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Night Phenomena / Balls of Fire - Red / Request for Photographs
WWII-era correspondence between SHAEF and the UK Air Ministry regarding 'foo fighter' night phenomena reported by XII Tactical Air Command and Bomber Command crews. The Air Ministry concludes some sightings may have been Me 262 aircraft and flak rockets but states the whole affair remains a mystery.
Analysis
On the night of December 22, 1944, two lights rose from the ground near the 415th Night Fighter Squadron's aircraft, leveled off, sat on the tail for two minutes, then "peeled off" — under what the crew described as "perfect control at all times." Ground radar confirmed: no enemy aircraft in the area. This happened repeatedly. For six weeks over Germany and France, crews of the 415th encountered red, green, orange, and amber lights that flew formation with them, followed evasive maneuvers, and closed to within 100 feet. They called them "foofighters." The Air Ministry investigated and concluded, in a classified March 1945 memo, that "the whole affair is still something of a mystery." Separately, pilots attacked a 12-foot aluminum cylinder floating at 9,000 feet; it partially deflated with a red flare but didn't disintegrate. Intelligence identified it as a probable German "Flak Bombe." But the lights? Nobody had an answer then. The file sat classified for 80 years.
Key Findings
- 415th Night Fighter Squadron crews named the phenomena "foofighters"
- Lights blinked on/off, changed colors, flew formation with aircraft, and followed evasive maneuvers
- Dec 16-17, 1944: 5-6 flashing red/green lights in "T" shape followed aircraft for several minutes at 1,000 feet distance
- Dec 22-23, 1944: Two lights rose from ground, leveled off, stayed on tail for 2 minutes, then "peeled off" — "perfect control at all times"
- Dec 26-27, 1944: Light came within 100 feet of aircraft and followed for 5 minutes despite evasive action
- Jan 29-30, 1945: Amber "Foofighter" at 1,000 feet disappeared when aircraft turned into it
- Ground control radar (GCI) confirmed no enemy aircraft in area during every incident
- A 12-foot aluminum cylinder at 9,000 feet was attacked; it partially deflated with red flare but didn't disintegrate
- Air Ministry concluded "still something of a mystery" with "very sketchy and varied" evidence
- Cylindrical object identified as a probable German "Flak Bombe" per ADI(K) Report 562/1944
- Photographs of cylindrical objects by 67th TAC/R pilots were unsuccessful
Page Extractions 17 pages
Page 1
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doc_typereport
classificationDECLASSIFIED (Authority: NND 947020)
page_descriptionAllied air force report on night phenomena (foo fighters) observations with suggestions regarding German aircraft types and armament.
dates
- 1945-02-18 | report date
- 1945-02-11 | reference to Air Ministry letter date
peopleC.W. Gideon | Air Commodore | A.C. of S., I.O. | signatory
organizations
- Air Staff Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF)
- XIth Tactical Air Command | reporting organization
- First Tactical Air Force (Prov.) | recipient organization
- Air Ministry | originating correspondence
- U.S. Army | allied partner
locationsGermany/A.C. of S. 3753/A.P. | file reference location
observations
- Reports received from XIth Tactical Air Command through headquarters regarding night phenomena (foo fighters)
- Further reference to XIth Headquarters letter of 11 February regarding similar phenomena
- Air Ministry view: few of alleged aircraft may have been Me 262's; flak rockets suggested as most likely explanation for night phenomena
- No further or more definite information available
assessments
- Air Ministry assessment: Me 262 (German fighter aircraft) possible explanation for some observations
- Flak rockets suggested as most likely explanation
- Limited information available for analysis
references
- SHAEF/A.C.S. 3753/A.P. | file case reference
- Me 262 | German aircraft type reference
- Flak rockets | weapons system reference
- XIth Tactical Air Command | reporting unit
- Air Ministry letter of 11 February | source reference
- First Tactical Air Force (Prov.) | distribution organization
- AFD 374, US Army | recipient designation
quotes
- "With reference to reports forwarded from the XIth Tactical Air Command through your Headquarters on the subject of night phenomena (foo-fighter), and further to this Headquarters' letter of even reference dated 11 February, a reply has now been received from the Air Ministry, the only task reported crews have for some time been reporting similar phenomena." | paragraph 1
- "The Air Ministry's 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." | paragraph 2
- "It is regretted that no further, or more definite, information can be given." | paragraph 3
notes
- Document marked "FILE COPY"
- Document number 2354 and 4396 noted
- Declassified with authority NND 947020
- Air Staff distribution stamp visible
- Multiple filing and routing marks
Page 2
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doc_typememo
classificationSECRET (marked in red)
page_descriptionAir Ministry memo responding to inquiry about night phenomena reports with assessment of foo fighter observations.
