Archivo OVNI Flying Discs del FBI, parte 1 (1947)

[PAGE 1] [Diagram: FBI file folder cover, Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation Headquarters, stamped SECRET (struck through), DO NOT DESTROY] 62- HQ-83894 SECTION 1 SERIALS 1-52 SECTION 1 SERIALS 1-52 DO NOT DESTROY FOIPA # 1366404 PICKETT STREET DO NOT DESTROY FOIPA # 993087 Transfer - Call 3421 Use Care in Handling this File Declassification authority derived from FBI Automatic Declassification Guide, issued May 24, 2007. FBI - CENTRAL RECORDS CENTER HQ - HEADQUARTERS Class / Case # Sub Vol. Serial #: 0062 83894 1 1 52 8/11/1274199 RRP003IXH5 #62-HQ-83894-1# [PAGE 2] Mr. Tolson Mr. E. A. Tamm Mr. Clegg Mr. Coffey Mr. Glavin Mr. Ladd Mr. Nichols Mr. Rosen Mr. Tracy Mr. Carson Mr. Egan Mr. Hendon Mr. Pennington Mr. Quinn Tamm Mr. Nease Miss Gandy [handwritten initials and notes, partly illegible: "He later ... [illegible]"] 72055 More About Saucers Priest Finds 'Whirring' Disc In Yard and Holds It for FBI Chicago, July 6 (U.P.)—A Catholic priest at Grafton, Wis., said tonight that a round, metal disc, which might be one of the mysterious "flying saucers," had crashed into his parish yard and that he is holding it for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Rev. Joseph Brasky of St. Joseph's Church at Grafton, 45 miles north of Milwaukee, said he heard a swishing and whirring noise this morning. A second later, he said, he heard a thud and a mild explosion. He investigated and found a sheet metal disc about 18 inches in diameter, resembling a circular saw blade. "The object still was warm, weighed about four or five pounds and was about one eighth of an inch thick," he said. There was a hole about one inch in diameter in the middle of the disc, he said, and in the opening were "gadgets and some wires." The priest said he did not know if his discovery were important or whether it might be an elaborate practical joke. He said he had notified the FBI of his find. H. K. Johnson of the Milwaukee FBI office said he hadn't heard yet about the disc but that an official report might be at his office. The flying discs have been reported "seen" by persons in 30 States, but Brasky's disc was the first one that actually had been found—if that is what was found. His report came a few hours after a military plane made an unsuccessful speed dash in an attempt to track down one of the discs and the Army and scientists sought to ascertain whether coast-to-coast reports about the discs zooming through the sky were fact or fancy. Army planes scoured the northwest Pacific skies for them without success today and one "eyewitness" even reported having seen one of the discs take off in Arizona. A St. Louis railroad man exhibited some paper "discs" he said he had seen floating over St. Louis. The flying saucers which have been reported skimming through America's skies at speeds up to 1200 miles have eluded the usually keen eye of radar. Capt. Tom Brown of the Army Air Forces public relations st[aff] See SAUCERS, Page 3, Col. SE 40 INDEXED 98 162-83894-1 NOT RECORDED 83 JUL 10 1947 JUL 7 1947 WASHINGTON POST Page 1 [handwritten and stamped marks: JUL 8 1947, other handwriting illegible] [PAGE 3] [Diagram: reverse side of the clipping mount, no text; upside-down receipt stamps reading "RECEIVED-TAMM F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Jul 7 12 42 PM '47"; "RECEIVED-DIRECTOR F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Jul 7 8 59 AM '47"; "MR. JONES RECEIVED F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Jul 9 9 53 AM '47"; partly illegible stamps for Tolson and Nichols (Jul 8)] [PAGE 4] [Newspaper clipping, three columns; top torn away and partly covered by tape] OFFICERS—From Page 1 Priest Finds 'Whirring' Disc In Yard and Holds It said the Army Airways Communications Service had reported late yesterday that so far its radar scopes throughout the country have been unable to pick up any strange objects in flight. And in the Pacific Northwest—where most of the fly-happy platters have been reported—the Army has radar equipment which can pierce fog and darkness and pick up objects in the sky 200 miles away. Even so, Brown acknowledged that the Air Forces had decided "there's something to this" and had been checking it for 10 days. "And we still haven't the slightest idea what they could be," he added. And a new wrinkle—the reported landing of a fleet of eight skimming platters—was reported from Idaho in full view of 10 persons. A. Dishman, Idaho housewife, said she and others in her party had seen the saucers land on a mountainside near St. Maries, Idaho. She said they came into view at an extreme speed, suddenly slowed, and then "fluttered like leaves to the ground." "The mysterious part was that we couldn't see them after they landed," she said. "We could see them flutter down into the timber yet we couldn't see that they did anything to the trees." She said she hoped to hike into the timber tomorrow and search for the objects which she said were saucer-shaped but resembled washtubs more than disks and were "about the size of a five-room house." Locally, Hazen Kennedy of 2615 4th st. ne. reported he had seen one passing over the Northeast section of the city at about 8:40 p. m. This would be the first one reported over the District, although others have been reported over nearby Maryland. Kennedy, who has 125 hours flying time as a student pilot in the Army Air Forces to his credit, said he believed the saucer he had seen was traveling at "well over" 1000 miles an hour at an altitude of between 1200 and 1500 feet. "The best way I can describe it," said Kennedy, "was that it looked like an orange lamp bulb without the socket. It was going faster than any jet plane I've ever seen." In Hagerstown, Md., Mrs. Marilyn Ganoe, 30, said she had seen five of the discs, racing in 2-1/2 formation at "terrific speed," from her backporch. "They sounded like a faraway train," she said. In the wake of these new eyewitness accounts came a new series of comments, and explanations, but most of them were tinged with a slight tendency to laugh off the whole thing. Dr. Winfred Overholser, nationally known psychiatrist and superintendent of St. Elizabeths Hospital here, said it "has some of the earmarks of being national hysteria." "Everytime someone comes up with a sea-serpent story," said Dr. Overholser, "others with vivid imaginations are sure they have seen the same thing. "The critical faculty in man, the last one he received, is still not very well developed. Scratch the surface and you find the same mass hysteria which predominated during the witchcraft scare. Some persons are quite ready to see things and follow beliefs." Dr. Overholser said that when he made his rounds of the mental patients yesterday at St. Elizabeths not a one commented on the flying saucers story. "I think they may be a little skeptical," he added. However, Dr. Overholser said he wasn't trying to dismiss the matter as a joke "because there are so many strange things going on today that one can't be sure." Maj. Alexander P. de Seversky, noted aircraft designer, told The Post by telephone from New York that until he sees a flying saucer he "wouldn't like to pass judgment." He agreed with Dr. Overholser that much if not all of the story may be because of hysteria. "After all," he said, "we are more or less an hysterical Nation." Major de Seversky said it was possible that the persons who claim to have seen the aerial discs have instead glimpsed the exhaust of jet-propelled planes. He conceded, too, that they might be guided missiles let loose as part of an experiment, but added: "I don't think the Government would fire them so promiscuously. They would test them in one spot, in an isolated area, like they did the atomic bomb." Maj. Gen. Curtis E. LeMay, who as Deputy Chief of Air Staff for Research and Development would know if the saucers involved experiments with guided missiles, commented: "Whatever these people have seen it hasn't been anything resulting from experiments by the Army Air Forces. As for as I'm concerned there's nothing to it at all. The whole thing is unfortunate..." [torn, partly illegible text at top of third column: "... missil[e] ... attain ... of 120[0] ..."] "There's [illegible] said about guided [illegible] he said. Howard W. Blakeslee, Associated Press science editor, said the whole business may be an optical illusion. "At any distance which is close to the limit of how far a person can see," he wrote, "all objects appear round or nearly so. This law of sight covers both small things seen nearby and large ones at great distances. "The one outstanding fact about virtually all the saucers is that they had no structure—they seemed merely round and flat. That description fits exactly with the tricks that eyes play. This trickiness varies with differences in weather and lighting." However, Nova Hart, St. Louis mechanic who was trained during service in the war to spot all types of aircraft, yesterday offered a minute description of one of the flying patterns which he claimed he saw flying at an altitude of about 300 feet. Reporter Sees One He described it as circular with a ribbed framework and silver gray in color. He said it appeared to have a motor with a propeller attached in the center and that it kept turning like an airplane doing a slow roll. Although many explanations have been offered, none has been convincing. A Los Angeles newspaper quoted an unnamed nuclear physicist as saying the silvery disc resulted from experiments in the "transmutation of atomic energy." This report was rapidly herded into the hoax column by David Lilienthal, chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, and several prominent atomic scientists. Starr Expects Word Louis E. Starr, national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, announced Saturday at Columbus, Ohio, that he was expecting "momentarily" information from Washington which would explain the dashing discs. But the message never arrived. The Air Forces said that Gen. Carl Spaatz, Air Forces chief, was in the Pacific Northwest where most of the saucers have been reported, but added that his trip there was planned two months ago, long before the saucers scare. General Spaatz is expected back in Washington late tomorrow. Muroc Army Air Field in California had a P-80 jet fighter standing by, and the National Guard in Oregon had prepared six regular fighters to give chase should saucers be reported nearby. [PAGE 5] [Diagram: envelope addressed in handwriting "The F.B.I. Washington District of Colombia"; 5 cent U.S. postage stamp; postmark NEW BRUNSWICK N.J. JUL 5 2 PM 1947] [PAGE 6] [handwritten and stamped marks: "ANONYMOUS COMMUNICATION KEEP ENVELOPE ATTACHED"; "FLYING DISCS"; RECORDED 62-83894-2, 32 JUL 8 1947; 63 JUL 16 1947; other handwritten notes illegible] Dear F. B. I.: It is my opinion about those "flying discs" reported seen over Kentuky, new mexico, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Colorado, South Carolinia and Eastern Canada that some European Country is useing them by filling them up with germs or highly explosives, and after a couple thousand miles they drop their contents and dissappear. I also suggest that you keep [PAGE 7] [Text is written upside-down on the page] lots of disenfectant on hand. Or else something might happen to us in the United States. From a friend [PAGE 8] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION JUL 8 1947 TELETYPE Mr. Tolson Mr. E. A. Tamm Mr. Clegg Mr. Glavin Mr. Ladd Mr. Nichols Mr. Rosen Mr. Tracy Mr. Egan Mr. Gurnea Mr. Harbo Mr. Mohr Mr. Pennington Mr. Quinn Tamm Mr. Nease Miss Gandy [handwritten initials and notes, partly illegible] FBI NEW ORLEANS 7-8-47 11-22 AM TMC DIRECTOR ROUTEIN RE FLYING DISCS, MISCELLANEOUS. DISC REPORTED FOUND BY F. G. HARISTON REVEALED TO BE PRANK. WEEKS END 9 1-24 PM OK FBI WA BW V [handwritten: "Flying Saucers"; "Reynolds notified at War Dept 1:30 PM ..." (partly illegible)] RECORDED 62-83894-3 INDEXED 98 29 JUL 10 1947 JUL 18 1947 [PAGE 9] [Diagram: reverse side of a pink teletype sheet, no text other than receipt stamps: "RECEIVED LIAISON SECTION 9 11 45 AM '47 F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE"; "RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Jul 8 1 25 PM '47 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE"; "RECEIVED-LADD F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Jul 8 2 37 PM '47"; "RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUL 9 9 13 AM '47"] [PAGE 10] [This image contains all the information on the document.] CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) BY SPECIAL MESSENGER Date: August 5, 1947 To: Director of Intelligence War Department General Staff The Pentagon Washington 25, D. C. Attention: Colonel L. R. Forney, Chief, Security Group From: John Edgar Hoover - Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation Subject: FRED R. REIBOLD There are attached hereto copies of a letter received from the above-captioned individual, together with copies of a newspaper clipping enclosure, concerning "flying discs." Mr. Reibold's letter has been acknowledged and he has been advised that copies of his letter have been furnished to you for your consideration. [stamps and handwriting, partly illegible: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION ... 11 ... P.M. ... 83894-4 ... INVESTIGATION ... OF JUSTICE; "APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND FILES"; "DECLASSIFIED BY 1359 ON 10-28-78"; handwritten date 10/3/78 and other notes illegible] [PAGE 11] [handwritten letter on lined paper] Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington D. C. Gentleman: On July 7th 1947, 10:30 P.M. Gertrude Sniffen my mother in law and I witnessed a flaming object which dropped in street in front of our house at 2315 Himebaugh ave Omaha Nebr. Upon examination, the object was solid and had form of round circular disc, approximately the size of a silver dollar and 1/4" thick, burning with extreme heat. The World Herald newspaper was notified and reporter was sent out. In the mean time, a boy kicked [stamps and notes: "FLYING DISCS"; RECORDED & INDEXED 62-83894-4; 98; 27 JUL 1947; handwritten note at lower left partly illegible "... War Dept ... 8/5/47"] [PAGE 12] [Diagram: reverse side of the lined handwritten letter; only faint mirrored bleed-through of the writing, not legible; stamp: "RECEIVED JUL 16 12 36 PM '47 INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE"] [PAGE 13] the object over and it fell into pieces. When the reporter arrived he scooped up the fragments and said he would have them analyzed. You attention is directed to attached analyses. There were six people who actually saw the object and can testify to the extreme heat at which it was burning. We did not claim it was one of the so called "flying saucers" or any such phenomena but we did want some kind of a reasonable explanation because if this object had dropped on a roof top, it would have certainly set fire. We can definitely say it [page number 2 at bottom, handwritten] [PAGE 14] was not tobacco ashes as inferred by Dr. Kenny. It burned with such extreme heat as to scorch pavement on and near pavement where it fell. Possibly this could have been a late Fourth of July Firework or something similar but at any rate we are calling it to your attention as the answer the "learned" Dr. Kenny gave as being pipe ashes is full of ridicule an entirely unsatisfactory. Yours sincerely Fred R. Reibold 2315 Himebaugh ave Omaha Nebraska [handwritten page number 3; red stamp-style annotation "FRED R. REIBOLD"] [PAGE 15] [Enclosure: newspaper clipping taped to the page, with the Great Seal eagle watermark of the paper faintly visible] 'Flying Saucer' Just Someone's Pipe Dream' The "flying saucer" that fell near 2319 Himebaugh Avenue Monday evening was nothing but "ashes from somebody's pipe dream." So says Dr. C. L. Kenny, head of the chemistry department at the Creighton College of Dentistry. He had two students analyze the ashes. They found sodium, potassium, iron, aluminum, carbonate, sulphate and unburnt carbon, he said. "This is the same analysis you would get from ordinary pipe tobacco," Dr. Kenny said. 62-8389[4]-4 (handwritten in red) ENCLOSURE [PAGE 16] [stamps: "ANONYMOUS COMMUNICATION KEEP ENVELOPE ATTACHED"; "G.I.R.F."; blue marginal note "FLYING SAUCERS"] Dear Mr. Hoover - I have also seen a flying saucer - the evening of July 4 - about 10:30 P.M. - only it was in the air at the same level as two obvious portions of light in the search light beams from the air field near Lake St. Clair. I was sitting on my porch at the time. A few trucks could with proper equipment create the same illusion. There were two clearly outlined beams - one partly faded out to that level The saucer [illegible] [PAGE 17] [torn paper; the top line is cut off] [illegible] appeared when the third beam faded out from the ground to the saucer. Recently I mentioned the distressed ship in the Pacific not being due entirely to natural phenomena. and co-ordin[ating] [illegible] that ship, the bomb [stamps: RECORDED; EX-12; 62-83894-5; F B I 34 JUL 9 1947; 58 JUL 22 1947] [PAGE 18] Mr. J. Edgar Hoover Washington, D.C. Personal attention. [PAGE 19] [Diagram: envelope, typed address "Mr. J. Edgar Hoover, Director Federal Bureau of Investigation U.S. Dept. of Justice Bldg. Washington, D. C."; 3 cent U.S. postage stamp; postmark NEW YORK, N.Y. JUL 11 9:30 PM 1947 GRAND CENTRAL STATION] Mr. J. Edgar Hoover, Director Federal Bureau of Investigation U.S. Dept. of Justice Bldg. Washington, D. C. [PAGE 20] [stamps and marks: "ANONYMOUS COMMUNICATION KEEP ENVELOPE ATTACHED"; "G.I.R.-5"; blue handwritten "Flying Saucers"; RECORDED 62-83894-6; 37 JUL 1947; 51 JUL 21 1947] July 11, 1947. Dear Sir: Have you seen one of the mysterious "Saucers"? What did it look like? Do you think these strange, celestial manifestations are harbingers of a better day? Do you believe it means that a new and revolutionary advance is coming? Will it make your life brighter, happier, more useful? We believe one of these startling discs is on its way to you. Then the secret will be out. The Combined and Amalgamated Committee of Sky-Scanners, Disc Decipherers and New-Product Introducers. [PAGE 21] [Diagram: reverse side of the typed letter of page 20, only faint mirrored bleed-through of its text; stamp: "RECEIVED JUL 18 4 03 PM INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE"; handwritten note at lower left partly illegible] [PAGE 22] [stamps and marks: "G.I.R.-5" twice; "Flying Saucers"; "No ave - no return address" (handwritten, partly illegible); RECORDED & INDEXED, EX-74, 63, 62-83894-7, 34 JUL 16 1947; 51 JUL 18 1947] Boston Mass. July 14, '47. Dear Sir: May I call your kind attention to the heartless criticism in some papers, of people who reported the "Flying Saucers," especially an article in the "Boston Globe", recently, by a writer called Dineen. Also, an [PAGE 23] apology in the "Boston Post" this week. This criticism of people who make these reports is very unfair. Everyone from oculists to psychiatrists slammed them, publicly, in articles. It is a poor way to thank people for their efforts. Someday, when something will happen when they are needed, these people probably will not bother Miss C. Finkelstein Formerly of Keene n.H. [stamp: RECEIVED JUL 19 9 28 AM INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; red handwritten "MISS FINKELSTEIN"] [PAGE 24] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : MR. D. M. LADD DATE: July 7, 1947 FROM : H. B. FLETCHER SUBJECT: At 10:45 a.m., July 7, 1947, I talked to SAC Johnson of the Milwaukee Office concerning the United Press item appearing in the Washington Post for Monday, July 7, with reference to a flying disc or flying saucer allegedly reported to the Milwaukee Office by Reverend Joseph Brasky of St. Joseph's Church, Grafton, Wisconsin. SAC Johnson advised that the Associated Press and the United Press between the hours 1:00 and 6:00 a.m. today had made inquiry of him as to whether anything had been reported to the Milwaukee Office. He declined to comment. He stated as a matter of fact the priest had not made any contact with him, and he learned from the Associated Press [Text present — not reproduced: allegation about a private individual's personal conduct] and as far as the Associated Press was concerned they were not releasing the story because all that was involved was a circular saw. Mr. Johnson stated the Milwaukee Sentinel apparently sent the report out and that they handled United Press service. He stated a photograph of the priest was in this morning's paper holding a circular saw which apparently covers the body of the priest from arm pit to arm pit. Attached to the saw are several wires and two small tubes described as about three inches long and one inch in diameter. The news item in the Milwaukee Sentinel indicates it was believed some prankster had thrown it into the yard, perhaps with a firecracker attached. Mr. Johnson stated the Milwaukee Sentinel had stated the priest would make a report of this matter today to the Milwaukee Office. I instructed SAC Johnson in the event the priest made a report to furnish details of the report immediately, but in view of the nature of the information in his possession no inquiry should be conducted at the present. HBF:cmw [Stamps and handwriting: 62-83894-8; FBI, JUL 1947; 58 JUL 22 1947; handwritten margin note "Flying Saucers"] [PAGE 25] [Diagram: reverse side of the preceding memorandum, showing the same typed text faintly mirrored (show-through); not legible as running text. Stamps: "RECEIVED-TELETYPE U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I Jul 7 12 21 PM '47"; "RECEIVED-DIRECTOR U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I Jul 7 5 52 PM '47"; "Jul 8 5 48 PM '47"; "RECEIVED-OLSON U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I Jul 8 10 09 AM '47"; handwritten "7-15"] [PAGE 26] Yoakum, July 12, 1947, R. M. 1. Gentlemen: I do send to you someting new from Texas. Flying of fire circled around the Palestine and the people are afred of lit. And arounde Cuero, not far away from Yoakum fell down somekind lichgt from aeroplas. Anyway got in that hands enamy or Nazi mob and want ruind the Texas. [Stamps and handwriting: DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE CIVIL AERONAUTICS ADM. JUL 15 8 44 AM '47 MAIL ROOM WASHINGTON; F.B.I.; RECEIVED JUL 15 1947; RECORDED & INDEXED 54; 62-83894-9; FBI 34 JUL 17 1947; handwritten notes "FLYING FIRE", "Flying Disc", "ENCL. ATTACHED"] [PAGE 27] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [PAGE 28] [Text present — not reproduced: rambling handwritten letter with delusional claims (page numbered 2)] [PAGE 29] [Text present — not reproduced: rambling handwritten letter with delusional claims and health details about named private individuals (page numbered 3)] [PAGE 30] [Text present — not reproduced: rambling handwritten letter with delusional claims, health details and derogatory statements about named private individuals (page numbered 4)] [PAGE 31] 5 [Text present — not reproduced: handwritten letter with derogatory remarks about private individuals] [PAGE 32] 6 [Text present — not reproduced: handwritten letter with derogatory remarks about groups and private individuals] Mrs. Anna Benys Mr. Joe Benys MRS. ANNA BENYS MR. JOE BENYS 6 [PAGE 33] [Diagram: Blank manila envelope with handwritten file number] 62-83894-9 [PAGE 34] [Newspaper clipping, left edge torn; masthead "...D-TIMES", 5 CENTS PER COPY. No. 91 PAGE 1] FIRST ITS FLYING DISKS — NOW ITS "FIRE BALLS" PEOPLE SEE A lot of Texans are disk-gusted with the flying saucers, but others are just plain disk-turbed: Flying balls of fire circled a wide area around Palestine, and [Text present — not reproduced: remark about a group of residents' reaction] Sheriff Paul Stanford of Anderson County described them as orange basketballs of fire. It was the first time the aerial objects were reported in that area. Residents of the Brushy Creek community, 15 miles northeast of Palestine, called Sheriff Stanford about 8:30 last night, saying 12 balls were flying in a straight line over the community. Then, they reported, the balls formed a circle which began moving toward Palestine. By 9 p. m. hundreds of Palestine spectators reported seeing as many as three balls in the sky at once, moving in a circle. Sheriff Stanford discounted any suggestion that the balls originated from a spotlight. Bud Everett, druggist, chased them for a better view. He said they finally disappeared about 11 p. m. Mrs. Horace Valentine said she saw two perfectly round balls that "nearly scared me to death" when they appeared over her home. She said they seemed to be playing with each other, the way they jumped around. Her husband and Lee Chavers shot a box of .22 rifle bullets without any effect on the objects. [Text present — not reproduced: remark about neighboring families' reaction] Mrs. Lorens Shrader, Big Springs reported she saw a fiery red ball streaking overhead last night. Mrs. Marian Reed, farm wife, found what she believed was part of a flying disk. It landed in her back yard while she was hanging out the clothes yesterday afternoon. She admitted she was frightened. She described it as a round piece of tinfoil eight inches wide, scorched or burned around the edges. Both sides were shiny, but one side was marked with black, stenciled lines a quarter-inch apart. She said the tinfoil dropped straight down from the sky. She lifted it with a stick, put it in a tin can, and drove five miles to Gunter, 20 miles southwest of Sherman. Scores crowded about to see it. At Melissa, Collin County, Mrs. Marie Killian and Mrs. Kay Craft reported seeing a strange object at 8:40 p. m. yesterday. Charles Calhoun, and his father, W. J. Calhoun, prominent Grayson County farmers, said they saw a disk yesterday near Sherman. Revealing Flying Disk Data May Bring Prosecution Anyone willfully communicating information bearing on the defense or security of the nation — even in time of peace — is subject to a fine of $10,000 and imprisonment of 10 years, according to Assistant United States District Attorney Joseph W. Cash. If the present mystery of flying disks are connected with radar or guided missile experiments, the law might apply, he said. The law applies whether the information is released accidentally, "through gross negligence," or "with intent to injure the United States or aid some foreign nation," according to the act. The Atomic Energy Act of 1946 provides even stricter penalties for revealing information, Mr. Cash said. Public Law 585 of the Seventy-Ninth Congress provides death or life imprisonment, after due process of law, for disclosing atomic information with intent to injure the United States. For accidental disclosures a fine of up to $20,000 and imprisonment up to 20 years are provided, Mr. Cash pointed out. Gas Truck Hits Local Station A gasoline trailer truck of the Texas Consolidated Transport Co. ran into a heavy pipe upright in front of Rohan's Service Station Monday, doing some damage to the station and more to the truck. The truck was coming from town, along West Grand, and turned into the station. As the driver cut the cab back to swing the trailer into position, the cab skidded into the steel pipe roof support on the right of the truck, bending it considerably. The truck itself suffered a bent bumper and a smashed fender. A gasoline pump directly behind the upright was not damaged by the crash. Lions To Make Farmer Award The Lions Club has announced that at its regular noon meeting Tuesday, July 15th, it will present to Lee Pargmann of Route 5, the plaque for the Outstanding Farmer for the Middle Guadalupe Basin Soil Conservation District. The plaque is given each year to the farmer from each conservation district who has contributed most to the soil conservation projects in the particular district. The award is sponsored by a number of organizations, among them the Lions Clubs of the various towns. Since the Lions do play an active part in sponsoring this award, the local club is given the privilege of presenting the plaque to Mr. Pargmann. Representatives of the Soil Conservation Service will be present to make short congratulatory and explanatory speeches on the giving of the annual award. Cuero Residents See Flying Disc Cuero has finally produced its first flying disc. It was reported by Mrs. F. W. Haak of 410 Stockdale street, and both she and her husband saw it. However, Mrs. Haak's flying disc is no particular mystery to her. She thinks she knows just what caused it. It was simply a reflection from an airplane, she said. Sitting on the porch with her husband about 4 p.m. Sunday, Mrs. Haak said she heard a strange noise from the sky, and looked up. Soon an airplane came into view, high in the clouds. It was very small, but plainly discernable as a plane, she said. It was coming from the east. Soon it turned north, and just after that a perfect disc was visible some distance from where the plane disappeared into the clouds. The disc appeared bright and very silvery. It appeared to be smaller in size than an ordinary steering wheel of a car, Mrs. Haak reported. It seemed to be "floating" across the heavens. She called her husband's attention to it. They both saw it. After about five seconds the disc was gone. The plane and the sound disappeared. Mrs. Haak is convinced the flying saucer was reflected from the airplane. This theory also has been advanced by others. The flying disc mystery has the nation in a dither with reports coming from all sections on the strange objects. Mrs. Haak's explanation is as reasonable as any yet put forth, and may be the solution to the "phenomenon." [Left columns, partly torn away: local news items, including an essay contest winner (Dennis Brenek, Sweet Home), amateur softball teams, and a Social Security representative's visit to Yoakum on Wednesday, July 23, 1947 — fragmentary, not transcribed in full] [PAGE 35] PAGE TWO YOAKUM HERALD - TIMES Owned by MALEO PUBLISHING CO. JOSEPH J. MALEC, Editor-Manager [masthead details on circulation, subscription rate ($2.50) and publication days — partly legible] POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENTS For Senator, 18th Dist. JOHN J. BELL MORRIS ROBERTS [Advertisements: package store (R. F. Darling); Watkins dealer Chas. Micek, Phone 599-W; F.&M. Concrete Products, Yoakum, Texas; Dr. C. R. Tubbs, Veterinarian, Phone 831; Hamilton Jewelry, Yoakum; Horace Wimberly, Jr., Lawyer, Yoakum National Bank Building, Phone 50] BY THE WAY — By W. M. — [Editorial column on labor laws and the British day of prayer, partly transcribed:] ... It cannot be said anymore that the stories of the "flying disks" is mere fiction. One disk was found by a Pelly man, near Houston. On it was a warning about its military secret and that the Army Air Force at Spokane, Washington be notified at once. So the mysterious disks are not messengers from Mars or some other star. Nor are they missiles which Red Russia is already showering upon us. They are our own secrets with which our armed forces are experimenting. What propels them? How far can they fly? What is their purpose? —That is a mighty secret. ... HOW CAN [column cut off at right edge; about Russia and Wallace, partly legible] Mont. Man Wins Truck Award [column cut off at right edge] [Handwritten at left margin: 62-83894-9] [PAGE 36] MOTHER ... [top of masthead cut off] MEMBER OF AUDIT BUREAU OF CIRCULATIONS This Paper Is Connected With NCWC Washington News Headquarters by Direct Leased Wire, Has International News Service Daily Wires, Its Own Special Service, Religious News Service, Inter-Catholic Press Agency, Lumen Service of China, Fides Service, Religious News Photos, International Illustrated News, NCWC Picture Service, Photo Features THE ALAMO REGISTER (Name Registered in the U. S. Patent Office) [...]DAY, OCTOBER 4, 1946 SECTION TWO [Handwritten at right edge: 62-83894-?] [PAGE 37] [Newspaper clipping, torn at left and right edges, text beside a cartoon] Speaking at Castelgandolfo, his summer home, Pius XII asserted that the world today has men who ignore not only the Church, but the "very rudiments of religion itself;" men who see no evil in evil deeds and lust and would spurn "the primary norms of morals and justice;" "there are cynics who would deride holy things and weak men who would permit these offenses to pass. . . ." Despite this turmoil, His Holiness said, "there are great rays of hope and fields white with harvest for those who labor to bring Christ to the world." He stressed the oath of the Jesuits, which enables them to bring "a spirit prepared and prompt to obey in all things the true Spouse of Christ . . . our holy Mother Church." In another audience, held for the Most Rev. Emmanuel Suarez, O.P., and the Dominicans who elected [text cut off] [Diagram: Cartoon of a man in a tunic with a mustache playing a violin over a crying baby in a crib labeled "WORLD UNREST"] [PAGE 38] [Stamp: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, COMMUNICATIONS SECTION, JUL 7 1947; WESTERN UNION] [Routing list at right with names, partly legible: Mr. Tolson, Mr. E. A. Tamm, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Ladd, ... Mr. Quinn Tamm, Mr. Nease, Miss Gandy] [Handwritten: 87 / COPIES 46] TU WU17 47/46 2 EXTRA COLLECT SAN MARCOX TEX JULY 7 1947 714P FBI WASHDC CHECK FILES IN INVENTORS COUNCIL FOR DRAWING OF MULTI-APRING CATAPULT THIS INVENTION SENT BY ME TO WAR DEPARTMENT IN 1945 POSSIBLE LEAKAGE OF INFORMATION HAS RESULTED MY DEVICE OR VARIATION THERE FROM COULD CONCIEVABLY CATAPULT A DISC AND IN SILENCE FOR SEVERAL MILES WOODSON C COPE CLIFFSIDE HALL 941P 1945. RECORDED 62-83894-10 37 JUL 18 1947 [Handwritten: 7-10-47 ack memo Lobb WYC / cancelled — changes referred per Mr. Hause — ST] [Stamp: EX-74] [PAGE 39] [Reverse side of the telegram; faint mirrored show-through of the telegram text (San Marcos Tex July 7 1947; Woodson C Cope Cliffside Hall; check files in Inventors Council ... catapult ... silence for several miles)] [Stamp: RECEIVED F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY DEPT. OF JUSTICE, JUL 8 1947 1:25 PM] [Stamp: RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE, Jul 7 10 42 PM '47] [PAGE 40] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : D. M. Ladd FROM : J. P. Coyne SUBJECT: WOODSON C. COPE Informant [Handwritten: Flying Disc] DATE: 7-10-47 [Stamp: G.I.R.-5] [Routing list at right: Mr. Tolson, Mr. E. A. Tamm, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Carson, Mr. Egan, Mr. Gurnea, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Mohr, Mr. Pennington, Mr. Quinn Tamm, Tele. Room, Mr. Nease, Miss Holmes, Miss Gandy] There is being attached hereto a Western Union telegram received from the above individual in which information is furnished concerning a "disc." This telegram has been acknowledged. ACTION: It is recommended that this telegram be turned over to the Liaison Section in order that they may make the information contained therein available to the War Department. Attachment [Handwritten: Info Attention / 7 Mr. G.C. Jacobs MID / 7/14/47] RECORDED INDEXED 62-83894-10 37 JUL 18 1947 EX-74 63 JUL 23 1947 WVC:mn [PAGE 41] [Reverse side of the memorandum; no text other than stamps] [Stamp: RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE, JUL 23 9 51 AM '47] [Stamp: JUL 11 3 24 PM '47 RECEIVED-LADD F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE] [PAGE 42] WESTERN UNION (50) 1947 JUL 6 PM 6 59 QA92 Q.CNA392 PD=DARLINGTON SOCAR 6 630P US DEPT OF JUSTICE= WASHDC= ABOUT 12 SO-CALL FLYING DISCS PASSED OVER DARLINGTON SC APPROXIMATELY 5:30 PM TODAY. ADVISE IF WISH DETAILS= J U WATTS JR. 6 W 12 5:30 PM SUP GUARD ADV HAVE MSG DLVD SA 720P [Stamps: FED. BU. OF INV., DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, JUL 7 1947, DIVISION OF RECORDS; RECORDED; EX-58; 62-83894-11; 37 JUL 16 1947] [Handwritten notes: "Ack. 7-10-47 memo Lobb WVC"; "8200"; "Dr guard" and other scribbles, partly illegible] [PAGE 43] [Reverse side of the telegram; no text other than stamps] [Stamp: RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE, JUL 7 4 57 PM '47] [Faint Western Union date stamps: JUL 6 PM 7 20; JUL 6 PM 7 42] [Handwritten: 11/11 (illegible)] [PAGE 44] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : D. M. Ladd FROM : J. P. Coyne SUBJECT: J. U. WATTS, JR. Informant [Handwritten: Flying Disc] DATE: 7-10-47 [Stamp: G.I.R.-5] [Routing list at right: Mr. Tolson, Mr. E. A. Tamm, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Carson, Mr. Egan, Mr. Gurnea, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Mohr, Mr. Pennington, Mr. Quinn Tamm, Tele. Room, Mr. Nease, Miss Holmes, Miss Gandy] There is being attached hereto a Western Union telegram received from the above individual in which information is furnished concerning a "disc." This telegram has been acknowledged. ACTION: It is recommended that this telegram be turned over to the Liaison Section in order that they may make the information contained therein available to the War Department. Attachment [Handwritten: Info in attachment brought to attention of Mr. G.C. Jacobs M.I.D. 7/14/47] RECORDED INDEXED 62-83894-11 36 JUL 17 1947 EX-56 50 JUL 24 1947 WVC:mn [PAGE 45] [Reverse side of the memorandum; no text other than stamps] [Stamp: JUL 11 3 23 PM '47 RECEIVED-LADD F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE] [Stamp: JUL 11 3 55 PM '47 RECEIVED-LADD F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE] [Stamp: RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE, JUL 23 1 39 PM '47] [PAGE 46] 'Saucer' Stories Disk Found Is [headline torn] Priest Hears a 'Bang,' Discovers a Circular Blade With Teeth; Other Disks 'Seen' Picture on Picture Page The "what is it?" which Father Joseph Brasky said he found early Sunday on the lawn of St. Joseph's Catholic church in Grafton may be just another gadget to add to Father Brasky's already sizable collection. Those who saw it Sunday said "what is it?" was a circular saw blade with a few wires attached. Father Brasky, who said he knew of no sawmills in the area, would not claim it was a "flying saucer" when he called newspapermen to his home. "It may or may not be one of those flying disks that have been reported all over the country," he said. "Let's just call it a 'what is it?'" Meanwhile, in Milwaukee and other points in Wisconsin, several persons reported seeing the "flying saucers." Father Brasky's disk, however, was the only case here in which the "landing" of a "saucer" was reported. Hears "Bang," Finds Disk Father Brasky gave the following account of how he found the object, a steel plate 19 inches in diameter, about an eighth of an inch thick and with saw teeth. "I usually get up about 5 a.m. on Sundays. I was at the front door of my house, about to take my dog out for a walk, when I heard a 'bang!' like a big firecracker. I stepped outside and found this disk on the church lawn. "Although the grass was still wet from the night rain, the disk was too hot to pick up. I noticed the glass ball had been knocked off one of the lightning rods on the church, so I suppose it struck that in landing." Tries to Call FBI Man Father Brasky said he did not bother to show the disk to any of his parishioners Sunday. He tried to telephone an FBI agent whom he knows, but was unable to reach him Sunday, he added. Asked whether it could have been the work of a practical joker, Father Brasky replied: "Could be. I don't know." The disk, apparently of steel, had a one and three-eighth inch hole in the center. Through it ran a few wires. To each end of the cluster of wires was attached what looked like a small condenser about three inches long. The condenserlike objects were wrapped in black tape which still was sticky. The disk was greasy and somewhat dirty. Stamped on it was: "Approved, Dunlap." Father Brasky declined to part with the disk. He showed a number of items in his trinket collection. All of them had something to do with fishing, Father Brasky's favorite sport. They included his "bass bottles," beer bottles with the head of a fish — and a fish pole from Manila which folds up into a cane. When opened, it extends to 12 feet. "I use it in reaching folks who can't be touched with a 10 foot pole," Father Brasky quipped. Others Report "Saucers" Father Brasky also passed out copies of his recent publication, "Fish Tales." "I'm going to revise this thing," he explained. "I've got some new and better tales to put in it." There were other reports around Milwaukee and Wisconsin of "flying saucers." Mrs. Anthony Hoffman, 3410 W. Layton av., said she and her husband saw one at 8:25 p.m. Sunday flying toward Billy Mitchell field from the northwest. When it neared the field, it veered toward [crossed out: the south] and disappeared, she said. It was flying high and appeared illuminated, according to Mrs. Hoffman. "It looked like a small meat platter," Mrs. Hoffman asserted. Glenn Rowden of Detroit claimed he saw a "saucer," about 50 inches in diameter, over Billy Mitchell field at 10:05 p.m. when he alighted from an airplane. He said it was in sight for 90 seconds. William Humphrey, who lives with his wife in a quonset hut at 3148 S. 20th st., telephoned police at 9 p.m. Sunday that he [crossed out: and Mrs.] Humphrey had seen a slightly illuminated disk which appeared to fall to earth near Pulaski high school. Mrs. Humphrey said Monday that her husband tried unsuccessfully to photograph the disk. Changed Colors, He Says Erwin Rottman, 1328 N. 19th st., claimed he saw three of them flying through the air in a northwesterly direction at 6 p.m. Sunday. They turned from orange to gold to silver before disappearing, he said. Reports came also from Janesville, where Mr. and Mrs. Alva Sievert and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Roth reported seeing a flying disk about 11:35 p.m. Saturday. The Roths were leaving the Sievert home when Sievert saw it, according to Roth. It appeared to be several thousand feet up and about 10 miles away, Roth said. He described it as vaguely resembling the moon and as having a regular motion in a counter-clockwise, elongated orbit. It appeared to Roth to be moving faster than an airplane. He said it was yellow on its face, but when it turned it looked silver. Roth said that the four of them viewed the disk for 10 minutes. Stopped in Sky, Claim "It fluttered around, faded out and came back again, and once it just stopped and hung there for about two minutes," Roth said. "The last time we saw it, it had a very Turn to page 3, col. 5 ENCLOSURE RECORDED 62-83894 32 JUL 16 1947 [Handwritten: 6412 / 273] 60 OCT 1 1947 [PAGE 47] 'Saucer' Tales Buzz in State Disk Found by a Priest Is Circular Saw; Others Seen by Milwaukeeans From page 1, column 3 noticeable tail. When it disappeared entirely, it just popped out." Janesville police reported a telephone call from a Dick Thompson, who said he saw flying disks about 12:15 a.m. Sunday. At Oshkosh, Mrs. L. A. Davis reported that she and her husband had sighted one of the mysterious disks whizzing over the city at 6:45 p.m. Sunday. She said they were driving on a town road six miles west of Oshkosh, headed east toward the city, when they first sighted the object "flying very fast and very high." At first, she said, it looked like an airplane and then loomed larger and larger until it "appeared as big as the sun." Stops Car, Disk Vanishes Her husband stopped the car so that they could get a better look at the disk, which appeared round and silvery, but by the time they got out of the car the object had disappeared, she said. At Green Bay, Eugene Le Plant reported that he and his 12 year old son, Duane, had seen a rapidly moving silver ball or disk about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday while working in his garden on the western edge of the city. Le Plant said he saw the object silhouetted against a dark cloud to the north and that he and his son watched it for three or four minutes while it moved away to the northwest. Le Plant said he could not estimate the altitude or distance, but that it "definitely was not an airplane." Laws of Eyesight Clarify Reports of Flying Saucers By HOWARD W. BLAKESLEE, Associated Press Science Editor New York, N. Y. — The flying saucers may be explained by certain laws of eyesight. All objects appear round or nearly so at any distance close to the limit of how far a person can see. If the objects are seen by reflected light, as in most cases reported, they are almost certain to be round, and if the reflections are sunlight then the sizes reported are those which would be expected from distant light reflections. Descriptions of virtually all the saucers as round and flat fit exactly with the tricks that eyes play. This trickiness varies with differences in comparative size and lighting. This writer has seen flying saucers over Long Island sound, not only this year but in previous years. They were round, bright and moving fast. But they were no mystery because they were light reflected from the bodies of airplanes that soon identified themselves by changing course and coming near enough to be seen distinctly. Many descriptions of movements of the flying saucers fit with the common maneuvers of airplanes, singly or in groups. Some of the maneuvering reported, which took saucers out of sight and back into sight again, resembles what can be seen while watching distant airplanes. Whether planes are guided, pilotless or jet, they all would look the same at great distances. Mirages, Traveler Says Philadelphia, Pa.