UFO Flying Discs file: Twining letter, 1947

[PAGE 1] HqAMC Form No. 10-514 (Rev 10 Sep 46). WF-L-7 JAN 47 300M. [Stamp: SECRET, struck through.] [DECLASSIFIED stamp: Authority: NND 700188. SAVE conservation seal.] HEADQUARTERS AIR MATERIEL COMMAND IN REPLY ADDRESS BOTH COMMUNICATION AND ENVELOPE TO COMMANDING GENERAL, AIR MATERIEL COMMAND, ATTENTION FOLLOWING OFFICE SYMBOL: TSDIN TSDIN/HMM/1g/6-4100. WRIGHT FIELD, DAYTON, OHIO. DEC 1 9 1947 SUBJECT: Flying Discs TO: Chief of Staff, United States Air Force, Washington 25, D. C. ATTENTION: Director, Research & Development, Major General L. C. Craigie 1. Confirming the recent conversation of the undersigned with Major General L. C. Craigie, 9 December 1947, attached as listed below are copies of the reports from this Headquarters concerning Flying Discs. 2. Comments of Headquarters, Air Force on these letters have never been received by this Command. Continued and recent reports from qualified observers concerning this phenomenon still makes this matter one of concern to Headquarters, Air Materiel Command. Intelligence Department of this Command is continuing the collection and analysis of all available reports. FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL: [signature] H. M. McCOY, Colonel, USAF, Chief of Intelligence 2 Attach: cc ltr to CG, AAF, dtd 23 Sept 47 subj "AMC Opinion Concerning "Flying Discs"" cc ltr to CG, AAF, dtd 24 Sept 47 subj "Flying Discs" [Stamp: SECRET, struck through.] U-53791 [PAGE 2] [Routing/suspense card, partly illegible stamp at top.] DATE: 22 Dec 47. FROM: OIN. SUSPENSE DATE: [blank]. NO.: 244391 [red]. FILE DESIGNATION AND DATE: P 97084 [blue stamp]. TYPE: R&R 1 SMRY: "Analysis of 'Flying Disc' Reports". 2 Incls. 11 TO: MRD. TO: Memo to AMC, Attn: TSDIN. DATE: 24 Dec 47. DATE: 30 Dec 1947. REPLIED OR INDORSED TO: [blank]. FILED (PLACE): [blank]. OTHER ACTION: [blank]. HQ AAF [PAGE 3] [Stamp: SECRET, struck through.] Col Cook/2497/bm AFMRS. (3) [handwritten circle] 30 December 1947 SUBJECT: Flying Discs TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio. Attn: TSDIN 1. Reference is made to three inclosures, memoranda from your office to this headquarters, subject as above. 2. It is Air Force policy not to ignore reports of sightings and phenomena in the atmosphere but to recognize that part of its mission is to collect, collate, evaluate and act on information of this nature. 3. In implementing this policy, it is desired that the Air Materiel Command set up a project whose purpose is to collect, collate, evaluate and distribute to interested government agencies and contractors all information concerning sightings and phenomena in the atmosphere which can be construed to be of concern to the national security. It is desired that appropriate recommendations be forwarded to this Headquarters, wherever action is indicated which falls outside the field of the Air Materiel Command. 4. It is suggested that the activities of this project include the preparation and distribution of an initial report, as recommended in Inclosure 1, and that subsequent reports be issued on a quarterly basis. Supplementary reports should be issued at more frequent intervals should the need for same be indicated. This project is assigned priority 2A, with a security classification of "restricted" and Code Name of "SIGN". Where data of a classification higher than restricted is handled by the project such data should be classified accordingly. A complete interchange of data should be effected as recommended in Inclosure 1. BY COMMAND OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF: 4 Incls 1. Memo dtd 23 Sept '47 from AMC to AC/AS-2 (Gen Schulgen) 2. Memo dtd 24 Sept '47 from AMC to AC [Gen McDonald] 3. Memo dtd 19 Dec '47 to Gen Craigie 4. R&R from Dir of Intell, w/[SECRET] L. C. CRAIGIE, Major General, U. S. Air Force, Director of Research and Development, Office, Deputy Chief of Staff, Materiel. P 97084 [stamp] 2 JAN 1948 [Routing table: OFFICE SYMBOL / GRADE AND SURNAME OF COORDINATING OFFICERS — columns AFMRS (Col Cook), AFOIN (McDonald/AFMRD), AFSPR, AFOPO (Weyland); signatures illegible.] [PAGE 4] AFOIR-CO/Col Garrett/1wd/4544. 