FBI-UAP-62-83894, COMPILATION OF FLYING DISC REPORTS, VARIOUS LOCATIONS, 1947

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 1

memo

This memo summarizes an interview with Alpheus O. Powell, an airline captain who reported sighting an unidentified flying object while piloting a flight on August 4, 1947.

CONFIDENTIAL
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-130]
HEADQUARTERS
AIR DEFENSE COMMAND
MITCHEL FIELD, NEW YORK

12 September 1947

SUBJECT: Unidentified Flying Object
(Interview - Alpheus O. Powell)

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION:

The following information was received 12 August 1947 from Mr. Alpheus O. Powell, 28 Redwood Road, New Hyde Park, Long Island, relative to the sighting of a possible flying disc 4 August 1947.

On 4 August 1947, Mr Powell, an Airlines Captain with Pan American Airways, Inc., was the first pilot of a Constellation type aircraft on a flight from Gander, Newfoundland, to La Guardia Field, New York. Mr. Powell took over the aircraft at Gander, Newfoundland and departed at approximately 1230 P.M., Eastern Daylight Saving Time for La Guardia Field, New York. At 1600 P.M., at a position approximately midway between the Everett (Mass) Fan Marker and the Bedford Radio Beacon (Everett is 3 miles NW of Boston, Mass., and Bedford is 15 miles NW of the same city) both Mr Powell and Mr W. White, navigator on this trip, sighted unidentifiable flying objects. To the best of Mr. Powell's knowledge, the following weather conditions existed at that time: Visibility was good; cloud coverage was from 6-8/10ths, with tops at 10,000 feet; and the wind at the 8,000 foot level was estimated as being 270/25 miles per hour. The aircraft was at 8,000 feet; airspeed 265 mph; and the course was 244 degrees, magnetic.

Mr White, who was sitting in the co-pilots seat (the right side of the cockpit) first called Mr. Powell's attention to a bright orange object, which was on the right side of the plane, and slightly below the level of the aircraft. Mr Powell was unable to see the object, as he had no visibility to the right and down, from his position. Mr Powell immediately glanced out his side window and noticed, at a 45 degree angle to the left, and unidentified flying object. It was about one mile away at an altitude of approximately 7,800 feet. Mr Powell banked to obtain a better view of the object. The object was under observation for approximately 30 seconds, and during this time was viewed by Mr Powell. Mr Powell described the object as being about the length of a P-40 fuselage, blunt at both ends, cylindrical in shape, and having a bright orange hue. Mr Powell stated that the object had a definite shape, and that there was no suggestion of gaseous dissipation as there would be if the orange color were the exhaust from a rocket, or a jet aircraft. Mr Powell estimated the course of the object to be 200 degree magnetic, and that the object was travelling at approximately 160 mph. Mr Powell lost sight of the object, when a cloud came between the aircraft and the object. The pursuit of the object was not continued, inasmuch as it would have necessitated a departure from the established airways.
[HANDWRITTEN: Suce 42] [HANDWRITTEN: done]
CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 2

memo

This memo summarizes an interview with Walter I. White, a Pan American Airways navigator, regarding his sighting of an unidentified flying object while flying near Boston on August 4, 1947.

CONFIDENTIAL

HEADQUARTERS
AIR DEFENSE COMMAND
MITCHEL FIELD, NEW YORK

15 September 1947

SUBJECT: Unidentified Flying Objects
(Interview - Walter I. White)

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION:

The following information relative to the sighting of a possible
flying disc 4 August 1947, was received 10 September 1947 from Mr. Walter
I. White, 19-57 79th Street, Jackson Heights, New York.

On 4 August 1947, Mr. White, Pan American Airways Inc., was the
navigator of a Constellation type aircraft on a flight from Gander, New-
foundland to La Guardia Field, New York. At 1600, at a position approxi-
mately 10 miles NW of Boston, Mass., Mr White sighted a flying object which
he was unable to identify. At this time Mr White was sitting in the co-
pilots seat, and looking out the right side for other aircraft that might
be in the vicinity. Mr White stated that when he first sighted the object,
it appeared to be about 3 miles away, and at least 1,000 feet below the level
of the Constellation. Mr White believes that he studied the object for almost
30 seconds before he called the pilot's attention to it. Mr White described
the object as being a deep gold in color, and that its' surface reflected
light. It appeared to be about 15 feet in length, and from 2-3 feet in depth;
elliptical in shape and blunted at the ends. Mr White estimated the speed of
the object as being 175 miles per hour, and that it was travelling in an east-
erly direction, on a course of approximately 110° magnetic. Mr White then
told the aircraft commander that there was an unidentified object to the right,
and again glanced out to observe the object, catching a momentary glimpse of
it before the pilot banked the plane to the left. When the aircraft banked
Mr White lost sight of the object. At this point, Mr Powell, the aircraft
Captain, exclaimed that he was able to see a similar object on his side.
Mr White was unable to see the object on Mr Powell's side. He stated that
he does not believe that it was the same object that he had viewed inasmuch
as the one he saw if it had remained on the same course would have been
hidden from view by that time by the wings and tail section of the Constella-
tion. Mr White stated that the pilot then righted the plane. The entire in-
cident transpired in less than a minute and one-half.

Mr White describes the weather condition at the time of sightings as
follows: about 5/10th scattered cumulus, with tops at 10,000 feet; visibility
10 miles; wind at flight level, West at about 15 mph. The flight level of the
aircraft at this time was 8,000 feet, TAS 270, and the magnetic course was SW.

AGENTS NOTES: Mr Walter I. White has been employed by Pan American Airways
for the past five years as a Navigator, and during the war worked with PAA
[HANDWRITTEN: June #1] CONFIDENTIAL [HANDWRITTEN: doc]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 3

memo

This document contains an evaluation of a source and information regarding an interview with Alpheus O. Powell concerning unidentified flying objects.

CONFIDENTIAL

in conjunction with contract flying for the AAF. Mr White states that he
has flown with Mr Powell on a number of occasions, and he considers him
to be a very stable person; completely reliable, and not given to
"flights of fancy".

Related Report: See Summary of Information, 12 September 1947, Hq ADC,
subject, "Unidentified Flying Objects" (interview - Alpheus O. Powell).

Previous Distribution:
- None

Distribution
- AAF (3 copies)
- ADC (2 copies)

Evaluation

of source
C

of information
3

[HANDWRITTEN: done]

CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 4

memo

This document contains agent notes regarding the credibility and background of witness Mr. A. O. Powell, who reported an unidentified aerial object.

CONFIDENTIAL

AGENTS NOTES: Mr. A. O. Powell is a graduate of the Aviation Cadet Flying Training Program, having graduated from Maxwell Field, Alabama, with the Class of 41-C. Since graduation, Mr. Powell has flown for Pan American Airways and, at this date, has over 4,000 command pilot hours to his credit. Mr. Powell appears to be a calm, intelligent individual, not given to flights of fancy, or easily swayed by what he has previously read in the newspapers as regards reports of this type. Mr. Powell has a fear of publicity and seemed hesitant to even tell his story lest he become the object of ridicule. Mr Powell was questioned as to the possibility that what he sighted might have been a tow target, a pilot balloon, or a radiosonic device used for meteorological purposes. Mr Powell stated that he has seen numerous pilot balloons, radiosonic devices and tow targets, while on flights; the object observed on this flight definitely was not one of them.

Evaluation
Previous Distribution: 
- None

of source
C

of information
3

Distribution
- AAF (3 copies)
- ADC (2 copies)

2
CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 5

memo

A 1st Indorsement memo from the Fourteenth Air Force headquarters in Orlando, Florida, forwarding a report regarding a 'Flying Disc' to the Air Defense Command, noting that no investigation was conducted because it was considered an isolated case.

R E S T R I C T E D

BASIC: Ltr. Hq. BARTD, Birmingham AAF, Birmingham, Ala., dtd 8 July 47,
subj: Report on Local "Flying Disc."

1st Ind.
319.1/684
D
HEADQUARTERS, FOURTEENTH AIR FORCE, Orlando, Florida, JUL 21 1947
TO: Commanding General, Air Defense Command, Mitchel Field, New York.

1. Forwarded for information of your Headquarters.

2. This Headquarters has made no investigation of "Flying Disc" reports because this is an isolated case.

FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:

[HANDWRITTEN: V. E. MURPHY]
Lt. Colonel, AGD
Asst. Adj. Gen.

3 Incls: n/c

92715
[HANDWRITTEN: 24-6]

R E S T R I C T E D
2

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 6

blank

This is a blank page containing only a handwritten file reference number at the top.

[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-130]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 7

memo

A memo from the Birmingham Air Reserve Training Detachment reporting on a local 'flying disc' sighting, including a photograph and witness statements.

R E S T R I C T E D

HEADQUARTERS
BIRMINGHAM AIR RESERVE TRAINING DETACHMENT
BIRMINGHAM ARMY AIR FIELD
Birmingham, Alabama

8 July 1947

SUBJECT: Report on Local "Flying Disc"

TO: Commanding General
Fourteenth Air Force, ADC
Orlando, Florida
Attn: A-2

1. Inclosed herewith is a photograph of the "publicized flying disc," which was reportedly witnessed over Birmingham on the night of Sunday, 6 July 1947.

2. Attention is invited to the two light spots on the print and the light trail following the two discs. The arrow at the top of the photograph indicates the direction of flight. This has been examined by professional photographers in Birmingham and their general opinion is that the two spots shown on the light trail were no flaws in the negative, but instead, an actual photograph of the mysterious disc.

3. The undersigned officer did not personally witness the flight of any disc, however, in view of the numerous reports received from the citizens of Birmingham, it is the general opinion in Birmingham that "something was in the air." Attached hereto as inclosure number two is a statement made by the only military personnel of this organization who personally witnessed the flight of the mysterious disc. For additional information attached as inclosure number three are clippings from one of the local newspapers giving an account of the many persons who reported seeing the many mysterious objects.

4. The intelligence officer of the Alabama Military District has forwarded a similar report through ground force channels to the Commanding General, Third Army, Atlanta 3, Georgia.

[HANDWRITTEN: Jack C White]
JACK C. WHITE
Major, Air Corps
Commanding

3 Incls.
1. Photograph
2. Statement
3. Clippings

R E S T R I C T E D

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 8

memo

A 2nd Indorsement memo from the Air Defense Command at Mitchel Field, New York, forwarding a report on a 'Flying Disc' to the Commanding General of the Army Air Forces.

RESTRICTED
[HANDWRITTEN: Bch cr 16]
Report on Local "Flying Disc"
D333.5 ID (8 Jul 47) 2nd Ind
HQ., AIR DEFENSE COMMAND, Mitchel Field, New York, 25 July 1947.
TO: Commanding General, Army Air Forces, Washington 25, D. C.
ATTN: AC/AS-2
Forwarded for your information.
FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:
3 Incls:
n/c
R. H. SMITH
Colonel, GSC
Asst Chief of Staff-Intell.
[HANDWRITTEN: don]
RESTRICTED

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 9

other

A newspaper clipping from the Birmingham Age-Herald reporting on numerous sightings of 'flying saucers' over Birmingham, Alabama, including a photograph taken by a copy reader.

[HANDWRITTEN: 62-73894-130] [HANDWRITTEN: 2ce 130] [HANDWRITTEN: see 130]

THE WEA..
(Furnished by the U. S. Weather
For Birmingham and Vicinity-
Partly cloudy and warm today, to-
night and tomorrow with a few
scattered showers this afternoon.
High today 86, low tonight 70, high
tomorrow 90.

'Flying Saucers' Reported
From 39 States, But Seem
To Be Concentrated Here

City Is Baffled By
Dazzling Display
Of Spooky Discs

The strange things that have
been in night skies since June 25,
were over Birmingham last night.
On one thing everyone who has
seen the mysterious objects agree
-they are round, saucer-like. After
that, every story differs. Each of
the hundreds of callers who re-
ported witnessing the baffling sky
demonstrations here last night had
a different version of what they
saw.
Some said the objects were
large, some small. They were mov-
ing at great speed. They were sus-
pended in the air. There was sound
along with their movements. They
moved noiselessly through the black
sky. They were at great distance
from the earth. They had fallen to
the ground. They were in perfect
formation. They were colliding
with each other.
But whatever the things are that
have set the nation agog since first
reported 12 days ago by a man in
Washington State, they definitely
were over the Magic City last night.
It seems, in fact, that more Bir-
mingham residents saw the objects
than in any other place.
REPORTS BEGAN coming into
the Age-Herald city room around
8 o'clock last night. For more than
an hour thereafter, the place was
bedlam. The switchboard operators
were swamped with calls. Report-
ers, office boys, copy readers-
everyone in the place was called
into action.
Reports came in from Edgewood,
Mountain Brook, Avondale, South-
side, Fairfield, Pratt City, West
End, Central Park, Bessemer.
There was fear, excitement, hor-
ror, skepticism in the voices. One
[ILLEGIBLE] seen the ob-

CAMERA HERE CATCHES "FLYING SAUCER"-Robert Cross-
land, Age-Herald copy reader, has camera proof that the much-dis-
cussed flying discs were over Birmingham last night. The picture
above was made by Mr. Crossland at 8:37 p.m. last night at his home
at 29th Street and Highland Avenue. He said he gave the film a
15-second exposure.

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 10

report

A newspaper clipping from The Birmingham News reporting on sightings of mysterious flying saucers, including statements from Maj. Jack C. White and scientific commentary from Howard Blakeslee.

5-THE BIRMINGHAM NEWS
Mysterious Flying
Saucers Reported
In Birmingham Skies

Continued From Page 1
Although the reports to The Age-Herald last night dwindled off at about 9 p.m., there was a final call from a man at 10, saying he had seen the objects over the southeastern section. This morning, there were more reports, more queries coming into The News.
Maj. White issued a message to Birmingham residents: "We'll do everything the Army Air Forces is empowered to do to run down the mystery of the discs. This thing seems to have gotten beyond the point of speculation. Birmingham can rest assured the air base will keep on the alert until the mystery is settled."

man admitted having seen the objects several weeks ago "but was ashamed to tell my wife."
Whatever it is going on in the night skies, it has the entire nation in a dither. The flying discs have eclipsed every other national and international event in the minds of the American people. Broadcasts from England last night said the Britishers were scoffing at the story. But when persons in 30-odd states have reported seeing the objects, there must be something to the story.
Birmingham police headquarters was flooded with calls, too, last night. So was the Weather Bureau, the control tower at the airport, airline officers.
At the Birmingham Army Airfield, Maj. Jack C. White, commandant, ordered an alert and dispatched a plane to fly around the city. The plane, with Lt. L. S. Robinson at the controls, circled the city for an hour and 15 minutes at from 4,000 to 5,000 feet. He was unable to report any unnatural objects.
Scientists indicate that the objects are merely tricks of the eyes. In fact, Howard Blakeslee, Associated Press scientific writer, has stated he has seen similar objects from his home on Long Island for many years and associated no mystery with them. They are a combination of eye and light tricks, is his answer.
Turn to Page 5, Column 1

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 11

other

A newspaper clipping from July 7, 1947, featuring an interview with a 10-year-old boy named Michael Eisman regarding his theories on the origin and purpose of flying saucers.

MONDAY, JULY 7, 1947

RADIO-GUIDED, SAYS LAD
"I'd like to give my opinion about what the flying saucers really are," Michael Eisman, 10, told The News this morning.

The grammar school youth, "in the fifth grade and going on to the sixth" at Crestline Heights School, eagerly gave his theory.

"They are new radio-guided rocket discs from another country that is planning war on the United States," he said.

"They are equipped with cameras. They will be radio guided back to their home country. They go fast to keep anyone from seeing them. Then they hover and stand still to get their pictures.

"They have a reason for being over Birmingham," opined young Eisman. "It has one of the biggest steel mills, and the biggest cotton gin." Eisman said the "saucer cameras" were clicking the fruit industry on the West Coast.

As to what country is sending the saucers, Eisman didn't guess. Nor has he seen any saucers, he said, over his home at 4 Clarendon Road.

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 12

report

A newspaper clipping reporting numerous witness accounts of mysterious flying discs seen over Birmingham, Alabama, and surrounding areas.

Charles F. Bradley, Birmingham weather man, said he did not believe the spectacle was a weather phenomena, "I have instructed my staff to be on the alert for any information they might gather on the matter," he said.
GREATEST EXCITEMENT of the evening came when a man reported some of the discs had fallen in a ravine near Avonwood. A reporter and photographer went to the scenes—and found nothing.
Residents of the district said the discs had passed low and appeared to have fallen in the trees.
Robert Crossland, Age-Herald copy reader, rushed for his camera when the objects passed over his residence on 29th Street and Highland Avenue. His developed film revealed two round, white spots on the black, close together, one larger than the other. He said he gave the picture a 15-second exposure. Five other persons were with him when the picture was made.
But witnesses aren't needed any longer to bear out reports of the strange demonstration. Too many persons—good, solid citizens—have seen the things. In fact, they're thinking of calling the show at Munger Bowl tonight, "The Disc-light Opera."
Scores Of People Report Seeing Mysterious Discs
Residents of East Lake, Southside, West End, Woodlawn and Bessemer reported seeing the flying discs or saucers last night. One disc was reported seen yesterday afternoon over the Warrior River. The number seen at one time varied.
***
Nine of the discs were seen by Connie Murdoch, 512 South 10th Court. "They were gobs of light moving around the sky," she reported.
***
H. E. Reagor, 1318 45th Street, said he and neighbors saw "40 or 50" light spots in the sky, apparently over the Central Park Airport area.
***
One resident of East Lake, hearing of the flying saucers, rushed into his front yard. "I saw the landing lights of a DC-3 and 17 lightning bugs," he reported.
***
Mrs. James Bain, 1225 South 29th Street, saw three discs traveling from east to west. Two more were spotted later, followed by a single disc, as neighbors gathered.
***
J. L. Kardus, 2100 Clanton Street, Bessemer, reported seeing "strange lights" moving through the sky between Bessemer and Red Mountain. "They were going very fast," he said.
***
"Whirling saucers" were reported seen by Dan, Smirl, 14, 1429 10th Place, South, and Marvin Pharo, 15, 626 10th Avenue, South. "We weren't looking for them," the boys reported. "We were standing in the yard when we saw round silver flashes circling around. They came one at a time at first, then the number increased. They seemed to go over the mountain."
***
At police headquarters, Officer E. E. McNeal said reports of the discs began at 8:10 p.m. and ceased about 20 minutes later.
***
"Streaks of light flying very slow" were reported seen by Mrs. H. M. Sockwell, 1360 Meadow Lane, Green Acres. She said she rushed into her yard as soon as she heard the report on the radio. She and her husband and five neighbors saw six of the discs flying "fairly low." She said they were the size of a
"BIG AS TABLES"
"I called to find out if I'm crazy," said Mrs. Gordon Mize, of the Bessemer Super-Highway, who telephoned The News this morning to report seeing mysterious flying discs.
Mrs. Mize said she and her husband and their hosts saw the "balls of fire" as they prepared to get into their car after a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Bush at Brighton, between 9:30 and 10 last night.
She said the flash lights, which appeared as beacon lights coming over a hill, came from the direction of Bessemer.
The lights would come at lightning speed and then stop dead still and hang in the sky, they said. Then they would dart off again, some returning in the direction of Bessemer and some going on. Some would circle. Others would pass each other and scarcely avoid collision.
"They were about as large as my dining room table," she said.
baseball and traveled in a "big curve from southwest to southeast. The saucers came at intervals of about five seconds.

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 13

report

A collection of witness reports regarding sightings of 'flying discs' in the Birmingham, Alabama area, followed by a theory suggesting the sightings were caused by searchlight reflections from a carnival.

A citizen of Fairfield Highlands said the flying discs came over his residence at a speed of about 1,500 miles an hour. "They would go in opposite directions, stop, and bump into each other," he reported.
***
Gene Plumstead, program manager of WSGN, reported the flying discs over Edgewood Lake.
***
J. A. Hafner, 3301 Avenue I, Ensley, said the lights appeared like a spot thrown by a huge searchlight. He said, however, he could see no beam such as would come from a searchlight.
***
A number of "white round things" were seen in the skies over West End by Mrs. Alfred Hackbarth, 1760 McMillan Avenue.
***
L. M. Cadenhead, 2000 48th Street, Central Park, saw the lights over Powderly.
***
"They looked like saucers," said Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Martin and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Arnold, 732 47th Way, South. "Some of them went as fast as bullets, while others floated around. They were the size of an automobile tire."
***
Mr. and Mrs. William Howell, 1004 East Court, South, reported seeing 11 discs about 8:30 a.m.
***
"About 15 of them passed over our house shortly before 8," said Mrs. Helen Mallory, 1404 North 12th Court. Mrs. Mallory said the objects were first sighted by her son, Milo, who called the rest of the family. "They looked like a flash of light that went by in such a hurry you couldn't describe it," she said.
***
Frank S. Lovelace, policeman for the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company, reported seeing eight or 10 of the objects. "They looked about the size of a dishpan," he said. "They came out of the southeast and whirled around several minutes."
***
S-Sgt. I. L. Livingston, of the Birmingham Army Airfield, observed the discs from his Green Acres residence. "They were going zigzag from East to West," he said.
***
R. H. VAUGHN, III, who served as an anti-aircraft gunner in Europe, saw the "flying saucer" display with his father from their home in Ensley Highlands. "I never shot at anything moving as rapidly as they were," Vaughn believes the "discs" are some sort of natural phenomena, like the Aurora Borealis.
***
Jimmy Dewberry, 11, of 1030 16th Avenue, South, said he saw a "flying saucer" while visiting at his grandmother's on 14th Avenue, South. "It looked like a shooting star," Jimmy said, "but it was too low for that. It had a long red tail."

Searchlight Reflection Theory Is Advanced

The mysterious "flying discs" observed in Birmingham last night may be a carnival beacon light at Siluria, about 20 miles south of Birmingham.
That was a solution offered this morning by William B. Hayes, of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation in the Comer Building here.
Mr. Hayes, who served in the Army in the Pacific, said he and others had seen similar sights throughout the South Pacific islands caused by searchlights.
He based his theory on high overcast skies last night and said the beacon at the Siluria carnival probably struck the high clouds and gave the indication of being "flying saucers."
Mr. Hayes is a pilot.

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 14

transcript

A sworn statement by Staff Sergeant Ira L. Livingston regarding his observation of 'Flying Discs' in Birmingham, Alabama, on July 6, 1947.

R E S T R I C T E D

S-T-A-T-M-E-N-T

I, Staff Sergeant Ira L. Livingston, RA 14 153 972, Air Corps, have approximately 250 hours flying time as pilot and Armorer Gunner have the following statement to make concerning the appearance of "Flying Discs" in the vicinity of Birmingham, Alabama.

At 2045 hours, 6 July 1947, while I was eating supper at my residence at 1354 Meadow Lane, Green Acres, Birmingham, Alabama, my next door neighbor, Mr. Herman M. Sookwell, called for me to come to the front door that there were some "Flying Discs" outside. Immediately I went out in the front yard to observe the objects. The objects appeared to the West of Birmingham traveling in a South Eastern direction. They appeared to be approximately 2000 feet above the horizon at a 45 degree angle from where I was standing at an un-estimated distance away. The objects appeared to be approximately two (2) feet in diameter, round in shape, producing a dim glow of light and traveling at an estimated speed of five (5) to six (6) hundred miles per hour. The objects or object appeared to be traveling in a definite arc rather than straight and as soon as one was out of sight another would appear behind it, but not always in the same path. I saw one that seemed to come straight up. The view of where it came from was obstructed by a nearby house; and when it reached the altitude of approximately 2000feet, it started off in the same direction as the others. I did not at any time see any more than one at the time and even though there could have been only one, my personal belief is that there were seven (7) to ten (10). The Discs were silent and appeared to be composed of a single light.

Ira L. Livingston
Staff Sergeant, RA 14 153 972

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 7th day of July 1947.

JAMES L. MACFARLANE
1st Lt. AC
Asst Adj.

R E S T R I C T E D

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 15

memo

This document is a letter of transmittal from the Newfoundland Base Command to the Atlantic Division, ATC, forwarding reports of 'flying saucer' sightings, including a statement from Constable Kearsey regarding a sighting at Harmon Field on July 23, 1947.

CONFIDENTIAL
HEADQUARTERS, NEWFOUNDLAND BASE COMMAND
ATLANTIC DIVISION, AIR TRANSPORT COMMAND
FORT PEPPERRELL, NEWFOUNDLAND
APO 862, POSTMASTER, NEW YORK, N. Y.

IN REPLY REFER
NBC

[HANDWRITTEN: Classification cancelled or Changed to Restricted authority of CC, AD ATC 6 Aug 47 (Name) (Rank) 30 July 1947]

SUBJECT: Letter of Transmittal.

