Thread: No. 24 is no more

One of this little country's very finest has passed today.

Gunnar Sonsteby (Sønsteby) known by most Norwegians as "kjakan" (the chin), died today at the age of 94.


He was a member of the Norwegian resistance during the second world war.
Many fought against the Nazi's, few as hard and as well as this guy.


As the most decorated Norwegian ever, he has held a very special place in our history and culture.


Among the many distinctions given to him, he was the first non-American awarded the United States Special Operations Command Medal in 2008.


rest in piece old man, and thank you!

That guy was as hard as wood pecker lips! Here is a wiki extract. Impressive warrior.

He was decorated for his work as a Norwegian resistance fighter during World War II. Known also as Kjakan (The Chin) and No. 24, he participated in the resistance effort from 1940. At the time of the German invasion of Norway Sønsteby was living in Oslo and fought in Philip Hansteens Skiløperkompani. After Norway had been occupied he involved himself in the underground resistance, both through Milorg and the illegal press. In 1942 he became agent 24 in the Special Operations Executive. After saboteur training in England in 1943, he became the contact for all SOE agents in eastern Norway and head of the Norwegian Independent Company 1 group in Oslo. This group performed several spectacular acts of sabotage; among them smuggling out plates for the printing of Norwegian kroner from the Norwegian Central Bank and blowing up the office for Norwegian forced labour, thereby stopping the Nazis' plan of sending young Norwegian men to the Eastern Front.[3] In 1945 he was awarded the British Distinguished Service Order. In addition to the attack on the labour office the recommendation for this award mentions the theft of 75,000 ration books, which allowed pressure to be placed on authorities, stopping a threatened cut in rations; the destruction of sulfuric acid manufacturing facilities in Lysaker; destroying or seriously damaging over 40 aircraft, and related equipment which were being repaired at a tram company depot in Korsvoll; destroying a railway locomotive which was under repair at Skabo; destroying a number of Bofors guns, a field gun and vital machine tools at the Kongsberg arms factory; and starting a large fire in an oil storage depot at Oslo harbour which destroyed large quantities of lubricating oil and other specialist oils.[7]

Operating in occupied territory, and being high on the Gestapo list of wanted men, Sønsteby became a master of disguise. He operated under 30 to 40 different names and identities, and the Germans did not acquire his real name until near the end of the war. They were never able to catch him.

Farewell Gunnar Sonsteby may you rest in eternal peace wrapped in the love and respect of your countrymen and may your courage be remembered for all time.

Gunnar Sonsteby rest in peace with the love and respect of your countrymen ,friends, and especially family to comfort you eternally.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Mary Elizabeth Frye

I must admit, I had not heard of this man before.

I did not know him, I did not even know of him, but after doing a bit of reading I would like to thank him, even though it is posthumously.

It is because of men like this that we enjoy our freedoms and privileges today.

We wait far too long to give thanks like I just did.

Next time you see a young man or woman in uniform, give them a tip of the hat, a smile and yes, even a thank you. They will appreciate it, and you will feel better.

Rest in peace Mr. Sonsteby. You have earned it many times over.

They shall grow not old, as we are left to grow old,
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.


Thank you Kjakan.

He wasn't fighting against the Germans so much as he was fighting FOR his beloved country and her people.

SALUD!

Birnando, Thank you for sharing.

I'd read a bood about the Norwegian resistance, and it was astounding. The courage of these men is humbling. I've had the honor of meeting a few. I'm grateful for every one. May we do 1/2 as well when the need sadly returns.