18 Dec '47 [Stamp: CONFIDENTIAL, struck through.] Basic Ltr fr Hq. Fourth Air Force, Hamilton Fld, Calif., dated 5 Dec '47, subject: Flying Disc. AFOIR-CO-5. 1st Ind. Dept. of the Air Force, Hq. USAF, Washington 25, D. C. 22 DEC 1947 TO: Commanding General, Fourth Air Force, Hamilton Field, California 1. The marks appearing on the photographs inclosed in basic letter are believed to be defects in the film, paper, or camera and not pictures of "flying discs". 2. It is requested that no further investigation be made of this incident. FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF: Incls. n/c DOUGLASS W. EISEMAN, Lt. Colonel, U.S.A.F., Executive, Air Intelligence Requirements Div., Directorate of Intelligence [Stamps: HQ AAF 22 DEC 1947 AAC MAIL BRANCH; 1177846] File ref: B/L fr Hq. Fourth Air Force, Hamilton Fld, Calif. dated 5 Dec '47 subj: as above [Routing table: AFOIR-CO (Col Taylor), AFOIR (Eiseman, C. P. Cabell Brig. Gen., USAF), Col Garrett — signatures.] [Stamp: CONFIDENTIAL, struck through.] [PAGE 5] [Routing/suspense card.] DATE: 5 Dec 47 [CONFIDENTIAL stamp, struck through]. FROM: Hamilton Fld, Calif. SUSPENSE DATE: [blank]. NO.: 242134 [red]. FILE DESIGNATION AND DATE: 1177846 [blue stamp]. TYPE: ltr SMRY: Flying Disc, Mary L Herren. 3 Incls: TO: OCI. TO: AFOIR-CO. TO: 4FB. DATE: 10 Dec 47. DATE: [illegible]. DATE: 12/23/47. REPLIED OR INDORSED TO: [blank]. FILED (PLACE): [blank]. OTHER ACTION: [blank]. HQ AAF [PAGE 6] [Stamp: CONFIDENTIAL, struck through.] HEADQUARTERS FOURTH AIR FORCE, Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2, Intelligence, Hamilton Field, California 4AFDA-3/1208-I. DEC 5 1947. 12-131 SUBJECT: Flying Disc. TO: Chief of Staff, United States Air Force, Washington 25, D. C. ATTN: Director of Intelligence X201-100 [handwritten marginal note] 1. The attached photographs were forwarded to this office by a very reliable source of information, obtained from a Mary L. Herren, 1728 S. W. Bidwell Avenue, Portland 2, Oregon. She advises these photographs were taken some time between November 5th and 12th, 1946, in the vicinity of Jefferson, Oregon, and points out the formation in the photographs as being objects she did not recall seeing herself but she thought might possibly be flying discs. 2. The objects referred to appear in the sky area of each accompanying photograph. The uniformity of the markings would tend to indicate that the camera or film used to take these pictures was possibly defective. No incidents of flying discs have been reported from that vicinity on or about the inclusive dates named above. 3. Mrs. Herren has requested the return of the negatives. If desired, this office will obtain the negatives and forward them at your request. 3 Incls: Photographs. DONALD L. SPRINGER, Lt. Colonel, USAF, AC of S, A-2 [Stamps: RECEIVED, HQ USAF date illegible] [Stamp: CONFIDENTIAL, struck through.] [PAGE 7] [torn corner, partial stamp]. [Stamp: SECRET, struck through.] HEADQUARTERS AIR MATERIEL COMMAND IN REPLY ADDRESS BOTH COMMUNICATION AND ENVELOPE TO ATTENTION OF FOLLOWING OFFICE SYMBOL: TSNAD-2B TSNAD-2B/ACL/amb. WRIGHT FIELD, DAYTON, OHIO. 18 NOV 1947. 11-145 SUBJECT: Flying Discs TO: Chief of Staff, United States Air Force, Washington 25, D. C. ATTENTION: Office, Director of Intelligence, Lt Colonel George Garrett, Jr. [marginal note: "given to AFOAI"] 1. The inclosed newspaper clippings are submitted for your information and comment. The incident reported in Seattle appeared in the "Dayton Journal" on 12 November 1947, and should be followed up if possible. 