—(AP)—Dr. Aurel Aczel, editor of a Hungarian language newspaper, expressed belief that the flying saucers were mirages—possibly circularly distorted reflections of real airplanes many miles away. A world-wide traveler, Dr. Aczel said: "Years ago I have seen similar things on the Egyptian desert and on the Buszta (Hungarian plain). At sea I have also seen mirages of ships known to be a great distance away. "In July and August, and sometimes even in June, atmospheric conditions are especially adaptable to the creation of mirages." [PAGE 48] [Diagram: Newspaper photograph of a priest in a black cassock holding a large circular saw blade with a few wires attached, standing in front of a church wall] [Stamp: ENCLOSURE; 62-83894; 32 JUL 16] [PAGE 49] Sharp-Eyed Sight Disks, but Only a Saw Blade Is Found [Diagram: Two newspaper photographs; top, a man in flight gear kneeling beside an aircraft wheel and fuselage; bottom, four people (three women and a boy) standing together, one woman raising a hand] [Stamp: ENCLOSURE; 62-83894; JUL 16 1947] [PAGE 50] Who, what, where, why are flying disks? The year's biggest mystery produced these Sunday photos while reports came from everywhere and everyone that the saucers were everywhere. Top left, a movie camera is fitted to a P-51 fighter plane at Portland, Ore., as Oregon national guard planes are made ready to chase the disks. Lower, Mrs. Walter Johnson (right) of Spokane, Wash., and her children pose and tell how they saw the saucers land on a mountainside in Idaho and disappear. Right, is Father Joseph Brasky of St. Joseph's Catholic church at Grafton, Wis., with the disk he reported struck his church early Sunday. It turned out that the disk was a prankster made projectile, featuring a Dunlop circular saw blade. Note that something apparently took a glass ball off one of the lightning rods. A whole lot of Milwaukeeans reported that they saw the saucers traveling past Sunday night. —AP Wirephotos and Journal Staff RECORDED 62-83894-12 32 JUL 16 [PAGE 51] Seen in 36 States; Jet Fighters Alerted SAN FRANCISCO, July 6—(AP)—Military aircraft hunted the skies over Pacific Coast states today for sight of the mysterious "flying saucers" that for 12 days have puzzled the entire country. Early reports of results were negative. Five P-51s of the Oregon National Guard cruised over the Cascade Mountains of Washington—the area where the strange objects first were reported sighted. A sixth circled over Portland, in constant radio contact with the other five. All carried photographic equipment. Col. G. R. Dodson, commanding, described their flight as a "routine patrol," but said they had been instructed to watch for the flying discs. At Manhattan Beach, Calif., A. W. McKelvey took a Mustang fighter plane up above Van Nuys. For two hours he cruised at 35,000 feet, but "didn't see a thing." Gen. Carl Spaatz, commandant of the Army Air Forces, was on a Pacific Northwest fishing trip. He denied knowing anything about the flying discs — or of plans to use AAF planes to look for them. JET FIGHTER SET "I've been out of touch with things for four or five days," he said. Louis E. Starr, national commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, yesterday in Columbus, O., said he understood Spaatz had a "group out right now" looking for discs. At Muroc Army Air Field in California a P-80 jet fighter stood ready to take off the moment any flying saucers are sighted in that area. A cautious attitude marked both official and scientific comments, but Capt. Tom Brown of the Air Forces Public Relations staff in Washington acknowledged the Air Forces had decided "there's something to this" and had been checking up on it for 10 days. SEEN IN 36 STATES First sighted June 25 and greeted generally with scornful laughs, the objects have been reported every day since by observers in 36 states. Most of the objects were reported seen July 4. A few were reported yesterday. Such competent observers as airline pilots said they had seen the totally unexplained discs or saucers, larger than aircraft and flying in "loose formation" at high speed. David Lilienthal, chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, said they had nothing to do with atomic experiments, and Army and Navy officials also entered positive disclaimers. Newspaper stories quoting an unidentified California Institute of Technology scientist as saying the phenomena might have something to do with experiments in "transmutation of atomic energy" caused a brief sensation late yesterday. The institute quickly denied the report. Reports generally agreed that the flying objects were round or oval. Estimates of their speed ranged from about 300 to 1,200 miles an hour. They were described as flying with an undulating motion at heights of 10,000 feet and less. Some described them as glowing, or luminous. 'PROPELLER IN CENTER' Nova Hart, St. Louis mechanic who was trained during service in the war to spot all types of aircraft, said he saw one of the strange objects near Pattonville yesterday. It was flying at 300 feet, he said. He described it as circular, with a ribbed framework and silver gray in color. Hart said it appeared to have a motor with a propeller attached in the center and it kept turning like an airplane doing a slow roll. First published reports of the phenomena occurred June 25. Kenneth Arnold, Boise, Ida., businessman pilot, told of seeing nine of the discs flying in formation at 1,200 miles an hour over the Cascade Mountains in Washington. SEEN BY 200 Arnold's account was taken lightly. Various explanations were offered—"reflections," "persistent vision," "snow blindness." Soon afterward other individuals—in New Mexico, Missouri, California and other states—reported they also had seen the flying objects. Then on Independence Day 200 persons in one group and 60 in another saw them in Idaho. Hundreds of others in Oregon, Washington and other western states reported seeing them. July 4 also brought first reports of the flying discs from east of the Mississippi. Since then they have been reported seen in widely separated sections of the country—in 33 states in all. 'Must Be Insane' LONDON, July 6—(AP)—Don't mention those flying saucers on this side of the Atlantic unless you're prepared for an argument about your sanity. Maybe they have been seen by sober citizens over a vast area of the United States, but Europe won't believe in them until somebody lassoes one and has it photographed by Frank Sinatra, the British ambassador and five Supreme Court justices. "America's reply to the Loch Ness monster," chortled today's Sunday dispatch, referring to Britain's hoariest tall story—the serpent that is "seen" romping in Scotland's Loch Ness every time the tourist trade needs a shot in the arm. ENCLOSURE RECORDED 62-83894 32 JUL 16 MILWAUKEE SENTINEL, MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 60 OCT 1 1947 [PAGE 52] Planes Chasing Disks Find Only Empty Sky Jokesters Add Some Comedy to Air Mystery East St. Louis Objects Prove to Be Washers; Chicago Woman Spots One With Legs By the United Press Army pilots were ready Monday for another air search for the mysterious "flying saucers" now reported seen in 39 states and parts of Canada as practical jokesters added to the confusion. Equipped with telescopic cameras, 11 army planes searched the Pacific northwest Sunday without finding any trace of the flying disks which had been reported over scores of communities the preceding two days. At Sioux Falls, S. D., a national guard plane already in the air was ordered to investigate a silvery disk with a short tail which Gregory Zimmer said he saw shoot across the heavens. The pilot found nothing but empty sky. The army "camera patrol" over the Cascade mountains Sunday included eight P-51 pursuit ships and three A-26 bombers. Illusions Or Jokes There was growing belief that the concentrated aerial search would show the saucers to be optical illusions or the work of practical jokesters magnified by aroused imaginations. A number of "disks" whirled over rooftops in East St. Louis, Ill., Sunday. J. T. Hartley, a locomotive engineer, gathered some of them up and found they were made of pressed white paper, 11 inches in diameter and with a two inch hole in the center. Railroad workers said they looked like locomotive packing washers. A radio announcement that disks were flying over Lewiston, Idaho, Sunday sent hundreds into their yards for a look. Weatherman Louis Krezak said the objects were moving eastward with the prevailing wind and probably were weed seeds. Three air transport pilots agreed. Searchlights on Clouds A Birmingham radio station was deluged with more than 400 calls in one hour by persons who said they saw fluorescent balls circling over the city and clearly outlined against near-by mountains. A carnival at Alabaster, Ala., was playing searchlights on cloud wisps. An argument raged at Lodi, Calif., over the cause of a spectacular glow in the sky and a roar shortly before electrical power went off. Mrs. W. C. Smith said she heard a noise "like a four motored bomber" just before the lights went off at dawn. Erving Newcomb of the Pacific Gas & Electric Co. offered the explanation that a low flying crop dusting plane probably had struck a power line and burned out a transformer. However, no planes were reported damaged and no one could explain Give 'Em Room Newport News, Va.—Peninsula airport here is taking no chances with flying saucers. Pilots reporting Monday to take out planes found this notice on the bulletin board: "Two thousand feet vertical and horizontal clearance required between aircraft operating from this field and any flying saucers." what a crop dusting plane was doing in the air at dawn Sunday. It was the first time any noise had been attributed to flying saucers. J. U. Watts, jr., Darlington (S. C.) attorney, said he saw an army pursuit plane chasing a V-formation of flying saucers at 250 miles an hour 3,000 feet high. However, no pilot reported such a chase. Saw One With Legs Meantime, authorities were plagued with reports that bordered on the fantastic. An excited Chicago woman reported that she had seen a flying saucer with legs. "I was standing on my porch and I thought for sure it was coming right down and slap me in the face," she said. George Kuger of Denver said he saw a flying disk with an American flag on it. Francis Howell, Tempe, Ariz., claimed he saw a saucer two feet in diameter disappear behind a row of trees near his home. When he rushed to inspect it, he said, the flat, thin, aluminumlike disk took off at a "high rate of speed" toward Phoenix, nine miles away. Mrs. Walter Johnson returned to Spokane, Wash., after a vacation near St. Maries, Idaho, and after reading newspaper reports of the flying saucers said she and several others had seen speeding shiny objects "as big as a four or five room house" disappear into the forest covered mountains. The first of the saucers over New York State was reported by Mrs. Kenneth Wohley of Rochester, N. Y., who said she and her husband saw an object "about the size of an ordinary saucer" flying above her back yard at 8:30 p.m. Sunday. MILWAUKEE JOURNAL, MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 7/7/47 RECORDED ENCLOSURE 62-83894-13 32 JUL 16 60 OCT 1 1947 613 [PAGE 53] New Jersey residents said they "thought" they saw flying disks over Palisades Park and near-by Bergenfield Sunday night. Skeptical scientists recalled the mysterious "rockets" seen over Sweden last year. Eighty per cent of the "ghost" rockets proved to be meteors, and Swedish officials said the others could be discounted as pure imagination. Scientists asserted that the objects in order to be seen clearly at 10,000 feet—the level at which most of the saucers have been reported—would have to be 20 feet in diameter, would require a large mass of metal, would be more conspicuous at night and would be seen by a far greater number of persons. Dr. J. S. Nassau, director of the Warner & Swasey observatory at the Case Institute of Technology at Cleveland, said he was inclined to "think the reports are fancies." Capt. Tom Brown, army air force spokesman at Washington, said the army was trying to run the reports to earth. "We're not dismissing the possibility that there's something to it," he said, "and we're not dismissing the possibility that it's all a hoax." [PAGE 54] U. S. Planes Hunting Discs; Russ Tells of 'Atom Saucers' FBI Probes Story of Soviet Ship Officer LOS ANGELES, July 6—(Special)—Federal agents today investigated a letter to the Examiner describing Russian supersonic atom-powered planes resembling the "flying saucers." A top flight atomic scientist to whom the Examiner referred the letter said it was "not all nonsense," and suggested the matter be turned over to the FBI. The letter writer said he got the information from an officer aboard a Russian tanker recently in Los Angeles harbor. KILLED EVEN WORMS The Russian, he said, also described experiments with controlled radioactive clouds in the Arctic, where birds, animals and even worms were killed. The planes, as described by the Russian to the writer, are only 18 inches thick, with a kidney-shaped outline and no propellors. The pilot lies on his stomach and is artificially cooled against the heat developed by air friction. "The outer surface is highly polished," the Russian said. "Both upper and lower surfaces are convex, like a giant lens. The lifting force is an entirely different principle found about 10 years ago among unpublished papers of a Russian chemist. "Energy is required only for climbing, but no energy is needed for support when the airplane goes along the earth's gravitational contour lines." The writer of the strange letter said he met the Russian officer in Wilmington and, because he wanted to hear about Russia, invited him to dinner. The Russian first asked where he could sell 18 polar bear pelts which he received "for very dangerous work." He said he had been assigned to go over the route of the radioactive cloud near Lake Bakal (or Baykal) and pick up dead animals. ALL LIFE DESTROYED "They loaded a few small ships with all kinds of animals and directed the cloud over them," the writer said. "During this experiment, a violent storm blew the cloud far north into the tundra, but before it dissipated it destroyed all life on its way. "The cloud may be controlled from land, from a plane or from a robot-piloted 'leader.' As I understand it, the control is based on electro-magnetic waves and the cloud has two components: The carrier and the killer." ENCLOSURE RECORDED 62-83894-13 32 JUL 16 1947 [Handwritten: Milwaukee Sentinel, Milwaukee, Wis. July 7, 1947] 60 OCT 1 1947 [PAGE 55] Quirks of Eyesight May Explain Disc Mystery By HOWARD BLAKESLEE AP Science Editor NEW YORK, July 6—(AP)—Certain laws of human eyesight will explain much of what has been described about the flying saucers reported from nearly all parts of the United States. At any distance which is close to the limit of how far a person can see, all objects appear round or nearly so. This law of sight covers both small things seen nearby and large ones at great distances. Regardless of shape, the object near the limit of sight looks round. If the thing is silhouetted against a bright sky, as some of the flying saucers have been reported, then it is more likely to reveal its true shape. HAVE 'NO STRUCTURE' If the thing is seen by reflected light, as in most cases reported, it is almost certain to be round, and if the reflections are sunlight, then the sizes reported are those which would be expected from distant light reflections. The one outstanding fact about virtually all the saucers is that they had no structure — they seemed merely round and flat. That description fits exactly with the tricks that eyes play. This trickiness varies with differences in weather and lighting. This writer has seen flying saucers over Long Island Sound near his home, not only this year but in previous years. They were round, bright and moving fast. NOT A MYSTERY But they were no mystery because they were light reflected from the bodies of airplanes that soon identified themselves by changing course and coming near enough to be seen distinctly. Last week this writer also saw one oval flying form which for a moment looked exactly like the photograph of the oval object taken by Yeoman Frank Ryman north of Seattle, Wash. The Long Island oval came closer and turned into an airplane. Planes at great distances tend to look round when light is reflected from their sides. Many descriptions of movements of the flying saucers fit with the common maneuvers of airplanes, singly or in groups. They fit also with what birds look like, flying at a considerable distance. However the bird illusion is not very common. Some of the maneuvering reported, which took saucers out of sight and back into sight again, resembles what can be seen while watching distant airplanes. SPEED MYSTERY There is no explanation for reported speeds of 1,000 or more miles an hour. Meteors, although they go much faster than that, do not explain it because the saucers mostly appear in daytime and there are not enough daylight meteors. Ice crystals forming little round clouds have been suggested. But these fail to fit in most cases because the ice crystals form at altitudes which are higher than most of the saucers reported. Nothing published in science or atomic studies gives the slightest clue to flying saucers unless the objects are aircraft. One scientist today said that at least a lot of saucers are explained by the force of suggestion which causes a person to say to himself: "Oh, gee, I see it too." ENCLOSURE RECORDED 62-83894-13 32 JUL 16 1947 60 OCT 1 1947 263 [PAGE 56] 'Saucers' Fly Here; Grafton Disc Joke [Diagram: Newspaper photograph of a priest in a black cassock holding a large circular saw blade and pointing to a lightning rod on a church (marked with an arrow)] What was reported as a "flying disc" which struck a church in Grafton early yesterday turned out to be a circular saw with two small tubes and several wires attached to it. Father Joseph Brasky, pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Grafton, holds the "disc" and points to the lightning rod on the church (arrow), which he said was struck by the disc. Sentinel Photo by Ernest Anheuser. The mystery of the "flying discs," strange luminous objects seen speeding across the sky in many states, turned to Wisconsin yesterday when several persons reported them at Milwaukee and Janesville. Mystery was added to mystery when Father Joseph Brasky, pastor of St. Joseph's Church at Grafton, Wis., reported a missile hurtled through the air early yesterday, knocked the ball off the church lightning rod, and landed on the front lawn. WIRES AND TUBES It was a large circular saw—about 16 inches in diameter—and still hot when Father Brasky picked it from the lawn. There were wires and two tubes attached to it. The tubes were an inch in diameter and three inches long. One theory was that pranksters or belated Fourth of July celebrants had attached explosives to the saw, and sent it skimming through the air. Father Brasky said he heard a swishing noise and a sizzling at 5 a. m., followed a second later with a thud and an explosion. An excited resident telephoned to Billy Mitchell Field, and said he saw 15 flying saucers, in U formation, heading north over Granville, at 10:05 p. m. He hung up before his name could be procured. A passenger aboard a New York-Detroit-Milwaukee plane, which landed at Billy Mitchell Field at 10:05 p. m., told employes in the office of Northwest Airlines, Inc., he saw a flying saucer bobbing up and down over the airfield just after he had alighted from the plane. Other passengers with him also saw it, he said. He gave the name of J. W. Rowden of Detroit. Despite its bobbing, the saucer was going at great speed, and was out of sight in a few seconds, he said. Rowden is stopping at the Plaza Hotel. DISCS HAD TAILS Erwin Rottman, 1328 N. 19th St., said he saw three of them, with tails, flying northwest to southeast, as he stood at N. 18th and W. Vliet Sts. They turned from gold to another color and then to silver, he said. Frank Phifer, stopping at the Maryland Hotel, said he saw three balls of fire shoot across Lake Michigan at 8:20 last night, about a mile from shore, and "going at terrific speed." What he described as an illuminated saucer was seen last night by William Humphrey, 3148 S. 20th St., he said. It was zigzagging directly over the Heil Co. plant, said Humphrey, and seemed to land in a wooded area nearby. REPORTED IN JANESVILLE Four Janesville residents reported they had seen a flying disc Saturday night. They are Mr. and Mrs. Al Sievert and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Roth. They saw the disc flying in a northwesterly direction from Janesville at "terrific speed." They viewed it for 20 minutes. It was yellow-golden, and seemed to turn at times to a silvery color, they stated. An oval flight pattern was followed. Then, they said, tails appeared on the disc and shortly afterwards it disappeared. John Bosch, 4377 S. Adams St., Milwaukee, a machinist, insisted he saw two flashing saucer-shaped objects pass over Billy Mitchell Field shortly after midnight yesterday. They were close enough so he could definitely state they were not shooting stars, nor airplanes, he said. Bosch's home is near the airport. ENCLOSURE RECORDED 62-83894 32 JUL 16 1947 60 OCT 1 1947 213 [PAGE 57] [Stamp, slanted at upper left: ANONYMOUS COMMUNICATION — ENVELOPE ATTACHED] [Handwritten at left margin: Flying discs] [Handwritten note in red/purple pen on a small card:] [Text present — not reproduced: anonymous handwritten note accusing a named individual of disloyalty] [Stamps: RECORDED; EX-56; 62-83894; 37 JUL 15 1947; handwritten "Anonymous mailing ..."] 166 [PAGE 58] [Reverse side of the anonymous note mount; no text other than a stamp, upside down: RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE, JUL 23 4 57 PM '47] [PAGE 59] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : DIRECTOR, FBI FROM : SAC, MILWAUKEE DATE: July 8, 1947 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS OR SAUCERS MISCELLANEOUS TELEPHONE CALL FROM MR. FLETCHER AT THE BUREAU AT 8:30 AM, 7/7/47 ATTENTION: MR. H. FLETCHER Attached are newspaper clippings from the Milwaukee Sentinel and Milwaukee Journal of July 7, 1947. For the Bureau's information, United Press and Associated Press telephoned me at my residence about three or four times between 1:00 A.M. and 2:30 A.M., July 7, 1947. The United Press representative informed me that Father JOSEPH BRASKY had stated on interview by a Milwaukee Sentinel reporter, one BILL WEEKS, (phonetic), that he, Father BRASKY, was going to call the FBI concerning the contraption, which apparently was identical with one of the flying discs recently publicized throughout the country. The United Press representative desired to know if we had any statement to make on the matter. I informed him that I had no official comment, other than "No Comment." Since I have contacted the United Press representative on various occasions, I asked him what the actual details were, and he stated he did not know except that the interview of the priest reflected that a circular saw had been found with some devices attached to it. The Associated Press called me shortly after the United Press representative did, and on being advised that I had no comment to make concerning the story, I asked the Associated Press representative what the actual facts were, and he informed me that as far as the Associated Press was concerned, the facts were that a circular saw had been found and a story had been obtained from a priest [Text present — not reproduced: remark about a private individual's personal conduct]. The Associated Press representative informed me that apparently the United Press desired to get a statement from me denying or affirming that the FBI was investigating the matter. I informed the Associated Press representative that apparently someone was suffering under a misinterpretation of any comment I had made, and possibly some reporter was in an embarrassing position if a story had gone out over the wire services. I then telephoned the United Press representative, who apparently in the meantime had been called by the Associated Press in an effort to straighten out the United Press. No reference was made to the FBI in the Milwaukee Sentinel article appearing July 7, 1947, but the Milwaukee Journal article, which is attached, referred to an alleged statement by Father BRASKY that he attempted to get in touch with an FBI Agent whom he knows. Father BRASKY has never contacted the Milwaukee FBI Office or any Agent concerning his find. In my opinion, this is just another hoax story, since a photograph of Father BRASKY with the saw indicates no basis for any investigation by any authority. HKJ:JJ 62-0 Enclosures [Stamps and notes: INDEXED; RECORDED; 62-83894-13; 51 OCT 3 1947; handwritten routing notes and initials, partly illegible] [PAGE 60] [Reverse side of the memorandum; faint mirrored show-through of the memorandum text] [Stamps, several, overlapping: RECEIVED F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; JUL 11 4 15 PM '47 and 4 25 PM '47 RECEIVED-LADD; F.B.I. LABORATORY DIVISION; JUL 14 3 57 PM '47 RECEIVED LIAISON SECTION; INTERNAL SECURITY] [Handwritten: 7-10 and initials] [PAGE 61] [Envelope, front: postmark WOODSTOCK, ILL., JUL 7, 7 AM 1947; 3 CENTS stamp; return address scribbled out] Mr. J. Edgar Hoover F.B.I. Washington, D.C. [PAGE 62] PHONE 636 BOOTH PHONE 814 LOCATED IN BUSINESS DISTRICT HOTEL WOODSTOCK WOODSTOCK, ILLINOIS [Stamps: ANONYMOUS COMMUNICATIONS — KEEP ENVELOPE ATTACHED; G.I.R.