Arquivo OVNI Flying Discs do FBI, parte 6 (1950-1952)

[PAGE 1] [Diagram: FBI file folder cover, 62-HQ-83894, Section 6, Serials 246-301; stamps "COPIED FOR F.O.I.P.A.", "DO NOT DESTROY", "USE CARE IN HANDLING THIS FILE", "Transfer-Call", "FOIPA #" with handwritten number] 62- HQ-83894 SECTION 6 SERIALS 246-301 SECTION 6 SERIALS 246-301 FBI - CENTRAL RECORDS CENTER HQ - HEADQUARTERS Class / Case # Sub Vol. Serial # 0062 83894 6 246 301 8/11/1274188 RRP003IXGU Declassification authority derived from FBI Automatic Declassification Guide, Issued May 24, 2007. [PAGE 2] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : D. M. Ladd FROM : A. H. Belmont DATE: August 23, 1950 SUBJECT: SUMMARY OF AERIAL PHENOMENA IN NEW MEXICO MISCELLANEOUS - INFORMATION CONCERNING PURPOSE To advise that: (1) OSI has expressed concern in connection with the continued appearance of unexplained phenomena described as green fireballs, discs and meteors in the vicinity of sensitive installations in New Mexico. (2) Dr. LaPaz, Meteor Expert of the University of New Mexico, reported that the phenomena does not appear to be of meteoric origin. (3) OSI has contracted with Land-Air Inc., Alamogordo, New Mexico, to make scientific study of the unexplained phenomena. NATURE OF PHENOMENA Observations of aerial phenomena occurring within the vicinity of sensitive installations have been recorded by the Air Force since December, 1948. The phenomena have been classified into 3 general types which are identified as follows: 1. Green fireballs, objects moving at high speed in shapes resembling half moons, circles and discs emitting green light. 2. Discs, round flat shaped objects or phenomena moving at fast velocity and emitting a brilliant white light or reflected light. 3. Meteors, aerial phenomena resembling meteoric material moving at high velocity and varying in color. The above phenomena have been reported to vary in color from brilliant white to amber, red and green. Since 1948, approximately 150 observations of aerial phenomena referred to above have been recorded in the vicinity of installations in New Mexico. A number of observations have been reported by different reliable individuals at approximately the same time. KWD/mp RECORDED - 2 INDEXED - 2 62-83894-246 SEP 18 1950 [Handwritten: "Flying Discs" in margin; routing initials; routing list Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Belmont, Mohr, Tele. Room, Hease, Gandy] [PAGE 3] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Show-through of the previous page; rotated receipt stamps: RECEIVED-LADD, RECEIVED-TOLSON, REC'D BELMONT, RECEIVED-DIRECTOR, F B I, U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE (dates Aug 23, Aug 24, Sep 1, Sep 2, Sep 5, 1950). [PAGE 4] RESULTS OF AN INQUIRY BY PROFESSOR LINCOLN LA PAZ Dr. LaPaz, Director, Institute of Meteoritics, University of New Mexico, submitted an analysis of the various observations on May 23, 1950. He concluded, as a result of his investigation, that approximately half of the phenomena recorded were of meteoric origin. The other phenomena commonly referred to as green fireballs or discs he believed to be U.S. guided missiles being tested in the neighborhood of the installations. Dr. LaPaz pointed out that if he were wrong in interpreting the phenomena as originating with U.S. guided missiles that a systematic investigation of the observations should be made immediately. Dr. LaPaz pointed out that missiles moving with the velocities of the order of those found for the green fireballs and discs could travel from the Ural region of the USSR to New Mexico in less than 15 minutes. He suggested that the observations might be of guided missiles launched from bases in the Urals. On the basis of the investigations made by Dr. LaPaz and the Air Force, it was concluded that the occurrence of the unexplained phenomena in the vicinity of sensitive installations was a cause for concern. The Air Force entered into a contract with Land-Air, Incorporated, Alamogordo, New Mexico, for the purpose of making scientific studies of the green fireballs and discs. It was pointed out in the summary furnished by OSI on July 19, 1950, that the unexplained green fireballs and discs are still observed in the vicinity of sensitive military and Government installations. RESULTS OF AIR FORCE INVESTIGATION The Air Force together with Land-Air, Incorporated, have established a number of observation posts in the vicinity of Vaughn, New Mexico, for the purpose of photographing and determining the speed, height and nature of the unusual phenomena referred to as green fireballs and discs. On May 24, 1950, personnel of Land-Air, Incorporated, sighted 8 to 10 objects of aerial phenomena. A 24-hour day watch is being maintained and has been designated "Project Twinkle." - 2 - [PAGE 5] CONCLUSIONS The Albuquerque Office, in a letter dated August 10, 1950, advised that there have been no new developments in connection with the efforts to ascertain the identity of the strange aerial phenomena referred to as green fireballs and discs. The Albuquerque Office advised that Dr. Anthony O. Mirarchi, Project Engineer, had been informed of the Bureau's jurisdiction relative to espionage and sabotage and arrangements have been made so that the Bureau will be promptly advised in the event additional information relative to this project indicates any jurisdiction on the part of the Bureau. ACTION None. The above is for your information. - 3 - [PAGE 6] September 8, 1950 [CONFIDENTIAL struck through; handwritten "Declassified 2010 8/31/77"] To: Director of Special Investigations The Inspector General Department of the Air Force The Pentagon Washington, D. C. From: John Edgar Hoover - Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation Subject: FLYING SAUCERS There is attached hereto for your consideration and attention a copy of a self-explanatory letter dated August 29, 1950, received by this Bureau from Mr. Walter D. Jones, of 36 King Street East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. For your information, the letter from Mr. Jones has been acknowledged by this Bureau, and he has been informed his communication has been referred to your Department. Attachment. APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND FIELD OFFICES ADVISED BY ROUTING SLIP(S) OF 2040 DATE 9/1/77 EHM:eas RECORDED - 5 62-83894-247 SEP 14 1950 MAILED 18 SEP 11 1950 COMM - FBI R337 [PAGE 7] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Mirrored show-through of the previous page; stamps: APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND FIELD OFFICES ADVISED BY ROUTING SLIP(S) OF 2040, DATE 9/1/77; RECORDED - 5; RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM F B I, U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; MAILED SEP 11 1950 COMM - FBI. [PAGE 8] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GO[VERNMENT] TO : MR. A. H. BELMONT FROM : MR. L. L. LAUGHLIN DATE: September 27, 1950 SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS G.I.R.-1 SAC Cornelius of Philadelphia called at 10:45 A.M. today and stated that yesterday evening while two officers of the Philadelphia Police Department were cruising in their scout car they saw through the windshield an object descending slowly to the earth which appeared at first glance to be a parachute. When the officers first noticed the object, it was at tree-top level and was described as being six feet in diameter. It landed in a field near-by and the officers, upon examining it, noted that it gave out a purplish glow which was almost a mist. The officers summoned two other police officers. After looking at the object for some time they attempted to pick it up. The object broke, leaving a slight odorless residue. Over a period of about 25 minutes which the officers spent watching the object it completely disintegrated. The officers further commented that the object was so light that when it hit the field, it did not even bend the weeds or the grass it fell on. Mr. Cornelius said that he has called the local office of the Air Force but the individual with whom he spoke there said he knew nothing about them and was not aware that his office was looking into reports of this type. Mr. Cornelius desired to know what further action should be taken by him. I told Mr. Cornelius that he was correct in referring this matter to the local office of OSI and that he should direct a letter to the Bureau incorporating all available information concerning the matter and that we here, upon its receipt, in turn would bring it to the attention of OSI Headquarters. LLL:mer RECORDED - 84 EX-29 62-83894-[2]49 OCT 4 1950 51 OCT 10 1950 [Handwritten: "may conference advise 9-29-50"; routing list Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Belmont, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease, Gandy] [PAGE 9] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Mirrored show-through of the previous page; stamps: RECEIVED-LADD F B I (Sep 27, 5 13 PM '50), CORRELATION-LIAISON F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE (Sep 28 9 08 AM '50; Oct 6 4 43 PM '50). [PAGE 10] CONFIDENTIAL DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE WASHINGTON 25, D. C. DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 90986 Hon. J. Edgar Hoover Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation Department of Justice Washington 25, D. C. Dear Mr. Hoover: The inclosed letter, subject: "Reporting of Information on Unconventional Aircraft," is forwarded for your information and any cooperation you may be able to extend. As indicated in the letter it is desired to place this subject in its proper perspective as part of the normal USAF requirement for information of air technical intelligence interest. Respectfully yours, C. P. Cabell C. P. CABELL Major General, USAF Director of Intelligence 1 Incl: a/s RECORDED - 108 62-83894-249 OCT 1950 "This document contains information affecting the national defense of the United States within the meaning of the Espionage Laws, Title 18 U.S.C., Sections 793 and 794. Its transmission or the revelation of its contents in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law." 25 OCT 23 1950 CONFIDENTIAL [Handwritten: "Flying Disc"; "See SAC letter #38 Series 1949 dated 3/25/49"; "Read 9-25-50"; other names and initials illegible] [PAGE 11] CONFIDENTIAL DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE WASHINGTON 25, D. C. AFOIC-CC-1 8 September 1950 SUBJECT: Reporting of Information on Unconventional Aircraft TO: Commanding Generals, Major Air Commands, ZI and Overseas All United States Air Attaches 1. The United States Air Force has a continuing requirement for the reporting and technical analysis of observations of unconventional aircraft which might indicate an advance in technological progress of a foreign power. An unconventional aircraft, within the meaning of this directive, is defined as any aircraft or airborne object which by performance, aerodynamic characteristics, or unusual features, does not conform to any presently known aircraft type. 2. It is desired that information on unconventional aircraft be reported in the following manner: a. A separate report of each incident will be forwarded. No information other than that bearing on the unconventional aircraft will be included in this report. b. Priority of transmission accorded the report will be that appropriate in the judgment of the forwarding agency, according to its apparent authenticity and importance as intelligence. c. Reports will be forwarded to Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Attention: MCIS. d. Reports forwarded by electrical transmission will include, as far as possible: (1) A brief description of the object(s); its shape, size, color, number, formation if more than one, aerodynamic features, trail or exhaust, propulsion system, speed, sound, maneuvers, manner of disappearance, and other pertinent or unusual features. (2) Time sighted in 24-hour clock zonal time, and length of time observed. CONFIDENTIAL ENCLOSURE 62-83894-249 Incl. 1 [PAGE 12] CONFIDENTIAL (3) Manner of observation; visual or electronic, from air (give speed, altitude, and type of aircraft), or surface. Any type of optical or electronic equipment used should be described. (4) Location of observer during sighting, giving exact latitude and longitude as closely as feasible, and/or reference to a known landmark. Location of object(s) with respect to observer, giving distance, direction, and altitude. (5) Identifying information on observer(s) and witnesses, estimate of reliability and experience, and any factors bearing on estimated reliability of the sighting. (6) Weather and wind conditions (teletype sequences) at time and place of sightings. (7) Any activity or condition, meteorological or otherwise, which might account for the sighting. (8) Existence of any physical evidence; fragments, photographs and the like, of the sighting. (9) Interception or identification action taken. (Such action should be taken whenever feasible, complying with existing air defense directives.) e. Reports forwarded by electrical transmission will be followed up within ten (10) days by a written report on AF Form 112. This report will contain the same information specified in subparagraph 2d above in greater detail, and where feasible will include sketches and signed attested narrative statements of observers. f. Written reports of sightings, where no previous electrically transmitted report has been submitted, will follow the same form as the written follow-up report described in subparagraph 2e above. g. Any physical evidence of the sighting will be forwarded by most expeditious means to Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Attn: MCIS, under cover of a letter identifying the shipment with the report of sighting. Mention of the method and time of shipping of this evidence will be included in written report of the sighting. 3. It is desired that no publicity be given this reporting or analysis activity. BY COMMAND OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF: C. P. Cabell C. P. CABELL Major General, USAF Director of Intelligence Info copies to: Dir/Int, G-2, Army; Dir/Naval Int.; Commandant (INT) US Coast Guard; Sp Asst for Research & Intel, State; Director FBI; Director of CIA CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 13] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : THE DIRECTOR FROM : MR. D. M. LADD DATE: October 9, 1950 SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS FLYING DISCS GREEN FIREBALLS PURPOSE To advise you of the most recent information known to the Bureau concerning the captioned aerial phenomena. BACKGROUND You will recall that on August 23, 1950, I furnished to you a memorandum regarding Project Twinkle set up by the Department of the Air Force, with the assistance of Land-Air, Inc., at Vaughn, New Mexico, for the purpose of obtaining data regarding these unusual aerial phenomena which had been seen in the vicinity of sensitive installations in New Mexico. To date the Air Force has not advised us of any new developments in connection with this project. Dr. Anthony O. Mirarchi, Project Engineer of Project Twinkle, has been contacted by the Albuquerque Office and arrangements have been made in order that the Bureau will be advised in the event any information relative to these phenomena indicates any jurisdiction on the part of the Bureau. According to Bureau files, an average of approximately three or four complaints have been received per month from June through September. These complaints were brought to the attention of OSI. A review of Bureau files does not indicate that there has been any increase in the sightings of these phenomena during or as a result of the war in Korea. JURISDICTION FOR INVESTIGATION OF THESE PHENOMENA You will recall the investigation to obtain information concerning these aerial phenomena is the jurisdiction of the Department of the Air Force. The Department of the Air Force is aware of our jurisdiction in matters relating to espionage, sabotage and internal security, and we have contacted OSI and requested them to advise us of any developments in connection with these phenomena which would be of interest to us as a result of our jurisdiction. EHM:de RECORDED - 105 62-83894-250 OCT 10 1950 52 OCT 16 1950 [Routing list Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease, Gandy; handwritten initials] [PAGE 14] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Mirrored show-through of the previous page; stamps: RECEIVED-TOLSON F B I (Oct 9, 6 55 PM '50), RECEIVED-NICHOLS F B I (Oct 9, 7 53 PM '50), U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE. [PAGE 15] POSSIBLE ORIGIN OF THESE AERIAL PHENOMENA The Bureau has been advised in the past by OSI that many of the sightings reported to them were determined by investigation to have been of weather balloons, falling stars, meteorological phenomena and other air-borne objects. INFORMATION OBTAINED BY BUREAU LIAISON FROM OSI, WASHINGTON, D. C. RE THE CAPTIONED MATTERS ON OCTOBER 9, 1950. Bureau liaison determined on the morning of October 9, 1950 from OSI headquarters that the investigations of these aerial phenomena are being handled by OSI, Wright Field, Ohio. Their investigation of these phenomena fails to indicate that the sightings involved space ships or missiles from any other planet or country. According to OSI, the complaints received by them have failed to indicate any definite pattern of activity. OSI further advised they are closely following the investigation of the captioned matters, and they will advise this Bureau of any matters of interest. ACTION None. The above is for your information. - 2 - [PAGE 16] [Blurred tissue copy of the October 9, 1950 Ladd memorandum, page 1] THE DIRECTOR October 9, 1950 MR. D. M. LADD FLYING SAUCERS FLYING DISCS GREEN FIREBALLS PURPOSE To advise you of the most recent information known to the Bureau concerning the captioned aerial phenomena. BACKGROUND You will recall that on August 23, 1950, I furnished to you a memorandum regarding Project Twinkle set up by the Department of the Air Force, with the assistance of Land-Air, Inc., at Vaughn, New Mexico, for the purpose of obtaining data regarding these unusual aerial phenomena which had been seen in the vicinity of sensitive installations in New Mexico. To date the Air Force has not advised us of any new developments in connection with this project. Dr. Anthony O. Mirarchi, Project Engineer of Project Twinkle, has been contacted by the Albuquerque Office and arrangements have been made in order that the Bureau will be advised in the event any information relative to these phenomena indicates any jurisdiction on the part of the Bureau. According to Bureau files, an average of approximately three or four complaints have been received per month from June through September. These complaints were brought to the attention of OSI. A review of Bureau files does not indicate that there has been any increase in the sightings of these phenomena during or as a result of the war in Korea. JURISDICTION FOR INVESTIGATION OF THESE PHENOMENA You will recall the investigation to obtain information concerning these aerial phenomena is the jurisdiction of the Department of the Air Force. The Department of the Air Force is aware of our jurisdiction in matters relating to espionage, sabotage and internal security, and we have contacted OSI and requested them to advise us of any developments in connection with these phenomena which would be of interest to us as a result of our jurisdiction. EHM:de 62-83894-250 59 OCT 23 1950 [PAGE 17] [Tissue copy of the October 9, 1950 Ladd memorandum, page 2] POSSIBLE ORIGIN OF THESE AERIAL PHENOMENA The Bureau has been advised in the past by OSI that many of the sightings reported to them were determined by investigation to have been of weather balloons, falling stars, meteorological phenomena and other air-borne objects. INFORMATION OBTAINED BY BUREAU LIAISON FROM OSI, WASHINGTON, D. C. RE THE CAPTIONED MATTERS ON OCTOBER 9, 1950. Bureau liaison determined on the morning of October 9, 1950 from OSI headquarters that the investigations of these aerial phenomena are being handled by OSI, Wright Field, Ohio. Their investigation of these phenomena fails to indicate that the sightings involved space ships or missiles from any other planet or country. According to OSI, the complaints received by them have failed to indicate any definite pattern of activity. OSI further advised they are closely following the investigation of the captioned matters, and they will advise this Bureau of any matters of interest. ACTION None. The above is for your information. - 2 - [PAGE 18] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : DIRECTOR, FBI FROM : SAC, PHILADELPHIA ATTENTION: MR. LEO LAUGHLIN DATE: October 2, 1950 SUBJECT: FLYING DISC REPORTED AT PHILADELPHIA ON 9/26/50 [Handwritten: "FLYING SAUCERS"] During the late evening hours of September 26, 1950, two Philadelphia police officers observed a peculiar phenomenon on Vare Boulevard near 26th Street when they saw a round object about six feet in circumference slowly float down to the ground. The object had the appearance of a parachute and landed in a field, it being so light it did not even depress the weeds in the field. The object was lavender in color, described by the officers as dewy, sort of like soap suds, and evaporating within fifteen or twenty minutes after it landed. When touched by the officers, the substance composing the object disappeared, leaving nothing but a slight sticky substance. This matter was reported to this office by the Philadelphia Police and for that matter, was subsequently carried in the Philadelphia press as "Flying Saucer Just Dissolves". Mr. LAUGHLIN of the Bureau was telephonically advised of the above by this office and issued instructions that the matter should be referred to Air Force Intelligence for handling and any investigation. Accordingly, Major WATTS of the Philadelphia Office of OSI was telephonically advised of the above and no further action was taken by this office. FMK/mmd 98-0 RECORDED - 80 EX-28 62-83894-251 OCT 1950 55 OCT 18 1950 [Handwritten routing notes: Hennrich, Laughlin, Mossburg; initials] [PAGE 19] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Upside-down mirrored show-through of the previous page; stamps: REC'D BELMONT F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE (Oct 5, 3 13 PM '50); RECEIVED (Oct 6, 12 25 PM '50) REC'D ESPIONAGE F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE. [PAGE 20] Oct 7, 1950 E. L. Welton 413 Irving ave. Glendale Calif. [Typed annotation: E. L. WELTON] my theory of the flying saucer is: It gets its power from electricity generated by a gen generator. The generator is run from a revolving disc, therefore giving the flying saucers a disc like appearance. By the use of gears the revolving disc is able to generate 10 or 20 times more power than is needed. The faster the disc goes, the more power. By use of the new light weight electric motors, there is less weight, and less space taken. The revolving disc is in side of light shell. Forward motion of ships allows disc to revolve, generating elect[ric] power. This way, the flying disc could fl[y] almost any length of time. Compressed air could be used to start power disc. RECORDED - 125 INDEXED - 125 EX-29 62-83894-[2]52 OCT 13 1950 55 OCT 25 1950 [Handwritten margin note: "Flying Discs"] [PAGE 21] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Faint show-through of the handwritten letter; stamps: MR. JONES. Oct 11 3 42 PM '50 RECEIVED F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; RECEIVED RECORDS SECTION Oct 11 (red, rotated); INDEXED - 132, RECORDED - 132; handwritten "Jones 10/11". [PAGE 22] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CC-180 To: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION. Transmit the following message to: OCTOBER 13, 1950 URGENT SAC, LOS ANGELES FLYING SAUCERS. YOU ARE INSTRUCTED TO DISCREETLY DETERMINE THROUGH APPROPRIATE RELIABLE SOURCES OF YOUR OFFICE WHETHER FRANK SCULLY, AUTHOR OF THE BOOK QUOTE BEHIND THE FLYING SAUCERS UNQUOTE IS IDENTICAL TO THE FRANK SCULLY WHO HAS BEEN ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES SINCE THE LATE NINETEEN THIRTIES IN THE TERRITORY OF YOUR OFFICE. HOOVER EHM:gmu RECORDED - 95 INDEXED 95 62-83894-253 OCT 18 1950 FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION OCT 13 1950 RECEIVED READING ROOM F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE OCT 13 1 30 PM '50 55 OCT 26 1950 SENT VIA TELETYPE M Per COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 23 1964 [Routing list: Mr. Tolson, Clegg, Glavin, Ladd, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Egan, Gurnea, Harbo, Mohr, Pennington, Quinn Tamm, Tele. Room, Nease, Miss Gandy] [PAGE 23] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Serial slip only: handwritten "62-83894-254" with stamp "CHANGED TO" and handwritten "100-2244-6"; stamp "OCT 31 1950". [PAGE 24] This image contains all the information on the document. CONFIDENTIAL DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE WASHINGTON DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 90986 THE INSPECTOR GENERAL USAF 17TH DISTRICT OFFICE OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO DR/ms File No: (24-8)-28 25 May 1950 SUBJECT: Summary of Observations of Aerial Phenomena in the New Mexico Area, December 1948 - May 1950 TO: Brigadier General Joseph F. Carroll Director of Special Investigations Headquarters USAF Washington 25, D. C. [Handwritten: "Flying Discs"] 1. In a liaison meeting with other military and government intelligence and investigative agencies in December 1948, it was determined that the frequency of unexplained aerial phenomena in the New Mexico area was such that an organized plan of reporting these observations should be undertaken. The organization and physical location of units of this District were most suitable for collecting these data, therefore, since December 1948, this District has assumed the responsibility for collecting and reporting basic information with respect to aerial phenomena occurring in this general area. These reports have been distributed to the Air Materiel Command, USAF, in accordance with Air Intelligence Requirements No. 4, and to other interested military and government agencies. 2. There is attached, as a part of this summary, a compilation of aerial phenomena sightings that have occurred mostly in the New Mexico area and have been reported by this District Office subsequent to December 1948. This compilation of sightings is not a complete record of all reported observations, but includes only those in which sufficient information was available to justify their inclusion. The observers of these phenomena include scientists, Special Agents of the Office of Special Investigations (IG) USAF, airline pilots, military pilots, Los Alamos Security Inspectors, military personnel, and many other persons of various occupations whose reliability is not questioned. This compilation sets forth the most important characteristics with respect to each observation and evaluates each sighting into one of three classifications, (1) green fireball phenomenon, (2) disc or variation, and (3) probably meteoric. 3. There is also attached an analysis of the green fireball occurrences in this area made by Dr. Lincoln LaPaz. Dr. LaPaz is the INDEXED - 87 62-83894-255 OCT 1950 55 OCT 28 1950 CONFIDENTIAL [Handwritten notes and initials in margins] [PAGE 25] CONFIDENTIAL File No: (24-8)-28 Subj: Summary of Observations of Aerial Phenomena in the New Mexico Area, December 1948 - May 1950 25 May 1950 Director of the Institute of Meteoritics and Head of the Department of Mathematics and Astronomy at the University of New Mexico. He was Research Mathematician at the New Mexico Proving Grounds under an OSRD appointment in 1943 and 1944, and Technical Director of the Operations Analysis Section, Headquarters, Second Air Force, 1944-45. Since 1948, Dr. LaPaz has served on a voluntary basis as consultant for this District in connection with the green fireball investigations. 4. On 17 February 1949 and again on 14 October 1949, conferences were held at Los Alamos, New Mexico, for the purpose of discussing the green fireball phenomena. Representatives of the following organizations were present at these meetings: Fourth Army, Armed Forces Special Weapons Project, University of New Mexico, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U. S. Atomic Energy Commission, University of California, U. S. Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, Geophysical Research Division Air Materiel Command USAF, and the Office of Special Investigations (IG) USAF. A logical explanation was not proffered with respect to the origin of the green fireballs. It was, however, generally concluded that the phenomena existed and that they should be studied scientifically until these occurrences have been satisfactorily explained. Further, that the continued occurrence of unexplained phenomena of this nature in the vicinity of sensitive installations is cause for concern. 5. The Geophysical Research Division, Air Materiel Command, Cambridge, Massachusetts, has recently let a contract to Land-Air, Inc., Holloman AFB, Alamogordo, New Mexico, for a limited scientific study of green fireballs. The results of this scientific approach to the problem will undoubtedly be of great value in determining the origin of these phenomena. 6. This summary of observations of aerial phenomena has been prepared for the purpose of re-emphasizing and reiterating the fact that phenomena have continuously occurred in the New Mexico skies during the past 18 months and are continuing to occur, and, secondly, that these phenomena are occurring in the vicinity of sensitive military and government installations. Doyle Rees DOYLE REES Lt Colonel, USAF District Commander 4 Incls 1. Summary of Sightings 2. Photo of Sighting No. 175 w/comments 3. Ltr fr Dr. LaPaz to Lt Col Rees, dtd 23 May 50 4. Graph indicating maximums 2 CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 26] CONFIDENTIAL File No: (24-8)-28 Subj: Summary of Observations of Aerial Phenomena in the New Mexico Area, December 1948 - May 1950 25 May 1950 DISTRIBUTION: 6 cys, Director of Special Investigations, Headquarters USAF [struck through: 1 cy, CG, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio ATTN: Director of Technical Intelligence] 1 cy, CG, Special Weapons Command, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico 1 cy, CG, Armed Services Special Weapons Project, Sandia Base, New Mexico. ATTN: J-2 [struck through: 1 cy, CG, Headquarters, Fourth Army, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas ATTN: AC of S, G-2] 1 cy, CO, Holloman AFB, New Mexico [struck through: 1 cy, CO, Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories, Cambridge, Mass.] 1 cy, Director, Security Division, U. S. Atomic Energy Commission, Los Alamos, New Mexico. ATTN: Mr. B. O. Wells 1 cy, Federal Bureau of Investigation, El Paso, Texas 1 cy, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albuquerque, New Mexico [struck through: 1 cy, Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, Pentagon Building ATTN: Dr. Joseph Kaplan.] [struck through: 1 cy, Research and Development Board, Pentagon Building ATTN: Dr. H. E. Landsberg, Executive Director, Committee on Geophysics and Geography] 1 cy, File 3 CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 27] CONFIDENTIAL THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO ALBUQUERQUE INSTITUTE OF METEORITICS May 23, 1950 To: Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees, Commanding Officer 17th District, O. S. I. From: Lincoln LaPaz, Director Institute of Meteoritics Subject: Anomalous Luminous Phenomena (Seventh Report) 1. In the second report of this series, dated 1948, December 20, the writer listed ten significant differences between the bright green horizontally-moving fireballs observed in the interval 1948, December 5-20, and typical meteors. These differences were the following: (1) The horizontal nature of the paths of most of the December fireballs is most unusual. Genuine meteors are rarely observed to move in horizontal paths. (2) Again the very low height of the December fireball discussed in section 2 above sets it off in sharp contrast from the genuine meteors for which heights of the order of 40 or more miles are normally observed. (3) The velocity determined for the fireball of December 12 is much less than the velocities determined from typical meteors (and yet is considerably greater than the speeds of the V-2 Rockets or jet planes or of conventional flares). (4) In the case of meteorites that penetrate to as low levels as that determined for the fireball of December 12, the observed luminous phenomena are always accompanied by very violent noises. No noises whatever have been observed in connection with the various December fireballs so far investigated. (Note added on 1950, May 23: Possible exceptions to the noiselessness of green fireballs are the incidents of 1949, January 30, and 1949, December 4.) (5) Genuine meteors normally show remarkable variations in brightness, beginning as fine thin hair lines, which are scarcely visible to the observer, and then brightening up to flash out near the end of their paths. In the case of the December fireballs most of the observers have reported that the green balls appeared almost instantly at their full brightness. CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 28] CONFIDENTIAL To: Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees - Page 2 Subj: Anomalous Luminous Phenomena (Seventh Report) May 23, 1950 (6) In the case of genuine meteors the paths are directed toward all points of the compass with equal frequency. On the contrary in the case of the green fireballs, plots of admissible approach sectors show that there is a very pronounced tendency for the paths to come in from the north half of the sky. (7) The three groups of anomalous greenish luminous phenomena show a curious association with well known meteor showers, although none of these meteor showers normally produce extremely bright green fireballs, such as those recently observed. For example, the observation mentioned by Mr. Monnig appeared near the maximum of the Quadrantid shower of early January, Mr. McCullough's observation of August was near the time of the Perseid shower and the December observations all fell in the interval covered by the Geminid shower. This relationship might indicate an attempt to render the green fireballs less conspicuous by causing them to appear only when there is considerable meteoric activity. (8) As noted in an earlier communication, the remarkably vivid green color reported for most of the December fireballs is rarely observed in the case of genuine meteors. By laboratory test this peculiar color seems to be identical with that given off by copper salts in the blowpipe flame. If this identification is correct, the wave length of the radiation from the green fireballs is near λ = 5218Å. (9) The duration estimates of between 2 and 3 seconds reported for the green fireballs are considerably longer than those (0.4 - 0.5 seconds) for the ordinary visual meteors, but shorter than the duration estimates invariably reported in the case of a genuine meteorite fall (5 to 30 seconds or even longer). (10) For none of the green fireballs has a train of sparks or a dust cloud been reported. This contrasts sharply with the behavior noted in case of meteoric fireballs--particularly those that penetrate to the very low levels where the green fireball of December 12 was observed. 2. In the year and a half since this list was prepared, many additional observations have been made, the total number of objects now accepted as belonging in the green fireball category being 72. (Although this number constitutes nearly 50% of the incidents listed in the accompanying Summary, it constitutes less than 5% of the total number of unscreened observations reported to the writer.) Critical analysis of all green fireball reports now available shows that only one of the statements in the list given in paragraph 1 needs to be modified, namely, item (1). Within the last year, a considerable number of the green fireballs have appeared to fall vertically downward rather than CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 29] CONFIDENTIAL To: Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees - Page 3 Subj: Anomalous Luminous Phenomena (Seventh Report) May 23, 1950 to move horizontally. However, a strictly vertical infall is also very rarely observed in the case of genuine meteor falls. 