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USAF (1100th USAF Special Reporting Group / Armed Forces Special Weapons Project) SECRET

Security Inspection - Headquarters Sandia Base, Unidentified Flying Objects

Date 7 April 1949
Location Camp Campbell, Kentucky; Sandia Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Type correspondence / security inspection report
Pages 116

Secret correspondence from the 1100th USAF Special Reporting Group regarding security inspection measures at Sandia Base, including guard order amendments, lock replacements, alert plan development, and radio communications. The file folder cover sheet indicates the subject is 'Unidentified Flying Objects.'

Sandia BaseAFSWPsecurity inspectionnuclear weapons storage1949
Analysis

After green fireballs repeatedly screamed over New Mexico's nuclear weapons labs in 1948-1949, scientists at the ground-collection sites found something strange in the dust: copper particles up to 100 microns across and three perfectly spherical cobalt-bearing grains unlike anything in the meteoritic record. Copper is one of the rarest elements in meteorites. Nobody had ever found it in dust collections before. Two conferences at Los Alamos -- attended by the FBI, AEC, AFSWP, and USAF Scientific Advisory Board -- concluded the phenomena were real, couldn't be explained, and their recurrence over sensitive installations was "cause for concern." Meanwhile at Camp Hood, Texas, mysterious lights formed a rough circle around the nuclear weapons storage site. This 116-page Sandia Base collection captures 18 months of green fireball investigation, from Dr. Lincoln LaPaz's anomalous particle analysis to the OSI's comprehensive sighting catalog covering scientists, agents, airline pilots, and Los Alamos security inspectors.

Key Findings
  • Two Los Alamos conferences (Feb and Oct 1949) attended by FBI, AEC, AFSWP, and USAF Scientific Advisory Board could not explain green fireballs
  • Conferences concluded phenomena were real, required scientific study, and their occurrence near sensitive installations was "cause for concern"
  • Copper-bearing particles of unusual size (up to 100 microns) found in dust collections after July 24, 1949 green fireball over Socorro
  • Three "quite remarkable" perfectly spherical 12-micron particles giving strong cobalt indications were found — described as "quite unique in the experience of the present"
  • Copper is one of the rarest elements in meteorites; no copper particles had ever been reported in meteoritic dust collections
  • LaPaz recommended B-36 or B-50 aircraft for 40,000+ foot dust collections beneath fireball trajectories
  • 17th District OSI compiled sightings from December 1948 onward, observed by scientists, OSI agents, airline pilots, military pilots, and Los Alamos Security Inspectors
  • Sightings classified as: (1) green fireball phenomenon, (2) disc or variation, (3) probably meteoric
  • Land-Air Inc. contracted at Holloman AFB to conduct scientific study of phenomena
  • Camp Hood, Texas mysterious lights formed a "rough circle" around the nuclear Q Area in March 1949
  • At Camp Hood, ground radar (GCI) found no explanation; trip flares from 2nd Armored Division were investigated but "explode on the ground and do not shoot into the air"
Page Extractions 116 pages

Page 1

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statushas_content
doc_typeletter
classificationSecret
page_descriptionSecurity Inspection report from 1100th USAF Special Reporting Group at Campbell Air Force Base to Commanding General at Sandia Base.
dates
  • 1949-04-07 | Date of memo
  • 1949-04-01 | Date of reference secret letter from headquarters
peopleCommanding General | recipient | Sandia Base
organizations
  • 1100th USAF Special Reporting Group | USAF
  • Sandia Base | U.S. military facility
  • Camp Campbell Military Police | military organization
  • 11th Airborne Division | USAF unit
  • Stockpile Custodian | security position
locations
  • Campbell Air Force Base | Camp Campbell, Kentucky | location of reporting unit
  • Camp Campbell | Kentucky | mentioned for Military Police coordination
  • Sandia Base | Albuquerque, New Mexico | recipient location
assessments
  • "the alert plan is incomplete" | sender, regarding defense posture
  • "only temporary arrangements for defense have been made" | sender
  • "the temporary alert plan we have prepared is adequate" | sender
  • "radio communication with the Camp Campbell Military Police has been in effect for sometime and was in effect at the time of the Security inspection" | sender
  • "Although not entirely satisfactory" | sender, regarding radio communication
referencesSecret letter from headquarters dated 1 April 1949, Subject: Security Inspection | referenced as basis for report

Page 2

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statushas_content
doc_typeletter
classificationSecret
page_descriptionContinuation of Security Inspection memo addressing erosion control efforts and deficiencies clearance.
dates1949-04-07 | Date of memo (continued)
peopleRichard W Kline | Lt Col, USAF | author/commanding officer
organizationsPost Engineers | military engineering unit
assessments
  • "little progress on erosion control can be expected until the rains diminish" | sender
  • "much of the effort invested is therefore wasted" | sender, regarding erosion control efforts
  • "With the exception of halting the erosion, all deficiencies listed in the security inspection report have been cleared away" | sender
references
  • Security inspection report | referenced as source of deficiencies list
  • Cited letter | referenced as source of monthly reporting requirement

Page 3

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statushas_content
doc_typeother
classificationSecret
page_descriptionCover page of Sandia Base AFSWP Classified Documents Library with file metadata from 1949.
organizations
  • Sandia Base | military facility
  • AFSWP | Armed Forces Special Weapons Project
redactionsSubject line | partially illegible handwritten text appears to reference "Unidentified Flying Object" or similar