-5; RECORDED & INDEXED 54; 62-83894; 38 JUL 14 1947; 58 JUL 29 1947] [Handwritten notes: Flying Saucers; anonymous; copy routing initials] Dear Mr. Hoover: On todays paper I see more news concerning the flying saucers. Now those are without a doubt from Russia. See they are likely checking how completely they can cover the U.S. in Pshot. I feel it is wrong for us to report areas in which they are seen. [Text present — not reproduced: remainder of letter, including a private individual's name and statements about her, and remarks about war and weapons] [PAGE 63] [Text present — not reproduced: continuation of letter, including a private individual's name and address and remarks about war and weapons] Sincerely, [signature illegible] 2 [PAGE 64] PHONE 636 BOOTH PHONE 814 LOCATED IN BUSINESS DISTRICT HOTEL WOODSTOCK WOODSTOCK, ILLINOIS [Blank letterhead sheet, reverse of the letter; faint stamp at lower left illegible] [PAGE 65] [Reverse side of the letter; faint mirrored show-through of the Hotel Woodstock letterhead] [Stamp, upside down: RECEIVED ATOMIC ENERGY SECTION F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE, JUL 22 3 14 PM '47] [Stamp, upside down: RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE, JUL 23 10 25 AM '47] [PAGE 66] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : D. M. LADD FROM : K. C. Howe DATE: July 11, 1947 SUBJECT: Flying Disc [Routing list at right: Mr. Tolson, Mr. E. A. Tamm, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Carson, Mr. Egan, Mr. Gurnea, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Mohr, Mr. Pennington, Mr. Quinn Tamm, Tele. Room, Mr. Nease, Miss Holmes, Miss Gandy] At 10:45 PM on the evening of July 11, 1947, Clerk Piercy of the Washington Field Office called and stated that at the instruction Mr. Hennrich he wanted to pass on to the Bureau information he had just received from one Alvin B. Parker, 200 6th Street, Laurel, Maryland, to the effect that a "flying disc" had just landed in Parker's yard "and the machinery is still buzzing." Piercy stated Parker was apparently so excited he had a difficult time even getting his name out, and no further detail could be obtained from him. At 10:50 PM I passed the above information on to Captain West, duty officer at G-2 who indicated he had also received the same data from another source, and would pass our information along to appropriate army quarters. Sid Roberts of the AP called at about 10:55 PM and asked whether the Bureau had received any report on a "flying disc" in Laurel Maryland. After checking with Mr. Nichols I told him we had received such a report and had passed it on to army authorities. KCH:H RECORDED & INDEXED 62-83894-15 36 JUL 16 1947 EX-16 57 JUL 24 1947 [PAGE 67] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : MR. E. A. TAMM FROM : D. M. LADD DATE: July 11, 1947 SUBJECT: [Routing list at right: Mr. Tolson, Mr. E. A. Tamm, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Carson, Mr. Egan, Mr. Gurnea, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Hendon, Mr. Pennington, Mr. Quinn Tamm, Tele. Room, Mr. Nease, Miss Holmes, Miss Gandy] SAC Johnson of the Milwaukee Office called to advise he had just received a telephone call from Colonel Harry Schafer, Reserve Officer with the Civilian Air Patrol, Black River Falls, Wisconsin. Colonel Schafer reported that at 3:30 p.m., July 10, one Sig Hanson, City Engineer at Black River Falls, Wisconsin, had found a large 17" disc which appeared to have been possibly made out of cardboard painted with silver airplane dope. In the center was a tube and a small motor with a propellor attached to the side. Colonel Schafer expressed the opinion that this disc would not be able to fly by itself. He advised it would be taken to the Air Corps Headquarters. Colonel Schafer advised, however, that Hanson did not want to release the disc without FBI approval. I instructed Mr. Johnson to advise the Air Corps officer to get in touch with Colonel Schafer and tell him he saw no reason for the Bureau to attempt to secure the release of the material since it was not in our custody and we had no control. He stated the press was also calling concerning this matter. I instructed him to make no comment to the press. DML:cmw [Handwritten at left margin: Flying discs] G.I.R.-5 RECORDED 62-83894-16 37 JUL 17 1947 EX-56 52 JUL 24 1947 [PAGE 68] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : MR. LADD FROM : F. P. GRIFFEE DATE: July 12, 1947 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS [Routing list at right: Mr. Tolson, Mr. E. A. Tamm, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Carson, Mr. Egan, Mr. Gurnea, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Hendon, Mr. Pennington, Mr. Quinn Tamm, Tele. Room, Mr. Nease, Miss Holmes, Miss Gandy] Reference is made to Mr. Howe's memorandum to you dated July 11, in the above-captioned matter. At 11:55 P.M., July 11, I took a phone call from Sergeant Lonis of the Laurel, Maryland, Police Department. Sergeant Lonis said that he had examined the "flying disc." He said that it had been made from a Gulf Oil sign and the top of a garbage can and had been painted with aluminum paint. It had been recently painted because the paint was still wet. Attached to it were a dry cell battery, a flashlight bulb, some wires and a buzzer. He asked if the Bureau was sending anyone out to look at it. I told him that we were not, that we had referred the matter to the Army, and suggested that he call them. I subsequently telephoned Captain Calvert, the Duty Officer at G-2, and passed on to him the information furnished by Sergeant Lonis. FPG:jc G.I.R.-5 RECORDED 62-83894-17 36 JUL 17 1947 EX-56 57 JUL 24 1947 [PAGE 69] [Reverse side of the memorandum; faint mirrored show-through of the memorandum text] [Stamps: RECEIVED LIAISON SECTION F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE, JUL 14 10 09 AM '47; RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE, JUL 23 3 31 PM '47] [PAGE 70] [Stamp: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, COMMUNICATIONS SECTION, JUL 8 1947; TELETYPE] [Routing list at right, partly legible; handwritten initials and notes including "Harvey"] FBI DALLAS 7-8-47 6-17 PM DIRECTOR AND SAC, CINCINNATI URGENT FLYING DISC, INFORMATION CONCERNING. MAJOR CURTAN, HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH AIR FORCE, TELEPHONICALLY ADVISED THIS OFFICE THAT AN OBJECT PURPORTING TO BE A FLYING DISC WAS RE COVERED NEAR ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO, THIS DATE. THE DISC IS HEXAGONAL IN SHAPE AND WAS SUSPENDED FROM A BALLON BY CABLE, WHICH BALLON WAS APPROXIMATELY TWENTY FEET IN DIAMETER. MAJOR CURTAN FURTHER ADVISED THAT THE OBJECT FOUND RESEMBLES A HIGH ALTITUDE WEATHER BALLOON WITH A RADAR REFLECTOR, BUT THAT TELEPHONIC CONVERSATION BETWEEN THEIR OFFICE AND WRIGHT FIELD HAD NOT [struck through: ...] BORNE OUT THIS BELIEF. DISC AND BALLOON BEING TRANSPORTED TO WRIGHT FIELD BY SPECIAL PLANE FOR EXAMINATIO[N] INFORMATION PROVIDED THIS OFFICE BECAUSE OF NATIONAL INTEREST IN CASE [struck through: ...] AND FACT THAT NATIONAL BROADCASTING COMPANY, ASSOCIATED PRESS, AND OTHERS ATTEMPTING TO BREAK STORY OF LOCATION OF DISC TODAY. MAJOR CURTAN ADVISED WOULD REQUEST WRIGHT FIELD TO ADVISE CINCINNATI OFFICE RESULTS OF EXAMINATION. NO FURTHER INVESTIGATION BEING CONDUCTED. WYLY END CXXXX ACK IN ORDER WA 9½ FBI CI MJW BPI H8 8-38 PM O 8-22 PM OK FBI WASH DC - MH RECORDED 62-83894-18 29 JUL 22 1947 EX-29 [Handwritten: cc Mr. Ladd; initials and notes, partly illegible] [PAGE 71] [Reverse side of the teletype; no text other than stamps] [Stamps: RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE, Jul 8 8 22 PM '47; RECEIVED LIAISON SECTION, Jul 11 2 56 PM '47; RECEIVED-LADD F.B.I., Jul 9 8 48 PM '47; Jul 9 5 53 AM '47 (partly legible); RECEIVED ATOMIC ENERGY SECTION, Jul 11 9 19 AM '47; RECEIVED-TAMM F.B.I., Jul 9 11 48 AM '47; TECHNICAL LABORATORY, Jul 15 9 43 AM '47; RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I., Jul 10 9 34 AM '47; LABORATORY DIVISION (partly legible)] [PAGE 72] [Stamp: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, COMMUNICATIONS SECTION, JUL 7; TELETYPE] [Routing list at right, partly legible; handwritten initials and notes including "Harvey"] FBI NEW ORLEANS 7-7-47 8-02 PM CGB DIRECTOR FBI VERY URGENT FLYING DISCS, MISCELLANEOUS. F. G. HAIRSTON, FIFTEEN FIFTY FOUR TEXAS AVENUE, SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA ADVISES HE OBSERVED A CIRCULAR DISC AT SIX FIVE PM THIS DATE COMING FROM NW DIRECTION. DISC LANDED IN FIFTEEN HUNDRED BLOCK OF TEXAS AVENUE. HAIRSTON PICKED UP DISC AT FIFTEEN FIFTY FOUR TEXAS AVENUE. DISC WHIRLING WHEN SEEN IN AIR AND FIRE SEEN SPOUTING FROM SIDES. FIRE WENT OUT ON LANDING AND SMOKE ISSUED FEW SECONDS AFTER FIRE WENT OUT. DISC PICKED UP AND NOT HOT. [redacted] HAIRSTON NOTIFIED G-2 BARKSDALE IMMEDIATELY AND THEY TOOK DISC BEFORE SA ARRIVED. DISC DESCRIPTION-- THIN ALUMINUM DISC SIXTEEN INCHES IN DIAMETER. HAS SMALL COILS TWO INCHES IN DIAMETER AND FOUR INCHES LONG AT THE ENDS OF THE DIAMETER. COILS CONNECTED BY TWO COPPER WIRES TO TWO TERMINALS ON EACH COIL AND THESE WIRES ARE CONNECTED AT THE CROSSING IN THE CENTER OF THE DISC TO AN OBJECT ONE INCH IN DIAMETER BY TWO INCHES LONG, SIMILIAR TO STARTER ON FLOURESCENT LIGHT. CENTER OBJECT HAS ON UPPER END - [redacted] --MADE IN USA--MADE SOUND LIKE A POLICEMAN-S WHISTLE AND SMOOTH SIDE TOWARD EARTH IN FLIGHT. BARKSDALE FIELD AGREED IF NOT HARMFULL WOULD TURN OVER TO FBI IF WE WANT IT SUBJECT TO SUPERIOR INSTRUCTIONS. NAMES OF ALL PERSON WHO HANDLED DISC BEFORE ARRIVAL OF AGENT SECURED. [redacted] BARKSDALE FIELD MAKING PHOTOS. WILL SECURE AND FORWARD PHOTOS TO BUREAU. BELIEVED PRESS AWARE OF INCIDENT [bottom edge torn: "WEEKS" and further text lost] RECORDED INDEXED 62-83894-19 29 JUL 22 1947 [Handwritten: Harvey; cc Mr. Ladd; initials, partly illegible] [PAGE 73] [Reverse side of the teletype; no text other than stamps] [Stamps: RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE, Jul 7 10 18 PM '47; RECEIVED DIRECTOR F.B.I., Jul 8 5 53 AM '47; RECEIVED LIAISON SECTION, Jul 8 1 51 PM '47; RECEIVED-TAMM, Jul 8 11 30 AM '47; RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I., Jul 9 5 13 PM '47; others overlapping, partly legible] [PAGE 74] July 10, 1947 RECORDED 62-83894-20 EX-53 Mr. L. C. A. Hoersch 349 Central Avenue Jersey City, New Jersey Dear Mr. Hoersch: Your letter dated July 6, 1947, has been received and I do want to thank you for making this information available to me. Your interest is appreciated. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director FRY:mjo [Stamp: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION, MAILED 11, JUL 11 1947 P.M., FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE] [Routing list at lower left: Mr. Tolson, Mr. E. A. Tamm, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Egan, Mr. Gurnea, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Mohr, Mr. Pennington, Mr. Quinn Tamm, Tele. Room, Mr. Nease, Miss Gandy] [Stamps: JUL 11 3 39 PM '47 (partly legible); 68 AUG 6 1947] [Handwritten: mjo; aw; 34] [PAGE 75] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [PAGE 76] [Letterhead: The MacReynolds, 305-307 Sunset Avenue, Asbury Park, New Jersey — Chas. G. MacReynolds — Telephone 2-14..] 7/6/47 Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington, D.C. Gentlemen: For your information & for what ever value it may be I should like to report seeing one of these "Flying Discs" on July 4. It appeared to have started from the dance hall here at Asbury Park & momentarily I thought it was a balloon but it went in a definite direction at an apparently constant speed & gradually ascending following a path similar to the trajectory of a bullet but more pronounced. It disappeared in the distance going north along the shore line. Glenn Miller & Tex Beneke are presently at the dance hall. I hope this may be of some help to you. Yours very truly, L. C. Hoersch 349 Central Ave Jersey City 7, N.J. [Handwritten/stamped notes: Flying Discs; RECORDED; INDEXED; 62-83894-205; FBI JUL 16 1947; ack 7/10/47] [PAGE 77] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [PAGE 78] Mr. J. Edgar Hoover Wash. D.C. Doesn't it seem wisest for you to forbid papers - (No not forbid - but ask the co-operation of all papers) to keep all news of those discs out of the news until you are sure just what they are & where from. Seems to us with all the enemies we have, even within our borders, it could be something far more important than may seem at first. I had 2 sons in this war & another who over-did for his America - & we do want it really protected from danger from now on. Enough are dead & maimed - with-out losing out now as it easily could be. Why have the papers carried that story if reporters were made to see how much more sensible not to report - it except to the F.B.I. There is too much of danger ahead anyway -- Hastily /s/ [?]. T. Norris 1734 Thome Ave Chicago - TRUE COPY [PAGE 79] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : D. M. Ladd FROM : H. B. Fletcher DATE: July 11, 1947 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS SAC Bannister of the Butte Office called at noon today and stated that a Mrs. Fred Easterbrook, 215 7th Avenue East, Twin Falls, Idaho, at 2:45 a.m. Mountain Time today heard a noise in the back of her home. She thought a collision had occurred and investigated and found in the back yard of the home next door an object described as follows: A disc 30½" in diameter, circular in shape, it is dished like a saucer and actually there is a saucer within a saucer in the manner of cymbals. On one surface there is attached a plastic dome described as about 14" in diamter and affixed by 8 bolts in a rather rough manner. The bolts can best be described as similar to stove bolts. On the other surface is another dome of metal which is gold in color on one side and on the inside is silver in color, which looks like tin. Through the plastic dome can be observed three tubes similar to radio tubes and there is some wiring. The disc generally is 10" thick and at the point where the domes are located about 14" in thickness. There is an object on it similar to electric coil which has some type of an arm on it and bears the words "Inspected TS". Some of the wiring has been burned off and it looks as though something might be missing. Mr. Bannister stated that if this were the work of some prankster he went to quite a bit of trouble. He stated the press is aware of this incident. He stated that the disc had been picked up and was now at the Police Department, Twin Falls, Idaho. He was instructed to notify the local Army authorities of the existence of this disc. HBF:PES [Stamps/notes: RECORDED; INDEXED 28; 62-83894-21; FBI 37 JUL 22 1947; EX-65; RECEIVED 51 JUL 30 1947; routing list of names at upper right (Tolson, Tamm, Clegg, Glavin, Ladd, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Carson, Egan, Gurnea, Harbo, Hendon, Pennington, Quinn Tamm, Tele. Room, Nease, Holmes, Gandy); handwritten initials and marginal notes] [PAGE 80] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [PAGE 81] July 18, 1947 Mr. G. T. Norris 1734 Thome Avenue Chicago, Illinois Dear Mr. Norris: I wish to acknowledge receipt of your letter postmarked July 7, 1947. The information contained therein has been carefully reviewed and is being made a matter of permanent record in the files of this Bureau. Your interest in writing as you did is indeed appreciated. In the future should you have information which you feel might be of interest to this Bureau you might find it convenient to contact the Special Agent in Charge of our Chicago Office, which is located at 1900 Bankers' Building, Chicago 3, Illinois. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director cc - Chicago (With incoming. There is no identifiable information in the Bureau's files concerning the writer of this letter. Despite the fact that this letter refers to "flying discs", it is not believed that the information furnished is sufficiently important to refer to Army authorities.) WVC:WMJ [Stamps/notes: EX-43; RECORDED; INDEXED; 62-83894-22; COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED JUL 18 1947 P.M. Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice; AUG 13 1947; routing list of names at lower left; handwritten initials] [PAGE 82] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [PAGE 83] [Handwritten letter, two-column landscape spread; left column:] until you are sure just what they are & where from. Seems to us with all the enemies we have, even within our borders - it could be something far more important than may seem at first. I had 2 sons in this [right column:] war & another who over-did for his America - & we do want it really protected from danger from now on. Enough are dead & maimed - with-out losing out now as it easily could be. Why have the papers carried that story - if reporters [PAGE 84] [Handwritten letter, two-column landscape spread; left column:] were made to see how much more sensible not to report it - except - to the F.B.I. There is too much of danger ahead anyway - Hastily G. T. Norris 1734 Thome Ave Chicago - [right column:] Mr. J. Edgar Hoover Wash. D.C. Doesn't it seem wisest for you to forbid papers - (no not forbid - but ask the co-operation of all papers) to keep all news of those discs out of the news [Stamps/notes: Flying Discs; RECORDED; 62-83894-22; FBI JUL 24 1947; EX-43; RECEIVED JUL 9 3 39 PM '47 F.B.I. Internal Security; AUG 8 11 24 AM; Rec CC Chicago 7-18-47 WVC] [PAGE 85] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : MR. LADD FROM : Roy E. Wood DATE: July 10, 1947 SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS (DISCS) INFORMATION CONCERNING At 5:45 AM this date, SAC Hood telephonically contacted the Bureau and advised at approximately 11:30 PM, July 9, 1947, the office in Los Angeles had received information from the Resident Agent at Burbank, California, that a "flying disc" had landed in or near Burbank and had been seen to burst into flame when it landed. Further, that it had been the cause of a fire in some woods, this fire either in Burbank or possibly in the city limits of Los Angeles, which Mr. Hood could not be certain. The fire chief at Burbank had called the resident agent at Burbank and told him he would hold the disc for him. Coincident with the information received from Burbank, the Los Angeles Office received calls from the newspapers requesting information. The newspapers stating they had called the Army Air Force Intelligence who had stated "we are not interested". According to Mr. Hood, this comment had aroused the newspapers and they stated they intended to publish this quotation and belabor same in their first issues. Mr. Hood stated that he had refrained from making any statement to the press other than to admit possession of an object and that it was being turned over to military authorities in the morning (this AM), it being Mr. Hood's opinion that he did not want any quotes in the press and certainly not one to the effect that we were not interested. As described to him, Mr. Hood stated that the object was an aluminum disc about 2' in diameter weighing about ten pounds, painted with aluminum paint and having some sort of a radio tube in the center of the disc. This object was in possession of the resident agent at Burbank and would be turned over to military authorities (G-2) in Los Angeles this morning. Mr. Hood's purpose in calling was to place the Bureau on notice regarding the above described object and any further information would be transmitted to the Bureau at once. Action: None indicated. REW:da [Stamps/notes: RECORDED; 62-83894-23; 37 JUL 22 1947; EX-53; 57 JUL 29 1947; routing list of names at upper right; handwritten initials and notes] [PAGE 86] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [PAGE 87] [Diagram: blank manila envelope with the handwritten file number "62-83894-24" at the top flap] [PAGE 88] [Diagram: black-and-white photograph of a small disc-shaped object with a large triangular fin or tail mounted on top and a short tube or rod protruding from one side; metallic rim around the edge] [PAGE 89] SIDE VIEW [Handwritten in blue (rotated): 62-83894-24] [PAGE 90] [Diagram: black-and-white photograph of a circular metal disc seen from above/below, with a raised rim, about ten triangular cut-outs or fittings around the edge, a small round opening at the center and a short rod or tube protruding at lower left] [PAGE 91] BOTTOM VIEW [PAGE 92] [Diagram: black-and-white photograph of a circular, shallow-cone metal disc with a raised rim, a small round opening at the center, a dark triangular fin lying across the upper half, and a short rod protruding at lower left] [PAGE 93] TOP VIEW [PAGE 94] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Director, FBI FROM : SAC, Los Angeles DATE: July 17, 1947 SUBJECT: RECOVERY OF "FLYING DISC", NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, JULY 9, 1947 On the evening of July 9, 1947, a report was received at the Los Angeles Office that a so-called "flying disc" had landed in the vicinity of Radford and Magnolia Streets in North Hollywood, California, the contraption being briefly described as approximately 30 inches in diameter, all metal, disc shaped, and having a radio antenna. It was reported to have burst into flames upon landing. At the time of the report the disc was being held at the Valley Fire Department in Van Nuys, California. SA RICHARD D. AUERBACH went to the fire department immediately at which time it was found that a number of people had gathered including newspaper reporters and photographers who were taking pictures of the disc. Battalion Fire Chief WALLACE E. NEWCOMB advised Agent that at approximately 10:30 P.M., an unknown woman called on the telephone and excitedly reported that the disc had dropped into her garden where it began to flame, her residence being located at 11858 Magnolia Boulevard, North Hollywood. A fire department truck was sent there and put out the flaming object with the fire hose, after which the object was taken to the fire station. SA AUERBACH thereafter arranged to transport the disc to the office. The device is briefly described as consisting of two convex steel discs approximately 2 feet in diameter, fused together at the outer edge and fastened together in the center by a hollow cylindrical connection. A vertical galvanized iron fin was screwed to the top of the disc, and a short length of pipe closed at one end ran from the outer circumference into the interior of the contraption. What appeared to be a radio tube was installed in the center of the top side. The contraption had a total weight of approximately 20 pounds. At the Bureau Office a series of photographs were taken of the device from various positions, and a set of these photographs are being forwarded herewith for the Bureau's inspection and information. The "flying disc" was thereafter turned over to Major COURTNEY W. HEMPSTEAD, A.C., G-2, Fort MacArthur, San Pedro, California, who subsequently reported that the object was definitely a hoax and under no circumstances could have flown under its own power. [Stamps/notes: ENCL. ATTACHED; RECORDED; INDEXED; EX-64 102; 62-83894-24; JUL 23 1947; COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964; EX-64; handwritten notes and initials] [PAGE 95] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [PAGE 96] Director, FBI July 17, 1947 Re: RECOVERY OF "FLYING DISC", NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, JULY 9, 1947 On the following day, July 10, 1947, one FRANK V. BROWN, 6552 Teesdale Avenue, North Hollywood, reported that on this morning he was at the North Hollywood Service