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Report of 'Flying Discs'
Report of a flying disc sighting near Hobson, Ohio on the night of 8 May 1948. Witnesses including railroad workers and a patrolman described a round, phosphorescent object at 6-8 miles altitude traveling at great speed with a phosphorescent trail.
Analysis
"It is Air Force policy not to ignore reports of sightings and phenomena in the atmosphere." In February 1948, Major General C.P. Cabell signed the directive that made Wright-Patterson AFB the central clearinghouse for everything flying-disc-related. The file captures the Air Force building its UFO investigation from scratch: Colonel McCoy proposed keeping fighter jets on continuous alert with gun cameras to intercept discs, but Plans and Operations rejected it as too expensive given the lack of complete radar coverage. Intelligence reached out to interrogate the Horton Brothers -- German flying wing designers whose work might explain the disc shape. Field reports rolled in from Ohio (phosphorescent round objects) and California (objects falling with smoke and fire). Project SIGN was formally established. And a standardized reporting format was born, demanding: location, time, weather, shape, size, color, speed, heading, maneuverability, altitude, sound, and exhaust trail.
Key Findings
- Official Air Force policy stated: "It is Air Force policy not to ignore reports of sightings and phenomena in the atmosphere"
- Air Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson AFB designated as central collection and evaluation agency
- Colonel McCoy's proposal for fighter aircraft on continuous alert was rejected as "unfeasible" — aircraft/personnel costs too great, lacking complete radar coverage, and unable to follow up civilian reports
- Horton Brothers (German flying wing designers) were contacted for interrogation; European Command G-2 advised to use Collection Memorandum No. 7 as basis
- Multiple field reports documented: round phosphorescent objects in Ohio, objects falling with smoke in California
- Standardized reporting format established requiring: location/time, weather, witnesses, photographs, object details (number, shape, size, color, speed, heading, maneuverability, altitude, sound, exhaust trail)
- Project SIGN formally established as the investigation program
- All Air Force installations in Interior and Alaska zones directed to report sightings
- Proposal included equipping alert aircraft with gun cameras to secure photographs
- Army intelligence coordination established through CSGID for information sharing
Page Extractions 28 pages
Page 1
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classificationDECLASSIFIED (Authority: MND 760191) | CONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionAir Force memorandum cover page regarding report of "Flying Discs" from Basic Air fa hq, Eleventh Air Force, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
dates
- 1948-06-19 | document date
- 1948-06-15 | received date at HQ USAF
people
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base | recipient
- Colonel Carroll/[illegible] | coordinating officer (office symbol shows name partially visible)
organizations
- Basic Air fa hq, Eleventh Air Force | originating unit
- Department of the Air Force, HQ, USAF, Washington 25, D.C. | recipient agency
- Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | destination
- HQ USAF | receiving headquarters
- CAS-MAIL BRANCH | processing unit
locations
- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania | originating base location
- Washington 25, D.C. | HQ USAF location
- Dayton, Ohio | Wright-Patterson AFB location
observations
- Report concerns flying discs sightings
- Document marked as classified at time of transmission
- 4 inclosures referenced
- Mail/processing designations: P102375, HQ USAF, 15 JUN 1948, CAS-MAIL BRANCH
redactions
- Partially visible classification markings (CONFIDENTIAL) struck through or marked
- Some handwritten notations illegible
references
- AFOIR-CO-5 (1-6-27) | document designation
- 1st Ind. | first indorsement noted
- Flying Discs | report subject
- Report of "Flying Discs" | formal subject line
quotes
- "Report of 'Flying Discs'" | subject line
- "CONFIDENTIAL" | classification marking
Page 2
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classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionAir Force memorandum from Head, Eastern Eleventh Air Force regarding report of Flying Discs, addressed to Chief of Staff, United States Air Force.