3. An analysis just completed of the time distribution of the green fireballs so far observed permits us to add an 11th item to the list of differences given in paragraph 1 above. The graph of frequency versus local time which accompanies the present report shows that the maximum frequency of sighting of green fireballs (occurring at approximately 2030) coincides in time with neither the frequency maximum for ordinary meteors (occurring at approximately 0300) nor the frequency maximum for meteorite falls (occurring at approximately 1600). 4. Inspection of the graph referred to in paragraph 3 also will show that most of the green fireballs have been sighted in a time interval extending from about 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (MST). This concentration might be even more pronounced if it were possible to screen out of the secondary maximum, around 2 a.m. (MST), all ordinary meteors which have been mistakenly identified as green fireballs. That such misidentification has occurred is strongly suggested by the near coincidence in time of the secondary maximum of the green fireballs and the well established early morning maximum of the ordinary meteors. 5. Some significance may attach to the fact that the time interval alluded to in paragraph 4 extends from about 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Ural region of the USSR. Since missiles moving with velocities of the order of those found for the green fireballs for which real path determinations have been possible would travel from the southern Urals to New Mexico in less than 15 minutes, a possible interpretation of the concentration of sightings referred to in paragraph 4 is that the green fireballs result from guided missiles launched from bases in the Urals in the morning hours before cloudiness due to convection or blinding afternoon dust storms can interfere with non-radar tracking, such as has been used by the Optical Trajectory Section at White Sands Proving Ground. 6. There is also a pronounced concentration of green fireball incidents on the four days, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, almost all of the most widely observed incidents having occurred on Saturday or Sunday. 7. It is a curious and fairly well-established fact that there has been a distinct decline in the number of green fireball sightings during the last two months, within which the number of so-called "flying saucer" incidents in this region has attained an all-time high. 8. Although I have recently received from Dr. Joseph Kaplan of the Scientific Advisory Board a letter containing the statement "Frankly, I don't know of any U. S. experiments that would result in the appearance of these unconventional objects, and neither does Von Karman". I still CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 30] CONFIDENTIAL To: Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees - Page 4 Subj: Anomalous Luminous Phenomena (Seventh Report) May 23, 1950 consider the most probable explanation of the green fireballs to be the one given in the first of the three paragraphs below which are quoted from my letter of 1950, February 20, to Dr. P. H. Wyckoff, Chief Atmospheric Physics Laboratory, Base Directorate for Geophysical Research. The last two paragraphs quoted below well summarize my recommendations concerning the green fireball problem: "As a preliminary to setting down the project recommendations which you requested, I have very carefully reviewed all available fireball data (observers' reports, transit measurements, calculated real paths, etc.) covering incidents from those of December 5, 1948 to the extraordinary incident of February 7, 1950, which has been under intensive investigation for the last two weeks. As a result of this comprehensive review, particularly as it relates to the incident of February 7, 1950, I feel compelled to write you in somewhat different terms concerning my own part in the proposed fireball project than I had in mind when we last discussed this matter. In brief, I have come to the conclusion that, on the basis of the evidence now available to me, I would not be justified in recommending a fireball project. In my opinion, this evidence proves conclusively that the fireballs reported on fall into one of two categories: Those of the first category (the majority) are meteorite falls of unusual, but certainly not of impossible, magnitude, frequency and other characteristics; those of the second category (the minority) are U. S. guided missiles undergoing tests in the neighborhoods of the sensitive installations they are designed to defend. This interpretation of the latter category is the one that I proposed in answer to a question raised by Dr. Teller at the first Los Alamos conference on February 17, 1949. It was not taken seriously then and I doubt that it will be taken seriously at the present time. However, even if my interpretation of the unconventional fireballs is the correct one, it is obvious that those in position to confirm it should refuse to do so." "Only one other point need be stressed, namely, that if I am wrong in interpreting the guided missiles as of U. S. origin, then certainly intensive, systematic investigation of these objects should not be delayed until the termination of the present academic year. Recent international developments compel one to sense the imperative necessity of immediate investigation of the unconventional green fireballs, in case you are in possession of information proving that they are not U. S. missiles." "If such an immediate investigation were to be undertaken, I would recommend that Dr. Fred L. Whipple, of Harvard College Observatory, be placed in charge of the photographic phase of the investigation; that Dr. Peter M. Millman, of the Dominion Observatory, be placed in charge of the spectrographic phase of the investigation; CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 31] CONFIDENTIAL To: Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees - Page 5 Subj: Anomalous Luminous Phenomena (Seventh Report) May 23, 1950 that Dr. L. A. Manning, of Stanford, and Dr. Millman be placed in charge of the radar investigation; and, finally, that Dr. William Crozier, of the New Mexico School of Mines, be placed in charge of dust collection and identification. On the basis of many intensive field surveys, I do not anticipate that ground search will lead to any recoveries, but in case such ground search is to be attempted, it should be carried out on the scale stressed in my conversations with you and Major Oder last month." 9. Although the above paragraphs were written some months ago, the recommendations contained in them are the ones I would urge you to consider at the present time. In conclusion, I should like to repeat the offer made at the end of my letter of February 20 to Dr. Wyckoff, namely to serve, if needed, as consultant on the green fireball project as suggested in Major Oder's letter to me under date of November 29, 1949, with the stipulation, however, that my service be on a voluntary basis rather than on the $40 per day contract specified in Major Oder's letter. Lincoln LaPaz Lincoln LaPaz, Director Institute of Meteoritics University of New Mexico CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 32] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: line graph of Number of Observations (0-40) versus Time of Sightings (hours 16 to 16 across 24 hours) with four curves: Meteorites, Meteors, Green "Fireballs", "Disks" or Variations. Labels: GREEN "FIREBALL" MAXIMUM, METEOR MAXIMUM, METEORITE MAXIMUM, "DISK" or VARIATION MAXIMUM. Legend: Meteorites, Meteors, Green "Fireballs", "Disks" or Variations. Printed grid: 331-20 20x20 PER INCH, THE FREDERICK POST CO., CHICAGO, ILL.] Number of Observations TIME OF SIGHTINGS CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 33] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: black-and-white night photograph, dark field with one small bright round light with a short faint tail at right] Sighting No. 175 Photograph of Unknown Aerial Phenomena taken at Datil, New Mexico by Cpl Lertis E. Stanfield, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico on 24 and 25 Feb 1950. An analysis of the above photograph was made by Dr. Lincoln LaPaz, Head of the Institute of Meteoritics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, who reached the following conclusions: a. The angular diameter of the perfectly round luminous object Stanfield observed was approximately 1/4 of a degree. b. The angular velocity of the object in the sky was greater than half a degree per minute. Dr. LaPaz stated that on the basis of the results (a) and (b) above, the object seen by Stanfield was not the moon (for the angular diameter is too small), it was not Venus or any other planet (for the angular diameter was too large), and it was not a bright fixed star slightly out of focus (for the observed rate of motion is double that due to the diurnal rotation of the earth). CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 34] This image contains all the information on the document. CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] SUMMARY OF SIGHTINGS OF UNKNOWN AERIAL PHENOMENA Reported by the 17th District Office of Special Investigations (IG), Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance 1 | 1948 19 Jan | 2300 | 1 | R | Point of impact on line between Brest and Kiev | Almost vertical descent followed by "bouncing" N to S | | 35° above Horizon Descending | Brilliant white | | 2 - 3 secs. | None | | Compare w/planet Venus on unusually clear night. | | 2 | Latter part 1947 | App. 2000 | 1 | R | Vaughn, New Mexico | | 400' - 500' | Descending slowly in vertical manner | Bright White | | | None | Round | Larger than basketball | Descending slowly | Exploded 3 | 1948 27 Jul | 0835 0845 | 1 | R | Albuquerque, New Mexico | | | | Dura-luminum reflected light | | | None | Flat and round | | Stationary at times | 4 | 4 Aug | 0200 & 0300 | 2 | Unk | North Powder, Oregon | NW to SE | 5500' | Horizontal line | Green | | | | | Softball | 720 mph | Extinguished LEGEND: *Reliability of Observers: VR - Very Reliable R - Reliable Unk - Unknown Reliability **Evaluation: (1) "Green Fireball Phenomenon" (2) "Disk" or Variation (3) Probable Meteor Page CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 35] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance 5 | 1948 24 Oct | Night | 1 | Unk | Phoenix, Arizona | E to W | | | Green | | 75 Mts. | | | Star | Very slow | Became very bright and fell apart 6 | 3 or 4 Nov | App 2200 | 1 | R | Vaughn, New Mexico | | 400' - 500' | Descending slowly in vertical manner | Bright White | | | None | Round | Larger than basketball | Descending slowly | Exploded 7 | 23 Nov | App 2200 | 1 | R | Vaughn, New Mexico | | 400' - 500' | Descending slowly in vertical manner | Bright white | | | None | Round | Larger than basketball | Descending slowly | Exploded 8 | 5 Dec | 2135 | 2 | R | Las Vegas, New Mexico | W to E | Slightly above 9,000' | Horizontal slightly descending | Whitish orange | | Few secs | | | | | Disappeared 9 | 5 Dec | App 2200 | 2 | R | Albuquerque, New Mexico | No movement noted | 10,500' | Parabolic curve | Green | Yes | 2 secs | None | Round | | | Faded out 10 | 6 Dec | 2255 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | E to W | | Slight falling arch | Green | Yes | 2--3 secs | None | Round | 1/3 diameter of moon | Rapid | Vanished 11 | 8 Dec | 1833 | 2 | VR | Las Vegas, New Mexico | ENE to WSW | 13,500' | Horizontal | Bright green | Yes | 2 secs | None | | Larger than a flare | Rapid rate of speed | Faded out CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 36] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 3 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal or Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance 12 | 1948 11 Dec | 1930 | | Unk | Hood River, Oregon | | | | Blue & white | | | Yes | Flash | | | Flash w/[...] like thun[der] 13 | 12 Dec | 2102 | 5 | VR | 15 miles south of Las Vegas, New Mexico | E to W | 3 - 10 miles | Horizontal | Very bright green | | 2.1-2.3 secs | None | Ball | Magnitude -4 | | Broke into 3 or 4 small fragments & disappeared 14 | 20 Dec | 2054 | 4 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | W to E | Great height descending | 20° to the horizon | Pale green or bluish white | Yes | 1-1/2 secs | None | Ball | Basketball | High speed | Disappeared behind mountain 15 | 28 Dec | 0431 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | N to S | Descended from high alt to 6000' | Descending in vertical path | White | | Sev. secs | None | Star | Star | Slower than falling star | Disappeared w/greenish flash 16 | 1949 6 Jan | 1730 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | SE to NW | 1500' - 2000' | Horizontal | Bright white | | | None | Diamond | App. 2' long | Much faster than a jet | Disappeared 17 | 6 Jan | 0310 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | E to W | 3 to 5° from observer | Horizontal | Brilliant green | | 2 secs | None | | | High speed | Disappeared behind mountainous horizon 18 | 30 Jan | 1754 | App 200 | Unk | El Paso, Texas | NW to SE | 3° - 5° above horizon | Horizontal | Green | | | None | Ball | | | Broke into pieces CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 37] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 4 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal or Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance 19 | 1949 30 Jan | 1755 | App 200 | Unk | Roswell, New Mexico | W to E | 2000' | Horizontal | Blue-green | | | None | | | Moving slowly | Disappeared to some. Disintegrated into shower of smaller lighted fragments 20 | 30 Jan | App 1800 | App 200 | Unk & R | Alamogordo, New Mexico | N to S | Angle of elev. 15°-30° from observer. | Gentle descent | Green | | 3 - 15 secs | None | Ball | | | Seemed to fizzle out 21 | 30 Jan | 1854 1900 | 10 | Unk | Ft. Worth, Texas | N to S | 13° above horizon | 30° downward from horizon | Green trailing sparks | Yes | 1 - 7 secs | None | | 1/3 size of full moon | | Disintegration 22 | 14 Feb | 1840 | 2 | Unk | Canado, New Mexico | | Somewhat above horizon | Stationary then fell in slight curve to W | Brilliant white slightly green color | Yes | | None | | | Stationary then fell in slight curve to W. | CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 38] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 5 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | Evaluation 23 | 1949 17 Feb | 1300 | 1 | Unk | Grants, New Mexico | Southward | | Vertical climb then leveled off Gradual ascent | White | Yes | | None | Oval | Larger than meteor | | Disappeared 24 | 17 Feb | | App 100 | VR | Albuquerque, New Mexico | W to E | | | Brilliant white shifting to peach color | | 6 mts | None | Round shifting to ellipse | 1 lunar diameter | | Disappeared 25 | 27 Feb | 1905 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | W to E | | Parallel to earth | Green-white | | 2 secs | None | | | Not as fast meteor | Disappeared abruptly 26 | 2 Mar | 0010 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | N to S | "Low in sky" | Horizontal | Light | | 2 secs | None | | | Very fast | Disappeared behind trees | (1) (3) 27 | 3 Mar | 0159 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Straight down | | Straight down | Bright green | | | | | | | Disappeared | (1) (3) 28 | 6 Mar | 2100 | 2 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | From N 74° W N 81° W | From 6° 45' above horizon | | Blue-white light | Yes | | None | Oblong | 2' by 1' | Not known | | (1) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 39] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page [6] Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | Evaluation 29 | 1949 6 Mar | 2020 | 2 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | N 40° E | 59° above horizon | | Blue-white light | | | None | Ball like flash | Basketball | "Fixed flash" 30 | 6 Mar | 2045 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | From S 81° W to S 60° W | From 21° above horizon to 6°31' above | | Light colored head orange trail | Yes | | None | Round head with trail | About 10° in length 31 | 7 Mar | 0115 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | N 40° E | 66° 15' above horizon | | Brilliant blue-white | | | None | Like flash blub [sic] | Flash bulb 32 | 7 Mar | 0130 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | N 16° W | 27° 30' above horizon | | Bright blue-white | | | None | Like flash bulb | Basketball | "Fixed flash" 33 | 7 Mar | 0130 0200 | 2 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | S 20° W | 26° above horizon | | Bluish white | | | None | Ball like flash | Flash bulb | | | (1) (3) 34 | 7 Mar | 0145 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | N 60° E | | Dropped vertically to ground | Orange | | 2 secs | None | Teardrop | 2' by 1' | | Disappeared behind trees | (3) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 40] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of [illegible] Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, [illegible] Page [illegible] Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation 35 | 1949 7 Mar | 1810 | 1 | Unk | Window Rock, Arizona | N | 40 - 45° to horizon | | Red (fire) in center shading to blue at edge | Yes | 6-8 secs | None | Ball round-spherical | 3' in diameter | 200-300 mph | Disintegrated | (1 36 | 8 Mar | 1836 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | 12,000' to 15,000' | Horizontal | Bright white with greenish tint | | 1-2 secs | None | | | App 800 mph | Either went out or disappeared behind cloud | 37 | 8 Mar | 1835 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | 4,000 above terrain | Descending at 45° angle | Intense white light aluminum colored | | Very short | None | Elliptical pointed at ends | | Slower than twin-engined plane | Disappeared behind trees | 38 | 8 Mar | 0103 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | from S 58° E to S 54° E | From 58° above horizon to 54° above | Traveled in arc | Pale white light | Yes | | None | Roundish head w/hazy smoke trail | | | | (3) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 41] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of [illegible] Page [illegible] Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | Evaluation 39 | 1949 8 Mar | 0103 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | From N 56° W S 64° W | From 15° above horizon | Traveled in arc | Pale reddish nose whitish red trail | Yes | | None | Lemon w/tail | | | Disappeared | 40 | 13 Mar | 2153 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | NE to SW or SW to NE | 20° above horizon | Descending slightly | Bluish or greenish white | Yes | 2-4 secs | None | Length twice diameter of ball | 1/2 diameter of full moon | | | 41 | 14 Mar | 09-00-16Z | 1 | R | Airplane enroute fr Honolulu to Canton Is | | 6°-12° above airplane at [illegible],000 | Horizontal | | | 10 secs | None | Nose like bullet | | 65° in 9 secs | | (1) (2) 42 | 27 Mar | 1800 1805 | 1 | Unk | Tucumcari, New Mexico | E to W | High in sky -app 30° above horizon | | Amber | None | 25 mts | None | Long & narrow | | | Faded out in distance | (2) 43 | 27 Mar | 1800 | 1 | Unk | Montoya, New Mexico | E to W | About 75° above | | Orange flame | None | 10 Mts | None | Long & narrow | Length-about 1/6 lunar diameter, width-about 1/5 length | | Faded out in distance | (2 CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 42] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of [illegible] Page [illegible] Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | Evaluation 44 | 1949 27 Mar | 1813 | 1 | R | Tucumcari, New Mexico | E to W | Close to 45° above horizon | | Bright orange | None | 15 mts | None | Long & narrow | | | Faded out of sight in distance | 45 | 27 Mar | 1800 | 1 | Unk | Tucumcari, New Mexico | E to W | 60° above horizon | | Orange fire | None | 15 mts | None | Like kite tail | About size of C-47 at 10,000 ft. | | Disappeared behind hills | 46 | 31 Mar | 2150 | 1 | R | Camp Hood, Texas | SW | Est. 2,000' | | Fire red to white | Yes | | None | Spherical | App. size of basketball | | | 47 | 5 Apr | 2200 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | App. 300' above S slope of Pejarito Pt. | Arc | Green w/red after glow | | 1/2 - 1 sec | None | | | Tremendous speed | Disappeared behind mountain | 48 | 6 Apr | 1205 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | SE | About 15,000' | | Between dk & lt green | | 3 - 5 secs | None | | | Very fast | | 49 | 7 Apr | 0135 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | W | About 200 yds fr top of hill | | Green | | App 45 secs | None | | | Moved very slowly | | (1) (2) 50 | 7 Apr | 0100 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | | | Green | | 5 secs | None | | | Moving slowly | | CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 43] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (contd) Page 10 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | ** 51 | 1949 12 Apr | 1930 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | SE to NW | 20° above horizon | | White | None | 8 secs | None | Round | 1/8 size of moon | 15° in 8 secs | Extinguished | (1) 52 | 15 Apr | 1630 | 1 | Unk | El Paso, Texas | Straight up | About 30° | | Grayish | Yes | 15 mts | None | Thin smoke trail | Very thin | | Dissipated | (2) 53 | 18 Apr | 0148 | 2 | R | Flagstaff & Williams, Arizona | NW | App 12,000' to one. 75 - 100 miles to other observer | | Greenish blue | | 1 - 2 secs | None | Ball like | 100 watt light bulb | | Disappeared behind obstacle | 54 | 22 Apr | 0905 | 1 | Unk | Cliff, New Mexico | W to E | 20° dropping slowly | | Aluminum | None | 2 mts | None | Round, flat thin, disc-shape | Over 15' in diameter | | Disappeared behind mountains | (2) 55 | 24 Apr | 1033 | 5 | VR | White Sands, New Mexico | N | 25-29° | | White light yellow | | 60 secs | None | Ellipsoid | | Tremendous rate of speed | Disappeared due to distance | (2) 56 | 25 Apr | 0630 | 2 | Unk | Springer, New Mexico | 2 groups going W 2 groups going E | Well above 30,000' | | Silvery white | None | 4 grps totaling about 20 sec | Yes | Round | Very small | Very fast well above speed of sound | Disappeared from view | (2) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 44] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 11 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation 57 | 1949 28 Apr | App 1745 | 3 | Unk | Tucson, Arizona | NE to SE or SW | | | Silver | None | 12 - 40 mts | None | Cigar or sausage shape | From D-29 to a city block | 300 - 600 mph | Faded from view | 58 | 30 Apr | 2215 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | E to W | 59° above horizon | | Blue green | None | 2 secs 2° | None | Round | Tenth of moon | 2 seconds 2 degrees | Went out | (1) 59 | 3 May | 2143 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | 10° - 15° above horizon | | Bright white light | | 10 secs | None | | | Very fast up to 1,000 mph | | (1) (3) 60 | 3 May | 2126 2143 2205 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | 10° - 15° above horizon | | White | | 3 - 7 secs each time | None | | Large - similar to size of airplane landing lights | Very fast | | (1) (3) 61 | 3 May | 2126 2140 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | ESE to NNW | 10° - 15° above horizon | | 2126-white 2140-red | | 5 sec 1st; 2 sec 2nd | None | | 2126-baseball diamond lights. 2140-slightly larger than firebox lights | Same speed as aircraft landing | | (1) (3) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 45] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 12 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation 62 | 1949 6 May | 2040 2130 | 1 | R | Camp Hood, Texas | W and N | App 1200' dropping to 440' | | Alternating pinkish to green | None | 50 mts | None | Round | 1/2 dollar diminishing to short quarter size | Very slow | Faded from sight | (2) (1) 63 | 6 May | 0105 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | N to S | 5° above horizon | Was going down at an angle of 30 - 35° | Green | | Fraction of a sec | None | Round | App 1/8 size of full moon | Very high rate of speed | Disappeared west of Jemez Mts. | (1) [illegible] | 7 May | 2025 2105 | 4 | R | Camp Hood, Texas | SE | 1300' | | Green-white | None | 40 mts | None | Diamond shape | 5 mils width | Covered 15 mils in 40 mins. horiz. | Dimmed and went out | (2) (1) 65 | 7 May | 1940 | 1 | R | Camp Hood, Texas | N and E | 1000' | | Reddish greenish white | None | 57 sec | None | Diamond shape | 3 mils width | Covered 20 mils in 57 secs horiz. | Dimmed and went out | (2) (1) 66 | 8 May | 2008 2017 | 1 | R | Camp Hood, Texas | N and E | 1600' | | Reddish greenish white | None | 9 mts | None | Diamond | 2 mils width | 10 mils in 9 mts | Dimmed and went out | (1) (2) 67 | 8 May | 0930 1100 | 4 | Unk | Tucson, Arizona | W, 90° turn to the N | 4000 to 20,000 | Horizontal then rapid climb at 45° angle | White | None | 10-20 mts | None | Metallic circular | 40-75' in diameter | Motionless to faster than jet | Climbed at 45° angle until out of sight | (2) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 46] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 13 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Eval 68 | 1949 9 May | App 1430 | 1 | R | Tucson, Arizona | SW to NE | | | Silvery | None | 6-10 secs | None | Round & flat | 25' in diameter | 750-1000 mph | Faded from view | (2) 69 | 12 May | 2115 2130 | 1 | VR | Alamogordo, New Mexico | | 3° or 4° above horizon | | White with greenish tinge | None | 4 mins | None | 2 fuzzy stars | 1/4 diameter of full moon | | Vanished | (2 70 | 16 May | App 1700 | 1 | Unk | Tucson, Arizona | E to W | 5000' | Horizontal | Black | None | 8-10 secs | None | Round solid flat | 3 - 4' in diameter | 800-1000 MPH | Behind aircraft hangar | (2) 71 | 2 Jun | 0040 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | E to N | 7000' - 10,000' | Descending | Green | Yes | 1 sec | None | Ball of light | | | | (1) (3) 72 | 11 Jun | 2057 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, | SW to NE | 25° above horizon | | Green then red at end of flight | Yes | 4 - 5 secs | None | | Size of star | | | (1) 73 | 20 Jun | 2010 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | W to E | | | Green turned orange red before vanishing | None | 3 secs | None | Round | | | Extinguished | (1) 74 | 20 Jun | 2010 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | W to E | Directly overhead | | Blue green | None | 1-1/2 secs | None | | | | Vanished as tho exting'd. | (1) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 47] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 14 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | Evaluation 75 | 1949 24 Jun | 1545 1630 | 2 | Unk | Mesa, Arizona | 1 to SE 2 to E 3 to NE 4 vertical 5 to E | | 4 Horizontal 1 Vertical | Steel gray | | 4 at 30 mts 1 at 25 secs | None | Disc w/2 flanges | | Max of 400 mph | Faded from view | 76 | 27 Jun | 0138 | 1 | R | Albuquerque, New Mexico | W to E | 30° to 90° above horizon | | Similar to star Slightly more orange | Yes | 2 mts | None | Round | Slightly larger than brightest star | 140° in 2 mts. | Went behind building | (3) 77 | 29 Jun | 2010 | 1 | Unk | Flagstaff, Arizona | E to W | 30° from vertical | | Yellow in front Red behind | None | | None | Bullet shaped | 1/2 size of small airplane | Relatively slow | Over a hill | (1) (2) 78 | 30 Jun | 1630 | 1 | R | Seligman, Arizona | N | 30° above horizon | | Dull grey | None | 8 secs | None | Circle | Appeared 1 1/2" diameter at 10,000' altitude | 2,000 mph or faster | Disappeared in distance | (2) 79 | 11 Jul | 2110 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | W by SW | 30° above horizon | | Pale red | None | 2 secs | None | Ball - but not a perfect circle | Twice as large as evening star | | Such as turning off flashlight | (3) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 48] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 15 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | [Evaluation, cut off at edge] 80 | 1949 28 Jul | 2045 | 1 | Unk | Killeen Base, Texas | N to S | 30° above horizon | | White w/tint of blue green | Yes | 3-5 secs | None | Round w/tail | Size of evening star | Unable to estimate | Faded out | ( 81 | 28 Jul | 2259 | 1 | Unk | Killeen, Texas | S to N | 30° above horizon | | 2 predominately white. 1 had orange glow to tail | Yes | #1 at 2-3 secs #2 at 10 - 12 secs | None | Round w/tail | Tennis ball | | Faded out | (1 82 | 28 Jul | 2258 | 1 | Unk | Killeen, Texas | N to NW | 30° above horizon | | Initially blue turning white | None | 15 - 20 secs | None | Round | 3 times size evening star | | Went out like light | (1) (3) 83 | 30 Jul | 2135 | 1 | R | Camp Hood, Texas | SE to NW | 35° to horizon | Climbed in arc | Blue-white | Yes | 2 - 2 1/2 secs | None | Like rocket tail | | 2 - 2 1/2 secs to cover arc of about 15° | Faded out | (1) 84 | 30 Jul | 2204 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | SE to SW | App 30° above horizon | Straight flight losing altitude | Predominately white w/blue tint | Yes | 2 - 3 secs | None | Round w/tail | Evening star or planet | Very fast | Gradually faded out | (3) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 49] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 16 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | [Evaluation, cut off at edge] 85 | 1949 6 Aug | 2000 | 1 | Unk | Las Cruces, New Mexico | E to W | | | Bluish green | Yes | 1 - 2 secs | None | Round | Bigger than falling star | | Disappeared behind building | ( 86 | 6 Aug | 2000 | 1 | Unk | Las Cruces, New Mexico | E to W | 3°28" to 9°40" above horizon | Curve going up then fell in almost vertical direction | Reddish blue & green | Yes | 4 - 5 secs | None | Round | App 6" in diameter | | Disappeared gradually | 87 | 6 Aug | 2000 | 1 | Unk | Alamogordo, New Mexico | Vertical | 2°20" to 7°35" above horizon | Straight vertical flight | Bright white slight reddish cast | None | 3 secs | None | Round | 1/2 size of moon | | Exploded then pieces died out | (1) 88 | 6 Aug | 2000 2005 | 1 | Unk | Alamogordo, New Mexico | E to W | 2°4" to 12°7" above horizon | 10° off vertical | White | | 2 secs | None | | Large as auto spotlight at arm's length | | Disappeared behind building | (1) 89 | 6 Aug | 2015 | 1 | Unk | Alamogordo, New Mexico | SW | | Straight flight app 20° vertical decline | Whitish yellow (red trail) | Yes | 1 sec | None | Round | Twice size normal falling star | Extremely fast - twice as fast as falling star | Disappeared behind mountain | (1) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 50] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 17 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | [Evaluation, cut off at edge] 90 | 1949 6 Aug | 2030 | 1 | Unk | Alamogordo, New Mexico | N | | Constant slight curve earthward | White (bluish) | Yes | 1 sec | None | Round | App smaller than clenched fist | Similar to falling star | Went out | 91 | 6 Aug | 2020 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Descending to earth vertically | 15° above horizon | Descending to earth vertically | Green | None | 1 - 1 1/2 secs | None | Round to pear shape | 500 watt bulb about 1/5 mile away | 10° in 1 1/2 secs at 2 miles | Dissipated | (1) 92 | 6 Aug | 2000 | 1 | Unk | White Sands, New Mexico | | 40° above horizon | Straight line to earth | Observer color blind | None | 1 sec | None | Round | Half size of fingernail at arm's length | Slightly faster than ordinary falling star | Disappeared behind sand dune | (1) 93 | 6 Aug | 2000 | 1 | R | Alamogordo, New Mexico | 200° | 30° above horizon | Long slow curve to earth | Bluish green | Yes | 1 sec | None | Round | Tip of thumb at arm's length | | Burned out | (1) 94 | 10 Aug | 0010 | 2 | Unk | Killeen Base, Texas | E to W | 30° angle headed down | 30° angle headed donw | Blue | Yes | 3 - 4 secs | None | Oval | Head size | | Sudden disappearance | (3) 95 | 10 Aug | 2030 | 1 | Unk | Killeen Base, Texas | N to S | 30° above horizon | | White | Yes | 5 secs | None | Similar to comet | | | Disappeared | (3 CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 51] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 18 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | [Evaluation, cut off at edge] 96 | 1949 10 Aug | 2035 | 1 | R | Camp Hood, Texas | N to S | | Level flight | Yellow to orange | Yes | 1 - 2 secs | None | | Like headlight of old car | 60° in 2 secs | Cut out | 97 | 10 Aug | 2035 2207 2220 2240 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | W to E | 30° - 45° above horizon | Level flight | White | Yes | 3 - 4 secs | None | Round w/tail | Large flare | Greater speed than plane | Burned out | (3) 98 | 10 Aug | 2040 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | N to S | 30° above horizon | Horizontal w/slight arc | Orange w/white tail | Yes | 3 - 5 secs | None | Rocket | 20 mm. tracer ammo. | Very great similar to falling star | Light gradually diminished | (3) 99 | 10 Aug | 2100 | 1 | Unk | Killeen Base, Texas | S | 30° above horizon going up | Continued climbing at 30° angle until disappearance | Bright orange | Yes | 5 secs | None | Reddish ball with long firey tail | Head size | | Disappeared | (3) 100 | 10 Aug | 2100 2120 2215 2250 | 1 | R | Camp Hood, Texas | | 40° - 70° above horizon | #1, 3 & 4 almost horizontal #2 almost vertical | White with orange | Yes | 1 sec for each one | None | Round with trail | Large star | Great speed | Went out like a light | (3) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 52] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | [Manner of Disappearance and Evaluation columns cut off at edge] [101] | 1949 10 Aug | 2200 2230 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | S to N | 30° above horizon | Level flight | White w/yellow trail | Yes | 1 - 2 secs | None | Oval | Size of shooting star | 300 mph or faster | Fade[d] [102] | 10 Aug | 2240 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | N to S | 8,000' or more | Straight flight with gradual incline | Light red diminishing to light yellow | Yes | 2 - 3 secs | None | Round w/jagged trail | Much larger than evening star | | Burned up [illegible] d disintegrated | (3 103 | 11 Aug | 2030 2045 2052 2105 0010 | Sev | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | N to S | 45 - 60° above horizon | Generally a level flight | White | Yes | 3 - 5 secs | None | Flash like a rocket or training flare | Star size | Faster than any plane observed | Went out like a light | (3) [104] | 12 Aug | 0010 | 2 | Unk | Killeen Base, Texas | Due W in arc | 45° above horizon | Straight & level flight w/ascent descent describing arc | Bluish white | Yes | 10 secs | None | Broken circle resembling signal flare | Head size | | Sudden disappearance | (3) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 53] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 20 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | [Evaluation, cut off at edge] 105 | 1949 12 Aug | 0445 | 1 | Unk | Killeen Base, Texas | SE to NW | 30° above horizon headed down | Headed down | Reddish | Yes | 2 - 3 secs | Yes | Trail of flame | Fairly long streak of flame | | Faded away | 106 | 14 Aug | 2135 | 1 | R | Alamogordo, New Mexico | | Appeared 25° Disappeared at 12° | 10 - 15° off vertical | Reddish orange | Yes | 2 secs | None | Round | Larger than Venus | | Disappeared | (3) 107 | 20 Aug | 2130 | 2 | Unk | Douglas, Arizona | N to S | 8,000' - 10,000' | Flat trajectory | | None | 6 - 10 secs | None | Round to oblong like inverted saucer | About size of single engine airplane | 3500 to 4500 mph | Disappeared in distance | (2) 108 | 21 Aug | 2115 2150 | 5 | Unk | Nogales, Arizona | | 45° at low level 90° at high level | Horizontal to earth's surface | Dull orange | None | 10 secs | None | Wafer | App size of volley ball | 10 times speed of jet planes | Disappeared in space | (1) (3) 109 | 26 Aug | 1345 | 1 | R | Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona | SE to NW | App. 50,000 | Horizontal at 50,000' | Brownish hazy color | None | 60 secs | | Similar to triangle with round edges | Est. to be app 1/4 of inch when observed at 3 ft. | Terrific rate of speed | Faded from view | (2) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 54] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 21 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | [Evaluation, cut off at edge] [110] | 1949 30 Aug | 2300 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Almost straight fall | 90° overhead | Almost straight fall | Bright green w/reddish tail | Yes | 1 - 2 secs | None | | Much larger than meteor | | Burned out | 111 | 15 Sep | 0025 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | | 30° above horizon | | Yellow red | | 6 secs | None | Round | Size of baseball | | Burst & appeared to disintegrate | ( 112 | 16 Sep | 0230 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | W to E | 3,000' | Horizontal | Orange | None | 15 secs | None | Ball shape | Larger than falling star | Faster than airplane slower than falling star | Dimmed then disappeared completely | (3) [113] | 18 Sep | 2015 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | W to S | 45° above horizon | | Dark yellow | None | 3 - 4 secs | None | Round | Size of baseball | | Unknown | (1) 114 | 19 Sep | 0900 | 2 | Unk | Tucson, Arizona | N | App 4000' | | Grayish white | None | 2 mts | None | | 2 to 3 ft across | 600 mph | Faded from view | (2) 115 | 27 Sep | 0300 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | From SE | 45° above horizon | Traveling tangent to earth | Bright blue to white | None | 4 secs | None | Round | About size of softball at 300 yds. | 45° in 4 secs. | Obscured by building | (3) 116 | 27 Sep | 0300 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | To the N | 10° above horizon | | Yellow | Yes | 3 - 4 secs | None | Round | Size of baseball at 25 yds. | Same rate as shooting star | Died out | (3) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 55] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 22 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | [Evaluation, cut off at edge] 117 | 1949 27 Sep | 0300 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | SE to NW | 15° - 20° above horizon | Traveling in arc toward earth | Bright green | None | 2 secs | None | Round | Same size as perimeter fence light at distance of about 200 yds. | 45° in 2 secs. | Brightened then went out | 118 | 27 Sep | 0130 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | S to N | 20° above horizon | Made a gentle arc toward earth | Dark blue | Yes | 2 secs | None | Conicle w/tail twice its diameter | Looked like sky rocket | 50° in 2 secs. | Burnt out | (3) (1) 119 | 27 Sep | 0130 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | | 45° above horizon | Moving tangent to earth | Green | None | 1 sec | None | Round | Fist at arm's length | 20° in 1 sec | Burnt out | (3) (1) 120 | 30 Sep | 2257 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | S to W | 55° to horizon | | Yellow orange | None | 2 - 3 secs | None | | Slightly larger than shooting star | 200 - 300 mph | | (1) 121 | 2 Oct | 2110 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | | 20,000 - 30,000' | Went up & then down | Bright green | Yes | 3 secs | | | | | | (1) 122 | 6 Oct | 1745 | 1 | Unk | Mescalero, New Mexico | | 15 1/2° above horizon | Descended in slight arc | Dark green | None | 30 secs | None | Round | Big ball | | Disappeared behind hills | (1) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 56] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 23 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | [Evaluation, cut off at edge] 123 | 1949 6 Oct | 1800 1845 | 1 | Unk | Mescalero, New Mexico | | 18° above horizon | | Green | None | 7 - 9 secs | None | Round | 1/2 size of thumb at arm's length | Moving slowly | Disappeared behind a hill | 124 | 6 Oct | 1758 | 1 | R | Alamogordo, New Mexico | E to W | | Straight angular descent | Bluish white possibly lt. green tinge | None | 4 secs | None | Circular | 3 times the size of Jupiter or Venus | 5° per sec. | | (1 125 | 6 Oct | 1800 | 1 | Unk | Alamogordo, New Mexico | | 4°20' to 7°5' | | Green | None | 5 - 6 secs | None | Round | Size of baseball at arm's length | | | (1) 126 | 6 Oct | 1750 | 1 | R | Albuquerque, New Mexico | E to W | | Curved descent approaching vertical | Greenish white | None | 1 sec | None | Similar to very flare | 1/2 size of thumb at arm's length | | Abrupt | (1) 127 | 6 Oct | 1750 | 1 | R | Wagon Mound, New Mexico | E to W | | Horizontal | Greenish white | None | 3 - 4 secs | None | Round | 1 1/2" - 2" in diameter | App. that of meteor | Went out like electric light | (1) 128 | 6 Oct | 1758 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | NE to SW | | At tail end of its course it arched over and fell | Brilliant green | None | 10 secs | None | Tear drop | | | Seemed to burn out | (1) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 57] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 24 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | [Evaluation, cut off at edge] 129 | 1949 7 Oct | 2120 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Straight vertical drop | 35° above horizon | | Yellow to green | None | 1 sec | None | Round | Half a moon | Dropped 15° in 1 sec | Behind Sandia Mountains | 130 | 10 Oct | 0406 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | SE to NE | 3,000' above observation pt. | Parallel to surface of earth | Brilliant white | Yes | 4 - 5 secs | None | | Small | Appeared to be slower than a meteor | Disappeared | [cut off] 131 | 10 Oct | 0107 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | W to E | 45° above horizon | | Bluish green | Yes | 15 secs | None | Round | Size of fist at arm's length | Slow | Died out | 132 | 10 Oct | 0107 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | SW to NE | 45° above horizon | Executed dives | Greenish blue w/red sparks trailing | Yes | 4 secs | None | Round | Size of fist at arm's length | Slow | Faded out | (1) 133 | 10 Oct | 0107 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | N to NE | 45° above horizon | | Green | None | 15 secs | None | Round | Size of fist at arm's length | Slow | Burned out | (1) 134 | 11 Oct | 2010 | 6 | Unk | Roswell, New Mexico | Appeared moving to N & angling slightly to E | | Maneuvered up & down | Light green turned orange | Yes | 45 mts | None | Round | Size of baseball | | | (1) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 58] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 25 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | [Evaluation, cut off at edge] 135 | 1949 11 Oct | 1045 1100 | 2 | Unk | Alamogordo, New Mexico | NW to SE | If size of B-29 appeared to be 150,000' | | White | None | 10-15 secs | None | Round dish shape | 2" in diameter at arm's length | Very fast compared w/falling star | Faded from view | ([cut off]) 136 | 12 Oct | 1115 | 3 | Unk | Roswell, New Mexico | S to NE | 3,500' | Smooth arc | White (silver) | None | 45-60 secs | None | Round probably elliptical | | Faster than jet aircraft | Went beyond range of vision | (2) 137 | 12 Oct | 1115 | 3 | Unk | Alamogordo, New Mexico | Appeared from S & veered off to NE | If size of B-29 appeared to be 35,000' | Smooth arc | White or aluminum | None | 45-60 secs | None | Round ball | 35,000' 4" in diameter | 1,500 mph | Faded from view | (2) 138 | 12 Oct | 1340 | 4 | R | Tucson, Arizona | From NE to SW | 30,000' | Horizontal | White or silver | None | 15 secs | None | Round | 50 - 100' in diameter | 1,000 mph | Faded from view | (2) 139 | 14 Oct | 1420 | 3 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | W to E | 20,000' | Level flight just above horizon | Greenish blue-white trail | Yes | 2 secs | None | Round | Appeared as a 12" disc | | Burned out | (1) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 59] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 26 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | [Evaluation, cut off at edge] 140 | 1949 14 Oct | 2021 | 2 | R | Albuquerque, New Mexico | N to S | | Horizontal | Red orange | Yes | 10 secs | None | Round | 1/3 - 1/4 size of moon | | Broke [illegible] 2 pieces & disappeared | (3 141 | 14 Oct | 1410 1415 | 1 | Unk | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | | | Front-green & silver Rear - Pale blue | Yes | 3 - 4 secs | None | | 1/8 size of full moon | 500 mph or more | | (1 142 | 21 Oct | 2130 | 1 | Unk | Roswell, New Mexico | SE to NW | 30° above horizon | | Very bright white | None | 20-30 mts | None | | | Unknown | | (2) 143 | 22 Oct | 0228 | 1 | R | Los Alamos New Mexico | NW to SE | On horizon | | Bright green | | 2 secs | None | | 4 times size of a flare | 150 mph | Disappeared behind a hill | (1) 144 | 22 Oct | 0220 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Vertical | 50 - 100 ft. | | Green | | 1 sec | None | Like flare | Small | | Went out | (1) 145 | 16 Nov | 1950 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Disappeared to N | | | 2 objects bluish green | | | None | | | Stationary but disappeared with speed of meteor | Disappeared from view | (1) 146 | 19 Nov | 2152 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Vertical | | | Green then yellow | | 2 secs | None | | | | | (1) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 60] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 27 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | [Evaluation, cut off at edge] 147 | 1949 19 Nov | 2152 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Vertical | | | Green | | 2 secs | None | | | | | 148 | 25 Nov | 2000 | 5 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | E to W | 15° - 10° above horizon | Downward 10° from the horizontal | Yellowish green | | 2 secs | None | | | | Disappeared behind mt. | 149 | 27 Nov | 1800 | 1 | Unk | McIntosh, New Mexico | Vertical | Less than 2,000' | Vertical descent | Green | None | 1 sec | None | Shaped like a flare | Same as a signal flare | Same as falling signal flare | Same as signal flare | (1) 150 | 27 Nov | 1730 | 1 | Unk | Winslow, Arizona | E to W | 30° above horizon | | Bright bluo-white | Yes | 3 - 4 secs | None | Egg shape | Egg held at arm's length | 3 - 4 secs to cover 15° - 20° of horizon | Dwindled out | (1) 151 | 27 Nov | 1749 | 1 | R | Albuquerque, New Mexico | E to W | 3° - 5° above horizon | Sloping descent | Blue-white | None | 1 - 2 secs | None | Round | Pencil eraser at arm's length | 5° - 7° in 1 or 2 secs | Went out then on then out again | (1) 152 | 27 Nov | 1749 | 1 | R | Socorro, New Mexico | E to W | 10° -40° above horizon | Arc | Pale green to pale blue | Yes | 5 secs | None | Round | Quite large | Slower than meteor | Faded out gradually | (1) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 61] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 28 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | [Evaluation, cut off at edge] [153] | 1949 3 Dec | 1805 | 1 | R | Alamogordo, New Mexico | E to W | | In an arc downward | Green fringe of orange light | None | 2 secs | None | Circular | Somewhat larger than Venus | | Disappeared behind building | (3 154 | 4 Dec | 1935 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | E to W | | Nearly horizontal | Green | None | 2 - 3 secs | None | Round | Marble at arm's length | | Went out like a candle | ([cut off]) 155 | 4 Dec | 1935 | 2 | Unk | Los Alamos, New Mexico | E to NE | | Sloping descent | Green | | 1/5 sec | Yes | Round | | | Disappeared behind mt. | (1) (3) 156 | 5 Dec | 1930 1945 | 3 | Unk | Carrizozo, New Mexico | | 40° above horizon | In dive | Blue-green | | | None | Tear-drop | | Very slow | Disappeared | (1) (3) [157] | 5 Dec | 2240 | 1 | Unk | Tularosa, New Mexico | E to W | | Smooth arc downward | Blue w/yellowish red toward tail | Yes | 1 sec | None | Streak of light | Appeared little longer than length of lead pencil at 6' | | Appeared to hit ground near Tularosa, New Mexico | (1) (3) 158 | 9 Dec | 1330 | 1 | Unk | Farmington, New Mexico | Dropping vertically | 500 ft. | Vertically down | | | None | Charred parachute or cargo net | | | Disappeared | (2) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 62] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 29 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | [Evaluation, cut off at edge] 159 | 1949 13 Dec | 2005 | 3 | R | Alamogordo, New Mexico | Stationary then began to move downward slowly and to right | 5,000' | | White amber red green | None | 9 mts | None | Circular | 1 - 1 1/2 times size of average st. light at a distance of 8 miles | | Object took on brilliant green color, picked up speed and faded from view | ([cut off]) 160 | 1950 6 Jan | 2230 | 7 | R | Alamogordo, New Mexico | E to W | | Up & down and horizontal | White changed to green & red | None | 45 mts | None | Star like | Slightly larger than planet Venus | Moved app. 15° to 20° from E to W during 45 mins it was observed | Stopped observation | ([cut off]) 161 | 7 Jan | 2215 | 2 | Unk | Corona, New Mexico | From SW to SE | | Descending | Yellowish white orange blue gr. | Yes | 10 secs | None | Round ball shape | Same as cup 6" in diameter at arm's length | Compared w/fast jet fighter | Disappeared behind mt. range | (1 162 | 9 Jan | 2226 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | | 80° - 40° above horizon | Horizontal | Incandescent green | Yes | 2 secs | None | Oval with trail | | | Disappeared behind trees | (1) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 63] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 30 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation 163 | 1950 9 Jan | 2220 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Due W | 60° above horizon | Straight course | Bluish white | Yes | 2 secs | None | Pointed | Appeared as a point | 10° per second | Luminosity stopped suddenly | (1) 164 | 9 Jan | 2225 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | | 75° - 80° above horizon | Straight line | Greenish white | None | 3 secs | None | Round | -4 to -5 compared to Jupiter | 25° per second | Behind horizon | (1) 165 | 12 Jan | 1900 | 3 | Unk | Holloman, New Mexico | To W | | Changed altitude erratically | White changed to green & red | None | 5 mts | None | Star like | About same size of Venus | | Discontinued watching | (1) (2) 166 | 13 Jan | 0605 | 3 | Unk | Holloman AFB, New | E to W | | Erratically up & down | White changed to green & red | None | Short time | None | Star like | About same size as Venus | | Disappeared w/daylight | (3) 167 | 27 Jan | 1715 | 1 | Unk | Scullville, New Jersey | NW | | Ascending at about 60° angle | White streak | | 30 mts | | | | 1/2 that of a fireworks rocket at close range | Faded gradually | (2) 168 | 7 Feb | 1950 2015 | 2 | R | Albuquerque, New Mexico | SSE to E | 40° - 45° above horizon | Horizontal | Reddish green | Yes | 4 - 6 secs | None | Round elongated trail | Twice size of evening star | About same as falling star | Faded out in atmosphere | (1) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 64] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 31 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | [Evaluation, cut off at edge] 169 | 1950 7 Feb | 1945 2000 | 2 | R | Between Tucumcari & Kirtland AFB, New Mexico | | | Flat Trajectory | Fireball white | Yes | 2 - 4 secs | None | | | Over 1,000 mph | Faded out suddenly | 170 | 15 Feb | 1530 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | From NW to W | 45° downward above horizon | | Appeared red & green | Yes | 30 | None | Round | That of a normal marble | Like shooting star trail | Faded out | (1) (3) 171 | 18 Feb | 0510 | 5 | R | Holloman AFB, New Mexico | | | Climbed | White and orange | None | 1 hr 44 mts | None | Round to cone shape | Size of coffee cup at arm's length | | Stopped observation | (2) 172 | 20 Feb | 0530 | 2 | Unk | Holloman AFB, New Mexico | Stationary | 1,000' above 9,000' mt. | Stationary | White | None | 5 mts | None | Round | App size of 1/2 dollar held at arm's length | Stationary | Disappeared from view behind cloud | (2) 173 | 24 Feb | 1355 | 1 | R | Albuquerque, New Mexico | To W or SW | 20° to 23° above horizon | Straight flight | White | None | 1 1/2 mts | None | Round | Compared in size to upper dark portion of moon as it rises in E | 1 1/2 mts. to cover 2° | | (2) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 65] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 32 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation 174 | 1950 24 Feb | 1400 | 1 | R | Albuquerque, New Mexico | E by SE | About 20° above horizon | | Bright white | None | 20-30 secs | None | Round | Compared w/size of weather balloon as it disappeared in distance | Very slow | Faded out of sight | ([cut off]) 175 *** | 24 Feb | 1930 | 1 | R | Datil, New Mexico | NW | | | White changing to red & green | Yes | 2 hrs 30 mts | None | Round | | 1° per 2 mts. | Disappeared | (1) (2) 176 | 24 Feb | 1345 | 1 | Unk | Los Alamos, New Mexico | E then turned W | 25,000-30,000' | Straight up | White, kept flashing like mirror in sun | None | 20 mts | None | | | Very fast | Went straight up out of sight | (2) 177 | 24 Feb | 1340 | 1 | Unk | Los Alamos, New Mexico | E to W W to E then st. up | 30,000' | Straight up | Silvery white | None | 20 mts | None | | | | Went straight up out of sight | (2) 178 | 24 Feb | 1315 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Erratic generally NE | 20,000-30,000' | | Silvery | None | 15 mts | None | Saucer shaped | 100' across if at 20,000-30,000' | As fast or faster than sound | Disappeared | (2 ***See attached photograph. CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 66] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 33 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | [Evaluation, cut off at edge] 179 | 1950 24 Feb | Between 1315 1400 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Circled then E | Considerable altitude | | Aluminum | Yes | 2 | None | Spherical | Rather large | Erratic | Unknown | 180 | 25 Feb | 1545 1555 | 12 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Heading toward ground | 30° - 35° above horizon | | Flashing silver | None | 3 secs to 2 mts | None | Circular like plane fuselage | Small airplane | From very slow to very fast | | 181 | 25 Feb | 2115 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Toward S | App. 20° above horizon | Almost vertical | Bright greenish white | Yes | 1 1/2 secs | None | Tear-drop | 3 times size of a shooting star | Slightly slower than falling star | Appeared to burn out | ([cut off]) 182 | 25 Feb | 0200 | 1 | R | Datil, New Mexico | NW | | | White changing to red & green | Yes | 30 mts | None | Round | | 1° per 2 mts | Disappeared behind mountain | ([cut off]) 183 | 25 Feb | 1410 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | 1 to 3 miles at 30° above horizon | | Metallic | None | 2 mts | None | Oblong | 10 - 15' | 40 mph | Went below horizon | ([cut off]) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 67] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 34 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation 184 | 1950 25 Feb | 1545 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | N to SWS | Very high | | White to silver | None | 30 secs | None | Circular | About size of 50¢ piece at its height | Very fast | Disappeared into glare of sun | (3) 185 | 25 Feb | 1550 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S or SW | 12,000' | | Metallic | None | Few secs | None | | As large or larger than average plane | Fast | Faded from view | (2) 186 | 25 Feb | 1545 1555 | 14 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | NE to SW | Overhead at from 4 to 10 miles | Traveled w/a fluttering motion | Silver | None | Few secs to 2 mts | None | Round | Vary from 1/4" to small airplane | Very fast 500 - 1500 mph | | (2) 187 | 25 Feb | 1655 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | E to W | | | Shiny silvery | | 10-15 secs | None | Round | About size of B-25 fuselage | Slow speed | Disappeared behind tree | (2) 188 | 10 Mar | 1800 1830 | 6 | Unk | Phoenix, Arizona | SE | 40,000-50,000' | Moved upward at 60° angle | Aluminum or quick silver | Yes | 10 mts | None | Oval or oblong | Size of moon | Extremely high | Disappeared | (2) 189 | 5 Mar | 1135 1300 | 4 | R | Vaughn, New Mexico | Traveled 195° | | Straight flight | White | None | 1 hr 25 mts | None | Round | Ping pong ball at arm's length | 180 to 200 mph | Ceased observation | (2) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 68] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 35 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal or Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation [190] | 1950 11 Mar | 0100 | 1 | R | Holloman AFB, New Mexico | App 270° | About 30° above horizon at distance of 50 miles | Straight flight | Changed from light orange to blood red to amber to light green | None | 5 mts | None | Ping pong ball | Ping pong ball held at arm's length | | Disappeared from view | ([cut off]) 191 | 16 Mar | 1100 | 10 | Unk | Farmington, New Mexico | N to NE | | Turned on their axis & maneuvered up & down | Bright luminous as tin foil | None | 3 - 5 mts | None | Flat spheriodic | 1 to 6" | Faster than conventional aircraft | Discontinued observation | (2) [192] | 16 Mar | 1000 | 10 | Unk | Farmington, New Mexico | NE | Over 20,000' | Skyward at 60°-80° | Bright aluminum | None | 30 mts | None | Oval & oblong | 1/16" - 1/2" held at arm's length | Faster than conventional aircraft | Gradually disappeared | (2) 193 | 17 Mar | 0310 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Toward earth | | Toward earth | Reddish then green | None | 1 sec | None | | | | Appeared to fall to earth | (3) 194 | 17 Mar | 0309 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | NE | | Level flight | Greenish yellow | None | 3 secs | None | Round | 1/4 size of full moon | Moderate | Like light going out | (3) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 69] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 36 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation [195] | 1950 17 Mar | 0307 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Straight down | | Straight down | Orange & green | Yes | 2-2 1/2 secs | None | | | Tremendous | Explosion on impact with earth or disintegration | ([cut off]) 196 | 17 Mar | 0445 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Formed an arc | | Formed an arc | Green | None | 5 secs | None | Round | Quite small | Free fall | Fell toward earth | ([cut off]) 197 | 17 Mar | 0310 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | | | Seemed to climb, change color, start down & disappear | Green turning to yellow | None | 5 secs | None | Spherical | 1/4 size of moon | Moderate | Suddenly | (3) [198] | 17 Mar | 0307 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Earthward | | Earthward | | Yes | 3 secs | None | Round | 1/4 size of full moon | Extremely fast | Plunged to earth & 2 explosions were noted prior to disappearance | (3) 199 | 20 Mar | 0115 | 1 | Unk | Clovis, New Mexico | From WNW | Above 12,000' | | White w/light blue | Yes | 1 - 2 secs | None | Spherical | | 2,000 mph | Disappeared from view | (3) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 70] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 37 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Eval 200 | 1950 21 Mar | 1320 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | E to SW | App 45° above horizon | | 2 objects silver | None | 10 mts | None | Round | App size of dime at arm's length | Excessive to jet flight | Gradually faded from view | (2) 201 | 21 Mar | 1300 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | NE to SE | 40,000-60,000' | | Varied from shiny silver to shady gray | None | 30 mts | None | Round | Size of end of thumb at arm's length | About same as jet aircraft | Disappeared | (2) 202 | 21 Mar | 1315 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | E | 75° above horizon | | White | None | 5 mts | None | Round | Smaller than fist at arm's length | App. 600 - 700 mph | Disappeared from range of vision | (2) 203 | 21 Mar | 1300 1330 | 4 | Unk | Kirtland AFB, New | SE to S | 40° - 50° above horizon | Zig-zag motion up & down | Bright silver | None | 1 mt | None | Round | Size of dime at arm's length | About same as fast jet aircraft | Disappeared from range of vision | (2) 204 | 22 Mar | 1100 | 11 | Unk | Kirtland AFB, New Mexico | NW changing to N | 25,000 to 30,000' | Horizontal | Tan to brown | None | 5 - 6 secs | None | Flying wing | About size of golf ball held at arm's length | Extremely high speed | Disappeared | (2) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 71] CONFIDENTIAL [Diagram: table] Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 38 Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal or Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | Evaluation 205 | 1950 22 Mar | 0010 | 3 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | SE to NW | | Line parallel w/line tangent to the earth | Blue center with orange exterior | None | 1 1/2 - 3 secs | None | Round like ball from roman candle | | 1 1/2 secs 30° azimuth | Burned out | 206 | 1 Apr | 0420 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | 75° above horizon | | White light | None | 1 sec or less | None | Round | | | Disappeared behind building | 207 | 17 Apr | 1530 | 10 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | | 2,000' above horizon | Maneuvered up & down & from side to side | Light green bright as tin foil | None | 20-30 secs | None | | 1/16" at arm's length | | Gradually went out of sight | (1) [208] | 20 Apr | 1530 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | | | Maneuvered up & down | Bright metallic | None | 15-30 mts | None | Roughly circular | Est. 9' in diameter | Faster than conventional aircraft | Lost sight of object | (2) 209 | 1 May | 1510 | 2 | Unk | Kirtland AFB, New Mexico | SW to NE | Apparently a few thousand feet | Was aigling downward | Silver lucid metallic object | None | Not quite a sec | None | Cylindrical | | Tremendous | Flash of brilliant white light | (2) CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 72] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ------ CC-150 To: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION. URGENT 10/18/50 Transmit the following message to: SAC, LOS ANGELES FLYING SAUCERS. REBUTELS OCTOBER THIRTEEN AND SEVENTEEN LAST. SUTEL IMMEDIATELY RESULTS OF YOUR INVESTIGATION TO IDENTIFY FRANK SCULLY, AUTHOR OF QUOTE BEHIND THE FLYING SAUCERS UNQUOTE. HOOVER EHM:jo Mr. Tolson 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 RECORDED - 44 U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION INDEXED - 44 OCT 18 1950 EX-29 62-83894-254 52 NOV 1 1950 TELETYPE SENT VIA M Per COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 23 1964 [Handwritten: initials and marks] [PAGE 73] Director, FBI October 18, 1950 SAC, Knoxville [CONFIDENTIAL — struck through; handwritten: Declassified 8/31/77] RADAR DETECTION OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECTS OVER OAK RIDGE, October 12, 15, 16, 1950 PROTECTION OF VITAL INSTALLATIONS [Handwritten: Flying Saucers] Remytel October 13, 1950. There is being submitted herewith a copy of two reports made by District Representative of the OSI, 8th District, U. S. Air Force, with regard to the detection of unidentified objects by the means of radar, as set forth in referenced teletype. These reports continue to set forth additional reports concerning unidentified objects in the air space area over Oak Ridge, Tennessee, which to date have not been explained. No investigation is being conducted by the Knoxville Office in this matter, but any further information received from OSI or from CIC representatives will be forwarded immediately. Air Mail CCM:jaw 65-475 Enc. 55 NOV 25 1950 [Handwritten: 36] [PAGE 74] 8-12 FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION CORRELATION & LIAISON SECTION Date , 1950 Director Mr. Tolson Mr. Ladd Mr. Belmont Mr. Laughlin Mr. Keay Mr. Bartlett Mr. Baumgardner Mr. Stanley Mr. Hennrich Miss Room Mrs. Abel Miss Cuddy Miss Reddy Mrs. Schwab Miss Wielkiewicz Mr. Bromwell Identification Division Miss Harrington, Room 7229 Mail Room, Room 5533 Reading Room, Room 5531 Records Section Routing Unit Send file, up to date Send reference See Me Phone Me Please Handle [Handwritten: File in Flying Saucers File] [Handwritten: 5-Ehm] Mr. [illegible, handwritten, struck through] Room 3208 Mr. Ammarell Mr. Bates Mr. Blair Mr. D. M. Brown Mr. J. W. Brown Mr. Cole Mr. Connell Mr. Conroy Mr. DeLoach Mr. Dinsmore Mr. Ellis Mr. Ferris Mr. Fipp Mr. Flaherty Mr. Foley Mr. Gotschall Mr. Harrington Mr. Kuhrtz Mr. Landis Mr. Lawrence Mr. Lynch Mr. Mansfield Mr. Martin Mr. Millard Mr. Moynihan Mr. Noone Mr. Obenshain Mr. Ormond Mr. Reynolds Mr. Roach Mr. Sanders Mr. Secord Mr. Sullivan Mr. Torrillo Mr. Woods [Handwritten: Air Intelligence has asked other departments & services to furnish this type info to them. OVER.] [PAGE 75] [Handwritten: AEC [illegible] [illegible] it on to A-2 for study. ED] [Stamp, partly cut off: RE[...] OCT 26 [...] ESPIONAGE [...] DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE] [Show-through of the reverse side (routing slip) not transcribed] [PAGE 76] REPORT OF UNIDENTIFIED AERIAL OBJECTS U.S. ATOMIC ENERGY SECURITY SERVICE LOS ALAMOS, NEW MEXICO DATE , 195_ (Day) (Month) 1. Name of Observer Last First M.I. Station assigned Section Home Address Telephone Names of other known observers 2. Time and date of sighting hours , 195_ Day Month 3. Point of observation 4. Direction of object from observer 5. Distance of object from observer 6. Angle of elevation from horizon degrees 7. Direction of flight of object 8. Time in sight 9. Number of objects 10. Shape of object 11. Projections and/or indentations INDEXED - 17 EX. - 68 62-83894-257 NOT RECORDED 5 OCT 23 1950 51 NOV 15 1950 [Handwritten: Flying Saucers] [Diagram: blank form; no entries filled in] [PAGE 77] REPORT OF UNIDENTIFIED AERIAL OBJECTS (Con't). 12. Apparent construction 13. Apparent means of support and/or propulsion 14. Size of object 15. Luminosity of object (Bright, very bright, glaring, etc.) 16. Color of object 17. Sound 18. Odor 19. Speed 20. Evidence of trail or exhaust 21. Effect on clouds 22. Tactics or maneuvers 23. Manner of disappearance 24. What attracted attention to object 25. Additional Remarks of observer -2- [Diagram: blank form continuation; no entries filled in] [PAGE 78] REPORT OF UNIDENTIFIED AERIAL OBJECTS (Cont'd) Observer's signature Title 26. Additional remarks of investigator Investigator's signature Title -3- [Diagram: blank form continuation; no entries filled in] [PAGE 79] October 17, 1950 SAC LOS ANGELES URGENT FLYING SAUCERS. REBUTEL OCTOBER THIRTEEN LAST. SUTEL RESULTS OF YOUR INQUIRY TO IDENTIFY FRANK SCULLY. HOOVER EHM:MH [Stamps and handwriting: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION; RECORDED - 82; EX-29; 62-83894; RECEIVED READING ROOM FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE Oct 17 11 AM '50; TELETYPE; COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 23 1964] [PAGE 80] Flying Saucers (handwritten) [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: wire-service news clipping dated 10/7 (Denver, Los Alamos, N.M.) — a construction worker, Lee Robinson of Armex, reported a blinking object over a restricted atomic area; a report was filed with AEC security on Sept. 12] 62-83894 NOT RECORDED 5 OCT 23 1950 55 NOV 14 1950 [PAGE 81] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : MR. LADD FROM : A. H. BELMONT SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS DATE: October 19, 1950 Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Belmont, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease, Gandy The matter of flying saucers was discussed by Special Agent Edward S. Sanders with Major General Joseph F. Carroll of OSI on October 16, 1950, at which time General Carroll advised that insofar as he has been able to determine the Air Force is not working on any type of "flying saucer" or "flying disk". General Carroll stated that the Air Force is working on high altitude rockets and jet aircraft. He stated these experiments may account for some of the reports concerning flying saucers but that the Air Force is not apparently working on anything which is the cause of the many flying saucers reports. He stated that the Air Force program for investigating reports concerning flying saucers, etc., has been reinstituted at Wright Field and that any pertinent information of interest coming to his attention will be furnished to the Bureau. RECOMMENDATION: The foregoing is for your information. ESS:ilw [Stamps: RECORDED - 38; EX-105; 62-83894-159; OCT 24 1950; 50 OCT 30 1950] [PAGE 82] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Stamps only: RECEIVED-LADD FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Oct 19 4 02 PM '50; Oct 19 3 33 PM '50; REC'D BELMONT F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; RECEIVED DIRECTOR / CORRELATION-LIAISON FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; RECEIVED-NICHOLS FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE Oct 20 1 06 PM '50; RECEIVED-TOLSON FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Oct 20 10 51 AM '50. Mirrored bleed-through of the memorandum on the reverse is not legible. [PAGE 83] RECORDED - 19 62-83894-260 EX-16 November 24, 1950 To: Director of Special Investigations The Inspector General Department of the Air Force The Pentagon Washington, D.C. [CONFIDENTIAL crossed out; handwritten: Declassified 8/31/77] From: J. Edgar Hoover, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation Subject: FLYING DISCS Mr. Aaron L. Hitchens, Chemical Engineer in charge of the Chemical and Physical Laboratories of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, 275 Winchester Avenue, New Haven, advised the New Haven Office of this Bureau that on Friday, October 20, 1950, he, his wife, and daughter, who reside at 495 Edgewood Avenue, New Haven, went out of their home into the back yard at approximately 6:15 p.m. His young daughter called his attention to a star which was moving, and Mr. Hitchens noted a sphere-like object directly overhead that gave a steady golden-orange glow. He stated that this object was very high, being between ten to twenty thousand feet high, possibly higher. The glow given off was very steady, not blinking, and the whole sphere itself glowed in about the same consistency. He witnessed this object for approximately twenty seconds, during which time it traveled in a westerly direction toward New York City. It then veered in a southerly direction, as if crossing Long Island, or possibly in such a direction that it might have been traveling over Long Island. He lost sight of this object as it disappeared behind trees. He advised the size of the object was approximately ten times the diameter of Venus, which was shining very brightly that night. He stated it was a very clear night and that all the stars in the sky were twinkling, as compared to the steadiness of the glow given off by this object. He advised that the object did not appear to diminish in size as it traveled farther away, but appeared to maintain about the same size as when he first EHM:eas [Stamps: MAILED 8 NOV 25 1950 COMM - FBI; 59 NOV 29 1950] [PAGE 84] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Reverse of the previous page, showing only mirrored bleed-through of its text and stamps (RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Nov 24 3 40 PM; 59 NOV 29 1950; EX-16). [PAGE 85] noticed it directly overhead. The same steady orange glow persisted during the entire time that he witnessed it. Although this object was actually cut from his sight by nearby trees, Mr. Hitchens stated that it was so far away at that time that he probably would have lost sight of it very shortly. The object made no sound whatsoever, and there seemed to be no attachments or projections of any kind. Mr. Hitchens stated the object was a complete circular ball. He had no idea as to the method of propulsion, but advised that at the time it seemed to change directions, probably over New York City, and that it seemed to back up and go forward, possibly two or three times, in order to execute a change of direction. There were no clouds in the sky which interfered with his vision, and he could not comment as to whether or not this object penetrated or circumvented clouds. The object left no trail of any kind, and Mr. Hitchens mathematically calculated its speed at between 400 and 700 miles per hour, depending on the height, which he stated he could not accurately compute. He advised that he could not recall any odors and had no idea as to the construction of the object. To Mr. Hitchens' knowledge, the only other persons in this area to have witnessed the object were his wife and daughter. Immediately upon sighting the object, Mrs. Hitchens ran to the door of neighbors occupying the same house as the Hitchens to bring them to the yard. However, these neighbors did not witness the object, since it disappeared before they got outside. Mr. Hitchens stated that he is a Chemical Engineer and has fifteen years of experience in research and development. He is not a pilot, but has done considerable flying, and has also done considerable reading, including technical data concerning flying saucers and discs. He understands from reading the above matters that the star Venus is often mistaken by observers for flying saucers, and he pointed out that he feels that he is familiar with astronomy and did not confuse the object he saw with Venus, since he also recalled seeing Venus in the sky on that particular evening, and compared the size of this