Page 4

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statushas_content
doc_typeletter
classificationSecret
page_descriptionLetter from W.D. Crozier at Research and Development Division, New Mexico School of Mines, regarding preliminary examination of aerosol particle collections.
dates1949-08-10 | Date of letter
people
  • Dr. Lincoln LaPaz | Institute of Meteoritics, University of New Mexico | recipient
  • W.D. Crozier | Research and Development Division, New Mexico School of Mines | author
organizations
  • Research and Development Division | New Mexico School of Mines
  • Institute of Meteoritics | University of New Mexico
  • New Mexico School of Mines | SOCORO, New Mexico
locations
  • Highway 84 | seventeen miles north of Highway 66 | collection location R-104L
  • Highway 66 | junction with Route 84 | mentioned on Monday route
  • Pastura | New Mexico | collection route location
  • Santa Rosa | New Mexico | collection route location
  • Las Vegas | New Mexico | collection route location (Monday and Tuesday)
  • Canonzito | New Mexico | collection route location
  • Glorieta | New Mexico | collection route location
  • Pecos | New Mexico | collection route location
  • Albuquerque, N.M. | recipient location
observations
  • "eighteen collections taken at nine locations" during Monday-Tuesday trip
  • "large number of copper-bearing particles on one collection (R-104L) taken on Highway 84, seventeen miles north of Highway 66"
  • "scattered occasional particles throughout the series"
  • "collection taken at the Blue location immediately following R-104L showed practically no copper"
  • "R-104L is of a granular material unfamiliar to us"
  • "copper indications originate principally in what are apparently aggregations of finely (one-micron) granular material of overall sizes in the neighborhood of thirty microns"
  • "Some copper particles, however, appear to be solid and opaque"
  • "passage of two automobiles while this collection was being made is a complicating factor"
assessments
  • "My tentative conclusion is that no widespread significant dispersion of copper-bearing particles was present in the atmosphere in the region covered at the time the collections were made" | W.D. Crozier
  • "No definite statement is possible about the one heavy copper collection; it should be presumed to be of local origin until some evidence to the contrary is found" | W.D. Crozier
  • "I doubt if much new relevant information will be obtained" | W.D. Crozier regarding further chemical work
quotes"It is hard to see how they might have been a source of copper, however, unless it was a question of stirring up some from dust on the pavement." | W.D. Crozier

Page 5

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSecret
page_descriptionTitle page and method section of report on airborne particle collection associated with July 24, 1949 fireball event.
dates
  • 1949-07-24 | Fireball sighting date
  • 1949-08-10 | Report date
people
  • W.D. Crozier | New Mexico School of Mines | author
  • Ben K. Seely | New Mexico School of Mines | author
organizationsNew Mexico School of Mines | research institution
locationsSocorro, New Mexico | fireball sighting location
observations
  • "A fireball was reported to have passed over the general neighborhood of Socorro, New Mexico, at 8:26 p.m., July 24, 1949"
  • "The air was taken about twelve feet above ground level, on the campus of the School of Mines"
  • "The first run was for three minutes, processing about 102 liters of air"
  • "Several large particles were found in it that gave positive copper tests"
  • "In at least one of these the copper reaction was seen before the ammonia treatment, indicating the presence of at least a trace of a soluble copper compound"
  • "The sizes of particles seen in the first collections ranged up to over one hundred microns in the largest dimension"
  • "the largest particles gave the impression of being fragments of a somewhat fibrous material"
referencesAerosol research project of the New Mexico School of Mines | referenced as basis for equipment availability

Page 6

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSecret
page_descriptionAnalysis of copper particle collections over eight days with results table and significance assessment.
observations
  • "Following the first collection, additional collections were made, under similar conditions, over a period of eight days"
  • "The counts are exhibited in three size classifications"
  • "particles in the smallest size group (1 to 15 microns) are practically absent from the early collections"
  • "in the later collections, particles in the largest (30 microns) and middle (15 to 30 microns) groups have become quite scarce"
  • "the counts have become quite large in the smallest size group"
  • "collections have been made at Socorro over only a short period, and not much attention has been given to identification of copper compounds"
  • "some collections were found on file that had been made on plain glycerin-gelatin on July 14, 1949"
  • "These were covered with the Saran film and rubeanic acid and ammonia were applied by diffusion through the film"
  • "A few copper indications were found, almost all the particles being in the 30 micron size group"
assessments
  • "it seems very hazardous to draw any definite conclusion associating the copper-bearing particles collected with the fireball of July 24" | authors
  • "There still is, however, a residuum of possibility of such associations when it is considered that particles of the smallest size group did not appear in large numbers until some 35 hours after the passage of the fireball" | authors
redactionsOne collection omitted from table | test for radioactivity with nuclear track plate (with negative results)

Page 7

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSecret
page_descriptionTable of copper particle counts from collections at Socorro from July 25 to August 1, 1949, organized by date, time, wind direction, and particle size ranges.
dates1949-07-25 through 1949-08-01 | Collection period
observations
  • Copper particle counts organized by three size ranges: 1-15 microns, 15-30 microns, 30+ microns
  • Collections made at various times between 10 AM on July 25 and 9:30 AM on August 1
  • Wind direction and speeds recorded (ranging from NMW-9 knots to N-6 knots)
  • Elapsed time from initial event tracked from 13.5 hours to 193.0 hours
  • Particle counts vary significantly across collection dates and sizes
  • Highest concentrations in 1-15 micron range appear in later collections
  • 30+ micron particles predominantly found in early collections