dates
- 1948-05-27 | sighting date (5 May 48, night of)
- 1948-03-25 | ABC Letter 3-5 date
- 1948-05-27 | Special Agent D.K. Brown report date
people
- Chief of Staff, United States Air Force | recipient
- Special Agent, D.K. Brown | Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cleveland, Ohio | reporting source
- Len Hope | witness, New York Central System, Radiator Inspector
- Bob White | witness, Yard Clerk, NYCO
- W.K. Rite | witness, Patrolman, NYCO
- Director of Intelligence | recipient designate
organizations
- Head, Eastern Eleventh Air Force | sending organization
- United States Air Force, Washington 25, D.C. | recipient
- Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cleveland, Ohio | reporting agency
- New York Central System | witness employer
- Intelligence Division | recipient unit
- Air Materiel Command | routing destination
- Air Defense Command | routing destination
locations
- 1612 South Cameron Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania | sender address
- Hoboken, Ohio | sighting location
- Night of 5 May 48 | sighting time
- New York Central System | witness location
observations
- Flying Discs report dated 27 May 1948
- Sighting occurred night of 5 May 48 in Hoboken, Ohio
- Location and time of sighting: Hoboken, Ohio; night of 5 May 48
- Weather at time unknown by this headquarters
- Objects sighted described as:
- (1) Number - not known at this headquarters
- (2) Shape - round
- (3) Size - appeared to be nine inches in diameter from ground level
assessments
- Headquarters has no further information beyond FBI report
- No investigation in accordance with paragraph 2, ABC Ltr 45-5
- Additional information will be forwarded when received
references
- ABC Letter 3-5, 25 March 1948 | procedural reference
- Paragraph 1a, ABC Letter 3-5, 25 March 1948 | directive reference
- Paragraph 2, ABC Ltr 45-5 | investigation directive reference
- FBI report by Special Agent D.K. Brown | source document
redactionsNone visible
quotes
- "Report of 'Flying Discs'" | subject line
- "In compliance with paragraph 1a, ABC Letter 3-5, 25 March 1948, the following information relative to 'Flying Discs' is hereby submitted." | opening statement
Page 3
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classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of Flying Discs report with observation details and enclosures list.
dates
- 1948-05-25 | FBI ltr., Cleveland, Ohio date
- 1948-05-15 | N.Y. Central System Ltr., Columbus, Ohio date
- 1948-05-21 | N.Y. Central System Ltr., Hoboken, Ohio date
peopleH. E. Max | Lt. Col., USAF, AC of S, A-2 | signatory
organizations
- FBI | Federal agency
- N.Y. Central System | railroad company
locations
- Cleveland, Ohio | referenced location
- Columbus, Ohio | referenced location
- Hoboken, Ohio | referenced location
observations
- Color - phosphorescent
- Speed & Grest amount of speed [sic]
- Heading - 90°
- Maneuverability - not known
- Altitude - 6 to 8 miles
- Sound - unknown to this hq.
- Exhaust trail or not - phosphorescent trail in the sky
assessments
- Observations documented in standardized format
- Multiple reports from New York Central System employees
references
- 1. FBI ltr., Cleveland, Ohio, 25 May 48
- 2. N.Y. Central System Ltr., Columbus, Ohio, 15 May 48
- 3. N.Y. Central System Ltr., Hobeson, Ohio
- 4. N.Y. Central System Ltr., 21 May 48, File 22.00
quotes"SUBJECT: Report of 'Flying Discs'" | subject line
Page 4
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classificationSECRET
page_descriptionAir Force memorandum forwarding information regarding Flying Discs, marked SECRET with dispatch notation.
dates1948-06-04 | dispatch date
peopleSpecial Officer Courier, X-0510 | distributor
organizations
- AFOIR | originating office
- Air Materiel Command | recipient
- Dept. of the Air Force, Hq. USAF, Washington 25, D.C. | sending organization
observations
- Document marked SECRET
- Dispatched via special officer courier
- 1st Ind. routing designation
references
- AFOIR document designation
- T-2 Report "German Flying Wings Designed by Horton Brothers" | referenced document retained by this office
quotes"Dispatched items T-2 Control off." | handwritten notation
redactionsNone visible
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classificationSECRET
page_descriptionAir Materiel Command memorandum regarding Flying Discs, forwarding information to Commanding General with enclosures about German Flying Wings designed by Horton Brothers.
dates
- 1947-09-28 | Right Field, Dayton, Ohio date
- 1948-09-28 | TEMAED-28/1C11688 reference date
people
- Commanding General, Army Air Force, Washington 25, D.C. | recipient
- Major General George McDonald | sender
- Horton Brothers | German aircraft designers
organizations
- Air Materiel Command | originating organization
- Army Air Force | recipient organization
locationsWright Field, Dayton, Ohio | originating location
observations
- Document forwarding information on Flying Discs
- References drawing entitled "Loading Flying Mines"
- Drawing by Lippisch named, assumes patent rights involved
- Record to be kept reviewing drawing by witnessing with signatures and dates
- Reference to Technical Note, ARNO 1703 from Naval Aircraft Establishment
- Multiple references to Horton Brothers project details on pages 5, 6, 20-21, 27, and photograph pages 71-72
- Discussion of 1200 aircraft based on Horton VIII design with six engine pushers, 1600 engine weight, approximately 8000 pounds, being built for bomber squadron use
- Russian version mentioned with V-22 designation
assessments
- Document retained for official records
- References to various page numbers in related technical documents
references
- Drawing titled "Loading Flying Mines" | enclosure reference
- ARNO 1703 Naval Aircraft Establishment Technical Note | technical reference
- T-2 Report "German Flying Wings Designed by Horton Brothers" No. F-SU-1110-ND | referenced report
- Horton VIII design specifications | technical reference
- Pages 5, 6, 20-21, 27, 71-72 | document cross-references
quotes
- "'Flying Discs'" | subject
- "ATTN: IS/AS-2" | attention line
- "In compliance with General McDonald's telephone conversation, this date, to Colonel N. F. Tweedy, AMC, HQ, attached herewith is a copy of a drawing entitled, 'Loading Flying Mines', Lippisch design of aircraft rights involved, believed that a record be kept of all personnel reviewing this drawing by witnessing with signature and dates directly on the drawing." | opening statement
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classificationSECRET
page_descriptionContinuation of Air Materiel Command memorandum with enclosure references and signature block.
