Norway's highest decoration for military gallantry, the War Cross with sword.

Knut Haugland was awarded this decoration twice, in 1943 and 1944: the War Cross with two swords.

Knut Haugland received the French Croix de Guerre avec Palme and Legion d'honneur and the Royal Norwegian Order of St Olav.

Knut Haugland was awarded the Medal with rosette and Haakon VII's 70-Medal.

Knut Haugland participated in the Independent Norwegian Brigade Group in Germany from 1948 to 1949, continued in the Forsvarsstaben until 1952, when he was transferred to the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

Knut Haugland headed the electronic intelligence service in Northern Norway, an important position during the Cold War.

Knut Haugland held the ranks of major from 1954 and lieutenant colonel from 1977.

Knut Haugland left the Air Force in 1963 to become acting, later permanent, director of the Norway's Resistance Museum.

Knut Haugland was the director of the Kon-Tiki Museum from its start in 1947 to 1990.

Knut Haugland rounded off his career as board chairman of the Kon-Tiki Museum in 1991.

Knut Haugland first met Thor Heyerdahl in 1944 at a paramilitary training camp in England.

In 1947 Knut Haugland was invited by Heyerdahl to join the Kon-Tiki expedition as a radio operator.

Knut Haugland died on 25 December 2009, and was the last living crew member who served on the Kon-Tiki expedition.

Knut Haugland was made a Knight of the 1st class of the Order of Vasa, Knight 1st Class of the Order of Dannebrog and Knight of the Icelandic Order of the Falcon.

Knut Haugland was awarded the first class cross of the Federal Republic of Germany's Order of Merit, was appointed a Commander of the Belgian Order of Leopold and Companion of the Order of the Crown of Thailand.

Knut Haugland was an officer of the Iranian Order of the Lion and the Sun, received the Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria and the Peruvian Order of Merit for Distinguished Service.

In 1988, Knut Haugland was made Knight 1st Class of the Order of St Olav for his efforts as a museum manager.