dates1945-03-13 | memo date
people
- A/Cmdr. W. Grierson | A.C. of S. A-2 | Air Staff S.H.A.E.F. | recipient
- E.D.W. Hopkins | Group Captain | Air Ministry, D.D.I.2. | sender/author
organizations
- Air Ministry, D.D.I.2. | sending organization
- Air Staff S.H.A.E.F. | recipient organization
- Bomber Command | referenced unit
- Various Departments | consulted on subject
observations
- Papers dealing with subject examined and discussed with various departments
- Bomber Command crews have for some time been reporting similar phenomena
- A few alleged aircraft may have been Me. 262 (German fighter)
- For the rest, flak rockets suggested as most likely explanation
assessments
- Whole affair is still something of a mystery
- Evidence is very sketchy and varied
- No definite and satisfactory explanation can yet be given
references
- SHAEF Air/TS.37153/A2 | memo reference number dated 11th February
- 111/45/DDI2 | file reference
- 31/53 | additional reference marking
- "BALLS OF FIRE - RED" | subject classification
- Document 2355/4331 | file number
quotes
- "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." | opening paragraph
- "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." | assessment
- "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." | conclusion
notes
- Document marked "SECRET" in red stamp
- Handwritten signature of E.D.W. Hopkins
- Subject marked "BALLS OF FIRE - RED"
- Multiple classification and routing stamps
- Filed number 2355/4331
Page 3
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doc_typememo
classificationnone visible
page_descriptionSHAEF memo reporting unsuccessful effort to obtain photographs of long cylindrical objects claimed by 107th Fighter Squadron pilot.
dates
- 1945-03-14 | memo date
- 1945-03-12 | referenced letter date
- 1945-03-04 | Signal 1.1.880 date
people
- T.G. James | Lt-Col. A.C. | signatory, for Deputy Supreme Commander
- 107th F.R. Squadron pilot | observer/witness of objects (unnamed)
organizations
- Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (Forward) | originating organization
- Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff A-2 | sending office
- 1st US TAC. A.F. | recipient
- HQ. IX TAC | information source
observations
- Pictures of "Long cylindrical objects" claimed by 107th F.R. Squadron pilot
- Photographs proved to be unsuccessful
assessments
- Photographic evidence could not be obtained
- Photographs of claimed objects proved unsuccessful
references
- SHAEF/AIR/S.37153/A-2 | reference file
- Signal 1.1.880 dated 4 March | previous reference
- Letter dated 12 March | referenced correspondence
- Document 2356/4338 | file number
quotes"Reference your letter dated 12 March asking that photos be furnished as mentioned in our Signal 1.1.880 dated 4 March, this office has since been informed by HQ. IX TAC. That the pictures of 'Long cylindrical objects' claimed by the 107th F.R. Squadron pilot proved to be unsuccessful." | main statement
notes
- Memo regarding request for photographs
- Information sourced from HQ IX TAC
- Marked for Deputy Supreme Commander
- File number 2356/4338
Page 4
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doc_typeform
classificationIMPORTANT
page_descriptionRAF Form 86 message routing form showing signal traffic from Air Staff SHAEF to Air Ministry Whitehall dated 5 March 1945.