2. The story by Lionel Shapiro regarding war weapons developed in Spain evidently was printed in a number of leading newspapers throughout the country. The significance of this article will be dependent upon certain essential elements for such alleged important developments, such as funds, materials, experimental testing facilities, and technological "know-how". The latter is supposed to be supplied by German scientists. The German scientists at this Hq indicate that no important scientists from Germany are working in Spain, and those mentioned in this article are not known to them. 3. If possible, therefore, an effort should be made to obtain names, qualifications, or any information that might help to identify the alleged German scientists working in Spain. 4. A brief statement was made in a recent intelligence report from Hq, USAF, AC/AS-2, regarding a flying disc incident in Alaska in September. The close range sighting reported should render a more detailed observation than what was reported, which also suggests a follow-up. 5. It is further requested that this office be advised as to progress being made on the plotting of all flying disc incidents to date, particularly in North America. It was understood that Dr. Carroll was going to plot these incidents, but no further word was received regarding this effort. FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL: 1 Incl: newspaper clippings H. M. McCOY, Colonel, Air Corps, Chief of Intelligence [countersigned A. J. Hemstreet, Jr, Lt Col USAF] [Stamp: SECRET, struck through.] [PAGE 8] HqAMC Form No. 10-514 (Rev. 1 Aug 45). [SAVE seal.] [Stamp: CONFIDENTIAL, struck through.] HEADQUARTERS AIR MATERIEL COMMAND IN REPLY ADDRESS BOTH COMMUNICATION AND ENVELOPE TO ATTENTION OF FOLLOWING OFFICE SYMBOL: TSNAD-2B TSNAD-2B/ACL/amb. WRIGHT FIELD, DAYTON, OHIO. 24 NOV 1947. 12-8 SUBJECT: Flying Discs TO: Chief of Staff, United States Air Force, Washington 25, D. C. ATTENTION: Office, Director of Intelligence, Lt Colonel George Garrett, Jr. Reference letter, subject as above, dated 18 November 1947, it is requested that immediate action be taken to appropriately mark or stamp this correspondence with the classification "secret". This classification number is as follows: U-48983 FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL: [signature] H. M. McCOY, Colonel, USAF, Chief of Intelligence [countersigned A. J. Hemstreet, Jr, Lt Col USAF] [Handwritten: "To D/I Files, action completed, Lt Col Garrett - OIR-CO, 12-10-47"] [Stamp: CONFIDENTIAL, struck through.] [PAGE 9] HqAMC Form No. 10-514 (Rev 10 Sep 46). WF-L-7 JAN 47 300M. [Stamp: SECRET, struck through.] [SAVE seal.] HEADQUARTERS AIR MATERIEL COMMAND TSDIN/HMM/ig/6-4100. WRIGHT FIELD, DAYTON, OHIO. SEP 23 1947 TSDIN SUBJECT: AMC Opinion Concerning "Flying Discs" TO: Commanding General, Army Air Forces, Washington 25, D. C. ATTENTION: Brig. General George Schulgen, AC/AS-2 1. As requested by AC/AS-2 there is presented below the considered opinion of this Command concerning the so-called "Flying Discs". This opinion is based on interrogation report data furnished by AC/AS-2 and preliminary studies by personnel of T-2 and Aircraft Laboratory, Engineering Division T-3. This opinion was arrived at in a conference between personnel from the Air Institute of Technology, Intelligence T-2, Office, Chief of Engineering Division, and the Aircraft, Power Plant and Propeller Laboratories of Engineering Division T-3. 