object as being ten times Venus' diameter. He also stated that he computed the speed at which this object was traveling by using points in his area, such as roof tops and tree tops, together with the distance he walked on the ground in order to keep the object in sight. - 2 - [PAGE 86] Upon receiving the above information from Mr. Hitchens, he was advised that this Bureau would turn the information over to another Government agency. Mr. Hitchens indicated his approval of this action, but specifically requested that no public announcement or comment be given to the fact that he had reported seeing the above object. The above information has been furnished to your office for your confidential information and assistance in connection with the captioned matter. It is requested that no dissemination be made of this information. - 3 - [PAGE 87] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : DIRECTOR, FBI FROM : SAC, NEW HAVEN SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS AARON L. HITCHENS, INFORMANT DATE: November 9, 1950 The following is being brought to the attention of the Bureau so that it may be referred to the Department of the Air Force in connection with instructions set forth in SAC Letter No. 38, Series 1949, dated March 25, 1949. Mr. AARON L. HITCHENS, Chemical Engineer in charge of the Chemical and Physical Laboratories of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co., 275 Winchester Avenue, New Haven, was interviewed in connection with other official business and furnished the following information: He advised that on Friday, October 20, 1950, he and his wife and daughter, who reside at 495 Edgewood Avenue, New Haven, went out the back door of their home to the back yard at approximately 6:15 P.M. His little daughter called his attention to a star in the sky that was moving and Mr. HITCHENS noted a sphere-like object directly overhead which gave a steady golden orange glow. He stated that this object was very high between ten to twenty thousand feet, possibly higher. The glow given off was very steady and not blinking and the whole sphere itself glowed in about the same consistency. He witnessed this object for approximately twenty seconds during which time it traveled in a westerly direction toward New York City and then when Mr. HITCHENS believed that possibly it was near or over New York City, it then veered in a southerly direction as if crossing Long Island or possibly in such a direction that it might have been traveling over Long Island. He lost sight of this object as it disappeared behind trees in his vicinity. He advised that as to the size of the object, it was approximately ten times the diameter of Venus, which was shining very brightly that night. He states it was a very clear night and that all the stars in the sky were twinkling as compared to the steadiness of the glow given off by this object. He advised that the object did not appear to diminish in size as it traveled farther away from him but appeared to maintain about the same size as when he first noticed it directly overhead. The same steady orange glow persisted during the entire time that he witnessed it. Although this object was actually cut from his sight by nearby trees, Mr. HITCHENS states that it was so far away from him any way that he probably would have lost sight of it very shortly due to distance had the trees not intervened. The object made no sound whatsoever MHF:FGM [Stamps: RECORDED - 102; INDEXED - 102; 62-83894-260; NOV 13 1950; EX-89] [PAGE 88] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Stamps only (mirrored): RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Nov 17; RECEIVED ... ESPIONAGE ... Nov 28 1 38 PM. [PAGE 89] Letter to the Director 11/9/50 and there seemed to be no attachments or projections of any kind, just a complete circular ball. He had no idea as to the method of propulsion but advised that at the time it seemed to change directions, probably over New York City, that it had seemed to back up and go forward, possibly two or three times in order to execute a change of direction. There were no clouds in the sky that interfered with his vision of this object and he could not comment as to whether or not this object penetrated or circumvented clouds. The object left no trail of any kind and Mr. HITCHENS mathematically calculated its speed at between four hundred and seven hundred miles per hour, depending on the height which he stated he could not accurately compute. He advised that he could not recall any odors and had no idea as to its construction. To his knowledge the only other persons in this area to have witnessed this object were his wife and daughter. Immediately upon sighting the object, his wife ran to the door of neighbors occupying the same house as the HITCHENS to bring them to the yard. However, these neighbors had not witnessed the object as by the time they got outside the object had disappeared. [handwritten corrections in this sentence] Mr. HITCHENS stated that he is a Chemical Engineer, has fifteen years of experience in research and development. He is not a pilot but has done considerable flying and has also done considerable reading, including technical data concerning flying saucers and discs. He understands from reading the above matters that the star Venus is often mistaken by observers for flying saucers and he pointed out that he feels that he is familiar with astronomy not to confuse the object he saw with Venus as he also recalls Venus in the sky on that particular evening and compared the size of this object as being ten times Venus' diameter. He also states that he computed the speed at which this object was traveling by using points in his area, such as, roof tops and tree tops together with the distance he walked on the ground in order to keep the object in sight. Mr. HITCHENS was advised that the Bureau would turn this information over to another agency and indicated that this was according to his approval. He specifically requested that no public announcement or comment be given to the fact that he had reported seeing the above object. Mr. HITCHENS appeared to be a very reliable and sincere individual and evidences considerable technical knowledge and experience in reporting the above incident. -2- [PAGE 90] DIRECTOR, FBI November 9, 1950 SAC, NEW HAVEN FLYING DISCS AARON L. HITCHENS, INFORMANT The following is being brought to the attention of the Bureau so that it may be referred to the Department of the Air Force in connection with instructions set forth in SAC Letter No. 38, Series 1949, dated March 25, 1949. Mr. AARON L. HITCHENS, Chemical Engineer in charge of the Chemical and Physical Laboratories of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co., 275 Winchester Avenue, New Haven, was interviewed in connection with other official business and furnished the following information: He advised that on Friday, October 20, 1950, he and his wife and daughter, who reside at 495 Edgewood Avenue, New Haven, went out the back door of their home to the back yard at approximately 6:15 P.M. His little daughter called his attention to a star in the sky that was moving and Mr. HITCHENS noted a sphere-like object directly overhead which gave a steady golden orange glow. He stated that this object was very high between ten to twenty thousand feet, possibly higher. The glow given off was very steady and not blinking and the whole sphere itself glowed in about the same consistency. He witnessed this object for approximately twenty seconds during which time it traveled in a westerly direction toward New York City and then when Mr. HITCHENS believed that possibly it was near or over New York City, it then veered in a southerly direction as if crossing Long Island or possibly in such a direction that it might have been traveling over Long Island. He lost sight of this object as it disappeared behind trees in his vicinity. He advised that as to the size of the object, it was approximately ten times the diameter of Venus, which was shining very brightly that night. He states it was a very clear night and that all the stars in the sky were twinkling as compared to the steadiness of the glow given off by this object. He advised that the object did not appear to diminish in size as it traveled farther away from him but appeared to maintain about the same size as when he first noticed it directly overhead. The same steady orange glow persisted during the entire time that he witnessed it. Although this object was actually cut from his sight by nearby trees, Mr. HITCHENS states that it was so far away from him any way that he probably would have lost sight of it very shortly due to distance had the trees not intervened. The object made no sound whatsoever MHF:FGM [PAGE 91] Letter to the Director 11/9/50 and there seemed to be no attachments or projections of any kind, just a complete circular ball. He had no idea as to the method of propulsion but advised that at the time it seemed to change directions, probably over New York City, that it had seemed to back up and go forward, possibly two or three times in order to execute a change of direction. There were no clouds in the sky that interfered with his vision of this object and he could not comment as to whether or not this object penetrated or circumvented clouds. The object left no trail of any kind and Mr. HITCHENS mathematically calculated its speed at between four hundred and seven hundred miles per hour, depending on the height which he stated he could not accurately compute. He advised that he could not recall any odors and had no idea as to its construction. To his knowledge the only other persons in this area to have witnessed this object were his wife and daughter. Immediately upon sighting the object, his wife ran to the door of neighbors occupying the same house as the HITCHENS to bring them to the yard. However, these neighbors had not witnessed the object as by the time they got outside the object had disappeared. Mr. HITCHENS stated that he is a Chemical Engineer, has fifteen years of experience in research and development. He is not a pilot but has done considerable flying and has also done considerable reading, including technical data concerning flying saucers and discs. He understands from reading the above matters that the star Venus is often mistaken by observers for flying saucers and he pointed out that he feels that he is familiar with astronomy not to confuse the object he saw with Venus as he also recalls Venus in the sky on that particular evening and compared the size of this object as being ten times Venus' diameter. He also states that he computed the speed at which this object was traveling by using points in his area, such as, roof tops and tree tops together with the distance he walked on the ground in order to keep the object in sight. Mr. HITCHENS was advised that the Bureau would turn this information over to another agency and indicated that this was according to his approval. He specifically requested that no public announcement or comment be given to the fact that he had reported seeing the above object. Mr. HITCHENS appeared to be a very reliable and sincere individual and evidences considerable technical knowledge and experience in reporting the above incident. -2- [PAGE 92] copy;bw FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION OCT 13 1950 TELETYPE SAC, KNOXVILLE 10-13-50 8-26 PM JYC DIRECTOR, FBI URGENT Flying Saucers (handwritten) RADAR DETECTION OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECTS OVER OAK RIDGE OCTOBER TWELVE, NINETEEN FIFTY, PROTECTION OF VITAL INSTALLATIONS. USAF RADAR INSTALLATION AT KNOXVILLE AT ELEVEN TWENTYFIVE PM, EST, OCTOBER TWELVE, PICKED UP INDICATIONS OF ELEVEN OBJECTS AND PERHAPS MORE TRAVELING ACROSS CONTROLLED AREA OF ATOMIC ENERGY INSTALLATION AT OAK RIDGE. ALTITUDE OF OBJECTS VARIED FROM ONE THOUSAND TO FIVE THOUSAND FEET, COURSES FROM SOUTH SOUTH EAST TO SOUTHEAST, AND DENSITY FROM READING MADE BY LIGHT AIRCRAFT TO AIRCRAFT EQUAL IN SIZE TO C FORTY SEVEN, SPEED FROM ONE HUNDRED TO ONE HUNDRED TWENTYFIVE MILES PER HOUR. FIGHTER PLANE ATTEMPTED TO INTERCEPT IN FEW MINUTES AND RADAR SCREEN REFLECTED CONTACT, BUT PLANE REPORTED NO OBJECT COULD BE SEEN EITHER VISUALLY OR ON PLANES RADAR SCREEN. AEC PATROL WAS ALERTED BUT NO OBJECTS COULD BE VISUALLY SIGHTED BY THEM OVER THE AREA OTHER THAN THE AIR FORCE INTERCEPTOR. OSI AND EASTERN AIR DEFENSE FORCES HAVE BEEN ADVISED AND ARE CHECKING INCIDENT. NO REASONABLE EXPLANATION FOR RADAR READINGS YET DEVELOPED ALTHOUGH OPERATORS ARE EXPERIENCED RELIABLE PERSONNEL AND RADAR SET IS IN PERFECT OPERATING CONDITION. BUREAU WILL BE ADVISED OF FURTHER DEVELOPEMENTS. ROBEY ACK AND HOLD PLS 8-31 PM OK FBI WASH DC GAR [Stamps: INDEXED - 15; 62-83894-261; NOT RECORDED; 1950 NOV 22; INITIALS ON ORIGINAL; 55 DEC 7 1950] [PAGE 93] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION DEC 5 1950 TELETYPE FBI WASHINGTON DC 12-5-50 4-47 PM GAR SAC, KNOXVILLE URGENT Flying Saucers (handwritten) DETECTION OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJCXXX OBJECTS OVER OAK RIDGE AREA, PROTECTION OF VITAL INSTALLATIONS. REURTEL DECEMBER FOUR LAST REGARDING POSSIBLE RADAR JAMMING AT OAK RIDGE. ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE MADE TO OBTAIN ALL FACTS CONCERNING POSSIBLE RADAR JAMMING BY IONIZATION OF PARTICLES IN ATOXXX ATMOSPHERE. CONDUCT APPROPRIATE INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER INCIDENT OCCURRING NORTHEAST OF OLIVER SPRINGS, TENNESSEE, COULD HAVE HAD ANY CONNECTION WITH ALLEGED RADAR JAMMING. SUTEL IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS. HOOVER END CORRECT LAST WORD FIRST LINE PLS --PROTECTION OK D FBI KX OLO [Stamps and handwriting: 62-83894; NOT RECORDED; 1950 DEC 20; ORIGINAL COPY FILED IN 65-58300-141; 5 JAN 4 1951] [PAGE 94] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION DEC - 8 1950 TELETYPE FBI, RICHMOND 12-8-50 12-09 PM MEW DIRECTOR URGENT RE FLYING SAUCERS. THIS OFFICE VERY CONFIDENTIALLY ADVISED BY ARMY INTELLIGENCE, RICHMOND, THAT THEY HAVE BEEN PUT ON IMMEDIATE HIGH ALERT FOR ANY DATA WHATSOEVER CONCERNING FLYING SAUCERS. CIC HERE STATES BACKGROUND OF INSTRUCTIONS NOT AVAILABLE FROM AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE, WHO ARE NOT AWARE OF REASON FOR ALERT LOCALLY, BUT ANY INFORMATION WHATSOEVER MUST BE TELEPHONED BY THEM IMMEDIATELY TO AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE. CIC ADVISES DATA STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND SHOULD NOT BE DISSEMINATED. AUERBACH END ACK 12-11 PM OK FBI WA NRJ [Handwritten: Sanders also ... request from ... for Bur ... (partly illegible)] [Stamps and handwriting: 62-83894-269; DEC 13 1950; RECORDED - 81; EX-46; 65 DEC 19 1950; cc Hennrich; routing list Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Belmont, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease] [PAGE 95] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Stamps only: REC'D BELMONT F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Dec 9 1 05 PM '50; RECEIVED-NICHOLS FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Dec 9 10 37 AM '50; CORRELATION-LIAISON F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Dec 11 9 22 AM '50; RECEIVED-LADD FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Dec 9 9 07 AM '50; RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Dec 8 12 11 PM; RECEIVED-TOLSON FBI Dec 8 5 48 PM '50; REC'D BELMONT Dec 8 12 34 PM '50; RECEIVED-DIRECTOR Dec 8 3 39 PM; REC'D ESPIONAGE Dec 12 11 46 AM '50; RECEIVED-LADD Dec 8 1 31 PM '50. [PAGE 96] DIRECTOR, FBI [CONFIDENTIAL crossed out; handwritten: declassified 8/31/77] November 4, 1950 SAC, KNOXVILLE DETECTION OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECTS AT OAK RIDGE, October 20,23,24,26, 1950 PROTECTION OF VITAL INSTALLATIONS Flying Saucers (handwritten) Remylet October 18, 1950. Submitted herewith is copy of CIC reports on above caption matter. Further information as received will be forwarded to Bureau. Encl. (Air Mail) CCM:JF 65-475 [Stamps: 62-83894; NOT RECORDED; 1950 NOV 22; 56 DEC 2 1950; ORIGINAL COPY FILED IN 65-...-137; INITIALS ON ORIGINAL] [PAGE 97] CLASSIFIED INCOMING MESSAGE [CONFIDENTIAL crossed out] DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY STAFF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE RECEIVED FROM G-2 THROUGH LIAISON CHANNELS DATE 12/15/50 [CONFIDENTIAL crossed out] PRIORITY PARAPHRASE NOT REQUIRED FROM: COUSARAL FT RICHARDSON ALASKA FROM ARGSI TO: DEPTAR WASH DC FOR ACOFS G2 DTG: 150345Z 15 DEC 50 Alas Air Comd reports military jet pilots vic Fairbanks while over Weeks International Field at an altitude of 8000 feet observed a flash of light, yellow in color at an altitude between 25,000 and 30,000 feet. Horizontal distance to object was aprx 50 miles. Soon after flash a dark brown smoke appeared to rise or climb at an angle of 40 degrees. At the leading edge of the smoke at aprx 100 feet appeared an object either cigar shaped or a fuselage without wings travelling at terrific speed. Pilots started pursuit on heading of 210 degrees mag, indicating 380 at a very steep climb. Pursuit continued until pilots reached village of Clear and lost sight of object. Meantime object gained altitude and speed and disappeared because of distance of aprx 50 to 55,000 feet. Color of smoke brown, color of object dark and no reflection from sunlight. Pilots assured of shape because of perfect silhouette against the sun. One pilot had object in view aprx 4½ mins. First sighted at 150026Z. Coordinates 64 degs 13 mins North, 149 degs 30 mins West. Add info will be fwd when obtained. DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 90986 ACTION: G2 INFO: G3, AF CM IN 932 (15 Dec 50) DTG: 150345Z rvk/7 141 DEC 15 50 [CONFIDENTIAL crossed out] COPY NO. REPLACES DA SCO FORM 22-3, 15 JAN 49, WHICH MAY BE USED. OCS FORM 1 JAN 50 270-1 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1950—O—868129 [Stamps and handwriting: 62-83894; NOT RECORDED; DEC 21 1950; 61 DEC 27 1950; G.I.R.-1; Flying Saucers; Henrich; 5-EHM] [PAGE 98] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Stamps and handwriting only: 62-83894-263 CHANGED TO 100-2244-8; 5 JAN 26 1951. [PAGE 99] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Stamps and handwriting only: 62-83894-264 CHANGED TO 62-93979-1; MAR 2 1951. [PAGE 100] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : DIRECTOR FBI FROM : SAC KNOXVILLE SUBJECT: UNIDENTIFIED OBJECTS OVER OAK RIDGE AREA, PROTECTION OF VITAL INSTALLATIONS Flying Saucers (handwritten) DATE: 2-10-51 [CONFIDENTIAL; handwritten: declassified 8/31/77] Re Knoxville letter dated 12-13-50. For information of the Bureau, the below listed copies of CIC, G-2 Third Army, pertaining to captioned matter are forwarded herewith. Report of SAC WILLIAM B. GRAY, CIC, dated 1-2-51, entitled "Object Sighted Over Oak Ridge, Tennessee." CIC reports dated 1-20-51, entitled "Objects Sighted Over Oak Ridge, Tennessee". Enclosures - 2 65-475 CCM/wj [Stamps and handwriting: G.I.R.-7; APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND FIELD OFFICES ADVISED BY ROUTING SLIP(S) OF 2640 DATE 9/1/77; RECORDED - 42; 62-83894-365; FEB 13 1951; 62 FEB 19 1951; DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 90986; UNRECORDED COPY FILED IN 65-...] [PAGE 101] [CONFIDENTIAL crossed out] COPY/wj 2-10-51 SUMMARY OF INFORMATION 111th CIC, FAO # 8, P. O. Box 379, Knoxville, Tennessee. OBJECT SIGHTED OVER OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE. (In compliance with letter AJACI-360.33 General, dated 15 November 1950, Headquarters, Third Army. SUBJECT: Unconventional Aircraft, the following is submitted.) A. Location and Time of Sighting: Between 0820 and 0830 hours on 18 December 1950, on the Turnpike, within the controlled area, approximately one (1) mile from the White Wing entrance and Y-12 plant. B. Weather at the Time: At 0730 hours - wind from the Northeast, seven (7) miles per hour; temperature - 20 degrees F. according to the Atomic Energy Commission Meteorological Division. C. Names, Occupations, and Addresses of Witnesses: Dr. A. J. Miller, 518 Delaware Avenue, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Dr. V. P. Calkins, 105 Disston Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Mr. J. Frank Coneybear, 119 Meadow Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Mr. A. O. Mooneyham, 101 Dewey Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Mr. F. T. Bly, 221 Villanova Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Lt. Col. John R. Hood, U.S.A.F., 200 Virginia Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Cdr. E. W. Hribar, U.S.N., 103 Norris Lane, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Maj. Walter L. Carss, U.S.A.F., NEPA Division, Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. D. Photographs of Objects, if available: None. E. Object Sighted: A light amanating in the shape of a circle, of an intensity much greater that that of a bright moon, giving the impression of form in connection with the light. The light was white in appearance and did not show any signs of refraction into a band or continuous spectrum. This object was traveling in a Northwesterly direction, 15 to 30 degrees elevation above the horizon, and appeared to diminish considerable in size during thirty seconds of observation. To another group, the object appeared only as a bright reflection of the sun from an apparently metal surface. No accurate estimate of the object's size or range could be made from the observation. F. Any other pertinent information: Following is quoted from the Radar Log maintained by the McGhee Tyson Air Force Radar Station: [Stamps: 62-83894-265; ENCLOSURE] [PAGE 102] 2 January 1951 111th CIC, FAO #8, P. O. Box 379, Knoxville, Tennessee. OBJECTS SIGHTED OVER OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE. F. (Continued) "0832 hours - Atomic Energy Commission reported aircraft over Northeast end of area - no paint. (Paint meaning indication on the radar scopes.) "0839 hours - Small paint near Southeast corner of area on 190 degree. (Magnetic bearing of objects travel.) "0845 hours - Lost contact. Fighter interception was attempted with negative results." Attached hereto are two certified true copies of the statements made by the above mentioned observers. Attachments - 2 2 [PAGE 103] STATEMENT Following is a report of the sighting of an unidentified object in the Oak Ridge Area by the undersigned. On the morning of 18 December 1950, the following personnel were riding to their work at NEPA Division, Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corp., in the S-50 Area at Oak Ridge, Tennessee: Lt. Col. John R. Hood, USAF Cdr. E. W. Hribar, USN Major James L. Steele, USAF Jamor Walter L. Carss, USAF Mr. James R. Gray Mr. William G. Frey Mr. Gray, Commander Hribar, and Major Steele were riding in the front seat; Col. Hood, Major Carss, and Mr. Frey were in the rear. At approximately 0827, while riding southwest on the turnpike just outside the restricted area, Col. Hood sighted a very bright reflection through the windshield of the car. Major Carss, who was sitting beside Col. Hood and whose attention was attracted by Col. Hood's looking at the sky, sighted the same reflection. Col. Hood then called the attention of the remaining occupants of the car to the reflection. Of these, Commander Hribar also sighted the reflection, but Mr. Gray, Mr. Frey, and Major Steele did not sight it. The reflection was visible through the front windshield of the car only for a moment because, shortly thereafter, the road turned to the right. The corresponding turn of the car so placed the relative position of the reflection that it could not be seen through the left front window, which was frosted. The windshield, however, was not frosted and permitted excellent vision. The object appeared only as the bright reflection of the sun from an apparently metal surface, much as might be expected from an aircraft at a great distance. No accurate estimate of the objects size or range could be made from the observation. It appeared to be west-southwest of Oak Ridge Townsite at an angle of elevation of about 25 degrees from the level. s/John R. Hood, Jr. t/JOHN R. HOOD, JR., Lt. Col. USAF s/Edward W. Hribar t/EDWARD W. HRIBAR, Commander, USN s/Walter L. Carss t/WALTER L. CARSS, JR., Major, USAF CERTIFIED TRUE COPY: WILLIAM B. GRAY, SAC, Knoxville,Tenn [PAGE 104] [CONFIDENTIAL crossed out] This document contains information affecting the national defense of the United States within the meaning of the Espionage Laws, Title 18 U. S. C., Sections 793 and 794. Its transmission or the revelation of its contents in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law. December 28, 1950 SUBJECT: Visual Observation on December 19, 1950 TO: Mr. William G. Frey Assistant to the AF Plant Representative for Security Office of the AF Plant Representative Air Material Command NEPA Division Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation Post Office Box E Oak Ridge, Tennessee 1. On December 18, 1950, at sometime between 0820 and 0830, the following NEPA employees were riding in a vehicle on the Turnpike within the Controlled Area toward the NEPA Project approximately one mile short of the "Y" cutoff to White Wing entrance and Y-12: Dr. A. J. Miller Dr. V. P. Calkins Mr. J. Frank Coneybear Mr. A O. Mooneyham Mr. F. T. Bly 2. The passengers, with the exception of Dr. Calkins, who did not attempt to participate in the viewing, observed a light emanating in the shape of a circle, of an intensity much greater than that of a bright moon, through the windshield of the vehicle. The viewers had the impression that there was form in connection with the light rather than merely a point source. The light was white in appearance and did not show any signs of refraction into a band or continuous spectrum. It appeared to be from 15 to 30 degrees elevated above the horizontal and on an aximuth between west and northwest, and appeared to be traveling in a northwesterly direction. The impression of its traveling is due to the fact that the object appeared to diminish considerably in size during the approximate thirty seconds during which it was viewed. The vehicle remained in motion and in following the course of the road, changed its relative position so that the object was viewed during the last few seconds from the side windows. As the vehicle proceeded down the road a near-by ridge obstructed the view of the object, and although the vehicle completed the turn toward K-25 at the "Y" intersection [CONFIDENTIAL crossed out] Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation NEPA Division, P. O. Box 415, Oak Ridge, Tenn. [PAGE 105] [CONFIDENTIAL crossed out] Mr. William G. Frey December 28, 1950 Assistant to the AF Plant Page 2 Representative for Security Subject: Visual Observation on December 18, 1950 and the passengers had a relatively clear view at points along the road, the object was not viewed again. The observers were unable to estimate approximate size, speed, or vertical elevation; and, therefore, were not certain whether the object was over the Controlled Area or a considerable distance away. There was no vapor trail or any other visible condition within the vicinity of the object and there were no clouds which could have obscured it. The observers were unable to identify the object in terms of mass or shpae, other than the circular appearance of the light. However, the circular area appeared to darken, starting at approximately 7:00 to 9:00 o'clock along the perimeter and continuing to darken along the perimeter and inner area until the light was concentrated in approximately 1:00 to 3:00 o'clock position of a very small diameter, at which point it appeared somewhat similar to a large star. 3. The observers were not in complete agreement as to whether the object was moving at a speed which caused it to diminish in size or actually was diminishing in size without any great velocity of travel due to the darkening effect described above. NEPA Division FAIRCHILD ENGINE AND AIRPLANE CORPORATION s/ Gene A. Goedjen t/ GENE A. GOEDJEN Plant Protection Manager GAG:VM [CONFIDENTIAL crossed out] Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation NEPA Division, P. O. Box 415, Oak Ridge, Tenn. CERTIFIED TRUE COPY: WILLIAM B. GRAY, SAC, Knoxville, Tenn. [PAGE 106] 20 January 1951 111th CIC Detachment, FAO #8, P.O. Box 379, Knoxville, Tennessee OBJECTS SIGHTED OVER OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE (In compliance with letter AJACI-360.33 General, dated 15 November 1950. Headquarters, Third Army, Subject; Unconventional Aircraft, the following is submitted.) A. Location and Time of Sighting: On 1247 hours on 20 December 1950. B. Weather at Time of Sighting: At 1200 hours on 20 December 1950; Ceiling - 2700 feet; broken overcast; Seven miles visibility; Temperature - 37 degrees F; Dew Point - 31 degrees; and Wind - Calm. C. Names, Occupations, and Addresses of Witnesses: Personnel of the 663rd AC &C Squadron, and the 5th AN Fighter Squadron, McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville, Tennessee D. Photographs of Objects, if available: None E. Object Sighted: The radar log of the 663rd AN and C Squadron, McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville, Tennessee contained the following entry: "20 December 1950. 1247 hours. Small paint in area (Oak Ridge Controlled Area). Very, very slow. Made perfect intercept (with F-82 Fighter aircraft) and orbit surrounding small smoke cloud." F. Any other pertinent information: This report is made because of its possible aid in determining the identity of the numerous unidentified objects sighted over Oak Ridge, Tennessee SOURCE: Personnel of 663rd AC &W, Squadron, McGhee Tyson, Knoxville, Tennessee, and the log of the 663rd AC&W Squadron. [Stamps: 62-83894-265 ENCLOSURE; ORIGINAL COPY FILED IN] [PAGE 107] 20 January 1951 111th CIC Detachment, FAO #8, P.O. Box 379, Knoxville, Tennessee OBJECTS SIGHTED OVER OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE (In compliance with letter AJACI-360.33 General, dated 15 November 1950, Headquarters, third Army, Subject; Unconventional Aircraft, the following is submitted.) A. Location and Time of Sighting: From 1605 hours for about three (3) hours, on 14 December 1951, on the Radar Scopes of the 663rd AC and W Squadron, McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville, Tennessee. B. Weather at the Time: At 1600 hours on 14 December 1950--"Ceiling-2100 feet; Broken overcast; Seven (7) miles visibility; Temperature- 37 degrees F.; and Wind - Southwest at thirteen (13)miles perhour. C. Names, Occupations, and Addresses of Witnesses: Personnel of the 663rd AC and W Squadron, 30th Air Division, McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville, Tennessee, who were on duty at the time. Their occupations are Radar operators, Supervisors, and experts. D. Photographs of Objects, if available: No photographs taken. See "F" below. E. Object Sighted: A group of targets blanketed the Radar Scopes in the area directly over the government Atomic Energy Commission projects at Oak Ridge, Tennessee. These objects could not be identified from the radar image and a perfect fighter interception met with negative results. F. Any other pertinent information: Lt. Robinson of the 663rd AC and W Squadron, McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville, Tennessee took photographs of the scope readings with a personal, four (4) by five (5) Speed Graphis Camera, using Plus-X civilian procured film, a lense opening of F-2.5, and a shutter speed varying from twenty (20) to fourty-five (45) seconds. The negatives were printed and forwarded to the 30th Air Division, Selfridge Air Force Base, Michigan, which installation printed the negatives and sent copies thereof to the 663rd AC and W Squadron. The numerous targets can readily identified from the permanent radar echos by comparing the photographs. (B-2) SOURCE: Personnel and logs of the 663rd AC and W Squadron, McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville, Tennessee. [PAGE 108] 20 January 1951 111th CIC Detachment, FAO # 8, P.O. Box 379, Knoxville, Tennessee OBJECTS SIGHTED OVER OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE (in compliance with letter AJACI-360.33 General, dated 15 November 1950, Headquarters Third Army, Subject; Unconventional Aircraft, the following is submitted.) A. Location and Time of Sighting: At 2145 hours on 16 January 1951. B. Weather at the Time of Sighting: Clear; visibility twenty (20) miles; Temperature - 37 degrees F.; and Wind - Southwest at five (5) miles perhour. Winds aloft: At 2000 feet - 240 degrees at 3 knots 3000 " - 210 " " 3 knots 4000 " - 209 " " 5 knots C. Names, Occupations and Addresses of Witnesses: 663rd AC&W Squadron Personnel who are Radar operators. AEC Patrol Personnel, policemen at Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Captains L.C.M. Clevenger and Wm. Aiken, Controllers of 663rd. D. Photographs of Objects if available: None E. Object sighted: Two bright objects in the sky, one of which was east of McGhee Tyson Airport and the other was west. The object to the east was a light, brighter than any other star, emitting intermittant glows of various colors in the color spectrum. An aircraft attempted interception and found that he was heading directly for a star. Weather personnel explained that the spectural reflection of the star was caused by the volumn of atmosphere and physical matter, together with heat, which must be looked through to see a star close to the horizon. These phenomenon caused refraction of the light rays from the star thereby reflecting a continuous spectural change of light color. The light to the West was observed through a twenty (20) power spotting scope and the light seemed to be descending. It took about one hour to descend behind trees making it disappear from the sight of observers. Captain Clevenger stated that this light, when viewed through the spotting scope, took on many peculiar forms, with lines, cores, tails, etc, therein, thus generally fitting the description of all "flying saucers" ever described to him. Shortly after this object disappeared from sight (behind trees) AEC personnel at Oak Ridge, Tennessee reported they had sighted an object about twelve (12) miles Southeast of the K-25 Plant in the Controlled Area. They also observed the aircraft which had been sent for interception but stated the aircraft was "too far north". The aircraft made no identification, and AEC personnel later reported that they had observed a star. [PAGE 109] 20 January 1950 111th CIC Detachment, FAO # 8, P.O. Box 379, Knoxville, Tennessee OBJECTS SIGHTED OVER OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE F. Any other pertinent information: The Commanding Officer of the 663rd AC&W Squadron, 30th Air Division, McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville, Tennessee, in a letter to his Commanding Officer on 17 January 1951, Subject; Report of Unusual incident 2145 hours 16 January 1951, stated: " 1. In compliance with telephone instructions from the ADCC 17 January 1951, the following unusual incident report is herewith submitted: Time Date-16 January 1951 1915: An unusual airbourne object was sighted approximately 10 miles WNW of the station, the lighted object was very similar to a star but much brighter and slightly larger than other visible stars at the time, as observed the object seemed to be approximately 6,000 feet above the terrain and descending slowly. As the object appeared to be over or near the Oak Ridge Area, the AEC Patrol Headquarters was notified and their ground observer alerted. About this time some interference was noted on the Radar Scopes (AN/CPS-11 in the approximate area of the observed object; however no interference was noted on the height finder (AN/CPS-4) (See attached Form 117 dtd 17 Jan 1951 1925: Object still apparently descending, F-82 scrambled to attempt interception, still no report from AEC Headquarters. 1930: Similar object observed 15 to 20 miles east of station; seems to be ascending rather than descending. 1935: AF 7177 (Locally homed and piloted by assigned sq officer) C-45 -enroute CHA to tys, requested fixed to steer to tys - A/C fixed 25 miles SW of station, Pilot Major Raymond C. Care - AF 7177 requested to investigate object east of station. 1945: AF 7177 sighted subject object and reported it to be a star 1945: F-82 orbiting S/E corner of Oak Ridge Area no electronic or visual observation still no electronic observation by station 47. 1946: Visual observation reported by Oak Ridge Ground Observers, 12 miles southeast of K-25 area (This is in the SE corner of Oak Ridge Area) F-82 in sight and is north of object. F-82 vectored south toward object no contact, electronic or visual. Object report 2400 feet above terrain by Oak Ridge Observers. 