SHAEF-UAP-37153, NIGHT PHENOMENA AND FOO-FIGHTER REPORTS, EUROPE, 1944-1945

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PAGE 1

memo

A memo from the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force to the First Tactical Air Force regarding reports of 'night phenomena' (foofighters), suggesting they may be Me.262 aircraft or flak rockets.

AIR STAFF
SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
(FORWARD)

REF:- SHAEF/A/TS.37153/A.2. 18 March 1945.

SUB:- Night Phenomena.

TO:- First Tactical Air Force (Prov.) APO 374, US ARMY.

1. With reference to reports forwarded from the XIIth Tactical Air Command through your Headquarters on the subject of night phenomena (foofighter), and further to this Headquarters' letter of even reference dated 11 February, a reply has now been received from the Air Ministry who say that Bomber Command crews have for some time been reporting similar phenomena.

2. The Air Ministry view is that a few of the alleged aircraft may have been Me.262's and for the rest, flak rockets are suggested as the most likely explanation.

3. It is regretted that no further, or more definite, information can be given.

for the Deputy Supreme Commander,

C.M. GRIERSON
Air Commodore,
A.C. of S., A-2.

[HANDWRITTEN: FILE COPY 63A]
2354
4336

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PAGE 2

memo

A memo from the Air Ministry to A/Cmdr. Grierson regarding 'Balls of Fire' (Foo Fighters), noting that while some sightings may be Me. 262 aircraft, flak rockets are the most likely explanation, though the evidence remains inconclusive.

SECRET
To : A/Cmdr. Grierson, [HANDWRITTEN: (62A)]
A.C. of S. A-2
Air Staff S.H.A.E.F.
From : Air Ministry, D.D.I.2.
Date : 13th March, 1945. [HANDWRITTEN: F D]
Ref : 111/45/DDI2. [HANDWRITTEN: 6C] [HANDWRITTEN: 37153]
BALLS OF FIRE - RED.

The papers dealing with the above subject which you enclosed with your memo SHAEF Air/TS.37153/A2 dated 11th February, have been carefully examined and discussed with the various other Departments concerned.

Bomber Command crews have for some time been reporting similar phenomena. A few of the alleged aircraft may have been Me. 262 and for the rest, flak rockets are suggested as the most likely explanation.

The whole affair is still something of a mystery and the evidence is very sketchy and varied so that no definite and satisfactory explanation can yet be given. [HANDWRITTEN: (Signature)]
2355 4337 E. D. M. Hopkins
Group Captain

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PAGE 3

memo

A memo from SHAEF A-2 to HQ 1st US TAC AF regarding a request for photographs of 'long cylindrical objects' reported by a 107th P.R. Squadron pilot, noting that the attempt to obtain them was unsuccessful.

S E C R E T

SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORWARD)
Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff A-2 [HANDWRITTEN: 6/A]

REF : SHAEF/AIR/S.37153/A-2 14 March 1945.

SUBJECT: Request for Photographs.

TO : HQ. 1ST US. TAC. A.F.
Attention AC of S. A-2.

Reference your letter dated 12 March asking that
photos be furnished as mentioned in our Signal A.I.380
dated 4 March, this office has since been informed by HQ.
IX TAC. That the pictures of "Long cylindrical objects"
claimed by the 107th P.R. Squadron pilot proved to be unsuccessful.

For the Deputy Supreme Commander:

T.G. AMES.
Lt-Col. AC.
A-2 RECCE.

2356 4338

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PAGE 4

form

A military message form from Air Staff, SHAEF to Air Ministry, Whitehall regarding the movement of bomb torpedoes from Trippelwerke, Molsheim to Hohichurch.