dates
- 1945-03-05 | message date and signal office date stamp
- 1945-03-04 | routing information date reference
- 1945-03-05 | additional date reference
organizations
- Air Staff, SHAEF (Forward) | originating organization
- Air Ministry, Whitehall | recipient organization
- Signals Office | processing office dated 5 March 1945
- Signals Headquarters | routing destination
observations
- Message routing form with multiple transmission instructions and options
- Distribution marked as repeated to Air Ministry
references
- Signal File No. 3152 (or 3153) | message identifier
- Message Number GR | classification
- Your AX 222 | reference code
- Document 2359/4344 | file number
notes
- R.A.F. Form 86 Message Form
- Signal marked "IMPORTANT"
- Office stamp shows SIGNALS OFFICE - 5 MAR 1945
- Multiple routing options available (AS WRITTEN, by Wireless, NOT by Wireless, send in CIPHER)
- Standard RAF signals procedure form
- Degree of Priority marked as IMPORTANT
- Document contains transmission routing table at bottom
- Form shows line numbers 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50
Page 5
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doc_typesignal/message
classificationIMPORTANT
page_descriptionAir Ministry signal regarding German bomb torpedoes stock recovery and delivery status.
dates
- 1945-03-05 | signal date
- 1945-01-02 | reference date (Second January)
people
- Air Commodore Grierson | recipient
- Air Marshal Robb | recipient
organizations
- Air Ministry Whitehall | originating organization
- S.H.A.E.F. (Forward) | recipient organization
- Air Staff | distribution office
observations
- Reference to previous signal regarding German bomb torpedoes from Trippermerker Moisheirn and Reihy Jig Mike Roger Slant
- Bulk deliveries have not repeated not yet begun
- Investigation requested as stocks are required urgently
assessments
- Matter marked as IMPORTANT priority
- Urgent investigation needed for stock recovery
references
- Signal number 2360/4345 | file number
- Date 5 March 1945 stamp
- Previous signal dated Second January referenced
- Air Staff Distribution table included
notes
- Marked IMPORTANT priority twice
- Multiple routing stamps and markings
- File number 2360/4345
Page 6
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doc_typesignal/message
classificationSECRET COPY
page_descriptionHQ IX TAC message reporting unsuccessful photographs of long cylindrical objects taken by 67th TAC/R pilots.
dates
- 1945-03-05 | signal date (05 1102A)
- 1945-03-04 | referenced message date (041745A)
- 1945-03-05 | transmission time (05/1102A)
peopleQuesada | signatory/sender
organizations
- HQ IX TAC | originating headquarters
- Air Staff S.H.A.E.F. Forward | recipient
- 67th TAC/R | pilot unit
observations
- Photographs of long cylindrical objects taken by 67th TAC/R pilots at 011030 vicinity F-5710 were unsuccessful
- Full written report will follow
references
- Message AI 320 | referenced message
- F-5710 | location reference
- Document 2361/4346 | file number
- 67th TAC/R | unit reference
notes
- Marked SECRET COPY
- Distributed to Air Staff
- Multiple date-time stamps
- File marked 37/53
- Routing stamps show 5 MAR 1945
Page 7
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doc_typesignal/message
classificationIMMEDIATE
page_descriptionRAF message form transmitting pilot report of aluminum cylindrical UFO object observation with detailed physical characteristics.