1955: Oak Ridge Patrol Headquarters reports that observed object determined (to be a star) [PAGE 110] 20 January 1951 111th CIC Detachment, FAO #8, P.O. 379, Knoxville, Tennessee OBJECTS SIGHTED OVER OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE to be a star. 2000: F-82 reports clear sailing and no restrictions to visibility, still patroling area for possible pickup of object, still no joy." NOTE: This is an extract of the information listed in logs kept at the Radar Site by Radar Personnel. (B-2) SOURCE: Personnel as in "C" above. [PAGE 111] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : MR. C. E. HENNRICH FROM : MR. E. H. MOSSBURG SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS DATE: February 26, 1951 Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Belmont, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease, Gandy It is recommended the attached article which appeared in Look magazine January, 1951, be filed in captioned case for information purposes. Attachment EHM:gmu [Stamps and handwriting: ENCLOSURE ATTACHED; G.I.R.-7; 5-EHM; 62-83894-266; MAR 6 1951; RECORDED - 9; EX-56; 65 MAR 14 1951] [PAGE 112] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Blank envelope-style enclosure sheet bearing only the handwritten file number 62-83894-266 and a partial ENCLOSURE stamp. [PAGE 113] [Diagram: unrelated magazine advertisement for ABC Television Saturday programming, with plate illustrations and portraits; not transcribed] [PAGE 114] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: two-page Look magazine article (pp. 60-61, January 1951) by Richard Wilson, Chief of LOOK Washington Bureau — reports that a Navy Office of Naval Research physicist, Dr. Urner Liddel, attributes many flying-saucer reports to Skyhook research balloons; includes photographs of a Skyhook balloon aloft and being launched, with captions] [PAGE 115] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: continuation pages (62-63) of the Look magazine article, Jan. 1951 — explains how Skyhook balloons can look like saucers, recounts the 1948 Kentucky pilot crash, and cites ONR physicist Liddel's conclusion that reports trace to balloons] [Diagram: unrelated magazine advertisements (whisky; Greyhound bus travel); not transcribed] [PAGE 116] [Diagram: unrelated magazine advertisement (Association of American Railroads, freight trains); not transcribed] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: final page (64) of the Look magazine article, Jan. 1951 — discusses cosmic-ray research balloons, a planned larger Skyhook, and predicts further saucer reports; includes photograph of a Skyhook ready for ascent] [PAGE 117] CLASSIFIED INCOMING MESSAGE [CONFIDENTIAL crossed out] DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY STAFF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE RECEIVED FROM G-2 THROUGH LIAISON CHANNELS PARAPHRASE NOT REQUIRED FEB 13 1951 PRIORITY AF MSG FROM: NEAC PEPPERELL AFB NFLD TO: CSAF WASH DC NR: EW 0212 10 FEB 51 Text on following page. ACTION: AF INFO : G2, G3 CAF IN 97532 DA IN 131 (12 Feb 51) DTG: 100400Z rls9 DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 90986 12 FEB 13 '51 [CONFIDENTIAL crossed out] COPY NO. 28 DA SCO FORM 15 JAN 1949 22-3 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1949—O—830430 [Stamps and handwriting: RECORDED - 137; 62-83894-267; MAR 8 1951; 61 MAR 15 1951; Filed Flying Saucer file; EHM; Mossburg] [PAGE 118] DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE STAFF MESSAGE DIVISION INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE [CONFIDENTIAL crossed out] PRIORITY PARAPHRASE NOT REQUIRED. NOTIFY CRYPTOCENTER BEFORE DECLASSIFYING FROM: NEAC PEPPERELL AFB NFLD TO: CSAF WASH D C NR: EW 0212 10 Feb 51 (DTG 100400) Unidentified object seen at 0055Z 10 Feb at 49 degrees 50 min north, 50 degrees 03 min west by crew of Navy 6501, VR1, Petuxent River, MD. Originally seen as heavy light in distance on the surface as lights of city. The yellowish light, like a fire in color, approached rapidly and grew very bright and very large with a semi-circular shape. It was on a true course of about 125 degrees, plane on a true course of 225 degrees, as it approached the plane it suddenly turned about almost 180 degrees and disappeared rapidly over the horizon as a small ball. Speed "was terrific". Seen fr an angle of about 45 degrees looking down fr the plane. Crew all experienced North Atlantic fliers Lt F.W. Kingdon, Lt A.L. Jones, Lt G.E. Bethune, Lt N.G.P. Koger, Lt J.M. Meyer, all saw object over a period of fr seven to eight min. Plane flying at 10,000 altitude. ACTION: OIN ADDED DIST: ARMY, STATE, CIA, OSD(SDLO), JCS CAF IN: 97532 (10 Feb 51) MEL/ref [CONFIDENTIAL crossed out] COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN AFHQ FORM 15 APR 49 0-309 B U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 16-56692-2 page 2 [PAGE 119] February 23, 1951 Mr. Jimmy W. Short 910 Caddo Street Arkadelphia, Arkansas RECORDED - 49 INDEXED - 49 62-83894-268 Dear Jimmy: Your letter dated February 14, 1951, has been received. While I appreciate the concern which prompted your writing in this regard, this Bureau does not have available for distribution any material concerning so-called "flying saucers." It was thoughtful of you to bring your observations in this connection to my attention. I am enclosing some material which I thought you might like to have. Sincerely yours, J. Edgar Hoover John Edgar Hoover Director Enclosure List of courses of study SA and Clerical Job Sheets 25 Years of Identi Personnel and Services of Lab NOTE: The only record located in Bufiles indicated that correspondent requested and received descriptive material concerning the Bureau in 1949. Data presently enclosed is not duplicated. [Routing list: Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Belmont, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease, Gandy] [Stamps: MAILED 10 FEB 24 1951; RECEIVED - DIRECTOR; RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM; U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F.B.I.; handwritten initials] [PAGE 120] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [PAGE 121] [Handwritten] Jimmy Short Arkadelphia, Ark. 910 Caddo St. Feb. 14, 1951 Mr. J. Edgar Hoover Washington, D.C. Flying Saucers Dear Mr. Hoover, Some time ago I wrote you a letter, and recieved a very nice reply. You said in your letter, if I had a question, to write you. Well, I have one. It is about Flying Saucers. I have been reading a book, "The Flying Saucers Are Real" by Donald Keyhoe. He states that The Flying Saucers are from another planet. He says that the F.B.I. and Project "Saucer" has been working and trying to solve the flying saucer mystery. He says the army has discovered something important and using the cosmic ray ballon to cover it up. (Please turn to page 2) [Stamps and notes: DEFERRED RECORDING FEB 20 1951; RECORDED - 49; 62-83894-268 (handwritten); MAR 14 1951; marginal notes "RBC", "ack 2-23-51"] [PAGE 122] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [PAGE 123] [Handwritten] Page 2 If you could give me some information about the flying Saucers, I would appreciate it. I somehow believe that the army is trying to cover something. The cosmic ray story just doesn't fit. I truly admire the F.B.I. and some day hope to become a member of this fine organization. Thank you very much. Yours Truly, Jimmy W. Short [PAGE 124] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION TELETYPE WASH 7 FROM NEWARK 9-20-51 9-08 PM DIRECTOR URGENT [handwritten: Flying Saucers] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 1 of the Newark teletype on the Fort Monmouth radar sightings (widely published) — on September 20, 1951, Andrew J. Reid, G-2 at Fort Monmouth, NJ, reported unconventional aircraft tracked by radar on September 10 and 11, 1951: a fast low-flying target southeast of the post too quick for aided tracking, unusually strong echoes, and a target at a very high elevation angle near 93,000 feet.] END OF PAGE ONE [stamped: 62-83894-271; RECORDED; INDEXED; OCT 4 1951; COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 23 1964] [PAGE 125] [Diagram: mirrored show-through of the reverse of the Newark teletype to the Director] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: mirror-image bleed-through of the Newark-to-Director urgent teletype of 9-20-51 (Wash 7), reporting radar observation of unconventional aircraft near Fort Monmouth, N.J., on September 10 and 11, 1951, as relayed by a Fort Monmouth officer] [stamps: REC'D BELMONT, F B I, DEPT. OF JUSTICE; RECEIVED-TOLSON; RECEIVED-LADD; REC'D ESPIONAGE; RECEIVED-NICHOLS; with dates Sep 21, Oct 6, Oct 8 and Oct 15 '51] [PAGE 126] PAGE TWO [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 2 of the same teletype — radar sets at Fort Monmouth tracked the target near 31,000 feet faster than their 700 mph aided tracking and had to switch to manual range tracking; on September 11 an SCR-584 set tracked a target over Navesink, NJ, that hovered and then changed elevation very rapidly; overcast prevented visual observation.] END OF PAGE TWO [PAGE 127] PAGE THREE [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 3 of the same teletype — the target rose nearly vertically and then moved fast to the south, again exceeding aided tracking; weather fair on September 10 and cloudy on September 11; the sightings had three witnesses except the first; Reid passed the information with G-2 Governors Island approval, asked for Air Force coordination, and said the report reached him after an unexplained delay.] MC KEE END AAD PLS NK R 7 WA AS DISC [handwritten: cc Mr. Belmont] [PAGE 128] [Diagram: mirrored show-through of the reverse of page three of the Newark teletype] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: mirror-image bleed-through of page 3 of the Newark teletype of 9-20-51 — the target rose nearly vertically then moved rapidly south beyond aided-tracking speed; Reid furnished the information and asked that it be coordinated with the Air Force] [stamp: RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT, DEPT. OF JUSTICE, Sep 20 9 31 PM '51] [PAGE 129] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : DIRECTOR, FBI (62-83894) DATE: March 21, 1952 FROM : SAC, CHICAGO (100-18999) SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS KARL NYQUIST, INFORMANT Mr. KARL NYQUIST, an artist living at 2417 North Burling Street, Chicago, Illinois (telephone LI-9-1479) advised SA MYRON H. TRETER on March 11, 1952 that he saw a flying disc at 9:00 AM on March 6, 1952. NYQUIST stated that he was looking out of a window at his home which window faces south, when he saw a flying disc at approximately 7,000 feet above Fullerton Avenue. The angle of elevation of the disc above the horizon was about 45 degrees. The disc came out of a cloud in the east, stopped and hung motionless in mid-air for a split second, then flew due south at great speed. He described the disc as approximately six feet in diameter, circular, white in color with a bluish tinge. The disc, he said, appeared to have been constructed out of a metal similar to aluminum. He also stated that he saw no exhaust, lights, or heard no sound connected with its movements. He noted nothing on it as to how it could maintain its even flight and believed it to have been radio controlled. He said it disappeared out of sight in approximately three seconds, estimating the speed at 600-700 miles per hour or more. He said it went so fast it appeared to flutter. When the disc disappeared from sight it was about the size of a golf ball on the southern horizon. NYQUIST made a sketch of the disc and the sketch and the above information were furnished to the local office of the Office of Special Investigations. MHT:BJB RECORDED - 79 INDEXED - 79 EX-125 62-83894- MAR 25 1952 [handwritten: marginal notes] [stamps: DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 90986; 57 APR 1 1952] [PAGE 130] CONFIDENTIAL [handwritten: Flying Saucers] [handwritten: marginal notes, partly illegible] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: summary report of Fort Monmouth radar sightings, 10-11 September 1951 — AN/MPG-1 and SCR 584 sets tracked fast, maneuvering targets exceeding aided-tracking speed, one apparently hovering and then rising] CONFIDENTIAL 65-83894- [stamps: OCT 24 1951; handwritten file marks] [PAGE 131] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Director, FBI DATE: 4-3-52 FROM : SAC, Memphis (62-0) SUBJECT: UNKNOWN SUBJECT; Flying Objects, Nashville, Tennessee INFORMATION CONCERNING [handwritten: Flying Discs] Lt. Commander MELVIN MICHAEL KUHN, U. S. Navy, temporarily residing at 1900 Graybar Lane, Nashville, Tennessee, advised SAA CHARLES J. HONETOR of the Nashville Resident Agency on March 14, 1952, at approximately 2:15 p.m. of the following incident. Mr. KUHN stated that approximately 10:20 p.m. on March 13, 1952, while standing in the back yard of 1900 Graybar Lane and looking toward the moon, which was then in the southwest section of the sky, he observed an object which appeared approximately 20 degrees above the horizon. Lt. KUHN described this object as being circular in shape, approximately one-half the size of the moon, deep bright blue in color, very vivid blue. He stated the object had a slight reddish fringe on the aft end. The object appeared to be moving from the northwest to the southeast. He stated that the object was not in his vision more than three seconds. It made no sound. Lt. KUHN stated that at the time he observed this, there were no clouds in the sky, the stars were out, and the moon was full. Lt. KUHN stated that the only way he could describe it was that it appeared to be a very high powered spotlight on a cloud, but he did not believe this could have been the cause of that which he had seen because he had not seen any spotlight or any strong search lights there during the evening. The above is being furnished for your information, and no action is contemplated by this office unless advised to the contrary. CJH:AJ RECORDED - 46 EX-99 62-83894- APR 7 1952 [stamps and handwritten file marks] [PAGE 132] [Diagram: mirrored show-through of the reverse of the preceding Memphis office memorandum of 4-3-52 (Kuhn, Nashville); no text of its own] [stamps: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE, F B I, RECEIVED, Apr 7 3 52 PM '52; MR. JONES] [PAGE 133] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : W. A. Branigan DATE: April 17, 1952 FROM : E. H. Mossburg SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS [routing list: Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Belmont, Mohr, Tele. Room, Holloman, Gandy] For record purposes, it is desired to point out that the April 7, 1952, issue of "Life" magazine contains an article on page 80 entitled, "Have We Visitors From Space?" written by H. B. Darrach, Jr., and Robert Ginna relating to the captioned matter. For further reference purposes, a copy of this issue of "Life" magazine is maintained in the Bureau Library. EHM:rd [stamps: 57 APR 28 1952; RECORDED - 9; 62-83894-; APR 22 1952; handwritten initials and file marks] [PAGE 134] [handwritten: Declassified; marginal notes] Date: May 7, 1952 To: Director of Special Investigations The Inspector General Department of the Air Force The Pentagon Washington 25, D. C. From: John Edgar Hoover, Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Subject: FRED J. EEKHOUT On May 5, 1952, Fred J. Eekhout called at this Bureau and advised that he is General Manager of Mouton and Company, Printers, 5 Herderstraat, The Hague, Netherlands. He resides at 49 Stadhouderslaan, The Hague. He is residing at the Victoria Hotel, New York City, until May 16, 1952, when he will return to Europe. Mr. Eekhout advised that he has a considerable interest in electronics and has been very much interested in reports circulated during the past year or two concerning the existence of flying saucers. He feels that there have been enough uncontradicted reports concerning such devices to indicate that they may exist in fact. He is also of the opinion that if they do exist they can be produced only by the United States or Russia or perhaps by the Republic of Argentina. Mr. Eekhout indicated that he has given extensive thought to the manner in which these devices could be operated. He has concluded that since the disk shape is not suitable for conventional aircraft it would be used only because it would provide the greatest possible lifting surface. It is his opinion, therefore, that one of these devices could be operated only by reducing the air pressure above it which would cause it to rise in the air. He concedes that conventional machinery to cause such a reduction of pressure would be so bulky that its weight would prevent the device from leaving the ground. He concludes, therefore, VHB:rdm RECORDED - 65 INDEXED - 65 62-83894-273 MAY 10 1952 [stamps: MAILED 16 MAY 8 1952 COMM - FBI; 66 MAY 17 1952; RECEIVED, MAY 7; routing list: Tolson, Ladd, Nichols, Belmont, Clegg, Glavin, Harbo, Rosen, Tracy, Mohr, Tele. Rm., Nease, Gandy] [PAGE 135] that power to accomplish this end would have to be derived from the cracking of an atomic fuel such as heavy water. In that connection he states that the ionosphere surrounding the earth radiates positive ions toward the earth's surface. Many of these are dissipated by combining with particles in the atmosphere with the result that positive ions are more concentrated near the earth's surface than higher above it. He reasons that a disk could be raised in the air by emitting a great quantity of negative ions through its upper surface and causing a decrease in pressure which would result in the pressure underneath the disk forcing it upward. He indicates that somewhere between the surface of the earth and the ionosphere this pressure would equalize at which point the disk could go no higher. It could then be moved horizontally by emitting negative ions in the direction in which it is desired to move. Mr. Eekhout stated that he did not feel such a device could be remote controlled since it would probably not be possible to maintain radio contact with it. He feels, however, that the occupants of such a device would be fully protected since according to the electrical theory demonstrated by Faraday's Cage the current involved in the propulsion of such a device would concentrate itself around the edges of the disk. The foregoing is furnished for your information. (NOTE ON YELLOW: Eekhout was interviewed at 2:15 p.m. 5-5-52, by Supervisor V. H. Bailey by reference from Mr. Nichols' Office. Bureau files contain no data identifiable with him.) VHB:rdm - 2 - [PAGE 136] INDEXED - 46 RECORDED - 46 62-83894-274 EX. - 47 May 13, 1952 Mr. W. B. Burgess Box 147 Black Mountain, North Carolina Dear Mr. Burgess: Your letter dated May 7, 1952, has been received and I appreciate the interest prompting you to bring your observations to my attention. Since the matter you mention may be of interest to another governmental agency, I am referring a copy of your letter to The Honorable, The Secretary of Defense, The Pentagon, Washington, D. C., and you may wish to write him directly in this connection. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director copy of incoming sent to Dep't. of Defense by form DIC:gr [stamps: RECEIVED READING ROOM, F B I, U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE, MAY 13 6 26 PM '52; MAILED 10 MAY 14 1952 COMM-FBI; 60 MAY 23 1952; routing list: Tolson, Ladd, Nichols, Belmont, Clegg, Glavin, Harbo, Rosen, Tracy, Laughlin, Mohr, Tele. Rm., Holloman, Gandy; handwritten initials] [PAGE 137] Box 147 Black Mountain, N.C. May 7, 1952 Mr. J. Edgar Hoover c/o U. S. Dept. of Justice Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Hoover: The motive of this letter is a sincere effort to help avoid useless waste of life, time and money. It is written with full respect to your pressing work, and to the ability of this country's scientific experts. Although your responsibilities may not be directly connected with the intended text of this letter, I sincerely hope that you will consider the possibilities, and forward the suggestions to the proper authorities concerned. For the past five years the general public has read, and ballyhoed newspaper articles related to the "Flying Saucers", and following the same trend of thought have ignored recent reports made by persons of undisputed experience and intelligence. The possibilities of this earth being visited by ships from outer space have been lightly suggested by some, while others believe the "objects" belong to some nation on this earth. Granted that some such objects do even belong to this country, it is obvious that we, nor any other nation possess and fail to use, in time of war, such useful means as have been reported by the balloon experts connected with General Mills, Inc. I am sure that these suggestions will bear scientific investigation and that they are entirely probable. Similar to Columbus and the egg - they may not have been given due consideration. These "objects" of undetermined origin" (not to be confused with our controlled weather balloons, etc.) are in all probability operated by the absorption, compression, and controlled emission of the sun's energy (basically electricity). As such, they probably carry a potential charge which is past our imagination. An earthly object approaching too close to the O.U.O. would have the same effect as grounding a high-tension wire, with the total destruction of both objects as a likely result. Assuming that some of these objects are from outer space, we would certainly benefit considerably by establishing contact with them, where as, if such a nation as Russia should acquire this knowledge before us we would certainly suffer as a result RECORDED - 46 62-83894-274 MAY 20 1952 [stamps: RECEIVED; handwritten notes and initials] [PAGE 138] [Diagram: mirrored show-through of the reverse of the preceding letter from W. B. Burgess, Black Mountain, N.C., May 7, 1952; no text of its own] [stamps: RECEIVED, F B I, U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE, May 9 4 54 PM '52; MR. JONES; May 9 3 55 PM '52; MAY 20 1952] [PAGE 139] -2- Whatever means of power these objects possess, thay may attain speeds far in excess of our latest rockets. It will be futile to give pursuit, or to attempt any forceful approach. From reports, we have no reason to believe these objects have anything but friendly intentions, also, they may be restricted as to the distance they may approach the earth without danger. It is also my belief that given an opportunity, they will approach an earthly object, at high altitude, as close as possible without danger to either themselves or the object. If my theory approaches the truth, then these strange objects will be unable to establish contact wth the earth without our assistance. Taking the earth at an age of two billion years, having suffered worldly catastrophies, and set-backs, we may be as children compared to a planet of four billion years, or of equal age without catastrophies. Our scientific laws have worked well for us, however, they probably do not hold true for all planets. Lacking water and trees in the beginning we would have been an entirely different world, perhaps even further advanced. My background includes a good foundation in high-altitude flying, and in the field of electricity. Although I am well established in business, it is my desire toenter the field of research related to this subject. My name is not for publication. Very truly yours, [signature] W. B. Burgess W. B. Burgess [PAGE 140] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAY 12 1952 TELETYPE [routing list: Mr. Tolson, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Belmont, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Laughlin, Mr. Mohr, Tele. Room, Mr. Holloman, Miss Gandy] FBI, SAVANNAH 5-12-52 7-58 PM WED DIRECTOR, FBI URGENT SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION, FLYING DISC. AT APPROXIMATELY TEN FORTYFIVE PM, MAY TEN LAST FOUR EMPLOYEES OF DUPONT CO., EMPLOYED ON SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT NEAR ELLENTON, S. C., SAW FOUR DISC SHAPED OBJECTS APPROACHING THE FOUR HUNDRED AREA FROM THE SOUTH, DISAPPEARING IN NORTHERNLY DIRECTION. AT APPROXIMATELY ELEVEN FIVE PM, ABOVE MENTIONED EMPLOYEES SAW TWO SIMILAR OBJECTS APPROACH FROM SOUTH AND DISAPPEAR IN NORTHERNLY DIRECTION. AT APPROXIMATELY ELEVEN TEN PM ONE SIMILAR OBJECT APPROACHED FROM THE NORTHEAST AND DISAPPEARED IN SOUTHWESTERNLY DIRECTION. ONE MORE OBJECT SIGHTED ABOUT ELEVEN FIFTEEN PM TRAVELLING FROM SOUTH TO NORTH. EMPLOYEES DESCRIBED OBJECTS AS BEING ABOUT FIFTEEN INCHES IN DIAMETER, HAVING YELLOW TO GOLD COLOR. ALL OF THESE OBJECTS WERE TRAVELLING AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED AT HIGH ALTITUDE WITHOUT ANY NOISE. EIGHTH OBJECT WHICH APPROACHED THE FOUR HUNDRED AREA FROM NE WAS TRAVELLING AT ALTITUDE SO LOW IT HAD TO RISE TO PASS OVER SOME TALL TANKS IN FOUR HUNDRED AREA. THIS OBJECT WAS ALSO FLYING AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND WAS NOISELESS. WITNESSES STATED OBSERVED OBJECTS WEAVING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT END PAGE ONE [handwritten: Note: See copy of tel. in action by Liaison.] RECORDED - 38 62-83894-275 MAY 20 1952 17 69 MAY 29 1952 [handwritten names and initials] [PAGE 141] [Diagram: mirrored show-through of the reverse of the Savannah teletype of 5-12-52; no text of its own] [stamps: RECEIVED-DIRECTOR, RECEIVED-TOLSON, RECEIVED-LADD, REC'D BELMONT, REC'D ESPIONAGE, F B I, U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE, with dates May 13 10 27 AM '52, May 13 11 21 AM '52, May 13 10 03 AM '52, May 13 4 48 PM '52, May 14 9 01 AM '52, May 28 10 42 AM '52, May 28 12 14 PM '52] [PAGE 142] PAGE TWO BUT SEEMED TO HOLD GENERAL COURSE. ALSO STATED DUE TO SPEED AND ALTITUDE THEY WERE ONLY VISIBLE FOR FEW SECONDS. SAVANNAH OFFICE IS NOT ACTIVELY CONDUCTING INVESTIGATION IN THIS MATTER AND IS FURNISHING THIS INFO TO BUREAU FOR WHATEVER ACTION THEY DEEM ADVISABLE. SCHLENKER ACK AND HOLD 9-03 PM OK FBI WA SS [PAGE 143] [Diagram: mirrored show-through of the reverse of page two of the Savannah teletype; no text of its own] [stamps: RECEIVED, F B I, COMMUNICATIONS, MAY 12 9 05 PM '52; REC'D BELMONT, F.B.I., May 12 10 12 PM '52] [PAGE 144] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAY 12 1952 TELETYPE [routing list: Mr. Tolson, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Belmont, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Laughlin, Mr. Mohr, Tele. Room, Mr. Holloman, Miss Gandy] FBI, SAVANNAH 5-12-52 7-58 PM WED DIRECTOR, FBI URGENT SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION, FLYING DISC. AT APPROXIMATELY TEN FORTYFIVE PM, MAY TEN LAST FOUR EMPLOYEES OF DUPONT CO., EMPLOYED ON SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT NEAR ELLENTION, S. C., SAW FOUR DISC SHAPED OBJECTS APPROACHING THE FOUR HUNDRED AREA FROM THE SOUTH, DISAPPEARING IN NORTHERNLY DIRECTION. AT APPROXIMATELY ELEVEN FIVE PM, ABOVE MENTIONED EMPLOYEES SAW TWO SIMILAR OBJECTS APPROACH FROM SOUTH AND DISAPPEAR IN NORTHERNLY DIRECTION. AT APPROXIMATELY ELEVEN TEN PM ONE SIMILAR OBJECT APPROACHED FROM THE NORTHEAST AND DISAPPEARED IN SOUTHWESTERNLY DIRECTION. ONE MORE OBJECT SIGHTED ABOUT ELEVEN FIFTEEN PM TRAVELLING FROM SOUTH TO NORTH. EMPLOYEES DESCRIBED OBJECTS AS BEING ABOUT FIFTEEN INCHES IN DIAMETER, HAVING YELLOW TO GOLD COLOR. ALL OF THESE OBJECTS WERE TRAVELLING AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED AT HIGH ALTITUDE WITHOUT ANY NOISE. EIGHTH OBJECT WHICH APPROACHED THE FOUR HUNDRED AREA FROM NE WAS TRAVELLING AT ALTITUDE SO LOW IT HAD TO RISE TO PASS OVER SOME TALL TANKS IN FOUR HUNDRED AREA. THIS OBJECT WAS ALSO FLYING AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND WAS NOISELESS. WITNESSES STATED OBSERVED OBJECTS WEAVING FROM LEFT TO RIGH END PAGE ONE [handwritten initials and file notation] [PAGE 145] [Diagram: mirrored show-through of the reverse of the Savannah teletype; no text of its own] [stamps: RECEIVED, INTERNAL SECURITY, F B I, U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE, May 13 10 20 AM '52; CORRELATION-LIAISON, F.B.I., May 13 3 54 PM '52; REC'D ESPIONAGE, May 13 12 11 PM '52; REC'D ESPIONAGE, May 22 11 35 AM '52] [PAGE 146] PAGE TWO BUT SEEMED TO HOLD GENERAL COURSE. ALSO STATED DUE TO SPEED AND ALTITUDE THEY WERE ONLY VISIBLE FOR FEW SECONDS. SAVANNAH OFFICE IS NOT ACTIVELY CONDUCTING INVESTIGATION IN THIS MATTER AND IS FURNISHING THIS INFO TO BUREAU FOR WHATEVER ACTION THEY DEEM ADVISABLE. [handwritten: 5-14-52 ... advised] [handwritten: 5/14/52 John White, AEC advised ...] [handwritten: 5/14/52 Col Free OSI advised] SCHLENKER ACK AND HOLD 9-03 PM OK FBI WA SS [handwritten: N. W. Philcox also advised AEC + OSI stated they are conducting no inquiry.] [PAGE 147] [Diagram: mirrored show-through of the reverse of page two of the Savannah teletype; no text of its own] [stamps: RECEIVED, F B I, COMMUNICATIONS, MAY 12 9 05 PM '52; REC'D BELMONT, F.B.I., May 12 10 12 PM '52; RECEIVED, INTERNAL SECURITY, F B I, May 13 10 20 AM '52; CORRELATION-LIAISON, F.B.I., May 13 3 54 PM '52] [PAGE 148] SECURITY INFORMATION - CONFIDENTIAL [handwritten: Declassified] Date: May 15, 1952 To: Director of Special Investigations The Inspector General Department of the Air Force The Pentagon Washington 25, D. C. From: John Edgar Hoover, Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Subject: FLYING DISKS REPORTEDLY SEEN IN VICINITY OF SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION The Savannah Office of this Bureau has been informed that at approximately 10:45 pm, May 10, 1952, four employees of the DuPont Company employed in the Savannah River Plant near Ellenton, South Carolina, saw four disk shaped objects approaching "the four hundred area" from the south which disappeared in a northerly direction. At approximately 11:05 pm on the same date the above-mentioned employees saw two similar objects approach from the south and disappear in a northerly direction. At approximately 11:10 pm a similar object was seen by these employees approaching from the northeast and disappearing in a southwesterly direction. A similar object was also sighted about 11:15 pm traveling from south to north by the same employees. The disks were described by the above-mentioned employees as being approximately fifteen inches in diameter and yellow to gold in color. All of the objects were allegedly traveling at a high rate of speed and at a high altitude without any noise. The disk shaped object referred to above which approached "the four hundred area" from a northeasterly direction was reportedly traveling at such a low altitude it had to rise to pass over some tall tanks which are in "the four hundred area." The employees referred to above advised the objects were weaving from left to right but seemed to hold a general course. According to these persons because of the speed at which the objects were traveling they were only visible for a few seconds. EHM:awy RECORDED - 38 INDEXED - 38 62-83894-276 SECURITY INFORMATION - CONFIDENTIAL [stamps: MAY 15 1952 MAILED 26 COMM - FBI; 69 MAY 29 1952; routing list: Tolson, Ladd, Nichols, Belmont, Clegg, Glavin, Harbo, Rosen, Tracy, Laughlin, Mohr, Tele. Rm., Holloman, Gandy; handwritten initials] [PAGE 149] SECURITY INFORMATION - CONFIDENTIAL The above data, which was previously furnished to your office through this Bureau's liaison representative, is being furnished for your information and any action you desire to take in this matter. No investigation is being conducted by this Bureau. cc - Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2 Department of the Army The Pentagon Washington 25, D. C. Attention: Chief, Intelligence Division cc - Director of Naval Intelligence Department of the Navy The Pentagon Washington 25, D. C. cc - Captain John A. Waters Director of Security BY SPECIAL MESSENGER Atomic Energy Commission Room 805B 333 Third Street, N. W. Washington, D. C. - 2 - SECURITY INFORMATION - CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 150] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAY 26 1952 TELETYPE [routing list: Mr. Tolson, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Belmont, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Laughlin, Mr. Mohr, Tele. Room, Mr. Holloman, Miss Gandy] FBI LOUISVILLE 5-26-52 12-37 PM CDST MRP DIRECTOR, FBI DEFERRED RE FLYING SAUCERS, INFORMATION CONCERNING. THREE WOMEN SAW STRANGE OBJECTS FLOATING IN SKY OVER ASHLAND, KY. AT EIGHT FIFTY PM, EST, MAY TWENTY FIVE LAST FOR TWO OR THREE MINUTES. OBJECTS DESCRIBED AS LOOKING LIKE LARGE OYSTERS WITH FISHTAILS FLOATING LOW LIKE A CLOUD. THEY WERE OVAL IN SHAPE AND ACCORDING TO OBSERVERS COULD HAVE BEEN BALLOONS. THEY CAME IN OVER ASHLAND FROM THE NORTH, CIRCLED AND WENT BACK IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. ABOVE INFORMATION FOR BUREAU. NO ACTION HERE. MULONE ACK AND HOLD 1-33PM OK FBI WA JT RECORDED - 5 62-83894-277 JUN 3 1952 [EX-83] [stamps: 31 JUN 18 1952; handwritten notes and initials] [PAGE 151] [Diagram: mirrored show-through of the reverse of the Louisville teletype of 5-26-52; no text of its own] [stamps: RECEIVED, F B I, COMMUNICATIONS, MAY 26 1 34 PM '52; REC'D BELMONT, F.B.I., May 26 2 04 PM '52; REC'D ESPIONAGE, May 26 2 59 PM; CORRELATION-LIAISON, F.B.I., May 27 10 35 AM '52; CORRELATION-LIAISON, May 27 1 35 PM '52] [PAGE 152] CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE WASHINGTON 25, D. C. 28 MAY 1952 24-185 Honorable J. Edgar Hoover Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation U. S. Department of Justice Washington 25, D. C. ATTN: Mr. N. W. Philcox, Liaison Agent [handwritten: Flying Saucers] RE: Unidentified Aerial Object Sighted General Area Ritchie Highway, South Baltimore, Maryland, 10:45 PM, 29 Mar 52 by Donald Stewart, 2241 Warren Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland Dear Sir: There is attached for your information a copy of a report by Special Agent Boyce Royal of this office dated May 12, 1952, in regard to the captioned subject. Your attention is invited to the statement of Mr. Donald Stewart as reflected on page 4, paragraph 7, of the report, to the effect that, at the time of the alleged sighting of this object, he had in his possession a Thompson sub-machine gun. A copy of this attachment has also been furnished the Treasury Department. No further inquiry into this matter is contemplated by the Office of Special Investigations. Sincerely, [signature] Gilbert R. Levy GILBERT R. LEVY Chief, Counter Intelligence Division Directorate of Special Investigations The Inspector General 1 Incl Rpt by SA Royal dtd 12 May 52 RECORDED - 129 INDEXED - 129 62-83894-278 JUN 6 1952 EX-130 CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION [handwritten: 1 Xerox copy to BA without black circles by Ltr see 105-11264 mw 7/30/62] [stamps: DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 90986; 70 JUN 19 1952; Received from OSI; handwritten initials and notes] [PAGE 153] SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL UNITED STATES AIR FORCE THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OFFICE OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS REPORT OF INVESTIGATION FILE NO. 24-411 DATE MAY 12 1952 REPORT MADE BY BOYCE ROYAL, S/A REPORT MADE AT DO #4, Bolling AFB PERIOD 10, 11, 12 May 1952 OFFICE OF ORIGIN Hq. OSI STATUS RUC TITLE UNKNOWN SUBJECT: Sighting of Unidentified Aerial Object, Ritchie Highway, SO. Baltimore, Maryland, 29 March 1952 CHARACTER SPECIAL INQUIRY Unauthorized disclosure of information contained in this report is prohibited and will be considered a violation of AFR 205-1 and AFR 205-6, paragraph 11. REFERENCE Telephone message CI Division Hq. OSI, 9 May 1952 SYNOPSIS Investigation requested by Hq. OSI predicated on information received from Air Technical Intelligence Center, Wright Patterson AFB that DONALD STEWART and (FNU) TYLER had observed unconventional type aircraft on 29 March 1952 in the vicinity of Baltimore, Maryland. Information relayed to Air Technical Intelligence Center, Wright Patterson AFB by ULIUS LOUIS AMOSS who received it from LOU CORBIN, a news commentator, employed by station WFBR, Baltimore, Md. CORBIN interviewed, furnished information that DONALD STEWART, 224 Warren Avenue and GEORGE TYLER III, 112 East Montgomery St., Baltimore, Md., had been interviewed by him on 24 and 27 April 1952 and had reported sighting a disc-like aircraft at approximately 2045 hours, 29 March 1952 on Ritchie Highway near the intersection of US Route 301; that automobile engine stopped and paint cracked as aircraft hovered 200 feet above car. STEWART interviewed and related substantially the same story which he had given CORBIN previously. RAY FOX, Engineer, Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Baltimore, Md, interviewed, advised he had made complete examination of STEWART's vehicle at request of CORBIN; including examination with geiger counter and determined no unusual defects. AMOSS interviewed, stated had no direct knowledge of incident and had merely relayed information furnished him by CORBIN; advised that several residents, Gibson Island, Maryland had heard unusual noises but none had observed any such aircraft. TYLER interviewed and confirmed statement given by STEWART however, upon reinterview, admitted that he had not been with STEWART at the time of the alleged sighting, and had not seen any such aircraft; advised that STEWART had asked him to tell that story and that he had done so. Interviews conducted along Ritchie Highway in vicinity of location where aircraft DISTRIBUTION ACTION COPY FORWARDED TO FILE STAMP Hq. OSI (action) 4 File 2 APPROVED [signature] DONALD B. WHITE Colonel, USAF District Commander 62-83894-278 AFHQ FORM 15 JAN 49 0-208 Replaces AFOSI Form 4, 23 Jul 48, which may be used. ENCLOSURE SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 154] SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL SYNOPSIS (Cont'd) was allegedly sighted indicated no knowledge of any such craft. Anne Arundel County Police Department had no record of reports of described aircraft. STEWART in reinterview reaffirmed sighting and that TYLER had been with him at the time and had seen the aircraft. File checks re STEWART at local police agencies negative. FBI, Baltimore Field Office records reflect STEWART fired from employment at Baltimore, Maryland, for placing a decal bearing Communist insignia on a truck belonging to the firm by whom he was employed. FBI check re TYLER, CORBIN, AMOSS negative. 