R.A.F. Form 96. MESSAGE FORM Signal File No. [HANDWRITTEN: 58A]
IN [HANDWRITTEN: 37153]
MESSAGE
HEADING OUT
SIGNALS OFFICE
-5 MAR 1945
SIGNALS HEADQUARTERS
(Above this line is for Signals use only)
FROM AIR STAFF, SHAEF. (FORWARD).
TO AIR MINISTRY, WHITEHALL.
REPEATED
Originator's Number A.I. 321 Date 5 MARCH 1945. (Write horizontally) SECRET (.) YOUR AX 222 4TH MARCH(.) 5
UNDERSTAND FROM DDI2 VISITING HERE TODAY THAT ALL 10
AVAILABLE BOMB TORPEDOES FROM TRIPPELWERKE 15
MOLSHEIM HAVE ALREADY BEEN SENT TO HOHICHURCH(.) DDI2 20
WILL CHECK FURTHER WITH USSTAF AND REPORT ON RETURN TO 25
U.K. ABOUT 8TH MARCH(.) 30
35
40
45
50
May be sent AS WRITTEN (1) By ANY Signal Method Send in CYPHER (1) By ANY Signal Method Date-Time Group 05 1700 A.
(2) NOT by Wireless (2) NOT by Wireless
(3) But if liable to Interception
or Capture SEND IN CYPHER
Signature [HANDWRITTEN: J.H. ... ] Signature 2359 Originator's Instructions
Rank [HANDWRITTEN: A/Cdre] Rank IMPORTANT
(*.Strike out methods which do not apply. Below this line is for Signals use only)
System in Time in Reader Sender System out Time out Reader Sender System out Time out Reader Sender T.O.R. 051716 [HANDWRITTEN: ...]
724899 Wt. 49887/03734 497,000 Pads 3/44 MP 51-8336

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PAGE 5

memo

A military communication from the Air Ministry to S.H.A.E.F. regarding the urgent need to recover German bomb torpedoes from Trippelwerke Molsheim.

[HANDWRITTEN: 37153] [HANDWRITTEN: 22027] [HANDWRITTEN: A505] [HANDWRITTEN: 04.143 2A] [HANDWRITTEN: 57A] [HANDWRITTEN: 4 MAR 1945]
FROM AIR MINISTRY WHITEHALL.
TO S.H.A.E.F. (FORWARD) FOR AIR COMMODORE GRIERSON [HANDWRITTEN: ED]
[HANDWRITTEN: S.H.A.E.F. MAIN]
[HANDWRITTEN: 5 MAR 1945]
[HANDWRITTEN: A]
[HANDWRITTEN: 11C] [HANDWRITTEN: Fwd]
ABLE XRAY TWO TWO TWO FOURTH MARCH [STRIKETHROUGH: SECRET] PD
REFERENCE MIKESUGARWILLIAM SIX DATED SECOND JANUARY ONENINEFOURFIVE FROM VCAS
TO AIR MARSHAL ROBB STRESSING IMPORTANCE OF RECOVERING BULK STOCKS OF GERMAN
BOMB TORPEDOES FROM TRIPPELWERKE MOLSHEIM AND REPLY JIG MIKE ROGER SLANT
ONE TWO TWO DATED SECOND JANUARY BULK DELIVERIES HAVE NOT REPEAT NOT YET
BEGUN PD PLEASE INVESTIGATE AS STOCKS ARE REQUIRED URGENTLY.
[HANDWRITTEN: MB.987/]
PRIORITY IMPORTANT [HANDWRITTEN: 2360] [HANDWRITTEN: IMPORTANT] [HANDWRITTEN: 4345]
AIR STAFF DISTRIBUTION
ACTION .NFOR.
A-2 [CHECKMARK] A-2
A-3 A-3
A-4 A-4
SIT. SIT.
AG [HANDWRITTEN: SMC]

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PAGE 6

memo

A military communication from HQ IX TAC to Air Staff S.H.A.E.F. Forward regarding unsuccessful attempts by 67th Tac/R pilots to photograph long cylindrical objects near F-5710.