TO: Commanding General,
Atlantic Division, ATC,
Fort Totten, Long Island, N. Y.
(ATTENTION: AC/S, Intelligence)

Reference Letter of Transmittal, this office, dated 28 July 1947, with four (4) inclosures (Inclosures 1, 2 and 3, Final Reports of Sightings of "flying saucers"; and Inclosure 4, Signed Statement - Constable KEARSEY), transmitted herewith is Final Report of Sighting of "flying saucers" in Newfoundland, which occurred at Harmon Field, Stephenville, Newfoundland at 0345Z, 23 July 1947.

FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:

MARION C. MILLER,
Captain, Air Corps,
AC/S, Intelligence.

1 Incl:
Final Rpt of Sighting, 23 Jul 47

1st Ind.

HQ, ATLANTIC DIVISION, ATC, FORT TOTTEN, L.I., NEW YORK 6 Aug 47
TO: Commanding General, Air Transport Command, Washington 25, D.C.
ATTN: Chief of Staff

Forwarded in accordance with instructions outlined in
TWX CM-95, your Headquarters.

JAMES H. BREWSTER, JR.
Lt Col, GSC
AC/S, Intelligence

RESTRICTED
CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 16

report

A final report of a UFO sighting at Harmon Field, Newfoundland, on July 23, 1947, involving intermittent reddish lights observed by Miss Patricia Abbott and Lt. Hammaker.

CONFIDENTIAL
RESTRICTED FINAL REPORT OF SIGHTING [HANDWRITTEN: Classification cancelled or changed to Restricted by [ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] 47]

1. Organization: 1388th AAF Base Unit
APO 864, c/o Postmaster, New York, N.Y.

2. Sighting : Strange intermittent flashes that may tie in
with "Flying Discs".

3. Place : Harmon Field, Stephenville, Newfoundland.

4. Time : 0345Z, 23 July 1947.

5. Altitude : Approximately 10,000 feet high.

6. Weather : High scattered condition; visibility better
than fifteen (15) miles.

7. Heading : From South, heading NNE (approximately 30°)

8. Speed : High velocity; stated to be faster than a
conventional airplane.

9. Description : The observers saw a light which at first appeared
to be a shooting star or airplane. It appeared
again, and a number of intermittent flashes were
seen for a period of approximately three (3) minutes.
The flashes were reddish in color. Observers said it
was not a falling star because it did not appear as
such; nor was it an airplane, because manoeuvers were
too abrupt and there was no noise of a motor.

10. Reported by: Miss Patricia Abbott, (Newfoundland National) Government
Employee and Lt. Hammaker, Navigator and Public Relat-
ions Officer.

11. General : The informants (noted in Par.10) were walking when they
noticed a peculiar reddish light. Both Miss Abbott and
Lt. Hammaker stated that at first, they thought it was
a falling star, but if left no streak. It appeared
again; they thought it might be a plane flying at a
very high altitude. After observing its manoeuvers,
they concluded, because of the silence (no hum of motor)
and abrupt darts of the light, it was definately not
an airplane. Neither Miss Abbott nor Lt. Hammaker had
seen anything like it before.

[HANDWRITTEN: William H. Smith]
WILLIAM H. SMITH
Captain, Air Corps,
Intelligence Officer.
RESTRICTED
CONFIDENTIAL
Incl 1

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 17

memo

A transmittal letter from the Newfoundland Base Command to the Atlantic Division, ATC, forwarding final reports of 'flying saucer' sightings in Newfoundland, including a signed statement from Constable Eric Kearsey.

RESTRICTED [HANDWRITTEN: Classification changed to Restricted by authority of CC, AD-ATC 6 Aug 47]

HEADQUARTERS
Newfoundland Base Command, ATLD-ATC
Fort Pepperrell, Newfoundland
APO 862, c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y.

28 July 1947

SUBJECT: Letter of Transmittal.

TO: Commanding General,
Atlantic Division, ATC,
Fort Totten, Long Island, N. Y.
(ATTENTION: AC/S, Intelligence)

1. Transmitted herewith, as inclosures 1, 2 and 3, are Final Reports of sightings of "flying saucers" in Newfoundland and vicinity listed as follows:

Final Report of Sighting - 2000Z, 10 July 1947
" " " " - 0030Z, 11 July 1947
" " " " - 0015Z, 20 July 1947

2. Reference TWX - EN 18469, this headquarters, dated 121730Z July 1947, regarding sightings of "flying saucers" by Constable ERIC KEARSEY, Newfoundland Constabulary, at Grand Falls, Newfoundland, on the night of 9 July 1947, attached herewith, as inclosure 4, is signed statement of this sighting by Constable KEARSEY.

FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:

[HANDWRITTEN: Marion C. Miller]
MARION C. MILLER,
Captain, Air Corps,
AC/S, Intelligence.

4 Incls:
1. Final Rpt of Sighting, 10 Jul 47
2. " " " " , 11 Jul 47
3. " " " " , 20 Jul 47
4. Signed Statement - Const KEARSEY

RESTRICTED

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 18

report

A final report of a UFO sighting on July 10, 1947, near Harmon Field, Newfoundland, involving three witnesses who observed a circular, high-velocity object leaving a trail.

CONFIDENTIAL
RESTRICTED FINAL REPORT OF SIGHTING [HANDWRITTEN: Classification changed to Restricted authority of CC, ATC 6 Aug 47 (Name) (Rank) (Date)]

1. Org. : 1388th AAF BU, NBC, ATLD, ATC. Harmon Field, Newfoundland.
2. Sighting : Flying Disc or other airborne object.
3. Place : Approx six (6) miles SSW of Harmon Field.
4. Time : 2000/Z, 10 July 1947
5. Altitude : 8- 10,000 ft.
6. Weather : Clear, Scattered Cumulus 8 - 10, 000 ft.
7. Heading : NNE on horizontal course.
8. Speed : Very high velocity.
9. Shape & Size: Circular like a wheel, estimated to be same size as a C-54 as seen from 10, 000 ft.
10. Color : Translucent or Silvery, left a Bluish Black trail approx 15 miles long.
11. Photographs: Mr. Robert W. Leidy reported that he took two (2) Kodachrome snap shots of the trail.
12. Reported By: Mr. John N. Merhman, TWA mechanic; Mr. John W. Woodruff, PAA mechanic; and Mr. Robert E. Leidy, PAA mechanic reported the above facts to the Intelligence Officer on 15 July 1947. A Flash Report was TWX ed to : Action copy Commanding General, Hq. ATC, Attn. Asst. Chief of Staff, Intelligence. Info copies: Commanding Generals Hq. ATLD and Hq. NBC
13. General : Mister's Merhman, Woodruff, and Leidy were enroute from Stephenville Crossing to Harmon Field at the time of the sighting. Mr. Woodruff was the first to see the Disc, it appeared to rent or split the clouds thru which it passed and left a Bluish Black trail approx. fifteen (15) miles long behind it. The trail was similar to the afterglow of a powerful landing light or search light beam after it is suddenly switched off. The object maintained a straight and horizontal course according to Mr. Merhman and Mr. Woodruff, Mr. Leidy stated it appeared to be on a great curved course on a horizontal plane. The object disappeared into the North Northeast. Mr. Leidy says he took two (2) Kodachrome Photographs of the trail. The film has been transmitted to the Asst. Chief of Staff, Intelligence, Newfoundland Base Command for processing.

[HANDWRITTEN: Signature of WILLIAM H. SMITH CAPT. A.C. Intelligence Officer]

RESTRICTED
CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 19

report

A final report of a UFO sighting in Codroy, Newfoundland, on July 11, 1947, by three witnesses, including a reliable informant named Mr. John Legge.

RESTRICTED. FINAL REPORT OF SIGHTING [HANDWRITTEN: Classification cancelled or changed to Restricted by authority of CC, AD-ATC (Name) (Rank) (Date)]
1. Organization: 1388th AAF Base Unit
APO 864, c/o Postmaster, New York, N.Y.
2. Sighting : Flying Disc or other airborne object.
3. Place : Codroy, Newroundland, 59°03' W Long.; 47°50' N Lat.
4. Time : 0030Z hours, 11 July 1947.
5. Altitude : Approximately 6,000 feet.
6. Weather : Clear; at dusk.
7. Heading : From northwest heading eastward.
8. Speed : Very high velocity.
9. Shape & Size: Disc shaped; was reported as being the size of a barrel-head, dinner-plate and size of a plane that is flying high. The trail gave the whole object the appearance of a cone.
10. Color : Flame colored with a trail of a lighter flame color.
11. Reported by : Mr. John Legge, Mr. Wm. Evans and Albert Samms of Codroy, Newfoundland.
12. General : Mr. Legge and Mr. Evans were standing outside Mr. Legge's store when they both sighted the object. Both men stated that the disc was very bright with an after-glow which made the object look like a cone. It was a very clear night. In spite of the high velocity of the flying object, they said they could not possibly have mistaken it for a plane or a falling star. Besides the two men, the object was sighted by Albert Samms; he reported what he had seen to his mother. Mrs. Samms stated that Albert was in no way alarmed about it, he was alone and on his way home when he sighted it, and watched it while it was in sight. Albert was quite convinced from the color and behaviour of the object that it was not a plane, but definately some flying object.
The informant, Mr. Legge, is believed to be reliable. He is a man of approximately forty; has considerable experience as foreman of Buchans Mine, Newfoundland, where he was in charge of three hundred men. During the war, Mr. Legge was a mamber of a civilian volunteer Air Detection Corps. With that background, Mr. Legge stated that he felt sure that the object he had seen was something new which he had never seen before.
RESTRICTED

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 20

report

This report details a sighting by a twelve-year-old boy named Albert Samms and mentions a second sighting reported by a River Warden at South Branch that corroborated other sightings in Codroy.

Final Report of Sighting

General cont'd:
Albert Samms is a twelve year old boy. He was alone when he saw the flying object, he was very definite that he had never seen anything like it before. His mother, Mrs. Samms, is the Post Mistress of the town, and after hearing Albert's description, felt that it answered to the description of a "Flying Disc". Mr. Legge reported his sighting shortly afterwards to Mrs. Samms because he was sure it should be made known to her in order that the incident might be reported by telegram immediately.

There was one other sighting reported from a River Warden at South Branch. The man could not be contacted at time of interviews with other parties. However, a second-hand description of his sighting was obtained, and it agreed with the sightings at Codroy.

WILLIAM H. SMITH
Captain, Air Corps,
Intelligence Officer.

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 21

report

This is a final report of a sighting of a flying disc or airborne object by four observers on the steamship BURGEO on July 20, 1947, near Newfoundland.

CONFIDENTIAL
RESTRICTED
FINAL REPORT OF SIGHTING [HANDWRITTEN: Classification cancelled or reduced by authority of CC, AD-ATC, [ILLEGIBLE] (Name) (Rank) 6 Oct 47 (Date)]
1. Organization: 1388th AAF Base Unit
APO 864, c/o Postmaster, New York, N.Y.
2. Sighting : Flying Disc or other Airborne Object.
3. Place : On board Steamship "BURGEO" enroute from Sydney,
Nova Scotia to Port aux Basques, Newfoundland,
about one hour out from Sydney.
4. Time : 0015Z 20 July 1947.
5. Altitude : 30° off the horizon at an estimated quarter mile range.
6. Weather : Clear and dark.
7. Heading : NNE (30° East of True North) on horizontal plane.
8. Speed : High velocity, stated to be faster than a tracer bullet.
9. Description : Observers did not see the object, they saw its flashes
and all four observers agreed there were four (4) or
five (5) flashes approximately one (1) second apart
and equidistant. The flashes were said to be silvery
to reddish in color, and were described by two observ-
ers to be like those of a Fire Fly only larger and at
equal intervals, and did not look like a shooting star
or airplane.
10. Reported by: Messrs Maitland, Larkin, Douglas and Hamilton of
Hamilton, Metcalfe and Kansas City Bridge Companies
which concern is doing the construction at Harmon Field.
11. General : The four gentlemen (noted in Par.10) and Captain Gullage,
Master of the "Burgeo", were standing on the starboard
deck, and as the Captain was trying to describe a previous
sighting, he saw the flashes; the other four gentlemen
also saw them as described herein, and believed that it
was not a meteorite or airplane because of its speed,
color, and evenly spaced discharges or flashes.
Captain Gullage told the four gentlemen that he had seen
the same thing at approximately the same time and location
(ship's position) on the evening of 15 July 1947, except
at that time, the object or flashes were traveling faster
and frequently changing course (he said it changed course
abruptly several times) and was headed generally to the
RESTRICTED
CONFIDENTIAL
Incl 3
13

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 22

report

This page is a continuation of a final report regarding a sighting, featuring a statement from Captain William H. Smith offering to provide a full report for official purposes.

[HANDWRITTEN: CONFIDENTIAL] [HANDWRITTEN: RESTRICTED]
4
Final Report of Sighting:
General cont'd : SSW. The Captain also told the four gentlemen that he was willing to make a complete report if the information is desired for official purposes.
[HANDWRITTEN: William H. Smith]
WILLIAM H. SMITH
Captain, Air Corps
Intelligence Officer.
- 2 -
RESTRICTED
[HANDWRITTEN: CONFIDENTIAL]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 23

transcript

Transcript of an interrogation of John E. Woodruff regarding his sighting of a 'Flying Disk' near Stephenville Crossing, Newfoundland, on July 10, 1947.

CONFIDENTIAL
[HANDWRITTEN: Classification cancelled or changed to Restricted authority of CC, AD-ATC 6 Aug 47]
RESTRICTED INTELLIGENCE OFFICE
HEADQUARTERS 1388TH AAF BASE UNIT
NEWFOUNDLAND BASE COMMAND, ATLD-ATC
APO 854, c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y.

16 July 1947

Interrogation of JOHN E. WOODRUFF, Chief Mechanic, Pan American Airways, Harmon Field, Newfoundland, taken at 1415 HET, 16 July 1947, by Captain William H. Smith, AC, Intelligence Officer.

Q. Did you see one of the so called "Flying Disks" or other object on the 10th July?
A. Yes, I did.

Q. Can you give the approximate time?
A. Approximately 1700.

Q. Tell me the circumstances under which you saw this object.
A. We were coming back from a fishing trip, and coming over the hill between here and Stephenville Crossing you can see the cloud formation ahead, I saw the object break out where the clouds opened and it left its trail behind it.

Q. Had you been drinking?
A. No.

Q. You were riding in a car at the time you saw it?
A. Yes, in the front seat of the Pan American car.

Q. What was the weather like that day?
A. It was very clear and the clouds were very scattered.

Q. What was the approximate altitude of the clouds?
A. I'd say from 5000 feet to 10,000 feet.

Q. Did you see the Disk itself?
A. Yes, what it appeared to be was a translucent disk like a wheel travelling at a terrific rate of speed and opened the clouds as it went through the air.

Q. How was this Disk travelling, horizontal, descending or ascending?
A. It was horizontal.

Q. About how big did it appear to you?
A. From the height of it, I'd say it was about the size of a 54 or a Constellation.

Q. About how far apart did it break the cloud?
A. It spread the clouds out about half mile.

RESTRICTED
CONFIDENTIAL [HANDWRITTEN: JAV]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 24

transcript

This document is a continuation of the interrogation of John E. Woodruff, a Chief Mechanic for Pan American Airways, regarding his observation of an aerial object on July 17, 1947.

RESTRICTED
CONFIDENTIAL

Interrogation of John E. Woodruff (Cont'd)

Q. What kind of a break did it make in the clouds?
A. It cut a straight path right through the cloud.

Q. Did it leave a trail?
A. Yes, it left a trail dark blueish in color similar to a high power light. The trail was from approximately fifteen (15) to twenty (20) miles long.

Q. Have you ever seen a meteor?
A. Yes.

Q. Do you think this was a meteor?
A. No, I don't think so, it was cut too clean. This was as straight as an arrow.

Q. What was the course of the object?
A. Well, looking at the map I'd say North North East.

Q. Have you been working around airplanes long enough to know the size of an aircraft and the height from a distance?
A. Yes.

Q. How long have you been working around aircraft?
A. Seven (7) years.

Q. Were you in the Army during the time of the War?
A. No.

Q. Did you take any pictures?
A. No, I did not, but one of the boys took some.

Q. Do you think the pictures will show up?
A. Yes, it was an ideal day for pictures.

[HANDWRITTEN: John E. Woodruff]
JOHN E. WOODRUFF
Chief Mechanic
Pan American Airways

Sworn and subscribed to before me
this 17 day of July 1947.

CONFIDENTIAL
RESTRICTED
-2-
S. L. HINSON, JR
Captain, Air Corps
Adjutant

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 25

transcript

Transcript of an interrogation of John N. Mehman, Jr. regarding a sighting of a vapor trail on July 10, 1947, near Stephenville Crossing, Newfoundland.

RESTRICTED [HANDWRITTEN: Classification cancelled on authority of CC, AD-ATC, Capt. 4 July 47] CONFIDENTIAL
INTELLIGENCE OFFICE
HEADQUARTERS 1388TH AAF BASE UNIT
NEWFOUNDLAND BASE COMMAND, ATLANTIC
APO 864, c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y.

16 July 1947

Interrogation of JOHN N. MEHMAN, JR., Supervisor and Mechanic, Trans World Airways, Harmon Field, Newfoundland, taken at 1430 HFT, 16 July 1947, by Captain William H. Smith, AC, Intelligence Officer.

Q. How long have you been associated with aircraft and aviation?
A. Since approximately 1938.

Q. Were you in the Army during the War?
A. Yes.

Q. What did you do in the Army?
A. Aerial Gunner.

Q. Did your job during the war entail you to be able to judge distances and sizes of objects and ranges?
A. Yes.

Q. On the evening of 10 July 1947, did you see one of the so called "Flying Disks" or an object in the sky?
A. Yes, we were coming up over the mountain between here and Stephenville Crossing. The car was going up hill and we could see the sky through the windshield. Mr. Woodruff said "look at the cut in the sky". I looked up and saw a blueish black vapor trail.

Q. Did you see the object?
A. No, I just saw the trail as it was left behind.

Q. Can you describe the effect the object had on the cloud formation?
A. The clouds were very scattered and were about from 5000 feet to 10,000 feet, the object passed through and out the cloud leaving a gap where you could see the blue sky, like a knife had cut it. The edges were feathered similar to a weld, as if you cut a weld in half.

Q. Did the object appear to be descending, ascending, or horizontal?
A. It was horizontal and seemed to remain on atrue course.

Q. What was your estimate of the course?
A. Approximately North North East.

Q. Can you give any estimate as to the size of the object?
A. I did not see the object.

RESTRICTED
CONFIDENTIAL [HANDWRITTEN: signature]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 26

transcript

This document is a transcript of an interrogation of John H. Nehrman, Jr. regarding a sighting of an object in the sky, including details about a photograph taken by Robert Leidy.

CONFIDENTIAL
RESTRICTED
Interrogation of John H. Nehrman, Jr

Q. Can you describe the trail?
A. It was blueish black in color, very easily distinguished from the blue sky. A diesel exhaust would be similar to it.

Q. Was the trail fan shaped?
A. No it was more or less a band across the sky in a straight path.

Q. Did it make a noise?
A. No noise.

Q. What went on in the car when you sighted the object?
A. We stopped the car and got out and looked at it. One of the boys had a camera and took a photograph of the trail that the object left.

Q. What was the name of the man who took the photograph?
A. Robert Leidy.

Q. Do you know what type of film Mr Leidy was using?
A. Kodachrome, I believe.

Q. Do you know whether Mr. Leidy saw the Disk or object?
A. I don't believe so.

[HANDWRITTEN: Signature of John H. Nehrman, Jr]
JOHN H. NEHRMAN, JR
Supervisor and Mechanic
Trans World Airways

Sworn and subscribed to before me
this 7 day of July 1947.

[HANDWRITTEN: Signature of S. L. Hinson, Jr]
S. L. HINSON, JR
Captain, Air Corps
Adjutant

CONFIDENTIAL
RESTRICTED
- 2 -

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 27

transcript

Transcript of an interrogation of Robert W. Leidy regarding a sighting of an object or flying disk on July 10, 1947, near Harmon Field, Newfoundland.

CONFIDENTIAL
RESTRICTED [HANDWRITTEN: Classification cancelled or changed to Restricted by authority of CC, ATD ATC]
INTELLIGENCE OFFICE
HEADQUARTERS 1388TH AAF BASE UNIT
NEWFOUNDLAND BASE COMMAND, ATD ATC
APO 864, c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y.

16 July 1947

Interrogation of ROBERT W. LEIDY, Station Mechanic, Pan American
Airways, Harmon Field, Newfoundland, taken at 1450 EWT, 16 July 1947,
by Captain William H. Smith, AC, Intelligence Officer.

Q. Were you with Mr. Woodruff and Mr. Mohrman on the evening when they
saw an object or flying disk passing over the sky on 10 July 1947?
A. Yes, I was.

Q. Were you or any members of the party drinking?
A. No, I had one can of beer, that was about half hour before that.

Q. Can you tell me the circumstances under which you saw the object
or its trail?
A. Well, Mr. Woodruff saw it first and said he saw the thing travelling
through the sky. We did not believe him at first but when he was so
concerned about it we stopped the car and got out. I had my camera
so took a picture of it. There was a bluish streak left in the sky
which could not have been a cloud formation. It was a definite trail
and caused the clouds to break open as it went through.

Q. Did it cut a path through the cloud?
A. Yes, it was very clear, and you could see the trail right through
the cloud, it looked to be travelling in a big circle and it left
sharp edges to the clouds.

Q. What was the trail like?
A. I would not say it was exhaust, it looked as if an object passed
through similar to that of a pebble leaving a ring in the pond.

Q. Was there any difference in the color?
A. No, it looked as if the object broke the cloud and left this opening.

Q. Was the trail horizontal, going up, or coming down?
A. It looked horizontal.

Q. What was the altitude of the clouds?
A. I don't know, sir, they were pretty high though.

Q. What time was this?
A. I don't know exactly sir, but it was between three and five o'clock
in the afternoon, we were coming back from fishing.

RESTRICTED
CONFIDENTIAL [HANDWRITTEN: R W L]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 28

transcript

This page is a continuation of an interrogation of Robert W. Leidy regarding his observations of an object in the sky, his photography of the event, and the status of the film rolls.

RESTRICTED
CONFIDENTIAL

Interrogation of Robert W. Leidy (Cont'd)

Q. Did you see the object?
A. No.

Q. How long do you think the trail was?
A. I don't know, sir, but the trail was very long, that is why I think something went through the sky because of the trail and blank space it left, you could easily see it.

Q. Was the trail on a straight course?
A. Well, as I said before, it looked to me from the ground, that it was travelling at a terrific rate of speed in a circle because of the arcs in the path.

Q. Have you ever seen a meteor?
A. No.

Q. Can you estimate the size of the cut in the clouds?
A. No.

Q. How long have you been working around planes, etc?
A. Six (6) years.

Q. Were you in the Army during the war?
A. No.

Q. How many pictures did you take?
A. Two.

Q. What type camera did you have?
A. An Argus, F-2.

Q. Was the film black and white or kodachrome?
A. It was kodachrome.

Q. Where are the film now?
A. Well, I took three or four rolls and I am not sure which one the pictures are on.

Q. I understood from Mr. Woodruff that they are being developed.
A. I think it is out of the camera sir, but I have not sent them out yet.

Q. Will you give us the four rolls of film so we can have them processed officially?
A. Yes, sir.

RESTRICTED
CONFIDENTIAL
[HANDWRITTEN: R.W.L]
- 2 -

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 29

transcript

This page is a continuation of the interrogation of Robert W. Leidy, where he agrees to provide the Army with copies of photographs of a trail, followed by his signature and the signature of the administering officer, Captain S. L. Hinson, Jr.

CONFIDENTIAL
RESTRICTED
Interrogation of Robert W. Leidy (Cont'd)

Q. Are you willing to give the Army a copy of the pictures of the trail?
A. Yes.

[HANDWRITTEN: Robert W Leidy]
ROBERT W. LEIDY
Station Mechanic
Pan American Airways

Sworn and subscribed to before me
this 17 day of July 1947.

S. L. HINSON, JR
Captain, Air Corps
Adjutant

RESTRICTED
CONFIDENTIAL
-3-

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 30

transcript

A witness statement from John P. Legge regarding a UFO sighting in Cordroy, Newfoundland, on July 10, 1947.

RESTRICTED

STATEMENT OF MR. JOHN P. LEGGE, CORDROY, NEWFOUNDLAND. TAKEN BY MERCEDES BURKE OF THE INTELLIGENCE OFFICE, HARMON FIELD, NEWFOUNDLAND. 17 July 1947.