2. It is the opinion that: a. The phenomenon reported is something real and not visionary or fictitious. b. There are objects probably approximating the shape of a disc, of such appreciable size as to appear to be as large as man-made aircraft. c. There is a possibility that some of the incidents may be caused by natural phenomena, such as meteors. d. The reported operating characteristics such as extreme rates of climb, maneuverability (particularly in roll), and action which must be considered evasive when sighted or contacted by friendly aircraft and radar, lend belief to the possibility that some of the objects are controlled either manually, automatically or remotely. e. The apparent common description of the objects is as follows:- (1) Metallic or light reflecting surface. Incl #2 [handwritten]. U-39552 [Stamp: SECRET, struck through.] [PAGE 10] [Stamp: SECRET, struck through.] Basic Ltr fr CG, AMC, WF to CG, AAF, Wash. D. C. subj "AMC Opinion Concerning "Flying Discs". (2) Absence of trail, except in a few instances when the object apparently was operating under high performance conditions. (3) Circular or elliptical in shape, flat on bottom and domed on top. (4) Several reports of well kept formation flights varying from three to nine objects. (5) Normally no associated sound, except in three instances a substantial rumbling roar was noted. (6) Level flight speeds normally above 300 knots are estimated. f. It is possible within the present U. S. knowledge -- provided extensive detailed development is undertaken -- to construct a piloted aircraft which has the general description of the object in subparagraph (e) above which would be capable of an approximate range of 7000 miles at subsonic speeds. g. Any developments in this country along the lines indicated would be extremely expensive, time consuming and at the considerable expense of current projects and therefore, if directed, should be set up independently of existing projects. h. Due consideration must be given the following:- (1) The possibility that these objects are of domestic origin - the product of some high security project not known to AC/AS-2 or this Command. (2) The lack of physical evidence in the shape of crash recovered exhibits which would undeniably prove the existence of these objects. (3) The possibility that some foreign nation has a form of propulsion possibly nuclear, which is outside of our domestic knowledge. 3. It is recommended that:- a. Headquarters, Army Air Forces issue a directive assigning a priority, security classification and Code Name for a detailed study of this matter to include the preparation of complete sets of all available and pertinent data which will then be made available to the Army, Navy, Atomic Energy Commission, JRDB, the Air Force Scientific Advisory Group, NACA, and the RAND and NEPA projects for comments and recommendations, with a preliminary report to be forwarded within 15 days of receipt of the data and a detailed report thereafter every 30 days as the investi- [Stamp: SECRET, struck through.] -2- U-39552 [PAGE 11] [Stamp: SECRET, struck through.] Basic Ltr fr CG, AMC, WF to CG, AAF, Wash. D.C. subj "AMC Opinion Concerning "Flying Discs" gation develops. A complete interchange of data should be effected. 4. Awaiting a specific directive AMC will continue the investigation within its current resources in order to more closely define the nature of the phenomenon. Detailed Essential Elements of Information will be formulated immediately for transmittal thru channels. [signature] N. F. TWINING, Lieutenant General, U.S.A., Commanding [Stamp: SECRET, struck through.] -3- U-39552 [PAGE 12] [Duplicate COPY of pages 9-11, Inclosure #4.] [Stamp: SECRET COPY.] TSDIN/HMM/ig/6-4100. 23 September 1947 TSDIN SUBJECT: AMC Opinion Concerning "Flying Discs" TO: Commanding General, Army Air Forces, Washington 25, D. C. ATTENTION: Brig. General George Schulgen, AC/AS-2 [Same text as Page 9, paragraphs 1-2(e)(1), identical wording.] Incl #4 [handwritten]. [Stamp: SECRET COPY.] U-39552 [PAGE 13] [Duplicate COPY of page 10, same wording verbatim, items (2) through 3.a, ending "...as the investi-"] [Stamp: SECRET.] COPY. U-39552 [PAGE 14] [Duplicate COPY of page 11.] [Stamp: SECRET COPY.] Basic Ltr fr CG, AMC, WF to CG, AAF, Wash. D.C. Subj "AMC Opinion Concerning "Flying Discs" gation develope. A complete interchange of data should be effected. 