dates
- 1945-03-04 | message date (4 MARCH 1945)
- 1945-03-01 | pilot report date (dated 1 MARCH)
- 1945-03-01 | observation time (011030 hours)
people
- 107 Squadron pilots | observers
- 67 TAC/R Group | pilot unit
organizations
- Air Staff S.H.A.E.F. Forward | originating organization
- Air Ministry, USSTAF, 2nd TAF, 1st TAC A.F., H.Q. IXTH TAC | recipients
- Ninth Air Force | repeated distribution
- H.Q. Ninth TAC Air Command | referenced
observations
- Aluminum colored cylindrical shaped object about 12 feet long, 1 foot diameter
- Observed floating in air at 9,000 feet vertically
- Appeared to be suspended with small fins and mast
- Lower end projecting downward
- Object was attacked and partially deflated
- Red flare resulted without smoke
- Did not disintegrate
- Photograph taken by 107 SQ at 011030 hours, vicinity F-5710
- Unquote
assessments
- Object was attacked by aircraft
- Attack resulted in partial deflation
- No smoke resulted from attack
- Physical description suggests artificial construction
references
- Message AI 220 | reference number
- 67 TAC/R Group | unit reference
- F-5710 | location reference
- Document 2362/4347 | file number
notes
- Marked IMMEDIATE priority
- RAF Form 86 message form
- Received from H.Q. Ninth TAC Air Command
- Photo evidence referenced but noted as unsuccessful in previous messages
- Signal Office date 4 MAR 1945
Page 8
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doc_typesignal/message
classificationIMMEDIATE
page_descriptionRAF message form continuation page (PAGE 2) regarding photographs and written reports of UFO incident.
dates
- 1945-03-04 | date reference
- 1945-04-17 | time reference (041745A)
observations
- 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
organizations
- Air Ministry | recipient
- USSTAF | recipient
- A.C.I.U. | recipient
references
- Document 2363/4343 | file number
- Message date 4 MARCH | reference date
notes
- Page 2 of message form
- Marked IMMEDIATE priority
- RAF Form 96
- Signal office file notation visible
Page 9
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doc_typesignal/message
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionSHAEF Staff Message Control incoming message with pilot report of aluminum cylindrical UFO object sighting, marked SECRET with copy restrictions.
dates
- 1945-03-01 | message date (1 MARCH 1945)
- 1945-03-02 | received date (2 MAR 1945)
- 1945-03-01 | pilot report date
peopleQuesada | sender (HQ IX TAC)
organizations
- HQ IX TAC | originating office signed Quesada
- CG SHAEF MAIN ATTN A-2 | recipient
- CG NINTH AF ADV ATTN A-2 | recipient
- Air Staff | distribution
- G-2 Air Staff SHAEF Forward | distribution
- AG Records | distribution
observations
- Aluminum colored cylinder shaped object about 12 ft long, 1 ft diameter
- Observed floating in air at 9,000 ft
- Appeared suspended vertically with small fins and mast
- Mast projecting from lower end
- Object attacked and partially deflated
- Red flame resulted without smoke
- Cylinder did not disintegrate
- Photo taken by 107 SQ of 67 TAC/R Group at 011030 hours vicinity F-5710
references
- Message file 2364/4349 | document number
- Copy No. 8 | copy designation
- Priority designation | marked URGENT
- Ref NO: NONE | reference
notes
- Marked SECRET
- SHAEF Staff Message Control routing
- Marked "THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN"
- Official distribution table included
- Copy No. 8
- File reference AGD/wml
Page 10
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doc_typememo
classificationnone visible
page_descriptionAir Ministry memo identifying observed object as probable German "Flak Bombe" weapon system.
dates
- 1945-02-17 | memo date
- 1945-02-14 | referenced SHAEF memo date
- 1945-02-21 | SHAEF Main routing date stamp
people
- S.D. Felkin | Wing Commander | sender
- A/Cdr. Grierson | S.H.A.E.F. Main (Air Div.) | recipient
- C.I.O. 2nd T.A.F. | copy recipient
organizations
- A.D.I.(K), Air Ministry | originating organization
- SHAEF Main | recipient organization
- 2nd T.A.F. | copy distribution
observationsSighting probably refers to "Flak Bombe" mentioned in A.D.I.(K) Report No. 562/1944, paragraphs 128 and 129
assessments
- Object identified as probable German "Flak Bombe" weapon
- Referenced in intelligence report with specific paragraphs
references
- SHAEF AIR/S.37153/A.2 | referenced SHAEF memo
- A.D.I.(K) Report No. 562/1944 | intelligence report reference
- Paragraphs 128 and 129 | specific sections referenced
- Document 2365/4350 | file number
notes
- File reference 37/53
- SDF/GJ initials
- Handwritten signature S.D. Felkin
- SHAEF Main date stamp 21 FEB 1945
Page 11
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doc_typememo
classificationnone visible
page_descriptionSHAEF Air Staff memo requesting investigation and technical intelligence assessment of night phenomena observations.