At approximately 10 o'clock in the evening of 10 July 1947 I was standing by my store door; I happened to look up and saw what appeared to be a "FLYING SAUCER". It definately was not a shooting star; I'd seen several stars shoot before, but never like this! nor was it an aeroplane, it was too "lit up" and traveling at too great a speed. It wasn't an aeroplane on fire because it would have fallen in the water. It was a nice clear night, no clouds, it was just getting dark. I would say it was traveling at the rate of a shooting star but much closer. I'd say roughly at 6,000 feet. It was visible for about fifteen (15) seconds. It came from the North West heading Eastward. The circle looked to be about the size of a barrel head, and the trail behind looked to be about fifteen (15) feet long. The trail behind the disc made the whole object look like a cone. Another thing that makes me feel sure it wasn't an shooting star is; a shooting star usually leaves a temporary streak, this object I saw left no streak only the one that appeared to travel behind the circle which looked like an after-glow. The circle was a bright red, nearest I could describe it would be the color of a flame, the after-glow(cone-shaped) was a fainter shade. What I saw last Thursday night resembled a shooting star in no way whatsoever. There was only one.

[HANDWRITTEN: John P. Legge]
JOHN P. LEGGE

Witness: [HANDWRITTEN: F. W. Towkins]

Witness: [HANDWRITTEN: Mercedes Burke]

RESTRICTED

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 31

transcript

A witness statement from Mr. Wm. Evans regarding a sighting of a 'flying saucer' on July 10, 1947, in Cordroy, Newfoundland.

RESTRICTED

STATEMENT OF MR. WM. EVANS, CORDROY, NEWFOUNDLAND. TAKEN BY MERCEDES BURKE OF THE INTELLIGENCE OFFICE, HARMON FIELD, NEWFOUNDLAND. 17 July 1947.

At approximately 10 o'clock in the evening of 10 July 1947, I was standing outside Mr. Legge's store talking with him. We both saw this thing dash across the sky. I couldn't be accurate about the directions. If it was a shooting star, I'd never seen one as large before, and it was much brighter than anything I've ever seen in the sky. It looked to be a round object, I couldn't say it was anything else but round; it had a tail on it which showed yellowish, but not as bright as the circle which appeared and nearest I could describe it would be sort of red and yellow. The streak behind, I would say, was little over a yard long; the circle looked to be about the size of a large dinner plate. It went so fast, it was hardly in sight before it disappeared. I could not give any idea of the height; all I can say is it was much closer than a shooting star and travelling at a great speed. Whatever it was it was flying through the air; it wasn't just a streak across the sky. To me it wasn't in any way like a shooting star, and I am sure it wasn't an aeroplane. I called it a "FLYING SAUCER" because it seemed exactly like what we had been hearing so much about on the radio.

[HANDWRITTEN: Wm. Evans]
Wm. EVANS
Witness: [HANDWRITTEN: F. W. Tompkins]
Witness: [HANDWRITTEN: Mercedes Burke]

RESTRICTED

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 32

transcript

A witness statement from Albert Samms regarding a sighting of a bright, fast-moving object in the sky near Cordroy, Newfoundland, on July 17, 1947.

RESTRICTED

STATEMENT OF ALBERT SAMMS, CORDROY, NEWFOUNDLAND. TAKEN BY
MERCEDES BURKE OF THE INTELLIGENCE OFFICE, HARMON FIELD NEW-
FOUNDLAND. 17 July 1947.

Last Thursday night I was out by our house, I happened to
look up and saw what I thought was an airoplane. It was flying
at the height of a plane that is flying high. Then I thought
it looked strange for an airoplane, because it was all lit up
so bright, planes do have a light or two, but this thing was very
bright - sort of a bright reddish yellow. I saw it only for a
minute because it was travelling at a teriffic speed. It shot
out of sight so quickly I thought it strange if it was an airop-
lane. Then, I remembered what I'd been hearing about "FLYIND
SAUCERS" I ran in and told my mother.

[HANDWRITTEN: Albert Samms.]
ALBERT SAMMS

Witness: [HANDWRITTEN: F. W. Tompkins]

Witness: [HANDWRITTEN: Mercedes Burke]

RESTRICTED

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 33

report

A witness statement from Mrs. John Samms describing an account given to her by Albert regarding an unidentified object that he initially mistook for an airplane.

RESTRICTED

4 Albert rushed in and told me about this thing he'd just seen. at first he thought it was an airoplane but then he remembered having heard about "FLYING SAUCERS" and he thought that's what it must have been. I questioned him; he said it couldn't have been a plane because a plane wouldn't shoot down like that did, besides it was too "lit up"

Mr. Legge reported the same thing to me in order that I might report same to St. John's in the morning.

Mrs JOHN SAMMS.

[HANDWRITTEN: Mrs John Samms.]

RESTRICTED

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 34

report

A report from Constable Eric Kearsey to the Chief of Police regarding a sighting of strange objects over Grand Falls on July 9, 1947.

NEWFOUNDLAND CONSTABULARY

STATION Grand Falls,
DATE July 13th. 1947.

SUBJECT Re:- Strange objects seen flying over Grand Falls on night of July 9th. at approx. 11.15 and 11.40.

Sir:
I respectfully report for your information that on Wednesday night, the 9th. inst. I arrived home from duty at approx. 11.30.

Upon arrival at home I joined my wife, my mother-in-law, and Mr. John Jackman a resident of St. John's and friend of the family, who were sitting on the front steps of the house. I was asked by my wife if I had seen the "flying saucers" I thought she was joking and replied that I had seen nothing flying. Jackman and my mother-in-law then told me that they had really seen four objects flying in an easterly direction just before I arrived. I asked them to describe what they had seen. Jackman said that four round shaped figures had passed overhead at a terrific speed and were flying side by side.

On looking skywards again my wife, Jackman, and myself, saw a object which I would describe as being a huge jellyfish flash across the the sky. It would be difficult to determine its height and speed owing to the brief period it was visible. it's colour also would be hard to say, but there seemed to be a phosphorus glow about it, it was round in shape and about the size of a barrel head, it appeared to be flying in a rocking motion.

This sir, is about all I can say about the matter, we continued to ssan the sky for about a half hour but no sign of them were seen again.
[HANDWRITTEN: Eric Kearsey Constable.]

L.Strange Esq., J.P.,
Chief of Police.
[HANDWRITTEN: Respectfully submitted.]
L.Strange Esq., J.P.,
Chief of Police.

RESTRICTED

[HANDWRITTEN: incl 4.]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 35

report

A report from Constable Eric Kearsey to the Chief of Police regarding a sighting of unidentified flying objects over Grand Falls on July 9, 1947.

NEWFOUNDLAND CONSTABULARY

STATION Grand Falls,
DATE July 13th, 1947..
SUBJECT Re:- Strange objects seen flying over Grand Falls on night of July 9th, at approx. 11.15 and 11.40.

Sir:
I respectfully report for your information that on Wednesday night, the 9th. inst. I arrived home from duty at approx. 11.30.

Upon arrival at home I joined my wife, my mother-in-law, and Mr. John Jackman a resident of St. John's and friend of the family, who were sitting on the front steps of the house. I was asked by my wife if I had seen the "flying saucers" I thought she was joking and replied that I had seen nothing flying. Jackman and my mother-in-law then told me that they had really seen four objects flying in an easterly direction just before I arrived. I asked them to describe what they had seen. Jackman said that four round shaped figures had passed overhead at a terrific speed and were flying side by side.

On looking skywards again my wife, Jackman, and myself, saw a object which I would describe as being a huge jelly-fish flash across the the sky. It would be difficult to determine its height and speed owing to the brief period it was visible. It's colour also would be hard to say, but there seemed to be a phosphorus glow about it, it was round in shape and about the size of a barrel head, it appeared to be flying in a rocking motion.

This sir, is about all I can say about the matter, we continued to scan the sky for about a half hour but no sign of them were seen again.

Eric Kearsey
Constable.

L.Strange Esq., J.P.,
Chief of Police.
Respectfully submitted.

L.Strange Esq., J.P.,
Chief of Police.

RESTRICTED

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 36

report

This document outlines several conclusions regarding the physical characteristics and nature of 'flying saucer' objects based on reports, including their metallic appearance, potential liquid-fueled propulsion, circular shape, and flight behavior.

From detailed study of reports selected for their impression of veracity and reliability, several conclusions have been formed:
(a) This "flying saucer" situation is not all imaginary or seeing too much in some natural phenomenon. Something is really flying around.
(b) Lack of topside inquiries, when compared to the prompt and demanding inquiries that have originated topside upon former events, give more than ordinary weight to the possibility that this is a domestic project, about which the President, etc. know.
(c) Whatever the objects are, this much can be said of their physical appearance:
1. The surface of these objects is metallic, indicating a metallic skin, at least.
2. When a trail is observed, it is lightly colored, a Blue-Brown haze, that is similar to a rocket engine's exhaust. Contrary to a rocket of the solid type, one observation indicates that the fuel may be throttled which would indicate a liquid rocket engine.
3. As to shape, all observations state that the object is circular or at least elliptical, flat on the bottom and slightly domed on the top. The size estimates place it somewhere near the size of a C-54 or a Constellation.
4. Some reports describe two tabs, located at the rear and symetrical about the axis of flight motion.
5. Flights have been reported, from three to nine of them, flying good formation on each other, with speeds always above 300 knots.
6. The discs oscillate laterally while flying along, which could be snaking.

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 37

memo

A memo from the Fourth Air Force to the Army Air Forces regarding an investigation into a flying disc, referencing a letter from F. M. Johnson and noting similarities to a statement by Mr. Arnold.

CONFIDENTIAL

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH AIR FORCE
Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2
Intelligence
Hamilton Field, California

4AFDA
333.5/1208-I
25 August 1947

SUBJECT: Investigation of Flying Disc.

TO: Headquarters, Army Air Forces, Washington 25, D. C.
ATTENTION: AC of AS-2

1. The attached true copy of the letter of Mr. F. M. Johnson of
Portland, Oregon, was received by this officer 22 August 1947.

2. Your attention is invited to the similarity of statement by
Mr. Johnson and Mr. Arnold.

3. This letter is being referred this date to the Special Agent
In Charge, FBI, San Francisco, for any investigation they may care to
make.

[HANDWRITTEN: DONALD L. SPRINGER
Lt. Colonel, GSC
AC of S, A-2]

1 Incl:
Cy of ltr fr F.M. Johnson
(in dup)

[HANDWRITTEN: See 107]

CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 38

letter

A letter from F. M. Johnson to Lt. Col. Donald L. Springer reporting a sighting of flying discs near Mt. Adams on June 24, 1947, corroborating Kenneth Arnold's account.

[HANDWRITTEN: 10.]
CONFIDENTIAL

PORTLAND, OREGON, August 20th 1947

Lt. Col. Donald L. Springer, Assistant Staff

Sir. Saw in the portland paper a short time ago in regards to an article in regards to the so called flying disc having any basis of fact. I can say am a prospector and was in the Mt Adams district on June 24th the day Kennet Arnold of Boise Idaho claims he saw a formation of flying disc. And i saw the same flying objects at about the same time. Having a telescope with me at the time i can asure you they are real and noting like them I ever saw before they did not pass verry high over where I was standing at the the time, plobly 1000 ft. they were Round about 30 foot in dimater tapering sharply to a point in the head end in an oval shape. with a bright top surface. I did not hear any noise as you would from a plane. But there was an object in the tail end looked like a big hand of a clock shifting from side to side like a big magenet. There speed as far as i know seemed to be greater than anything I ever saw. Last veiw I got of the objects they were standing on edge Banking in a Cloud.

Yours Respectfully

/s/ F. M. Johnson
106 No. West 1st Ave
Portland, Oregon

A TRUE COPY:
[HANDWRITTEN: Signature of Donald L. Springer]
DONALD L. SPRINGER
Lt. Colonel, GSC,
AC of S, A-2

[HANDWRITTEN: 29]
CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 39

transcript

A statement from Richard Rankin describing his observation of ten unidentified flying objects over Bakersfield, California, on June 14, 1947.

CONFIDENTIAL
PORTLAND, OREGON
30, July 1947

C-E-R-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-E

On 30 July 1947 Mr Richard Rankin, 834 N. E. Simpson Street, Portland, Oregon was interviewed by this agent and stated in substance as follows:

My name is Richard Rankin. I am 47 years old and have flown since I was nineteen years old. I first soloed in an air craft in 1919. I have flown over all the western parts of the United States many times and have mapped all of the western part of the United States during the years before the late war for the US Forest Service. I am familiar with almost every part of the western United States. During a great part of my life I have done stunt flying for air shows and various other types of aeronautical exhibitions. My brother was "Tex" Rankin who was quite well known in both civilian and Military flying circles for many years before his death and during the late war ran thousands of Flying Cadets through primary training schools owned and operated by him. To date I have accomplished 7000 hours in the air as pilot of both civilian and Military aircraft. I am well acquainted with most articles that one would see in the air and I feel that I am well qualified to say when I see articles flying through the air, although I would not attempt to say that I am infallible and state that I could definitely identify every object that might be flying through the air. The following is an account of what I saw on 14 June 1947 from the yard of my home at 1806 South "M" St, Bakersfield, California.

At approximately 1200 noon on the 14 of June I was lying in the front yard of my home. There was a lad mowing the lawn at the time. I looked up into the sky and saw ten articles flying from the South to th North at what I would judge to be 8500 ft. The objects were flying at approximately what I would judge to be 350 miles per hour. As I have stated before, I have done quite a lot of map work for the US Forest Service. I distinctly remember that at the time I saw the articles I mentioned it to the lad who was mowing the lawn at the time. I told the lad that the objects were in all probability some sort of Army or Navy test planes from the nearby test centers on the deserts of Southern California. Having quite a knowledge of aircraft in general I attempted to explain to the lad mowing the lawn that the objects were probably on some sort of training mission for either the Army or Navy. At that time I did not give the slightest thought to anything but that the objects were some sort of test ship for the Government Services. The objects resembled the pictures that I have seen of the XF5U-1, the so called "Flying Flapjack" that the Navy is testing. After the objects disappeared I proceeded into the house and had my noon meal. At approximately 1415 I went back into the yard to sit and lie in the shade. At this time the objects re-appeared going from North to South, although this time there were only seven of the articles. When I first saw the original ten objects they were flying in a "V" formation with one object seemingly straggling in the rear of the formation. When the objects appeared the second time they were still in the "V" formation although there was only seven of the objects at this time. I remember at this time that I told the lad, who was still working on the lawn, that probably three of the objects had proceeded back to their base on a different course. I actually thought that this was the case, that the other three objects had probably gone back to their base on the other side of the mountains from Bakersfield. A week or so later when I read of Mr Kenneth Arnold claiming that he had seen articles flying through the air over the Cascade Mountains in

[HANDWRITTEN: aar]
[HANDWRITTEN: 30]
[HANDWRITTEN: Incl # 1]

CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 40

report

A signed statement by Richmond Rankin regarding his sighting of flying machines and his subsequent conversation with the editor of the Oregonian newspaper.

[HANDWRITTEN: 9]

CONFIDENTIAL
(2)

Washington I realized that the articles that I saw were probably the same thing. I was still reluctant to mention this to anyone thinking that they would probably say that I was crazy. After some time I mentioned the ind dent to the editor of the "Oregonian", a Portland, Oregon newspaper. At this time I was in Portland for the remainder of the summer. The results of the conversation with the editor of the paper is put forth in the accompanying newspaper article.

I fully realize that this is a broad statement in view of the fact that there has been so much publicity [REDACTED] put forth in various newspapers of the country. I am of sound mind in every respect and I am firmly convinced that the articles I saw are actually some sort of flying machines although I cannot say from where they came or to where they were going. I say what I have said with no idea of publicity or personal gain.

SIGNED [HANDWRITTEN: Richmond Rankin]
Richmond Rankin
Portland, Oregon
30 July 1947

CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 41

press-release

A newspaper article from The Oregonian dated July 3, 1947, reporting on a pilot named Dick Rankin who claims to have seen 'flying flapjacks' (UFOs) over Bakersfield, California.

CONFIDENTIAL

[HANDWRITTEN: 9]

THE OREGONIAN, THURSDAY, JULY 3, 1947 11

"THE OREGONIAN" Portland, Oregon.
3 July 1947

Pilot Recalls Seeing Discs

Dick Rankin Tells Of Odd Aircraft

More reports of "flying flapjacks" turned up Wednesday, one from no less than Dick Rankin, brother of the late Tex Rankin, and himself an experienced pilot of more than 7000 hours' flying time.

Rankin, who is recovering from an old back injury received in an automobile accident, came to Portland over the week end to spend the summer. He saw the "silver saucers" over Bakersfield, Cal., June 23, while lying on the lawn sun bathing, he told The Oregonian.

"I hesitated to say much about them," Rankin said, "until I noticed all the hullabaloo in the papers. I puzzled over their strange shape for a while and finally concluded that they were the navy's new XF5U-1 flying flapjacks, which are thin and round, with twin propellers and stubby tail."

Only One XF5U-1 Built

(The navy and the manufacturer have announced officially that only one such machine was built and that it never left Connecticut.

"These planes were flying high, maybe 9000 feet, and fairly fast, about 300 or 400 miles an hour. I first counted ten of them in formation, going north. About 2:15 P. M. they returned on the reverse course, headed south. But there were only seven in the formation.

"They were not weaving or bobbing in formation I couldn't make out the number or location of their propellers and couldn't distinguish any wings or tail. They appeared almost round. They looked like pictures of the navy's flying flapjack," Rankin said.

Rankin, who plans to spend the summer here at 834 N. E. Simpson street, is now able to resume a little flying for fun, but not commercially, he said. He now operates a string of auto courts, spending his winters at Palm Springs.

[HANDWRITTEN: 26 52]

[HANDWRITTEN: [ILLEGIBLE] 11]

CONFIDENTIAL

32

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 42

memo

This FBI memo details an interview with A. C. Urie and his sons regarding their sighting of a flying disc near the Snake River Canyon on August 13, 1947, including descriptions of the object's appearance and flight characteristics.

August 20, 1947

65-480
Director FBI
SAC Butte
FLYING DISCS

Refer teletype to the Bureau dated August 15, 1947.

Enclosed please find the newspaper account carried by the Twin Falls, Idaho "Times News" on August 15, together with a sheet of paper on which A. C. URIE attempted to sketch his impression of the instrument which he claims to have seen.

Concerning URIE's sketches, it may be noted that he believed the rolled outer edge which he attempted to create in his drawing to have been about a foot through. URIE likewise believed that the tubing or exhaust flame which he and his sons claim to have seen was about a foot through and extended at least to the back end of the device. The flame did not appear to taper off nor to widen out toward the back.

BILLY and KEITH URIE stated that they could see a knot on the side of the device from which the flames were shooting, and that they could see daylight between the exhaust flame and the side of the device. The flames did not leave any smoke or odor.

The URIE boys thought that the "side view" sketch should show that the device was more sharply angled from bottom to top, while URIE himself thought that it was more streamlined and curved. URIE said that the instrument came to a pointed or rounded top.

In his notations, URIE mistakenly said that he had seen it on Thursday. During interview, he stated that it actually had been on Wednesday, August 13, 1947, when he and his sons saw the contrivance about 1:00 P.M.

URIE explained that he had sent his boys to the river to get some tops from his boat. When he thought they were overdue, he went outside his tool shed to look for them. He noticed then about 300 feet away looking in the sky and he glanced up to see what he called the flying disc. He said he could only see it for a moment before it disappeared behind a hill which obscured his view.

URIE further stated that the contrivance was about seventy-five feet in the air. URIE resides in the depths of the Snake River Canyon, which is about four hundred feet deep and twelve hundred feet across at that place. According to his account, the contrivance was about three hundred feet below the rim of the canyon and he saw it against the steep walls of the canyon on the far side. He described its color as sky blue and stated that he doubted if it could be seen against the sky. He likewise said that it was purely by chance that he saw it. It did not spin like a top. [HANDWRITTEN: 20 115]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 43

report

This report details witness accounts from the Urie family and others regarding sightings of unidentified flying objects, including descriptions of the objects' behavior and the witnesses' reactions.

As the machine went by the URIE place, the trees over which it almost directly passed (Norman Populara) did not just bend with the wind as if a plane had gone by, but in URIE's words, "spun around on top as if they were in a vacuum."

KEITH URIE, eight years of age, said he first saw the machine coming down the canyon, heading from east to west and following the contours of the ground. BILLY, age ten, saw it almost immediately. Both watched it fly out of sight behind a tree in a matter of moments. They said they then ran to their father and learned that he too had seen the machine.

URIE seemed completely sincere about the incident. He said his wife and daughter were in the house at the time and had not seen the machine. He questioned his brother, who also lives in the canyon, but his brother had been eating at the time and had seen nothing. URIE and his two boys maintained that they had never before seen one of the discs. URIE, when interviewed, appeared to be a sober, middle-aged man.

JOHN BROSNAN, the "Times News" reporter who originally furnished Special Agents with information about the incident, likewise stated that URIE appeared completely sincere about the machine.

No further attempt was made to locate L. W. HAWKINS, inasmuch as J. H. BROWN, who was with HAWKINS at the time, was interviewed. BROWN's name was withheld from the newspaper because HAWKINS and BROWN were fishing at Salmon dame while BROWN was supposed to have been working in Twin Falls.

BROWN said simply that he and HAWKINS could hear a roar. They looked up and could see two instruments flying at a great height, which BROWN mentioned might have been between four thousand and six thousand feet. However, he said he had no idea how large the devices were and consequently, they may have been several miles away. He said that he and HAWKINS were satisfied they had seen something and they were very doubtful that they had seen two planes.

[HANDWRITTEN: COPY]
[HANDWRITTEN: 22115]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 44

other

A newspaper article from the Times-News in Twin Falls, Idaho, dated August 15, 1947, reporting on sightings of flying saucers by A. C. Urie and L. W. Hawkins.

Times-News
TWIN FALLS, IDAHO, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 1947
Heads Up, Folks! The Discs Are Flying Again
[DIAGRAM: Drawing of a flying disc with labels '10FT' and '20FT', showing 'SIDE VIEW', 'BOTTOM VIEW', and 'END VIEW']
This is an artist's conception of the flying disc that A. C. Urie saw sweeping through Snake river canyon six miles west of Blue Lakes ranch. It seemed to be powered by jets emitting a fiery glow on both sides, and could well be the inspiration for something new in women's hats, such as a "flying saucer" creation. (Drawing by Vic Goertzen-staff engraving)
Flying Saucer Reported Flashing Down Canyon At 1,000 Miles Per Hour; Two Others Are Seen
By JOHN BROSNAN
Just as Magic Valley and the nation were starting to let go of lampposts after reeling under a welter of flying saucer reports, two more Twin Falls county men revived speculation on the mystery with vivid descriptions of discs they saw.
From A. C. Urie, who operates the Auger Falls Trout farm six miles west of Blue Lakes ranch in Snake river canyon, came perhaps the most detailed account of one of the fast-flying objects the nation has yet produced.
The flying saucer Urie saw was skimming along through Snake river canyon at a height of about 75 feet at 1 p. m. Wednesday. At 9:30 a. m. the same day, L. W. Hawkins, Twin Falls county commissioner and former county sheriff from Filer, also saw two circular objects soaring along at a great height near Salmon dam 40 miles southwest of Twin Falls.
Here is Urie's eye-witness description of the flying discs seen by him and his son, Keith, 8, and Billy, 10:
"I obtained a close-up view of the flying saucer as it passed by the trout farm at 1 p. m. Aug. 13 going down Snake river canyon at a height of about 75 feet from the canyon floor. I would estimate the speed at about 1,000 miles per hour."
Urie explained that the incident occurred while the two boys were coming across the river from the north side in a boat. He had become concerned about what was de-laying them, and had walked down toward the river to see if they were all right.
"I had a side view at a distance of about 300 feet and almost on a level with the thing," Urie continued. "Two of my boys, Keith and Billy, were below me and they also saw it at a 45-degree angle. They both got a bottom and a side view, and we were all looking at it from the south side of the (Continued on Page 8, Column 6)

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 45

report

This page contains a newspaper-style report detailing eyewitness accounts of flying saucers in the Snake Gorge area, including statements from individuals named Urie and Commissioner Hawkins, and references to the Kenneth Arnold sighting.