1a SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 155] SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL DETAILS: 1. This investigation was initiated upon a request from Headquarters OSI on 9 May 1952 from Lt. Col. LUCIUS L. FREE, predicated upon information received from Lt. Col. RAY W. TAYLOR, Air Technical Intelligence Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, to the effect that Col. TAYLOR had received information regarding an unidentified aircraft which was reported to have been seen at 2245 hours, 29 March 1952, on Ritchie Highway, south of Baltimore, Maryland. Air Technical Intelligence Center advised that the information had been received from ULIUS LOUIS AMOSS, a civilian. 2. This is a joint investigation of Special Agents CLIFFORD P. JONES, OLIVER R. WEATHERHOLT, and the writer. AT WASHINGTON, D. C. 3. On 10 May 1952 Lt. Col. LUCIUS L. FREE, Headquarters OSI, was interviewed and furnished the writer with a copy of a TWX received from the Air Intelligence Center, Wright-Patterson AFB. Information contained in the TWX is summarized as follows: The TWX represents a copy of a letter to the Commanding General, Project Blue Book, from ULIUS LOUIS AMOSS, Gibson Island, Maryland, dated 24 April 1952. The letter stated that one DONALD STEWART, residing at 2241 Warren Avenue, Baltimore 30, Maryland, had observed an unconvential type aircraft on 29 March 1952. Present with him at the time of this observation was one FNU TYLER, believed to be a seventeen year old (17) high school student. The aircraft was allegedly observed while STEWART and TYLER were driving north on Ritchie Highway, approaching Baltimore, Maryland. It was described as shaped like a large pancake and was alleged to have hovered over the automobile, killing the engine. The letter also advised that STEWART had been interviewed by a LOU CORBIN, a radio announcer of WFBR, Baltimore radio station. CORBIN was described as a reserve CIC officer. The letter also stated that a GEORGE MASON and son, JOHN MASON, alleged to reside on Yacht Club Road, Riviera Beach, Maryland, had also seen such an aircraft. A NELSON STRIEKCIRUT and wife, and a Mrs. SALLY SYMINGTON HENDERSON and Judge and Mrs. HENDERSON were all said to have heard an aerial noise on 19 April 1952 at approximately 2300 hours. The Glenn Burnie Police were said to have had many similar incidents reported but laughed them off. AT BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 4. On 10 May 1952 Mr. HUBERT KEITH, U. S. Weather Bureau, International Friendship Airport, Baltimore, Maryland, advised that the weather map for 2226 hours, 29 March 1952, indicated clear sky, NNW winds - eight (8) miles per hour; at 2256 hours, 29 March 1952, partly 2 SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 156] SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL cloudy, NNW winds - twelve (12) miles per hour; winds aloft at one thousand (1000) feet, NNW - sixteen (16) miles per hour. 5. On 10 May 1952 Mr. LOUIS E. CORBIN was interviewed at radio station WFBR in Baltimore, Maryland, and stated in substance as follows: Mr. CORBIN advised that he had received information in the latter part of April to the effect that a DONALD F. STEWART, residing at 224 Warren Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland, had, while accompanied by Mr. GEORGE S. TYLER III, observed a strange appearing aircraft on 29 March 1952. Mr. CORBIN indicated that the source of his information had been a newspaper reporter for one of the local newspapers, whose name he did not divulge. CORBIN related that he had for some time been interested in the "flying saucer situation", and that it had been his intention to write a documentary program for broadcast concerning that subject. He said further that inasmuch as the above incident was the first one to be brought to his attention within that area, he determined to investigate it. On 24 April 1952 CORBIN interviewed Mr. DONALD F. STEWART and ascertained that he was employed as a clerk by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. He further ascertained that the date of observation was 29 March 1952; place, Ritchie Highway near the harness track; time, 10:45 PM; weather, clear; moon and stars out; approximate length of observation, two (2) minutes; estimated altitude, two hundred (200) feet. CORBIN obtained the details of the incident and set them down in a chronological order. A photostatic reproduction of the information obtained in that interview is being forwarded as an inclosure to this report. CORBIN also interviewed Mr. GEORGE S. TYLER III relative to the above incident and made a similar writing, a photostatic reproduction of which is being forwarded as an inclosure to this report. CORBIN advised the writer that he was acquainted with the editor of a civilian intelligence bulletin, Mr. ULIUS LOUIS AMOSS, to whom he communicated the above information. Mr. CORBIN further advised that he would not release any of the information publicly and did not intend to do so until such time as the authorities completed investigation of the incident. CORBIN related that when he had called the Anne Arundel County Police they had informed him that they had had numerous reports of that nature but had passed them off as harmless. CORBIN stated that he had had a friend of his, RAYMOND FOX, conduct a scientific examination of STEWART's automobile for the purpose of determining any unusual characteristics which might have been present. CORBIN advised that he was not a reserve CIC officer; however, he related that he had been an intelligence officer with the staff of General GEORGE S. PATTON in Europe and that he presently holds an inactive reserve commission as lieutenant colonel, 0-375086. 3 SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 157] SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL Mr. CORBIN, during the course of the interview, made no mention of GEORGE or JOHN MASON, and when specifically questioned with regards to the two above individuals, he said that he did not recall either. 6. On 10 May 1952 the records of the FBI Field Office, Baltimore, Maryland, were reviewed and reflected that DONALD FRANKLIN STEWART, 224 Warren Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland, was questioned for illegal wearing of the Navy uniform in July 1948. Records also reflect that STEWART was a member of the U. S. Naval Reserve and the investigation was discontinued as no violation. These records also reflect that STEWART was fired from the Baltimore Supply Company, Baltimore, Maryland, for placing a decal of the hammer and sickle and red star on the door of a Baltimore Supply Company truck. This act was committed on 30 July 1948. The FBI Field Office records reflect no records of ULIUS LOUIS AMOSS and no derogatory information on LOUIS E. CORBIN, No information concerning reports of unconvential aircraft sighted during the past two (2) years were on record at the FBI Field Office. 7. Mr. DONALD FRANKLIN STEWART was interviewed at his residence, 224 Warren Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland, on 10 May 1952, and with reference to the incident in instant case, he related in substance as follows: STEWART, accompanied by his friend, GEORGE TYLER, were returning to Baltimore from Glenn Burnie, Maryland, via the Ritchie Highway, on 29 March 1952. They were in a 1949 Anglia Vampire, an English car, and were proceeding in a northerly direction, having just left a Howard Johnson Restaurant adjacent to the intersection of Ritchie Highway and U. S. Highway #301. While approximately opposite a harness track five hundred (500) yards north of the above named intersection, STEWART related, he observed a strange looking aircraft appearing on the horizon ahead of his automobile. STEWART described the aircraft as being a flat disk with a cupola or dome in the center of one side. He described the dome as having what appeared to be a small porthole on one side and the shadowy outline of what appeared to be a "hatch, similar to those found on a ship". He stated that this craft approached his vehicle from a northeasterly direction and hovered above his automobile. He further described the object as being of a luminous silver color and emitting bright lights around the edges similar to neon tubing of high brilliance. He stated that at the time the incident occurred he had in the rear seat of his vehicle a Thompson sub-machine gun with which weapon he left the automobile and walked around the car several times debating as to whether or not he should fire upon the aircraft. He advised that his companion, TYLER, remained in the automobile and had pleaded with him not to discharge the weapon for fear of retaliation from the aircraft. Mr. STEWART declined to comment as to the origin, present whereabouts, or owner of the above named weapon. 4 SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 158] SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL STEWART stated that when the aircraft came to rest above his automobile, it appeared to be "at least fifty feet (50) in diameter, and wavered slightly." While in sight the aircraft gave off a sound similar to that of a vacuum cleaner. STEWART averred that the aircraft maintained its position above the automobile for approximately three (3) minutes and then turned on its edge, thereby presenting its flat surface to his vision, and appeared to roll across the sky at a terrific rate of speed, greater than that of a jet plane. STEWART estimated the horizon to the southwest of his vision, towards which the object was traveling, as approximately three and one-half (3½) miles from his position, and that the object as it disappeared across the horizon was approximately the dimension of a five (5) inch disk held at arm's length. He advised that when the object first appeared, it appeared to be at an angle to the horizon of fifty (50) degrees, and as he was proceeding north it appeared on the northeast horizon on the crest of a hill. He also advised that during the period the object was in his vision he noticed no sign of activity within it and discerned no odor from it. STEWART advised that during the time of the above observation of the aircraft there was only one other automobile in the immediate vicinity. He described this to be a 1948 Pontiac convertible, yellow, with 1952 Maryland license plates, the first three (3) digits of which were six-zero-zero (600). He related that the car was apparently occupied by a man and a woman and that the man had dismounted his automobile and was looking at the aircraft, but that upon being hailed by STEWART, had returned to his automobile and driven off rapidly. It was Mr. STEWART's opinion that he did so upon seeing the aforementioned Thompson sub-machine gun. Mr. STEWART informed the writer that he was not addicted to or a casual indulger of any form of alcoholic beverages and was not under such influence at the time of the sighting. He further advised that he wore glasses only for purposes of reading and that the only obstruction to his observation of the above described aircraft was the windshield of his automobile when first sighted; however, when he emerged from the automobile he was able to observe the aircraft without any trouble. STEWART contended that the above incident had a singular effect upon his automobile in that it killed the motor and apparently magnetized its wiring. He also stated that the above incident had resulted in the paint on his car cracking. AGENT'S NOTE: An inspection of STEWART's automobile revealed that it had been recently painted. It was ascertained from STEWART that his hobbies were the collection and handling of weapons, American History, and that his avocation was politics. He stated that he had been active in the political candidacy of a senatorial contestant of the State of Maryland and was currently leader of the political club supporting the above mentioned candidate in his ward. He advised that on the night of the 5 SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 159] SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL above incident he had been engaged in distributing campaign literature with reference to the above campaigning in Glenn Burnie, Maryland, and was returning to Baltimore when he observed the aircraft. During the course of the above interview STEWART appeared calm and answered all questions without hesitation and when subjected to requestioning, did not change his statements in any particular. AT BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 8. Mr. LOUIS GITEOS, 228 Warren Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland, was interviewed on 10 May 1952, and stated that he has known STEWART all his life and has found no fault with him. GITEOS advised that STEWART comes from a good family and he would recommend him for a position of trust. GITEOS stated that he does not believe STEWART has ever been in trouble with the police. 9. Miss MARY HOOVER, 226 Warren Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland, was interviewed on 10 May 1952 and stated that STEWART "shoots a lot of bull", usually bragging about himself and his accomplishments. Outside of talking too much, HOOVER believes that STEWART is honest, makes a good impression, does not drink, a good worker, and loyal to the government. She would recommend STEWART for a position of trust, but stated that she did not believe he could keep a secret. 10. Mrs. LOUIS GITEOS, 228 Warren Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland, was interviewed on 10 May 1952 and stated that STEWART talks too much and likes to exaggerate. Other than that, Mrs. GITEOS would recommend STEWART for a position of trust. She considers him honest, loyal, and a good boy. 11. Mr. RAYMOND FOX, Project Engineer, Engineering Department, Radioactive Detection Division, Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Baltimore, Maryland, was interviewed at the Maryland Yacht Club on 10 May 1952, and advised that during the latter part of April 1952 he examined the automobile described in the above paragraph with a geiger counter and could detect no radioactive reaction. He also stated that he examined the engine and all working parts of the automobile and was unable to detect any unusual defects or characteristics. He stated that the automobile had been repainted and that he was inclined to disbelieve the incident as it was related to him. AT FERNDALE, MARYLAND 12. On 10 May 1952 Officer J. L. GAVIN, Anne Arundel County Police Department, Ritchie Highway Sub-Station, advised that the only report relative to instant investigation that he was aware of as being received by the department was purported to have been an observation during the latter part of March by the bridge keeper, Curtis Bay Bridge, Curtis Bay, Maryland. Officer GAVIN volunteered that the proximity of that area to the Aberdeen Proving Grounds resulted in frequent noises of explosions 6 SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 160] SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL and that the police department had many calls of inquiry but that they all, with the above exception, were reports of noise and not of the sighting of any such aircraft. Officer GAVIN stated that in his opinion it was highly unlikely that an automobile could stop for a period of three (3) minutes on a Saturday night, as during the time of the alleged incident, without several other vehicles passing by. He gave as his reasons that Ritchie Highway was an arterial highway for several outlying districts of Baltimore as well as being a portion of the north-south route from Baltimore to the Potomac Bridge, and that traffic was usually frequent at all times, and especially so during that part of the evening on weekends. AT GIBSON ISLAND, MARYLAND 13. ULIUS LOUIS AMOSS, Colonel, USA, Retired, residing at 8 Cotterhill Road, Gibson Island, Maryland, was interviewed on 11 May 1952 with reference to his knowledge of above alleged sighting of an unconventional aircraft. He stated in substance that his knowledge was third-hand and therefore he was not in a position to give detailed information. He advised that he was informed of the above incident by CORBIN who, in addition to the information set forth above, had told him that a GEORGE MASON and his son, JOHN MASON, purported to reside on Yacht Club Road, Riviera Beach, Maryland, also had information with reference to instant incident. AMOSS stated that the residents of Gibson Island frequently heard noises in the night, reported like that produced by a large formation of conventional aircraft. Col. AMOSS described this noise as of a magnitude and intensity similar to a major bombing group of at least one hundred (100) planes. He advised that Mr. and Mrs. NELSON STINCHCOMB (whom he previously reported as STRIEKCIRUT), and Judge and Mrs. HENDERSON, Sr., and Mrs. SALLY HENDERSON SYMINGTON had all reported loud noises of the above type on the night of Saturday, 19 April 1952, and that he had included this information in his letter to General ACKERMAN only as miscellaneous data. He related that the noises occurred nightly but were particularly intense on Thursday nights. Col. AMOSS informed the writer that he had attempted to locate GEORGE and JOHN MASON but had been unable to contact them. He stated that there was no street designated Yacht Club Road at Riviera Beach, Maryland, and that the nearest approximation of that name was Club Road. He further stated that there was only one residence on Club Road and that residence was presently occupied by a Mr. GEORGE REA, whom he was unable to contact. 14. Attempts by the writer to interview individuals named in the preceding paragraph met with negative results. 7 SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 161] SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL AT GLENN BURNIE, MARYLAND 15. Mr. ROBERT MEADOWS, Proprietor of a Shell Service Station, located at 1501 Ritchie Highway, approximately three hundred (300) yards north of the intersection of Ritchie Highway and U. S. Route #301, was interviewed on 11 May 1952, and advised that to the best of his recollection he had been on duty in the station on the night the above incident was said to have occurred, and that to his knowledge no such incident took place. MEADOWS related that had the aircraft traveled in the direction as alleged, he would surely have observed it; or if he had not been on duty that night, he would surely have been informed of the incident by the man who had been on duty at the time. MEADOWS informed the writer that it was highly unlikely in his opinion that any three (3) minute period could elapse without the passage of several automobiles at the time the above incident was alleged to have occurred. 16. Mr. WILLIAM ROELECKE, Jr., employee of Howard Johnson Restaurant, located at the intersection of Ritchie Highway and U. S. Route #301, was interviewed on 11 May 1952 and advised that he had no knowledge of the above incident. AT CURTIS BAY, MARYLAND 17. Mr. MAHLEN HOLLINS, Drawbridge Operator, Curtis Bay Bridge, was interviewed on 11 May 1952 and advised that he is the regular drawbridge operator on the Curtis Bay Bridge on the 1600 hours to 2400 hours shift. HOLLINS stated he was on duty the evening of the 29th of March 1952 and that he had not observed, nor ever observed, any unconventional aircraft. HOLLINS further advised that he did not make a report to the Anne Arundale Police Department of such an incident. AT BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 18. On 11 May 1952 Mr. GEORGE S. TYLER III, aged sixteen (16), 112 E. Montgomery Street, Baltimore, Maryland, was interviewed at 1030 hours and repeated the same story as he related to CORBIN. One variance in the story was that the car engine did not stop until after STEWART and TYLER had gotten out. 19. GEORGE S. TYLER, Jr., father of GEORGE S. TYLER III, was interviewed on 11 May 1952 and stated that [Text present — not reproduced: derogatory remarks about the character of a private individual]. TYLER said his son is a little careless with the truth and he believes the story is made up. TYLER stated STEWART is a peculiar person, and he has known him for several years. TYLER thinks STEWART made it up to get his name in the papers. TYLER also stated that Ritchie Highway is very crowded and more than one person would have seen it. Mr. TYLER thinks that if his son had seen it he would have discussed it with him or some other member of the family, but he did not do so. 8 SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 162] SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL 20. On 11 May 1952 LOUIS F. TYLER, uncle of TYLER III, 230 Edgeville Road, Baltimore 25, Maryland, was interviewed and stated that he does not believe his nephew's story. He stated that TYLER III can dream up fantastic stories at times. He believes it is a hoax and thinks his nephew was talked into telling the story. 21. At approximately 1215 hours, 11 May 1952, GEORGE S. TYLER III was reinterviewed in the presence of his father and mother, at which time TYLER stated that STEWART had seen the "saucer" prior to the time of meeting him and that all the information which he had given was information that STEWART told him. TYLER advised that he did not see a thing and had reported the description of the aircraft as STEWART had told him. He stated that STEWART had told the sighting of the aircraft to him as they returned from Glenn Burnie, Maryland, to Baltimore, and asked him (TYLER) to affirm the report because he feared that no one would believe his story. TYLER advised that he called the newspapers, the Sun and the Post, to find out if anyone else had reported the incident, and was informed that several reports had been received. TYLER further stated that at first he believed the story STEWART had told him; however, he now believes that STEWART made it all up. TYLER averred that he had been in Glenn Burnie visiting friends and was waiting at a bus stop to return to Baltimore on the night of 29 March 1952, when he met STEWART who had been in Glenn Burnie posting campaign posters; that STEWART had offerred to give him a ride back to Baltimore and he had accepted; that it was on the trip back to Baltimore that STEWART had related to him the sighting of the strange aircraft earlier in the evening. TYLER stated that they left Glenn Burnie at approximately 2230 hours and had driven to Baltimore without incident; that they had made no stops along the road; that he did not see any sub-machine gun in the automobile as reported by STEWART. 22. STEWART was reinterviewed at approximately 1315 hours, 11 May 1952, and stated that TYLER was with him and had witnessed the incident. STEWART denied emphatically any falsehood in the story and stated that the whole thing was the absolute truth. 23. On 12 May 1952 Special Agent OLIVER R. WEATHERHOLT interviewed Mr. HAROLD B. ISENNOCK at the Griebel Motor Company, Light and Henrietta streets, Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. ISENNOCK stated that work was performed on STEWART's car on 8 May; that the work performed was adjustment of brakes, installation of clutch, adjust generator, repairing or taping the wires leading from the generator, change oil, and lubrication. He stated that the car needed only routine repairs and there was no indication of any unusual repairs. Mr. ISENNOCK advised that STEWART had traded at the garage regularly and that he considered him a [Text present — not reproduced: derogatory remark about a private individual]. Review of the 9 SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 163] records at the garage reflected that the car had been serviced on 23 April, 8 December, 18 December 1951; and 31 January, 20 March, and 8 May 1952. The records reflected that the car had been brought in for routine check-ups and repairs. There was no indication in the records that the car had been repainted. Mr. ISENNOCK stated that the car was still the same green color; however, he could not state as to whether it had been recently repainted. He did state he knew the car had not been repainted at his garage. 24. On 12 May 1952 records checks at the Baltimore City Police Department, Baltimore County Police, and Maryland State Police reflected no records of STEWART. INCLOSURES FOR HEADQUARTERS OSI 1. Photostatic reproduction of information obtained from STEWART by CORBIN (with sketch). 2. Photostatic reproduction of information obtained from TYLER by CORBIN. CLOSED 10 SECURITY INFORMATION -- CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 164] INTERVIEW # 1. ----- [illegible] ----- APRIL 24, 1952 ---- PROJECT EYEFUL NAME: Mr. Donald F. Stewart, ADDRESS: 224 Warren Avenue, Balto. 30, MD. TELEPHONE NUMBER: SAratoga 1423, AGE: 23 EMPLOYMENT: B. and O. Railroad ---- Clerical Work DATE OF OBSERVATION: March 29, 1952 PLACE: Ritchie Highway-- Harness Track TIME OF OBSERVATION: 10:45 P.M. WEATHER: Clear --- MOON and STARS OUT APPROXIMATE LENGTH OF OBSERVATION: TWO MINUTES ESTIMATED ALTITUDE: 200 FEET DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT: At approximately 10:45 P.M. on Saturday, March 29, 1952, near the Harness Track on Ritchie Highway, The above in company with a Mr. George Tyler of East Montgomery Street in Baltimore, witnessed the following: A sound similar to a vacuum cleaner attracted attention. Upon investigation,while traveling north toward Baltimore, a strange object was proceeding in the sky in an approximate north-south direction. It appeared to be moving very slowly (considerably slower than a commercial airliner). WITNESS SKETCH ATTACHED ------- This object was estimated to be at least as large as a two motored transport plane. It hovered directly over the highway and over the automobile. After approximately two minutes, it suddenly turned perpendicular with a whirring sound and seemed to roll down the sky with fantastic speed like a rocket. Best Possible Image [PAGE 165] INTERVIEW # 1 ---- page 2 When the object was over the highway the car engine died suddenly and remained dead until it departed. A yellow Pontiac convertible traveling south along the highway experienced the same situation. Occupants in all cars were very frightened. The automobile, A British Ford was taken to Griebel Motors on Light St. They over-hauled the entire car. A friend, Mr. Kenny Johnson, an electrician, in a repair shop said something about wiring being magnetized. Mr. Johnson had previously been an aviation Jet mechanic during the war. Mr. Stewart is not sufficiently familiar with the technical situation to recall his exact explanation. A check with the Glenn Burnie Police on this date April 24th, indicated that several times during this year the Headquarters at Glenn Burnie Police were notified concerning a curious object in the sky. The Police have always considered the source of such objects as being Aberdeen Proving Grounds. In all events the Police have not conducted a detailed investigation as a result of any such call to their headquarters. ***************************************** General summary of an appraisal made by "R.F." Several checks of the automobile apparently indicated a negative reaction.....safe to conclude that something was observed in the sky. A thorough examination of the witness suggests that it's unlikely he could have made up a story. His reported observations are aero-dynamically possible and fall into a logical sequence. Impossible at the moment to identify object or its origin.....SPECULATION: Possibly "ours". [PAGE 166] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Diagram: hand-drawn sketch of a saucer-shaped object with a dome on top, faint lines below it] Light - Kept FADING - Light sort of a white phosphorous Color. - Bright around the outer rim - [PAGE 167] INTERVIEW # 2. ------ SUNDAY ---- APRIL 27, 1952 ---- "PROJECT EYEFUL". NAME: MR. George S. Tyler III ADDRESS: 122 East Montgomery St. Balto., TELEPHONE NUMBER: BLaza 2119 , AGE: 17 EMPLOYMENT : Southern Highschool ---- Third Year. DATE OF OBSERVATION March 29, 1952 PLACE: Ritchie Highway --- Harness Track TIME OF OBSERVATION : 10:45 P.M. WEATHER: Clear APPROXIMATE LENGTH OF OBSERVATION : A Minute or so! ESTIMATED ALTITUDE: Maybe a hundred feet or so DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT: (THIS WAS A TELEPHONE INTERVIEW ---- THE YOUNG MAN WAS REQUIRED TO REMAIN AT HOME TO WATCH HIS SISTER. HE WAS UNABLE TO COME TO STUDIO AS PLANNED EARLIER.) ---------------------------------------------------- Attention was first attracted while driving north along Ritchie highway toward Baltimore. In company with Mr. Donald Stewart, a friend, a slowly-moving object was observed just ahead of the automobile. It was approximately 10:45 P.M. The engine in the car seemed to die and car drifted to a stop, the driver pulling slightly off the road. The object was approximately over the car and had no forward motion. It seemed to be tilted slightly and was giving off a yellowish-greenish light which faded and then grew intense and then fade again. The outer edges of this object which seemed to be round with a thickness toward the center, seemed to have what Mr. Tyler described as St. Elmos fire. He said that he could not say for sure whether he had observed anything that looked like a port hole. He stated he wasn't sure either whether there was another car in the exact location, but there might [PAGE 168] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] 62-83894-278 [PAGE 169] INTERVIEW # 2 --- 2 have been one a few yards south of where he was. He indicated that he was quite "astounded" at what he saw. He indicated that he was slightly scared for fear people would think he and his friend had made up the story just to get some publicity, but felt better when the newspapers had told them that others had reported a strange object in the sky. As a note of interest, the young man confided that since he got home rather late that Saturday evening his parents had confined him to the premises. He wasn't allowed to go out with the boys for awhile. PERSONAL OBSERVATION ---- Mr. Tyler seemed a good deal more conservative than his friend, Mr. Stewart. He is on the LaCrosse Team at Southern Highschool. He seemed (at least over the phone) to be fairly intelligent. He stated that Mr. Stewart was in his opinion a great deal more excited about it than he was. There were several after-thoughts occuring to him during the conversation. Some of these are as follows: The object when it departed increased in altitude and then sped off with a dazzling speed....faster than anything he had ever seen before. He also said that its highest altitude was still considerably lower than most commercial planes he has seen over his home. As it was increasing in height just prior to leaving he thought he could detect a highly polished surface which resembled a chrome plate. As it sped away it seemed also to have a short yellowish-greenish exhaust. All the time it was hovering, he stated the object was wavering slightly. He add this toward the end of his story.......I know this doesn't make sense, but I'd swear the engine on that car started up on its own. To him the car seemed to run all right the rest of the way into Baltimore. He admits the car engine starting up has him baffled. But he said definitely that it wasn't started by his friend. He added....it doesn't make sense. In closing the conversation he added again.....I'll stick to my story....we saw something and you can be sure we didn't make this up to get publicity. [PAGE 170] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : A. H. Belmont DATE: June 10, 1952 FROM : W. A. Branigan SUBJECT: WILLIAM ALBERT RHODES MISCELLANEOUS - INFORMATION CONCERNING FLYING DISCS PURPOSE To recommend that Bureau Liaison contact OSI to determine whether photographs allegedly taken by the captioned individual of a flying disc in 1947 were furnished by OSI to the office of Drew Pearson. BACKGROUND Bureau files reflect that on August 29, 1947, a Mr. George Fugate, Jr., called at the Phoenix Office exhibiting credentials reflecting he represented A-2, Fourth Air Force, Hamilton Field, California. He asked an Agent to accompany him to interview William Rhodes who previously reported the photographing of a flying disc in Phoenix on the afternoon of July 7, 1947. The Phoenix Office contacted SAC Harry Kimball of the San Francisco Office and Mr. Kimball verified the fact that Fugate came to Phoenix as a representative of Colonel Donald Springer of Hamilton Field, and it was suggested the Phoenix Office assist Fugate not in investigating the matter, but in simply talking with Dr. Rhodes. By letter dated September 4, 1947, the Phoenix Office set forth in four pages the results of this interview and stated Fugate had requested the negatives from Rhodes who did not have them in his immediate possession. Rhodes stated, however, he would deliver them to the FBI the following morning for transmittal to Fugate at Hamilton Field, California. On the morning of August 30, 1947, Rhodes delivered the negatives to the Phoenix Office at which time they were accepted with the understanding they were being given to Mr. Fugate, a representative of the Army Air Force Intelligence, United States Army, and that there was little, if any, chance of his getting the negatives back. Mr. Rhodes turned the negatives over to the FBI with the full understanding they were being given to the Air Force and he would not get them back. (62-83894-80, page 4) EHM:elw [Handwritten and stamped notations: routing list (Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Belmont, Mohr, Tele. Room, Holloman, Gandy); "104"; "61 JUN 27 1952"; "memo from Mr. Keay to Mr. Belmont 6/17/52"; "RECORDED - 78"; "INDEXED - 78"; "62-83894-[illegible]"; "JUN 18 1952"] [PAGE 171] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] RECD BELMONT F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUN 12 9 46 AM '52 RECEIVED-LAD F B I DEPT OF JUSTICE JUN 12 12 37 PM '52 COOPERATION-LIAISON F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUN 12 4 20 PM '52 COOPERATION-LIAISON F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUN 12 2 34 PM '52 [PAGE 172] On April 17, 1950, Mr. Rhodes advised the Phoenix Office that True Magazine would like to secure the photographs which he had made available to Air Force Intelligence. At that time Rhodes was referred to OSI, Fourth Air Force Base, San Francisco, California, since they had been made available to this agency by the Phoenix Office on August 30, 1947. By letter dated June 8, 1949, the Phoenix Office advised the Bureau that on the previous day Mr. Lynn C. Aldrich, OSI representative, Phoenix, Arizona, called the Phoenix Office stating he had been requested by his superiors in San Francisco to obtain detailed information concerning the negatives since Rhodes had requested their return. Aldrich pointed out that Fugate's recollection on the matter was "hazy." OSI requested and was given with Bureau approval a memorandum setting out essentially the information related above concerning this matter. (62-83894, Serials 80, 184, and 225) RECENT DEVELOPMENTS On June 4, 1952, Mr. Fred