Station eating at which time there was considerable talk about the flying disc having been found in the vicinity. A number of what appeared to be young high school students were present and were having quite a laugh about the excitement caused by the finding of the disc. BROWN stated that he received a definite impression that these young students either had themselves or knew of someone who had been working for the past two weeks making this "flying disc". BROWN was unable to furnish the names of any of these young men but identified one of them who was making the statements as being employed in a Chevron Service Station at the corner of Victory Boulevard and Whitsett Street. He described the youngster as about sixteen years of age. The above information was also furnished to the G-2 Office at San Pedro, California. MMB:MGM 100-9099 ENC. (3) - 2 - [PAGE 97] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Director, FBI FROM : SAC, Butte DATE: July 3, 1947 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS Mr. DAVE JOHNSON, of the Idaho Daily Statesman, Boise, Idaho, telephonically contacted the Butte Office and asked if the FBI was checking on the flying discs reported to have been seen by many citizens. He advised that so many had reported having seen them that it undoubtedly was not a figment of the imagination. He said that these discs had been seen on July 1, 1947, in the vicinity of Trail Creek near Sun Valley, Idaho, by reputable citizens. The writer informed Mr. JOHNSON that this office was not making an investigation and inquired as to whether he had contacted Army and Navy officials. He said that he was inquiring of these agencies. WGB:LB AIR MAIL [Stamps/notes: DEFERRED RECORDING (struck through); RECORDED & INDEXED; EX-46; 62-83894-25; FBI 36 JUL 23 1947; 51 AUG 5 1947; handwritten notes and initials including "R. G. Fletcher"] [PAGE 98] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [PAGE 99] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION JUL 16 1947 TELETYPE 10 15 [illegible] FBI SEATTLE 7-16-47 DIRECTOR URGENT RE FLYING DISKS. MRS. T. L. KREMMER, TWO SIX NAUGHT EIGHT DASH [illegible] THIRD AVE., WEST, SEATTLE, REPORTED FLYING DISK HAD LANDED ON HER ROOF ABOUT NINE FORTY TWO PM LAST NIGHT, THAT IT WAS BURNING AT [illegible] AND IMMEDIATELY EXTINGUISHED. SHE ALSO ADVISED ONI, AND DISK FELL SHORT DISTANCE FROM THEIR OFFICES. AGENTS IMMEDIATELY DISPATCHED TO SCENE AND RECOVERED DISK TAKEN ONI OFFICES AND EXAMINED BY NAVY BOMB AND ELECTRONICS [redacted] EXPERTS AND AGENTS. DISK DESCRIBED AS ABOUT TWENTY EIGHT INCH [redacted] CIRCULAR PIECE THREE SIXTEENTH INCH PLYWOOD CUPPED UP ON TWO SIDES AND HELD THIS POSITION BY WIRE ACROSS ITS CENTER. DISK NEWLY PAINTED LIGHT GRAY OUTSIDE AND RED INSIDE, AND INSIDE OF DISK WAD PRINTED LETTERS IN WHITE PAINT AS FOLLOWS QUOTE U S S R UNQUOTE, ALSO QUOTE E Y R UNQUOTE, WHICH WOULD APPEAR TO BE RYE PRINTED BACKWARD AND A HAMMER AND SICKLE. MOUNTED ON PIECES OF BAKELITE IN THE CENTER OF THE INSIDE OF THE DISK WERE TWO RADIO TUBES, WHICH WERE WIRED UP AND ALSO SO MOUNTED WAS ABOUT A QUART TYPE CYLINDRICAL SHAPED OIL CAN TO WHICH WAS FITTED A SHORT PIECE OF RUBBER TUBING RUNNING FROM CAN TO ENTRANCE TO A PIECE OF ONE INCH PIPE ABOUT FOURTEEN INCHES LONG. THE PIPE EXTENDED THROUGH THE DISK AND AT THE OUTER END OF THE PIPE WAS ABOUT A SIX INCH PIECE OF CLOTH, WHICH WAS WOUND ABOUT AND STUCK INTO THE END OF THE PIPE. THE ENDS OF THIS CLOTH WERE CHARRED FROM BURNING. THE CLOTH WAS SATURATED WITH SOME SUBSTANCE PAGE ONE [Stamps/notes: RECORDED; INDEXED; EX-57; 62-83894-26; 29 JUL 28 1947; 58 AUG 1 1947; cc: Mr. Ladd; routing list and handwritten notes/initials] [PAGE 100] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [PAGE 101] PAGE TWO BELIEVED TO BE TURPENTINE. CONSENSUS OF ALL PRESENT PRESENT THAT DISK COULD NOT FLY. DISK PRESENTLY IN POSSESSION OF ONI SEATTLE AND NO INVESTIGATION BEING CONDUCTED. NO PUBLICITY THUS FAR AND NO COMMENT BEING MADE IN EVENT PRESS INQUIRIES ARE RECEIVED. MAYNOR END 2-22 PM OK FBI WA NM O [Handwritten note in blue ink, partly legible: "Info brought [illegible] by Mr. S. C. [illegible]" dated 7/[illegible]] [PAGE 102] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [PAGE 103] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : DIRECTOR, FBI FROM : SAC, NEW HAVEN DATE: July 18, 1947 SUBJECT: "FLYING SAUCERS" EDWIN M. BAILEY, JR. STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT, INFORMANT ATOMIC ENERGY ACT For the information of the Bureau this is to advise that on July 7, 1947, EDWIN M. BAILEY, Jr., 6 Home Court, Stamford, Connecticut, appeared at the Stamford Resident Agent's office and furnished the following information:- Mr. BAILEY prefaced his remarks by stating that he is a scientist by occupation and is currently employed at the American Cyanamid Research Laboratories on West Main Street in Stamford, Connecticut, in the Physics Division. Mr. BAILEY further indicated that during the war he was employed at MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the Radiation Laboratory which Laboratory is connected with the Manhattan Project. BAILEY advised that he is thirty years of age and is a graduate of the University of Arizona. Mr. BAILEY stated that the topic of "flying saucers" had caused considerable comment and concern to the present day scientists and indicated that he himself had a personal theory concerning the "flying saucers". Prior to advancing his own theory, BAILEY remarked that immediately after the conclusion of World War II, a friend of his, RENATO FECHETTI, allegedly observed the "flying saucers" from an observatory in Milan and Bologna, Italy. He stated that apparently at that time the "flying saucers" had caused a little comment in Italy but that after some little publicity they immediately died out as public interest. Mr. BAILEY stated that it is quite possible that actually the "flying saucers" could be radio controlled germ bombs or atom bombs which are circling the orbit of the earth and which could be controlled by radio and directed to land on any designated target at the specific desire of the agency or country operating the bombs. He stated that one of the items of interest which he personally has observed is the fact that the saucers have been observed in Mexico City, New Orleans, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Halifax, Newfoundland, Paris, Milan, Bologna and Yugoslavia as well as Albania. By placing a string around the globe of the earth it FXM/clb 117-0 [Stamps/notes: DEFERRED RECORDING (struck through); G.I.R.-6; RECORDED; INDEXED; EX-36; 62-83894-27; FBI 15 JUL 22 1947; 60 AUG 4 1947; COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964; handwritten initials and notes] [PAGE 104] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [PAGE 105] Letter to the DIRECTOR, FBI July 18, 1947 Re: "FLYING SAUCERS" EDWIN M. BAILEY, JR., STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT, INFORMANT ATOMIC ENERGY ACT would be noticed that all of the above-mentioned cities form a direct orbit or circle around the earth and would be more or less in line of any path in which the saucers could be circling. Mr. BAILEY further stated that he had recently talked with RICHARD PERKIN, one of the owners of Perkin-Elmer Company in Glenbrook, Connecticut, and had been informed by Mr. PERKIN that his company is making a large powerful telescope to be used in searching the stratosphere for atom bombs. [PAGE 106] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION JUL 18 1947 TELETYPE WASHINGTON FROM BOSTON 3 18 10-53P DIRECTOR Flying discs METAL FRAGMENTS OBSERVED AT WEST RINDGE, N.H., JULY SEVEN, FORTYSEVEN, SECURITY MATTER-X. DEAN JOHN M. BUNKER, SECURITY OFFICER, M.I.T., CAMBRIDGE, MASS., ADVISED THAT TODAY HE WAS IN CONTACT WITH ONE CHARLES [redacted] N. TASKER, OF WEST RINDGE, N.H., A RETIRED VICE PRESIDENT OF THE NEW ENGLAND TEL. AND TEL.CO. MR.TASKER ADVISED THAT AT APPROXIMATEY THREE PM ON JULY SEVEN LAST SEVERAL PEOPLE SITTING ON A PORCH OBSERVED ON THE LAWN OF EARL WHITEHEAD, ROUTE TWO NAUGHT TWO, WEST RINDGE, N.H., LITTLE CURLS OF SMOKE, WHICH ON INSPECTION DISCLOSED SMALL BURNED [redacted] SPOTS ABOUT ONE AND ONE HALF INCHES IN DIAMATER ON THE GREEN LAWN. ALSO IN THE LONG DRY GRASS ON BOTH SIDES OF ROAD IN A CIRCLE APPROXIMATELY TWO HUNDRED FEET IN DIAMETER SEVERAL LITTLE BLAZES HAD STARTED AND THE FIRE [redacted] DEPT. WAS CALLED. FIRES WERE APPARENTLY CAUSED BY METALLIC FRAGMENTATIONS WHICH WERE TURNED OVER TO PROFESSOR RENTGES, OF MIT, BY A MR. PARKE D. APPEL, OF THE TELEPHONE COMPANY. RENTGES HAS ADVISED DEAN BUNKER THAT THEIR GENERAL [redacted] APPEARANCE ARE SIMILAR TO THE LINING OF V DASH TWO BOMBS, WHICH HE HAD OBSERVED AT NEW MEXICO. [redacted] PROFESSOR L.H. [redacted] OSWALD, AN OUT[STANDING] METALLURGIST AT MIT. STATED THAT THEY ARE POSSIBLY THE [LIN]ING FROM A JET TURBO PLANE. AT PRESENT TIME HE IS IN PROCESS OF ANALYZING TWO OF THESE PIECES. THESE SCIENTISTS IN ROUGHLY RECONSTRUCTING THE METALLIC OBJECT STATE IT WAS APPROXIMATELY FOURTEEN INCHES IN DIAMETER, THREE A-----END PAGE ONE----- [Stamps/notes: RECORDED; INDEXED; EX-64; 62-83894-28; 58 AUG 13 1947; COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964; routing list at upper right; handwritten notes including "Flying discs" and initials] [PAGE 107] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [PAGE 108] ---PAGE TWO---- SIXTEENTHS OF AN INCH THICK, AND MACHINE TOOLED, AND SOME FRAGMENTS INDICATED THEY WERE BURNED AND [redacted] APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN SUBJECTED TO TERRIFIC HEAT. THESE SCIENTISTS ARE TREATING THIS MATTER AS CLASSIFIED INFORMATION. MR. [redacted] TASKER, AT WEST RINDGE, N.H. IS ALSO ENDEAVORING TO COLLECT ADDITIONAL FRAGMENTS AND HAS STATED THAT THE FIRE CHIEF AT WEST RINDGE HAS ALSO SEVERAL FRAGMENTS IN HIS POSSESSION. MR. TASKER INDICATED THAT THE WHITEHEAD RESIDENCE IS SEVEN TO EIGHT HUNDRED FEET EAST OF THE RAILROAD TRACKS. DEAN BUNKER STATED HE WILL MAKE THE RESULTS OF M I T RESEARCH AVAILABLE IF SIGNIFICANT. OPINIONS OF SCIENTISTS AS SET FORTH ABOVE SUGGEST POSSBLE MILITARY INTEREST. MILITARY AUTHORITIES AT BOSTON HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. SOUCY HOLD [Handwritten note in blue ink, partly legible: "Info & attention ... Mr. S. C. Jackson, M.D. ... 8/11/47"] cc - Mr. Ladd [PAGE 109] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [PAGE 110] July 23, 1947 Mrs. John Maurice Clark 41 Wright Street Westport, Connecticut Dear Mrs. Clark: Your letter dated July 17, 1947, together with enclosures, has been received and I want to thank you for submitting the letter you mentioned to me. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director BHM:ptb [Stamps/notes: RECORDED; INDEXED; EX-57; 62-83894-29; COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED JUL 23 1947 P.M. Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice; 51 OCT 11 1947; routing list at lower left; handwritten initials and notes] [PAGE 111] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [PAGE 112] Mrs. John Maurice Clark, Three Cornered Pond, R.F.D. 6, Augusta, Maine Mr. J. Edgar Hoover, F.B.I. Washington, D.C. Flying Disc Dear Mr. Hoover: The enclosed came to my husband yesterday. After reading it aloud to the family, as a good example of crack-pot-ism, advertising or what have you, he threw it into the wastebasket. I retrieved it, thinking it might better go into your wastebasket than ours, examined by your department en route thither, as of possible value. I presume several thousand have been mailed, and you may reveive numberless duplicates. I will risk that. Mr. Clark as an economist at Columbia University receives many strange missives. This is as strange a one as has come for some time, and very appropriate to the present moment. Sincerely yours, Mrs. J.M. Clark July 17, 1947 Home address: 41 Wright St. Westport, Conn. Dr. John M. Clark [Stamp: routing list — Mr. Tolson, Mr. E. A. Tamm, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Egan, Mr. Gurnea, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Mohr, Mr. Pennington, Mr. Quinn Tamm, Mr. Nease, Miss Gandy] RECORDED 62-83894-29 INDEXED 28 FBI 15 JUL 28 1947 EX-57 [PAGE 113] [Diagram: reverse side of the letter on page 112, showing only faint mirrored bleed-through of the typed text and several mirrored FBI / Dept. of Justice received stamps] Stamps (mirrored, partly legible): U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI RECEIVED-ROSEN JUL 21 3 29 PM '47; RECEIVED JUL 22 9 08 AM '47 INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION; U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI OCT 1 1 29 PM '47; RECEIVED-NICHOLS JUL 21 5 28 PM '47 [PAGE 114] July 11, 1947. Dear Sir: Have you seen one of the mysterious "Saucers"? What did it look like? Do you think these strange, celestial manifestations are harbingers of a better day? Do you believe it means that a new and revolutionary advance is coming? Will it make your life brighter, happier, more useful? We believe one of these startling discs is on its way to you. Then the secret will be out. The Combined and Amalgamated Committee of Sky-Scanners, Disc Decipherers and New-Product Introducers. 62-83894-29 ENCLOSURE [PAGE 115] July 10, 1947 Mr. Woodson C. Cope, Cliffside Hall, San Marcos, Texas Dear Mr. Cope: I wish to acknowledge receipt of your Western Union telegram dated July 7, 1947. Your interest in making this information available to me is greatly appreciated. Inasmuch as the contents of your telegram appear to be of interest to the War Department only, I have taken the liberty of making the information furnished by you available to that Department. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover, Director cc - San Antonio NOTE: The telegram referred to "flying discs." RECORDED & INDEXED 62-83894-30 EX-64 89 FBI 51 JUL 23 1947 [Stamp: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED JUL 14 1947 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE] [Routing list at left margin: Tolson, E. A. Tamm, Clegg, Glavin, Ladd, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Egan, Gurnea, Harbo, Mohr, Pennington, Quinn Tamm, Room, Nease, Gandy] WVC:mn [PAGE 116] [Diagram: reverse side of the letter on page 115, showing only faint mirrored bleed-through of the typed text and mirrored stamps] Stamps (mirrored): RECEIVED-MAIL RM FBI DEPT OF JUSTICE JUL 14 3 17 PM '47; RECORDED & INDEXED EX-64; COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED JUL 14 1947 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE [PAGE 117] July 10, 1947 Mr. J. U. Watts, Jr. Darlington, South Carolina Dear Mr. Watts: I wish to acknowledge receipt of your Western Union telegram dated July 6, 1947. Your interest in bringing this information to my attention is greatly appreciated. Inasmuch as the contents of your telegram appear to be of interest to the War Department only, I have taken the liberty of turning this information over to that Department. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover, Director cc - Savannah NOTE: The telegram referred to "flying discs." [Handwritten in left margin: Flying Discs] [Stamp: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED JUL 14 1947 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE] RECORDED & INDEXED 62-83894-31 EX-53 FBI 51 JUL 28 1947 WVC:mn [PAGE 118] [Diagram: reverse side of the letter on page 117, showing only faint mirrored bleed-through of the typed text and mirrored stamps] Stamps (mirrored): RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM FBI DEPT OF JUSTICE JUL 14 3 17 PM '47; COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED JUL 14 1947 FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE [PAGE 119] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION AUG 14 1947 TELETYPE FBI SEATTLE 8-14-47 5-15 PM FB DIRECTOR ROUTINE FLYING DISCS SIGHTED BY FRED CHRISMAN AND HAROLD A. DAHL, TACOMA, WASHINGTON, SM X. REURTEL INSTANT DATE. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT DAHL DID NOT ADMIT TO SMITH THAT HIS STORY WAS A HOAX BUT ONLY STATED THAT IF QUESTIONED BY AUTHORITIES HE WAS GOING TO SAY IT WAS A HOAX BECAUSE HE DID NOT WANT ANY FURTHER TROUBLE OVER THE MATTER. COMPLETE REPORT NOW EN ROUTE TO BUREAU AMSD, WHICH INDICATES PROBABLY CHRISMAN OR DAHL MADE THE ANONYMOUS PHONE CALL IN THE HOPE OF BULDING UP THEIR STORY THROUGH PUBLICITY TO A POINT WHERE THEY COULD MAKE A PROFITABLE DEAL WITH FANTASY MAGAZINE, CHICAGO ILLINOIS. DAHL AND CHRISMAN WILL NOT BE REINTERVIEWED UNLESS ADVISED TO THE CONTRARY BY THE BUREAU. WILCOX A AND HOLD PLS 9-16 PM OK FBI WASH DC GAR [Handwritten notes and routing stamp (Tolson, E. A. Tamm, Clegg, Glavin, Ladd, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Egan, Gurnea, Harbo, Mohr, Pennington, Quinn Tamm); Fletcher; Rec 10:00 P] 62-83894-32 RECORDED INDEXED 38 FBI AUG 15 1947 G.I.R.-JC: Mr. Fletcher EX-67 AUG 26 1947 252 [PAGE 120] [Diagram: reverse side of the teletype on page 119, showing only faint mirrored bleed-through of the typed text and stamps] Stamps: RECEIVED AUG 15 9 31 AM '47 INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; (mirrored) RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Aug 14 9 19 PM '47 [PAGE 121] (B) FLYING DISCS -- The Bureau, at the request of the Army Air Forces Intelligence, has agreed to cooperate in the investigation of flying discs. The Air Forces have confidentially advised that it is possible to release three or more discs in odd numbers, attached together by a wire, from an airplane in high altitudes and that these discs would obtain tremendous speed in their descent and would decend to the earth in an arc. The Army Air Forces Intelligence has also indicated some concern that the reported sightings might have been made by subversive individuals for the purpose of creating a mass hysteria. 7-30-47 BUREAU BULLETIN NO. 42 - 2 - Series 1947 You should investigate each instance which is brought to your attention of a sighting of a flying disc in order to ascertain whether or not is is a bona fide sighting, an imaginary one or a prank. You should also bear in mind that individuals might report seeing flying discs for various reasons. It is conceivable that an individual might be desirous of seeking personal publicity, causing hysteria or playing a prank. The Bureau should be notified immediately by teletype of all reported sightings and the results of your inquiries. In instances where the report appears to have merit, the teletype should be followed by a letter to the Bureau containing in detail the results of your inquiries. The Army Air Forces have assured the Bureau complete cooperating in these matters and in any instances where they fail to make information available to you or make the recovered discs available for your examination, it should promptly be brought to the attention of the Bureau. Any information you develop in connection with these discs should be promptly brought to the attention of the Army through your usual liaison channels. ORIGINAL COPY FILED IN 66-03-839 62-83894- NOT RECORDED 78 AUG 4 1947 252 58 AUG 18 1947 [PAGE 122] [Diagram: envelope with 3-cent postage stamp, San Francisco postmark JUL 21 1 PM 1947 and slogan "BUILD YOUR ... WISELY, SA... U.S. SAVINGS BONDS"] AFTER FIVE DAYS RETURN TO 6512 Mission St, Daly City, Calif Mr J Edgar Hoover F.B.I. Washington, D.C. [PAGE 123] 6512 Mission St. Daly City Sheet Metal Works Juniper 4-4469 Air Conditioning - Gas Furnaces Sky Lights - General Repairing July 20 1947 Mr J Edgar Hoover, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir,. Flying Saucers Reading about Kenneth Arnold seeing these flyling saucers. I got a brain-storm, Maybe there is someone that is Manufacturing a contraption that could be sent up by Remote Control. and could be used against us. Yours Truly [signature illegible] [Left margin stamp: ANONYMOUS COMMUNICATIONS ENVELOPE ATTACHED; handwritten note illegible] RECORDED INDEXED 62-83894-34 FBI 36 JUL 31 1947 129 50 SEP 30 1947 252 [PAGE 124] [Diagram: reverse side of the letter on page 123, showing only faint mirrored bleed-through of the letterhead and typed text, a stamp, and handwriting] Stamp (mirrored): MR. JONES RECEIVED FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUL 25 3 09 PM '47 [PAGE 125] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : D. M. LADD FROM : E. G. Fitch DATE: 7/10/47 SUBJECT: FLYING DISKS At request of Brigadier General George F. Schulgen, Chief of the Requirements Intelligence Branch of Army Air Corps Intelligence, Special Agent S. W. Reynolds discussed the above captioned matter with him on July 9, 1947. General Schulgen indicated to Mr. Reynolds that the Air Corps has taken the attitude that every effort must be undertaken in order to run down and ascertain whether or not the flying disks are a fact and, if so, to learn [illegible] about them. According to General Schulgen, the Air Corps Intelligence are [illegible]lizing all of their scientists in order to ascertain whether or not such a [illegible]nomenon could in fact occur. He stated that this research is being conducted [illegible] the thought that the flying objects might be a celestial phenomenon and with [illegible] view that they might be a foreign body mechanically devised and controlled. General Schulgen also indicated to Mr. Reynolds that all Air Corps [illegible]tallations have been alerted to run out each reported sighting to obtain all [illegible]ible data to assist in this research project. In passing, General Schulgen [illegible]ed that an Air Corps pilot who believed that he saw one of these objects was [illegible]roughly interrogated by General Schulgen and scientists, as well as a psy-[illegible]chologist, and the pilot was adamant in his claim that he saw a flying disk. General Schulgen advised Mr. Reynolds that the possibility exists that the first reported sightings of the so-called flying disks were fallacious and prompted by individuals seeking personal publicity, or were reported for political reasons. He stated that if this is so, subsequent sightings might be the result of a mass hysteria. He pointed out that the thought exists that the first reported sightings might have been by individuals of Communist sympathies with the view to causing hysteria and fear of a secret Russian weapon. General Schulgen indicated to Mr. Reynolds that he is desirous of having all the angles covered in this matter. He stated that reports of his scientists and findings of the various Air Corps installations will be available in his office. He advised that to complete the picture he desired the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in locating and questioning the individuals who first sighted the so-called flying disks in order to ascertain whether or not they are sincere in their statements that they saw these disks, or whether their statements were prompted by personal desire for publicity or political reasons. General Schulgen assured Mr. Reynolds that there are no War Department or Navy Department research projects presently being conducted which could in any way be tied up with the flying disks. General Schulgen indicated to Mr. Reynolds that if the Bureau would cooperate with him in this matter, he would offer all the facilities of his office as to results obtained in the effort to identify and run down this matter. Mr. Reynolds advised General Schulgen that his request would be made known to the Bureau and an answer made available to him as soon as possible. RECORDED 62-83894-33 51 AUG 7 1947 [Routing list at upper right: Tolson, E. A. Tamm, Clegg, Glavin, Ladd, Nichols, Rosen, Carson, Egan, Gurnea, Harbo, Mohr, Pennington, Quinn Tamm, Tele. Room, Nease, Beahm, Gandy; handwritten notes] [PAGE 126] [Diagram: reverse side of the memorandum on page 125, showing faint mirrored bleed-through of the typed text and many mirrored FBI / U.S. Dept. of Justice "RECEIVED" stamps (Tamm, Tolson, Nichols, Director) dated July-August 1947, among them JUL 11 8 51 AM '47, JUL 15 6 45 PM '47, JUL 15 3 17 PM '47, AUG 1 12 PM '47, AUG 1 2 13 PM '47] [PAGE 127] Memorandum for Mr. Ladd Mr. Reynolds also discussed this matter with Colonel L. R. Forney of MID. Colonel Forney indicated that it was his attitude that inasmuch as it has been established that the flying disks are not the result of any Army or Navy experiments, the matter is of interest to the FBI. He stated that he was of the opinion that the Bureau, if at all possible, should accede to General Schulgen's request. SWR:AJB ADDENDUM I would recommend that we advise the Army that the Bureau does not believe it should go into these investigations, it being noted that a great bulk of those alleged discs reported found have been pranks. It is not believed that the Bureau would accomplish anything by going into these investigations. DML [Handwritten] I think we should do this 7-15 [Handwritten] I would do it but before agreeing to it we must insist upon full access to discs recovered. For instance in the Ia. case the Army grabbed it & would not let us have it for cursory examination. - 2 - [PAGE 128] July 30, 1947 Mr. George J. Pluskat, 907 Seneca Avenue, Brooklyn 27, New York Dear Mr. Pluskat: I desire to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated July 14, 1947, and to express my appreciation to you for bringing this matter to my attention. The information set forth in your letter has been carefully reviewed and is being maintained in this Bureau as a matter of record. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover, Director NOTE: Pluskat has been a previous correspondent with the Bu file 62-0-34750. [Text present — not reproduced: remark about a private individual's mental health] [Stamp: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED JUL 31 1947 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE] RECORDED 62-83894-35 JLS:FM 58 AUG 13 1947 [Routing list at left margin: Tolson, E. A. Tamm, Clegg, Glavin, Ladd, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Carson, Egan, Gurnea, Harbo, Hendon, Pennington, Quinn Tamm, Nease, Gandy] [PAGE 129] 907 Seneca Ave., Brooklyn 27, N.Y. July 14th, 1947., Mr. J. Edgar Hoover, Chief, of the F.B.I. Washington, D.C. Dear Sir; Please forgive me for taking up your time, with this item. It really isn't necessary. Yet, although everybodys tongue was wagging from the East and to the West coast, I couldn't resist putting my oar in. Flying Saucers in the Sky. Heading for the Milky Way. Funny? I dont know. We read and read and read. "Sky Disc Derby Open to All"-"Calls "Saucers" Trick of Vision"-"Believe it or not, 27 States see those flying saucers"-"Who saw the Saucers? 40 States in the Game"-"Celestial Dishes sought between the Raindrops"-"Find 'Disk' is weather kite"-"Disks called chunks of Mirage"-"Report new Red Planes resemble 'Flying Saucers'". -Air-liner crew reports seeing 9 flying disks for 12 minutes". That's the way it went on, for days and days. Please, dont remind me that this is a military problem. Soldiers fight the enemy out in the open and away from home if possible. The Federal Agents (the unsung heroes) fight the enemy under cover and in their home grounds. So. Here I am. These so-called saucers may be kites, but according to reports, these things didn't flutter or float, they sailed and kites don't sail, the stranges part is, they all sailed in the same direction, from West to East. Rewards were offered, no collectors. Planes chased them, none captured. They had to land, no finders. So. As long as the Military, Scientist and Civilians deny, being responsible for this. Were doed it lead to? An enemy. A little while back, it was mentioned somewhere that Russia had or has a contraption for their next war, emitting sound (like a silent whistle for dogs) what it's to do, to their enemy, I don't know. If a country was experimenting such a weapon, the brave people of the U.S. were not scared. They only informed the so-called enemy how successful they were. It could be an optical illusion, or; supposing some unwelcomed persons, planted a few well chosen words, here and there and left the rest to a confused mind. These innocent people reporting the phenomena. What confuses me is, that when we became too curious and determined to find out what they really are, those things disappeared and we found substitutes, called kites. These things resembling description as near as possible to the real thing. Why couldn't these things have been directed back home again like a homing pigeon? To make sport of this thing, is bad taste. It sort of reminds me of the boy that cried WOLF. When the wolf really came. Twas sad. He, was a niceboy. There should be a [illegible] law, against such jokes or experiments in the near future. They should be con[illegible] [illegible] announced to the proper authorities. These [illegible], should be tried for treason, even; if the so-called joke seems [illegible]less or ridicules. We can't take any chances. At this age, Time is slow. Man, is [illegible] This POOH POOH business. is no joke. I had in mind that the floods were responsible for these disks (mirages) t[illegible] rushing waters of the Mississippi, Missouri, Platte, Columbia and Ohio Rivers. [illegible] sun going from East to West, plus the Catskill in the Easterly North, The Blu[e] Ridge in the East and the Rocky Mountains in the West. Reflections, or whatev[er] were, went from West to East. Hence the Disks? I hope Respectfully Submitt[ed] [signature] George J. Pluskat. RECORDED & INDEXED 62-83894- 51 [PAGE 130] MEMORANDUM FOR D. M. LADD 7/23/47 RECOMMENDATION There is attached a Bureau Bulletin to the Field for their assistance in handling this matter. Attachment - 2 - [PAGE 131] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : D. M. LADD FROM : E. G. Fitch DATE: 7/24/47 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS Reference is made to my memorandum to you in the above captioned matter dated July 10, 1947, indicating that Brigadier General George F. Schulgen of the Army Air Corps Intelligence had requested that the Bureau cooperate with the Army Air Corps Intelligence in connection with the above captioned matter. The Director noted on the referenced memorandum, "I would do it but before agreeing to it we must insist upon full access to discs recovered. For instance in the Ia. case the Army grabbed it and would not let us have it for cursory examination." This is to advise that Special Agent Reynolds has recontacted General Schulgen and advised him in connection with the Director's notation. General Schulgen indicated to Mr. Reynolds that he desired to assure Mr. Hoover of complete cooperation in this matter and stated that he would issue instructions to the field directing that all cooperation be furnished to the FBI and that all discs recovered be made available for the examination by the FBI Agents. General Schulgen pointed out to Mr. Reynolds that he will from time to time make the results of the studies of his scientists available to the Bureau for the assistance of the FBI Field Offices. General Schulgen indicated to Mr. Reynolds that there has been a decrease in the reported sightings of the discs which might be because of the fact that it has lost much of its publicity value. He indicated, however, that he believed it necessary to follow this matter through to determine as near as possible if discs were in fact seen and to determine their origin. General Schulgen inquired of Mr. Reynolds the method by which the Bureau would make the information obtained from the Bureau's inquiries, known to the Air Corps, in the Field as well as at the War Department level. Mr. Reynolds pointed out to General Schulgen that the best procedure appeared to be through the regular established channels. It was pointed out to General Schulgen that the Bureau Field Offices maintain close liaison with the Intelligence Divisions of the various Armies as well as close liaison with the Intelligence Division of the War Department. General Schulgen indicated that he would be satisfied to receive information through this means. General Schulgen indicated to Mr. Reynolds that he believed that there was a possibility that this entire matter might have been started by subversive individuals for the purpose of creating a mass hysteria. He suggested that the Bureau keep this in mind in any interviews conducted regarding reported sightings. General Schulgen stated to Mr. Reynolds that he would make available to the Bureau all information in the possession of the Air Corps regarding the sightings which were first reported so that the Bureau could conduct some investigation regarding these individuals to ascertain their motives for reporting that they had observed flying discs. When General Schulgen makes the information available regarding these individuals, it will be promptly brought to your attention. SW:mar RECORDED 62-83894- 50 SEP 30 1947 252 COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964 [Routing list at upper right: Tolson, E. A. Tamm, Clegg, Coffey, Glavin, Ladd, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Mohr, Carson, Hendon, Mumford, Jones, Quinn Tamm, Tele. Room, Nease, Beahm, Gandy] [PAGE 132] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : DIRECTOR, FBI FROM : SAC, EL PASO DATE: July 22, 1947 SUBJECT: Mrs. GWYNNE M. MERCHANT, Informant FLYING OBJECTS IN AIR Mrs. GWYNNE M. MERCHANT has come to the resident agency at Santa Fe, New Mexico on several occasions to report that she has received information concerning flying objects passing through the air. Some of the reports that she has received concern light objects seen at night which have allegedly been followed by explosions. She advised that one of such objects was reported by FRANK BURTRAM, Forest Ranger, who works near Canjilon, New Mexico. She claims that others were seen near Park View and Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico. Mrs. MERCHANT called attention to clippings from various newspapers concerning "disc-like" objects seen in New Mexico and other parts of the country. Mrs. MERCHANT claims to be a student of radio waves and ray forms, and contends that the above mentioned objects may be missiles similar to those appearing over Sweden some time ago. Mrs. MERCHANT has discussed the above with officials of the Atomic Energy Commission, and has written the Secretary of War and other government officials concerning her theories. Mr. SIDNEY NEWBURGER, Chief of Security and Intelligence for the A.E.C., has advised that officials at Los Alamos consider Mrs. MERCHANT [Text present — not reproduced: remarks about a private individual's reliability and health] On July 15, Mrs. MERCHANT came to the Santa Fe resident agency and advised that she had written to WALTER WINCHELL, promising him a story in connection with the "flying discs." The foregoing information is being submitted to the Bureau, inasmuch as Mrs. MERCHANT has written to several government officials and Mr. WINCHELL. 62-0-3594c FTM:GH RECORDED INDEXED 62-83894-37 38 FBI AUG 7 1947 EX 31 SEP 30 1947 252 [Handwritten notes in margin: Flying Discs; other notes illegible] [PAGE 133] [Diagram: reverse side of the memorandum on page 132, showing only faint mirrored bleed-through of the typed text and several mirrored RECEIVED stamps (FBI, Internal Security, Liaison Section, Mr. Jones) dated July-August 1947] [PAGE 134] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : D.M.LADD FROM : K.C.Howe DATE: July 7, 1947 9:50 PM SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS Miscellaneous SAC Weeks called from New Orleans on the matter discussed in the attached teletype. He wanted to know what policy the Bureau was following in connection with reports concerning these "flying discs" which were being received. I told Mr. Weeks that, unless advised to the contrary, he should, in the particular case at hand, allow G-2 to handle and not take any jurisdiction for the FBI. He was told the Bureau would be interested in being kept advised of developments, and in copies of the photographs he said G-2 would make of the object found, but that he should not allow himself to be jockeyed into a position where investigative responsibility, if any were entailed, would fall on us. Mr. Weeks said he would so handle unless I called him back immediately with instructions for specific action. As you will recall, I called you concerning the foregoing. KCH:h RECORDED 62-83894-38 32 AUG 6 1947 OCT 2 1947 212 [Routing list at right: Tolson, E. A. Tamm, Clegg, Glavin, Ladd, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Carson, Egan, Gurnea, Harbo, Mohr, Pennington, Quinn Tamm, Tele. Room, Nease, Holmes, Gandy; handwritten notes including Harvey, Fletcher] [PAGE 135] [Diagram: reverse side of the memorandum on page 134, showing only faint mirrored bleed-through of the typed text and several RECEIVED stamps (FBI Technical Laboratory, Liaison Section, Internal Security, Received-Tamm) dated July-October 1947] [PAGE 136] CONFIDENTIAL [Stamp: DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 90986] COPY UNIDENTIFIABLE OBJECTS Williams Field, Chandler Arizona 7 July 1947 MEMORANDUM FOR THE OFFICER IN CHARGE: 1. On 1 July 1947, Lt William G. McGinty, USN, 195803, P-80 Student, Williams Field, Chandler, Arizona, was interviewed by this Agent, and stated in substance: That on 30 June 1947, at about 0910, MST, he was flying at 25,000 feet over Grand Canyon, Arizona, in a P-80 type aircraft. He stated that he was heading south towards Williams Field, Ariz., when he saw two round objects going at inconceivable speeds, straight down. He further stated that his reactions were to turn away from the objects. He further stated that one of the unidentifiable objects followed the other seconds apart. He further stated that due to the speed of the objects, he could only see that they were circular, and that they were possible light gray in color. He further stated that it was his opinion that the objects were approximately eight feet in diameter. In conclusion, he stated that the objects would have probably hit the ground approximately twenty-five miles south of the South Rim of Grand Canyon, Arizona. AGENT'S NOTES: Lt McGinty gave his permanent address as: N.A.M.T.C., Point Hugu, Port Hueneme, Calif. 2. On 1 July 1947, Captain Malcolm G. Armstrong, 0-734168, Instructor, Single Engine, Williams Field, Chandler, Arizona, was interviewed by this Agent and stated in substance: That his brother 1st Lt E. B. Armstrong, stationed at Hq, 10th AAF, Brooks AAF, Texas had related to him that he saw a formation of unexplainable objects in the vicinity of Lake Mead, Nev. Captain Armstrong, further stated that his brother stated the objects were heading south, and were at approximately 10,000 feet altitude. AGENT'S NOTES: Captain Armstrong could not give too much information on the objects that his brother had seen. Lt. E. B. Armstrong can be contacted at Hq, 10th AAF, Brooks Field, Texas for further information. Lynn C. Aldrich, Special Agent, CIC AAF, FDTRC THIS IS A TRUE COPY /s/ John K. Orr, JOHN K. ORR, Major, A.C. RECORDED & INDEXED 62-83894-38 X FBI 15 NOV 5 1947 EX-4 53 NOV 2[illegible] Fletcher CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 137] Date : August 1, 1947 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL [struck through; handwritten "Declassified" with date] To : Director of Intelligence War Department General Staff The Pentagon Washington 25, D. C. Attention: Colonel L. R. Forney, Chief, Security Group From : John Edgar Hoover, Director - Federal Bureau of Investigation Subject : MRS. ARTHUR DOUGLASS ANDERSON There are attached hereto copies of a letter received from the above-captioned individual concerning "flying saucers." Mrs. Anderson's letter has been acknowledged and she has been advised that copies of her letter have been furnished to you for your consideration. Attachment WVC:mjp RECORDED & INDEXED 62-83894-39 37 FBI 16 AUG 7 1947 68 AUG 13 1947 [Handwritten: "to Mr. Jenkins MID 8/4/47" and other notes; routing list at left margin: Tolson, E. A. Tamm, Clegg, Glavin, Ladd, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Carson, Egan, Gurnea, Harbo, Hendon, Pennington, Quinn Tamm, Nease, Gandy] [PAGE 138] [Diagram: reverse side of the memorandum on page 137, showing only faint mirrored bleed-through of the typed text and handwritten notes] [PAGE 139] CARBON COPY FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION AUG 6 1947 TELETYPE FBI PORTLAND 8-5-47 8-50 PM WMS DIRECTOR AND SACS SEATTLE AND SAN FRANCISCO U R G E N T FLYING DISCS, SM DASH X. RE TELEPHONE CALL FROM MR. LADD, ONE PM TODAY REQUESTING TELETYPE SUMMARY CONCERNING NEWSPAPER REPORTS OF RECENT REPORTED FLYING DISCS IN PORTLAND AREA AND A REPORTED CONFERENCE OF ARMY OFFICIALS IN PORTLAND CONCERNING FLYING DISCS. LEAVERITT G. RICHARDS, AVIATION EDITOR THE OREGONIAN, ADVISED THAT A CAPTAIN WILLIAM L. DAVIDSON AND LT. FRANK M. BROWN OF FOURTH AAF HEADQUARTERS, SAN FRANCISCO WERE IN PORTLAND JULY TWENTYSEVEN LAST AND INTERVIEWED DICK RANKIN, AN EXPERIENCED PILOT, WHO HAD REPORTED JUNE FOURTEEN LAST SEEING A FORMATION OF TEN FLYING DISCS OVER BAKERSFIELD, CALIF. ACCORDING TO RICHARDS THEY HAD ALSO INTERVIEWED FOLLOWING FOUR EXPERIENCED PILOTS WHO WERE AMONG FIRST WHO REPORTED SEEING DISCS - KENNETH ARNOLD, BUSINESS MAN, BOISE, IDAHO, CAPTAIN E. J. SMITH AND CO-PILOT RALPH STEVENS, UNITED AIRLINES, AND DAVE JOHNSON, AVIATION EDITOR, IDAHO STATESMAN. TO ASCERTAIN THE PURPOSE OF THE INTERVEWS RICHARDS CONTACTED MAJOR GENERAL TWINING OF WRIGHT FIELD, OHIO BY PHONE AT ALBUQUERQUE, NM, AND FROM HIM GAINED THE IMPRESSION THAT THE AAF INSTITUTED THIS INVESTIGATION TO WASH OUT THE DISC REPORTS, SINCE THEY ARE DEFINITELY NOT OF AAF ORIGIN. ON FRIDAY, AUGUST FIRST, THE PLANE IN WHICH AAF INVESTIGATORS CAPTAIN DAVIDSON AND LT. BROWN WERE RIDING, CRASHED AT KELSO, WASH. AND BOTH [Routing list at upper right: Tolson, E. A. Tamm, Clegg, Glavin, Ladd, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Egan, Gurnea, Harbo, Mohr, Pennington, Quinn Tamm, Nease, Gandy; handwritten notes including Fletcher] [PAGE 140] [Diagram: reverse side of the teletype on page 139, showing only faint mirrored bleed-through of the typed text and mirrored RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I. stamps (AUG 6 10 35 AM; SEP 15 9 01 AM)] [PAGE 141] I PAGE TWO WERE KILLED. THE WRECKAGE WAS SCREENED BY AAF INTELLIGENCE FROM MCCHORD FIELD. THE TACOMA NEWS TRIBUNE AND THROUGH THEM THE UNITED PRESS PUT OUT A STORY THE PLANE WAS CARRYING PARTS OF A DISC WHICH HAD STRUCK A BOAT OWNED BY HAROLD DAHL AND FRED CRISMAN , TACOMA, WN. RICHARDS ADVISED THAT TODAYS ISSUE OF THE OREGONIAN CARRIES A UP STORY STATING THAT DAHL DENIES SAYING THE METAL FRAGMENTS HE FURNISHED WERE FROM A DISC, AND ANALYSIS OF THE FRAGMENTS SHOWS THEM TO BE FROM A TACOMA SLAG MILL. NO AAF INTELLIGENCE PERSONNEL AVAILABLE PORTLAND. NO RECENT SUBSTANTIVE REPORTS OF FLYING DISCS IN THE PORTLAND AREA. SEATTLE VERIFY AT MCCHORD FIELD AND SAN FRANCISCO VERIFY AT AAF HDQRTS. SF, SUBMITTING TELETYPE SUMMARIES TO THE BUREAU. NO FURTHER INVESTIGATION PORTLAND. BOBBITT END AND ACK WA 0157AM OK FBI WA DW SE S OK FBI SE KLS SF OK FBI SF NCW DVIMSC [Handwritten] 8/6/47 CC Mr. Ladd. [PAGE 142] [Diagram: reverse side of the teletype on page 141, showing only faint mirrored bleed-through of the typed text and stamps] Stamps: RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Aug 6 1 00 AM '47; (mirrored) RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE stamps dated AUG 6 and SEP 15 1947 [PAGE 143] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION AUG 6 1947 TELETYPE FBI PORTLAND 8-5-47 8-50 PM WMS DIRECTOR AND SACS SEATTLE AND SAN FRANCISCO U R G E N T FLYING DISCS, SM DASH X. RE TELEPHONE CALL FROM MR. LADD, ONE PM TODAY REQUESTING TELETYPE SUMMARY CONCERNING NEWSPAPER REPORTS OF RECENT REPORTED FLYING DISCS IN PORTLAND AREA AND A REPORTED CONFERENCE OF ARMY OFFICIALS IN PORTLAND CONCERNING FLYING DISCS. LEAVERITT G. RICHARDS, AVIATION EDITOR THE OREGONIAN, ADVISED THAT A CAPTAIN WILLIAM L. DAVIDSON AND LT. FRANK M. BROWN OF FOURTH AAF HEADQUARTERS, SAN FRANCISCO WERE IN PORTLAND JULY TWENTYSEVEN LAST AND INTERVIEWED DICK RANKIN, AN EXPERIENCED PILOT, WHO HAD REPORTED JUNE FOURTEEN LAST SEEING A FORMATION OF TEN FLYING DISCS OVER BAKERSFIELD, CALIF. ACCORDING TO RICHARDS THEY HAD ALSO INTERVIEWED FOLLOWING FOUR EXPERIENCED PILOTS WHO WERE AMONG FIRST WHO REPORTED SEEING DISCS - KENNETH ARNOLD, BUSINESS MAN, BOISE, IDAHO, CAPTAIN E. J. SMITH AND CO-PILOT RALPH STEVENS, UNITED AIRLINES, AND DAVE JOHNSON, AVIATION EDITOR, IDAHO STATESMAN. TO ASCERTAIN THE PURPOSE OF THE INTERVEWS RICHARDS CONTACTED MAJOR GENERAL TWINING OF WRIGHT FIELD, OHIO BY PHONE AT ALBUQUERQUE, NM, AND FROM HIM GAINED THE IMPRESSION THAT THE AAF INSTITUTED THIS INVESTIGATION TO WASH OUT THE DISC REPORTS, SINCE THEY ARE DEFINITELY NOT OF AAF ORIGIN. ON FRIDAY, AUGUST FIRST, THE PLANE IN WHICH AAF INVESTIGATORS CAPTAIN DAVIDSON AND LT. BROWN WERE RIDING, CRASHED AT KELSO, WASH. AND BOTH RECORDED & INDEXED 62-83894-43 127 EX-50 FBI 51 OCT 2 1947 COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964 [Routing list at upper right: Tolson, E. A. Tamm, Clegg, Glavin, Ladd, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Egan, Gurnea, Harbo, Mohr, Pennington, Quinn Tamm, Nease, Gandy; handwritten notes including Fletcher] [PAGE 144] [Diagram: reverse side of the teletype on page 143, showing only faint mirrored bleed-through of the typed text and mirrored RECEIVED stamps (Received-Tamm AUG 6 9 18 AM '47; Internal Security F.B.I. AUG 15 2 26 PM '47; SEP 15 9 01 AM '47)] [PAGE 145] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : D. M. LADD FROM : E. G. Fitch DATE: August 6, 1947 SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS Special Agent S.W. Reynolds of the Liaison Section contacted Lieutenant Colonel C. P. Martin, Army Air Forces Intelligence, inquiring about an article which appeared in the West Coast newspapers recently stating in substance that an airplane carrying recovered flying saucers crashed in route from Portland, Oregon, to Los Angeles, California. Colonel Martin advised Mr. Reynolds that the only information that has been received by Headquarters of the Army Air Forces is that a CIC Agent of the 4th Air Forces Headquarters, Hamilton Field, San Francisco, was killed in an airplane crash. The Headquarters of the Air Forces have been advised that he was on a top secret mission. Colonel Martin indicated that he was under the impression that the CIC Agent was either on route to or from an interview with Mr. Arnold who is one of the individuals who first saw one of the flying saucers. Colonel Martin stated that the Air Forces have no additional information and will receive none until the report is received from the 4th Air Forces. Colonel Martin suggested that the San Francisco Field Office contact Colonel Springer, Headquarters 4th Air Forces, Hamilton Field, San Francisco, who undoubtedly would be able to furnish the details regarding this matter which are at this time unknown by the Headquarters of the Air Forces. Colonel Martin pointed out to Mr. Reynolds, however, that it was his belief that no flying saucers have been recovered but that it was merely an attempt to reinterview an individual who previously had reported seeing one of the flying saucers. SW:mar RECORDED 62-83894-42 AUG 19 1947 263 [Routing list at right: Tolson, E. A. Tamm, Clegg, Glavin, Ladd, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Carson, Egan, Gurnea, Harbo, Mohr, Pennington, Quinn