'Saucer' Seen
Flying Down
Snake Gorge
(From Page One)
river facing toward the north. The boys saw it coming about half a mile up the canyon, and we all lost sight of it in less than a mile."
While the impression was still vivid in their minds, the three got together and made rough sketches of what they had seen. These, in turn, were the basis for the artist's conception of the strange affair by Vic Goertzen of Twin Falls for the Times-News.
"It was all one color—sort of a light sky blue with a red, tubular fiery glow at the side of the top or hood," Urie continued.
"The canyon floor is rough at that particular point, and it rode up and down over the hills and hollows at a speed indicating some type of control faster than the reflexes of man. It is my opinion that it is guided by instruments and must be powered by atomic energy, as it made very little noise—just a s-w-i-s-h as it passed by."
Urie described the size as about 20 feet long by 10 feet high and 10 feet wide, giving it an oblong shape. It might be described as looking like an inverted pie-plate or broad-brimmed straw hat that had been compressed from two sides.
Pressed for his candid opinion of just what it was, Urie said that he was convinced that there was something to this flying saucer situation. "I know a number of the people who have also seen them and I know that they're not just imagining something or trying to get their names in the paper," Urie commented.
"I do know that it scared the boys and made me feel pretty uneasy," he added.
Tracing down a rumor that County Commissioner Hawkins had seen an unusual object in the air on the same day as Urie's experience, the Times-News called him at his Filer home.
"Yes, I did," he replied without hesitation. "I'll have to admit I've been skeptical all along until I saw it with my own eyes. I can't say what it was, but I can say there's something in the air."
Hawkins related that while at Salmon dam Wednesday morning, a sound resembling the echo of a motor caused him to look upward, and there he saw two circular objects that reflected light. They were traveling at a great speed and higher than most airplanes, according to Hawkins.
Aside from this, he declined to add details, except to say, "There's something in the air."
His general description, however, corresponded closely to those of hundreds of persons who reported seeing flying saucers after Kenneth Arnold, Boise businessman, had touched off the deluge by telling of coming upon nine disc-like objects while he was flying in his private plane in Washington.
Thereafter, the nation became increasingly flying saucer conscious, creating a state of mind that made it possible for four 'teen age Twin Falls boys to cause a mild sensation when they built a model flying disc and tossed into a local yard July 10. This was subsequently revealed as a hoax, following investigation by the army and FBI.
Thereafter the saucer reports tapered off into a few scattered incidents until the question was revived by this week's occurrences.
Speculation has ranged from mention that the discs could be army or navy guided missile experiments, or that they could be similar experiments by some foreign country, to "something out of this world."
Whatever, they are, a lot of people have seen "something."

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 46

memo

A memorandum from the Flying Division, Air Training Command to the Tenth Air Force regarding the interview of Lt. E. B. Armstrong in relation to 'Unidentifiable Objects', including a 1st Indorsement from the Tenth Air Force.

[HANDWRITTEN: 1. 7.]
CONFIDENTIAL
HEADQUARTERS
FLYING DIVISION, AIR TRAINING COMMAND
Office of the Commanding General

Randolph Field, Texas
10 July 1947

333.5
SUBJECT: Unidentifiable Objects
TO: Commanding General
Tenth Air Force
Brooks Field, Texas
Attn: ACofS, A-2

1. The inclosed MOIC is forwarded for your information.
2. In the event that Lt. E. B. Armstrong has been interviewed by your Headquarters, request that a copy of the MOIC be furnished to this Headquarters.

FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:

H. L. CRISIER
Lt. Colonel, G.S.C.
Asst. Chief of Staff, A-2

1 Incl
MOIC

333.5 1st Ind DC
HEADQUARTERS TENTH AIR FORCE, OFFICE OF THE ASST CHIEF OF STAFF, A-2,
BROOKS FIELD, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, 16 July 1947

TO: Commanding General, Flying Division, Air Training Command, Randolph
Fld., Texas
ATTN: Asst Chief of Staff, A-2

Inclosed is Memorandum for the Officer in Charge in reference to
Lt. E. B. Armstrong, as suggested in paragraph 2, basic communication.

1 Incl
MOIC, dtd 15 July 47
1 Incl withdrawn
MOIC, dtd 7 July 47

S.H. MORROW
Colonel, GSC
Asst Chief, of Staff, A-2

[HANDWRITTEN: Incl 2]
CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 47

memo

A memorandum detailing an interview with 1st Lt Eric B. Armstrong regarding his sighting of five or six white, circular objects while flying a P-51 aircraft near Lake Meade, Nevada, on June 28, 1947.

7

UNIDENTIFIABLE OBJECTS
Williams Fld, Chandler, Ariz.
15 July 1947

MEMORANDUM FOR THE OFFICER IN CHARGE:

1. On 14 July 1947, 1st Lt Eric B. Armstrong, 0-2059709, 170th AAF Base Unit, Ferry Division, Brooks Field, San Antonio, Texas was interviewed and the following information was obtained: Lt Armstrong departed Williams Field, Arizona at 1400 CST on 28 June 1947 in a P-51 for Portland, Oregon, by the way of Medford, Oregon. At approximately 1515 CST on a course of 300 degrees, and ground speed of 285, altitude 10,000 feet, approximately thirty miles northwest of Lake Meade, Nevada, Lt Armstrong sighted five or six white, circular objects at four o'clock, altitude approximately 6,000 feet, course approximately 120 degrees, and an estimated speed of 285 MPH. Lt Armstrong said the objects were flying very smoothly and in a close formation. The estimated size of the white objects were approximately 36 inches in diameter. Lt Armstrong stated that he is sure the white objects were not birds, since the rate of closure was very fast. Lt Armstrong was certain that the white objects were not jets or conventional type aircraft since he has flown both types.

AGENT'S NOTES:

Lt Armstrong was very sincere in the explanation and was not the exaggerating type. He merely stated what he saw and has drawn no conclusions as to what the white objects were.

Lawrense R. King, Jr., Special Agent, CIC, ADC
[HANDWRITTEN: see 98]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 48

memo

A memorandum detailing two separate reports of unidentifiable objects seen by military personnel near the Grand Canyon and Lake Mead in late June 1947.

CONFIDENTIAL

UNIDENTIFIABLE OBJECTS
WILLIAMS FIELD, CHANDLER,
ARIZONA.

7 July 1947

MEMORANDUM FOR THE OFFICER IN CHARGE:

1. On 1 July 1947, Lt William G. McGinty, USN, 195803, P-80
Student, Williams Field, Chandler, Arizona, was interviewed by
this Agent, and stated in substance: That on 30 June 1947, at about
0910, MST, he was flying at 25,000 feet over Grand Canyon, Arizona, in
a P-80 type aircraft. He stated that he was heading south towards Williams
Field, Arizona, when he saw two round objects going at inconceivable
speeds, straight down. He further stated that his reactions were to
turn away from the objects. He further stated that one of the uniden-
tifiable objects followed the other seconds apart. He further stated
that due to the speed of the objects, he could only see that they were
circular, and that they were possible light gray in color. He further
stated that it was his opinion that the objects were approximately
eight feet in diameter. In conclusion, he stated that the objects
would have probably hit the ground approximately twenty-five miles
south of the South Rim of Grand Canyon, Arizona.

AGENT'S NOTES: Lt McGinty gave his permanent address as: N.A.M.T.C.,
Point Hugu, Port Hueneme, Calif.

2. On 1 July 1947, Captain Malcolm G. Armstrong, 0-734168,
Instructor, Single Engine, Williams Field, Chandler, Arizona, was
interviewed by this Agent and stated in substance: That his brother,
1st Lt E. B. Armstrong, stationed at Hq, 10th AAF, Brooks AAF, Texas
had related to him that he saw a formation of unexplainable objects
in the vicinity of Lake Mead, Nev. Captain Armstrong, further stated
that his brother stated the objects were heading south, and were at
approximately 10,000 feet altitude.

AGENT'S NOTES: Captain Armstrong could not give too much information
on the objects that his brother had seen. Lt E. B. Armstrong can be
contacted at Hq, 10th AAF, Brooks Field, Texas for further information.

[HANDWRITTEN: See 38]

Lynn C. Aldrich, Special Agent, CIC-AAF, FDTRC
THIS IS A TRUE COPY
JOHN K. ORR, Major, A.C.
CONFIDENTIAL
[HANDWRITTEN: Incl #1]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 49

memo

This is a 1st Indorsement memo from HQ Air Defense Command at Mitchel Field, dated July 21, 1947, forwarding information regarding 'Unidentifiable Objects' to the Commanding General of the Army Air Forces.

[HANDWRITTEN: Refer 16]

Unidentifiable Objects.
D 333.5 ID (16 Jul 47) 1st Ind.
HQ AIR DEFENSE COMMAND, Mitchel Field, New York, 21 July 1947.

TO: Commanding General, Army Air Forces, Washington 25, D. C.
ATTN: AC/AS-2.

1. Forwarded for your information and utilization.

FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:

[HANDWRITTEN: James F. X. O'Connell]
R. H. SMITH
Colonel, GSC [HANDWRITTEN: Lt. Col. AC.]
for Asst Chief of Staff-Intell.

Info cy:
CG, AMC,
Wright Fld,
Dayton, O.

2 Incls:
n/c

[HANDWRITTEN: see 130]

[HANDWRITTEN: f177 40]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 50

memo

This is a 1st Indorsement memo from HQ Air Defense Command at Mitchel Field, dated July 21, 1947, forwarding information regarding 'Unidentifiable Objects' to the Commanding General of the Army Air Forces.

CONFIDENTIAL

Unidentifiable Objects.
D 333.5 ID (16 Jul 47) - 1st Ind.
HQ AIR DEFENSE COMMAND, Mitchel Field, New York, 21 July 1947.

TO: Commanding General, Army Air Forces, Washington 25, D. C.
ATTN: AC/AS-2.

1. Forwarded for your information and utilization.

FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:

R. H. SMITH
Colonel, GSC
Asst Chief of Staff-Intell.

Info cy:
CG, AMC,
Wright Fld,
Dayton, O.

2 Incls:
n/c

[HANDWRITTEN: 10/30]

[STAMP: RECEIVED]
[STAMP: 47 JUL 24 AM 11:50]
[STAMP: OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR]
[STAMP: A.A.F. INTEL]

CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 51

memo

A memo from the Tenth Air Force to the Air Defense Command regarding an investigation into 'Unidentifiable Objects' initiated at Randolph Field, stating that no further action is planned by the Tenth Air Force.

CONFIDENTIAL

HEADQUARTERS
TENTH AIR FORCE
BROOKS FIELD, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2

16 July 1947
IN REPLY REFER TO:
DC 333.5

SUBJECT: Unidentifiable Objects

TO: Commanding General
Air Defense Command
Mitchel Field, New York
ATTN: Asst Chief of Staff, A-2

1. Inclosed herewith for your information is investigation relative to Unidentifiable Objects which was initiated at Headquarters, Flying Division, Air Training Command, Randolph Field, Texas. This Office assisted, as noted in Inclosure 2, by completing a Memorandum for the Officer in Charge.

2. No further action is contemplated by this Headquarters concerning investigation of this incident.

2 Incls:
1. MOIC dtd 7 July 47
2. ltr, FDATC, w/1 Ind
and 1 Incl, MOIC, dtd
15 July 1947

[HANDWRITTEN: J. Morrow]
J. H. MORROW
Colonel, GSC
Asst Chief of Staff, A-2

CONFIDENTIAL
62-9
21 JUL 1947

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 52

letter

A letter from a witness in Los Angeles to the Director of Military Intelligence describing a sighting of flying saucers and associated phenomena on July 6, 1947.

TO: CG, AAF (ATTN: AC/AS-2)
FROM: DIR. OF INTEL. DATE 5 AUG 47
MAJ FISHER /74738

2636 Magnolia Ave.,
Los Angeles 7, Calif.
August 1 1947

Director of Military Intellegence,
War Departmant, Washington 25, D.C.

Dear Sir:

On Sunday afternoon, July the Sixth, I observed something very strange ; it is related --- at least in my own mind--- with the phenomena of the "Fabulous Flying Saucers" and I cannot report on this second phenomena , without speaking of the first.

As I do not wish to be considered the victim of mass psychology, a crack-pot or visionary , it is rather hard for me to make this report. I am doing it because I consider it my duty.

A newspaper article spoke of the Bureau of Standards as "Having a finger in the pie " in many experiments so not knowing where to write or who to write to I wrote to the Bureau, and Mr. Hugh L. Dryden has suggested that you were the one to report to.

I had been amused at accounts of the " flying saucers ". Everyone was talking , laughing and joking about themand I did not believe in them .

The Hollywood Tarzana Bus was parked at the Tarzana end of the line and the driver was busy making out his reports preparatory to making the return trip./ I was the only one in the bus and I sat in the middle of the side next to Ventura, so the bus was parked north and south

As I looked to my right , a "Saucer appeared out of nowhere:apparently out of nowhere and it was followed by several others ; they were of uniform size and spaced at regular intervals and it seemed as if they turned a corner from the West and they rolled along at great speedto the Northward and parallel toVentura Boulevard .

As soon as I becameconvinced that what I saw was not an illusion but what every one was talking about I began to study them and it was right then that my eyes seemed to be drawn to this other phenomena in the air between me and the "Saucers".

What I saw was milky white rays in the sunlight that seemed to cris cross like the search lights do at night ; it was nothing like the sun shining on some bright object for the rays were not so close together and they cris crossed. However, they did seem to converge toward a center but they did not meet there . In this center --- a radious of about eighteen inches it seemed from I sat, there were spinning objects of some red substance

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 53

letter

A witness account from M. Lenore Corey describing the observation of 'Saucers' and associated phenomena, including red fragments and rays, while requesting an expert opinion on the event.

2

about the color of the semi- precious stone Cornelian: these
fragments were sharp and irregular and shing. They were flying
about as if flying to a magnet . This was momentary and I looked
to see if the "Saucers" were still there. I saw one or two but
the same thing happened again and I saw the second phenomena for
a second . By this time the "Saucers were out of sight.

All the way home I was trying to find some logical explanation for
the "Sa ucers" but my mind kept reverting to the second phenomena
and as I dwelt on it I could not help surmising if perhaps these
rays I saw did not come out of the red fragments that were spinning
in the vortex. I couldnt help wondering if this substance had beeh
shot from the "Saucers as theyturned the corner from the west on their
way to the North/.

As our army would not be shoting deadly rays over toward a very
croweded highway and as this whole thing seems fantastic to say
the least, I thought I had better trust some ones judgement who
really knows what is going onand so you have my report on what
I really saw, and what I am very curious about.

Thanks to MR. Dryden for his courtesy in letting me know just
who to relate this incident to, and thanks to you for listening
and I hope that it makes the right kind of impression.

Sincerely yours,
[HANDWRITTEN: M. Lenore Corey]
M. Lenore Corey

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 54

memo

This memorandum documents an interview with Dan Nelson, an attorney in Oklahoma City, regarding his theory that 'flying saucers' are actually reflections of light on automobile windshields.

HQOCAMA FORM NO. 8-506
31 MAY 1945
APN/KDS/eb
OKLAHOMA CITY AIR MATERIEL AREA
TINKER FIELD
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA
IN REPLY REFER TO:
#3724-I
30 July 1947
MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECURITY OFFICER, OCAMA
Subject: DAN NELSON, Attorney-at-Law, 926 Perrine Building, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Re: Flying Saucer Mystery Solved.
On 30 July 1947 DAN NELSON was interviewed at his office, 926 Perrine Building, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, relative to his alleged solving of the Flying Saucer Mystery.
Subject, whose age is 53, is at present engaged in practicing law and is the agent for the Dual Parking Meter Company. Subject advised he is married and has two sons, ages seven and ten, residing at 2613 N.W. 14th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Nelson stated he was a sergeant in World War I, being wounded in action while serving with Company L, 58th Infantry, and that before entering the service he had an eighth grade education. After leaving the service he finished his education and graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1929. He advised that since 1929 he has practiced general law in both Norman and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Subject stated he notified the War Department by letter on 19 July 1947, advising them of his discoveries concerning the Flying Saucer Mystery. He received an answer dated 23 July 1947 advising him his letter had been referred to the Air Forces. NELSON stated he heard no more from the War Department as of 29 July 1947, at which time he released his statement to the "Daily Oklahoman," Oklahoma City local newspaper.
Subject advised the basis for his theory concerning the Flying Saucer Mystery was obtained from simple experiments which he conducted while driving his automobile. NELSON stated he believed that many people had seen lights or shining objects cast onto their windshields and side ventilator windows of their automobile and reflected as a saucer or disc shaped object. He stated that the movement of the automobile, plus the fact that the glass was not a perfect mirror and passing objects could be seen in relation to the objects gave them an appearance of great speed.
Subject advised that the vibration of the car gave the objects an appearance of rotating and that the reflections caused them to appear flat or saucer shaped. NELSON stated that any number of objects might be seen according to the direction that the car is traveling and the number of bright objects being reflected onto the window. He further stated that these objects might be seen in an ordinary window in a house according to the lighting
[HANDWRITTEN: Incl #1] [HANDWRITTEN: 45]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 55

memo

This document contains a summary of statements made by an individual named Nelson regarding his theory that flying saucer sightings are caused by reflections, excitement, and hysteria, as reported by Kalman D. Simon of the U.S. Army.

5

conditions, and that the objects might be either vertical or horizonal. The subject related that any change in speed of the car resulted in a change in speed of the object, and that changes of direction resulted in a change in the angle of travel of the object.

NELSON stated he has not talked to any persons that had actually seen flying saucers or discs but he believed that these reflections plus the excitement and hysteria caused by other reports has been the basis for most flying saucer reports. Subject also stated that this same theory could be true in relation to flying saucers seen from aircraft.

Attached hereto is a detailed statement by NELSON covering his findings and explaining his solution to the so-called Flying Saucer Mystery.

Kalman D. Simon
KALMAN D. SIMON
C.I., U.S. Army

2

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 56

report

A document titled 'FLYING SAUCER MYSTERY SOLVED' dated July 12, 1947, which proposes that many reported flying saucer sightings are actually reflections of sunlight on automobile parts.

5. FLYING SAUCER MYSTERY SOLVED
July 12, 1947.

The most impressive reports of the so-called flying saucers or discs were those from aviators who claim they saw disc-shaped objects flying through the air in various formations at high altitudes and at a high rate of speed. The first report was from an aviator who stated that these so-called flying discs had a somewhat shiny appearance and would fly in formation and change their position from time to time. Most reports stated that they appeared in the late afternoon or about dusk.

Most all reports were to the effect that these objects had the appearance of an inverted disc or saucer, and some of them reported that they appeared to be rotating in their flight.

The mystery of the flying saucers or discs may be solved by the use of a little applied science along with a few simple experiments.

These flying discs or saucers can be observed by any motorist traveling along the highways when the sun is shining on most any afternoon or evening. During the daylight most of these so-called flying discs are reflections from the sun shining upon some bright object in or on the automobile driven by the observer. For instance, if you were driving in a north-westerly direction with the sun shining on the handle of the front or rear door on the left side of the car, you may notice a shiny object appear in the ventilation wing of the window on the drivers left, if it is opened to about a 45° angle.

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 57

report

This page explains how reflections in an automobile's ventilation wing glass can create the optical illusion of flying saucers in the sky.

These shiny objects may have various forms and there may be more than one, depending on the number of reflections. They may appear to be in the sky when the driver looks through the ventilation wing glass. Their position in the sky depends upon the angle at which the object is reflected in the ventilation wing and the position of the observer. They may have various forms but very frequently they are of a saucer shape or a flat shape when they appear to be in the sky.

The ventilation wing during day-light is not of course a perfect mirror, therefore, it appears to the driver or observer that he is actually looking through the glass into the sky. As he moves along, the bright objects appear to be traveling at a high rate of speed in comparison with the stationary objects on the ground, or the distant horizon, that he sees through the window, or in comparison with the faintly silhouetted objects on the landscape which at times are reflected in the window.

The flying saucer appears to be traveling in the same general direction as the automobile but sometimes a little to the right which makes it appear that it will eventually cross the drivers path. The apparent flight direction of the saucer is due to the angle of the ventilation wing glass in its relation to the direction in which the car is traveling. The number and position of the saucers reflected in the glass depend upon the number and contour of objects reflected therein by the sun. Bright objects on a car approaching from the rear may cast such reflections on your ventilation wing in the daytime.

(2)

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 58

report

This document provides a technical explanation for reported UFO sightings, suggesting that many are actually reflections of bright objects on aircraft canopies or windshields, which can create illusions of speed and movement.

If the ventilation wing window were a perfect mirror the objects causing the reflections would appear therein, as well as all other objects within range, but the ventilation wing being a sort of a semi-mirror, does not reflect the object but only the bright spot, which leaves the impression that the observer is actually looking through the glass and that the object actually appears to be in the sky, or at times a long distance away. These results are best obtained in the late afternoon, or after sun down.

The aviators who reported seeing flying discs or saucers, undoubtedly were seeing the reflection of bright objects in or on their own plane. They saw them as reflected in their canopy or wind shield, but failed to recognize them as reflections. Otherwise they were reflections from other air craft.

As the aviator traveled along observing the movement of the disc in comparison with the mountains, clouds or stationary objects on the earth, made them appear to be traveling at a high rate of speed. The sloping angle of the aviators wind-shield and his position in the plane made it appear that the discs were in the sky. The position of the discs also depend upon the position of the observer and the angle at which they are reflected in the glass.

Some of the reports stated that where there were more than one flying disc, they appeared to be fastened together and frequently performed a dipping or rising motion and when one would dip, they would all go through the same motion simultaneously. The simultaneous movement is due to the reflections all coming from the same object. For instance, if they

(3)
[HANDWRITTEN: 49]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 59

report

This page provides a technical explanation for how reflections of stationary lights in a car's ventilation window can be mistaken for flying discs, including instructions on how to replicate the phenomenon.

are reflected from some bright object in or on the car or plane, the up and down motion of the car or plane causes the flying discs to appear to be going through a dipping and rising motion, or, if the reflecting object is stationary and the car moving, the results will be the same.

The statement that the discs appeared to be rotating as they sailed through the atmosphere is due to the vibration of the automobile or plane. Vibrations make them appear to be rotating at a very high rate of speed. Vibration is what gives them a flat or disc-like shape also.

If you wish to see some flying discs, make a drive at about dusk or at night, open your ventilation wing window at about a 45° angle from the drivers seat and watch the reflections of the stationary electric lights that appear on your left, if you are driving, after you pass them, and see how many discs you can observe flying through the air. If there are not too many lights to your rear, you may have a perfect formation of beauiful flying discs which may be red, green or silver according to the color of the electric lights which you have passed. They appear most realistic when traveling about forty-five or fifty miles per hour. If you do not get satisfactory results from your first experiments, try again. After you have learned when and where to look for them, your observations become more pleasing and interesting.

Even the lights of an approaching automobile from your rear may appear as one flying disc in your ventilation wing. The reflections of the approaching lights will appear in your ventilation wing unless the side of your car protrudes out so far as to prevent the light beam from shining on the wing.
(4)

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 60

report

This page describes how reflections from car parts, such as ventilation windows and door handles, can create visual phenomena that resemble flying discs, and suggests a similar experiment using household lighting.

These appear best when the approaching car is some distance away, perhaps a quarter or half a mile. The results at night may not be as impressive as those in the late afternoon because at night your ventilation wing window makes a more perfect mirror and the passing landscape is not as pronounced, therefore, the reflections therein are more easily detected as reflections. In the late afternoon, however, you have a feeling that you are actually looking through the glass and the reflected objects appear more real. The sun shining on a bright ring on your finger with your hand resting on the steering wheel may cast disc-like reflections in your wind shield. The form of the reflection will depend upon the ornamental decorations on your ring.

The rear door handle on my automobile reflects nine beautiful, little, silver, flying discs in the bright sun-light. These appear in the lower part of the ventilation wing and when traveling on a level highway, they appear to be racing along with me at the road side. These nine discs appear in a formation of two rows of four each, with the ninth one in the lead at the center of the formation. They appear as whirling propellers in a vertical position. These discs also have streamers which are due to the curveture and decorative pattern on the handle. While traveling north in the early afternoon under a bright sun, these nine discs appeared far below to my left, racing up the valley at a terrific rate.

You may be able to see flying discs in your own home. If you will turn on a small electric light in the hall-way and then bok through the window at the other end of the hall,

(5)

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 61

report

This page provides a rational explanation for sightings of flying discs, attributing them to reflections of light bulbs in window panes, reflections of sunlight from airplanes, and fireworks.

you may see as many as three flying discs from one electric light bulb, which may have more or less of a bell shape. These discs many times appear as inverted saucers, and if you will change your position slowly you will see that they change their position also. These are best observed in the late afternoon or between sun down and dusk, when it appears to you that you are merely looking through the window pane at the discs suspended in the distance. As darkness comes on, the window pane becomes a more perfect mirror and your discs appear as reflections in a mirror.

To watch the discs, through your ventilation wing, sail along with you as you drive through the country, becomes very fascinating, especially if you use a little imagination. It may absorb your thoughts completely, therefore, I would admonish automobile drivers watching the flying discs, to be cautious and not run off the road or into some other car.

Some of the reports on flying saucers, heretofore not explained in this article, such as those reported seeing bright flashes in the sky, were no doubt reflected sun-light from planes. These light beams chanced to cross the line of vision of the observer. They frequently appear very brilliant and may more or less blind the observer for an instant. If the plane is very high it may not be seen by the observer, which may be due to impaired vision or the great height at which the plane is flying. We very often get these same blinding flashes from automobile wind-shields, Many of the reports around July 4th. were incited by various forms of fire works.

