"Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, Jr., USN (25 October 1888 – 11 March 1957) was an American naval officer who specialized in feats of exploration. He was a pioneering American aviator, polar explorer, and organizer of polar logistics. Aircraft flights, in which he served as a navigator and expedition leader, crossed the Atlantic Ocean, a segment of the Arctic Ocean, and a segment of the Antarctic Plateau. Byrd claimed that his expeditions had been the first to reach the North Pole and the South Pole by air. However, majority of polar experts are now of the opinion that Roald Amundsen has the first verifiable claim to each pole. Byrd was a recipient of the Medal of Honor, the highest honor for heroism given by the United States." From Wikipedia (
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"Richard Byrd used New Zealand as a base for his Antarctic expeditions for 27 years and came to regard the country as his second home. He had made Wellington his New Zealand base during his second Antarctic expedition (BAE2). He also visited the city during each of the expeditions he led under the auspices of the United States government." (
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The plaques read:
Richard Evelyn Byrd
Rear - Admiral U.S.N.
Born 25 October 1888
Died 11 March 1957
Ambassador of Goodwill - Friend of New Zealand
and
THE GREATEST EXPLORER OF THE AIR AGE
Richard Evelyn Byrd dedicated his life to peaceful progress
For mankind. Outstanding in aviation and exploration,
He was a scientist, a humanitarian, a champion of freedom
And a great internationalist. His concept of Antarctica as
"The Great White Continent Of Peace"
Was a prelude to the Antarctic Treaty.
May the spirit of the Treaty endure and spread throughout the world.
and
THE ANTARCTIC TREATY
Signed on 1 December 1959 by twelve nations,
This was a milestone along the road to international co-operation.
It provided for non-militarisation,
For the prevention of nuclear explosions and disposal of radioactive waste,
For an international inspection system,
For the pooling of scientific information.
It demonstrated the subordination of national interests to the wider
Cause of science and increased understanding between nations.
and
The stones on this wall
Are from the Koettlitz Glacier Region
Cape Hallett and Cape Evans
Antarctica