Tamm, Tele. Room, Nease, Holmes, Gandy; handwritten notes] [PAGE 146] [Diagram: reverse side of the memorandum on page 145, showing only faint mirrored bleed-through of the typed text and RECEIVED stamps (Liaison Section AUG 19 9 18 AM '47; Internal Security F.B.I. AUG 15 4 38 PM '47; Received-Tamm AUG 6 11 01 AM '47)] [PAGE 147] Robert J. Sroka 469 N. Washington Ave. Waukesha, Wis. Attn. Federal Bureau of Investigation Gentlemen; Flying Discs Recently I have heard and read about reports of disc-shaped aircraft, or whatever they are, in our western regions. They reminded me of a nearly forgotten incident in Germany, after the war. I report this to you because I feel this may be of international scope. My buddy and I went on pass to see a friend of his. One evening the three of us were driving along some back roads when I sighted a strange looking object in the sky from eight to ten miles to our front and approximatly 5,000 feet high. I immediatly stopped the jeep for a better look. The object rapidly came toward us, descending slowly. About a mile away it stopped it's horizontal motion but continued a slow oscillating descent, similar to a descending parachute. Then suddenly it dropped in a spiral motion. Immediatly I drove over to where it had dropped. It took almost five minutes to reach the place but we saw nothing. After ten minutes of cruising around the area it became too dark to see so we went back to town. I am not sure my companions saw this, because it happened so quickly it could easily have been missed, but I described what I had seen so vividly that they were as excited as I was. My first impression was that it was a cloud, but it was traveling at right angles to the wind. The local of this incident was approximatly 20 miles north-west of Habberbishopshiem. If necessary, I will swear to the authenticity of this and to the shape of the object. Sincerely Yours, Robert J. Sroka RECORDED & INDEXED 62-83894-41 FBI JUL 29 1947 [partly illegible] [Handwritten notes in margins, partly illegible] [PAGE 148] [Diagram: reverse side of the letter on page 147, showing only faint mirrored bleed-through of the typed text and one RECEIVED stamp (Internal Security F.B.I. Dept. of Justice, JUL 11 5 10 PM '47)] [PAGE 149] L-26 Invoice of Contents from FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION WASHINGTON, D. C. Date 9-10-47 Case References Flying Saucer Consigned to: Mrs. J. H. Mixon Route 1, Box 30 Estill, South Carolina List of Contents Powered Soap Stone. Mr. Harbo, 7641 Mr. Conrad, 7142 Mr. Downing, 7632 Mr. Sizoo, 7601 Mr. Baughman, 7121 [Stamp: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED 7 SEP 13 1947 P.M.] [Stamp: REGISTERED] 497251 [Handwritten: 9-13-47] SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Mail Room, place date of shipment and registry number; Shipping Room, show date of shipment and initial this invoice; then return it to person whose name is checked in column at right. After this checked name has been initialed, invoice should be placed in administrative file. 62-83894- [PAGE 150] [Diagram: reverse side of the invoice on page 149, showing only faint mirrored bleed-through of the printed text and a stamp: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION, MAILED 7, SEP 13 1947 P.M., FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE] [PAGE 151] [Handwritten: Declassified 2040 8/31/77 HM] [Stamp: RECORDED] Date: August 5, 1947 62-83894-41 [CONFIDENTIAL — struck through] BY SPECIAL MESSENGER To: Director of Intelligence War Department General Staff The Pentagon Washington 25, D. C. Attention: Colonel L. R. Forney, Chief, Security Group From: John Edgar Hoover - Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation Subject: ROBERT J. SROKA There are attached hereto copies of a letter received from the above-captioned individual concerning "flying discs." Mr. Sroka's letter has been acknowledged and he has been advised that copies of his letter have been furnished to you for your consideration. Attachment WVC:mjp:rb [Routing list: Mr. Tolson, Mr. E. A. Tamm, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Carson, Mr. Egan, Mr. Gurnea, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Hendon, Mr. Pennington, Mr. Quinn Tamm, Mr. Nease, Miss Gandy] [Stamp: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION AUG - 7 1947 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE] [Stamp: RECEIVED] AUG 6 12 28 PM [Handwritten notes and initials] [PAGE 152] [Diagram: reverse side of the letter on page 151, showing only mirrored bleed-through of the typed text (August 5, 1947 letter to the Director of Intelligence, subject Robert J. Sroka) and a stamp reading COMMUNICATIONS SECTION, F B I, RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM, AUG 6 1947] [PAGE 153] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CC-150 To: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION. Transmit the following message to: AUGUST 7, 1947 SAC, DETROIT "URGENT" UNSUBS, RAYMOND EDWARD LANE, MRS. LAURA LANE, INFORMANTS, FLYING DISC, MISC. REURTEL AUGUST 5 MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE FORWARDED TO FBI LABORATORY FOR EXAMINATION BUT SHOULD BE TURNED OVER TO THE ARMY AIRFORCE INTELLIGENCE. HOOVER RGF:mae [Routing list: Mr. Tolson, Mr. E. A. Tamm, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Carson, Mr. Egan, Mr. Gurnea, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Hendon, Mr. Pennington, Mr. Quinn Tamm, Mr. Nease, Miss Gandy] [Stamps: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION AUG 7 1947; TELETYPE; RECORDED & INDEXED; RECEIVED READING ROOM AUG 7 7 38 PM; FBI AUG 11 1947; COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964; 58 AUG 13 1947] 62-83894-40 SENT VIA M Per [PAGE 154] [Diagram: reverse side of the teletype on page 153, showing only mirrored bleed-through of the typed message and stamps (COMMUNICATIONS SECTION AUG 7 1947, TELETYPE, RECORDED & INDEXED, COPIES DESTROYED NOV 18 1964)] [PAGE 155] [Stamp: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION AUG 4 1947 TELETYPE] [Routing list: Mr. Tolson, Mr. E. A. Tamm, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Egan, Mr. Gurnea, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Mohr, Mr. Pennington, Mr. Quinn Tamm, Mr. Nease, Miss Gandy] WASHINGTON 1 FROM NEWARK 8-4-47 5-36 PM EDST JFG DIRECTOR URGENT FLYING DISC REPORTED AT HACKENSACK, NJ AUGUST THREE, NINETEEN FORTY SEVEN, MISC. INFORMATION RECEIVED THAT CHARLES CASELLA, JR. AGE [redacted] AGE TWENTY, TWO EIGHT SEVEN EUCLID AVENUE, HACKENSACK AND WILLIAM TRUEX, US ARMY, FT. DIX, NJ ON LATE AFTERNOON AUGUST THIRD LAST SIGHTED FROM GROUND OBJECT DESCRIBED AS FLYING DISC. CASELLA CLAIMED IT WAS TWO HUNDRED [redacted] YDS, IN AIR, REVOLVING SLOWLY, MOVING RAPIDLY, AND NEITHER A KITE NOR A BALLOON. CASELLA TELEPHONED INFORMATION TO HACKENSACK PD. INQUIRY BEING MADE, BUREAU WILL BE KEPT ADVISED. MC KEE RECORDED 62-83894-44 END ACK PLS NK R 1 WA [Handwritten notes and initials; stamps: FBI AUG 11; 50 SEP 30 1947; FX-46] [PAGE 156] [Diagram: reverse side of the teletype on page 155, showing only mirrored bleed-through of the typed text and received stamps: RECEIVED-LADD FBI Aug 4 8 07 PM '47; RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Aug 4 5 37 PM '47 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; RECEIVED LIAISON SECTION Aug 5 2 03 PM '47; RECEIVED LIAISON SECTION Aug 8 11 11 AM '47; RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY FBI Aug 5 10 18 AM] [PAGE 157] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Director, FBI DATE: August 8, 1947 FROM : SAC, Norfolk SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS Re Bureau Bulletin No. 42, dated July 30, 1947, Series 1947, wherein information is set forth pertaining to flying discs. There is enclosed with this letter a newspaper clipping from the "Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch", dated July 9, 1947. The photograph appearing on this clipping is alleged to represent a flying disc which was observed by BILLY TURRENTINE, a Norfolk school boy, who was successful in photographing the object with his small camera. BILLY was interviewed on August 8, 1947 by Special Agent (A) THOMAS J. CONNOR, at which time BILLY informed that the original negative was given by him to a Mr. BROWN of the Photo Craftsman Service, who in turn furnished the negative to the International News Service. BILLY advised that he has an agreement with Mr. BROWN whereby the latter will share equally in any profits derived from the use of the negative by commercial firms or newspapers. As of August 8, 1947 BILLY has not received any remuneration for the use of this negative. He informed that he was sitting on the front porch of his apartment which is located on the third floor at 410 West 14th Street, Norfolk, Virginia, around noontime on July 8, 1947. He had read numerous newspaper articles pertaining to flying discs and decided to sit on his front porch in the hopes of seeing one and attempting to photograph it. On July 8, 1947 BILLY observed a large, black object moving rapidly through space proceeding from the southwest to a northeast direction. He said the black object was followed by two smaller objects which also proceeded in the same direction. BILLY explained that the objects were moving at a very fast speed which appeared to him to be much faster than the speed of an airplane, and further, that the objects appeared to be extremely high. He said that they were much higher than the average plane travels in the City of Norfolk and appeared to be above the clouds, and that a white mist followed each of the three objects. BILLY was unable to state what the black objects represented, but admitted that they could have been large balloons. He indicated that he has observed small, toy balloons flying through the air, but that definitely these were not the toy type balloons. He said that when he first observed the objects they were at such a great distance from him that it was not necessary that he raise his head in order to see them from his porch on the third floor of the apartment building. He immediately turned around to obtain [Stamps: RECORDED, INDEXED; 60 OCT 4 1947; COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964; AUG 11 1947] 62-83894-45 [Handwritten notes and initials] [PAGE 158] [Diagram: reverse side of the memorandum on page 157, showing only mirrored bleed-through of its typed text and overlapping stamps: RECEIVED LIAISON SECTION Aug 19 4 33 PM '47; RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I. Aug 18 2 19 PM '47, DEPT. OF JUSTICE] [PAGE 159] Letter to Director, FBI Re: FLYING DISCS August 8, 1947 his camera and estimated it took him approximately twenty to thirty seconds, at which time the discs were almost directly over his apartment and it was necessary that he stoop and look up almost perpendicular in order to obtain the photograph, which accounts for the porch railing being shown in the newspaper clipping. BILLY pointed out that the day on which he took the picture, the weather was hazy and somewhat cloudy and there was a slight breeze blowing from the southwest in the general direction of the northeast, which is the same direction traveled by the black image which he photographed. Inasmuch as the Army authorities in the Tidewater Area of Virginia are cognizant of the above information, no further investigation will be conducted by this office in this matter. Enclosure. TJC:lab 62-182 - 2 - [PAGE 160] Clipping From Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch Date 7-9-47 Flying Disc 'Bigger Than Automobile' Photographed By Youth Who Is Amazed Because No One Else Saw It By GEORGE HEBERT The flying disc "was lots bigger than an automobile," and 15-year-old Bil Turrentine, of 410 West Fourteenth Street, doesn't understand why almost everybody in Norfolk didn't see it. In fact, when he came to the Ledger-Dispatch with a photograph he had taken of the object, he wanted to know why the newspapers hadn't already taken a picture of it. "I thought your photographers were fast," he told a reporter. few seconds later didn't look anything like saucers." Looked Like Football The boy stuck to his football comparison, explaining that the object was sort of rounded, more oval than disc-like, and that though it wobbled in its northeastward flight it was traveling very rapidly, about 600 miles an hour. He guessed that the altitude of the thing was about 5,000 feet, just below the clouds. In color it was "gray, almost black," and looked like a "burned crisp," or maybe a rock or stone. The edges glittered, he said, and seemed to be trailing dust. Neither it nor the two which followed made any sound. Bill said he wasn't very surprised when he saw the object, but "almost killed myself" getting shots of it with his camera, set at 1/100th of a second. He called his 18-year-old sister, Josephine, to come and look, but apparently she didn't believe him. As the "flying football" passed over, Bill said he took three shots of it, but when he hurriedly developed the film, after legging it to Olney Road for a vial of developer, only one negative came out well enough for reproduction. He showed a reporter a contact print he had made himself, and the picture reproduced here is an enlargement made by Photo Craftsmen. Photo experts of this firm are convinced that the boy did a fine job with the old camera he was using. Having closely examined the negative, they said the only flaw was in the kind of film, which perhaps didn't bring out enough detail. They pointed out, however, that this wasn't really a flaw, in view of the fact that Bill's photograph, with the comparison afforded by the front porch rail and the trees, was certainly the best one taken since the mysterious discs were first reported. (Editor's Note: Although the Ledger-Dispatch has had many reports of flying discs and saucers in recent days, no other person reported seeing the object which Turrentine photographed.) However, Bill said he had done some fast moving himself shortly before noon Tuesday, when he stood on his front porch and saw the large gray object, "rocking and spinning like a football" and coming from the southwest. He had just returned from Summer school classes at Maury, he said, and with all the talk about "flying saucers," had gone out with his camera to see if he could see anything. "I don't see why they call them flying saucers," he said. "The big one I took a picture of and the two little ones that came behind it a [Photograph: dark oval object in the sky above trees and a stone porch railing] NORFOLK BOY AND PHOTO OF DISC—Bill Turrentine, 15, (right) tells Ledger-Dispatch reporter George Herbert (left) of the "lucky" circumstances which enabled him to take the photograph at far right of a flying disc. However, the boy said the object pictured here looked and moved more like a football, being rounded and oval, rather than disc-like. Bill took this picture from the porch of his home at 410 West Fourteenth Street between 11 o'clock and noon Tuesday, using an old camera, with the shutter set at 1/100th of a second. He said the "flying football" shown here was followed by two smaller ones, all moving at about 600 miles an hour and he guessed they were about 5,000 feet high, just below the clouds. The photograph reproduced here is an enlargement made by Photo Craftsmen. In the foreground of young Turrentine's picture is the porch rail of his home. [Handwritten: 62-83894-45] [Stamp: ENCLOSURE] [PAGE 161] [Stamp: The Flying Roll, 3615 Alexia Place, San Diego 4, Calif.] 6751 [Handwritten: Parsons, Jobson] THE ROUND ROBIN [struck through] THE FLYING ROLL San Diego, California. July 8, 1947 - (For your Information) - A MEMORANDUM OF IMPORTANCE - [Text present — not reproduced: self-published memorandum making esoteric and paranormal claims about the "flying saucers"] N. Meade Layne 3615 Alexia Place San Diego, California. [Text present — not reproduced: addendum with further esoteric claims] [Stamps and handwriting: INDEXED; NOT RECORDED; 62-83894-46; 50 SEP 30 1947; handwritten note "No Action"] [PAGE 162] [Diagram: reverse side of the memorandum on page 161, showing only mirrored bleed-through of its typed text and received stamps: RECEIVED-HARBO, LABORATORY DIVISION FBI, TECHNICAL LABORATORY, MR. JONES, dated Jul 29 and Jul 31 '47, U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE] [PAGE 163] COM-4a [Routing list: Mr. Tolson, Mr. E. A. Tamm, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Coffey, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Carson, Mr. Egan, Mr. Hendon, Mr. Pennington, Mr. Quinn Tamm, Mr. Nease, Miss Gandy] F.B.I. TELETYPE DECODED COPY WASH FROM SFRAN S2 8-9-47 2-50 PM KC DIRECTOR FBI AND SACS, SEATTLE AND PORTLAND URGENT FLYING DISKS, SECURITY MATTER-X. LT. COL. DONALD C. SPRINGER OF G2, SAN FRANCISCO, ADVISED TODAY HE HAS NO FURTHER INFORMATION AND THAT OUR SEATTLE OFFICE IS IN POSSESSION OF ALL INFORMATION KNOWN BY HIM AND IS HANDLING THE MATTER AT TACOMA, WASHINGTON. KIMBALL RECEIVED 8-9-47 8:15 AM EDST SACS SEATTLE AND PORTLAND ADVISED If the intelligence contained in the above message is to be disseminated outside the Bureau, it is suggested that it be suitably paraphrased in order to protect the Bureau's coding systems. [Stamps: G.I.R.-9; RECORDED; FX-45; FBI AUG 1947; 53 AUG 1947] 62-83894-47 [Handwritten notes and initials] [PAGE 164] [Diagram: reverse side of the teletype on page 163, showing only faint mirrored bleed-through and received stamps: RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Aug 9 11 26 PM '47; RADIO COMMUNICATIONS Aug 9 11 23 PM '47; RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I. Aug 11 9 31 AM] [PAGE 165] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : D. M. Ladd DATE: August 1, 1947 FROM : J. P. Coyne SUBJECT: MRS. ARTHUR DOUGLASS ANDERSON INFORMANT There is attached hereto a letter received from the captioned individual postmarked July 12, 1947, concerning "flying saucers." There is also attached a letter of acknowledgement to Mrs. Anderson together with a letter to the War Department for approval. It is recommended that the letter to the War Department be forwarded to the Liaison Section for transmittal to that agency. Attachments WVC:mjp [Handwritten: handled separately; Done] RECORDED 62-83894-48 [Stamps: INDEXED; G.I.R.-9; FBI AUG 12 1947; 50 SEP 30 1947] [PAGE 166] [Diagram: reverse side of the memorandum on page 165, showing only faint mirrored bleed-through and stamps: RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I. Aug 8 11 24 AM; AUG 8 1947; AUG 1947] [PAGE 167] [Stamp: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION AUG 11 1947 TELETYPE] [Routing list: Mr. Tolson, Mr. E. A. Tamm, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Egan, Mr. Gurnea, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Mohr, Mr. Pennington, Mr. Quinn Tamm, Mr. Nease, Miss Gandy] FBI PORTLAND 8-11-47 1-17 PM PST KAM DIRECTOR URGENT FLYING DISCS. SECURITY MATTER DASH X. ONE RED HATFIELD, FORMER NAVY PILOT AND PRESENTLY AIRPORT MANAGER, MYRTLE CREEK, [redacted] OREGON, REPORTS SEEING A MYSTERIOUS OBJECT ON TWO OCASIONS THE EVENING OF AUGUST SIXTH WHILE FLYING AT ABOUT FIVE THOUSAND FEET ABOVE MYRTLE CREEK. HATFIELD TO BE INTERVIEWED. BOBBITT END 5-18 PM OK FBI WASH DC GAR V [Stamps: RECORDED; INDEXED; 36 AUG 18 1947; 500 OCT 1 1947; EX-60; G.I.R.-9] 62-83894-49 [Handwritten notes and initials] [PAGE 168] [Diagram: reverse side of the teletype on page 167, showing only mirrored bleed-through of the typed text and received stamps: RECEIVED-LADD FBI Aug 11 5 38 PM '47; RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Aug 11 5 21 PM '47; RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I. Aug 12 9 55 AM '47] [PAGE 169] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: August 12, 1947 FROM : SAC, MILWAUKEE SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS SABOTAGE Reference is made to Bureau Bulletin No. 42, Series 1947, dated July 30, 1947, Section (B), which advises that all reports concerning flying discs should be investigated by field offices. Prior to the receipt of these instructions, two instances were called to the attention of this office concerning flying discs. One report was received July 7, 1947, the details of which are set forth in Milwaukee letter to the Bureau dated July 8, 1947, entitled, "Flying Discs or Saucers, Miscellaneous, Telephone Call from Mr. Fletcher at the Bureau at 8:30 a.m., 7-7-47." No investigation was conducted concerning this report. The second report was received by this office at 1:20 p.m. July 11, 1947, from Lieutenant Colonel HARRY W. SCHAEFER, who is in charge of the Civil Air Patrol of Wisconsin, an auxiliary of the Army Air Forces. On that occasion Colonel SCHAEFER, calling from Black River Falls, Wisconsin, telephonically advised this office that an object in the shape of a disc, nineteen inches in diameter had been found July 10, 1947, by one SIG HANSON, city electrician on the Jackson County fairgrounds, near Black River Falls, Wisconsin, about 3:30 p.m. The disc might be made of a substance such as cardboard covered by a silver airplane dope material. The contraption has a small wooden tail like a rudder in the back and inside of the disc is what appears to be an RCA photo-electric cell or tube. Also inside the disc is a little electric motor with a shaft running to the center of the disc. At one end of the shaft is a very small propeller. In Colonel SCHAEFER's opinion that contraption might possibly have been made by some juvenile. Colonel SCHAEFER stated that he desired to return the contraption to Milwaukee and eventually turn it over to the Army Air Forces, but that the finder, SIG HANSON, apparently wanted to get some publicity on his find and wanted it returned to him. This information was telephonically called to the attention of Assistant Director D. M. LADD of the Bureau on July 11, 1947. Subsequently, SAC H. K. JOHNSON telephoned Colonel FRED SIEBERT in charge of Counter Intelligence, Fifth Army, Chicago AC of S G-2 Headquarters Fifth Army, East Hyde Park Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, who stated he would contact Colonel SCHAEFER of Black River Falls, Wisconsin. No further investigation was conducted in this matter. [Stamps: 63 OCT 3 1947; COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964; RECORDED; INDEXED; G.I.R.-9; AUG 14 1947] 62-83894-50 [PAGE 170] Director 8-12-47 The above constitutes the only two instances in which this office was contacted concerning flying discs. Unless contrary instructions are received from the Bureau, this office does not contemplate taking any further action in connection with the above two cases, but will fully investigate all future reports concerning flying discs. JGF/ddc 98-0 -2- [PAGE 171] August 5, 1947 Mr. Fred H. Reibold 2315 Himebaugh Avenue Omaha, Nebraska Dear Mr. Reibold: I wish to acknowledge receipt of your letter postmarked July 10, 1947, together with its enclosure. Inasmuch as the information which you furnished is of interest to the War Department I have taken the liberty of furnishing it to that agency for their consideration. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director WVC:mjp:rb 62-83894 [Handwritten: Flying Discs] [Stamps: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED 5 AUG 1947 P.M.; RECORDED & INDEXED; EX-8; FBI AUG 16 1947; RECEIVED READING ROOM AUG 6 12 28 PM '47] 62-83894-51 [PAGE 172] F131 copy CONFIDENTIAL [Stamp: DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 90986] UNIDENTIFIABLE OBJECTS, WILLIAMS FIELD, CHANDLER, ARIZONA. 