dates
- 1948-09-28 | memorandum date
- Referenced document pages from various dates in 1948
peopleH. McCoy | Colonel, Air Corps, Deputy Commanding General, Intelligence (T-2) | signatory
organizations
- Air Materiel Command, Intelligence (T-2) | originating organization
- Chief of Staff | recipient
locationsWright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | originating location
observations
- Memorandum signed by H. McCoy, Colonel, Air Corps
- Deputy Commanding General of Intelligence section
- Document references multiple enclosures and page numbers from related technical documents
- Three inclosures listed:
- 1. Drawing
- 2. RAF Tech Note, ARNO 1703
- 3. T-2 Rpt, No. F-SU-1110-ND
assessments
- Official Air Force intelligence routing
- Multiple page references to supporting documentation
- Document intended for Command retention and review
references
- Drawing reference | Enclosure 1
- RAF Tech Note, ARNO 1703 | Enclosure 2
- T-2 Rpt, No. F-SU-1110-ND | Enclosure 3
- Basic ltr, dtd 21, Sep 47, to CO, Hq AAF, Wash. | reference
quotes
- "FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:" | addressee designation
- "Incl." (3 inclosures) | document notation
Page 7
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classificationSECRET
page_descriptionAir Force indorsement forwarding Flying Discs information with routing and administrative notations.
dates
- 1948-05-13 | document date
- 1948-05-12 | forwarded date
peopleGeorge D. Garrett, Jr. | Lieutenant Colonel, USAF, Acting Intelligence Collection Branch, Air Materiel Command, Directorate of Intelligence | signatory
organizations
- Air Materiel Command | originating organization
- Directorate of Intelligence | functional organization
- Acting Intelligence Collection Branch | specific section
locationsWright-Patterson Air Force Base | implied location
observations
- 1st Ind. indorsement routing document
- Forwarded for information
- Processing stamp shows HQ USAF receipt 13 MAY 1948
- OAG-MAIL BRANCH processing notation
- 4 copies distributed
- ID No. 436982 assigned
references
- AFOIR-CO-5 | document designation
- P101459 | reference number
redactionsNone visible
Page 8
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doc_typereference_form
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionHeadquarters United States Air Force Correspondence Reference Form for clippings service for Project "SION" dated 28 April 1948.
dates1948-04-28 | document date
organizations
- Air Intelligence Requirements Division | originating organization
- Directorate of Intelligence | parent organization
- Air Materiel Command | recipient
locationsWright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio | recipient location
observations
- Clippings Service for Project "SION" referenced
- INDEX: 000.75 Clippings noted
- Filed under 280 Project
- Indexer: C
- Correspondence reference form used for administrative routing
references
- Project "SION" | project designation
- 280 Project | filing reference
redactionsNone visible
quotes"Clippings Service for Project 'SION'" | summary description
Page 9
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classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionAir Force indorsement forwarding Flying Discs report information from The Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base to Chief of Staff.
dates
- 1948-04-26 | document date
- 1948-04-12 | basic letter date
- 1948-04-14 | follow-up date
people
- F. E. Lankston | Major, ACD, ASSIT. ADJ. OEW | signatory
- Col. Taylor | coordinating officer (implied)
- Lt. Col. Garrett | referenced officer
organizations
- Headquarters, The Air University | originating organization
- Maxwell Air Force Base | location
- Chief of Staff, USAF, Washington 25, D.C. | recipient
- Air Materiel Command | secondary recipient
locations
- Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama | originating location
- Washington 25, D.C. | recipient location
observations
- 1st Ind. indorsement routing
- Forwarded in accordance with paragraph 4 of letter cited in basic communication
- Processing stamps show HQ USAF routing 27 APR 1948 and OAG-MAIL BRANCH processing
references
- Basic letter dated 12 Apr 48, subject: Report of Information on "Flying Disc" | source document
- Paragraph 4 of letter cited | routing authority
- AFOIR-CO-5 designation | document number
redactionsCONFIDENTIAL classification marking visible
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classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionMemorandum from Headquarters, 3500th Air University Wing, Tyndall Air Force Base, regarding report of information on Flying Discs dated 12 April 1948.