IMMEDIATE
[HANDWRITTEN: 25 MAR 1945]
[HANDWRITTEN: 56A] 90
[HANDWRITTEN: HAEF Fwd]
[HANDWRITTEN: 5 MAR 1945]
10C. [HANDWRITTEN: A] 37153
[STRIKETHROUGH: KK PLEASE KK]

A R STAFF
DISTRIBUTION
ACTION INFOR.
A-2 / A-2
A-3 A-3
A-4 A-4
G G
[HANDWRITTEN: 55A] [HANDWRITTEN: 989/21]

AF V JEZO NR ITS 21 OPOP .
FROM: HQ IX TAC 051102A
TO: AIR STAFF S.H.A.E.F. FORWARD
[STRIKETHROUGH: SECRET] QQY BT

REFERENCE YOUR MESSAGE AI.320 DATED 041745A: PHOTOS OF LONG CYLINDRICAL OBJECTS TAKEN BY 67TH TAC/R PILOTS 011030 VICINITY F-5710 WERE UNSUCCESSFUL, FULL WRITTEN REPORT WILL FOLLOW.

QUESADA
BT 051102A
DRP AR
AFF R ......05/1132 KS AR

2361
4346 1136

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PAGE 7

form

An R.A.F. message form reporting a pilot sighting of an aluminum, cylinder-shaped object floating at 9,000 feet, which was attacked and partially deflated without disintegrating.

R.A.F. Form 96. MESSAGE FORM Signal Office File No. [HANDWRITTEN: 37153] No. of Groups GR Office Date Stamp SIGNALS OFFICE 4 MAR 1945 SIGNALS HEADQUARTERS (Above this line is for Signals use only) FROM AIR STAFF S.H.A.E.F. FORWARD. TO AIR MINISTRY. USSTAF. 2nd T.A.F. 1ST TAC A.F. H.Q. IXTH TAC. REPEATED NINTH AIR FORCE. Originator's Number AI. 320 Date 4 MARCH 1945 (Write horizontally) FOLLOWING RECEIVED FROM H.Q. NINTH 5 TAC AIR COMMAND DATED 1 MARCH QUOTE PILOTS REPORT FOLLOWING AN ALUMINUM 10 COLOURED CYLINDER SHAPED OBJECT COMMA ABOUT 12 FEET LONG 15 AND 1 FOOT IN DIAMETER WAS OBSERVED FLOATING IN THE AIR AT 20 9,000 FEET (.) IT APPEARED TO BE SUSPENDED VERTICALLY 25 WITH SMALL FINS AND A MAST PROJECTING FROM THE LOWER 30 END (.) THE OBJECT WAS ATTACKED AND PARTIALLY DEFLATED 35 COMMA A RED FLAME RESULTED WITHOUT SMOKE (.) THE CYLINDER 40 DID NOT DISINTEGRATE (.) PHOTO TAKEN BY 107 SQ. 45 OF 67 TAC/R GROUP AT 011030 HOURS VIC F-5710 UNQUOTE (.) 50 May be sent AS WRITTEN (1) By ANY Signal Method (2) NOT by Wireless (3) But if liable to Interception or Capture SEND IN CYPHER Bend in CYPHER (1) By ANY Signal Method (2) NOT by Wireless 2362 Signature Rank Signature Rank (Strike out methods which do not apply. Below this line is for Signals use only) [HANDWRITTEN: IMMEDIATE] System in Time in Reader Sender System out Time out Reader Sender System out Time out Reader Sender T.O.R. 4347 724899 Wt. 49887/03734 497,000 Pads 3/44 MP 51-8336.

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PAGE 8

form

This is an R.A.F. message form dated 4 March, requesting that photos be sent to the Air Ministry, USSTAF, and A.C.I.U., along with written reports by pilots regarding further instances.

