Who is Otto Munthe-Kass from Kon-Tiki: Across the Pacific by Raft and what is their importance?

Otto is the Norwegian military attaché in Washington D.C. He drives Thor and Herman to the Pentagon, where they meet Colonel Lewis and strike up a deal to use experimental military equipment and rations on the voyage. When Thor's financial backing falters, Otto comes to the rescue by personally financing the voyage until the other funds become available.