(6)

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 62

letter

A personal statement from Dan Nelson of Oklahoma City expressing his opinion that flying saucer reports are either hoaxes or explainable, and that they hold no military value except perhaps for psychological warfare.

5

Some reports stemmed from pure imagination or hysteria, while others were deliberate hoaxes. Any other reports can be explained if all the surrounding facts are known.

Most all of the reports and descriptions of the flying saucers coincide so clearly with the findings herein, that there could be no doubt but that we have the correct solution.

The foregoing statement may not be coached in precise scientific terms, and may not be scientifically exact, however, we believe it is so worded that the average layman can understand it and that it is sufficiently correct to prove the proposition.

Personally, I do not believe that the so-called flying saucers or the solution thereof, are of any military value, unless the Government wished to retain this information for the psychological effect upon any potential enemy nation, such as Germany did in regard to their so-called secret weapons during the war.

[HANDWRITTEN: Dan Nelson]
[HANDWRITTEN: Oklahoma City]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 63

memo

A memorandum from Major William P. Mellen of the Naval Research Laboratory to the AAF regarding an enclosed letter from astronomer John F. Cole about unidentified objects seen in New England.

3 [HANDWRITTEN: B/A 8]

Code 110A
NRL

7 August 1947

MEMORANDUM

SUBJECT: "Flying Saucers"

TO: Asst Chief of Air Staff-2
Collection Branch, AAF
Washington 25, D. C.

1. The inclosure is an excerpt from a letter to
Dr. E. Tousey, Micron Waves Section Head, Naval Research Laboratory, from Mr. John F. Cole, pertaining to some unidentified objects which Mr. Cole reports to have seen some time prior to the first reports of "flying saucers" in the New England area.

2. Dr. Tousey states that Mr. Cole is a well-known astronomer and a reliable observer as a result of his training.

3. The inclosure is in addition to information contained in previous letters to your office taken from interviews at the request of Lt. Col. G. D. Garrett, AAF A-2.

1 Incl.
Excerpt fm ltr to
Dr. Tousey 2

[HANDWRITTEN: William P. Mellen]
WILLIAM P. MELLEN
Major, Air Corps
AMC Liaison Officer
Naval Research Laboratory [HANDWRITTEN: DC]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 64

letter

An excerpt from a letter written by John F. Cole to Dr. R. Tousey on July 28, 1947, describing a sighting of unidentified objects on July 3, 1947, near South Brooksville, Maine.

COPY

Excerpt from letter to Dr. R. Tousey from
Mr. John F. Cole

South Brooksville, Me.
July 28, 1947.

Having in mind the ridicule which has been heaped on those innocent or perhaps gullible individuals who have reported disks, I would be a little cautious in interpreting. But it is safe to say truthfully, that something unusual attracted my attention, and I was in a perfectly sober condition, barring the mild stimulation, afforded by cool spring water filtering through North Haven greenstone cracks. It should be easy to determine if the "disks" were a new type jet plane, or bomber, or rocket. The fact that it was July 3, about 2:30 P.M. (summer time) or Greenwich Civil time 1830 might suggest that they were engaged in some naval demonstration from Eastport, Bar Harbor or Belfast. The group appeared to be at an altitude of about 50° -- I suffer from a mild cervical arthritis--but my eyes are well corrected for astigmatism and hypermetropia, and I doubt if my cerebral cortical lesions are sufficiently advanced to affect my balance. What first made me look up was the unusually loud roar and I was surprised not to see a well defined group of planes quite near. Instead I had to look rather sharply to see the bunch of very light colored objects, in a general northerly direction and travelling roughly in a NW (true) direction. This was reasonably correct, as I was on Cox's hill, and looked over towards Backwood's Mount, that is the conspicuous flat top planated hill at Harborside. The group could hardly have covered more than 1° angular diameter in the sky, and bunched rather closely with no regular formation. There might have been 10, I couldn't say and with 90' of arc spread, would easily be within the limit of visibility for discreet objects. As a group they were going so as to cover 30° of arc, estimated of course, in perhaps 10 or 15 seconds. If one of them, say, subtended 1/10°, with a possible wing spread of 100 feet, it would put it at a distance of over 10 miles, and quite invisible for a light object. Besides, with 30° arc of travel at a 10 mi. distance would be roughly 5 miles in 15 seconds or 20 mi. per minute or 1200 mi. per hour!!--rather fast for a bomber--hi. A 50 ft. object, at 5 miles dist. would be about 600 mi. per hr.--also fast going. The only concrete evidence of form appeared on the left tangent of the group--two dark shaped forms: [HANDWRITTEN: drawing of two shapes] which may have been tail wings. Doesn't the Douglass bomber have these? And since they were in no regular formation, but seemed among themselves to be moving irregularly like a swarm of bees, why shouldn't all of them have shown wings? The loud roar suggests they may have been much closer, and rather small. The sky background was hazy blue, and the sun behind me. One plane towing a lot of balloons, I believe, would have been easily recognized. Havy any meteorites been reported? At that time of day, has there been any abrupt change of radio field strength? or ionization?

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 65

memo

A memorandum from the Office of the Air Inspector dated July 25, 1947, regarding a witness account of a phenomenon related to 'flying saucers', including a diagram of the witness's bedroom layout.

OFFICE OF THE AIR INSPECTOR
25 JULY 1947

MEMORANDUM TO: AC/AS-2, Counter Intelligence Branch

1. Information contained herein and opinions expressed are based upon conversation with and request by Mr. Butler of your office. All pertain to certain phenonema connected with recent widespread talk of "flying saucers".

2. Approximately three weeks ago, on or about 7 July 1947, I prepared to go to bed around 2230 or 2300 EDT. I was living at 2807 North Glebe Road, Arlington, Virginia, with my wife. Illustration No. 1 shows the general layout of the room we occupied at that time. See Illustration No. 1.

[HANDWRITTEN: (Diagram of a room layout with labels: RADIO, DESK, BED, ME, LAMP TABLE, 4 CASEMENT WINDOWS, Illustration 1)]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 66

transcript

A witness account describing the observation of a light moving past a window, accompanied by a hand-drawn diagram illustrating the flight path.

3. I had just turned off the light by my bedside, but sat down on the side of the bed to listed to the end of a radio program before reclining. In the meantime, my wife and I were having some conversation about the selection of certain furniture for a home we had just purchased. At the time of these events, as I sat facing the windows, a light appeared at the right-hand edge of the extreme end window and moved rapidly along to disappear below the trees or horizon, or to be extinguished in some fashion at some place in a general southerly direction. This is illustrated on the following page by a very tentative sketch. See Illustration No. 2. [HANDWRITTEN: N] [HANDWRITTEN: A] [HANDWRITTEN: Light appeared in this direction] [HANDWRITTEN: C] [HANDWRITTEN: CA Est 3/4 mile] [HANDWRITTEN: Apparent direction of flight] [HANDWRITTEN: C.O Est 3/4 mile] [HANDWRITTEN: disappeared in this direction] [HANDWRITTEN: B] [HANDWRITTEN: Illustration # 2] [HANDWRITTEN: 3-7]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 67

report

A witness account describing the observation of an unidentified light or object, including personal reflections on its nature, distance, and potential size, as well as a comparison to common visual illusions.

4. At the time, since my attention was divided and absorbed among the subjects mentioned, my reaction was simply that "a light passed by," and I gave no further thought to the matter until some moments later, when the thought came to me that I had never seen such an object before, and that although the first explanation would have been that a meteor had fallen toward earth in that direction, it did not have the appearance of any meteor or "shooting star" I had ever seen. Thinking of the then-prevalent talk of flying disks, I reflected that probably some such thing as I had just seen was the source of a large amount of newspaper and radio publicity on the subject. The next morning I jestingly announced in the office that I saw a flying saucer the night before and thought that it was enroute to Alexandria, where some of our officers live. I then went on to say that I supposed it was a shooting star, but that it did look somewhat peculiar. After we had discussed the general topic for some time, I dropped the subject, not wishing to add to the supposed rumors, which I envisioned as a source of serious panic over the country.

5. A description of the light, or object is almost impossible, since observation of it was so limited. As shown in Illustration No. 2, the object appeared to pass in closest proximity to me at the time it came into view. All of my mental calculations were based upon some impression or conception of its distance at the closest point, (AC). I had no way of judging this, except in the form of very crude depth-perception. If this by any chance were correct, and instead of a distant meteor some object had passed near-by, I would assume for purposes of description that the distance AC on the sketch was some three quarters of a mile. One factor which I could judge quite reliably was the angular elevation. This must have been approximately 3 or 4 degrees; at any rate, the light was intermittently behind the tallest trees forward of my position as it passed, and these trees are of a normal height, perhaps sixty or eighty feet at a distance several blocks. Based upon a mild assumption as to distance, and a reasonable assumption as to angular elevation, the object would be at a low altitude, considerably below 500 feet, and of a size approximating a small airplane, say 30 feet across. The shape may have been round, oval, discal, or irregular; at the speed with which it travelled, I could only perceive it as a "blob." I do not consider the distance mentioned to be less than 3/4 mile, because had it been, I feel sure that, late in the evening and with all my windows open, I would have heard some sound, which I definitely did not in this case. It might be well to point out here the relative similarity in size, altitude and airspeed of a firefly at a distance of 30 feet, an airplane at about 3/4 mile, and a meteor at several hundred miles. Most of us are familiar with this illusion. [HANDWRITTEN: 3] [HANDWRITTEN: 58]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 68

report

A witness statement from Lt. Colonel James O. Cobb describing his observation of an unidentified aerial object, including his assessment of its speed, appearance, and his conclusion that it was not a conventional aircraft or weather phenomenon.

6. Although I could not accurately judge the time, I seem to recall the object or light was visible for a couple of seconds. Taking this figure literally and applying it to the sketch, No. 2, one could roughly compute the speed of the object at 1350 mph; however, I did not sense that it was moving with such great speed as this. It rather appeared to move with the speed of a jet-powered airplane. It did not deviate from a straight course while I observed it, and did not perceptibly lose altitude.

7. In color, the subject had the appearance of a reflected white light, a cool, bright white light with no red in it, like the moon on a clear night. There was no train visible to me, in the form of fire, smoke, or sparks. The weather at the assumed time and date was checked through records of the Bolling Field weather office, and consisted of scattered to broken clouds with visibilities of 10 - 12 miles. The cloud condition is further indication that the object was not necessarily a meteor, since it might have been impossible to see a meteor. I do not personally remember the weather condition, except that I am sure it was not raining.

8. At the time of this occurrence, I was not inclined to think of it seriously enough to wake my wife and describe it to her, nor by any reasoning to make official report. As time passed, I thought considerably about the fleeting glimpse I had of whatever I saw, and am still somewhat confused, but feel that it was some natural phenomenon which occurs but rarely. I have flown approximately 2500 hours during the past seven years and being generally familiar with aspects of aviation can emphatically state that (a) it was no weather balloon, (b) it was not the flash of a beacon on the cloud-base, (c) it could hardly have been an airplane on fire, since it would have at least crashed in this general area, (d) it was not entirely a result of imagination, and (e) it was not spending much time in one place.

[HANDWRITTEN: Signature of James O. Cobb]
JAMES O. COBB
Lt Colonel, Air Corps

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 69

memo

A memo from the Army Liaison Office to the Asst. Chief of Air Staff-2 providing additional information from C. C. Rockwood regarding a sighting of an unidentified flying object.

ADDRESS REPLY TO
DIRECTOR, NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
WASHINGTON 20, D. C.
AND REFER TO:
Code 110

ARMY LIAISON OFFICE
NAVY DEPARTMENT
NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
WASHINGTON 20, D. C.

28 July 1947

SUBJECT: Flying Saucers

TO: Asst. Chief of Air Staff-2
Collection Branch, AAF
Washington 25, D. C.

Supplemental to that contained in a letter to your office, dated 18 July 1947, re interview with Mr. C. H. Zohn who purports to have seen an unidentified flying object, the following additional information was obtained on 21 July from C. C. Rockwood, who was mentioned in that letter as having also seen the object.

C. C. Rockwood reports the object to have been either a silvery sphere or disc, which he would have taken to be a meteorological balloon except for the fact that it was travelling at a much higher velocity than the automobile and approximately in the same direction. The automobile was moving about 60 mph. There was little, if any, surface wind.

When first seen at an elevation of about 45° it appeared about of the same size as the sun. He could hear nothing above the noise of the car. He saw no smoke or contrails.

Its motion was apparently all horizontal. Its aspect did not change so far as could be observed during the time of observation. He thought it disappeared by simply becoming too small to see.

[HANDWRITTEN: Box-A 6]

William P. Mellen
WILLIAM P. MELLEN
Major, Air Corps
AMC Liaison Officer

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 70

photograph

A photograph page containing handwritten notes indicating a flight path and a reference to serial 130.

[HANDWRITTEN: FLIGHT PATH] [HANDWRITTEN: see 130]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 71

photograph

This page is a photograph showing a vapor trail or streak in the sky above a body of water.

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 72

photograph

A photograph showing a cloudy sky with a visible contrail or streak, and the silhouettes of trees and a utility pole at the bottom.

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 73

memo

A secret communication regarding an unidentified aircraft intercepted by a Mosquito aircraft on January 16, 1947, over the North Sea and Norfolk.

This is an unparaphrased code (cypher) message. Text must be paraphrased if essential to retransmit it in another system or to communicate its contents to persons outside British or U.S. Government Services. One-time pad messages are excepted from this rule.

JOINT COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE 9421 [HANDWRITTEN: 28 1508/1.]
SECRET IN MESSAGE T.O.O: 080800 Aug. 1947
REC'D: 1200 EDT 9th Aug.

FROM: A.M. LONDON
TO: FAFDEL CYPHER MESSAGE

AIX 6328 Aug. 8th 1947

Your AIX 14 July 29th.

During normal night flying practice at 2230 hours on 16th January, 1947, one of our Mosquitos was vectored on to an unidentified aircraft at 22,000 feet. A long chase ensued commencing over the North Sea about 50 miles from the Dutch coast and ending at 2300 hours over Norfolk. Two brief AI contacts were made but faded quickly. The unidentified aircraft appeared to take efficient controlled evasive action.

2. No explanation of this incident has been forthcoming nor has it been repeated.

ACTION COPY

A.C.M.
A.M.
C.I.O. (Action)3

/ec

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 74

report

This document outlines the methodology for analyzing eighteen reported sightings of 'Flying Discs' by the AFBIR-CO, listing the specific data categories used for the breakdown and noting the status of missing or unanalyzed reports.

[HANDWRITTEN: 65 HS1 834228961 62 HQ 83894 Serial 130]

CONFIDENTIAL

62-83894-130

FLYING DISCS

30 July 1947

For purposes of analysis by AFBIR-CO, eighteen reported sightings of "Flying Discs" were selected for breakdown into detailed particulars. Each report was assigned a number and each number appears in the left-hand column of the data on the following pages.

One report, Number 7, has not yet been received and therefore no information is included other than Date, Name of Observer, and Location. The Fourth Air Force is attempting to secure a statement from this observer.

Four reports, Numbers 2, 4, 17, and 18, have not been analyzed.

The subject headings on which the breakdown has been made are:

Date
Hour (Local standard Time)
Location
Observer's Name
Observer's Occupation
Observed from Ground or Air
Number of Objects Sighted
Altitude
Direction of Flight
Speed
Distance Covered
Length of Time in Sight
Deviation from Straight Flight
Color
Size
Shape
Sound
Trail
Weather
Manner of Disappearance
Remarks

[HANDWRITTEN: CONFIDENTIAL]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 75

report

A table listing 18 report numbers with corresponding dates, times, and locations of reported incidents.

Report Number   Date   *Hour   Location
1   19 May   1215   Manitou Springs, Colorado
2   22 May   -   Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
3   22 June   1130   Greenfield, Massachusetts
4   24 June   -   Mt. Rainier, Washington
5   28 June   2120   Maxwell Field, Alabama
6   29 June   1330   Nera White Sands, New Mexico
7   1 July   -   Bakersfield, California
8   4 July   2015   Emnett, Idaho
9   6 July   1345   Clay Center, Kansas
10   6 July   -   Fairfield-Suisun, California
11   7 July   1145   Koshkonong, Wisconsin
12   7 July   1430   East Troy, Wisconsin
13   8 July   1550   Mt. Baldy, California
14   9 July   2330   Grand Falls, Newfoundland
15   10 July   1600   Harmon Field, Newfoundland
16   12 July   1830   Elmendorf Field, Alaska
17   -   -   -
18   -   -   -

*Local Standard Time

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 76

report

A table listing 16 reports of UFO sightings, including the names of observers, their occupations, and whether they observed the phenomenon from the ground or the air.

Report Number Observer's Name Occupation Observed From
1 D. A. Houser Railroad Employee Ground
F. J. Smith " "
L. D. Jamison " "
2 Byron Savage Businessman-Pilot Ground
3 E. L. DeRose *Not stated Ground
4 Kenneth Arnold Business-man Pilot Air
5 Wilson H. Kayko Captain, AAF Ground
John H. Cantrell " " "
Redman " " "
Theodore Dewey 1st Lieut., AAF "
6 C. H. Zohn Employee, NAL Ground
J. R. Kauke " " "
C. C. Rockwood " " "
Nancy Rockwood Wife of C.C. Rockwood "
7 Richard Rankin Civilian Pilot Ground
8 E. J. Smith United Air Lines Pilot Air
Ralph Stevens " " " Co-Pilot "
9 A. B. Browning Major, AAF Air
10 Jas. H. Burniston Captain, AAF Ground
11 Not Stated CAP Instructor Air
" " CAP Student "
12 Not Stated CAP Pilot Air
" " CAP Passenger "
13 Alvin E. Moorman 1st Lieut., ACCNG Air
14 Iric Kearsey Constable, Newfoundland Ground
Constabulary
15 Mr. Mehrman TWA Representative Ground
Mr. Woodruff PAA " "
16 Grahm Major, AAF Ground
and several other officers

*From letter received, observer
is obviously well educated.

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 77

report

A table summarizing flight characteristics, color, and size for 16 different UFO/UAP reports.

Report Number Deviation from Straight Flight Color Size
1 Climbed, dove, hovered overhead, resumed original course Silver Apparently small
2
3 None reported Silver, very bright Small
4
5 Zig zag course "much like a water-bug" Brilliance slightly greater than a star Not stated
6 None reported Some solar specular reflection Not stated
7
8 None reported Almost dusk; could not distinguish Impossible to determine
9 None reported Very bright and silvery colored 30-50' in diameter
10 None reported Reflection from sun Comparable to a C-54 at 10,000'
11 Descended edgewise, stopped at 4,000' and assumed horizontal position. Proceeded in horizontal flight for 15 seconds, stopped again, then disappeared Not stated Not stated
12 None reported Not stated Not stated
13 None reported Of light-reflecting nature Apparent depth of a P-51
14 None reported Phosphorous color Not stated
15 None reported Silvery Same span as a C-54 at 10,000'
16 Followed contours of mountains five miles away from observers Resembled a grayish balloon Approx. 10' in diameter
5

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 78

report

A table summarizing characteristics (shape, sound, trail, weather) for 16 different UFO/UAP reports.

Report Number Shape Sound Trail Weather
1 No definite shape could be determined None None CAVU
3 Irregular; round, Dis not appear particularly disc-shaped None None Not stated
5 None stated; seemed like a bright light None None Clear moonlight
6 No details other than that shape was uniform with no protuberances None Possible vapor trails CAVU
8 None definite, but seemed flat on base with the top slightly rough in contour None None CAVU
9 Round, disc-shaped None None CAVU
10 No shape could be distinguished None None Sunny
11 Not stated, but report refers to "saucer" several times None None CAVU
12 Same as Report No. 11 None None CAVU
13 Flat object, of light-reflecting nature which appeared to be without vertical fin or any visible wings None None Not stated
14 Egg-shaped, or like barrel head None None CAVU
15 Circular in shape, like wagon wheel None Bluish black trail approx. 15 mi. long Clear with scattered cumulus at 8 to 10,000'
16 Resembled balloon None None Not stated

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 79

report

This page is a table listing 16 reports regarding the disappearance of unidentified objects, providing brief descriptions of the manner of disappearance and additional remarks for each.

Report Number Manner of Disappearance Remarks
1 Climbed very fast and out of sight No definite shape could be determined and even with the aid of 4 to 6 power binoculars object could not be brought into focus
2
3 Obscured by a cloud bank From letter this observer wrote, it is obvious he is a well-educated person. Seeks no publicity.
4
5 Lost in brilliancy of the moon Observers (2 rated, 2 air intell.) phoned Field Ops to ascertain no scheduled experimental a/c were in vicinity. Sky chart attached to report. Observer is Admin. Asst. in the Rocket Sonde Sect. Two other "scientists", and wife of one, were in party and made same observation
6 Cannot explain, except that reflection angle may have changed abruptly
7
8 Don't know whether they put on a tremendous burst of speed, or disintegrated. However, they did disappear into sunset Observers were Pilot, Co-Pilot, of scheduled UAL DC-3. Stewardess also saw objects. Suggest reading of verbatim detailed statements.
9 Unexplained When first sighting object near horizon, observer looked at chart in his lap to check position. When he looked out window again, object was off his left wing at 11 o'clock
10 Disappeared at an angle of about 30° above the earth's surface Rolled from side to side 3 times in its path across the sky. Sun reflected from top side, but never from underside, even when turning
11 Unexplained None
12 Unexplained None
13 Pilot (at 300MPH) attempted to keep object in sight, but unable to do so Observer contacted bases in area who reported no a/c in air at time
14 Unexplained First 4 discs flying line-a-trail
15 Unexplained Seemed to cut clouds open as it passed thru. Trail was like beam seen after a high-powered landing light is switched off.
16 Not stated Object was observed paralleling the course of a C-47 then landing.
7

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 80

memo

A memo from the Fifteenth Air Force detailing a report from three Pikes Peak Railway employees who observed a silver, unidentified object in the sky on May 19, 1947, near Manitou Mountain.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH AIR FORCE
Colorado Springs, Colorado

2 July 1947

SUBJECT: Supersonic Platters

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION:

The following information was related to Counter Intelligence Corps Personnel at Headquarters Fifteenth Air Force, Colorado Springs, Colorado on 27 June 1947 by Mr D. A. Hauser, 24 North Chesnut Street, Colorado Springs Colorado, Mr. F. J. Smith, 24 Fairview, Manitou Springs, Colorado and Mr. L. D. Jamison, 2415 West Kiowa, Colorado Springs, Colorado. All three of the men are employees of the Pikes Peak Railway, Manitou Springs, Colorado.

"On or about 19 May 1947 during their lunch period (1215-1315) a member of a train crew called attention to a silver object in the sky approaching from the North East. It appeared to be travelling at a great speed. All three men stated that the altitude of the object was very difficult to determine because of its apparent smallness. They further stated that because of this it was difficult to view the object as being large and having high altitude or small and being at a relatively low altitude. They did say though that it appeared to be higher than the top of Manitou Mountain which is over 1000 feet higher than the shops which are situated at its base. No definite shape of the object could be determined and even with the aid of binoculars it still could not be brought into focus. The binoculars used were of about 4 to 6 power. The men stated that they were certain that the object did not have any of the physical characteristics of modern conventional aircraft.

The day was described as being clear and sunny with not a cloud in the sky and no ground wind.

On reaching the area just North of Manitou Mountain the object remained in the immediate area for several minutes during which time it was seen to execute maneuvers such as climbing, diving and reversal of direction of flight. This happened every few seconds. The distance and location between views prompted two of the men to think that there were more of the unidentified objects in the sky. At times the object seemed to hover in the air and then start on another path of flight. When last seen the silver object was climbing very fast towards the West almost directly into the wind.

Previous distribution:
None

DISTRIBUTION:
Hq SAC 3 copies

[HANDWRITTEN: 1]

Evalutation
of source of information
E O

[HANDWRITTEN: 69]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 81

memo

A memorandum detailing an interview with Byron B. Savage regarding his sighting of a flying disc over Oklahoma City between May 17 and May 21, 1947.

HQOCAMA FORM NO. 5-506
31 MAY 1945

OKLAHOMA CITY AIR MATERIEL AREA
TINKER FIELD
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA

IN REPLY REFER TO:
#3724-I
OCAPN/KDS:cp
24 July 1947

MEMORANDUM TO THE SECURITY OFFICER, OCAMA, TINKER FIELD.

SUBJECT: BYRON B. SAVAGE, Field Engineer, Radio Corporation of
America, Dallas, Texas. (Residence: 416 N. W. 29th Street,
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.)