dates1948-04-12 | memorandum date
peopleJ. E. Price | Major, USAF, Adjutant | signatory
organizations
- Headquarters, 3500th Air University Wing | originating organization
- Tyndall Air Force Base | location
- Commanding General, Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama | primary recipient
- Commanding General, United States Air Force, Washington 25, D.C. | secondary recipient
locations
- Panama City, Florida | base location
- Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama | Air University location
- Washington 25, D.C. | USAF headquarters location
observations
- Forwarding Flying Discs information in compliance with USAF Letter, "Reporting of Information on 'Flying Discs'", dated 6 February 1948
- MOIC and Exhibit I enclosed (in dup)
- Distribution includes copies to C/S USAF, CC AMC, CC AU
references
- USAF Letter dated 6 February 1948 | directive reference
- "Reporting of Information on 'Flying Discs'" | document subject
quotes"The attached information is forwarded in compliance with USAF Letter, subject: 'Reporting of Information on 'Flying Discs'', dtd 6 February 1948." | opening statement
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classificationRESTRICTED
page_descriptionAir Force indorsement forwarding Flying Discs information from Air Materiel Command to Commanding General.
dates
- 1948-04-02 | document date
- 1948-02-27 | referenced DIF comment No. 1 date
- 1948-03-25 | referenced CSGID comment No. 2 date
peopleRobert Taylor 3rd | Colonel, USAF, Chief, Collection Branch, Air Intelligence Requirements Division, Directorate of Intelligence | signatory
organizations
- Air Materiel Command | originating organization
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | location
- Directorate of Intelligence | functional organization
locationsWright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | originating location
observations
- Subject: Flying Discs
- Forwarded for information
- Processing stamps indicate HQ USAF receipt 5 APR 1948 and CAG-MAIL BRANCH routing
- 1 Inclosure referencing letter from CSGID dated 25 Mar
- References to DIF and CSGID comments and coordination
references
- DF from HQ USAF, Comment No. 1 to CSGID dtd 27 Feb 48 | comment reference
- DF from CSGID, Comment No. 2, to HQ USAF, dtd 25 Mar 48 | comment reference
- AFOIR-CO-5 designation | document number
redactionsRESTRICTED classification visible
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doc_typeform
classificationRESTRICTED
page_descriptionAir Force Disposition Form regarding reporting of information on Flying Discs, establishing policy and procedures for sighting reports.
dates
- 1948-02-25 | document date
- 1948-02-27 | HQ USAF routing date
peopleC. P. Cabell | Major General, U.S.A.F., Chief, Air Intel. Req. Div., Directorate of Intelligence | signatory
organizations
- Department of the Air Force | originating organization
- Air Materiel Command | implementation agency
- Chief of Staff | recipient
locationsInterior and Alaska Zone | geographic scope
observations
- Official Air Force policy on reporting sightings and phenomena in atmosphere
- Air Materiel Command designated as Air Force agency for collection, collation, evaluation, and distribution of information
- All Air Force installations within Interior and Alaska zones instructed to report sightings directly to Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, Attn: MCI
- Air Materiel Command authorized direct contact with all Air Force installations for additional information
- Department of Army installations requested to report directly to Air Materiel Command
- Specific information requested for reports:
- a. Location and time of sighting
- b. Weather at the time
- c. Names, occupations, and addresses of witnesses
- d. Photographs of objects, if available
- e. Object sighted details: (1) Number (4) Color (7) Maneuverability (10) Exhaust trail or not
- (2) Shape (5) Speed (8) Altitude
- (3) Size (6) Heading (9) Sound
- g. General remarks
assessments
- Air Force policy recognizes need to collect information on sightings and phenomena
- Information collection crucial to national security concerns
- Standardized reporting format established for consistency
references
- Flying Discs | subject matter
- AFOIR-CO-5 | document designation
- WD AGO Form 897 | form number
quotes
- "It is Air Force policy not to ignore reports of sightings and phenomena in the atmosphere, but to recognize that part of its mission is to collect, collate, evaluate, and act on information of this nature." | policy statement
- "In implementing this policy the Air Materiel Command has been designated the Air Force agency to collect, collate, evaluate, and distribute to interested Government agencies and contractors all information concerning sightings and phenomena in the atmosphere which can be construed to be of concern to the national security." | implementation statement
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doc_typeform
classificationRESTRICTED
page_descriptionDuplicate Air Force Disposition Form regarding reporting of information on Flying Discs with similar policy and procedures as page 012.