4. Awaiting a specific directive AMC will continue the investigation within its current resources in order to more closely define the nature of the phenomenon. Detailed Essential Elements of Information will be formulated immediately for transmittal thru channels. N. F. TWINING, Lieutenant General, U.S.A., Commanding [Handwritten note, different hand from the typed letter:] "This letter was coordinated by: Col. Moore - Ch. Aircraft Lab, Mr. D.A. Dicky - Ch Propeller Lab, Gen D.L. Putt - Engr Div, Col. Minty - Ch Power Plant Lab, Gen Brentnall - T-3." [Stamp: SECRET COPY.] -3- U-39552 [PAGE 15] [Stamp: SECRET COPY.] TSNAD-2B/ACL:eec. 24 September 1947 TSNAD-2B SUBJECT: "Flying Disc" TO: Commanding General, Army Air Forces, Washington 25, D. C. ATTN: AC/AS-2, Major General George McDonald 1. In compliance with General McDonald's telephone conversation, this date, to Colonel H. M. McCoy, T-2, Hq. AMC, attached herewith is a copy of a drawing entitled, "Loedding Flying Disc", designated LD-2. Because of patent rights involved, it is requested that a record be kept of all persons reviewing this drawing by witnessing with signatures and dates directly on the drawing. 2. This drawing should be returned to this office when it has served its purpose so that it can be turned over to the Patent Office Hq. AMC for official record. [marginal note: X452.1 Airplanes : Misc] 3. Inclosed herewith is also a report prepared by the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Technical Note, AERO 1703, which describes the Horten tailless aircraft. The following references are invited which is considered significant in relating the Horten brothers' perspective thinking and accomplishments toward the alleged "Flying Saucer" case: a. Page 5, Paragraph 4 and 6. b. Page 6, Paragraph 1 and 7. c. Page 26, Paragraph 3 and 10. d. Page 27, Paragraph 12. e. Page 28, Paragraphs 1 through 5. f. Page 54, Photograph of Horten "Parabola". Incl #1 [handwritten]. [Stamp: SECRET COPY.] U-39942 [PAGE 16] [Stamp: SECRET COPY.] Basic ltr, dtd 24 Sep 47, to CG, Hq AAF, Wash, subj: "Flying Disc" g. Page 69, The Horten VIII. h. Pages 71 and 72, Photographs of the Horten IX Versions. i. Page 74, Drawing of the "Parabola". This document should also be returned when it has served its intended purpose. [marginal note: X452.1 Airplanes - Russia] 4. A recent report from the U. S. Military attache, Moscow, USSR, dated 9 June 1947, indicates that 1800 aircraft, directly or indirectly based on the Horten VIII design (six engine pusher, having a wing spread of 131 feet and a gross weight of approximately thirty-three thousand pounds) are being built for bomber squadron use. The Russian version, however, is jet propelled, reference report whose identification No. is V-32291-8. [marginal note: X095] 5. The T-2 report "German Flying Wings Designed by Horten Brothers", No. F-SU-1110-Md, also inclosed herewith, may be retained by your office if desired. FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL: H. M. McCOY, Colonel, Air Corps, Deputy Commanding General, Intelligence (T-2) 3 Incls: 1. Drawing. 2. RAE Tech Note, AERO 1703. 3. T-2 Rpt, No. F-SU-1110-ND. [note: "Inclosures mailed with original letter 19 Dec 47 [initials]"] [Stamp: SECRET COPY.] -2- U-39942 [PAGE 17] FORM NO. MR-1 (2). DATE: 30 Oct 47 452.1 Aircraft - Misc. INDEX: 0009 Flying Saucer - Phenomena TO: CSGID, Plans and Collection Branch FROM: Chief, Air Intelligence Requirements Division, AC/S-2 SUMMARY: Intelligence Requirements on Flying Saucer Type Aircraft D/F FILED: 350.09 Intelligence INDEXER: C REMARKS: [handwritten] "Re: German scientists" HEADQUARTERS ARMY AIR FORCES — CORRESPONDENCE REFERENCE FORM [PAGE 18] [Stamp: CONFIDENTIAL RESTRICTED, struck through.] B/L fm AMC, Subj: "Flying Discs", dtd 13 Oct 47. Wrtn 22 Oct 1947. Lt Col Garrett/dl/4544. AFBIR-CO-5 AFBIR-CO-5. 