RE: Flying Disc.

On 23 July 1947, BYRON B. SAVAGE was interviewed at his residence,
416 N. W. 29th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, relating to his alleged
viewing of a flying disc over the vicinity of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Subject, whose age is 38, advised he is married and has one child,
and is presently the holder of a Private Pilot's License, No. 39101,
(Single Engine, Land). Subject averred he has extensively studied electron-
ics, sound engineering and aeronautics, and his present occupation, which is
Field Engineer for Radio Corporation of America, offices of which are
located in Dallas, Texas, is that of installing theater sound equipment.
SAVAGE stated that between the days 17 May to 21 May 1947, just after dusk,
he observed an object which he believed to be a small aircraft in the south.
SAVAGE advised that the sun had just gone down and the moon had not arisen
on the horizon. SAVAGE related that he and his wife had just departed
their residence and had started to enter their car in the driveway at
416 N. W. 29th Street, Oklahoma City. He judged the time to be between
8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., and the lights from the city of Oklahoma City
appeared to be shining on this object when he first saw it. He judged the
object to be about 160 degrees in the south when he first saw it, and as it moved
toward him he remarked to his wife that "a big white plane was coming over."

SAVAGE stated that when this object was at a 45 degree angle from him, he
realized it was not a conventional type aircraft, and it appeared elliptical
at first and as it moved closer it appeared perfectly round and was flat.
SAVAGE advised the object, which appeared to him as a disc, had no appearance
of being spherical and had a ratio of diameter to the thickness of approxi-
mately 10 to 1, appearing thicker in the center, but this could not be
positively ascertained. SAVAGE judged the object to be at an altitude of
between 10,000 and 18,000 feet, and it left no trailing effects. SAVAGE
related that it appeared to be in bulk as big as the bulk of six B-29s at
an altitude of approximately the same height. SAVAGE advised that the object
was in his vision approximately 15 to 20 seconds and travelled at a speed
which he judged to be approximately three times that of jet-propelled aircraft.

[HANDWRITTEN: see 116]
1

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 82

memo

This document is a memo detailing a witness statement from an individual named Savage regarding an aerial object sighting, including his observations of the object's appearance, movement, and his professional background as a pilot.

Memo to the Security Officer, OCAMA, Tinker Field, dtd 7/24/47, File 3724-I.

SAVAGE stated that there were no protrusions on this object and as it went by he listened for a sound of noise, and at one time thought he distinguished a swishing sound like the rushing of air. This swishing sound occurred a few seconds after this object had passed him. SAVAGE averred this sound was not very loud and did not last very long, and it is very possible that the sound could have been his imagination or expectation, as he was not sure of the sound. SAVAGE related that he called his wife to see this object but it had disappeared before she could focus her eyes on it. Subject stated that the object appeared to be diminish in size and speed as it moved away, and it was moving in a direction of 350o to the north. Subject further stated that the object appeared to be frosty white in color at all times.

SAVAGE advised that he has held a pilot's certificate since 1934 and has been flying since 1929. He advised that he would be glad to answer any further inquiries and will cooperate in every way possible. SAVAGE stated he was sure this object was not a meteor and in his opinion it must be radically built and powered, probably atomic.

[HANDWRITTEN: Kalman D Simon]
KALMAN D. SIMON
C.I. U. S. Army

[HANDWRITTEN: 116]
2

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 83

letter

A letter from Edward L. DeRose to the Commanding Officer at Westover Field reporting a sighting of a mysterious, fast-moving, silvery-white object on June 22, 1947.

RESTRICTED
151 Meridian Street
Greenfield, Massachusetts
July 10, 1947

Commanding Officer
Westover Field
Chicopee, Massachusetts

Dear Sir;

After having read several accounts of eye-witnesses who claim they had seen the so-called "flying discs", it brought to mind a strange experience I had some two weeks ago. The reason I write to you is that radio and newspaper reports state that the air forces have been alerted to investigate these mysterious objects. Assuming that you are interested, I am making the following report in the belief that it might possibly be of help to you. I do not desire to have any kind of publicity whatsoever in this connection.

About 11:30 AM, Sunday, June 22nd, I was working outdoors on a stepladder, looking up, and suddenly there appeared across my line of vision a speeding, brilliant, small, round-shaped, silvery-white object at an altitude I would judge to be about 1,000 ft. or more. It was moving very fast in a straight, northwesterly direction -- I would say as fast or possibly faster than a speeding plane. It was so unusual and strange a sight that it arrested my attention for about 8 or 10 seconds until it was obscured by a cloud-bank.

Naturally my curiosity was considerably aroused and I tried to think what this object might have been. I doubted very much that it could have been a weather baloon because it was not at all like any weather baloons I had seen before. The object I saw, although small, reflected the sunlight very strongly as though it were of polished aluminum or silver, and I can assure you was very real. It appeared to have an irregular round shape and while it could have been disc-shaped, it did not particularly impress me as such.

I have attempted to give you this information as accurately and clearly as I know how, free from any imagination or exaggeration. Furthermore, my experience took place before I had any inkling that "flying discs" were reported seen.

This information is being passed on to you for whatever it may be worth, purely and simply in the interests of national security, and once more request that you do not publicize my name.

Sincerely yours,
/s/ Edward L. DeRose
Edward L. DeRose

A CERTIFIED TRUE COPY:
[HANDWRITTEN: Signature of Archie F. Roy]
ARCHIE F. ROY
Captain, Air Corps
[HANDWRITTEN: Received AFBIR-CO 24 July 47]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 84

memo

A memo from the Fourth Air Force regarding the investigation of 'Flying Discs', noting the forwarding of statements and the inability to locate an individual named Richard Rankin.

CONFIDENTIAL

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH AIR FORCE
Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2
Intelligence
Hamilton Field, California

4AFDA
333.5 ID
17 July 1947

SUBJECT: Investigation of "Flying Discs"

TO: Commanding General, Army Air Forces, Washington 25, D. C.
ATTENTION: AC of AS-2

1. Attached statements and MOICs forwarded to your office per request TWX from Headquarters Air Defense Command, Mitchel Field, N. Y., dated 10 July 1947.

2. This headquarters is unable to locate Richard Rankin, however, as soon as he is located, statement and MOIC will be forwarded direct to your office.

3. Information copies furnished Headquarters Air Defense Command.

4 Incls:
1. MOIC 16 Jul/Brown (dup)
2. MOIC 16 Jul/Brown (dup)
3. MOIC 16 Jul/Brown (dup)
4. MOIC 16 Jul/Brown (dup)

DONALD L. SPRINGER
Lt. Colonel, GSC
AC of S, A-2

Info cc to ADC

[HANDWRITTEN: 4 in a circle]

CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 85

memo

A memorandum detailing an interview with David N. Johnson, aviation editor of the Idaho Daily Statesman, regarding his assessment of Kenneth Arnold's credibility and his own subsequent investigation into flying disks.

Incident
4AF 1208 I
16 July 1947

MEMORANDUM FOR THE OFFICER IN CHARGE:

1. On 12 July 1947, a call was made at the newspaper office of the "Idaho Daily Statesman", Boise, Idaho. The aviation editor of the paper, Mr. David N. Johnson, was interviewed in regard to how well he knew Mr. Kenneth Arnold of Boise, Idaho, and as to the credibility of any statement made by Mr. Arnold. The purpose of this interview was an attempt to verify statements made by Mr. Kenneth Arnold on 26 June 1947, to various national news services to the effect that he, Mr. Arnold, had seen 9 objects flying in the air above the Cascade Mountain Range of Washington. These objects were subsequently referred to as flying saucers or flying disks and will here-in-after be referred to as such in this report. Mr. Johnson stated that he had known Mr. Arnold for quite a period of time, having had relations with Mr. Arnold on various occasions, due to the fact that both he, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Arnold were private fliers and frequently got together to talk shop. Mr. Johnson stated that as far as he was concerned anything Mr. Arnold said could be taken very seriously and that he, Mr. Johnson, actually believed that Mr. Arnold had seen the aforementioned flying disks. Mr. Johnson stated that after Mr. Arnold reported having seen the flying disks, that the editor of the paper had assigned him, Mr. Johnson, the assignment of taking the airplane belonging to the newspaper and exhausting all efforts to prove or disprove the probability of flying disks having been seen in the northwest area. The results of this assignment to Mr. Johnson and what he subsequently saw is put forth in a sworn statement signed by Mr. Johnson attached to this report as Exhibit B.

AGENT'S NOTES: Mr. Johnson is a man of approximately 33 to 35 years of age. From all appearances he is a very reserved type of person. Mr. Johnson has logged 2800 hours of flying time in various types of airplanes up to and including multi-engine aircraft. During part of the war years, Mr. Johnson was the first pilot of a B-29 type aircraft being assigned to the Twentieth USAAF and stationed on Tinian Island, in the Pacific. It is the personal opinion of the interviewer that Mr. Johnson actually saw what he states that he saw in the attached report. It is also the opinion of the interviewer that Mr. Johnson would have much more to lose than gain and would have to be very strongly convinced that he actually saw something before he would report such an incident and open himself for the ridicule that would accompany such a report.

1 Incl: Exhibit "B"

FRANK M. BROWN, S/A, CIC 5th AF [HANDWRITTEN: Incl #2] [HANDWRITTEN: 116]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 86

transcript

A statement by David N. Johnson detailing his aerial search for flying discs between July 6 and July 9, 1947, conducted on behalf of the Statesman Newspapers and the Idaho National Guard.

COPY. CONFIDENTIAL

Statement of David N. Johnson
at Boise, Idaho, July 12, 1947

To Whom It May Concern:

On the sixth day of July, 1947, I received from James L. Brown,
general manager of the Statesman Newspapers, incorporated in Idaho as
The Statesman Printing company, an assignment which was in substance:

"Conduct an aerial search of the northwest states in an effort to
see and photograph a flying disc. Conduct this patrol for so long a time
as you believe reasonable, or until you see a flying disc."

In accordance to these instructions, I took the Statesman's airplane,
and with Kenneth Arnold as passenger, flew a seven and one-half hour mission
on the seventh day of July, 1947. This mission was without result. It
covered an area embracing the confines of the Hanford plant in Washington,
and territory between and around Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams, where Arnold
first reported seeing objects henceforth described as saucers or discs.

On the eighth day of July, 1947, I took an AT-6 of the 190th Fighter
squadron, Idaho National Guard, of which I am a member, and flew to northern
Idaho, into northwestern Montana briefly, to Spokane, Washington, and back
to Boise by way of Walla Walla, Washington, and Pendleton, Oregon. This
search also was negative.

On the ninth day of July, 1947, I continued the search, again using a
national guard AT-6, this time centering my efforts over the Owyhee mountains
west and southwest of Boise, a portion of the Mountain Home desert on a track
southeast of the Mountain Home army air base, thence into the Sawtooth moun-
tains, and back in the general direction of Boise on a line carrying me well
to the north of the Shafer butte forest service lookout station, into the
Horseshoe Bend area, and thence back in a southwesterly direction to a point
EXHIBIT "B"
CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 87

report

A pilot describes searching for an object between Boise and Meridian, spotting a black, round object, and attempting to verify if it was a weather balloon with the CAA communication station.

CONFIDENTIAL

between Boise and the village of Meridian, west of Boise a few miles.

During this search, which lasted approximately two and one-half hours, I flew under and around rapidly forming cumulus clouds over that area known as the Camas Prairie, east of Boise. The clouds were near the village of Fairfield in that valley, and Fairfield is 75 miles airline distance east of Boise. At that time I saw nothing in the vicinity of these clouds.

At the time I reached the point between Boise and Meridian, I was flying at an altitude of 14,000 feet mean sea level, which would be a mean average of 11,000 feet above the earth in this area, not considering errors in the altimeter induced either by barometric changes since my takeoff, or by the temperature at that altitude.

I turned the aircraft on an easterly heading, pointing toward Gowen Field, and had flown on that course for perhaps a minute when there suddenly appeared in the left hand portion of my field of vision an object which was black and round.

I immediately centered my gaze on the object. At that time, due to its erratic movement, I thought I was seeing a weather balloon. I called the CAA's communication station at Boise, and asked if the weather station had recently released a balloon. The reply from communicator Albertson was that the bureau had not. I do not remember his exact words; I am under the impression he said "not for several hours" or gave me the exact time of the previous release, which was around 08:30 that day.

Upon hearing this response, I turned the aircraft broadside to the object, pulled back the plexiglass covering to avoid any distortion, took my camera from the map case, and exposed about 10 seconds' duration of eight millimeter motion picture film. During the time the camera was at eye level,

[HANDWRITTEN: 20 95]

CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 88

report

A witness provides a detailed account of observing an unidentified object performing aerial maneuvers, noting the difficulty in estimating its distance and speed, and mentions reporting the sighting via radio to the CAA.

CONFIDENTIAL

I could not see the object because of minuteness of scope introduced by the optical view finder with which the camera, an f.1.9 Eastman, was equipped.

Taking the camera away and once again centering my gaze on the object, I observed it to roll so that its edge was presented to me. At this time it flashed once in the sunlight. It then appeared as a thin black line. It then performed a maneuver which looked as if it had begun a slow roll, or a barrel roll, which instead of being completed, was broken off at about the 180-degree point. The object rolled out of the top of the maneuver at this point, and I lost sight of it.

This entire performance was observed against the background of clouds previously forming over the Camas Prairie. The object appeared to me, relatively, as the size of a twenty-five cent piece. I do not know how far away it was. I do not know, nor can I truthfully estimate, its speed. I can only say it was not an airplane, and if it was at a very great distance from me, its speed was great, taking into consideration that apparent speed is reduced to the viewer if an object is a very great distance away.

I forgot to look at my clock to determine the exact time I saw the object. The CAA's log of radio contacts shows my first contact to have been made at 12:17 hours. But a few seconds elapsed between the time I first saw the object, and the time I called the CAA's station.

I subsequently related over the radio a description of what I saw, and communicator Albertson may remember it. The control tower may have a recording of the conversation. I have not checked to determine that.

The purpose of my relating over the air what I saw was to enable rapid transmission of the report to the newspaper, for at that time I was on assignment and my energies thenceforth were devoted to (1) transmitting the information and (2) conducting a further search, which I did after landing for fuel and to make some telephone calls.

[HANDWRITTEN: 85]

CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 89

report

A pilot describes his search for an unidentified object, notes other aircraft in the area, and reports that ground personnel at Gowen Field also observed a black object maneuvering near clouds.

CONFIDENTIAL

The next search, begun within half an hour after landing from the first one, consumed another two hours, but was negative. I explored thoroughly the region where I saw the object.

Immediately after sighting the object, I asked if there were other aircraft in the area. There was a P-51 of the 190th squadron practicing maneuvers in the vicinity of Kuna, but that was behind me. A C-82 passed over Boise, but I saw that aircraft go beneath me by some 2,000 feet.

The P-51 in the vicinity of Kuna proceeded to the area where I saw the object, at my request, and conducted a search. It was negative. During the afternoon, flights of P-51s were sent out to cover the area, and some of them flew high altitude missions on oxygen. These searches were negative.

I was subsequently informed that personnel on both the United Air Lines side of Gowen field, and on the national guard side, observed a black object maneuvering in front of the same cloud formation, which by now had grown so that the clouds reached a probable height of 19,000 or 20,000 feet from a mean base of 13,500 or 14,000 feet, mean sea level. Three of these men were national guard personnel and I talked to them, asking them to describe what they saw, before telling them my story, in order to avoid suggestion or inference of a leading nature. They saw the object (from the ground) while I was on my second search. They believed the time to have been 14:00 hours. The object performed in the same erratic manner, they said, as I observed.

The above is the extent of the story, and information concerning myself is now in order.

I have approximately 2800 hours of flying time in equipment ranging from primary trainers to B-29s. Of course, that does not increase my powers of observation except as to those practiced daily by an airman.

CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 90

report

A witness account describing the pilot's state of mind, physical condition, and observations regarding a disc-like object, including a discussion on the possibility of optical illusions.

CONFIDENTIAL

It does not make my eyesight any sharper except again as to the incidental demands upon the eyes of a pilot.

At the time of the experience related above, I had flown fourteen and one-half hours on an assignment to find a disc and if possible, to photograph it. In all frankness, I was tired. I may have been suffering, although slightly, from want of oxygen.

Prior to sighting the object, I had concluded there was no point in pressing the search, that I probably would never see the disc-like objects referred to by Arnold and by Captain Smith of United Air Lines.

At all times during the search, both on that day and the two preceding days (particularly when I was with Arnold) I had literally talked to myself to keep beating into my head that I would not fall victim to the power of suggestion or self-hypnosis arising from a naturally very intent desire to find a disc and bring success to the assignment given me.

I therefore do not believe that I was the victim of suggestion or hypnosis. I am familiar with the optical illusion of a fixed object beginning to move after it is watched a sufficient length of time. I know what tricks the eyes will play as to moving bodies, and have learned of this particularly during night formation flying.

I saw the object appear suddenly. If it had moved in a jerky fashion (as it did at first) for the full length of time I observed it, I would not be so strong in saying that I saw something not an aircraft, not a balloon, and not a corpuscle moving across the retina of either eye. The maneuver described by the object when its edge was presented to me convinces me that I saw an object actually performing in an erratic flight path.

The question remains, of course, whether I saw it. The motion picture film, developed and processed by R. W. Stohr in the Eastman laboratories at

[HANDWRITTEN: 79]

CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 91

transcript

A sworn statement by David N. Johnson regarding his observation of an unidentified object, including technical details about his camera settings and his conviction that he witnessed a real event.

CONFIDENTIAL

241 Battery Street, San Francisco, showed no trace of any object. Stohr says that if it was more than a mile distant from me at the size I described, the object would not have registered sufficiently on the film to be shown. He said it probably was too far away to be apparent even through great enlargement of the negative, and enlargement in that case is limited because of the size of the film and the fact I did not have any telescopic equipment on the lens. The exposure was f.16, stop set at infinity, at a speed of 16 frames per second.

I have worried over this matter a great deal since seeing it. I "took myself aside" and said, "come now, Johnson, don't be stupid." But I cannot bring myself to the point of thinking I did not see anything. The impression of the moment was too vivid, too realistic, and I knew in the air when I saw that partial slow roll or barrel roll, that I was not a victim of illusion.

I trust this matter will be of help to those investigating the flying disc phenomena which have been reported.

A chart is attached depicting the movements of the object as I saw it. This statement is made voluntarily and freely, in response to the request of Mr. Brown and Captain Davidson, who called on me this morning.

/s/ David N. Johnson

Subscribed and sworn to before me, a notary public, this 12th day of July, 1947.

/s/ Geo. L. Flaherty
Notary public for Ada county Idaho. My commission expires Jan 2, 1949.

COPY

CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 92

diagram

A diagram illustrating the flight path of an object described by David N. Johnson, showing five distinct positions and a rolling maneuver.

CONFIDENTIAL

Chart to which reference is
made on page six, statement
of David N. Johnson.

[DIAGRAM OF OBJECT MOVEMENTS 1-5]

This design portrays the movements of the object to
which reference is made in the attached statement. At
all times the object appeared as black. Positions (1), (2)
and (3) show the jerky, rising motion. Position (4) is where
the object rolled, presenting its edge to me. It then
followed the dotted line, rolling over the top of the maneuver
and disappearing at position (5).

[HANDWRITTEN: see 95]

CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 93

memo

A memorandum regarding an interview with Kenneth Arnold about his sighting of nine strange objects over the Cascade Mountain Range, including an agent's assessment of Arnold's credibility and the consistency of his report with aeronautical data.

Incident
LAF 1208 I
16 July 1947

MEMORANDUM FOR THE OFFICER IN CHARGE:

1. On 12 July 1947, Mr. Kenneth Arnold, Box 387, Boise, Idaho, was interviewed in regard to the report that he saw 9 strange objects flying over the Cascade Mountain Range of Washington State on July 25th. Mr. Arnold voluntarily agreed to give the interviewer a written report of what he had seen on the above mentioned date. The written report of Mr. Arnold is attached to this report as Exhibit A.

AGENT'S NOTES: Mr. Arnold is a man of 32 years of age, being married and the father of two children. He is well thought of in the community in which he lives, being very much the family man and from all appearances a very good provider for his family. Mr. Arnold has recently purchased a home on the outskirts of Boise, recently purchased a $5,000 airplane in which to conduct his business to the extent of which is explained in the attached exhibit. It is the personal opinion of the interviewer that Mr. Arnold actually saw what he stated that he saw. It is difficult to believe that a man of Mr. Arnold's character and apparent integrity would state that he saw objects and write up a report to the extent that he did if he did not see them. To go further, if Mr. Arnold can write a report of the character that he did while not having seen the objects that he claimed he saw, it is the opinion of the interviewer that Mr. Arnold is in the wrong business, that he should be writing Buck Rogers fiction. Mr. Arnold is very outspoken and somewhat bitter in his opinions of the leaders of the U.S. Army Air Forces and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for not having made an investigation of this matter sooner. To put all of the statements made by Mr. Arnold in this report would make it a voluminous volume. However, after having checked an aeronautical map of the area over which Mr. Arnold claims that he saw the objects it was determined that all statements made by Mr. Arnold in regard to the distances involved, speed of the objects, course of the objects and size of the objects, could very possibly be facts. The distances mentioned by Mr. Arnold in his report are within a short distance of the actual distances on aeronautical charts of this area, although Mr. Arnold has never consulted aeronautical charts of the type the Army uses. Mr. Arnold stated that his business had suffered greatly since his report on July 25 due to the fact that at every stop on his business routes, large crowds of people were waiting to question him as to just what he had seen. Mr. Arnold stated further that if he, at any time in the future, saw anything in the sky, to quote Mr. Arnold directly, "if I saw a ten story building

[HANDWRITTEN: Incl #1] FRANK M. BROWN, S/A, CIC [ILLEGIBLE]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 94

memo

A fragment of a document containing a statement about public ridicule regarding aerial phenomena, signed by S/A Frank M. Brown.

Incident
LAF 1208 X

flying through the air I would never say a word about it", due to the
fact that he has been ridiculed by the press to such an extent that he
is practically a moron in the eyes of the majority of the population of
the United States.

1 Incls Exhibit "A"

FRANK M. BROWN, S/A, CIC [REDACTED]
[HANDWRITTEN: 83]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 95

report

A biographical summary of Kenneth Arnold, detailing his early life, education, athletic achievements, and early career history.

COPY

CONFIDENTIAL
SOME LIFE DATA ON KENNETH ARNOLD

I was born March 29, 1915 in Subeka, Minnesota. My father's name was Edward Erb Arnold; my mother's maiden name was Bertha E. Barden. I was a resident of Minnesota until I was six years old when my family moved to Scobey, Montana, where they homesteaded. My grandfather, Roland C. Arnold also homesteaded in Scobey, Montana, and became quite prominent in political circles along with Burton K. Wheeler, the famous Montana senator.

I went to grade school and high school at Minot, North Dakota. I entered scouting at twelve years of age and achieved the rank of Eagle scout before I was fourteen. My former scout executive was H. H. Prescott, now a regional commissioner for the Boy Scouts in Kansas City, Kansas.

As a boy, I was interested in athletics and was selected as an all-state end in 1932 and 1933 in the state of North Dakota. I entered the U. S. Olympic trials in fancy diving in 1932; I was a Red Cross Life Saving Examiner during the years of 1932, '33 and '34. I taught swimming and diving at scout camps and the municipal pool in Minot, North Dakota. I went to the University of Minnesota, where I swam and did fancy diving under Neils Thorpe, and also played football under Bernie Bierman, but upon entering college I was unable to continue my football career because of an injured knee. My high school football coach was Glenn L. Jarrett, who is now the head football coach of the University of North Dakota. I had little or no finances, and my ambition in furthering my education in college was through my athletics. As a boy in Minot, North Dakota, I did a good deal of dog sled racing, placed first with my dog in 1930 in the Lions Club Dog Derby.

In 1938 I went to work for Red Comet, Inc. of Littleton, Colorado, a manufacturer of automatic fire fighting apparatus. In 1939 I was made district manager for them over a part of the western states, and in 1940 I

EXHIBIT "A"

CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 96

report

A personal statement from an individual describing their professional background as a fire control engineer and their extensive experience as a pilot, including the purchase of a Callair airplane for work-related travel.

CONFIDENTIAL

established my own fire control supply known as the Great Western Fire
Control Supply. I have been working as an independent fire control
engineer since, and I handle, distribute, sell and install all types of
automatic and manual fire fighting equipment in the rural areas over
five western states.

My flying experience started as a boy in Minot, North Dakota, where
I took my first flying lesson from Earl T. Vance, who was originally from
Great Falls, Montana. Due to the high cost at that time, I was unable to
continue my flying and did not fly of any great consequence until 1943.
I was given my pilot certificate by Ed Leach, a senior CAA inspector of
Portland, Oregon, and for the last three years have owned my own airplane
covering my entire territory with same and flying from forty to one hundred
hours per month since. Due to the fact that I use an airplane entirely in
my work, in January of this year I purchased a new Callair airplane, which
is an airplane designed for high altitude take-offs and short rough field use.