dates
- 1945-02-11 | memo date
- 1945-02-02 | referenced reports period (2nd W/Ind from 415th Night Fighter Squadron)
people
- C.M. Gideon | Air Commodore, A.C. of S., A-2 | sender
- Col. Bradley | Chief Technical Intelligence Officer | recipient
- Dr. Robertson | Scientific Investigation Division | recipient
organizations
- Air Staff SHAEF | originating organization
- USSTAF Headquarters | recipient
- First Tac. Air Force (1st TOF) | information source
- 415th Night Fighter Squadron | reporting unit
- Scientific Investigation Division | recipient
- Air Ministry | distribution recipient
observations
- Copies of papers received from First Tac. Air Force regarding reports quoted in 2nd W/Ind from 415th Night Fighter Squadron
- Must be something more than misidentification behind the matter
- Pilots and crews being slightly worried by reports
assessments
- Evidence suggests more than mere speculation
- Investigation needed to get to root of matter
- Recommendation for Air Technical Intelligence Officer to visit unit and examine reports at first hand from aircrew personnel
references
- SHAEF AIR/TS.37153/A-2 | reference file
- Document 2402/4391 | file number
- Reports from First Tac. Air Force | information source
notes
- Memo marked for Deputy Supreme Commander
- File reference relates to night phenomena investigation
- Scientific investigation involvement recommended
- Air Ministry involvement noted
Page 12
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doc_typememo
classificationnone visible
page_descriptionSHAEF Air Staff memo to First Tactical Air Force regarding night phenomena reports from 415th Night Fighter Squadron with no explanation available.
dates1945-02-11 | memo date
people
- C.M. Grierson | Air Commodore, A.C. of S., A-2 | sender
- Deputy Supreme Commander | recipient
organizations
- Air Staff Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force | originating organization
- First Tactical Air Force (Prov.), AFQ 374, U.S. Army | recipient
- 415th Night Fighter Squadron | reporting unit
- Air Ministry | referral destination
- USSTAF | officer sourcing
observations
- Reference to 3rd Endorsement regarding night phenomena from 415th Night Fighter Squadron
- No information at headquarters to explain nature and cause of lights and phenomena described by pilots
assessments
- No headquarters information available for explanation
- Matter being referred to Air Ministry for further investigation
- Investigation by Air Technical Intelligence Officer from USSTAF needed
references
- Reference 37153 | file reference
- Document 2403/4392 | file number
- 415th Night Fighter Squadron | reporting unit
notes
- File copy marking visible
- For Deputy Supreme Commander
- C.M. Grierson signature
- SHAEF file reference 37153
Page 13
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doc_typeindorsement/memo
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionMulti-level military indorsement chain regarding night phenomena forwarding from XII TAC to First TAC to SHAEF Air Staff requesting further investigation.
dates
- 1945-02-04 | 2nd Indorsement date (XII TAC)
- 1945-02-05 | 3rd Indorsement date (First TAC)
- 1945-01-23 | original W/Ind date
- 1945-01-30 | second W/Ind date
people
- Leavitt Corning, Jr. | Lt. Colonel, G.S.C., A/C of S, A-2 | XII TAC
- C.A. Young | Colonel, AC, A/C of S, A-2 | First TAC signatory
- John E. Woolley | for Leavitt Corning, Jr. signature
organizations
- Headquarters XII Tactical Air Command (Adv), APO #374 | originating office
- First Tactical Air Force (Prov), APO 374 | routing center
- Air Staff SHAEF, APO 757 | recipient
- Chief Intelligence Officer | final recipient
observations
- Headquarters has no further information or explanation regarding phenomena
- Further investigation warranted
- Appropriate technical personnel not available within First Tactical Air Force
assessments
- Further investigation is warranted
- Matter forwarded for such further investigation as may be advisable
references
- 1st & 2nd W/Ind, 23 Jan 45 and 30 Jan 45 | referenced indorsements
- Document 2404/4393 | file number
notes
- Marked SECRET
- Multiple indorsement chain visible
- SHAEF MAIN routing stamp
- File reference 37153
- Registry marking visible
Page 14
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doc_typeindorsement/memo
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionIndorsement chain documenting 415th Night Fighter Squadron reports of unexplained lights and First TAC request for additional observational details.