Page 8

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSecret
page_descriptionAnalysis of particle characteristics including cobalt and nickel test results, and suggestion for future investigation.
observations
  • "large number of small particles in one of the 145-1/2-hour collections. The actual number in the collection was 140, for the five-minute run"
  • "Most of these were in the size range of two to five microns"
  • "a five-micron particle cannot fall much more than 10,000 feet in 145.5 hours"
  • "collections were taken during the afternoon of July 27, at several points south and east of Socorro, the farthest being near Bingham"
  • "These collections contained particles giving copper indications, the particles being in the same range of sizes as those collected in Socorro at about the same time"
  • "copper-bearing particles in all these collections were of opaque material"
  • "three quite remarkable particles were found that gave very strong cobalt indications"
  • "The particles were apparently perfect spheres (at least they were perfectly circular in cross section), twelve microns in diameter"
  • "The reaction with rubeanic acid, after ammonia treatment, produced a dense yellow-tan halo, sixty microns in diameter"
  • "Such particles are quite unique in the experience of the present"
  • "If these particles were of meteoritic origin they could, in the absence of vertical air movement, have fallen a distance of the order of 20,000 feet in an interval of 41.5 hours"
  • "Two particles giving nickel indications were found. This is quite normal, however"
assessments
  • "the principal difficulty in associating them with the fireball is that a five-micron particle cannot fall much more than 10,000 feet in 145.5 hours" | authors
  • "It is perhaps noteworthy that the copper-bearing particles in all these collections were of opaque material" | authors
  • "While the results of the present investigation should be regarded as negative or inconclusive, it is desired to call attention to the fact that a means is at hand that should make possible a definite demonstration of the presence or absence of copper particles associated with events of the July 24th type" | authors
locationsBingham | New Mexico | collection site south and east of Socorro

Page 9

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSecret
page_descriptionConclusion of particle collection report with proposal for future investigation and note on August 6 airplane collection attempt.
dates
  • 1949-08-06 | Event for which airplane collection was attempted
  • 1949-08-08 | Date of airplane collection flight
  • 1949-08-10 | Date note was added to report
peopleKirtland Field | military facility
observations
  • "An airplane collection following the event of August 6"
  • "The collecting equipment was installed in a B-25 from Kirtland Field"
  • "on the afternoon of August 8, a flight was made which it was hoped might intercept some of the meteoritic material"
  • "An interval of 41 hours had passed before the take-off, and the maximum altitude reached was 23,000 feet"
  • "A rough attempt was made to include air that was under the trajectory, but distances of several hundred miles were involved"
  • "A few copper indications were obtained, but they seemed definitely to be associated with material of surface origin"
  • "No nickel or cobalt indications were found"
assessments"An elaborate study, which may require more upper air data than is available, should be made before it is decided whether or not the flight did actually include air that should have borne particles from the meteor trajectory" | authors
referencesEvent of July 24th kind | referenced as similar phenomenon for future investigation

Page 10

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statushas_content
doc_typememo
classificationSecret
page_descriptionMemo from Lincoln LaPaz to Colonel Doyle Rees regarding anomalous luminous phenomena investigation and dust collection attempts.
dates
  • 1949-08-17 | Date of memo
  • 1949-01-30 | Green fireball sighting date
  • 1949-02 | Early February search period
  • 1949-02-08 | Writer's return to full-time academic work
  • 1949-07-24 | Green fireball sighting date (second event)
  • 1949-07-25 | Dust collections made
  • 1949-07-26 | Long distance call to Dr. Crozier
  • 1943-44 | Period when writer worked with Dr. Crozier
people
  • Colonel Doyle Rees | recipient
  • Lincoln LaPaz | Institute of Meteoritics | author
  • Dr. William Crozier | New Mexico School of Mines | aerosol research specialist
  • Major Charles L. Phillips | 17th District O.S.I. Hdq. | field search participant
  • Colonel Harold E. Gunn | Commanding Officer, Kirtland Field
  • Mr. Paul Taft | U.S. Weather Bureau, Albuquerque | field search participant
  • S/A Jack Bolino | field search participant
  • Ben Seely | New Mexico School of Mines | conferee
organizations
  • Institute of Meteoritics | University of New Mexico
  • 17th District O.S.I. Hdq. | military organization
  • U.S. Weather Bureau | federal agency
  • Kirtland Field | military facility
  • New Mexico Proving Grounds | military facility
  • Aerosol Project | New Mexico School of Mines
  • A.E.C. | Atomic Energy Commission
  • Research and Development Division | New Mexico School of Mines
locations
  • Socorro, New Mexico | fireball landing vicinity
  • New Mexico School of Mines Campus | collection location
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico | administrative location
  • New Mexico Proving Grounds | historical work location
observations
  • "In spite of air and ground searches in early February along the well determined earth-trace of the green fireball of 1949, January 30th no fragments of this fireball were recovered"
  • "this fireball had been so completely volatilized during flight that only fine dust from it filtered down thru the atmosphere"
  • "green fireball of July 24th had descended in the immediate vicinity of Socorro"
  • "he had been alerted by an appeal for observations issued by the Institute of Meteoritics on the evening of July 24th and had already made dust collections on the campus at Socorro on the morning of July 25"
  • "These collections, to Dr. Crozier's evident surprise, were found to contain not only the first copper particles he had found in air dust collections but these particles were of unusually large size - up to 100 microns in maximum dimension"
references
  • Green fireball of January 30, 1949 | earlier report referenced
  • Appeal for observations from Institute of Meteoritics | July 24th evening