Blumenthal, in the office of Drew Pearson, called and talked with Special Agent Wick. Blumenthal stated Pearson had been in contact with the captioned individual concerning photographs which Rhodes had taken of flying discs in the Phoenix area in July of 1947. Blumenthal stated the subject told Pearson the FBI borrowed his negatives and when he asked for their return the FBI told him the negatives were not available. Blumenthal inquired whether there was any truth to Rhodes' statement and what the Bureau knew concerning him. It appeared that Pearson was interested in using the photographs on his television program and was desirous of borrowing them from the Bureau or having them returned to the subject. Mr. Blumenthal was advised by Wick that the FBI did not have in its possession the negatives referred to by Mr. Rhodes and in fact Rhodes knew full well the FBI turned them over to Air Force Intelligence representatives, Fourth Air Force, Hamilton Field, California, on August 30, 1947, with the understanding he might never have them returned. Blumenthal was advised the FBI did not investigate this matter, did not investigate Rhodes, and had no interest whatsoever in the matter other than to accompany the representative from Hamilton Field while interviewing Rhodes. Blumenthal was told that for these reasons, of course, we had no information concerning the reliability of Rhodes. - 2 - [PAGE 173] Blumenthal was most appreciative for receiving this information and said he would contact the office of Special Investigations of the Air Force for what assistance they might be to him. He said also he would straighten out Rhodes, informing him the FBI only as a courtesy to the Air Force representatives received the negatives from him and transmitted them. It has been reported that Drew Pearson, on his television program of June 8, 1952, demonstrated photographs of flying discs. It is not known whether the photographs displayed by Pearson on his television program are those referred to in the captioned case. RECOMMENDATION In order to bring our file in this matter to an up-to-date status and to resolve the question raised by the subject, it is recommended liaison contact OSI and determine whether the photographs displayed by Pearson on his television program of June 8, 1952, are the photographs obtained from the subject in this case. Inasmuch as Blumenthal indicated he would contact the OSI concerning this matter it is believed highly probable that is where the photographs of flying discs were obtained by Pearson's office. - 3 - [PAGE 174] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : MR. A. H. BELMONT DATE: June 17, 1952 FROM : V. P. KEAY SUBJECT: WILLIAM ALBERT RHODES MISCELLANEOUS - INFORMATION CONCERNING FLYING DISCS Reference is made to the memorandum captioned as above dated June 10, 1952, from Mr. Branigan to Mr. Belmont, which requested that OSI be contacted to determine if they turned over negatives of photographs of flying discs taken by the above-captioned individual to Mr. Fred Blumenthal who works for Drew Pearson. Lieutenant Colonel Leroy Barnard and Lieutenant Colonel E. M. Neville of OSI were both contacted and both advised that no inquiries had been received by OSI from Blumenthal. The Bureau's Air Force Liaison Representative then contacted Colonel C. M. Young of Air Force Intelligence (A-2) who likewise advised that no inquiries had been received by the Office of the Director of Intelligence from Blumenthal or anyone in Pearson's office. It is noted that matters involving flying discs are handled by A-2. Colonel Young advised that it was possible that any inquiries made by Drew Pearson's office would be made in the Office of the Public Information Officer of the Air Force. However, Colonel Young contacted the Public Information Office, and he was advised that no inquiries had been received from Drew Pearson's office regarding flying discs and no photographs or negatives of photographs of flying discs had ever been furnished to Drew Pearson's office. Colonel Young advised that ordinarily when information regarding flying discs is received by Air Force representatives in the field, the information is referred to the Air Technical Intelligence Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, for research and correlation. ACTION: None. The foregoing is for your information. NWP:hke [Handwritten and stamped notations: routing list (Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Belmont, Mohr, Tele. Room, Holloman, Gandy); "RECORDED - 78"; "INDEXED - 78"; "62-83894-280"; "JUN 18 1952"; "104"; "61 JUN 27 1952"; "EX. - 15"] [PAGE 175] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] REC'D BELMONT F.B.I. DEPT OF JUSTICE JUN 17 11 45 AM '52 JUN 17 1 13 PM '52 REC'D ESPIONAGE F B I U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE [PAGE 176] [Diagram: manila envelope, flap taped; no text except notations] 62-83894-281 RECORDED 18 JUN 25 1952 INDEXED-101 [illegible handwriting] Mossburg [PAGE 177] SUNDAY GRAPHIC No. 1,943. July 6, 1952. A Kemsley Newspaper 2½d. [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: front page of the British newspaper Sunday Graphic, 6 July 1952 — headline story about a German ex-mayor's sworn account of seeing a large saucer-shaped craft and two figures in a forest clearing in the Soviet zone; full story on page 2.] [Diagram: artist's impression of a disc-shaped craft with a central tower in a clearing, a photograph of a man and a girl, a reproduced notarized German deposition dated Berlin, 1 July 1952, and unrelated advertisements (Holland Toffee, Plaza Stockings, Churchill series promotion); not transcribed] [PAGE 178] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: newspaper clipping of two pages of the Sunday Graphic, 6 July 1952. Left: page 20, sports and advertisements, with a Wimbledon tennis report; unrelated. Right: page 2, Berlin report by Antony Terry on a West Berlin affidavit describing a disc craft with a central tower taking off in the Soviet zone, plus a sidebar quoting an aircraft designer's views.] [Diagram: unrelated comic strips/ads; not transcribed] [PAGE 179] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: newspaper clipping, Sunday Graphic page 19, 6 July 1952 — sports page with cricket and athletics reports, a sports gossip column and a cricket scoreboard; unrelated to the flying saucer subject.] [Diagram: unrelated sports photograph and advertisements; not transcribed] 62-83894-277 [PAGE 180] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Mr. Tolson DATE: June 4, 1952 FROM : L. B. Nichols SUBJECT: WILLIAM ALBERT RHODES INFORMATION CONCERNING FLYING DISCS BUREAU FILE 62-83894, Serials 80, 184, and 225 During my absence at 11:50 A.M. today, Fred Blumenthal, in the office of Drew Pearson, called and talked with Wick. Blumenthal stated Pearson has been in contact with Dr. W. A. Rhodes (Phoenix telephone number 5-0048) concerning photographs which the above captioned took of flying discs in the Phoenix area in July of 1947. Blumenthal states that Dr. Rhodes told Pearson today that the FBI borrowed his negatives of the flying discs and when asked for their return the FBI told Rhodes the negatives were not available. Blumenthal asked whether there is any truth to this statement of Rhodes and what the FBI knew about him. It appears that Pearson is interested in using the photographs on his television program and is desirous of borrowing them from the Bureau or having them returned to Dr. Rhodes. BACKGROUND: Bureau files reflect that on August 29, 1947, a Mr. George Fugate, Jr., called at the Phoenix Office exhibiting credentials reflecting he represented A-2, Fourth Air Force, Hamilton Field, California. He asked an Agent to accompany him to interview William Rhodes who previously reported the photographing of a flying disc in Phoenix on the afternoon of July 7, 1947. The Phoenix Office contacted SAC Harry Kimball of the San Francisco Office and Mr. Kimball verified the fact that Fugate came to Phoenix as a representative of Colonel Donald Springer of Hamilton Field, and it was suggested the Phoenix Office assist Fugate not in investigating the matter, but in simply talking with Dr. Rhodes. By letter dated September 4, 1947, the Phoenix Office set forth in four pages the results of this interview and stated Fugate had requested the negatives from Rhodes who did not have them in his immediate possession. Rhodes stated, however, he would deliver them to the FBI the following morning for transmittal to Fugate at Hamilton Field, California. cc - Mr. Ladd cc - Mr. Belmont REW:md [Handwritten and stamped notations: routing list (Tolson, Ladd, Nichols, Belmont, Clegg, Glavin, Harbo, Rosen, Tracy, Mohr, Tele. Rm., Nease, Gandy); "9-1"; "INDEXED"; "RECORDED"; "62-83894-282"; "JUN 18 1952"] [PAGE 181] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] RECD BELMONT F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUN 9 4 37 PM '52 COOPERATION-LIAISON F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUN 2 9 17 AM '52 COOPERATION-LIAISON F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUN 2 5 03 PM '52 RECEIVED F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUN 6 8 57 AM '52 RECEIVED F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUL 3 12 16 PM '52 RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY DIVISION JUL 2 9 51 AM '52 COOPERATION-LIAISON F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUN 6 9 34 AM '52 [further date stamps partly illegible] out conc. 7-1 [PAGE 182] Memorandum to Mr. Tolson June 4, 1952 On the morning of August 30, 1947, Rhodes delivered the negatives to the Phoenix Office at which time they were accepted with the understanding they were being given to Mr. Fugate, a representative of the Army Air Force Intelligence, United States Army, and that there was little, if any, chance of his getting the negatives back. Mr. Rhodes turned the negatives over to the FBI with the full understanding they were being given to the Air Force and he would not get them back. (62-83894-80, page 4) On April 17, 1950, Mr. Rhodes advised the Phoenix Office that True Magazine would like to secure the photographs which he had made available to Air Force Intelligence. At that time Rhodes was referred to OSI, Fourth Air Force Base, San Francisco, California, since they had been made available to this agency by the Phoenix Office on August 30, 1947. By letter dated June 8, 1949, the Phoenix Office advised the Bureau that on the previous day Mr. Lynn C. Aldrich, OSI representative, Phoenix, Arizona, called the Phoenix Office stating he had been requested by his superiors in San Francisco to obtain detailed information concerning the negatives since Rhodes had requested their return. Aldrich pointed out that Fugate's recollection on the matter was "hazy." OSI requested and was given with Bureau approval a memorandum setting out essentially the information related above concerning this matter. ACTION TAKEN: Mr. Blumenthal was advised by Wick that the FBI did not have in its possession the negatives referred to by Mr. Rhodes and in fact Rhodes knew full well the FBI turned them over to Air Force Intelligence representatives, Fourth Air Force, Hamilton Field, California, on August 30, 1947, with the understanding he might never have them returned. Blumenthal was advised the FBI did not investigate this matter, did not investigate Rhodes, and had no interest whatsoever in the matter other than to accompany the representative from Hamilton Field while interviewing Rhodes. Blumenthal was told that for these reasons, of course, we had no information concerning the reliability of Rhodes. Blumenthal was most appreciative for receiving this information and said he would contact the office of Special Investigations of the Air Force for what assistance they might be to him. He said also he would straighten out Rhodes, informing him the FBI only as a courtesy to the Air Force representatives received the negatives from him and transmitted them. - 2 - [Handwritten marginal note: "6/11/52 Lt. Col. Barnard, OSI, advised ..." (partly illegible)] [PAGE 183] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] COOPERATION-LIAISON F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUL 2 5 04 PM '52 F B I INTERNAL SECURITY DN JUL 2 9 51 AM '52 RECORDED [partly cut off] [PAGE 184] This image contains all the information on the document. Mr. Tolson June 4, 1952 L. B. Nichols WILLIAM ALBERT RHODES INFORMATION CONCERNING FLYING DISCS BUREAU FILE 62-83894, Serials 80, 184, and 225 During my absence at 11:50 A.M. today, Fred Blumenthal, in the office of Drew Pearson, called and talked with Wick. Blumenthal stated Pearson has been in contact with Dr. W. A. Rhodes (Phoenix telephone number 5-0048) concerning photographs which the above captioned took of flying discs in the Phoenix area in July of 1947. Blumenthal states that Dr. Rhodes told Pearson today that the FBI borrowed his negatives of the flying discs and when asked for their return the FBI told Rhodes the negatives were not available. Blumenthal asked whether there is any truth to this statement of Rhodes and what the FBI knew about him. It appears that Pearson is interested in using the photographs on his television program and is desirous of borrowing them from the Bureau or having them returned to Dr. Rhodes. BACKGROUND: Bureau files reflect that on August 29, 1947, a Mr. George Fugate, Jr., called at the Phoenix Office exhibiting credentials reflecting he represented A-2, Fourth Air Force, Hamilton Field, California. He asked an Agent to accompany him to interview William Rhodes who previously reported the photographing of a flying disc in Phoenix on the afternoon of July 7, 1947. The Phoenix Office contacted SAC Harry Kimball of the San Francisco Office and Mr. Kimball verified the fact that Fugate came to Phoenix as a representative of Colonel Donald Springer of Hamilton Field, and it was suggested the Phoenix Office assist Fugate not in investigating the matter, but in simply talking with Dr. Rhodes. By letter dated September 4, 1947, the Phoenix Office set forth in four pages the results of this interview and stated Fugate had requested the negatives from Rhodes who did not have them in his immediate possession. Rhodes stated, however, he would deliver them to the FBI the following morning for transmittal to Fugate at Hamilton Field, California. cc - Mr. Ladd cc - Mr. Belmont [illegible handwriting] [PAGE 185] Memorandum to Mr. Tolson June 4, 1952 On the morning of August 30, 1947, Rhodes delivered the negatives to the Phoenix Office at which time they were accepted with the understanding they were being given to Mr. Fugate, a representative of the Army Air Force Intelligence, United States Army, and that there was little, if any, chance of his getting the negatives back. Mr. Rhodes turned the negatives over to the FBI with the full understanding they were being given to the Air Force and he would not get them back. (62-83894-80, page 4) On April 17, 1950, Mr. Rhodes advised the Phoenix Office that True Magazine would like to secure the photographs which he had made available to Air Force Intelligence. At that time Rhodes was referred to OSI, Fourth Air Force Base, San Francisco, California, since they had been made available to this agency by the Phoenix Office on August 30, 1947. By letter dated June 8, 1949, the Phoenix Office advised the Bureau that on the previous day Mr. Lynn C. Aldrich, OSI representative, Phoenix, Arizona, called the Phoenix Office stating he had been requested by his superiors in San Francisco to obtain detailed information concerning the negatives since Rhodes had requested their return. Aldrich pointed out that Fugate's recollection on the matter was "hazy." OSI requested and was given with Bureau approval a memorandum setting out essentially the information related above concerning this matter. ACTION TAKEN: Mr. Blumenthal was advised by Wick that the FBI did not have in its possession the negatives referred to by Mr. Rhodes and in fact Rhodes knew full well the FBI turned them over to Air Force Intelligence representatives, Fourth Air Force, Hamilton Field, California, on August 30, 1947, with the understanding he might never have them returned. Blumenthal was advised the FBI did not investigate this matter, did not investigate Rhodes, and had no interest whatsoever in the matter other than to accompany the representative from Hamilton Field while interviewing Rhodes. Blumenthal was told that for these reasons, of course, we had no information concerning the reliability of Rhodes. Blumenthal was most appreciative for receiving this information and said he would contact the office of Special Investigations of the Air Force for what assistance they might be to him. He said also he would straighten out Rhodes, informing him the FBI only as a courtesy to the Air Force representatives received the negatives from him and transmitted them. - 2 - [PAGE 186] July 15, 1952 Mr. Thad W. Culmer II Post Office Box 99 Robinson, Illinois Dear Mr. Culmer: Your letter of July 8, 1952, has been received. While I would like to be of service, the subject matter of your communication does not relate to an activity within the investigative jurisdiction of the FBI. I have, however, taken the liberty of referring a copy of your letter to The Honorable, The Secretary of the Air Force, Department of Defense Building, The Pentagon, Washington 25, D. C., who may be able to be of assistance. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director Copy of incoming to Secretary of the Air Force by form letter. TEB:pa [Stamps and notations: "RECORDED - 91"; "62-83894-283"; routing list (Tolson, Ladd, Nichols, Belmont, Clegg, Glavin, Harbo, Rosen, Tracy, Laughlin, Mohr, Tele. Rm., Holloman, Gandy); "319"; "53 AUG 1 1952"; "COMM - FBI JUL 16 1952 MAILED 18"; "RECEIVED ... U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI JUL 15 3 54 PM 1952"; "TEB"] [PAGE 187] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] RECORDED - 91 RECEIVED MAIL ROOM U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I JUL 16 3 58 PM '52 RECEIVED U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI JUL 15 3 54 PM 1952 53 AUG 1 1952 COMM - FBI JUL 16 1952 MAILED 18 [PAGE 188] Mr. Tolson Mr. Ladd Mr. Nichols Mr. Belmont Mr. Clegg Mr. Glavin Mr. Harbo Mr. Rosen Mr. Tracy Mr. Laughlin Mr. Mohr Tele. Room Mr. Holloman Miss Gandy July 8, 1952 Thad W. Culmer II Post Office Box 99 Robinson, Illinois Mr. J. Edgar Hoover, Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington, District of Columbia Dear Mr. Hoover: Perhaps this is a little out of your line of endeavor, however, I feel that perhaps you or your organization might be able to give me some information concerning the following matter. From the first time it was written up in the press I have been keenly interested in strange celestial phenomena such as the flying disks popularly called "flying saucers." Now out of all the thousands of people who have reported sightings not all of them have had too much to drink, nor could they have been victims of optical illusions, retinal retention, or hallucinations. Some of the objects sighted could not have been jet craft, guided missiles, or rockets, neither could they all have been weather instruments. Unretouched and undoctored photographs have given evidence that someone must have seen something. It seems that both civil and military authorities are most willing to proclaim what the objects are not. I feel there is more to the matter than meets the eye. My decision to write you was based on the thought I would get straight answers. Do you have any ideas or data on this subject? What are your opinions? If not, where might I write for such information? Any kindness, consideration, or information which you can extend toward me concerning this matter will certainly be most sincerely appreciated. Very truly yours, Thad W. Culmer II. [Stamps and notations: "RECEIVED U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I JUL 10 [...]"; "RECORDED - 91"; "INDEXED - 91"; "62-83894-283"; "JUL 24 1952"; "EX-164"; "EXPEDITE PROCESSING"; handwritten "ack 7/15/52 JEB"; "4 TEB"] [PAGE 189] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] RECEIVED-NICHOLS U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F.B.I. JUL 10 3 35 PM '52 RECEIVED MR. JONES U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I JUL 10 5 28 PM '52 RECEIVED-LAD U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I JUL 10 2 40 PM '52 RECEIVED-NICHOLS U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F.B.I. JUL 31 11 37 AM '52 JUL 7 1952 [partly legible] [PAGE 190] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: July 29, 1952 FROM : SAC, WASHINGTON FIELD 62-0 SUBJECT: AERIAL OBJECTS "Flying Saucers" INFORMATION CONCERNING On July 28, 1952, at the Weekly Intelligence Conference, Captain WILLIAM DEEGAN, Office of Special Investigations, 4th Air Force Base, Bolling Field, advised the representative of the FBI, Washington Field Office, over the prior weekend, his office had received reports concerning the observation of aerial objects. Captain DEEGAN referred to a phone call made to his office by Special Agent LEONARD E. WEBSTER of the Washington Field Office, furnishing to OSI the identity of a woman who reportedly had observed an aerial object. DEEGAN praised the WFO for the expeditious notification in this instance. Captain DEEGAN, Colonel COLLINS, DEEGAN's superior office, and Special Agent JOHN M. deBETTENCOURT, in a conference on July 28, 1952, discussed the matter of immediate notification of OSI. This conference resulted in the request by Colonel COLLINS and Captain DEEGAN that in the event, whenever information is received by the FBI, in which it is alleged that someone has observed a "Flying Saucer", this information be immediately relayed to Captain DEEGAN's office. It is to be noted that this office may be reached by dialing Code 1261 and asking for Extension 509. Captain DEEGAN said this number should be called under these circumstances at any time, day or night. Captain DEEGAN stated that the Air Force is greatly concerned about this matter of aerial objects and said that the Air Force Intelligence would appreciate the execution of the requested procedure, mentioned above. It is suggested that the Bureau bring this matter to the attention of its night supervisors, since these night supervisors also receive complaints from persons outside of the Bureau and may receive information concerning the observation of aerial objects. JMD:NPB [Handwritten and stamped notations: "UNRECORDED COPY FILED IN 62-[illegible]"; "G.I.R./62"; "RECORDED - 59"; "62-83894-284"; "JUL 31 1952"; "EX-69"; "SEP 24 1952"; handwritten notes including "Martin orally advised 8/6/52 WAB", "Memo for night supervisors ... 8/18/52", "Let Bureau bulletin (typed 8-21-52) ... EHM:deg"] [PAGE 191] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] COOPERATION-LIAISON F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE SEP 9 2 46 PM '52 COOPERATION-LIAISON F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE AUG 6 1 44 PM '52 COOPERATION-LIAISON F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE SEP 9 10 44 AM '52 INTERNAL SECURITY AUG 5 3 49 PM '52 RECEIVED U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE SEP 11 9 12 AM '52 RECD BELMONT [partly legible] SEP 24 1952 UNRECORDED COPY FILED IN [PAGE 192] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Director, FBI DATE: July 31, 1952 FROM : SAC, Indianapolis (62-0) SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS SEEN NEAR THESSALON LAKE, ONTARIO, CANADA, JULY 27, 1952 MISCELLANEOUS - INFORMATION CONCERNING Dr. R. E. McINDOO, 820 West Walnut Street, Kokomo, Indiana, on July 30, 1952 advised [struck through: Special Agent JOHN F. GERDIS] that on July 27, 1952 at approximately 10:00 A.M. while fishing in the back waters of Thessalon Lake, Ontario, Canada, he noticed a formation of bombing planes, sixteen to twenty in number, in two groups flying south at a height estimated by him to be four or five miles. Dr. McINDOO stated that the planes went over the lake, suddenly dropped objects at first thought by him to be parachutes. He continued that these objects fell straight down for a short time, then suddenly spurted vapor and at a high rate of speed flew off in a southwesterly direction. Dr. McINDOO was unable to identify the nationality of the planes, but stated that they had twin trails of bluish smoke. He further stated that the objects which had been dropped from the planes had a single trail of bluish smoke. He stated that he had been accompanied on his fishing trip by PAUL GADDIS, Kokomo, Indiana. Dr. McINDOO had no further information concerning instant planes or the objects dropped by them. Dr. McINDOO was referred to the FBI by DONALD D. SMITH, President of the First National Bank of Kokomo, Indiana, who advised that Dr. McINDOO enjoyed a good reputation in Kokomo. UACB, no further action will be taken in this matter. The above is being forwarded for the information of the Bureau in the event they desire to communicate this information to the Air Force. HSK:bjk AIR MAIL SPECIAL DELIVERY [Stamps and notations: "RECORDED - 45"; "INDEXED - 45"; "62-83894-285"; "AUG 4 1952"; "EX - 28"; handwritten "Ltr to Ottawa 8/11/52 EAB:mes"] [PAGE 193] 62-83894-285 RECORDED-30 EX. - 69 REGISTERED AIR MAIL Date: August 11, 1952 To: Mr. Glenn H. Bethel c/o The Commissioner Royal Canadian Mounted Police Ottawa, Ontario, Canada From: John Edgar Hoover - Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Subject: FLYING SAUCERS SEEN NEAR THESSALON LAKE, ONTARIO, CANADA, JULY 27, 1952 MISCELLANEOUS - INFORMATION CONCERNING Dr. R. E. McIndoo, 820 West Walnut Street, Kokomo, Indiana, on July 30, 1952, advised that on July 27, 1952, at approximately 10:00 A.M. while fishing in the back waters of Thessalon Lake, Ontario, Canada, he noticed a formation of bombing planes, sixteen to twenty in number, in two groups flying south at a height estimated by him to be four or five miles. Dr. McIndoo stated that the planes went over the lake and suddenly dropped objects, at first thought by him to be parachutes. He continued that these objects fell straight for a short time, then suddenly spurted vapor and at a high rate of speed flew off in a southwesterly direction. Dr. McIndoo was unable to identify the nationality of the planes, but stated that they had twin trails of bluish smoke. He further stated that the objects which had been dropped from the planes had single trails of bluish smoke. EAB:mes cc - Foreign Service Desk [Stamps and notations: routing list (Tolson, Ladd, Nichols, Belmont, Clegg, Glavin, Harbo, Rosen, Tracy, Laughlin, Mohr, Tele. Rm., Holloman, Gandy); "68 AUG 13 1952"; "COMM - FBI AUG 11 1952 MAILED 30"] [PAGE 194] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] RECORDED-30 RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI AUG 11 6 10 PM '52 COMM - FBI AUG 11 1952 MAILED 30 68 AUG 13 1952 [PAGE 195] He stated that he had been accompanied on his fishing trip by Paul Gaddis, Kokomo, Indiana. Dr. McIndoo had no further information concerning instant planes or the objects dropped by them. The above is furnished for your information. No further inquiries are contemplated. - 2 - [Routing list: Tolson, Ladd, Nichols, Belmont, Clegg, Glavin, Harbo, Rosen, Tracy, Laughlin, Mohr, Tele. Rm., Holloman, Candy] [PAGE 196] Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : MR. A. H. BELMONT DATE: July 29, 1952 FROM : V. P. KEAY SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 1 of V. P. Keay's memorandum to A. H. Belmont (widely published) — the Air Force has reached no satisfactory conclusion on saucer reports; N. W. Philcox, the Bureau's Air Force liaison, arranged a briefing by Commander Randall Boyd of Air Intelligence; reports are coordinated at the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson AFB, rise with publicity, and fall into three classes, starting with ground sightings by citizens (given little credence) and sightings by commercial or military pilots.] [stamped: RECORDED-136; 62-83894-286; AUG 4 1952; 66 AUG 8 1952; NWP:hke] [PAGE 197] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan; reverse side with mirrored show-through of the preceding memorandum and FBI "RECEIVED" stamps dated July 30-31 and August 5-7, 1952 (Nichols, Clegg, Liaison, Internal Security, Espionage)] [PAGE 198] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 2 of the same memorandum — pilot sightings get thorough interviews; sightings corroborated by radar or ground observers are 2-3 percent of the total, the most credible and hardest to explain, though they could still be natural or electrical phenomena; sightings concentrate in heavy-traffic areas such as Washington and New York and have come from Acapulco, Korea and French Morocco; Boyd said it is not entirely impossible they are ships from another planet, though nothing substantiates it, and that Air Intelligence is fairly sure they are not missiles of another nation; jet interceptors are sent up when credible reports arrive.] - 2 - [PAGE 199] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 3 of the same memorandum — jet pilots who approach the objects report that they fade from view.] RECOMMENDATION: None. The foregoing is for your information. - 3 - [PAGE 200] 62-83894 RECORDED - 122 62-83894-287 CONFIDENTIAL [crossed out] Declassified 2040 8/31/77 EX-129 Date: August 8, 1952 To: Director of Special Investigations The Inspector General Department of the Air Force The Pentagon Washington 25, D. C. From: John Edgar Hoover - Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Subject: AERIAL OBJECTS; "FLYING SAUCERS" MISCELLANEOUS - INFORMATION CONCERNING There are attached two copies of a letter dated August 1, 1952, from Florence Whitish, Post Office Box 526, Charleston, South Carolina, regarding "Flying Saucers." Miss Whitish's communication has been acknowledged and she has been informed of this referral. No investigation is contemplated with regard to this matter. Attachment KWD:mes APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND FIELD OFFICES ADVISED BY ROUTING SLIP(S) OF 2040 9/1/77 RECEIVED FBI AUG 8 4 24 PM '52 66 AUG 14 1952 Tolson, Ladd, Nichols, Belmont, Clegg, Glavin, Harbo, Rosen, Tracy, Laughlin, Mohr, Tele. Rm., Holloman, Gandy [PAGE 201] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Mirrored reverse of the preceding page; stamps: RECEIVED MAIL ROOM F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE AUG 11 3 10 PM '52; AUG 14 1952. [PAGE 202] 8-1-52 P.O. Box 5-26, Charleston, S.C. J. Edgar Hoover: Would like to express my opinion on the flying saucers, and guess it will be as good as some did read. OFLYING SAUCERS I cant remember of hearing any thing about them until television come into existence I wondered if the rays could be strong enough to give off a bright abject looking apparition No, special reason for sending you my idea just couldnt think of any one else to send it to. Sincerely Florence Whitish [Handwritten notes:] 62-83894 / Let acks. Let to Osi, cc Savannah. Incoming 8/8/52 KWD:mes / FLORENCE X Whitish EX-28 INDEXED - 50 RECORDED - 50 62-83894-287 AUG 4 1952 [PAGE 203] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Mirrored reverse of the handwritten letter; stamp: REC'D ESPIONAGE U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE AUG 6 3 49 PM '52. [PAGE 204] CONFIDENTIAL [crossed out] Declassified 2040 8/31/77 RECORDED - 8 EX - 109 Date: August 12, 1952 To: Director of Special Investigations The Inspector General Department of the Air Force The Pentagon Washington, D. C. 62-83894-[illegible] From: John Edgar Hoover, Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Subject: FLYING SAUCERS Attached are two copies of a letter from Mrs. Ora A. Tygrett dated July 31, 1952, addressed to the War Department, c/o Federal Bureau of Investigation, the contents of which are self-explanatory. Mrs. Tygrett's letter has been acknowledged and she has been advised of this referral. Enclosure APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND FIELD OFFICES ADVISED BY ROUTING SLIP(S) OF 2040 DATE 9/1/77 Note On Yellow Only: Previous material concerning flying saucers furnished OSI. (62-83894) TOC:jdt 313 66 AUG 15 1952 MAILED 4 AUG 12 1952 FBI Tolson, Ladd, Nichols, Belmont, Clegg, Glavin, Harbo, Rosen, Tracy, Laughlin, Mohr, Tele. Rm., Holloman, Gandy [PAGE 205] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Mirrored reverse of the preceding page; stamps: RECEIVED MAIL ROOM F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE AUG 12 5 28 PM '52; 66 AUG 15 1952. [PAGE 206] RFD #1 New Palestine Indiana July 31, /52 To Federal Bureau of Investigation The War Dept Washington D.C. Gentlem.: OFLYING SAUCERS Since reading & hearing over Radio about the "flying saucers", I am compelled to write to You - I am a strong believer in our almighty God & Christ our Lord [illegible] [illegible] Daniel [illegible] had. I feel that these Saucers are filmed from a secret Camera operated by something like T.V. I do believe, [Handwritten notes:] 62-83894 / MRS. ASA A. TYGRETT / Mossburg / acknd. Let Osi 8-12-52 INDEXED - 50 RECORDED - 50 62-83894-288 AUG 4 1952 [PAGE 207] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Mirrored reverse of the handwritten letter; stamps: RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY SN. F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE AUG 7 1 22 PM '52; REC'D ESPIONAGE F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE AUG 14 9 23 AM '52. [PAGE 208] - 2 - [Text present — not reproduced: handwritten body text of a private correspondent's letter, speculative claims about the origin of the saucers] [PAGE 209] - 3 - [Text present — not reproduced: handwritten body text of a private correspondent's letter, speculative claims about the origin of the saucers] Please keep my Name confidentially. Mrs. Ora A. Tygrett. (over) [PAGE 210] PS. [Text present — not reproduced: handwritten postscript of a private correspondent's letter, speculative claims and religious remarks] RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY SN. F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE AUG 7 1 22 PM '52 [PAGE 211] TRUE COPY R #.1, New Palestine Indiana July 31,/52 c/o Federal Beaura of Investigation The War Dept Washington D.C. Gentlemen: Since reading & hearing over Radio about the "flying saucers," I am compelled to Write to you - [Text present — not reproduced: typed copy of the private correspondent's letter (religious remarks and speculative claims about the origin of the saucers), reproducing the handwritten original on the preceding pages] Please Keep my Name confidently. /s/ Mrs. Ora A. Tygrett [PAGE 212] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : A. H. Belmont DATE: July 31, 1952 FROM : J. R. Higgins SUBJECT: UNUSUAL FLASHES DURING ELECTRICAL STORM, JERSEY SHORE, PA., JULY 28, 1952 HARRY H. WINCHESTER, COMPLAINANT OFLYING SAUCERS At 2:15 AM on July 31, 1952, Harry H. Winchester, 315 Cemetery Street, Jersey Shore, Pa., telephonically advised that in the early morning of 7-28-52, during a severe electrical storm in the area of his residence, he had observed seven unusual flashes in the sky, each flash being accompanied by a loud report. Complainant, who appeared to be under the influence of intoxicants, called as a result of recent newspaper stories regarding phenomena allegedly observed during past week in this country. Bureau indices contain no information identifiable with the complainant. Action: File. JRH:dmd RECORDED - 34 EX. - 6 INDEXED - 34 62-83894-289 JUL 31 1952 65 AUG 7 1952 [Handwritten notes: AWK; F] Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Belmont, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease, Gandy [PAGE 213] August 13, 1952 62-83894-290 RECORDED - 36 EX-25 Mr. Benedicto Romero 1647 Park Avenue New York City Dear Mr. Romero: I have received your letter of July 31, 1952. The matter referred to in your letter is not within the jurisdiction of this Bureau and I have taken the liberty of forwarding a copy of your letter to the Department of the Air Force for appropriate action. Very truly yours, John Edgar Hoover Director EHM:kc cc - 1 - New York (Attachment) NOTE: Bureau files fail to reflect any information that can be identified with Mr. Romero. F46 MAILED 3 AUG 14 1952 COMM-FBI 60 AUG 28 1952 Tolson, Ladd, Nichols, Belmont, Clegg, Glavin, Harbo, Rosen, Tracy, Laughlin, Mohr, Tele. Rm., Holloman, Gandy [PAGE 214] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Mirrored reverse of the preceding letter; stamps: REC'D ESPIONAGE F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE AUG 26 11 16 AM '52; AUG 26 12 05 PM '52; AUG 13 5 37 PM '52; AUG 14 2 54 PM '52; AUG 19 2 49 PM '52; AUG 14 1952 MAILED COMM-FBI. [PAGE 215] [Diagram: FBI records search slip, form 4-22a, with mostly blank file-number and serial columns] [...]ICE UNIT SEARCH SLIP 4-22a Supervisor [illegible handwriting] Room 3708 Subj: Benedicto Romero Exact Spelling All References [checked] Subversive Ref. Main File Restricted to Locality of Searcher [illegible] Initial [illegible] Date 8/12 FILE NUMBER SERIALS NR Initialed [PAGE 216] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Mirrored reverse of the search slip, with a large penciled handwritten scrawl [illegible]. [PAGE 217] [Two-page spread of a handwritten letter: left half is the fourth sheet, right half is the first sheet] Flying Saucers New York City July 31/52- Department of Investigations Washington D.C- Dear sirs:- [Text present — not reproduced: handwritten body text of a private correspondent's letter, grandiose claims about the origin of the "flying saucers"] Sincerely with all my [illegible] Benedicto Romero 1647 Park Ave N.Y. City [Handwritten notes: Benedicto Romero / B / Let to Romero 8-13-52 OSI] RECORDED - 94 INDEXED - 94 62-83894-290 AUG 5 1952 EX-31 RECEIVED AUG 11 2 48 PM '52 INTERNAL SECURITY FBI [PAGE 218] [Two-page spread of a handwritten letter: left half is sheet 3, right half is sheet 2] [Text present — not reproduced: handwritten body text of a private correspondent's letter, mocking and grandiose claims concerning the "flying saucers" and government officials] [PAGE 219] August 14, 1952 RECORDED-29 62-83894-291 EX-25 Mrs. Fred Haufe 606 Walnut Avenue Fairmont, West Virginia Dear Mrs. Haufe: I have received your letter of August 1, 1952, and want to thank you for making the information contained therein available to this Bureau. The matter referred to in your letter is not within the jurisdiction of this Bureau and I have taken the liberty of forwarding a copy of your letter to the Department of the Air Force for appropriate action. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director EHM:kc cc - 1 - Pittsburgh (Attachment) NOTE: Bureau files fail to reflect any information that can be identified with Mrs. Haufe. 60 AUG 20 1952 COMM - FBI AUG 14 1952 MAILED 18 Tolson, Ladd, Nichols, Belmont, Clegg, Glavin, Harbo, Rosen, Tracy, Laughlin, Mohr, Tele. Rm., Holloman, Gandy [PAGE 220] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Mirrored reverse of the preceding letter; stamps: RECEIVED MAIL ROOM F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE AUG 13 9 26 AM '52; REC'D BELMONT F.B.I.; RECEIVED-LA F B I AUG 13 5 09 PM '52; REC'D-TOLSON'S OFFICE AUG 13 5 37 PM '52; AUG 14 9 15 AM '52; 60 AUG 20 1952; COMM-FBI MAILED. [PAGE 221] 606 WALNUT AVENUE FAIRMONT. W. VA. PHONE 3765 August 1,1952 Hon.J.Edgar Hoover Dept.F.B.I. Washington,D.C. Dear Sir: I have been hearing so much about the objects called Flying Saucers that I begin to speculate as to whether we are the only Nation or county to witness such a display. Of course it could be that these odd objects are pest filled Radar controlled waiting to be punctured.We heve been so accused by another Nation that no doubt they have devised some diabolical plan to test on us. I am not inclined to pass those over lightly,because I believe that those gadgets can be made and controlled to the extent of great numbers in groupings. Also,I believe it is very unwise to make public the locations of sightings as many folk are prone to worry,and a state of mind like this is exactly what our enemy is seeking. Any one wise enuf to perfect such would not only know their travel distance but also their location,therefore no talk or publications could benefit us in that. I hope that someone has had the integrity and foresight to learn where if in any other country these 'things' have been seen. Thanking you in advance for the courtesy of a reply,I remain Respectfully yours, Mrs.Fred T Haufe [Handwritten notes:] RA / Mrs. Fred Haufe / 1-13-52 Let to Mrs. Haufe Let to OSI EHM:kc EX. - 69 RECORDED - 36 62-83894-291 INDEXED - 36 AUG 5 1952 [PAGE 222] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Mirrored reverse of the preceding letter; stamps: RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY SN. F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE AUG 11 2 48 PM '52; REC'D ESPIONAGE F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE AUG 11 4 29 PM '52. [PAGE 223] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Director, FBI DATE: August 6, 1952 FROM : SAC, Cincinnati (100-0) SUBJECT: ANONYMOUS COMMUNICATION WRITTEN IN GERMAN LANGUAGE RECEIVED BY "CINCINNATI ENQUIRER" PERTAINING TO "FLYING SAUCERS" SECURITY MATTER - X Mr. K. DORIS of the staff of the "Cincinnati Enquirer" furnished the Cincinnati Office with the enclosed letter and envelope received anonymously at the "Cincinnati Enquirer" in an envelope postmarked 7-3-52 at Cincinnati, Ohio. It will be noted that the enclosed letter is written in the German language, and I am also enclosing a rather loose translation of the letter as furnished by the "Cincinnati Enquirer." In view of the widespread interest in so-called "flying saucers," I am forwarding this material to the Bureau, with the thought in mind that the Bureau may desire to have a careful translation made of the attached letter, and the results, if deemed advisable, made available to other Governmental agencies. Enclosures (3) EWY:LM ENCLO. ATTACHED [Handwritten notes: Memo m. Haitz with attachment of Manuel [illegible] EWY:EN 8/18/52; 8-13-52 Let to OSI EHM:kc] RECORDED - 78 62-83894-292 12 AUG 22 1952 [Struck through: COPY AND SPECIMENS RETAINED IN LAB. FOR LAB. ACTION AND REPORT] T-13861 [illegible] 8/8/52 ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS UNCLASSIFIED EXCEPT WHERE SHOWN OTHERWISE. [PAGE 224] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Mirrored reverse of the preceding memorandum; stamps: LABORATORY DIVISION FBI AUG 8 10 57 AM '52; RECEIVED-HARDD; U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI TECHNICAL LABORATORY AUG 8 10 [illegible] AM '52; AUG 27 1952. [PAGE 225] SECURITY INFORMATION - CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] RECORDED-29 62-83894-292 EX-129 Date: August 13, 1952 To: Director of Special Investigations The Inspector General Department of the Air Force The Pentagon Washington 25, D. C. From: John Edgar Hoover, Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Subject: ANONYMOUS COMMUNICATION WRITTEN IN THE GERMAN LANGUAGE, RECEIVED BY THE "CINCINNATI ENQUIRER" PERTAINING TO "FLYING SAUCERS" SECURITY MATTER - X There is attached for your information and any action you desire to take in this matter a Photostat of a letter, written in German, received from an anonymous source, which was addressed to the "Cincinnati Enquirer." A Photostat of the envelope, in which the letter was forwarded, is attached and indicates it was mailed on July 31, 1952, at Cincinnati, Ohio. For your further assistance in this matter a translation of the attached letter from the German is attached. Attachment EHM:kc DECLASSIFIED BY 1259 ON 10-28-74 [illegible] APPROPRIATE AGENCIES ADVISED BY ROUTING SLIP(S) OF [illegible] DATE 10/31/78 MAILED 4 AUG 14 1952 COMM-FBI RECEIVED AUG 13 5 11 PM '52 FBI 58 AUG 29 1952 SECURITY INFORMATION - CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] Tolson, Ladd, Nichols, Belmont, Clegg, Glavin, Harbo, Rosen, Tracy, Laughlin, Mohr, Tele. Rm., Holloman, Gandy [PAGE 226] [Diagram: blank manila enclosure envelope, back side, with only the markings below] ENCLOSURE 62-83894-292 [PAGE 227] [Photostat negative of a handwritten letter in German] Fliegende Untertasse. Seit 1944- ausprobierte Waffe welche jetzt wohl schon serienmässig hergestellt wird und zur Zeit viel von sich reden macht ist eine V. Waffe, welche einen Diskus ähnlichen runden Körper hat, der im Durchmesser etwa 42-50 m Durchmesser hat, am Aussenring etwa 45-50 automatische Heizdüsen, die nach Zündung der Scheibe, um eine im Zentrum befindliche [illegible]glaskugel kreisen, in der befinden sich die [illegible] und Kontrollgeräte für Fernsteuerung befinden. Ausserdem der Kugel ist noch genug Raum für hoch explosive Atombomben. Diese Waffen befindet sich in [illegible] Hand und kann einen Aktionsradius von 30-35000 km aufweisen. V. Waffen Konstrukteur Riedel Deutschland sagt es ist eine [illegible] V. 7 daran er selbst gearbeitet hat. Ich bin [illegible] das die Wahrheit besser ist als eine [illegible] unserm Volk bei Nichtwissenheit. H. Sch. H. [PAGE 228] [Second photostat negative of the same handwritten letter in German] Fliegende Untertasse. Seit 1944- ausprobierte Waffe welche jetzt wohl schon serienmässig hergestellt wird und zur Zeit viel von sich reden macht ist eine V. Waffe, welche einen Diskus ähnlichen runden Körper hat, der im Durchmesser etwa 42-50 m Durchmesser hat, am Aussenring etwa 45-50 automatische Heizdüsen, die nach Zündung der Scheibe, um eine im Zentrum befindliche [illegible]glaskugel kreisen, in der befinden sich die [illegible] und Kontrollgeräte für Fernsteuerung befinden. Ausserdem der Kugel ist noch genug Raum für hoch explosive Atombomben. Diese Waffen befindet sich in [illegible] Hand und kann einen Aktionsradius von 30-35000 km aufweisen. V. Waffen Konstrukteur Riedel Deutschland sagt es ist eine [illegible] V. 7 daran er selbst gearbeitet hat. Ich bin [illegible] das die Wahrheit besser ist als eine [illegible] unserm Volk bei Nichtwissenheit. H. Sch. H. [PAGE 229] [Third copy of the same handwritten letter in German, positive image] Fliegende Untertasse. Seit 1944- ausprobierte Waffe welche jetzt wohl schon serienmässig hergestellt wird und zur Zeit viel von sich reden macht ist eine V. Waffe, welche einen Diskus ähnlichen runden Körper hat, der im Durchmesser etwa 42-50 m Durchmesser hat, am Aussenring etwa 45-50 automatische Heizdüsen, die nach Zündung der Scheibe, um eine im Zentrum befindliche [illegible]glaskugel kreisen, in der befinden sich die [illegible] und Kontrollgeräte für Fernsteuerung befinden. Ausserdem der Kugel ist noch genug Raum für hoch explosive Atombomben. Diese Waffen befindet sich in [illegible] Hand und kann einen Aktionsradius von 30-35000 km aufweisen. V. Waffen Konstrukteur Riedel Deutschland sagt es ist eine [illegible] V. 7 daran er selbst gearbeitet hat. Ich bin [illegible] das die Wahrheit besser ist als eine [illegible] unserm Volk bei Nichtwissenheit. H. Sch. H. [PAGE 230] FLYING SAUCERS Since 1944 there have been experimental weapons which should now be in production. The one about which there has been so much discussion is a V-Weapon which has a disc-like round body, about 48.50 metres in diameter and has by way of emission 45 to 50 automatic ? ------------ (word not legible). With the setting off of the disc these rotate around a sensitive plexi-glass sphere in the center in which are located the --------- (word not legible) and guiding apparatus for distance flights. Inside the sphere there is also enough space for high explosive atom bombs. These weapons ------- ------ ------ ---- (not legible) and show an effective range of from 30 to 35,000 kilometres. V-Weapon Konstrus (Technician?) Riedel (or Riedet),Germany, says it is a typical V-Weapon on which he himself worked. I am positive that the truth is better than keeping the people in ignorance. H. Sch. ________________________________________ This letter is written apparently by a not highly literate person with undeveloped handwriting. It is my opinion that he is not making up what [PAGE 231] 2. he has written. If I were handling this, I should turn his letter over to the FBI or some other investigating agency to see if he knows anything more. F.Y. August 4, 1952 [PAGE 232] [Diagram: front of a stamped envelope addressed in block capitals; 3-cent postage stamp; postmark CINCINNATI, OHIO JUL 31 9:30 PM 1952] THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER [crossed-out handwriting at upper left: illegible] [PAGE 233] [Diagram: back of the envelope, blank apart from a vertical penciled file number] 62-83894-292 [PAGE 234] [Diagram: photostat negative of the front of the envelope; 3-cent postage stamp; postmark CINCINNATI, OHIO JUL 31 9:30 PM 1952] THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER [crossed-out handwriting at upper left: illegible] [PAGE 235] [Diagram: photostat negative of the front of an envelope; 3-cent postage stamp; postmark CINCINNATI, OHIO JUL 31 9:30 PM 1952] THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER [PAGE 236] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] (mirrored penciled file number) 62-83894-293 [PAGE 237] Winding Gulf Wva. Aug 5 1952 Mr Edgar Hoover a few lines to let you know a few things that the Govern- ment should know for all of US sakes P s stop the people from Broad casting how far these flying saucers are going and Where they are seeing them at ... the reason Russia is inventing some thing [Stamps: RECORDED - 118; INDEXED-118; EX-130; 62-83894-293; AUG 7 1952; 68 AUG 13 1952] [Handwritten margin notes: Flying Saucers; No incomplete return address 8/3 ...] [PAGE 238] that is Coming over here by raido activity and later they will be sending the atomic Bomb over here so try to stop them are now getting the distance and they send out one and then our people tells where they see at and that is all they want to know later on they will send Suicide planes with out air pilots here to bomb. Margie M Taylor [Handwritten note at bottom: MARGIE M TAYLOR] [PAGE 239] August 13, 1952 Mr. W. H. Jennings 3096 Hazelmary Zone 17 Pontiac, Michigan Dear Mr. Jennings: I have received your letter of August 5, 1952, and want to thank you for making the information contained therein available to this Bureau. The matter referred to in your letter is not within the jurisdiction of this Bureau and I have taken the liberty of forwarding a copy of your letter to the Department of the Air Force for appropriate action. Very truly yours, John Edgar Hoover Director cc - 1 - Detroit Note for Detroit: Mr. Jennings advised the Bureau, in his letter, of his theory regarding flying saucers. It was Mr. Jennings' opinion flying saucers are manufactured by General Electric or General Motors Research Laboratories, consist of aluminum tanks filled with helium gas under pressure, and work on magnetic principles. EHM:kc [Stamps: RECORDED-30; EX. - 69; 62-83894-294; RECEIVED FBI AUG 13 6 12 PM; MAILED 8 AUG 14 1952 COMM-FBI; 53 AUG 20 1952; routing list of names at left margin] [PAGE 240] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] (mirror image of the reverse of the preceding letter; stamps only: several RECEIVED FBI / U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE date stamps of Aug 13, RECD BELMONT, RECD TOLSON'S OFFICE, 53 AUG 20 1952) [PAGE 241] Pontiac, Mich Aug 5 '52 Flying Discs F.B.I. Wash. D.C. Gentlemen:- Dear Sirs. I have a theory on the so called flying saucers. I dont know where to write to express my opinion. But yours is the best office in the land when it comes to investigations. If and when I get ready to commit a crime I will expect to get caught but so be it. If the flying saucers are real then in my opinion they are not from another planet. I would be willing to bet they are the Brain child of General (over) [Stamps: RECORDED - 134; INDEXED - 134; 62-83894-; AUG 6 1952; 34] [Handwritten notes: W. H. Jennings; circled: 8-13-52 Letter Jennings & to OSI, EHM:kc; MossBdg] [PAGE 242] (2) Electric or General Motors Reserch Labritories. I am not an Electrician all I know about Elect. is to grab ahold of one wire at a time on alternating current and let direct current strictly alone. Its my openion that these discs or what have you are aluminum tanks filled with Heilum gas under a lot of preasure. and permenent magnets (power full one) built on their sides with the north polls out side. when another metal object approaches them. they are repulsed at the same speed as the approaching object. [Stamp: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I REC'D ESPIONAGE Aug 11 10 02 AM '52] [PAGE 243] (3) When you look at it from that slant you can see they can never be cought no matter how fast the persuing plane goes they retreat at the same speed. One good way to check that would be to have three plane to approach at three angles [Diagram: pencil sketch of an elongated disc with three small airplane symbols approaching from different angles, arrows marked "mot", and the word "only" beside an arrow] The retreating object could not cross in front of any of the plans it would have to go straight ahead. You try and get the north pole of a magnet and south pole to connect and you will see what I mean. (over) [PAGE 244] (4) Ive seen a steel bar hang in space at auto shows. it was mearly two poles pushing against each other instead of pulling together. Or Push your watch or a piece of steel through a demagnet tizer and you will see what I mean. If a plane were equiped with a magnet of about two or 3 Gs and the north pole pointed at the nose of the plane or stuck out ahead of the propelly a foot or two I think those savcers would be cought. Respectfully yours W.H. Jennings 3096 Hazelmary Zone 17 Pontiac Mich [PAGE 245] SERVICE UNIT 4-22a SEARCH SLIP Supervisor Mossburg Room 3708 Subj: W. H. Jennings Exact Spelling V All References Subversive Ref. Main File Restricted to Locality of Michigan Searchers Initial 03 Date 8-11 FILE NUMBER SERIALS 29-5180 William H. Jennings NR 1-16-321 William Harry Jennings NR 8-36400 [Handwritten at bottom: file 5, Ehm; Initialed] [PAGE 246] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Director, FBI DATE: 8/7/52 FROM : SAC, Philadelphia SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS At the weekly liaison conference held in the Philadelphia Office on August 5, 1952, Major H. B. ELDRIDGE advised that OSI is no longer interested in receiving reports concerning flying saucers. The above is submitted for the Bureau's information. JLK:ERG [Stamps and notes: RECORDED - 76; EX-99; 62-83894-295; 34 AUG 11 1952; handwritten: Letter to SAC, Philadelphia 8/15/52 NWP] [PAGE 247] SAC, PHILADELPHIA August 15, 1952 DIRECTOR, FBI (62-83894) FLYING SAUCERS OSI LIAISON Reurlet August 7, 1952, in which you stated that at a weekly liaison conference held in Philadelphia Major H. B. Eldridge advised that OSI is no longer interested in receiving reports concerning flying saucers. OSI, as the official Air Force liaison agency, has agreed to accept reports regarding flying saucers and to transmit these reports to the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, where all information pertaining to flying saucers is coordinated. If Major Eldridge still insists that he does not desire to receive reports regarding flying saucers, you should advise the Bureau and the matter will be discussed further with OSI Headquarters in Washington, D. C. NWP:hke [Stamps: RECORDED-29; EX-25; 62-83894-295; MAILED 3 AUG 15 1952 COMM-FBI; 60 AUG 20 1952; RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM FBI Aug 15 4 33 PM '52; routing list of names at left margin] [PAGE 248] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] (mirror image of the reverse of the preceding letter; stamps only: RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM FBI Aug 15 4 33 PM '52, MAILED AUG 15 1952 COMM-FBI, 60 AUG 20 1952) [PAGE 249] August 5, 1952 Mr. Dewey T. Wilson 2727 Maryland Avenue Baltimore 18, Maryland Dear Mr. Wilson: Your letter postmarked July 30, 1952, has been received, and I appreciate the interest prompting you to bring your comments to my attention. Since your communication may be of interest to another governmental agency, I am taking the liberty of forwarding a copy of it to The Honorable, The Secretary of the Air Force, Department of Defense Building, The Pentagon, Washington 25, D. C. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director DIC:amk:mfo Copy of incoming sent to the Secretary of the Air Force by short form. [Stamps and notes: RECORDED - 57; INDEXED - 57; EX-25; 62-83894-296; D. T. WILSON; COMM - FBI AUG 5 1952 MAILED 28; 65 AUG 14 1952; routing list of names at left margin] [PAGE 250] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] (mirror image of the reverse of the preceding letter; stamps only: RECEIVED MAIL ROOM U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE Aug 5 3 10 PM '52, COMM - FBI MAILED 23, 65 AUG 14 1952) [PAGE 251] 2727 Maryland ave Baltimore 18 Md July 28-1952 J Edgar Hoover F.B.I. Washn DC Flying Saucers Dear sir, I would like to submit a Theory that may lead to a solution of what the Flying saucers really are- These objects Could be Lights. Caused by Radio Television Beams Illuminating moist Vapor, not unlike Phosphors on rain soaked wood in Certain seasons - The northern lights "aurora Borealus" have manifested themselfes for years, setting up Electro magnetism + Earth potential which distorts normal Telegraph Communications. The lights are somewhat like a Fan + can be seen as far south as Equator. It is my opinion that flying Saucers are Electrically induced Currents onto a space (small Clouds) and causing it to glow - This Cloud being Charged Electrically and a Magnetic polarity being same as the interceptor it Can never [Stamps and notes: RECORDED - 57; EX-25; 62-83894-296; AUG 7 1952; handwritten: nml. ack 8-4-52 DIC] [PAGE 252] be overtaken and would if persued gradually grow Dimmer + dissappear giving the impression that it outdistanced The persuer with a great Burst of speed - This is submitted as a Theory as I do not have the power or facilities to prove or disprove. But I Submit a suggestion whereby a test Could be made. When these Saucers appear again Have the TV + all Broadcasts Silenced from the air and Check for results - This may not Change immediately, as other Elements in this Build Cannot be turned off or on at a given signal- However I firmly believe that, if the Idea as set forth in my Crude way is submitted to more Learned persons than I Some solution is inevitable - Dewey T. Wilson [Stamp: RECEIVED F B I U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE JUL 31 3 41 PM '52 MR. JONES; AUG 6 1952] [PAGE 253] THIS COPY 2727 Maryland ave Baltimore 18 MD July 28-1952 J. Edgar Hoover F.B.I. Washn DC Dear sir, I would like to submit a theory that may lead to a solution of what the Flying saucers really are-these objects could be Lights. caused by Radio Television Beams illuminating moist vapor, not unlike phosphous on rain soaked wood in certain seasons-the northern lights "aurora Borealus" have manifested themselves for years, setting up Electro magnetism & Earth potential which distorts normal Telegraph Communications. The lights are somewhat like a Fan & can be seen as far south as Equator- It is my opinion that Flying Saucers are Electrically induced currents onto a space (small clouds) and causing it to glow-this cloud being charged Electrically and a magnetic polarity being same as the interceptor it can never be overtaken, and would if persued gradually grow Dimmer & dissappear giving the impression that it out ddstanced the persuer with a great Burst of speed. This is submitted as a theory as I do not have the power or facilities to prove or disprove. But I submit a suggestion whereby a test could be made. When these saucers appear again Have the TV & all Broadcasts silenced from the air and check for results-this may not change immediately, as other Elements in this Build up can not be turned off or on at a given signal. However I firmly believe that, if the idea as set forth in my crude way is submitted to more learned persons then I some solution is inevitable. /s/ Dewey T. Wilson [PAGE 254] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : W. A. Branigan FROM : E. H. Mossburg DATE: August 12, 1952 SUBJECT: FLYING DISKS There is attached a copy of a periodical entitled "Sunday Graphic" dated July 6, 1952, received by the Bureau from the Office of the Legal Attache, American Embassy, London, England. It is desired that the attached periodical containing an article relating to the captioned matter be filed in the captioned file. Attachment EHM:kc [Stamps and notes: routing list of names at upper right; RECORDED - 44; INDEXED - 44; 62-83894-297; AUG 13 1952; 1 ENCL. 44; ENCLO. ATTACHED; 53 AUG 28 1952; handwritten: 5 - Ehm] [PAGE 255] [Diagram: back of a manila enclosure envelope, blank apart from the stamp ENCLOSURE and the file number 62-83894-297] [PAGE 256] Look VOLUME 16, NUMBER 13 JUNE 17, 1952 [Diagram: photograph of a glowing disc-shaped light with streaks beneath it; caption states it only resembles a night photo of saucers and was made in the laboratory of Dr. Menzel at Harvard University] 62-83894-281 [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: magazine article, Look, June 17, 1952, page 35, by Dr. Donald H. Menzel, Harvard astrophysicist — title-page and opening: he describes his own sightings in New Mexico, explained as balloons and stars, and promises to explain saucers by natural causes] [PAGE 257] FLYING SAUCERS continued [Diagram: photograph of a man holding a laboratory flask, and a night photograph of a chain of bright blobs in an arc over a dark sky; caption says it shows the Lubbock Lights photographed Aug. 30, 1951 over Lubbock, Texas, by 18-year-old Carl Hart, Jr.] Orderly processes of natural laws explain saucers 36 [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: Look magazine article continued, June 17, 1952, page 36, by Dr. Donald H. Menzel — he recounts mistaking stars for saucers, rejects extraterrestrial or foreign-weapon explanations, and lists three reasons people embrace saucer beliefs] [PAGE 258] [Diagram: unrelated magazine feature on the Brooks Costume Company with photographs of costume fittings; not transcribed] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: Look magazine page headed with the Brooks costume credit; unrelated article about a theatrical costume business, with a header fragment of the saucer article visible in mirror image on the reverse] [PAGE 259] conditions exist, flying saucers become likely [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: Look magazine article concluded, June 17, 1952, by Dr. Donald H. Menzel — explains saucer reports through temperature inversions, mirages and radar effects, cites the June 1947 Kenneth Arnold sighting, describes his laboratory simulation with benzene, acetone and light, and suggests a home kitchen-sink demonstration; ends with a note that the next issue covers the Air Force hunt] [Diagram: two drawings by Al Ewers captioned with light paths in normal air and with a temperature inversion; labels: WARM AIR, REFRACTING AIR LAYER, COLD SURFACE] [PAGE 260] FLYING SAUCERS continued [Diagram: photograph of a man holding a laboratory flask; two drawings labeled ANGLE OF VISION, one of a desert with three figures under a starry sky (caption: clear desert air allows long viewing distances) and one of a city skyline with a light beam (caption: in a city the angle of vision is small and the sky is full of smoke and dust)] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: Look magazine article continued, June 17, 1952, by Dr. Donald H. Menzel — describes the patterns of reports (Lubbock Lights, green fireballs, Foo Fighters, ghost saucers), argues the objects may be an optical phenomenon, and explains temperature inversions, mirages and city lights appearing to float] [PAGE 261] [Diagram: dark photograph of a row of luminous blobs with a larger bright oval at left; caption says these lights were one of many sets of saucers made by Dr. Menzel in his laboratory] [Diagram: four photographs by Arthur Rothstein of Dr. Menzel's apparatus with glass jar, benzene and acetone, a glass rod appearing bent between two liquids, and a light beam bending at the liquid boundary; captions explain the lens effect and bending of light] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: Look magazine article continued, June 17, 1952, by Dr. Donald H. Menzel — notes earlier historical reports (Durham Lights in England, 1897 airship rumors), explains why reports are more frequent today in desert areas, and begins his analysis of the remaining unexplained patterns] [PAGE 262] SECURITY INFORMATION - CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) 62-83894 Date: August 11, 1952 To: Director of Special Investigations The Inspector General Department of the Air Force The Pentagon Washington 25, D. C. From: John Edgar Hoover - Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Subject: FLYING SAUCERS SEEN NEAR THESSALON LAKE, ONTARIO, CANADA, JULY 27, 1952 MISCELLANEOUS - INFORMATION CONCERNING Dr. R. E. McIndoo, 820 West Walnut Street, Kokomo, Indiana, on July 30, 1952, advised that on July 27, 1952, at approximately 10:00 A. M. while fishing in the back waters of Thessalon Lake, Ontario, Canada, he noticed a formation of bombing planes, sixteen to twenty in number, in two groups flying south at a height estimated by him to be four or five miles. Dr. McIndoo stated that the planes went over the lake and suddenly dropped objects, at first thought by him to be parachutes. He continued that these objects fell straight for a short time, then suddenly spurted vapor and at a high rate of speed flew off in a southwesterly direction. Dr. McIndoo was unable to identify the nationality of the planes, but stated that they had twin trails of bluish smoke. He further stated that the objects which had been dropped from the planes had single trails of bluish smoke. EAB:mes SECURITY INFORMATION - CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) [Stamps: APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND FIELD OFFICES ADVISED BY ROUTING SLIP(S) OF 2040 DATE 9/1/77; RECORDED-86; 62-83894-298; AUG 13 1952; EX. - 69; COMM - FBI AUG 11 1952 MAILED 27; 53 AUG 19 1952; routing list of names at left margin] [PAGE 263] SECURITY INFORMATION - CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) He stated that he had been accompanied on his fishing trip by Paul Gaddis, Kokomo, Indiana. Dr. McIndoo had no further information concerning instant planes or the objects dropped by them. No further inquiries are contemplated in this matter. However, if additional information is received by this Bureau, you will be promptly advised. - 2 - SECURITY INFORMATION - CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) [routing list of names at left margin] [PAGE 264] August 21, 1952 Mrs. Nellie T. Dull Route 3 Staunton, Virginia Dear Mrs. Dull: I wish to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated August 12, 1952, addressed to Air Force Intelligence, the Justice Department, and this Bureau. A careful review of the contents of your communication fails to reflect that the subject matter contained therein is within the jurisdiction of this Bureau. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director cc - 2 - Richmond - with copy of incoming KWD:rel:mes Note: Bufiles fail to reflect any identifiable record on the addressee. [Stamps and notes: RECORDED - 64; 62-83894-299; MAILED 18 AUG 22 1952 COMM-FBI; RECEIVED MAIL ROOM FBI AUG 21 4 38 PM '52; 70 AUG 28 1952; handwritten margin notes; routing list of names at left margin] [PAGE 265] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] (mirror image of the reverse of the preceding letter; stamps only: RECEIVED MAIL ROOM U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI Aug 22 1 36 PM '52, RECD TOLSON'S OFFICE Aug 21 2 08 PM '52, MAILED 18 AUG 22 1952 COMM-FBI, 70 AUG 28 1952) [PAGE 266] Staunton, Va. Route 3 August 12, 1952 Air Force Intelligence F. B. I. Justice Dept. Flying Saucers Fellow americans, I am writing the same letter to all three Departments. On august 1st. I wrote a letter, and mailed it on august 2nd to the air Force Intelligence telling my views of a flying saucer. In about four days the physicist mad Scott gave out a report of findings identical to my report. Now if I have hit upon the meaning of a flying saucer I would like to get the credit for it. I have reason to believe my ideas have been hi-jacked. It should be easy to find out when did mr Scott start his experiment? which office did my letter go through? Was my letter placed on file? It had a return address. If you cannot find it that proves it was destroyed and the information used. I have much better working proof of my theory than mr scott, which has been before me all along, until I hit upon the idea. The solution should not have been published. There is a great deal more to it than that, which I can explain. The idea should have been worked out thoroughly and secretly. Rainmakers could probably do a great deal of harm with the answer. There is a possibility that it could mean entirely different type of air warfare. The air force could possibly use it for defensive warfare. It could lead to the man-made flying saucers which the enemy could use against us. [Stamps and notes: RECORDED - 61; INDEXED - 61; EX-25; 62-83894-299; AUG 14 1952; 34; handwritten: Let pk 8/21/52 KWD] [PAGE 267] Man-made flying Saucers possibly could be used in conjunction with atom and hydrogen bombs or to destroy them. astronomers could use the information to predict about other planets or planetary warfare. This information could be of use in a trips to the moon. Does the air Force wish me to keep my impression to myself or shall I give a statement to the press? my country comes first if the information should be kept secret. I signed my other letter "respectfully". when a lady from Virginia pays her respects to the air Force she expects the air Force to pay its respects right back to her. Respectfully, mrs Nellie T. Dull Route 3, Staunton, Virginia [Handwritten note: MRS. NELLIE T. DULL] [PAGE 268] COPY Staunton, Va. Route 3 August 12, 1952 Air Force Intelligence F. B. I. Justice Dept. Fellow Americans, I am writing the same letter to all three Departments. On August 1st, I wrote a letter, and mailed it on August 2nd, to the Air Force Intelligence telling my views of a flying saucer. In about four days the physicist Noel Scott gave out a report of findings identical to my report. Now if I have hit upon the meaning of a flying saucer I would like to get the credit for it. I have reason to believe my ideas have been hi-jacked. It should be easy to find out. When did Mr. Scott start his experiment? Which office did my letter go through? Was my letter placed on file? It had a return address. If you cannot find it that proves it was destroyed and the information used. I have much better working proof of my theory than Mr. Scott, which has been before me all along, until I hit upon the idea. The solution should not have been published. There is a great deal more to it than that, which I can explain. The idea should have been worked out thoroughly and secretly. Rainmakers could probably do a great deal of harm with the answer. There is a possibility that it could mean an entirely different type of air warfare. The Air Force could possibly use it for defensive warfare. It could lead to man-made flying saucers which the enemy could use against us. Man-made flying saucers possibly could be used in conjunction with atom and hydrogen bombs or to destroy them. Astronomers could use the information to predict about other planets or planetary warfare. This information could be of use in a trip to the moon. Does the Air Force wish me to keep my impressions to myself or shall I give a statement to the press? My Country comes first if the information should be kept secret. I signed my other letter "respectfully." When a lady from Virginia pays her respects to the Air Force she expects the Air Force to pay its respects right back to her. Respectfully, Mrs. Nellie T. Dull Route 3 Staunton, Virginia [PAGE 269] SERVICE UNIT 4-22a SEARCH SLIP Supervisor Dissly Room 3706 Subj: Mrs. Nellie T. Dull Exact Spelling All References Subversive Ref. Main File Restricted to Locality of Searchers Initial aj Date 8-20 FILE NUMBER SERIALS Nr- Nellie Nr Initialed [PAGE 270] August 8, 1952 Miss Florence Whitish Post Office Box 526 Charleston, South Carolina Dear Miss Whitish: Flying Saucers I wish to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated August 1, 1952. Since the matter referred to therein is within the jurisdiction of the Department of the Air Force, I have taken the liberty of forwarding a copy of your letter to that Agency. Your interest and cooperation in furnishing this material are appreciated. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director KWB:mes Note: Bufiles reflect no record concerning Florence Whitish. cc - 1 - SAC, Savannah (with copy of incoming) [Stamps and notes: RECORDED - 68; INDEXED 68; 62-83894-301; AUG 13 1952; EX-18; RECEIVED FBI AUG 8 4 24 PM '52; COMM - FBI AUG 11 1952 MAILED 28; 66 AUG 20 1952; routing list of names at left margin] [PAGE 271] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] (mirror image of the reverse of the preceding letter; stamps only: RECEIVED MAIL ROOM FBI Aug 11 3 09 PM '52, RECD BELMONT, RECD TOLSON'S OFFICE Aug 8 2 03 PM '52, MAILED 28 COMM - FBI, 66 AUG 20 1952)