dates
- 1948-02-25 | original document date
- 1948-02-27 | HQ USAF routing date
peopleC. P. Cabell | Major General, U.S.A.F., Chief, Air Intel. Req. Div., Directorate of Intelligence | signatory
organizations
- Department of the Air Force | originating organization
- Air Materiel Command | implementation agency
- Chief of Staff | recipient
locationsInterior and Alaska Zone | geographic scope
observations
- Identical copy of policy document establishing procedures for Flying Discs sighting reports
- Air Force policy on reporting and information collection
- Air Materiel Command as designated collector and distributor
- All Air Force installations in Interior and Alaska zones to report directly to Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, Attn: MCI
- Authorization for Air Materiel Command direct contact with all Air Force installations
- Request for Army installations to report to Air Materiel Command
- Standardized reporting information requirements listed in detail
assessments
- Official military policy on UAP/flying disc reporting
- Establishment of centralized reporting system
- Security-focused information collection mandate
references
- Flying Discs | subject
- AFOIR-CO-5 | document designation
- WD AGO Form 897 | administrative form
- HQ USAF 2 7 FEB 1948 OAG-MAIL BRANCH | routing information
quotes
- "AFOIR-CO-5 - Reporting of Information on 'Flying Discs.'" | document designation
- Policy statement identical to page 012 | text reference
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classificationSECRET
page_descriptionComment memo regarding reporting of information on Flying Discs, directed to HQ USAF, AFOIR from CSGID.
dates1948-03-25 | document date
peopleE. F. Ennis | Colonel, CSGID, Chief, Intelligence Group, ID | signatory
organizations
- CSGID | originating organization
- HQ, USAF, AFOIR | recipient
observations
- Comment No. 2 regarding Flying Discs reporting procedures
- Action on Comment No. 1 completed per request for information at Inclosure 1
- Request that Air Materiel Command transmit information copies to Director of Intelligence, CSGIDA, for distribution to Department of Army in connection with Flying Disc reports
assessmentsCoordination needed between Air Force and Army intelligence agencies
references
- Inclosure 1 | information request
- ICM 7 (2 copies) | referenced document
quotes"FOR THE DIRECTOR OF INTELLIGENCE:" | addressee designation
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classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionAir Force indorsement regarding investigation of Flying Disc reports, routing to Air Materiel Command.
dates
- 1948-04-02 | document date
- 1948-03-11 | base letter date
- 1948-04-02 | HQ USAF routing date
peopleSgt. A. M. Larsen | Sheriff's office, Bakersfield, California | reporting witness
organizations
- Department of the Air Force, HQ. USAF, Washington 25, D.C. | originating organization
- Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | recipient
locations
- Bakersfield, California | sighting location
- Buena Vista Lake, California | additional sighting reference
- Pacific General Electric Company | witness employer location
observations
- Incident reported on 9 March 1948 via telephone call from Sgt. A. M. Larsen, Sheriff's office, Bakersfield, California
- Observation by Mr. Les Buchner, Bakersfield, California of two objects falling to earth from unknown source on 5 March 1948 between 1610 and 1655 hours
- Objects similar to falling aircraft with smoke and debris trailing
- Observation made at Bakersfield with objects sighted southwest toward Buena Vista Lake, California
- Observation by Mr. Denio, employee of Pacific General Electric Company, Bakersfield, California of two objects which fell to earth from unknown source north of Bakersfield, California, 8 March 1948
- One object seemed to be on fire with red and black smoke trailing behind
- Searching parties, aircraft and rescue numbers attempts to locate these reported objects without success
assessments
- Investigation of incident has been initiated by Headquarters
- Report will follow
referencesLtr frm Hq 4th AF, dated 11 Mar 48, subject: "Investigation of Flying Disc" | source document
quotes
- "Investigation of Flying Disc." | subject matter
- "Incident reported on 9 March 1948..." | incident description opening
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classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionFourth Air Force memorandum regarding investigation of Flying Disc incident at Bakersfield, California.
dates1948-03-11 | document date
peopleDonald L. Springer | Lt. Colonel, USAF, AC of S, A-2 | signatory
organizations
- Headquarters Fourth Air Force | originating organization
- Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2, Intelligence | originating division
- Hamilton Field, California | location
locations
- Hamilton Field, California | sender location
- Bakersfield, California | sighting location
- Buena Vista Lake | referenced location
observations
- Incident reported on 9 March 1948 via telephone from Sgt. A. M. Larsen, Sheriff's office, Bakersfield, California
- Observation by Mr. Les Buchner of two objects falling to earth from unknown source on 5 March 1948 between 1610 and 1655 hours
- Description of objects similar to falling aircraft with smoke and debris trailing
- Observation made at Bakersfield with objects sighted southwest toward Buena Vista Lake
- Observation by Mr. Denio, Pacific General Electric Company employee, of two objects falling to earth from unknown source north of Bakersfield on 8 March 1948
- One object appeared on fire with red and black smoke trailing behind
- Searching parties, aircraft and rescue numbers made unsuccessful attempts to locate reported objects
assessments
- Investigation of incident initiated by this headquarters
- Report to follow
referencesIncident reports from Bakersfield area | source material
information_to
- ADC, Mitchell Fld, N.Y.
