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Ingvald Eidsheim facts for kids

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Ingvald Eidsheim
Born 27 November 1909
Hosanger, Norway
Died 23 February 2000
Allegiance Norway
Rank Kommandørkaptein
(Commander (N))
Unit Shetland Bus
Commands held HNoMS Hitra
HNoMY Norge
HNoMS Hitra (2003)
HNoMS Hitra, Eidsheims old ship, in Scalloway, Shetland June 2003

Ingvald Olsen Eidsheim was a very brave Norwegian sailor and a true war hero. He was born on November 27, 1909, in Hosanger, Norway. He passed away on February 23, 2000.

During World War II, Ingvald Eidsheim became famous for his work with the Shetland Bus. This was a secret operation where small boats traveled between Shetland, Scotland, and occupied Norway. These boats carried agents, weapons, and supplies to help the Norwegian resistance fighters. They also brought refugees safely back to Shetland.

Ingvald Eidsheim was the commander of one of these important boats, HNoMS Hitra. He made an amazing 43 trips across the dangerous North Sea to Norway. These trips were very risky because of German patrols and bad weather.

After the war, Ingvald Eidsheim worked as a civilian for a while. But he soon rejoined the Royal Norwegian Navy in 1948. He was given many important jobs. One special role was commanding the Norwegian Royal Yacht Norge. This is the ship used by the King of Norway.

From 1950, he worked with the Central Defence Command Staff. He eventually became the head of the staff for the Norwegian Home Guard. The Home Guard is a volunteer military force that helps protect Norway. After he retired, he worked hard to help restore his old ship, Hitra, so it could be preserved for future generations.

Awards and Recognition

Ingvald Eidsheim received many high honors for his bravery during the war. These awards showed how much his country and its allies appreciated his courage and service.

Some of his most important awards include:

  • The War Cross with Sword, which is Norway's highest military decoration.
  • The British Distinguished Service Order (DSO).
  • The British Distinguished Service Cross (DSC).
  • The American Medal of Freedom.

On August 25, 2007, a special monument was built to honor Ingvald Eidsheim. It was placed on the pier at Eknesvågen in Lindås, Norway. The monument was created by sculptor Arne Mæland. It was officially dedicated by the Minister of Defence, Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen. This monument helps everyone remember his important contributions and bravery.

Images for kids

  • Krigskorset med sverd stripe

    War Cross with Sword ribbon

  • Deltagermedaljen stripe

    Defence Medal 1940–1945 ribbon

  • Dso-ribbon

    Distinguished Service Order ribbon

  • UK Distinguished Service Cross BAR

    Distinguished Service Cross ribbon

  • Medal of Freedom stripe

    Medal of Freedom ribbon

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