1st Ind Dept. of the Air Force, Hq., USAF, Washington 25, D. C. 28 OCT 1947 To: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright Field, Ohio (Attention: T-2) 1. A representative of this headquarters has contacted Lt. Colonel Herbert C. Gee concerning Mrs. Merchant's theory on the flying discs, as expressed to General Brentnall. 2. It is recommended that no action be taken to interrogate Mrs. Merchant and that this case be closed. BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE: Incls - n/c DOUGLASS W. EISEMAN, Lt. Colonel, Air Corps USAF, Executive, Air Intel, Requirements Division, Office of Ass't Chief of Air Staff-2 [Stamps: HQ AAF 28 OCT 1947 AAC MAIL BRANCH; P 94846] [Stamp: CONFIDENTIAL RESTRICTED, struck through.] [Routing table: AFOIR-CO (Col Taylor, Lt Col Garrett), AFBIR (Eiseman, Geo. F. Schulgen Brig. Gen., USAF) — signatures.] [PAGE 19] [Stamp: CONFIDENTIAL, struck through.] Headquarters AIR MATERIEL COMMAND TSNAD-2B/ACL/amc. Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio. 13 Oct 1947 TSNAD-2B SUBJECT: "Flying Discs" TO: Chief of Staff, United States Air Force, Washington 25, D. C. ATTN: AC/AS-2, Lt Col George Garrett 1. Attached copies of communications are self-explanatory and indicate action taken to obtain additional information regarding subject. Assistance shown from Lt Col Herbert C. Gee was with reference to the social standing and character of Mrs. Merchant to determine justification for further investigation of her theories. 2. In view of Lt Col Gee's transfer to Washington, D. C., it is suggested that a representative from Headquarters, AC/AS-2 contact and interview him. 3. General Brentnall stated that Mrs. Merchant was extremely talkative and seemed quite intent on promoting a personal enterprise instead of cooperating to help solve an intelligence problem. 4. Comments and suggestions, therefore, regarding further action to interrogate Mrs. Merchant would be appreciated in order to close this case as soon as possible. FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL: 2 Incls: 1. Cy AMC, T-2 Ltr, 9/29/47, "Flying Discs". 2. Cy 1st Ind, 10/2/47, fr Hq. Kirtland Field, Albuquerque, New Mexico /s/ W. R. Clingeman, Col., A. C. for H. M. McCOY, Colonel, Air Corps, Deputy Commanding General, Intelligence (T-2) COPY [Stamp: CONFIDENTIAL, struck through.] [PAGE 20] COPY. [Stamp: CONFIDENTIAL, struck through.] 29 September 1947 / 13 Oct 1947 SUBJECT: "Flying Discs" TO: Commanding Officer, Operating Location No. 16 of 731st AAFBU (101st AACS Sq), Kirtland Field, Albuquerque, New Mexico. ATTN: Col. Howard G. Bunker 1. General Brentnall, during a recent visit at Las Vegas, was contacted by a Mrs. Madeline Gwynne Merchant, Santa Fe, New Mexico, who described what may be termed a novel theory concerning "Flying Discs". 2. According to her theory, "Flying Discs" are being fired from a locality in Central Mexico from a laboratory which is being operated by the Russians. She claims they are being aimed at the United States for the purpose of sighting in on important atomic energy and aircraft installations. 3. General Brentnall states that he does not have any further interest in an interrogation of Mrs. Merchant since it is not an engineering matter. However, he recommends that if Hq, Air Materiel Command, T-2, wishes to sponsor an interrogation of this nature that Col. Howard Bunker should be contacted to determine the name and address of the colonel at Las Vegas who has knowledge of this case. In view of General Brentnall's suggestion, no direct contact will be made with Mrs. Merchant. 