14 July 1947 MEMORANDUM FOR THE OFFICER IN CHARGE: On 8 July 1947, this Agent obtained pictures of unidentifiable objects, (Exhibits 1 and 2) from the managing editor of the Arizona Republic newspaper. The pictures were taken by Mr. William Rhoads, 4333 N. 14th St., Phoenix, Arizona, at sunset, on 7 July 1947. The Subject objects flew at unconceivable speeds, making three circles in the vicinity of Mr. Rhoads' home. The pictures were taken with a box camera, size 620. The photograph (Exhibit 1) was taken as the object passed in front of Mr. Rhoads, and Exhibit 2 as the object turned towards Mr. Rhoads. The height of the object was estimated at 1000 feet. AGENT'S NOTES: See Exhibits 1 and 2, photographs of unidentifiable objects, enlarged approximately 20 times. No further reports have been received by this office of objects seen by military personnel. Lynn. C. Aldrich, Special Agent, EIC - AAF, FDTRC CONFIDENTIAL copy [Stamp: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AUG 8 1947 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA ROUTED TO FILE] [Handwritten: Incl #1] [PAGE 173] CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] HEADQUARTERS FOURTH AIR FORCE Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2 Intelligence Hamilton Field, California 4AFDA 4 August 1947 333.5 ID SUBJECT: Investigation of "Flying Discs" TO: Special Agent in Charge, FBI, U. S. Dept of Justice, Suite 426, 111 Sutter Street, San Francisco 4, California. Inclosed herewith is information copy of MOIC and newspaper clipping re subject. 2 Incls: WILLIAM R. GRAHAM 1. MOIC Sorensen 7 Jul 47. Major, Air Corps 2. Newspaper clipping dtd Deputy AC of S, A-2 5 Jul 47. [Stamp: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AUG 7 1947 SAN FRANCISCO ROUTED TO FILE] CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] [PAGE 174] [Diagram: otherwise blank page with only a stamp ENCLOSURE and the file number 62-83894-52 at the top] [PAGE 175] [Banner: Best Possible Image] CONFIDENTIAL HEADQUARTERS FOURTH AIR FORCE Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2 Intelligence Hamilton Field, California 4AFDA 4 August 1947 333.5 ID SUBJECT: Investigation of "Flying Discs" TO: Special Agent in Charge, FBI, U. S. Dept. of Justice, Suite 426, 111 Sutter Street, San Francisco 4, California. Attached MOIC is forwarded for your information. William R. Graham [signature] WILLIAM R. GRAHAM Major, Air Corps Deputy AC of S, A-2 1 Incl: MOIC Aldrich, 14 Jul 47. [Stamp: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AUG 8 1947 SAN FRANCISCO ROUTED TO] CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 176] CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] HEADQUARTERS FOURTH AIR FORCE Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2 Intelligence Hamilton Field, California 4AFDA 4 August 1947 333.5 ID SUBJECT: Investigation of "Flying Discs" TO: Special Agent in Charge, U. S. Department of Justice, Suite 426, 111 Sutter Street, San Francisco, California. Forwarded herewith is information copy of statement and newspaper clipping re subject. 2 Incls: WILLIAM R. GRAHAM 1. Statement of RANKIN, Major, Air Corps dtd 30 Jul 47. Deputy AC of S, A-2 2. Newspaper clipping, dtd 3 Jul 47. [Stamp: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AUG 7 1947 SAN FRANCISCO ROUTED TO] CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] [PAGE 177] CONFIDENTIAL From the Oregon Journal - continued. MORE SEEN LATER. Several late flights of objects over Portland were reported Friday afternoon. E. A. Evans, 5433 SW Macadam avenue, said he saw three fly east across the Willamette river near the Ross Island bridge about 2 p.m. The objects did not appear high, he said, and were traveling so fast that, appearing in the west, they were out of sight in the east in two to four seconds. He said they resembled metallic disks glinting in the sunlight. Later, he said, he and neighbors saw a single disk-like object flying north far away and very high. At 4:30 p.m., Mrs. Lawrence J. Hayward, 6124 NE 21st Avenue, reported sighting a disk "like a new dime flipping around" in the air over the Sandy district. She said it seemed to be moving slowly. PAPER RECOVERED. Thomas W. Dwyer, 1232 NE 59th Avenue, said he sighted two white or silver objects flying southeast high over Portland a few minutes before 5 p.m. He reported another, headed northeast, over his home at 5:30 p.m. C. J. Bagne, Tigard, reported that four disks flew past Mount Jefferson at about 11 a.m. while he was driving near Redmond. Sherman Cook, 2000 NE 65th avenue, recovered from Rose City golf course a piece of paper he said had fallen from a great height in the sky. Time of its fall coincided with some of the reports of flying disks. The paper, of low quality, measured 23½ x 36 inches. SILVERED DISKS, DROPPED BY PLANE. EUGENE, July 5 -(AP)- A Eugene railroad cashier said Friday he saw silvered disks being dropped out of a light airplane flying over this city. E. F. Smith, Rt 2, Eugene, an assistant cashier for the Southern Pacific Railroad, said he was driving on a Eugene street when -- CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 178] CONFIDENTIAL FROM THE OREGON JOURNAL - 5 July 1947, Portland, Ore. AIRLINES CREW CONFIRMS REPORTS OF FLYING DISKS: FIVE SPOTTED. Circumstantial reports of flying disks in the sky Friday came from the crew of a United Airlines plane over Boise, Idaho, and a coast guardsman near Seattle, as well as from Portland area police and citizens. E. J. Smith, captain of the airliner, told United Press that he sighted five "somethings" which were "thin and smooth on the bottom and rough appearing on top." The objects appeared against the sunset shortly after the plane took off at 8:04 p.m., he said. "We saw them clearly," he reported. "We followed them in a northwesterly direction for about 45 miles. Finally the objects disappeared. We were unable to tell whether they outsped us or disintegrated." NOT AIRCRAFT. "We can't say whether they were saucer-like, oval or anything else," the captain said, "but whatever they were, they were not another aircraft, nor were they smoke or clouds." In Seattle, Coast Guardsman Frank Ryman, 27, reported to United Press that he snapped a picture from the front porch of his home which showed a "white saucer" flying over the north end of Lake Washington. Acme News Pictures, New York City, said a 7x9 inch print of the photograph showed two tiny dots, one of which was a flaw in the print. Don Metcalfe, 19, Oaks Amusement park employe, reported that he saw several objects "like spinning disks" in the sky Friday. He said several picnickers, including a woman pilot noticed them. In Vancouver, Wash., Sheriff's Deputies John Sullivan, Clarence McKay and Fred Krives heard the Portland police radio broadcast and ran out of the sheriff's office to look at the sky. Over Portland, three to five miles away, Sullivan said, they saw 20 to 30 objects "like a flight of geese." They heard a low humming sound. OTHERS DOUBTFUL. Col. G. R. Dodson, commander of the Oregon national guard, made an inspection of this area from the air after the disks were reported here. He said he saw nothing "suspicious." Only known military airplanes in the air at the time of the reports were 23 B-29 bombers near Astoria. Despite all the reports, at least two persons remained unconvinced of the existence of the disks. Al P. Sanford, Holgate moorage, gave his opinion that the objects were cottonwood blossoms. Burl Nollsch, 64, of 6604 N. Burrage avenue, telephoned the Journal to berate the newspapers for "perpetuating a hoax." He said he saw objects in the sky about a minute after an airplane passed over his house. To him the objects looked like bits of aluminum foil, perhaps cigarette wrappers. CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 179] CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] [Handwritten: FBI] PORTLAND, OREGON 30 July 1947 C-E-R-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-E On 30 July 1947 Mr Richard Rankin, 834 N. E. Simpson Street, Portland, Oregon was interviewed by this agent and stated in substance as follows: My name is Richard Rankin. I am 47 years old and have flown since I was nineteen years old. I first soloed in an air craft in 1919. I have flown over all the western parts of the United States many times and have mapped all of the western part of the United States during the years before the late war for the US Forest Service. I am familiar with almost every part of the western United States. During a great part of my life I have done stunt flying for air shows and various other types of aeronautical exhibitions. My brother was "Tex" Rankin who was quite well known in both civilian and Military flying circles for many years before his death and during the late war ran thousands of Flying Cadets through primary training schools owned and operated by him. To date I have accomplished 7000 hours in the air as pilot of both civilian and Military aircraft. I am well acquainted with most articles that one would see in the air and I feel that I am well qualified to say when I see articles flying through the air, although I would not attempt to say that I am infallable and state that I could definitely identify every object that might be flying through the air. The following is an account of what I saw on 14 June 1947 from the yard of my home at 1808 South "M" St, Bakersfield, California. At approximately 1200 noon on the 14 of June I was lying in the front yard of my home. There was a lad mowing the lawn at the time. I looked up into the sky and saw ten articles flying from the South to the North at what I would judge to be 8500 ft. The objects were flying at approximately what I would judge to be 350 miles per hour. As I have stated before, I have done quite a lot of map work for the US Forest Service. I distinctly remember that at the time I saw the articles I mentioned it to the lad who was mowing the lawn at the time. I told the lad that the objects were in all probability some sort of Army or Navy test planes from the nearby test centers on the deserts of Southern California. Having quite a knowledge of aircraft in general I attempted to explain to the lad mowing the lawn that the objects were probably on some sort of training mission for either the Army or Navy. At that time I did not give the slightest thought to anything but that the objects were some sort of test ship for the Government Services. The objects resembled the pictures that I have seen of the XF5U-1, the so called "Flying Flapjack" that the Navy is testing. After the objects disappeared I proceeded into the house and had my noon meal. At approximately 1415 I went back into the yard to sit and lie in the shade. At this time the objects reappeared going from North to South, although this time there were only seven of the articles. When I first saw the original ten objects they were flying in a "V" formation with one object seemingly stragling in the rear of the formation. When the objects appeared the second time they were still in the "V" formation although there was only seven of the objects at this time. I remember at this time that I told the lad, who was still working on the lawn, that pobably three of the objects had proceeded back to their base on a different course. I actually thought that this was the case, that the other three objects had probably gone back to their base on the other side of the mountains from Bakersfield. A week or so later when I read of Mr Kenneth Arnold claiming that he had seen articles flying through the air over the Cascade Mountains in [Stamp: AUG 7 1947 SAN FRANCISCO ROUTED TO] [Handwritten: Incl #1] CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] [PAGE 180] CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] COPY [Stamp: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AUG 7 1947 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA ROUTED TO FILE] FROM "THE OREGONIAN" - Thursday, July 3, 1947 PILOT RECALLS SEEING DISCS. Dick Rankin Tells Of Odd Aircraft: More reports of "flying flapjacks" turned up Wednesday, one from no less than Dick Rankin, brother of the late Tex Rankin, and himself an experienced pilot of more than 7000 hours' flying time. Rankin, who is recovering from an old back injury received in an automobile accident, came to Portland over the weekend to spend the summer. He saw the "silver saucers" over Bakersfield, Cal., June 23, while lying on the lawn sun bathing, he told The Oregonian. "I hesitated to say much about them," Rankin said, "until I noticed all the hullabaloo in the papers. I puzzled over their strange shape for a while and finally concluded that they were the navy's new XF5U-1 flying flapjacks, which are thin and round, with twin propellers and stubby tail." ONLY ONE XF5U-1 BUILT. The navy and the manufacturer have announced officially that only one such machine was built and that it never left Connecticut. "These planes were flying high, maybe 9000 feet, and fairly fast, about 300 or 400 miles an hour. I first counted ten of them in formation, going north. About 2:15 P.M. they returned on the reverse course, headed south, but there were only seven in the formation. "They were not weaving or bobbing in formation; I couldn't make out the number or location of their propellers and couldn't distinguish any wings or tail. They appeared almost round. They looked like pictures of the navy's flying flapjack," Rankin said. Rankin, who plans to spend the summer here at 834 N. E. Simpson St., is now able to resume a little flying for fun, but not commercially, he said. He now operates a string of auto courts, spending his winters at Palm Springs. TWO DESCRIPTIONS CHECK. Rankin's description of the mysterious aerial objects agrees with that of Kenneth Arnold, Boise, Idaho, business man, who first reported them over the State of Washington, except that Arnold clocked them at an estimated 1200 miles an hour. Other reports came Wednesday from Astoria. Jack Hayes, patient in St. Mary's hospital there, said he saw two of the discs Monday flying southwest at a rapid speed and that they vanished behind the hills. Mrs. Earl Seado, Fort Stevens, said she saw a disc traveling north over Fort Stevens Tuesday noon, and that other observers saw the same object. The army at Fort Stevens and the coast guard at nearby Point Adams did not see the discs. The report of a Centralia, Wash., man Wednesday coincided in matter of time with the original report made by Arnold. Sidney B. Gallagher of Centralia said he saw nine aluminum-hued objects flying north at 3 P.M. June 24. He was working 11 miles southwest of Mineral, Wash., at the time. [Handwritten: Incl #2] CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] COPY [PAGE 181] CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] (2) Washington I realised that the articles that I saw were probably the same thing. I was still reluctant to mention this to anyone [Text present — not reproduced: remark about how others might perceive the writer]. After some time I mentioned the incident to the editor of the "Oregonian", a Portland, Oregon newspaper. At this time I was in Portland for the remainder of the summer. The results of the conversation with the editor of the paper is put forth in the accompanying newspaper article. I fully realize that this is a broad statement in view of the fact that there has been so much publicity [illegible] put forth in various newspapers of the country. [Text present — not reproduced: self-assessment of the writer's state of mind] I am firmly convinced that the articles I saw are actually some sort of flying machines although I cannot say from where they came or to where they were going. I say what I have said with no idea of publicity or personal gain. SIGNED Richmond Rankin Portland, Oregon 30 July 1947 CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] [PAGE 182] CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] [Handwritten: F131] FROM THE OREGON JOURNAL - 5 July 1947, Portland, Ore. "PROWL CARS SPOT DISKS IN SKY HERE" Whatever they are, there are some disk-like objects flying around in the sky. Or else eight Portland area policemen and deputy sheriffs who sighted the objects Friday, numerous private citizens, the crew of a United Air Lines plane over Boise, Idaho, and a coastguardsman who claims to have photographed one near Seattle, are all wrong. In Portland the alert was sounded over police radio at 1:06 p.m. Friday, after the East Side station received a score of calls that the disks were overhead. Within seconds, two prowl cars reported spotting the mystery craft. FLASHES SEEN, NOISE LACKING. First to report in were Patrolmen Walter Lissy and Robert Ellis in Car No. 82, who stopped near Oaks Park. Both World War II veterans and civilian pilots, they sighted three of the objects within 30 seconds traveling at great height and speed over the park. They reported they heard no engine noises but saw flashes. The objects seemed erratic and changed direction of flight. The patrolmen agreed that without knowledge of the size of the objects it would be impossible to judge their speed or altitude. Patrolman Earl Patterson in car No. 13 stopped at SE 82d avenue and Foster road to look eastward from where the disks were reported. Telephone calls located them coming out of the sun. He saw nothing, but a few seconds later observed one coming out of the west and heading southwest. The craft seemed to be aluminum or eggshell white and didn't flash or reflect light, he said. OBJECTS UNIDENTIFIED. A former aircorps veteran, he said the object was unlike any plane he'd ever seen. He thought it appeared radio-controlled because the disk could change direction at a 90-degree angle without difficulty. Members of the harbor patrol at the foot of NW Irving street stepped out when they heard the all-car alert. Capt. K. A. Prehn, Harbor Pilot, A. T. Austed and Patrolman K. C. Hoff all saw the objects and said they appeared to be going south high over the Globe mills at terrific speed. Capt. Prehn said the flashes kept them from ascertaining whether there were three or six. "The disks would oscillate and sometimes we would see a full disk, then a half-moon shape, then nothing at all," he reported. "The objects looked more like a shiny chromium hub cap off a car which wobbled, disappeared and reappeared." There was a plane in the sky at the time, but all were emphatic that the disks were not planes. [Stamp: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AUG 7 1947 SAN FRANCISCO ROUTED TO] [Handwritten: Incl #2] CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] [PAGE 183] CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] UNEXPLAINED FLYING DISCS 7 July 1947 5. This agent interviewed W. A. Lissy and D. W. Ellis, both Patrolmen, Portland City Police Department and both possess private pilots licenses. Both officers advised that upon hearing the radio alert, they saw three flat round discs, having a white color to them. These discs were, according to these officers, flying at a terrific speed in a Southerly direction away from Portland. They described them as flying in a straight line formation, the last disc fluttering very rapidly in a side way arc. They further advised the discs were equally spaced and kept in formation. Both officers estimated the discs altitude at 40,000 feet. They saw no evidence of any motivating powers and vapor trails or smoke trails. Both officers stated these discs were traveling so fast, they were out of sight before any detailed observation could be made, or any sound could be heard. AGENT'S NOTE: All informants mentioned herein are known to this agent as very dependable and trustworthy officers, [Text present — not reproduced: remark about the informants' mental state]. The weather in the Portland area at this time was clear with little or no cloud formations being visable from the ground. Ground temperature at this time was 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Keith A. Sorensen, S/A CIC, Sixth Army CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] [PAGE 184] CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] UNEXPLAINED FLYING DISCS 7 July 1947 MEMORANDUM FOR THE OFFICER IN CHARGE: 1. At 1305, 4 July 1947, a radio alert was issued via the Portland City Police Radio, advising all cars and listeners that some fast flying objects were in the air over Portland and vicinity. Upon contacting the radio dispatcher, this agent was advised that Kenneth A. McDowell, Patrolman, Portland City Police Department, residing at 916 S. E. Bush Street, Portland, Oregon, on duty at Precinct #1, Portland City Police, Southeast Morrison at 10th Avenue, had called in advising the dispatcher of the flying objects. 2. This agent interviewed Officer McDowell who stated at approximately 1305, 4 July 1947, he was on duty at Precinct #1, and was in the parking lot back of the Police Station, feeding the pidgeons. At this time the pidgeons became very excited over something and fluttered in the air all at once. Officer McDowell stated in looking around to see what had disturbed them, he saw five large discs in the air to the East of Portland two discs flying South and three flying in an Easterly direction. Officer McDowell stated he could determine no color to the discs, but advised they were dipping in an up and down oscillating motion and were traveling at a great speed. He was unable to give an estimate of the speed or altitude of these discs as they were out of sight before any detailed observation could be made. Officer McDowell advised he notified the Police Radio who immediately broadcast an alert. Officer McDowell advised he saw no indication of any motivating force or heard any sound coming from these discs and could give no description other than round. 3. This agent interviewed Sergeant Claude Cross, Oregon State Police Officer on duty at District Number 1 Station, Milwaukie, Oregon. Cross stated upon hearing the radio alert he went outside and upon looking in an Easterly direction he saw three discs following each other at an undetermined altitude and at a terrific speed, traveling in a Northwesterly direction. Cross advised he noticed a whitish brown glint to these objects as the sun reflected from them. Cross was unable to give any other description nor could he judge the objects speed or altitude. No sound was made by the objects. 4. This agent interviewed Earl E. Patterson, Patrolman, Portland City Police Department, and residing at 124 Southeast 13th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, Patterson advises he was a former Air Corps pilot during the war. He stated that the time the radio alert sounded, he was at Southeast 82nd and Foster Road, Portland, and upon getting out of his car he saw one disc flying in a Southwesterly direction over Portland. Patterson advised this disc was aluminum in color, left no vapor trail or smoke trail and was traveling at a terrific speed, faster than he has ever seen any flying object before. Patterson further advised, although not knowing the exact size of the object it is difficult to determine the altitude, he estimates its altitude at 30,000 feet. Patterson further advised the flying disc was definitely some type of aircraft but he could not give any further description as its speed made observation difficult. He heard no sound emitted by the flying objects. Keith A. Sorensen, S/A CIC, Sixth Army [Stamp: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION AUG 7 1947 SAN FRANCISCO ROUTED TO FILE] [Handwritten: Incl #1] CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] [PAGE 185] [Diagram: page with two mounted photographs of a dark object against a light sky; the upper print (labeled EXHIBIT I) shows a dark elongated horizontal shape, the lower print (labeled EXHIBIT II) shows a smaller dark angular shape] CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] (top and bottom) EXHIBIT I EXHIBIT II [Handwritten: EXHIBIT #1 + 2]