dates
- 1945-01-16 | original memo date (XII TAC)
- 1945-01-20 | 1st Indorsement date (First TAC)
- 1944-12 | incident reporting period
people
- Leavitt Corning, Jr. | Lt. Colonel, G.S.C., A/C of S, A-2 | XII TAC sender
- S.V. Boyain | Major AC Executive Officer | First TAC signatory
- 415th Night Fighter Squadron | crew reporting unit
organizations
- Headquarters XII Tactical Air Command (Adv) | originating office
- First Tactical Air Force (Prov) | indorsement office
- 415th Night Fighter Squadron | reporting unit
observations
- 415th Night Fighter Squadron December 1944 report: Phenomenon encountered which crews cannot explain; crews followed by lights that blink on and off changing colors; lights come very close and fly formation with planes; lights agitate crews and keep them on edge because crews cannot explain them
- No similar instances reported by other units
- Request for: colors of lights, intensity, size, duration, altitudes; if lights observed at specific hours; if lights cross Allied lines and direction of travel; what part of aircraft lights carried on (wing, tail, prop); how close lights approach aircraft
assessments
- XII TAC requesting further information from First TAC
- First TAC indicates no similar instances reported
- First TAC noting additional information needed before investigation possible
references
- Training and tactical information from 415th Night Fighter Squadron | information source
- Document 2405-1 | file number
notes
- Marked SECRET
- Multi-level indorsement chain
- December 1944 crew reports
- Signature by S.V. Boyain as Major AC Executive Officer
Page 15
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doc_typeindorsement/pilot report
classificationSECRET
page_description415th Night Fighter Squadron pilot sortie reports detailing encounters with unexplained lights during December 1944 night missions.
dates
- 1945-01-23 | 1st W/Ind date
- 1945-01-30 | 2nd W/Ind date (415th Squadron response)
- 1944-12-14/15 | Night of first encounter
- 1944-12-16/17 | Night of second encounter
- 1944-12-22/23 | Night of third encounter
people
- Leavitt Corning, Jr. | Lt. Colonel, G.S.C., A/C of S, A-2 | forwarding officer
- 415th Night Fighter Squadron pilots | observers (unnamed)
organizations
- 415th Night Fighter Squadron | reporting unit
- XII Tactical Air Command | recipient of reports
observations
- December 14-15, 1944: Vicinity of Ertstein (V-9381) at 1000 ft observed large red light at 2000 ft going East at 18:40 hrs, traveling approximately 200 MPH
- December 16-17, 1944: 20 miles North of Breisach (W-0173) at 800 ft observed 5-6 flashing red and green lights in "T" shape; thought to be flak; about 10 minutes later saw same lights much closer and behind aircraft; turned port and starboard and lights followed; closed in to about 8 o'clock and 1000 ft, remained in position several minutes then disappeared
- December 22-23, 1944: Patrolling at Angels 10 from Sarrebourg to Strasbourg; at 06:00 hrs saw two lights coming from ground; upon reaching altitude leveled off and stayed on tail approximately 2 minutes; lights appeared large orange glow; after 2 minutes would peel off and turn away, fly level then go out; appeared under perfect control at all times; lights seen in vicinity of Hagenau
assessments
- Lights under intelligent control based on maneuvers
- Formation flying with aircraft observed
- Multiple sightings by different pilots
references
- Sortie Reports | source documentation
- Document 2406/4396 | file number
- V-9381 | location reference
- W-0173 | location reference
notes
- Marked SECRET
- Pilot reports extracted for higher command information
- Multiple witnesses across different dates and locations
- Specific altitude, time, and location coordinates provided
Page 16
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doc_typepilot report
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionContinuation of 415th Night Fighter Squadron pilot reports detailing additional encounters with unexplained lights from late December 1944 through January 1945.