R.A.F. Form 96. MESSAGE FORM

(Above this line is for Signals use only)

- PAGE 2 -

Originator's Number: AI.
Date: 4 MARCH

PHOTOS TO AIR MINISTRY COMMA USSTAF AND A.C.I.U.
ALSO FULL WRITTEN REPORT BY PILOTS CONCERNED
(.) ANY FURTHER INSTANCES ALSO TO BE
REPORTED (.)

42 43

May be sent AS WRITTEN (1) By ANY Signal Method (2) NOT by Wireless (3) But if liable to Interception or Capture SEND IN CYPHER
Signature: [HANDWRITTEN: Shultrevin]
Rank: [HANDWRITTEN: A/Cdre]

Send in CYPHER (1) By ANY Signal Method (2) NOT by Wireless
Signature: 2363

Date-Time Group: 041745A
Originator's Instructions: IMMEDIATE
Degree of Priority: SECRET

[HANDWRITTEN: T.O.R. Smith 187]

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PAGE 9

memo

A SHAEF incoming message reporting a pilot sighting of an aluminum-colored, cylinder-shaped object at 9,000 feet that was attacked and partially deflated.

SECRET SECRET
SHAEF
STAFF MESSAGE CONTROL
INCOMING MESSAGE
JEUS
TOO 011947A MARCH
SHAEF X02/1
TOR 012100A MARCH
mhm 012115A MARCH
SECRET
OP PRIORITY
[HANDWRITTEN: SHAEF fwd]
[HANDWRITTEN: 2 MAR 1945]
FROM : HQ IX TAC SIGNED QUESADA
TO : CG SHAEF MAIN ATTN A-2, CG NINTH AF ADV ATTN A-2
REF NO : NONE, 1 MARCH 1945

Pilots report the following.

An aluminum colored cylinder shaped object, about 12 ft long and 1 ft in diameter was observed floating in the air at 9,000 ft. It appeared to be suspended vertically with small fins and a mast projecting from the lower end. The object was attacked and partially deflated, a red flame resulted without smoke. The cylinder did not disintegrate.

Photo taken by 107 SQ of 67 TAC/R Group at 011030 hours vic F-5710.

ACTION : AIR STAFF
INFORMATION : G-2
SHAEF FORWARD
AG RECORDS
[HANDWRITTEN: M.B. 164/14.]

AIR STAFF
DISTRIBUTION
ACTION INFOR.
A-2
A-3
A-4
S-1
A G

2364 4249

SMC IN 310 1 MAR 45 2200A AGD/wml REF NO: NONE
SECRET
THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN

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PAGE 10

memo

A memo from A.D.I.(K) to A/Cdr. Grierson at S.H.A.E.F. regarding a reference to 'Flak Bombe' in a previous report.

[REDACTED]:- A.D.I.(K), Air Ministry.

To:- A/Cdr. Grierson, S.H.A.E.F.Main,
(Air Div.).
Copy to C.I.O. 2nd T.A.F.
Date:- 17th February 1945.

Reference your SHAEF AIR/S.37153/A.2
dated 14th February 1945 with the attached
CX report, this probably refers to "Flak Bombe"
mentioned in A.D.I.(K) Report No.562/1944,
paragraphs 128 and 129.

[HANDWRITTEN: FWD]
S.H.A.E.F.MAIN
21 FEB 1945
[HANDWRITTEN: 5C] 37/53

S.D. Felkin,
Wing Commander.

SDF/GJ
2365
4350

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PAGE 11

memo

A memo from SHAEF Air Staff regarding 'Night Phenomena' reports from the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, suggesting an investigation by an Air Technical Intelligence Officer.

AIR STAFF
SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.

REF: SHAEF AIR/T8.37153/A-2. 11 February 1945.

SUBJECT: Night Phenomena.

TO: Headquarters, U.S.S.T.A.F
(For attention of Chief Technical Intelligence
Officer, Col. Bradley).