- FBI, San Francisco
- C-2, Sixth Army
- DIO, San Francisco (12th Nav. Dist.)
quotes
- "Investigation of Flying Disc." | subject designation
- "Incident reported on 9 March 1948..." | incident description
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classificationRESTRICTED
page_descriptionAir Materiel Command memorandum regarding Colonel McCoy's informal proposal for fighter aircraft assistance in gathering Flying Discs information.
dates
- 1948-03-09 | document date (recorded as 17 MAR 1948)
- 1948-03-17 | routing date
people
- Colonel McCoy | originating source (informal proposal)
- George C. McDonald | Major General, USAF, Director of Intelligence, Office of Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations | signatory
organizations
- Air Materiel Command | originating organization
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | location
locationsWright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | originating location
observations
- Reference to Colonel McCoy's informal proposal that fighter aircraft maintain continuous alert status within Zone of Interior to aid in gathering information on Flying Discs
- Proposal considered unfeasible for following reasons:
- a. Outlay of aircraft and personnel would be too great in relation to results obtained
- b. Proper interrogation not possible except by accident, without complete radar coverage. Air Force incapable of providing such coverage
- c. Doubtful if fighter aircraft would be able to follow up reports emanating from civilian sources
assessments
- Proposal deemed unfeasible
- Alternative approaches may be needed for information gathering
- Limitations acknowledged regarding radar coverage and aircraft availability
referencesColonel McCoy's informal proposal | source reference
redactions
- RESTRICTED classification visible
- Processing stamps showing HQ USAF routing 17 MAR 1948 and CAG-MAIL BRANCH
quotes"This proposal is considered unfeasible for the following reasons:" | assessment introduction
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doc_typeform
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionHeadquarters Army Air Forces Routing and Record Sheet regarding Flying Discs, documenting policy directive from Director of Intelligence.
dates
- 1948-02-12 | document date
- 1947-12-30 | referenced letter date
- 1948-02-12 | record sheet date
peopleC. P. Cabell | Brigadier General, U.S.A.F., Chief, Air Intel. Req. Div., Directorate of Intelligence | sender
organizations
- Headquarters Army Air Forces | originating organization
- Director of Intelligence | sending division
- Director of Plans and Operations | recipient
locationsUnspecified | routing location
observations
- Document establishes Flying Discs as intelligence matter requiring collection, collation, evaluation and distribution
- Air Materiel Command designated as agency for collecting information
- Requirement that each Air Force installation maintain aircraft on alert basis to investigate unusual flying objects
- Provision for equipping aircraft with gun camera to secure photographs
- Document requests comments and concurrence on Flying Discs intelligence program
assessments
- Flying Discs recognized as matter of intelligence concern
- Systematic collection and reporting procedures established
- Air Force wide coordinated approach mandated
referencesLetter from this Headquarters, dated 30 December 1947 | source document reference
quotes
- "SUBJECT: Flying Discs" | subject designation
- "It is Air Force policy not to ignore reports of sightings and phenomena in the atmosphere, but to recognize that part of its mission is to collect, collate, evaluate, and act on information of this nature." | policy statement
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doc_typeform
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionDepartment of the Air Force Routing and Record Sheet commenting on Flying Discs proposal for fighter aircraft alert status.
dates1948-03-03 | document date
peopleS. E. Anderson | Major General, U.S.A.F., Director of Plans and Operations | signatory
organizations
- Director of Intelligence | originating sender
- Director of Plans and Operations | responding officer
observations
- Document provides comments on Air Materiel Command's proposal for stationing fighter aircraft at all bases on continuous alert status
- Proposal deemed not feasible for stated reasons
- Concerns include outlay of aircraft and personnel, interrogation capabilities, and civilian source verification limitations
assessments
- Proposal of Air Materiel Command for stationing fighter aircraft at all bases on continuous alert status not considered feasible
- Reasons cited:
- a. Outlay of aircraft and personnel would be too great in relation to results obtained
- b. Proper interrogation not possible except by accident without complete radar coverage which Air Force not capable of providing
- c. Doubtful if fighter aircraft would be able to follow up reports emanating from civilian sources
- Recommendation that Air Materiel Command's responsibility for "collecting" information on unusual phenomena in atmosphere be confined to establishment of direct channels for receipt of information
- Further recommendation that all other major commands be directed to cooperate with Air Materiel Command and channel information directly to that command
referencesComment No. 2 by Major Goodteek 72233 | commenting officer
quotes"The proposal of Air Materiel Command for stationing fighter aircraft at all bases on a continuous alert status is not considered feasible for the following reasons:" | proposal assessment opening
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doc_typememo
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionAir Force indorsement forwarding Flying Discs information from Tenth Air Force to Air Materiel Command.