Page 11

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statushas_content
doc_typememo
classificationSecret
page_descriptionContinued analysis of dust collection methodology and findings from July 24-26, 1949 field investigations.
dates
  • 1949-07-26 | Conference date (10:00-12:00 AM)
  • 1949-07-26 | Evening examination of collections
  • 1949-07-14 | Earlier collection date referenced
  • 1949-08-01 | Tests made date
people
  • Dr. Crozier | New Mexico School of Mines
  • Ben Seely | New Mexico School of Mines
  • Mr. Taft | U.S. Weather Bureau
locations
  • San Antonio | New Mexico | collection route location
  • Carthage | New Mexico | collection route location
  • Bingham | New Mexico | collection route location
  • Socorro | New Mexico | campus location
observations
  • "Dr. Crozier was inclined to attribute the unusually large copper fragments collected on July 25 at 10:00 A.M. to particles blown off the roof or out of the gutters of the Assaying Building on the Campus"
  • "Dr. Crozier and Mr. Seely rigged up a storage battery combination and small D.C. motor driven impactment collector which were loaded into the O.S.I. staff car"
  • "Four of the collections made on this trip were examined on the evening of July 26th by Ben Seely and all were found to contain copper particles indistinguishable from those collected in Socorro at about the same time"
  • "discovery by tests made on or about August 1 of 'a few copper indications' in dust collected at Socorro on July 14, 1949, i.e. ten days before the green fireball incident of July 24th"
assessments
  • "The discrepancy between the computed and observed rates of descent of very fine copper particles" | noted as understandable if downward motion occurred
  • "the downward directed ballistic head wave therefore could very easily have carried Dr. Crozier's 145 hour particles to within 10,000 feet of the earth" | Lincoln LaPaz
  • Possibility of unreported green fireball in Socorro neighborhood before July 14 | referenced as explanation for earlier copper dust
references
  • Dr. Crozier's report (R/D - tw, 8-10-49) | full details on methods and findings
  • Green fireballs of July 24th and August 6th | referenced as related incidents

Page 12

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statushas_content
doc_typememo
classificationSecret
page_descriptionCritical analysis of collection findings and discussion of air mass motions, particle descent rates, and aircraft collection failures.
dates
  • 1949-08-08 | Airplane collection date
  • 1949-08-09 | Ground search period reference
  • 1949-08-10 | Letter date from Dr. Crozier
  • 1933-10-09 | Reference to Giacobinid shower
people
  • Dr. Crozier | New Mexico School of Mines
  • Mr. Seely | New Mexico School of Mines
  • Mr. Paul Taft | U.S. Weather Bureau
  • L. Rudaux | referenced for dust particle descent studies
locations
  • Vaughn | New Mexico | fireball fall region
  • Raton | New Mexico | flight route reference
  • Durango | Colorado | flight route reference
  • Future | New Mexico | ground search location
  • Santa Rosa | New Mexico | ground search location
  • Highway 84 | pavement location referenced
observations
  • "Since we cannot assume complete stagnation of the air masses in the Socorro neighborhood for 145 hours, it must be supposed that such air motions as occurred were approximately compensating"
  • "The long continued appearance of copper particles (however, as Dr. Crozier emphasizes, smaller and smaller in size) in the Socorro collections"
  • "particles from the Giacobinid shower of 1933, October 9, filtered down in smaller and smaller sizes for 100 hours or more"
  • "the nearly vertical real paths extended from altitudes of 100 miles or more down almost to ground level and therefore optimum conditions for long continued infail of dust particles were approached in these falls"
  • "the airplane collections were all made at great distances (hundreds of miles) from the Vaughn region"
  • "At the time the airplane collection of August 8th was planned the writer recommended not only that the flight traverse the area from Vaughn northward to Raton and then NW-ward into the Durango, Colorado region"
  • "ground collections in the subtinal regions of the fireballs of both August 6th and July 24th resulted in the detection of unusual aggregations of copper particles"
assessments
  • "Only a detailed study of air mass motions for the time interval involved can settle this point" | regarding five-micron particle return
  • "Precisely such a decrease in particle size has repeatedly been observed in connection with dust collections believed to be of meteoritic origin" | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "Dr. Crozier suspects that the copper dust found in this particular collection R-104L may have been stirred up from the pavement on Highway 84" | Lincoln LaPaz

Page 13

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statushas_content
doc_typememo
classificationSecret
page_descriptionAnalysis of copper particle rarity in meteorites and recommendations for future investigations.
people
  • G.P. Merrill | National Academy of Sciences | referenced author
  • Harrison Brown | Journal of Geology | referenced author
  • Dr. Crozier | New Mexico School of Mines | cooperating investigator
  • Mr. Seely | New Mexico School of Mines | cooperating investigator
observations
  • "Copper is one of the rarest of the elements found in meteorites"
  • "I know of no case in which even the tiniest particle of copper has been reported in a dust collection supposedly of meteoritic origin"
assessments"In view of present concern in regard to the true nature of the green fireballs, nothing could exceed in importance attainment of a definite conclusion in regard to the origin of the copper particles detected in the subfinal regions of the fireballs of July 24th and August 6th." | Lincoln LaPaz
recommendations
  • "That arrangements be made for dust collections on airplane flights at altitudes of 40,000 ft. or more through the region of the atmosphere lying beneath the real paths of green fireballs as soon as possible after the occurrence of such fireball incidents"
  • "Such arrangements presuppose a well coordinated observing network permitting the speediest possible determination of the location of the real paths in the atmosphere"
  • "Dr. Crozier and Mr. Seely have both agreed to cooperate in carrying out dust collection at the highest altitudes attainable. In Dr. Crozier's opinion, a B-36 or B-50 should be made available for such work."
  • "That ground-level dust collections be made along the well determined earth-trace of the green fireball of January 30th, using the portable impactment equipment already rigged up by Dr. Crozier and Mr. Seely"
  • "If copper particles can be recovered along this earth-trace but do not appear in collections made 50 miles or so away from the trace, the result would be of much significance if not indeed decisive."
references
  • G.P. Merrill, Memoirs National Academy of Sciences, vol. 14 (1925), Table facing p. 27
  • Harrison Brown, Journal of Geology, vol. 66 (March 1948), Table 1, p. 87