1. Attached are copies of papers received from the First
Tac. Air Force (Prov). From the number of reports quoted in
the 2nd W/Ind from the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, it would
seem that there must be something more than mere imagination
behind the matter, and in view of the fact that pilots and crews
are becoming slightly worried by them, it is considered that
everything possible should be done to get to the root of the
matter.

2. Copies of the reports have been sent to the Air Ministry
for their consideration, and the Scientific Investigation
Division of this Headquarters (Mr. Robertson) has also been asked
to consider the problem.

3. In the meantime, it is suggested that it might be as well
for an Air Technical Intelligence Officer to visit the Unit
concerned and obtain reports and impressions at first hand from
aircrew personnel.

For the Deputy Supreme Commander,

[HANDWRITTEN: Signature]

C.M. GRIERSON,
Air Commodore,
A.C. of S., A-2,
Air Staff, SHAEF.

2402
4891

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PAGE 12

memo

A memo from the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force to the First Tactical Air Force regarding the 415th Night Fighter Squadron's reports of night phenomena, stating that headquarters has no information on the cause and is referring the matter to the Air Ministry.

SECRET

AIR STAFF
SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

[HANDWRITTEN: 37153]

REF:-- 11 February 1945.

TO:-- First Tactical Air Force (Prov.), APO 374, U.S. ARMY.

1. Reference to your 3rd Indorsement on the subject of night phenomenon originated by the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, there is no information at this Headquarters which might explain the nature and cause of the lights and other phenomena described by the pilots of this Squadron.

2. The matter is, therefore, being referred to the Air Ministry in order to find out whether any further information can be obtained from that source. It is also hoped to make arrangements for an Air Technical Intelligence Officer from USSTAF to visit the Unit concerned.

For the Deputy Supreme Commander,

[HANDWRITTEN: G.M. Grierson]

G.M. GRIERSON,
Air Commodore,
A.C. of S., A-2.

2403 4392

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PAGE 13

memo

This document contains the 2nd and 3rd endorsements regarding an intelligence matter, with the First Tactical Air Force forwarding a request for further investigation of unexplained phenomena to SHAEF.

[HANDWRITTEN: 37153] S E C R E T [HANDWRITTEN: Please return to A2. Juh]
2nd Ind.
HEADQUARTERS XII TACTICAL AIR COMMAND (ADV), APO #374, U.S. Army,
4 February 1945.
TO: Commanding General, First Tactical Air Force (Prov), APO #374,
U.S. Army. Attn: A/C of S, A-2.
Attention is invited to 2nd W/Ind.
[HANDWRITTEN: for John E. Woolley]
LEAVITT CORNING, JR.,
Lt. Colonel, G. S. C.,
A/C of S, A-2.

3rd Ind.
HEADQUARTERS, FIRST TACTICAL AIR FORCE (PROV), APO 374, U S Army, 5 February 1945.
TO: Chief Intelligence Officer, Air Staff SHAEF, APO 757.
1. Forwarded for your information.
2. This headquarters has no further information or explanation in connection
with these phenomena.
3. It is believed that further investigation is warranted. Since appropriate
technical personnel are not available within the First Tactical Air Force, the matter
is forwarded for such further investigation as may be advisable.

[HANDWRITTEN: C. A. YOUNG]
C. A. YOUNG,
Colonel, AC,
AC of S, A-2

1 Incl.
#1 - 1st & 2nd W/Ind, 23 Jan 45
and 30 Jan 45.

S E C R E T

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PAGE 14

memo

A memo from XII Tactical Air Command requesting information on 'night phenomena' (lights following aircraft) reported by the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, followed by a response from First Tactical Air Force stating no such instances have been reported and requesting more specific details for investigation.

SECRET
SECRET
:TH: CG, XII TAC :
:Initial :
:Date: 16 Jan 1945 :

HEADQUARTERS XII TACTICAL AIR COMMAND (ADV) D-C-1
Office of the A/C of S, A-2

APO 374, US Army,
16 January 1945.