dates
- 1948-03-04 | document date
- 1948-01-07 | basic letter date
- 1948-03-08 | HQ USAF routing date
- 1948-03-09 | CAG-MAIL BRANCH processing date
peopleDouglass W. Eiseman | Lt. Colonel, U.S.A.F., Executive, Air Intelligence Requirements Div., Directorate of Intelligence | signatory
organizations
- B/L Hq Tenth Air Force, Brooks Fld, San Antonio, Texas | originating organization
- Department of the Air Force, Hq. USAF, Washington 25, D.C. | routing agency
- Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | recipient
locations
- Brooks Field, San Antonio, Texas | originating base
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | recipient location
- Washington 25, D.C. | routing location
observations
- Flying Discs information being forwarded as matter pertaining to Air Materiel Command
- Document designation AFOIR-CO-5
- 1st Ind. indorsement
assessmentsInformation routed through proper channels to appropriate command
references
- B/L ltr Hq. Tenth Air Force, Brooks Fld, San Antonio, Texas, dtd 7 Jan 48, subj: "Flying Discs" | source document
- AFOIR-CO-5 | document designation
redactions
- CONFIDENTIAL classification visible
- Processing stamps showing HQ USAF 9 MAR 1948 and CAG-MAIL BRANCH routing
quotes"Forwarded as a matter pertaining to your Command." | transmittal statement
Page 21
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doc_typememo
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionCover memo from Tenth Air Force Headquarters transmitting a summary of flying disk information received by the FBI Office at Houston, Texas.
dates
- 1948-01-07 | date of this memo
- 1947-12-19 | date of referenced summary report from 175th AFBU
people
- Raymond D. Stephens | Major, USAF, Acting Asst Chief of Staff, A-2 | Tenth Air Force | author
- Chief of Staff | recipient
- Director of Intelligence | recipient
- Commanding General, Air Defense Command | recipient
- Asst Chief of Staff, A-2 | recipient designation
- Commanding General, Fourth Army | recipient
- Asst Chief of Staff, G-2 | recipient designation
organizations
- Tenth Air Force | military_unit
- United States Air Force | military_unit
- Air Defense Command | military_unit
- Fourth Army | military_unit
- FBI Office | law_enforcement
- 175th AFBU | military_unit
locations
- Brooks Field, San Antonio, Texas | Tenth Air Force Headquarters location
- Mitchel Field, New York | Air Defense Command location
- Fort Sam Houston, Texas | Fourth Army location
- Houston, Texas | where FBI received report
- Washington 25, D.C. | USAF headquarters location
referencesSummary of Information from 175th AFBU, Ellington Field, dated 19 Dec 47 | subject: "Flying Disk"
quotes
- "Flying Disks" | document subject line
- "Summary of Information prepared by the Tenth Air Force Resident Agent at Houston, Texas covering a report of 'Flying Disks' received by the Fbi Office at Houston, Texas." | memo body
Page 22
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doc_typememo
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionMemo from AFUIR-CC-5 regarding flying disks, transmitting an attached report from Military Air Attache in Canada about an incident reported by Johnson and Harrison.
dates
- 1948-03-02 | date of this memo (header shows "2 March 48")
- 1948-03-04 | date notation visible
- 1948-02-02 | date of Canadian Military Air Attache report
people
- Douglass W. Eiseman | Lt. Colonel, U.S.A.F., Executive Intelligence Requirements Div., Directorate of Intelligence | author/signature
- Johnson | witness/incident reporter
- Harrison | witness/incident reporter
- Col. Taylor | coordinating officer
- U.P. Cabell | coordinating officer
- Col. Garrett | coordinating officer
organizations
- AFUIR-CC-5 | military_unit
- Air Materiel Command | military_unit
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base | military_unit
- Canadian Military Air Attache | foreign_entity
- Directorate of Intelligence | military_unit
- Executive Intelligence Requirements Div. | military_unit
locations
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | recipient location
- Canada | location of incident
- Dayton, Ohio | Air Force Base location
referencesMAA Canada Report, dated 2 Feb 48 | attached report on incident
redactionsBottom of page shows classification markings including "SECRET" stamps
quotes
- "Flying Disks" | document subject
- "Attached report from Military Air Attache, Canada, closes the incident reported by Johnson and Harrison." | memo body
- "BY COMMAND OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF:" | authorization phrase
Page 23
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doc_typememo
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionMemo from AFOIR-CO-5 regarding flying disks, transmitting Collection Memorandum Number 7 and advising of interrogation of the Horton Brothers.
