G. Unger Vetlesen

Georg Unger Vetlesen (1889–1959) was a Norwegian shipbuilder and naturalized American philanthropist.^[1]

Background

Vetlesen was born in Oslo, Norway, the son of a well-known Norwegian surgeon. At age eleven, he became a crew member on a ship bound for Copenhagen. He earned degrees in naval architecture and mechanical engineering from the Imperial Institute of London, and went on to work for a British shipbuilding firm. In 1913, Vetlesen migrated to Canada where he worked as a miner. In 1916 he migrated to the United States and worked in the shipbuilding industry.^[2]

Career

During World War II, Vetlesen worked to rebuild the Royal Norwegian Air Force. In 1943 he joined the United States Navy, as a Commander in the Special Forces headquarters in London to work with the Norwegian resistance. After the war, Vetlesen led the United States company representing the Norwegian America Line, and was a founder and chairman of the board of Scandinavian Airlines System.

G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation

G. Unger Vetlesen established the foundation which bears his name shortly before his death in 1955. In addition to the Vetlesen Prize, the foundation provides support in the Earth sciences for institutions of excellence. The prize is awarded for scientific achievement resulting in a clearer understanding of the Earth, its history, or its relations to the universe. The prize is awarded on average once every two years, if the jury selects at least one worthy candidate during this period.^{[3] [4]}

See also

• Vetlesen Prize
• RV Vema

References

Other Reading

• Smith, Richard Harris OSS. The Secret History of America's First Central Intelligence Agency (The Lyons Press: 2005)

External links

• G Unger Vetlesen (RB SHIPPING) Norwegian
• The G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation and The Ambrose Monell Foundation websites