Page 14

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statushas_content
doc_typeletter
classificationSecret
page_descriptionLetter from Sandia Base to Strategic Air Command regarding inspection board for Special Weapons training facilities.
dates
  • 1949-12-05 | Date of this letter
  • 1949-11-29 | Date of referenced Top Secret letter
people
  • Commanding General | Strategic Air Command recipient
  • Capt. Barnes | Plans and Operations Division representative
  • Lt. Col. Olson | Commanding Officer, 515th Aviation Squadron
organizations
  • Sandia Base | Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • Strategic Air Command | Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebraska
  • 515th Aviation Squadron | military unit
  • 8460th Special Weapons Group | military unit
  • Plans and Operations Division | Sandia Base
locations
  • Offutt Air Force Base | Omaha, Nebraska | recipient location
  • Strategic Air Command Stations | referenced for inspection tour
assessments
  • "This Headquarters concurs in the basic objectives of the proposed board and its general plan of action" | Sandia Base
  • "It is not possible at this time to comply with your suggestion that the 8460th Special Weapons Group be represented by the Commanding Officer of the Special Weapons Unit scheduled for assignment to the station being inspected" | Sandia Base
references
  • Top Secret letter from Strategic Air Command Headquarters dated 29 November 1949, subject: "Special Weapons Training Facilities at Strategic Air Command Stations"
  • Short Title: B-3000 | referenced proposal

Page 15

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statushas_content
doc_typeletter
classificationSecret
page_descriptionContinuation and conclusion of Special Weapons inspection board letter with signature and distribution list.
peopleD. H. Gunn | LCDR USN | Executive Officer, signing authority
assessments"It is suggested that this second board be empowered to recommend readjustment of movement schedule as circumstances indicate"
distribution1a&2a addressee

Page 16

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statusno_content
page_descriptionBlank page with document routing and file markings, including received stamp dated 5 DEC 1949.

Page 17

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statushas_content
doc_typeletter
classificationSecret
page_descriptionFirst indorsement from Strategic Air Command headquarters responding to Sandia Base letter regarding inspection board.
dates
  • 1949-12-05 | Date of basic communication (letter from Sandia Base)
  • 1949-12-19 | Date of this indorsement
people
  • Commanding General | Sandia Base recipient
  • J. B. Montgomery | Brigadier General, USAF | Director of Operations, SAC
organizations
  • Strategic Air Command | Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebraska
  • Eighth Air Force | directed to designate personnel
  • Fifteenth Air Force | directed to designate personnel
  • Sandia Base | Post Office Box 5100, Albuquerque, New Mexico
assessments
  • "This headquarters concurs, in general, with basic communication" | Strategic Air Command
  • "Reference paragraphs 1 and 2, basic communication, inspection board has completed inspections" | SAC
referencesBasic communication: letter from Sandia Base to SAC dated 5 Dec 49, subject "Board to Inspect Special Weapons Facilities at SAC Stations"

Page 18

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statusno_content
page_descriptionMostly blank page with document routing stamp dated 19 DEC 49 from HQ SAC.

Page 19

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statushas_content
doc_typeletter
classificationSecret
page_descriptionStrategic Air Command letter to Fifteenth Air Force regarding inspection of aviation squadron facilities.
people
  • Commanding General | Fifteenth Air Force recipient
  • Lieutenant General LeMay | Strategic Air Command
organizations
  • Strategic Air Command | Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebraska
  • Fifteenth Air Force | March Air Force Base, California
  • Sandia Base | coordinating command
observations
  • "Your attention is invited to the inclosed basic communication and first indorsement thereto"
  • "designation of personnel to inspect aviation squadron facilities of your command immediately upon receipt of notification from this headquarters"
assessments
  • "Inspection is to be completed not later than fifteen (15) days after receipt of notification"
  • "Sandia Base will furnish representative personnel for inspections, upon your request"
  • "Upon completion of inspections, any discrepancies noted will be forwarded to this headquarters together with any recommendations that would facilitate transfer of subject squadrons to this command"
references
  • Basic communication (letter from Sandia to SAC)
  • First indorsement from SAC to Sandia

Page 20

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statushas_content
doc_typememo
classificationConfidential
page_descriptionSummary memo from 17th District OSI to Director of Special Investigations regarding aerial phenomena observations in New Mexico, December 1948 - May 1950.
dates
  • 1950-05-25 | Date of memo
  • 1948-12 | Start of reporting period
  • 1950-05 | End of reporting period
  • 1948-12 | Liaison meeting date
people
  • Brigadier General Joseph F. Carroll | Director of Special Investigations, Headquarters USAF | recipient
  • Dr. Lincoln LaPaz | analyst of green fireball occurrences
organizations
  • 17th District Office of Special Investigations | Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico
  • Air Materiel Command, USAF | report distribution recipient
  • Air Intelligence Requirements No. 4 | referenced requirement
  • Office of Special Investigations (IG) USAF | observer group
  • Los Alamos Security Inspectors | observer group
locations
  • New Mexico area | subject area for aerial phenomena observations
  • Kirtland Air Force Base | New Mexico
observations
  • "In a liaison meeting with other military and government intelligence and investigative agencies in December 1948, it was determined that the frequency of unexplained aerial phenomena in the New Mexico area was such that an organized plan of reporting these observations should be undertaken"
  • "since December 1948, this District has assumed the responsibility for collecting and reporting basic information with respect to aerial phenomena occurring in this general area"
  • "compilation of aerial phenomena sightings that have occurred mostly in the New Mexico area and have been reported by this District Office subsequent to December 1948"
  • "observers of these phenomena include scientists, Special Agents of the Office of Special Investigations (IG) USAF, airline pilots, military pilots, Los Alamos Security Inspectors, military personnel, and many other persons of various occupations"
assessments
  • "This compilation of sightings is not a complete record of all reported observations, but includes only those in which sufficient information was available to justify their inclusion"
  • "evaluates each sighting into one of three classifications, (1) green fireball phenomenon, (2) disc or variation, and (3) probably meteoric"

