Biography

Joachim Rønneberg was a Norwegian Army officer and broadcaster, best known for his role in the resistance during World War II, particularly as the leader of Operation Gunnerside. A member of the Norwegian Independent Company 1 (Kompani Linge), he was instrumental in the successful sabotage of the Vemork heavy water plant in 1943, an operation critical in hindering Nazi Germany's nuclear ambitions. Despite harsh conditions and a relentless pursuit by German forces, Rønneberg and his team escaped safely after completing their mission. Following the war, he continued to serve his country by engaging in military history education and awareness, frequently giving lectures about the Norwegian resistance. He later pursued a career in broadcasting, working for NRK Ålesund for several decades. Over the years, he received numerous honors, including Norway's War Cross with Sword, the British Distinguished Service Order, and the French Legion of Honour. A statue in his honor was unveiled in Ålesund in 2014.
- IMDb mini biography by: Capamaroux

At the rank of ensign and only 22 years of age Rønneberg headed the commando raid codenamed 'Gunnerside' which flew from it's training camp in Scotland, and parachuted over Nazi-occupied Norway during World War II. There he re-grouped with another team of waiting Norwegian commandoes - codename 'Grouse' - and together they blew up the Heavy Water plant at Vemork, Telemark, helping to end Hitler's quest for the atomic bomb. The act was later referred to by the British SOE (Special Operations Executive) as the single most important act of sabotage during the entire war. Towards the end of the war Rønneberg would also lead 'Operation Fieldfare' in the Tafjord Mountains of Norway. After the war he among other things worked at Norwegian National Broadcasting (NRK) as a secretary of programming. Later retired to live in Ålesund, Norway.

In the Spring of 1984, on the 40th anniversary of the sabotage action against the heavy water plant at Vemork, the survivors of the group who participated in the action were honored at a reception at the residence of the American Ambassador, Mark Evans Austad. Nine of the 12 survivors were present when they were surprised with a gift of cufflinks from President Ronald Reagan, who also sent them a personal letter. They also received letters of congratulations from John W. Vessey Jr., Chief for the American High Command.

He didn't like the way the story of his group's work was told in the 1965 film. He was later a journalist and NRK administrator.

He received Norway's highest decoration for military gallantry, the War Cross with Sword, from King Haakon VII; the Distinguished Service Order from Great Britain; the Legion of Honor and Croix de Guerre from France; and the American Medal of Freedom With Silver Palm.

We were a gang of friends doing a job together ... We very often thought that this was a one way trip.