In the type of flying I do, it takes a great deal of practice and
judgment to be able to land in most any cow pasture and get out without
injuring your airplane; the runways are very limited and the altitude is
very high in some of the fields and places I have to go in my work. To
date, I have landed in 823 cow pastures in mountain meadows, and in over
a thousand hours a flat tire has been my greatest mishap.

[HANDWRITTEN: See 86]

CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 97

transcript

A personal account by Kenneth Arnold describing his flight on June 24, 1947, during which he searched for a missing marine transport near Mt. Rainier before his famous UFO sighting.

C O P Y

CONFIDENTIAL

BY KENNETH ARNOLD

The following story of what I observed over the Cascade mountains, as impossible as it may seem, is positively true. I never asked nor wanted any notoriety for just accidently being in the right spot at the right time to observe what I did. I reported something that I know any pilot would have reported. I don't think that in any way my observation was due to any sensivity of eye sight or judgment than what is considered normal for any pilot.

On June 24th, Tuesday, 1947, I had finished my work for the Central Air Service at Chehalis, Washington, and at about two o'clock I took off from Chehalis, Washington, airport with the intention of going to Yakima, Wash. My trip was delayed for an hour to search for a large marine transport that supposedly went down near or around the southwest side of Mt. Rainier in the state of Washington and to date has never been found.

I flew directly toward Mt. Rainier after reaching an altitude of about 9,500 feet, which is the approximate elevation of the high plateau from which Mt. Rainer rises. I had made one sweep of this high plateau to the westward, searching all of the various ridges for this marine ship and flew to the west down and near the ridge side of the canyon where Ashford, Washington, is located.

Unable to see anything that looked like the lost ship, I made a 360 degree turn to the right and above the little city of Mineral, starting again toward Mt. Rainier. I climbed back up to an altitude of approximately 9,200 feet.

The air was so smooth that day that it was a real pleasure flying and, as most pilots do when the air is smooth and they are flying at a higher altitude, I trimmed out my airplane in the direction of Yakima, Washington, which was almost directly east of my position and simply sat in my plane observing the sky and the terrain.

[HANDWRITTEN: 76]

CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 98

transcript

A witness account describing the observation of nine peculiar aircraft flying near Mt. Rainier, which the witness initially assumed were jet planes.

CONFIDENTIAL

There was a DC-4 to the left and to the rear of me approximately fifteen miles distance, and I should judge, at 14,000 foot elevation.

The sky and air was as clear as crystal. I hadn't flown more than two or three minutes on my course when a bright flash reflected on my airplane. It startled me as I thought I was too close to some other aircraft. I looked every place in the sky and couldn't find where the reflection had come from until I looked to the left and the north of Mt. Rainier where I observed a chain of nine peculiar looking aircraft flying from north to south at approximately 9,500 foot elevation and going, seemingly, in a definite direction of about 170 degrees.

They were approaching Mt. Rainier very rapidly, and I merely assumed they were jet planes. Anyhow, I discovered that this was where the reflection had come from, as two or three of them every few seconds would dip or change their course slightly, just enough for the sun to strike them at an angle that reflected brightly on my plane.

These objects being quite far away, I was unable for a few seconds to make out their shape or their formation. Very shortly they approached Mt. Rainier, and I observed their outline against the snow quite plainly.

I thought it was very peculiar that I couldn't find their tails but assumed they were some type of jet plane. I was determined to clock their speed, as I had two definite points I could clock them by; the air was so clear that it was very easy to see objects and determine their approximate shape and size at almost fifty miles that day.

I remember distinctly that my sweep second hand on my eight day clock, which is located on my instrument panel, read one minute to 3 P.M. as the first object of this formation passed the southern edge of Mt. Rainier. I watched these objects with great interest as I had never before observed [HANDWRITTEN: fall6]

CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 99

transcript

A witness describes observing a chain of unidentified flying objects near Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams, comparing their size and appearance to a DC-4 aircraft.

CONFIDENTIAL

airplanes flying so close to the mountain tops, flying directly south to
southeast down the hog's back of a mountain range. I would estimate their
elevation could have varied a thousand feet one way or another up or down,
but they were pretty much on the horizon to me which would indicate they
were near the same elevation as I was.

They flew like many times I have observed geese to fly in a rather
diagonal chain-like line as if they were linked together. They seemed to
hold a definite direction but rather swerved in and out of the high mountain
peaks. Their speed at the time did not impress me particularly, because I
knew that our army and air forces had planes that went very fast.

What kept bothering me as I watched them flip and flash in the sun
right along their path was the fact that I couldn't make out any tail on
them, and I am sure that any pilot would justify more than a second look at
such a plane.

I observed them quite plainly, and I estimate my distance from them,
which was almost at right angles, to be between twenty to twenty-five miles.
I knew they must be very large to observe their shape at that distance, even
on as clear a day as it was that Tuesday. In fact I compared a zeus fastener
or cowling tool I had in my pocket with them - holding it up on them and
holding it up on the DC-4 - that I could observe at quite a distance to my
left, and they seemed smaller than the DC-4; but, I should judge their span
would have been as wide as the furthest engines on each side of the
fuselage of the DC-4.

The more I observed these objects, the more upset I became, as I am
accustomed and familiar with most all objects flying whether I am close to
the ground or at higher altitudes. I observed the chain of these objects
passing another high snow-covered ridge in between Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams,

CONFIDENTIAL
[HANDWRITTEN: 78]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 100

report

A pilot describes observing a formation of saucer-like objects while flying near Mt. Adams, noting their speed, his clear view of them, and his subsequent search for a marine plane.

and as, the first one was passing the south crest of this ridge the last
object was entering the northern crest of the ridge.

As I was flying in the direction of this particular ridge, I measured
it and found it to be approximately five miles so I could safely assume that
the chain of these saucer like objects were at least five miles long. I
could quite accurately determine their pathway due to the fact that there
were several high peaks that were a little this side of them as well as
higher peaks on the other side of their pathway.

As the last unit of this formation passed the southern most high snow-
covered crest of Mt. Adams, I looked at my sweep second hand and it showed
that they had travelled the distance in one minute and forty-two seconds.
Even at the time this timing did not upset me as I felt confident after I
would land there would be some explanation of what I saw.

A number of news men and experts suggested that I might have been
seeing reflections or even a mirage. This I know to be absolutely false,
as I observed these objects not only through the glass of my airplane but
turned my airplane sideways where I could open my window and observe them
with a completely unobstructed view. (Without sun glasses)

Even though two minutes seems like a very short time to one on the
ground, in the air in two minutes time a pilot can observe a great many
things and anything within his sight of vision probably as many as fifty or
sixty times.

I continued my search for the marine plane for another fifteen or
twenty minutes and while searching for this marine plane, what I had just
observed kept going through my mind. I became more disturbed, so after
taking a last look at Tieton Reservoir I headed for Yakima.

I might add that my complete observation of these objects, which I
could even follow by their flashes as they passed Mt. Adams, was around two

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 101

report

A witness account describing the appearance, flight characteristics, and size of observed aerial objects, while comparing them to other reported sightings by airline personnel and others.

and one-half or three minutes -- although, by the time they reached Mt. Adams they were out of my range of vision as far as determining shape or form. Of course, when the sun reflected from one or two or three of these units, they appeared to be completely round; but, I am making a drawing to the best of my ability, which I am including, as to the shape I observed these objects to be as they passed the snow covered ridges as well as Mt. Rainier.

When these objects were flying approximately straight and level, they were just a black thin line and when they flipped was the only time I could get a judgment as to their size.

These objects were holding an almost constant elevation; they did not seem to be going up or to be coming down, such as would be the case of rockets or artillery shells. I am convinced in my own mind that they were some type of airplane, even though they didn't conform with the many aspects of the conventional type of planes that I know.

Although these objects have been reported by many other observers throughout the United States, there have been six or seven other accounts written by some of those observers that I can truthfully say must have observed the same thing that I did; particularly, the descriptions of the three [HANDWRITTEN: Cedar City, Utah] Western Air Lines employees, the [HANDWRITTEN: (pilot)] gentleman from Oklahoma City and the locomotive engineer in Illinois, plus Capt Smith and Co-Pilot Stevens of United Air Lines

Some descriptions could not be very accurate taken from the ground unless these saucer-like disks were at quite a great height and there is a possibility that all of the people who observed peculiar objects could have seen the same thing I did; but, it would have been very difficult from the ground to observe these for more than four or five seconds, and there is always the possibility of atmospheric moisture and dust near the ground which could distort one's vision.

I have in my possession letters from all over the United States and people who profess that these objects have been observed over other portions of the

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 102

transcript

A witness account describing their observation of unidentified objects, sharing the experience with friends and pilots, and reflecting on the public and official reaction to their report.

CONFIDENTIAL

world, principally Sweden, Bermuda, and California.

I would have given almost anything that day to have had a movie camera with a telephoto lens and from now on I will never be without one - - but, to continue further with my story. When I landed at the Yakima, Wash., airport I described what I had seen to my very good friend, Al Baxter, who listened patiently and was very courteous but in a joking way didn't believe me.

I did not accurately measure the distance between these two mountains until I landed at Pendleton, Oregon, that same day where I told a number of pilot friends of mine what I had observed and they did not scoff or laugh but suggested they might be guided missiles or something new. In fact several former Army pilots informed me that they had been briefed before going into combat overseas that they might see objects of similar shape and design as I described and assured me that I wasn't dreaming or going crazy.

I quote Sonny Robinson, a former Army Air Forces pilot who is now operating dusting operations at Pendleton, Oregon, "What you observed, I am convinced, is some type of jet or rocket propelled ship that is in the process of being tested by our government or even it could possibly be by some foreign government".

Anyhow, the news that I had observed these spread very rapidly and before the night was over I was receiving telephone calls from all parts of the world; and, to date I have not received one telephone call or one letter of scoffing or disbelief. The only disbelief that I know of was what was printed in the papers.

I look at this whole ordeal as not something funny as some people have made it out to be. To me it is mighty serious and since I evidently did observe something that at least Mr. John Doe on the street corner or Pete Andrews on the ranch has never heard about, is no reason that it does not exist. Even though I openly invited an investigation by the Army and the

CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 103

report

A statement by Kenneth Arnold regarding his observation of unidentified objects, including his pilot credentials, a description of his aircraft, and sketches/notes on the movement and appearance of the objects.

CONFIDENTIAL

FBI as to the authenticity of my story or a mental or a physical examination as to my capabilities, I have received no interest from these two important protective forces of our country; I will go so far as to assume that any report I gave to the United and Associated Press and over the radio on two different occasions which apparently set the nation buzzing, if our Military Intelligence was not aware of what I observed, they would be the very first people that I could expect as visitors.

I have received lots of requests from people who told me to make a lot of wild guesses. I have based what I have written here in this article on positive facts and as far as guessing what it was I observed, it is just as much a mystery to me as it is to the rest of the world.

My pilot's license is 333487. I fly a Callair airplane; it is a three-place single engine land ship that is designed and manufactured at Afton, Wyoming as an extremely high performance, high altitude airplane that was made for mountain work. The national certificate of my plane is 33355.

/s/ Kenneth Arnold
Box 587
Boise, Idaho.

[HANDWRITTEN: traveling this way]
[HANDWRITTEN: Top]
They seemed longer than wide, their thickness was about 1/20th of their width
[HANDWRITTEN: Side View]
[HANDWRITTEN: traveling this way]
Mirror Bright
They did not appear to me to whirl or spin but seemed in fixed position, traveling as I have made drawing.

/s/ Kenneth Arnold [HANDWRITTEN: sally]

CONFIDENTIAL

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 104

memo

A report from Tactical Air Command regarding an unusual celestial phenomenon observed by four AAF personnel at Maxwell Field on June 28, 1947.

RESTRICTED
HEADQUARTERS TACTICAL AIR COMMAND
LANGLEY FIELD, VIRGINIA
7 July 1947
IN REPLY REFER TO:
SUBJECT: Report of Unusual Celestial Phenomena
TO: Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2
Headquarters Tactical Air Command
Langley Field, Virginia

1. The following report is submitted concerning an unusual occurrence observed by the following AAF Personnel at Maxwell Field, Montgomery, Ala. on the night of 28 June 1947:
CAPT. WILSON H. KAYKO, O-33841, Hq, TAC
CAPT. JOHN H. CANTRELL, O-255404, Hq, TAC
1ST LT. THEODORE DEWEY, O-2094172, Hq, TAC
CAPT. REDMAN, Randolph Field, Texas

2. At approximately 2120 Central time, a light, with a brilliance slightly greater than a star, appeared from the West. It was first noted above the horizon of a clear moon-light night, traveling in an easterly direction at a high rate of speed. There was no audible sound and it was impossible to determine the altitude, except that it appeared to be at great height. It traveled in a zig zag course with frequent bursts of speed, much like a water bug as it spurts and stops across the surface of water. It continued until it was directly overhead and changed course 900 into the south. After traveling in the above manner for approximately five (5) minutes, it turned southwest and was lost in the brilliancy of the moon. At 2145 Central it was no longer possible to observe it.

3. A call was placed to Maxwell Field operations reference this phenomena and inquiry made if any experimental aircraft were scheduled for a flight in the vicinity. The reply was negative.

4. No plausible explanation is offered for the unusual action of this source of light, which acted contrary to any common aerodynamical laws. This report is submitted upon request, in view of the many recent reports reference unusual aerial objects observed throughout the U. S.

5. Two of the above noted observers are rated pilots and the other two are air intelligence officers. All observers were cold sober. [HANDWRITTEN: Good!]

6. Attached herewith a sketch showing approximate course of light.
RESTRICTED
[HANDWRITTEN: Wilson H. Kayko]
WILSON H. KAYKO
Captain, Air Corps
ADDRESS ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO: COMMANDING GENERAL, TACTICAL AIR COMMAND
[HANDWRITTEN: Received AFBIR-CO 11 July 47]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 105

diagram

A hand-drawn diagram showing the path of a light relative to the observer, the moon, and the North Star.

[HANDWRITTEN: N] RESTRICTED
[HANDWRITTEN: Polar Star]
[HANDWRITTEN: Course of light]
[HANDWRITTEN: W]
[HANDWRITTEN: E]
[HANDWRITTEN: Observer]
[HANDWRITTEN: moon]
[HANDWRITTEN: S]
RESTRICTED
94

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 106

memo

This memo documents an interview with Mr. C. H. Zohn regarding his sighting of an unidentified aerial object near White Sands, New Mexico, on June 29, 1947, while traveling with three other individuals.

ADDRESS REPLY TO
DIRECTOR, NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
WASHINGTON 20, D. C.
AND REFER TO:
Code 110

ARMY LIAISON OFFICE
NAVY DEPARTMENT
NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
WASHINGTON 20, D. C.

18 July 1947

SUBJECT: Interview of Person Reporting Unidentified Aerial Object

TO: Asst Chief of Air Staff-2
Collection Branch, AAF
Washington 25, D. C.

1. At the request of Lt. Col. G. D. Garrett, AAF A-2, the undersigned has interviewed this date Mr. C. H. Zohn, Administrative Assistant in the Rocket Sonde Section, NRL, who had previously released information to the press regarding an aerial object which he stated he saw at White Sands, New Mexico, 29 June.

2. Substance of the interview is as follows:

At between 1:00 and 1:30 p. m. Sunday, 29 June 1947,
Mr. Zohn, in the company of the following: Mr. J. R. Kauke, NRL Rocket Sonde Section telemetering supervisor; Mr. C. C. Rockwood, NRL Rocket Sonde high altitude spectrograph scientist; and Mrs. Nancy Rockwood, wife of the latter, was proceeding along Highway 17 in a North-Easterly direction from Las Cruces, New Mexico to White Sands V-2 firing grounds in an automobile driven by Mr. Kauke. At some time between those given and about one-third of the distance from Las Cruces Mr. Kauke, who was driving the car, noticed the subject device and called attention to the other occupants. Mr. Zohn opened the window nearest him and observed the object moving at an unknown rapid velocity at an unknown altitude, which he estimated at about 10,000 feet, and which Mr. Kauke, who also observed it through an open window, estimated at between 8,000 and 10,000 feet, although the former puts little credence in the estimates.

When first sighted the object was to the right and forward of the automobile at an unstated elevation and was apparently moving horizontally in a Northerly direction such as to cross the highway from right to left. The object was observed by all persons in the automobile. Mr. Zohn stated that he could not observe any details of the object other than that its shape was uniform, with no protuberances such as the wings of an airplane. It was too distant to enable stereoscopic visualization. There was apparently some solar specular reflection which seemed to change in intensity as the object receded until it was lost from sight after an estimated 30 seconds from the time first noticed. He could not explain how it disappeared except perhaps that the reflection angle may have changed abruptly. There were apparently no clouds or visibility obstructions at the time. The sun was to the rear of the automobile. Mr. Kauke thought that at one time he saw vapor trails. [HANDWRITTEN: BIR 8] [HANDWRITTEN: 6]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 107

memo

This document is a continuation of a report regarding an interview with a witness named Mr. Zohn about an unidentified aerial object, noting his familiarity with aircraft and meteorological balloons.

Ltr, ALO, NRL, 18 July 47 to Asst Chief Air Staff-2, Collection Br., AAF, subj: "Interview of Person Reporting Unidentified Aerial Object"

3. This interview was made in the presence of Dr. H. E. Newell, Acting Rocket Sonde Section Head, who said that Mr. Zohn had recently been in the Navy and is familiar with the appearance of the majority of aircraft types and with meteorological balloons. Mr. Zohn also stated that none of the occupants of the car were intoxicated.

[HANDWRITTEN: William P. Mellen]
WILLIAM P. MELLEN
Major, Air Corps
AMC Liaison Officer

2

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 108

report

An interview report detailing the sighting of flying disks by United Air Lines pilots Captain E. J. Smith and co-pilot Ralph Stevens on July 9, 1947, near Boise, Idaho.

COPY

INTERVIEW REPORT

SUBJECT: Interviews with Capt. E. J. SMITH and Ralph Stevens, United Air Lines pilots, who reported seeing flying disks.

Captain E. J. SMITH was interviewed at 1500, 9 July 1947, concerning the "flying disks", and stated substantially as follows:

"We left Boise, Idaho, at 2004 Pacific Standard Time. At approximately 2015, the co-pilot, Ralph STEVENS, called my attention to the first object seen. We were then in the vicinity of Emmet, Idaho, our altitude was approximately 6500, and we were climbing to our proposed cruising altitude of 3000 from there to Pendleton, Oregon. The heading of the plane at that time was 300 degrees Magnetic North, and the object (one) was sighted at approximately 290 degrees, or ten degrees to our left. Then an additional four objects appeared to the left of the main, or first, object. These four objects appeared slightly smaller than the first object sighted, but all of the objects appeared on the same plane. I estimated the altitude of the objects to be about 8500. They were within our sight for approximately two minutes, then they disappeared.

"Shortly after the first group disappeared, probably one or two minutes later, the second group appeared about 310 degrees, or to the right of the plane. Their altitude was the same as the first group. Three of the objects appeared to be on the same plane, and one object appeared slightly higher and to the right of the others. The second group stayed within our sight twelve to fifteen minutes, then disappeared. We had levelled off by the time the second group disappeared.

"The objects were flat on the base, the top slightly rough in contour. The dimensions appeared the same as a DC-3 approximately five miles from us. In other words, it could have been ninety miles away if it would be possible for an object as large as that would have to be to be flying, but since we didn't know what we were looking at or how large it was, we decided that if it were the size of a DC-3 wing span (90 feet), it was about five miles distant. Actually, we have no idea just how large it was since we could not determine its distance from us. When we first sighted the objects, we decided they were either going away from us or coming towards us. After a short while, however, we knew they couldn't be coming towards us, because we never approached them. I don't believe they could have been going a great rate of speed and still stayed in sight for as long as they did. I would judge they might have been travelling about 300 miles per hour.

"My personal opinions regarding the objects are - that their speed varied, was not constant. When first sighted, they were going slow and stayed within sight for quite some time. However, when we lost sight of them, they seemed to disappear practically immediately. I think they either put on a tremendous burst of speed and disappeared from sight, or else they dissipated. Also, it appeared that only one object, the large one, was controlled, and it in turn controlled the other objects, and I think they were ground controlled."

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 109

transcript

This document contains a transcript of an interview with co-pilot Ralph Stevens regarding a UFO sighting on July 4, 1947, corroborating and expanding upon a previous statement by a pilot named Smith.

C O P Y

"In both instances, the co-pilot sighted the objects first and called my attention to them. The weather was clear and unlimited, with not a cloud in the sky. We checked the wind, and it was 230-10, or out of the Southwest at ten miles per hour. The air speed of the ship was about 135 MPH. The sun was below the horizon and the objects were silhoueted against the sky, hence we could distinguish no color or reflection."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Ralph STEVENS, co-pilot of the plane, was interviewed at 2130, 9 July 1947. STEVENS corroborated the remarks made by SMITH concerning the flight of the plane, the time the objects were sighted, direction of the flight of the plane, etc. There were two discrepancies in their statements as to the size of the smaller objects and the altitude at which they were flying. STEVENS stated that there was a big difference in the size of the large objects and the smaller ones, and that it was hard to distinguish the shape of the smaller ones. STEVENS also stated that the objects were at the same altitude as their plane and seemed to be climbing with them. In addition to confirming SMITH'S statements concerning the flight, etc., STEVENS stated substantially as follows:

"I was flying the plane when I spotted the first object at 2012 on the 4th of July, eight minutes after departure from Boise, Idaho. I thought it was an oncoming aircraft similar to ours (DC-3) about five miles away, so turned on our landing lights, which is the usual signal to another plane to let it know you're in the vicinity. I mentioned this fact to SMITH, and he watched the object also. While we were both watching, four more objects appeared at the same altitude as the first. They seemed to be at the same altitude as our plane, about 6000 feet. They were heading about 290 degrees magnetic North, so I turned to follow them. We watched them for four or five minutes, then they all merged as one and disappeared. I don't know whether they merged in line of flight or not, nor do I know whether they went beyond our vision or whether they dissipated."

"Two minutes later, the large object reappeared with three smaller ones on its left and one smaller one a great distance to the right. We had the second group in sight for about twelve minutes. The last time seen, they were still in that formation and disappeared into the sunset. Also, when we last saw them, they seemed to have continued climbing after we levelled off and were about nine or ten thousand feet."

"At the time we saw the objects, the sun was below the horizon, but there was quite a bright red glow above the horizon from the sunset. I couldn't really say what distance they were from us, not knowing what they were or how large they were. However, while we were watching them we radioed ahead to Ontario, Oregon, about thirty miles distant, to the weather station there, and told them what we were seeing and asked them to go outside and see if they could see them. They radioed back and said they could

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 110

transcript

This document contains a transcript of witness statements regarding sightings of flying disks, including observations by individuals named Smith and Stevens, and their differing attitudes toward media publicity.

C O P Y

see nothing, so the objects could have been beyond Ontario, since we had told them that they were between our plane and Ontario. It should also be noted that the personnel at Ontario would be looking at a dark sky and may not be likely to be able to see them anyway.

"I can't say whether they are man-made disks or not, whether they are radio controlled or not, or anything about them. They did not maneuver much at all, except when the first group merged. All I can say is that they were going our direction and were climbing. I don't think they were clouds, as there hadn't been a cloud in the sky, and it would have been quite a phen-omenon as it was like nothing I had ever seen before. There was a big dif-ference in the size of the objects. The smaller ones were hard to distinguish as to shape; they were not shiny, nor did the "flip". I couldn't swear on a stand that they were not clouds, but I think it impossible. Had they been clouds, they wouldn't have appeared and disappeared so suddenly, and we would have approached them.

"As we were taxiing out to take off from Boise, the tower called us and asked us if we had seen any disks lately. As a consequence, we were and had been talking about the flying disks when we sighted them. I don't believe, however, that it was a figment of the imagination, as SMITH and I were seeing the same things, even the object far off to the right in the second group. We also called the stewardess, who had not been in on the conversation, and without mentioning "disks" aksed her what she saw. She stated that she saw the same things we did, which seemed to prove to us that it was not our imagination."

In addition to the above, STEVENS stated, off the record, that he was rather disappointed in SMITH and all the publicity he was getting. He thought that SMITH was probably "grand-standing" some, and that as far as he, STEVENS, was concerned, he was not going to be interviewed by any re-porters, or go on the radio, etc. He stated that he was glad to talk to a Navy representative about it, or to any other government official, and help in any way he could, but he certainly didn't want to be bothered with a lot of interviews with newspapers and radio stations. STEVENS seemed to the writer to be a very level headed, sensible man, and not in favor of a lot of publicity, whereas SMITH, although a sensible man and all, seemed to be more in favor of all the publicity he was getting.