4. It is requested, therefore, that the name and address of the above mentioned colonel be made available to this office as soon as possible so that further action, as deemed advisable, can be taken. FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL: /s/ M. E. Goll. H. M. McCOY, Colonel, Air Corps, Deputy Commanding General, Intelligence (T-2) COPY [Stamp: CONFIDENTIAL, struck through.] [PAGE 21] [Stamp: CONFIDENTIAL, struck through.] B/L fr Hqs, AMC, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio, File TSNAD-2B, 29 Sep 47, Subj: "Flying Discs" 1st Ind. HGB:ms HEADQUARTERS, Kirtland Field, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 2 October 1947 TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright Field, Ohio. ATTENTION: T-2 1. The officer referred to in Par. 3 is Lt. Col. Herbert C. Gee, O-19717, who was formerly Commanding Officer at Los Alamos rather than Las Vegas, as stated. Lt. Col. Gee is now stationed in the office, Chief of Engineers, Civil Works Division, Washington, D. C. 2. There is no replacement for Lt. Col. Gee at Los Alamos and no information is available to indicate that any individual in this vicinity has more information concerning Mrs. Merchant's theory than Brig. Gen. Brentnall of AMC who personally conducted an interview with her. HOWARD G. BUNKER, Colonel, AC [Stamp: CONFIDENTIAL, struck through.] Incl #2 [handwritten] [PAGE 22] [Routing/suspense card.] [Stamp: CONFIDENTIAL, partly cut off]. FROM: 13 Oct 47, AMC, W/Fld, Ohio. SUSPENSE DATE: [blank]. NO.: 234015 [red]. FILE DESIGNATION AND DATE: P 94846 [blue stamp]. TYPE: Ltr. SMRY: "Flying Discs". W/ 2 Incls. [handwritten: "1st Ind"] TO: BIR. TO: [illegible initials]. DATE: 15 Oct 47. DATE: [illegible]. REPLIED OR INDORSED TO: [blank]. FILED (PLACE): [blank]. OTHER ACTION: [blank]. HQ AAF [PAGE 23] [Stamp: SECRET, struck through.] AFBIR-CO/Lt Col Garrett/df/4544. 6 Oct 47. [handwritten: 10/8/47] Basic: Ltr fr Hq, AMC, Wright Fld, Dayton, O. 24 Sept 47, Subj: "Flying Saucers" REF: Cys of Inclosures in A-2 Files [Stamps: P 94380; HQ AAF 8 OCT 1947] AFBIR-CO-5. 1st Ind Department of the Air Force, Hq. USAF, Washington 25, D. C. 8 OCT 1947 TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio. ATTN: TSNAD-2B Attached hereto is information requested in basic letter. BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE: 3 Incls: 1. Memo for AC/AS-3, 26 Sept 47 w/Map. 2. Memo for Chief, Air Intel Div., 2 Oct 47. 3. Summary of Info on "Unidentified Flying Objects" DOUGLASS W. EISEMAN, Lt. Colonel, Air Corps USAF, Executive, Air Intel, Requirements Division, Office of Ass't Chief of Air Staff-2 [Stamp: SECRET, struck through.] [Routing table: AFBIR-CO (Col Taylor), AFBIR (Eiseman), Lt Col Garrett, Geo. F. Schulgen Brig. Gen., USA — signatures.] [PAGE 24] COPY. [Stamp: SECRET, struck through.] HEADQUARTERS AIR MATERIEL COMMAND TSNAD-2B/ACL/amc. Wright Fld, Dayton, O. 24 Sept 47 TSNAD-2B SUBJECT: "Flying Saucers" TO: Commanding General, Army Air Force, Washington 25, D.C. ATTN: AC/AS-2, Lt Col Garrett [marginal note: X 000.9 - Japan] It is requested that this office be furnished all available information concerning an alleged "Flying Saucer" flight sighting made by a radar station in Japan. This incident was mentioned by Dr. Charles Carroll during a conference in Brig Gen Schulgen's office attended by Mr. A.C. Loedding, T-2 representative, on 5 September 1947. FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL: /s/ M.E.Goll /t/ H.M.McCOY, Colonel, Air Corps, Deputy Commanding General, Intelligence T-2 [Stamp: SECRET, struck through.] [PAGE 25] [Stamp: CONFIDENTIAL, struck through.] AFBIR-CO/LtCol.Garrett/rm/4544. 8 Sept 47 AFBIR-CO SUBJECT: Reported Sightings of Flying Discs. 11 SEP 1947 [stamp] TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio. Attention: T-2. 1. As arranged verbally with Mr. Loedding, inclosed is the complete file maintained by this Office on reported sightings of Flying Discs. 2. This file is forwarded so that photostats may be made in order to provide your Command with a duplicate set of these sightings. 