Seventy-five years ago, on August 7, 1949, General William Joseph Donovan, the founder of the Office of Strategic Services, visited the Gjefsjø Mountains. Together with the leader of Operation Rype, William Egan Colby, they unveiled the memorial to fallen soldiers at Plukkutjønn Mountain.
Over 200 visitors trekked the 20 kilometers into the mountains. Along with Colby and Donovan, and Norwegian officers, were Herbert Helgesen and other participants from the Norwegian-American sabotage group, as well as from the mountain farms Gjefsjøen and Gaundalen. As escorts for their American friends, Gunnar Sønsteby, Erling Lorentsen, and Jan Baalsrud also participated. The foundation for a strong Norwegian-American partnership was established and continues to this day both at Gjefsjøen and on many other fronts. Photos from Gjefsjøen where Donovan has his place in the headquarters, and from Colby’s book “Honorable Men.”
Restoring of Operasjon Rype's headquarter
OSS Gjefsjøen
The building which was headquarter for Operation Rype was in bad shape after standing empty for years. OSS Gjefsjøen are now restoring the building. The association OSS Gjefsjøen will convey the story of Operasjon Rype which in the final phase of World War II operated from its base on Gjefsjøen mountain farm. The building will be restored in the original appearance from when Operasjon Rype was carried out.
Licour based on local herbs and plants from Gjefsjøen
Gjefsjøakevitt (Aquavit)
Distilled at Inderøy Brenneri (distillery) based on pure water, plants, herbs and botanicals from Gjefsjøen Mountain Farm. Made as a tribute to the heros from Operasjon Rype who had their base at Gjefsjøen in the end og World War II.