Page 21

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statushas_content
doc_typememo
classificationConfidential
page_descriptionContinuation of aerial phenomena summary with biographical information on Dr. LaPaz and conference details regarding green fireball investigations.
dates
  • 1950-05-25 | Date of memo (continued)
  • 1949-02-17 | First conference at Los Alamos
  • 1949-10-14 | Second conference at Los Alamos
  • 1943-1944 | Dr. LaPaz's OSRD appointment period
  • 1944-45 | Dr. LaPaz's Second Air Force position
  • 1948 onward | Dr. LaPaz's volunteer consultant service
people
  • Dr. Lincoln LaPaz | Institute of Meteoritics, University of New Mexico | consultant
  • Lt Col Doyle Rees | District Commander, 17th District OSI | author
organizations
  • Institute of Meteoritics | University of New Mexico
  • New Mexico Proving Grounds | historical location
  • Second Air Force | historical position
  • Fourth Army | conference attendee
  • Armed Forces Special Weapons Project | conference attendee
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation | conference attendee
  • U.S. Atomic Energy Commission | conference attendee
  • University of California | conference attendee
  • U.S. Air Force Scientific Advisory Board | conference attendee
  • Geophysical Research Division, Air Materiel Command | conference attendee
  • Land-Air, Inc. | Holloman AFB, Alamogordo, New Mexico
locations
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | conference location
  • Cambridge, Massachusetts | Geophysical Research Division location
  • Holloman AFB, Alamogordo, New Mexico | contracted research location
  • University of New Mexico | Dr. LaPaz current position
  • New Mexico skies | phenomena observation area
assessments
  • "A logical explanation was not proffered with respect to the origin of the green fireballs" | conference participants
  • "It was, however, generally concluded that the phenomena existed and that they should be studied scientifically until these occurrences have been satisfactorily explained" | conference participants
  • "Further, that the continued occurrence of unexplained phenomena of this nature in the vicinity of sensitive installations is cause for concern" | conference participants
  • "The results of this scientific approach to the problem will undoubtedly be of great value in determining the origin of these phenomena" | regarding Land-Air contract
observations
  • "phenomena have continuously occurred in the New Mexico skies during the past 18 months and are continuing to occur"
  • "these phenomena are occurring in the vicinity of sensitive military and government installations"
references
  • Letter from Dr. LaPaz to Lt Col Rees, dated 23 May 50 | enclosed
  • Summary of Sightings | enclosed
  • Photo of Sighting No. 175 | enclosed
  • Graph indicating maximums | enclosed

Page 22

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statushas_content
doc_typememo
classificationConfidential
page_descriptionDistribution list for aerial phenomena summary memo.
organizations
  • Director of Special Investigations, Headquarters USAF | recipient
  • Air Materiel Command | recipient
  • Director of Technical Intelligence | recipient
  • CG, Special Weapons Command, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico | recipient
  • CG, Armed Services Special Weapons Project, Sandia Base, New Mexico | recipient
  • CG, Headquarters, Fourth Army | recipient
  • CG, Holloman AFB, New Mexico | recipient
  • U.S. Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories | recipient
  • Director, Security Division, U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Los Alamos, New Mexico | recipient
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation, El Paso, Texas | recipient
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albuquerque, New Mexico | recipient
  • U.S. Air Force Scientific Advisory Board | recipient
  • Research and Development Board | recipient

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationConfidential
page_descriptionSummary table of unknown aerial phenomena sightings reported by 17th District OSI, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, with 4 initial entries showing date, time, location, witness reliability, and evaluation.
dates
  • 1949-01-16 | Sighting #1
  • 1947-02 | Sighting #2 (latter part)
  • 1948-07-27 | Sighting #3
  • 1949-08-04 | Sighting #4
locations
  • Sighting #1 | Location of impact on white-green area (Albuquerque area referenced)
  • Vaughn, New Mexico | Sighting #2
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico | Sighting #3
  • North Powder, Oregon | Sighting #4
observations
  • Sighting #1: "lofting of impact on white-green areas and they" | 35 degrees above horizon | Brilliant white | 2-3 seconds | Compared with planet Venus on unusually clear night | Disappeared
  • Sighting #2: Latter April/Early 1947 | 2000 | Vaughn, New Mexico | 800-900 feet | Descending in slow-motion manner | Bright white | Sound noted | Larger than basketball | Descending slowly | Exploded
  • Sighting #3: 27 July 1948 | 0633-0645 | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Pure luminous reflected light | Green | None | Flat and round | Stationary at times
  • Sighting #4: 4 August 1949 | 0200-0300 | Unknown reliability | North Powder, Oregon | NE to SE | 5500 feet | Horizontal line | Green | Softball | 720 mph | Extinguished
witness_reliability
  • VR (Very Reliable) for sightings 1, 2
  • R (Reliable) for sighting 3
  • Unk (Unknown Reliability) for sighting 4
evaluations
  • Sighting #1: (1) Green Fireball Phenomena
  • Sighting #2: (3) Probable Meteor
  • Sighting #3: (2) Disc or Variation
  • Sighting #4: (1) Green Fireball Phenomena

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationConfidential
page_descriptionContinuation of aerial phenomena sightings summary table covering sightings 5-11 (1949 incidents in New Mexico and Arizona).
dates1949 (various) | Multiple sightings entries
locations
  • Sighting 5: New Mexico
  • Sighting 6: Phoenix, Arizona
  • Sighting 7: Vaughn, New Mexico
  • Sighting 8: Vaughn, New Mexico
  • Sighting 9: Las Vegas, New Mexico
  • Sighting 10: Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • Sighting 11: Sandia Base, New Mexico
observations
  • Sighting 5: Time unspecified | Green | 75 degrees above | Very slow | Became very bright and fell apart
  • Sighting 6: Time unspecified | Bright green | Parabolic curve | Few secs | Faded out
  • Sighting 7: Time unspecified | Bright white | Descending | Larger than basketball | Exploded slowly
  • Sighting 8: 5 Dec, App 2135 | 2 witnesses | Reliable | Las Vegas, New Mexico | Slightly above, descending 2,000 feet | Bright orange | Few secs | No movement noted
  • Sighting 9: 5 Dec, App 2200 | 2 witnesses | Reliable | Albuquerque | 10,500 feet | Parabolic curve | Green | Yes | 2 secs | Round | Faded out
  • Sighting 10: 6 Dec, 2255 | 1 witness | Unknown reliability | Sandia Base | E to W | Slight falling arch | Green | Yes | 2-3 secs | None | Round | 1/3 diameter of moon | Rapid rate of speed | Vanished
  • Sighting 11: 8 Dec, 1333 | 2 witnesses | Very Reliable | Las Vegas | NE to NW, 13,500 feet | Horizontal | Bright green | Yes | 2 secs | None | Larger than a flare | Rapid rate of speed | Faded out
witness_reliability
  • R (Reliable) for most
  • VR (Very Reliable) for sighting 11
  • Unk (Unknown) for sighting 10