3. When photostating this material for your purpose, it will be appreciated if one extra set is made for this Office and returned at the same time the originals are returned. 4. This file, and the duplicates, should be returned as soon as possible to this Headquarters, Attention: AC/AS-2, Air Intelligence Requirements Division, Collection Branch. BY COMMAND OF GENERAL SPAATZ: Incl a/s in par. 1. [stamp: P 93805; HQ AAF 11 SEP 1947 AAC MAIL BRANCH] DOUGLASS W. EISEMAN, Lt. Colonel, Air Corps, Executive, Air Intel, Requirements Division, Office of Ass't Chief of Air Staff-2 [Routing table: AFBIR-CO (Col. Taylor 3rd), AFBIR (Eiseman, Geo. F. Schulgen Brig. Gen., USA), Lt Col Garrett — signatures.] [Stamp: CONFIDENTIAL, struck through.] [PAGE 26] AF HQ-33 (20 MAY 44). RESTRICTED. HEADQUARTERS ARMY AIR FORCES ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET TALLY NO.: [blank]. FILE NO.: [blank]. SUBJECT: Flying Saucer Phenomena TO: Deputy Chief of Air Staff for Research & Development. DATE: 22 August 1947. COMMENT No. 1. Lt Col Garrett/nc/4544 FROM: AC/AS-2, Air Intelligence Requirements Division, Collection Branch 1. From a detailed study of certain reported observations on the flying saucers, selected for their veracity and reliability, it is apparent that several aspects of their appearance have a common pattern. 2. Before pursuing its investigation of these objects any further, this Office requests assurance that no research project of the Army Air Forces, at present being jet-flown, has the following characteristics and that it may therefore be assumed the recent flying saucer "mystery" is not of United States origin: a. Surface is metallic - indicating a metallic skin, at least. b. When a trail is observed, it is a lightly colored blue-brown haze, similar to a rocket engine's exhaust. Contrary to a rocket of the solid type, one observation indicates that the fuel may be throttled, which would indicate a liquid rocket engine. c. As to shape, all observations state that the object is circular, or at least elliptical, flat on the bottom and slightly domed on the top. d. Size estimates place it somewhere near the size of a C-54 or Constellation as they would appear while flying at 10,000'. e. Some reports describe two tabs located at the rear and symmetrical about the axis of flight motion. f. Flights have been reported containing from three to nine objects, flying good formation on each other, with speeds always above 300 knots. g. The discs oscillate laterally while flying along, which could be snaking. ROBERT TAYLOR 3RD, Colonel, Air Corps, Chief, Collection Branch, Air Intelligence Requirements Division, AC/AS-2 RESTRICTED. PAGE [blank] [PAGE 27] FORM NO. MR-1 (4). DATE: 5 Aug 47 INDEX: 000.9 Phenomena TO: Chief, Intelligence Group, Intelligence Division, War Dept Gen Staff FROM: Executive, Air Intel, Requirements Division, AC/AS-2 SUMMARY: Request for F. B. I. Investigation on Background of Certain Witnesses to "Flying Discs". Memo FILED: 333.5 Investigation INDEXER: ejb REMARKS: [blank] HEADQUARTERS ARMY AIR FORCES — CORRESPONDENCE REFERENCE FORM [PAGE 28] RESTRICTED. HEADQUARTERS ARMY AIR FORCES ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET TALLY NO.: [blank]. FILE NO.: [blank]. SUBJECT: Flying Saucer Phenomena TO: Air Intelligence Requirements Division, AC/AS-2, Attn: Collection Branch. DATE: AUG 29 1947. COMMENT No. 2. Mr Roddy/pmo/73481 FROM: Deputy Chief of Air Staff for Research & Development The Army Air Forces has no research project with the characteristics described in Comment No. 1. CONCURRENCE: AFDRE [Col Trudeau/illegible]. AFDRE-2 [Lt Col D.J. Munson]. AFDRE-3 [Maj. Nickerson]. AFDRE-4 [Col Whitaker]. CURTIS E. LeMAY, Major General, U. S. Army, Deputy Chief of Air Staff for Research and Development PAGE 2. RESTRICTED.