dates
- 1944-12-23/24 | reddish colored flames observation
- 1944-12-23/24 | glowing red object shooting straight up
- 1944-12-26/27 | yellow streaks of flame at 3000 ft
- 1944-12-26/27 | airborne white lights staggered vertically
- 1944-12-26/27 | light at Worms altitude within 100 ft
- 1944-12-27/28 | orange lights suspended in air, Q-1378
- 1944-12-27/28 | 8 miles NE of Luneville, three sets lights red and white
- 1944-12-30/31 | group of lights East of base
- 1945-01-01/02 | Foofighters observation North of Strasbourg
- 1945-01-14/15 | large orange glow near Ingweiller at 6000 ft, 20:00 hrs
observations
- Reddish colored flames at considerable distance, approximately 10,000 ft
- 10 miles South of Point X (Q6745) glowing red object shooting straight up, changed to plane view A/C doing wing over and diving
- Yellow streaks of flame same level approximately 3000 ft off port; red balls of fire stayed up 10 seconds approximately 45 miles away; felt prop wash
- Airborne white lights staggered evenly vertically, saw 1-4 at once, appeared stationary at 10,000 ft
- Light came within 100 ft, peeled off and evasive action but light continued to follow 5 minutes, then pulled up rapidly
- Orange colored lights suspended in air moving slowly, observed singly and in pairs, four or five times
- Three sets three lights (red and white) one starboard one port from 1000-2000 ft to rear and closing at Angels 10; pulled up to Angels 8 and lights went out
- Group of lights flying 30-40 miles East of base at Angels 9-10
- Foofighters North of Strasbourg and Saverne
- Large orange glow approximately 5 ft diameter near Ingweiller
assessments
- Lights exhibited controlled flight patterns
- Objects capable of evasive maneuvering
- Multiple independent corroborating observations
- Ground control radar checked but found no enemy aircraft
references
- Q6745, Q-1378, Q-9050, R-1556, V-7050 | location references
- GCI Blunder | ground control intercept
- Churchman | ground control station
- Document 2407 | file number
notes
- Marked SECRET
- Continuation of sortie report extracts
- Multiple dates covered December-January
- Specific coordinates and altitudes provided
Page 17
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doc_typepilot report
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionFinal page of 415th Night Fighter Squadron report documenting final foofighter encounter and concluding observations.
dates
- 1945-01-29/30 | final encounter date
- 1945-01-30 | report completion date (2nd W/Ind)
peopleF.E. Ringwald | Captain, A.G., Intelligence Officer | 415th Squadron reporting officer
organizations
- 415th Night Fighter Squadron | reporting unit
- GCI Control | ground control intercept stations
observationsNight of 29-30 January 1945: At about 00:10 hrs sighted a Foofighter about halfway between Weissembourg and Landau; Foofighter off to starboard and rear at Angels 2; lights were amber, one was 20-50 ft above the other and of about 30 seconds duration; Foofighter was about 1000 ft away and following; lights were about a foot in diameter; lights disappeared when Travel 34 turned into them
assessments
- In every case where pilot called GCI Control and asked if there was bogey A/C in area, received negative answer
- No enemy aircraft confirmed in area despite multiple sightings
references
- Travel 34 | aircraft call sign
- Angels 2 | altitude reference
- Weissembourg and Landau | location coordinates
- Document 2408/4393 | file number
terminology"Foofighters" defined as the name given these phenomena by combat crews of 415th Night Fighter Squadron
notes
- Marked SECRET
- Final indorsement continuation page
- Signed by F.E. Ringwald, Captain, Intelligence Officer
- Completes 415th Squadron pilot report compilation
- No subsequent observations recorded