SUBJECT: Night Phenomenon.

TO : Commanding General, First Tactical Air Force (Prov),
APO 374, US Army. Attn: A/C of S, A-2.

1. The following is quoted from training and tactical
information supplied by the 415th Night Fighter Squadron for
the month of December 1944:

"We have encountered a phenomenon which we cannot
explain; crews have been followed by lights that blink on and
off changing colors etc. The lights come very close and fly
formation with our planes. They are agitating and keep the
crews on edge when they encounter them, mainly because they
cannot explain them. It is requested further information be
furnished on this subject, such as similar experiences of other
night units".

2. Further information is requested.

[HANDWRITTEN: Signature of Leavitt Corning, Jr.]
LEAVITT CORNING, JR.,
Lt. Colonel, G. S. C.,
A/C of S, A-2.

1st Ind D-B-1
HEADQUARTERS, FIRST TACTICAL AIR FORCE (PROV), AC of S A-2, APO 374, US Army,
20 January 1945

TO: AC of S A-2, XII Tactical Air Command, APO 374, US Army

1. There have been no instances reported as above.

2. Before an investigation can be made it will be necessary to have
more complete information, such as colors of the lights, their intensity,
size, duration, and at what altitudes seen; also if the lights are observed
at any specific hours. Do subject lights cross Allied lines and in what
direction are they seen to travel? Also, has it been noted on what part of
the aircraft are they carried, i.e. wing, tail, prop; and how close do they
approach our aircraft?

For the Assistant Chief of Staff A-2:
[HANDWRITTEN: Signature of S V Boykin]
S V BOYKIN
Major AC
Executive Officer
2405 -1- 4395
SECRET

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PAGE 15

memo

This document is a 2nd Indorsement from the 415th Night Fighter Squadron to the XII Tactical Air Command, providing pilot reports of 'Night Phenomenon' sightings occurring in December 1944.

SECRET

1st W/Ind. D-W-2
HEADQUARTERS XII TACTICAL AIR COMMAND, APO #374, U.S. Army, 23 January 1945.
TO: S-2, 415 Night Fighter Squadron.
Forwarded for compliance with paragraph 2 of 1st Ind.
[HANDWRITTEN: for John E. Woolley] LEAVITT CORNING, JR.,
Lt. Colonel, G. S. C.,
A/C of S, A-2.

2nd. W/Ind.
415th. NIGHT FIGHTER SQUADRON, APO #374, U. S. Army, 30 January 1945.
TO: AC of S A-2 XII Tactical Air Command, APO 374, U. S. Army.

1. In compliance with paragraph 2 of 1st. Ind., the following extracts from the Sortie Reports of various pilots who have encountered the Night Phenomenon are submitted for your information.

Night of 14-15 December 1944 - "In vicinity of Erstein (V-9381) flying at 1000 ft. observed large red light at 2000 ft. going East at 18:40 hrs. Travelling at approximately 200 MPH"

Night of 16-17 December 1944 - "20 miles North of Breisach (W-0173) at 800 ft. observed 5 or 6 flashing red and green lights in "T" shape. Thought they were flak. About 10 minutes later saw the same lights much closer and behind me. We turned port and Starboard and the lights followed. They closed in to about 8 O'clock and 1000 ft. and remained in that position for several minutes and then disappeared."

Night of 22-23 December 1944 - "Patrolling at Angels 10 from Sarrebourg to Strasbourg North and South of highway. At 06:00 hrs. saw two lights coming towards A/C from the ground. Upon reaching altitude of plane, they leveled off and stayed on my tail for approximately 2 minutes. Lights appeared to be a large orange glow. After staying with A/C for approximately 2 minutes, they would peel off and turn away, fly along level for a few minutes and then go out. They appeared to be under perfect control at all times. Lights were seen somewhere in vicinity of Hagenau."

