Who is Colonel Lewis from Kon-Tiki: Across the Pacific by Raft and what is their importance?

Colonel Lewis works in the Pentagon and meets with Thor and Herman. He immediately sees the value in testing experimental military equipment and rations on the voyage, but when he presents the plan to his superior officer, the officer balks at the deal. He does not believe that Thor and crew can deliver back any reports of value. The superior officer does give in when he considers the enterprising nature of the voyage and the courage involved.