dates
- 1948-02-16 | date of memo
- 1948-02-24 | received date stamp
- 1948-01-21 | date of Collection Memorandum Number 7
people
- C.P. Cabell | Major General, U.S.A.F., Chief, Air Intel. Req. Div., Directorate of Intelligence | author
- Horton Brothers | subjects of interrogation
- Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2, European Command | recipient of telecon notification
- Col. Taylor | coordinating officer
- Lt. Col. Garrett | coordinating officer
organizations
- AFOIR-CO-5 | military_unit
- Air Materiel Command | military_unit
- Directorate of Intelligence | military_unit
- European Command | military_unit
- Chief, Air Intel. Req. Div. | military_unit
locations
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | recipient headquarters
- Dayton, Ohio | Air Force Base location
referencesCollection Memorandum Number 7, dtd 21 Jan 48 | forwarded to field collection agencies
quotes
- "Flying Disks" | subject line
- "Attached, for your information, is copy of Collection Memorandum Number 7, which was forwarded to field collection agencies for action on above subject." | memo paragraph 1
- "This Directorate has been advised that contact has been made with the Horton Brothers, and the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2, of European Command has accordingly been advised by Telecon to use this Memorandum as the basis for interrogation." | memo paragraph 2
- "The results of this interrogation will be forwarded to your Headquarters as soon as received." | memo paragraph 3
- "BY COMMAND OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF:" | authorization phrase
Page 24
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doc_typeform
classificationnone visible
page_descriptionHeadquarters United States Air Force Correspondence Reference Form regarding Project SIGN and Flying Discs.
dates1948-02-13 | date of this correspondence reference form
people
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command | recipient
- Executive, Air Intelligence Requirements Div., Directorate of Intelligence | sender
organizations
- Air Materiel Command | military_unit
- Directorate of Intelligence | military_unit
- Air Intelligence Requirements Div. | military_unit
- Headquarters United States Air Force | military_unit
locationsWright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | recipient location
references
- Project SIGN | summary subject
- Flying Discs | summary subject
- 380 Project | filing reference
quotes
- "Project SIGN" | summary designation
- "Flying Discs" | summary designation
Page 25
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doc_typeform
classificationnone visible
page_descriptionHeadquarters United States Air Force Correspondence Reference Form regarding Project SIGN and Flying Discs, dated 12 February 1948.
dates1948-02-12 | date of correspondence reference form
people
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command | recipient
- Executive, Air Intelligence Requirements Div., Directorate of Intelligence | sender
organizations
- Air Materiel Command | military_unit
- Directorate of Intelligence | military_unit
- Air Intelligence Requirements Div. | military_unit
- Headquarters United States Air Force | military_unit
locationsWright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | recipient location
references
- Project SIGN | subject
- Flying Discs | index classification
- 380 Project | filing reference
quotes
- "Project SIGN" | summary designation
- "Flying Discs" | index classification
Page 26
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doc_typememo
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionMemo from AFOIR-CO regarding a matter pertaining to Air Materiel Command, forwarded by Douglass W. Eiseman of the Directorate of Intelligence.
dates
- 1948-02-04 | date of memo
- 1948-02-06 | received date stamp
people
- Douglass W. Eiseman | Lt. Colonel, U.S.A.F., Executive, Air Intelligence Requirements Div., Directorate of Intelligence | author
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command | recipient
- Col. Taylor | coordinating officer
- Col. Garrett | coordinating officer
organizations
- AFOIR-CO | military_unit
- Air Materiel Command | military_unit
- Directorate of Intelligence | military_unit
- Air Intelligence Requirements Div. | military_unit
- Department of the Air Force | military_unit
locations
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | recipient location
- Washington 25, D.C. | Department of Air Force location
referencesAFOIR-CO-5 | document reference number
quotes
- "Forwarded as a matter pertaining to your Command." | memo body
- "BY COMMAND OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF:" | authorization phrase
Page 27
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doc_typememo
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionMemo from Headquarters Fourth Air Force Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2 Intelligence, regarding a report of flying discs.
dates1948-01-15 | date of memo
people
- Donald L. Springer | Lt. Colonel, U.S.A.F., AC of S, A-2 | author
- Chief of Staff, United States Air Forces | recipient
- Director of Intelligence | recipient attention
organizations
- Headquarters Fourth Air Force | military_unit
- Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2 Intelligence | military_unit
- United States Air Forces | military_unit
locations
- Hamilton Field, California | Headquarters Fourth Air Force location
- Washington, D.C. | recipient location
references
- AAFDA-1208-I | document reference number
- Report of Flying Disc | subject matter
quotes
- "SUBJECT: Report of Flying Disc." | memo subject line
- "Attached report for your information." | memo body
- "BY COMMAND OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF:" [implied from signature authority]
Page 28
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doc_typeform
classificationnone visible
page_descriptionHeadquarters United States Air Force Correspondence Reference Form regarding Flying Discs, dated 6 February 1948.
dates1948-02-06 | date of correspondence reference form
people
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command | recipient
- Executive, Air Intelligence Requirements Div., Directorate of Intelligence | sender
organizations
- Air Materiel Command | military_unit
- Directorate of Intelligence | military_unit
- Air Intelligence Requirements Div. | military_unit
- Headquarters United States Air Force | military_unit
locationsWright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | recipient location
references
- Flying Discs | subject matter
- 312.3 Channels | filing reference
quotes"Flying Discs." | summary designation