SECRET
[HANDWRITTEN: Incl #1] 2406 4296

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PAGE 16

report

This document is a report from the 415th Night Fighter Squadron detailing various sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena (referred to as 'foofighters') between December 1944 and January 1945.

S-E-C-R-E-T

2 nd. W/Ind., 415th. Night Fighter Squadron. 30 January 1945 con't.

Night of 23-24 December 1944 - "Observed reddish colored flames at
considerable distance and at approximately 10,000 ft."

Night of 23-24 December 1944 - "Approximately 10 miles South of Point X (Q6745)
noticed to NE approximately 5 miles a glowing red object shooting straight
up. Changed suddenly to plane view of A/C doing a wing over and going
into a dive and disappearing."

Night of 26-27 December 1944 - "At 01:45 hrs. saw two yellow streaks of
flame flying at same level at approximately 3000 ft. off port side. We also
saw red balls of fire that stayed up for 10 seconds approximately 45 miles
away. After seeing yellow streaks, made starboard vector lost altitude
and streaks disappeared from view. Called GCI Blunder and asked if any E/A
were in vicinity. They answered No. Instructed to return to Angels 10.
We felt what was thought to be prop wash; very distinct. Noticed several
groups of lights off port while patrolling in vicinity of Q-9050 and R-1556
Lights made distinct lines somewhat like arrows."

Night of 26-27 December 1944 - "While on vector 090 near V-7050 during
patrol we observed airborne white lights. They were staggered evenly
vertically and we could see from 1 to 4 swing at once. They appeared
stationary at 10,000 ft."

Night of 26-27 December 1944 - "Observed light at same altitude while in
vicinity of Worms Observer saw light come within 100 ft. Peeled off and
took evasive action but light continued to follow for 5 minutes. Light
then pulled up rapidly and went out of sight."

Night of 27-28 December 1944 - "While on North heading in patrol area
noticed in vicinity of Q-1378 lights suspended in air moving slowly and
would then disappear. Were orange in color. Lights appeared singly and in
pairs. Observed these lights four or five times during period."

Night of 27-28 December 1944 - "Eight miles NE of Luneville at 19:10 hrs.
saw three sets of three lights (red and white) one on starboard and one on
port from 1000 ft. to 2000 ft. to rear and closing in at Angels 10. Pulled
up to Angels 8 and lights went out. Called Churchman to see if there was
anything in area. Received a negative reply."

Night of 30-31 December 1944 - "Saw a group of lights flying through the
air 30 or 40 miles East of base while flying at Angels 9 - 10."

Night of 1-2 January 1945 - "Saw foofighters North of Strasbourg and North
of Saverne".

Night of 14-15 January 1945 - "Observed a large orange glow in sky approx.
5 ft. in diameter in vicinity of Ingweiller at 6000 ft. at 20:00 hrs."

2407 S-E-C-R-E-T 4397

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PAGE 17

memo

A report from the 415th Night Fighter Squadron detailing a sighting of a 'Foofighter' on the night of January 29-30, 1945, and noting that GCI Control reported no bogey aircraft in the area during such encounters.

SECRET

2nd. W/Ind., 415th. Night Fighter Squadron, 30 January 1945 Con't.

Night of 29-30 January 1945 - "At about 00:10 hrs. sighted a Foofighter about half way between Weissembourg and Landau. Foofighter was off to the starboard and rear at Angels 2. Lights were amber and one was 20 - 50 ft. above the other and of about 30 seconds duration. Foofighter was about 1000 ft. away and following. The lights were about a foot in diameter. Lights disappeared when Travel 34 turned into them."

2. In every case where pilot called GCI Control and asked if there was a Bogey A/C in the area he received a negative answer.

[HANDWRITTEN: Signature of F. B. RINGWALD]
F. B. RINGWALD,
Captain, A. C.,
Intelligence Officer.

* Foofighters is the name given these phenomenon by combat crews of this Squadron.

SECRET

2408 - 4293