- end -

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 111

memo

A memorandum regarding the interview of Captain Smith of United Airlines on July 12, 1947, concerning his sighting of flying disks on July 4, 1947.

CONFIDENTIAL
Incident
4AF 1208 I
16 July 1947

MEMORANDUM FOR THE OFFICER IN CHARGE:

1. On 12 July 1947, Captain Smith, of the United Airlines, was interviewed at the Boise Municipal Airport, Boise, Idaho. Captain Smith was passing through Boise on a schedule flight at the time and had a 20 minute stop-over. Captain Smith reiterated the statements originally made by him to the press as to what he had seen in the late evening of July 4th, when 8 minutes out of Boise on the route to Seattle, Washington. It is the opinion of the interviewer that due to the position Captain Smith occupies, that he, Captain Smith, would have to be very strongly convinced that he actually saw flying disks before he would open himself for the ridicule attached to a report of this type.

FRANK M. BROWN, S/A, CIC 4th AF
[HANDWRITTEN: # 3']

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 112

letter

A sworn statement by Major Archie B. Browning regarding a UFO sighting on July 6, 1947, while flying a B-25 from Ogden, Utah, to Kansas City, Missouri.

HEADQUARTERS, ARMY AIR FORCES
WASHINGTON

16 July 1947

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

I, Major Archie B. Browning, AC, do hereby swear, this date, that the following statements are true to the best of my knowledge:

'On 6 July 1947, while flying from Ogden, Utah, to Kansas City, Missouri, at 10000 ft in a B-25, I noticed a very bright object low and to my left, approximately 10 miles away. Time was 1:45 P.M., and position approximately 100 miles west of Kansas City. My first impression was that it was the top of a water tank. After checking my position on the map I again looked to my left (elapsed time 5 seconds). A round, disc shaped object, very bright and silvery colored, seemed to be flying one to two miles off my left wing at 11 oclock at 11000 ft. The brightness of the object which I would estimate at 30-50 ft. in diameter, was very great. It seemed to be traveling in same direction at same rate of speed (210 MPH) until I started to turn into it, then it completely disappeared. Weather conditions at that time were CAVU.'

[HANDWRITTEN: This officer is assigned to AC/AS-1, Pentagon phone 73852]

[HANDWRITTEN: (See attached diagram)]

ARCHIE B. BROWNING
Major, Air Corps

[HANDWRITTEN: Received AFBIR-CO 16 July 47]

ADDRESS REPLY TO: COMMANDING GENERAL, ARMY AIR FORCES, WASHINGTON 25, D. C.

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 113

diagram

A diagram showing a central aircraft icon oriented with cardinal directions (N, S, W) and two numbered points, with the sun indicated in the bottom left corner.

W

(1)

N

S

(2)

SUN

J.

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 114

transcript

A voluntary statement by Captain James H. Burniston regarding his sighting of an unidentified object at Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base on July 6, 1947.

RESTRICTED

After having been advised of my rights and privileges under the 24th Article of War, I, JAMES H. BURNISTON, Captain, Air Corps, 0-867517, Second Air Transport Wing (Provisional), Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base, Fairfield, California, do hereby make this voluntary statement to Captain William J. Frazier, Jr., and Sgt. Tommy Stewart, whom I know to be members of the Intelligence Office. I make the following statement of my own free will, not under duress, promise of reward or immunity:

On Sunday, July the sixth, at Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base, while in the company of my wife, Mrs. James H. Burniston, I saw an object traveling from northwest to southeast at an estimated height of 10,000 feet or above at an excessive rate of speed estimated to be faster than any type of aircraft seen by me flown at that approximate altitude. This object was in sight for approximately sixty seconds, during which time it traveled approximately three-quarters the distance of the visible sky. No shape or definite color could be distinguished, the object rolled from side to side three times in its path across the sky. At one time the top of the object could be seen, when the sun reflected strongly from its surface in a flash; and at other times the bottom of the object could be seen, with no reflection from the sun. The estimated size at that height could be compared to that of an aircraft of the type C-54. Between viewing the top of the object and what appeared to be the bottom, there was a period when it was hard to see, or it would almost disappear.

As far as shape is concerned, there was no way of recognizing shape, due to the speed of the object and its motion through the air. Sight of this object was lost when it disappeared at an angle of about thirty degrees above the earth's surface.

I cannot attribute any sound to this object, because of the noise of a distant aircraft engine.

The approximate time was verified by my wife as being less than one minute, during which time it was in sight.

As to the identity of this object, it was not the shape of any type aircraft known to the undersigned. There was no shape of wings or fuselage. The object was noticed at first by the sun's reflecting off its surface and then the speed at which it was traveling.

[HANDWRITTEN: James H. Burniston Captain, Air Corps]

[HANDWRITTEN: Received AFBIR-CO 23 July 47]

RESTRICTED

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 115

report

A Civil Air Patrol report detailing two separate sightings of flying saucers by pilots in Wisconsin on July 7, 1947, including estimated speeds and flight maneuvers.

BROADWAY 4128

Civil Air Patrol
AUXILIARY OF THE U. S. ARMY AIR FORCES
WISCONSIN WING HEADQUARTERS
161 W. WISCONSIN AVENUE
MILWAUKEE 3, WIS.

7 July 1947

SUBJECT: Report on Flying Saucers.

TO: Commanding General
32d AAF Base Unit
Bolling Field
Washington, D. C.

[HANDWRITTEN: Received AFBIR-CO 11 July 47]

1. Following are statistics regarding reports by four witnesses while in flight in two airplanes.

2. Weather CAVU. Visibility exceptionally good. Scattered altocumulus 6000 feet.

3. First report: time 1145 hours CST. Alt. of observers 800 feet above the ground. Altitude of saucer 4000 feet MSL. Observed period - First sighted over Koshkonong, Wisconsin. Flight was observed from town of Koshkonong to Elkhorn, Wisconsin. This flight covered twenty-five (25) miles in fifteen (15) seconds, which is a speed of six thousand (6000) miles per hour.

4. Second report: Time 1430 hours CST. Altitude of observers thirty-five hundred feet (3500) MSL. Altitude of saucer twenty-five hundred feet (2500). Observation period. Observers at East Troy, Wisconsin, flight observed from Eagle, Wisconsin to Muskego, Wisconsin. This flight covered twenty-two (22) miles in twenty (20) seconds, which is a speed of three thousand nine hundred sixty (3960) miles per hour.

5. Flight maneuvers: First observation-saucer descended vertically edgewise through altocumulus clouds, stopped at four thousand (4000) feet and assumed horizontal position and proceeded in horizontal flight from a horizontal position for fifteen (15) seconds covering twenty-five (25) miles and again stopped and disappeared. Second observation: Observed in horizontal flight in a horizontal attitude for a period of twenty (20) seconds covering twenty-two (22) miles. By the time the pilot had removed his camera from the glove compartment of his plane, the saucer disappeared and again reappeared approximately ten (10) miles farther along its course after six (6) seconds making its final disappearance.

6. The first two observers were an instructor and a student, having just taken off from Elkhorn Airport. The second two observers, one [HANDWRITTEN: being] Capt. R. J. Southey, Wing Supply Officer and a passenger.

John D. Schindler, Jr.
Maj. Air Corps, AAF-CAP Liaison Officer. [HANDWRITTEN: 7-311/7]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 116

memo

A classified spot report from the War Department regarding a sighting of an unidentified object by 1st Lieutenant Alvin E. Moorman on July 8, 1947, near Mount Baldy, California.

WAR DEPARTMENT
CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER
INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE

[HANDWRITTEN: Marked on map]

CONFIDENTIAL IVI
PRIORITY

PARAPHRASE NOT REQUIRED. HANDLE AS CONFIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE PER PARAS 511 and 60a (4) AR 380-5

From: CG SBAMA San Bernadino Calif
To: CG AAF Wash DC attn AC/AS 2, Counter Intelligence Division; CG Sixth Army, Attn: AC/S, G 2; CG Hq AMC thru Sacramento AMA, Calif attn Chief Security Section

DTG: 102359Z 10 July 1947

Spot report.

On 8 July 47 at approximately 1550 PST Alvin E Moorman 1st Lieut AC 196 Ftr Sq, while flying routine test mission in CMF P 51 at 20,000 feet indicated, sighted a flat object of light reflecting nature which appeared to be without vertical fin or any visible wings with apparent depth of a P 51 airplane at approximately 35,000 feet altitude and approximate location of 34 degrees 5 minutes latitude 117 degrees 30 minutes west longitude. Object was in sight for approximately 30 seconds. Object was again sighted at 15505 PST at approximately 50000 feet altitude and over Mount Baldy approximate location of 34 degrees 20 minutes latitude-117 degrees 47 minutes west longitude.

Pilot attempted to keep object in sight but was unable to do so. Speed of P 51 approximately 300 mph and climbing. March Field and other bases in area were contacted and reported none of their ships in the air.

ACTION: AAF
INFO: ID, P&O, Spec Wp, R&D
CM IN 1870 (12 Jul 47) DTG 102359Z WS

[HANDWRITTEN: Received AFBIR-CO 14 July 47]

CONFIDENTIAL
ACTION COPY
COPY NO. 13

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 117

report

Handwritten notes describing a pilot's sighting of an unidentified flying object near Topeka, Kansas, while flying a B-25 aircraft.

[HANDWRITTEN: Archie B. 73854]
May Morning - A-1 officer's branch
NW of Topeka (Clay Center - Kansas)
Flying @ 10M' @ 90°. B-25 @ 200 mph
Desc @ 180° a little higher [DRAWING OF A CIRCLE]
When first seen [HANDWRITTEN: approx] he thought it was
a water tower; atons a mile away
it looked liked a flying wing except
it was flying vertically and almost
completely round. No smoke, no
fire, but so bright it almost hurt his eyes
Then he turned toward it and
it disappeared almost immediately.
He believes it must have been super
sonic because of speed at which it
disappeared.
His co-pilot was dozing at the
time and by the time he was waked
the object disappeared.
Original reaction was to not
recognize it, but it came up so
fast, then appeared to stop, then
disappeared.
Landed at Kansas City 1400 hrs
Central Time. This took place approx 1315

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 118

memo

A military memo reporting a witness account from Newfoundland Constabulary Constable Iric Kearsey regarding the sighting of four egg-shaped, phosphorus-colored discs over Grand Falls, Newfoundland, on July 9, 1947.

CONFIDENTIAL

FROM: CG ATLD ATC FORT TOTTEN, N.Y.

TIME AND DATE FILED: 142323Z JULY 1947

TO: CG ATC ATTN CHIEF OF STAFF

MESSAGE FROM NEWFOUNDLAND BASE COMMAND SUBJECT QUOTE FLYING DISCS UNQUOTE GIVES FOLLOWING SUMMARY OF INTERVIEW WITH IRIC KEARSEY CMA NEWFOUNDLAND CONSTABULARY CLN CONSTABLE REPORTED SEEING FOUR EGG SHAPE PHOSPHORUS COLOR DISCS ABOVE GRAND FALLS NEWFOUNDLAND AT TWO THREE THREE ZERO HOURS LOCAL TIME NINE JULY AND A SINGLE DISC ONE ZERO MINUTES LATER PD AT FIRST APPEARANCE ACCORDING TO KEARSEY FOUR DISCS WERE CLOSE TOGETHER IN ABLE LINE A TRAIL FORMATION MOVING EAST PARALLEL TO GROUND PD SINGLE DISC LESS CLEAR BUT TRAVELING SAME DIRECTION PD KEARSEY WOULD ROUGHLY ESTIMATE ALTITUDE OF DISCS AT THREE ZERO THOUSAND FEET SEMICLN APPARENTLY MOVING VERY FAST AS THEY DISAPPEARED IN ABLE FEW SECONDS PD KEARSEY SAID SHAPE OF DISC WAS LIKE BARREL HEAD OR EGG SEMICLN BLACK SPOTS ON TAILEND SEMICLN NO SMOKE TRAIL SEMICLN AND HERE REPORTED THAT ANOTHER OBSERVER COMPARED SHAPE OF DISCS TO THREE LEAF PD END OF COMMUNICATION FROM NEWFOUNDLAND BASE COMMAND PD ESTABLISHED BY INTERVIEWER CMA NONCOM IN CHARGE REPEATER STATION GRAND FALLS CMA THAT CAVU WAS WEATHER AT TIMES INDICATED

ATC CM-IN X0044

[HANDWRITTEN: 14]

CONFIDENTIAL

[HANDWRITTEN: Received AFBIR-CO 15 July]

106

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 119

memo

An incoming classified message reporting a sighting of a flying disc over Harmon Field, Newfoundland, on July 10, 1947, by two airline representatives.

RESTRICTED
INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE
FROM: STEPHENVILLE, NEWFOUNDLAND
PRIORITY
TIME AND DATE FILED: 151915Z JULY 1947
TO: CG HQ ATC WASH 25 DC ATTN AC/S INTELLIGENCE INFO CG ATLD ATC
FT TOTTEN LI NY CG NEC FT PEPPERREL APO 862 C/O PM NEW YORK FROM CO
1388TH AAF BU
IN REPLY CITE: HFX 0215
FOR INTELLIGENCE PD ONE FLYING DISC, SIGHTED 2000 10 JULY 47, OVER
HARMON FIELD, NEWFOUNDLAND, AT APPROXIMATELY 10000 FEET, COURSE:
NORTH NORTH EAST PD WEATHER: CLEAR WITH SCATTERED CUMULUS AT 8-10000 FEET
PD COLOR: SILVERY PD DISC WAS FIRST SIGHTED ABOUT 6 MILES SOUTH SOUTH W
WEST FROM HARMON FIELD BY MR MERHMAN, TWA REPRESENTATIVE AND MR
WOODRUFF, PAA REPRESENTATIVE PD DISC APPEARED ABOUT THE SAME SPAN AS
C-54 AT 10000 FEET, WAS CIRCULAR IN SHAPE LIKE WAGONS WHEEL, DISC
SEEMED TO CUT THE CLOUDS OPEN AS IT PASSED THRU AND LEFT A BLUISH BLACK
TRAIL APPROXIMATELY FIFTEEN MILES LONG PD TRAIL WAS SIMILAR TO THE
BEAM SEEN AFTER A HIGH POWERED LANDING LIGHT OR SEARCH LIGHT IS SWITCHED
OFF PD KODACHROME PICTURES WERE TAKEN AND ARE BEING DEVELOPED STATE
SIDE PD PHOTOS WILL BE FORWARDED AS SOON AS THEY ARE RECEIVED BY
MR WOODRUFF END
[HANDWRITTEN: May Kimball 16/7/47]
X-0051
[HANDWRITTEN: Received AFBIR-CO 16 July 47]
RESTRICTED

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 120

form

A military message form reporting the observation of a balloon-like object near Elmendorf Field, Alaska, on July 12, 1947.

MESSAGEFORM
MESSAGE CENTER NO. CR-1
TRANSMITTING MEANS
CRYPTOGRAPH OR CLEAR TEXT
CALLS V
STA. SER. No. NR
PRECEDENCE PRIORITY
TRANSMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
ORIGINATOR
DATE-TIME GROUP 1221482 July 47
ACTION
INFORMATION
EXEMPT
OPERATING SIGNALS
GROUP COUNT GR
FROM: (Originator) 59th AACS Group FINYN Elmendorf Alaska
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION CONFIDENTIAL
ACTION TO: CONAS ATTH ASST CHIEF STAFF INTELLIGENCE
PRECEDENCE FOR ACTION INFORMATION
ORIGINAL MESSAGE
REFERS TO ANOTHER MESSAGE IDENTIFICATION CLASSIFICATION
INFORMATION TO:
OBJECT RESEMBLING A GRAYYISH BALLOON APPROXIMATELY ONE ZERO FEET IN DIAMETER OBSERVED FROM ELMENDORF FIELD FLYING IN NORTHWEST DIRECTION FOLLOWING CONTOUR OF MOUNTAINS FIVE MILES AWAY PD OBJECT FLYING ALTITUDE ONE FIVE ZERO ZERO FEET ESTIMATING ONE ZERO ZERO MILES PER HOUR IT WAS OBSERVED PARALLELING THE COURSE OF CHARLIE DASH FOUR SEVEN LANDING NORTHWEST INTO TWO ZERO MILE PER HOUR WIND PD OBJECT WAS OBSERVED ONE TWO ZERO FOUR THREE ZERO ZEBRA FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BY MAJOR GRAHM THIS HEADQUARTERS SEVERAL OFFICERS FROM ALASKAN DEPARTMENT SUBSTANTIATED HIS STORY PD
C O P Y
[HANDWRITTEN: Received AFBIR-CO 14 July 47]
[HANDWRITTEN: 16]
Parephrase not required. Handle as CONFIDENTIAL correspondence per paragraphs 51i and 60a (4), AR 380-5, 15 August 1946.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION CONFIDENTIAL
SIGNATURE
AUTHORIZATION
SYMBOL
ORIGINATING AGENCY
DATE-TIME GROUP
OFFICIAL TITLE
WD AGO FORM 11-168 15 JUN 1945 This form supersedes WD AGO Form 11-168, 23 Aug 44, and WD AGO Form 801, 12 Mar 43, which are obsolete. 10-65801-1 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 108

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 121

form

A military message form reporting the sighting of an object resembling an aluminum-colored balloon near Elmendorf Field, Alaska, on July 12, 1947.

MESSAGEFORM
MESSAGE CENTER NO. CR 97
TRANSMITTING MEANS ROUTINE
CRYPTOGRAPH OR CLEAR TEXT

DATE-TIME GROUP 120047Z July 47

FROM: (Originator) FINYN 59th AACS Group Elmendorf Alaska

ACTION TO: CONAS ATTN ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF INTELLIGENCE

OBJECT RESEMBLING AN ALUMINUM COLORED BALLOON ABOUT THREE FEET IN DIAMETER WAS REPORTED SEEN AT AN UNDETERMINED ALTITUDE FLYING AT A GREAT SPEED IN A NORTH TO SOUTH DIRECTION PD OBSERVATION WAS MADE IN VICINITY OF ELMENDORF FIELD AT ONE ONE TWO ONE ZERO ZERO ZEBRA BY COLONEL PERRY AND MAJOR GEYSER THIS HEADQUARTERS PD

COPY
[HANDWRITTEN: Received AFBIR-10 14 July 47]

Paraphrase not required. Handle as CONFIDENTIAL correspondence per paragraphs 511 and 60a (4), AR 380-5, 15 August 1946.

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 122

letter

A letter from Howard A. Plummer to the Chief of Army Intelligence reporting a sighting of an unusual circular aircraft on July 20, 1947, near Cumberland, Maryland.

[HANDWRITTEN: HOWARD A. PLUMMER
39 E. MAIN ST.
FROSTBURG, MARYLAND]

July 21, 1947

Chief of Army Intelligence
Washington 5, D.C.

Sir:

On Sunday, July 20th, I observed an aircraft in flight that was unlike any I have seen to date and may shed some light on the "Flying Saucer Mystery".

I served four years - 1942 to 1946 - with the Army Air Forces in grade of Lieut. Signal Corps assigned to the Third, Fourth and Thirteenth Air Forces respectively. During this time I had the opportunity to observe all types of aircraft and under all types of conditions but I never saw one like this one.

At 9:45 A.M. (D.S.T.) Sunday July 20th, I observed an airborne object that appeared to be circular or possibly round, light - almost white in color, with a dark area at or near its center, flying in a North West by West direction on the same route used by commercial airlines between Washington, D.C. and Pittsburg, Pa. The point of observation was approximately 22 miles East of Cumberland, Md. from the North bank of the Potomac River.

The sky was about three fourths (3/4) overcast with three cloud layers ranging between 6000 and 10000 feet altitude. Planes had been passing overhead all morning to which I paid little or no attention, but with the appearance of the craft was question was a soft [ILLEGIBLE] thing.

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 123

report

A witness account describing the visual and auditory characteristics of an unidentified aircraft, including a comparison to a DC4 aircraft observed at the same time.

2

sound that grew steadily in volume until it reached the proportions of a loud roar when the a/cft was over head. This sound was not unlike that of a jet propelled plane except the terrific volume was unusually loud.
Due to the overcast conditions of the sky I was unable to see the aircraft until it had passed over head and going away from me across a clear area when it was clearly visible for a period of about twenty (20) seconds. The aircraft was above the top most layer of clouds or some where in the vicinity of 12000 ft altitude. At 09:47 AM (AST) an DC4 aircraft passed over going in the same direction and on the same course at about 5000 ft altitude.
The peculiar differences are:
a- the craft was circular or possibly round in shape.
b- It was almost a silver white in color with a dark area at its center.
c- There was no trail of smoke such as is usual with the jet.
d- The speed was about 3 to 4 times greater than the above mentioned DC4.
e- Its size, by comparison, would favorably correspond with a baseball held 30 ft from the eye.
The only conclusions I have reached on the matter are:

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 124

letter

A handwritten note speculating on the nature of an unidentified aircraft, suggesting it may be a new type of jet-propelled unit with a camouflage paint job, and requesting further investigation.

a - this is an entirely new types of air craft or
b - It is a high powered jet propelled unit with a paint job designed to hide the tail assembly and wing tips, since neither were in evidence.

a check of air craft in this area at the time specified should determine and possibly answer this mystery.
If possible, I should like very much to know the answer.

[HANDWRITTEN: Howard A. Plummer]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 125

memo

A report describing an object received from Sheriff Merle T. Wilmoth, detailing its components (plaster of paris, microphone, coils, etc.) and noting that Mrs. Whedon was shown the object by Mr. Zimmer of the FBI.

Package received from Sheriff Merle T. Wilmoth, Watseka, Ill. His letter states the instrument in the package was found by a farmer at Danforth, Ill. It landed in the middle of a section of his farm land and burned weeds 2 1/2 feet tall to fine ash an area of 1 1/2 feet in diam. around where the object dropped.

The instrument consists of:

(a) Plaster of paris body having an oval cavity thru it.

(b) A power microphone which screws over one end of the oval cavity. The power microphone carried the name, "Nathaniel Baldwin Inc." Salt Lake City, Utah. Pat May 10 1910 & Sept 14, 1916. Pat Nos 957403 (second number not readable)

(c) A small "Polymat" filter condenser.

(d) Two bakelite cylinders to which is attached a net work of fine copper wire. These were obviously coils and the impact has torn the wire from the core. (Our radio section definitely states that this is old stuff, or the coils were used quite some time ago, since having been replaced by smaller more efficient coils)

(e) A piece of metal having magnetic properties obviously broken off the power microphone as a result of the impact.

The plaster of paris body was broken up by the impact but some of the pieces were held together by wire reinforcement inside the plaster of paris.

Mrs. Whedon 3B 274 Ext 73909 (Sig C) was shown this object by Mr. Zimmer of the FBI. Mrs Whedon claims she knew what it was, but couldn't tell Zimmer.

[HANDWRITTEN: Major [ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] 7/1/53]

VIEW FULL PAGE

PAGE 126

memo

A memorandum from Mr. Wright at the Richmond WBAS to Mr. Moxom regarding pilot balloon observations of a strange metallic disk, including reports from Mr. Minczewski and Miss Baron.

STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : Mr. Moxom, Regional Office No. 1, N.Y.
FROM : Mr. Wright, WBAS, Richmond, Va.
SUBJECT: "Flying Disks"

DATE: 7/15/47
[HANDWRITTEN: Restricted]

We hesitate to make this report concerning our pilot balloon observations in regards to a flying disk because of the considerable national skepticism regarding the subject at present. However, local newspapers inform us that the U. S. Government admits no authority for such a ship or object and for its flights. Then we must assume this strange object to be foreign. Therefore, we submit this report for your information. If sighted again, we wonder if it would be a good idea to drop the balloon and instead make observations on this disk.

Mr. Minczewski has observed this strange metallic disk on three occasions through the theodolite while making his pibal observation during the last six months. Miss Baron has reported observing it on one occasion. Miss Baron's report agrees with Mr. Minczewski's observations except as to the color-which she reported as a dull metallic luster.

Mr. Minczewski last observed this disk in April 1947 at the 1100E Pibal Observation when the balloon was at 15 thousand feet. The disk was followed for 15 seconds, apparently moving on level flight from east to west to the far north of the station. The object was a metallic like Chrome-shaped something like an ellipse with a flat level bottom and a dome like-round top. The disk appeared below the balloon, was much larger in size in the instrument, and shined like silver. It was impossible to estimate the height or speed of the disk except that it appeared to be moving rather rapidly. Miss Baron observed the disk when her balloon was at about 27 thousand feet. All days observed were either clear or with very few clouds and good visibility.

Very truly yours,
George A. Wright