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationConfidential
page_descriptionContinuation of aerial phenomena sightings summary table covering sightings 12-18 (December 1949 and January 1950).
dates
  • 1949-12-11 | Sighting 12
  • 1949-12-12 | Sighting 13
  • 1949-12-20 | Sighting 14
  • 1949-12-28 | Sighting 15
  • 1950-01-02 | Sighting 16
  • 1950-01-06 | Sighting 17
  • 1950-01-30 | Sighting 18
locations
  • Sighting 12: Hood River, Oregon
  • Sighting 13: 15 miles east of Las Vegas, New Mexico
  • Sighting 14: Los Alamos, New Mexico
  • Sighting 15: Los Alamos, New Mexico
  • Sighting 16: Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • Sighting 17: Los Alamos, New Mexico
  • Sighting 18: El Paso, Texas
observations
  • Sighting 12: 11 Dec, 1350 | Unknown reliability | Hood River, Oregon | Blue and white | Yes | Flash | Flash/noise, like thunder
  • Sighting 13: 12 Dec, 2102 | 5 witnesses | Very reliable | 15 miles east Las Vegas | E to W | 3-10 miles | Horizontal | Very bright green | 2.1-2.8 secs | None | Ball | Magnitude -4 | Broke into 3 or 4 small fragments and disappeared
  • Sighting 14: 20 Dec, 2054 | 4 witnesses | Reliable | Los Alamos | W to E | Great height descending | 20 degrees to horizon | Pale green or bluish white | 1-1/2 secs | None | Ball | Basketball | High speed | Disappeared behind mountain
  • Sighting 15: 28 Dec, 0431 | 1 witness | Reliable | Los Alamos | N to S | Descended from high altitude to 6000 feet | Descending in vertical manner | White | Several secs | None | Near star | Brighter than falling star | Disappeared with greenish flash
  • Sighting 16: 1950, 2 Jan, 1730 | 1 witness | Unknown reliability | Albuquerque | SE to NW | 1500-2000 feet | Horizontal | Bright white | None | Diamond | Approx 2 feet long | Much faster than a jet | Disappeared
  • Sighting 17: 6 Jan, 0310 | 1 witness | Reliable | Los Alamos | E to W | 3 to 5 degrees from observer | Horizontal | Brilliant green | 2 secs | None | None | High speed | Disappeared behind mountainous horizon
  • Sighting 18: 30 Jan, 1754 | Approx unknown, 200 | 1 witness | Unknown reliability | El Paso, Texas | NW to SE | 3-5 degrees above horizon | Horizontal | Green | None | Ball | Broke into pieces
witness_reliability
  • R (Reliable) for most sightings
  • VR (Very Reliable) for sighting 13
  • Unk (Unknown) for sightings 12, 16, 18

Page 26

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationConfidential
page_descriptionContinuation of aerial phenomena sightings summary table covering sightings 19-22 (January-February 1950).
dates
  • 1950-01-30 | Sightings 19, 20, 21
  • 1950-02-14 | Sighting 22
locations
  • Sighting 19: Roswell, New Mexico
  • Sighting 20: Alamogordo, New Mexico
  • Sighting 21: Fort Worth, Texas
  • Sighting 22: Canada, New Mexico
observations
  • Sighting 19: 30 Jan, 1755 | Approx unknown 200 | Unknown reliability | Roswell | W to E | 2000 feet | Horizontal | Blue-green | None | Moving slowly | Disappeared to some, disintegrated into shower of smaller lighted fragments
  • Sighting 20: 30 Jan | Approx 1100-1200 | 200 | Unknown reliability | Alamogordo | E to W | Angle of elevation 15-30 degrees from observer | Gentle descent | Green | 3-15 secs | None | Ball | Seemed to fizzle out
  • Sighting 21: 30 Jan, 1854 | 10 witnesses | Unknown reliability | Fort Worth, Texas | NE to S | 13 degrees above horizon | 30 degrees downward trajectory from horizon | Green trail-ing sparks | Yes | 1-7 secs | None | 1/3 size of full moon | Disintegration
  • Sighting 22: 14 Feb, 1340 | 2 witnesses | Unknown reliability | Canada, New Mexico | Somewhat above horizon | Stationary then fell in slight curve to W | Brilliant white slightly green color | Yes | None | Stationary then fell in slight curve to W
witness_reliabilityAll unknown or approximate for this page

