Former Marlboro resident receives medal

Jerry Rosholt of Decorah, Iowa, a former resident of Marlboro, recently received Norway's prized St. Olav Medal at a gourmet dinner hosted by the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, Iowa.

Norwegian Counsul General Rolf Hansen presented the medal to Rosholt.

The medal is given by the Norwegian government to honor outstanding services regarding the spreading of information about Norway abroad and for strengthening the bonds between expatriate Norwe-gians and their home country.

According to a press release, Rosholt has contributed to the study and understanding of Norwegian-American history, particularly about Norwegian immigrants who served in the American Civil War.

Rosholt wrote the book "Ole Goes to War," writing about Norwegian Civil War soldiers. In all of Rosholt's research and outreach activities, he has acted as a volunteer for Vesterheim, refusing any compensation for his efforts and donating honoraria from speaking engagements and paying all his expenses incurred.

Rosholt graduated from Luther College and worked for NBC News for 28 years while living in New Jersey. He wrote for Chet Huntley and John Chancellor and worked as a field producer for NBC's coverage of the India-Pakistan War, the U.S.-U.S.S.R. Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), the Sadat-Begin peace talks, several civil rights demonstrations, Vietnam War protests and national political conventions from 1964 to 1986.

Rosholt is a 33-year member of Sons of Norway, Noreg Lodge No. 466 of Marlboro.