(1887–1945), Norwegian military figure. As an army officer who collaborated with Germany in the occupation of his country during World War II, Vidkun Quisling made his name synonymous with treason in Norway and around the world. He entered the Norwegian army in 1911. Between 1918 and 1929 he served in various diplomatic posts in Russia and the Soviet Union, and in 1931–33 he served in the Norwegian government as minister of defense. He met Adolf Hitler in 1939 and became an instant admirer. From that date he was determined to bring Norway under Nazism. After the German conquest in 1940 Quisling served in the occupation government. After the war he was arrested, found guilty of treason, and executed at Oslo's Akershus Fortress on Oct. 24, 1945.