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionTable containing Project Sign incident summaries with 6 UFO sighting records from February-March 1949.
dates
  • 1949-02-17 | Grants, New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-02-17 | Albuquerque, New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-02-27 | Los Alamos, New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-03-02 | Los Alamos, New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-03-03 | Los Alamos, New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-03-06 | Camp Hood, Texas sighting
locations
  • Grants, New Mexico | latitude/longitude not given | location of UFO sighting
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico | latitude/longitude not given | location of UFO sighting
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | latitude/longitude not given | location of multiple UFO sightings
  • Camp Hood, Texas | coordinates given as N 74° W, H 81° W | location of UFO sighting
observations
  • Case 22: Vertical climb then lowered off, gradual ascent; white object; Disappears (1)
  • Case 24: Drill-hand white shift turning to an ellipsis; lunar shift-diameter; Disappears (2)
  • Case 25: Parallel to earth, green-white color, 2 secs; Not as fast, abruptly disappeared motion
  • Case 26: "Low in sky" horizontal; light 2 secs; Very fast, disappeared behind trees (1) (3)
  • Case 27: Straight down; straight bright green; Disappeared (1) (3)
  • Case 28: From 6° N 74° W, H 81° W above horizon; plus-white light; Not known (1)
assessments
  • Cases 22-27: Disappearance noted as significant aspect of sightings
  • Case 28: Status "Not known" regarding disposition
redactionsNone visible
quotes"Low in sky" | referring to Case 26 observation

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of Project Sign incident summary table with 6 UFO sighting records from March 1949, cases 29-34.
dates
  • 1949-03-06 | Case 29, Camp Hood Texas sighting
  • 1949-03-06 | Case 30, Camp Hood Texas sighting
  • 1949-03-07 | Case 31, Camp Hood Texas sighting
  • 1949-03-07 | Case 32, Camp Hood Texas sighting
  • 1949-03-07 | Case 33, Camp Hood Texas sighting
  • 1949-03-07 | Case 34, Camp Hood Texas sighting
locations
  • Camp Hood, Texas | N 20° E | location of Cases 29-34 sightings
  • Camp Hood, Texas | From S 21° W to S 60° W | location of Case 30, specific directional bearings
  • Camp Hood, Texas | N 40° E | location of Case 31
  • Camp Hood, Texas | N 16° W | location of Case 32
  • Camp Hood, Texas | S 20° W | location of Case 33
  • Camp Hood, Texas | N 60° E | location of Case 34
observations
  • Case 29: 53° above horizon, blue-white light; fixed flash
  • Case 30: From 21° above horizon to 69°1' above, light colored head orange trail, about 10° in length with trail
  • Case 31: 63° 15' above horizon, brilliant blue-white, flash bulb
  • Case 32: 27° 30' above horizon, bright blue-white, basketball "fixed flash" bulb
  • Case 33: 28° above horizon, pluish white, ball like flash bulb
  • Case 34: Dropped vertically to ground, orange, 2 secs, 2' by 1', disappeared behind trees
assessments
  • Cases 29, 32, 33: Objects described as resembling flash bulbs
  • Case 34: Vertical descent to ground with disappearance notation
redactionsNone visible
quotes
  • "Fixed Flash" | referring to Case 29 appearance
  • "Flash bulb" | referring to Cases 31, 32, 33 descriptions

Page 29

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of Project Sign incident summary table with 4 UFO sighting records from March 1949, cases 35-38.
dates
  • 1949-03-07 | Case 35, Window Rock Arizona sighting
  • 1949-03-08 | Case 36, Los Alamos New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-03-08 | Case 37, Los Alamos New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-03-08 | Case 38, Camp Hood Texas sighting
locations
  • Window Rock, Arizona | N 40° to 45° to horizon | location of Case 35 sighting
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | location of Case 36 sighting
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N, 4,000 above terrain | location of Case 37 sighting, descending at 45° angle
  • Camp Hood, Texas | From S 53° E to S 54° E above horizon | location of Case 38 sighting
observations
  • Case 35: Red in center shading to blue at edge, 6-8 secs, 200-300 mph, ball in diameter-round-spherical, disintegrated
  • Case 36: Horizontal, bright white with greenish tint, 1-2 secs, 800-1000 mph, appeared to go out or disappeared behind cloud
  • Case 37: Descending at 45° angle, intense white light, very short duration, elliptical-pointed at ends, aluminum colored, slower than twin-engined plane, disappeared behind trees
  • Case 38: Traveled in arc, From 56° above horizon to 54° above, pale white light, yes, roundish head with hazy smoke trail
assessments
  • Case 35: Disintegration observed at end
  • Case 36: Apparent disappearance or exit behind cloud
  • Case 37: Speed assessment relative to twin-engined aircraft
  • Case 38: Shape described as roundish with trailing smoke
redactionsNone visible
quotes
  • "Traveled in arc" | referring to Case 38 trajectory
  • "Elliptical-pointed" | referring to Case 37 shape description

Page 30

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of Project Sign incident summary table with 5 UFO sighting records from March 1949, cases 39-43.
dates
  • 1949-03-08 | Case 39, Camp Hood Texas sighting
  • 1949-03-13 | Case 40, Albuquerque New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-03-14 | Case 41, Airplane enroute from Honolulu to Canton
  • 1949-03-27 | Case 42, Tucumcari New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-03-27 | Case 43, Montoya New Mexico sighting
locations
  • Camp Hood, Texas | From N 56° W, S 64° W, above horizon | location of Case 39 sighting
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico | NE to SW or SW to NE | location of Case 40 sighting, 20° descending above horizon
  • Airplane | Enroute from Honolulu to Canton | location of Case 41 sighting at 6°-12° above, at 6,000 feet
  • Tucumcari, New Mexico | E to W | location of Case 42 sighting, 300-1300 feet above horizon
  • Montoya, New Mexico | E to W | location of Case 43 sighting, about 75° above horizon
observations
  • Case 39: Traveled in arc from 15° above horizon, pale reddish-nose, whitish-red with tail, disappeared
  • Case 40: Descending above horizon, bluish slightly greenish-white, 2-4 secs, length ½ diameter twice of full moon diameter of ball
  • Case 41: 6°-12° above airplane at 6,000 feet, horizontal, hose-like bullet, 10 secs, 65° in 9 secs
  • Case 42: High in sky, amber, 25 mts, long & narrow, faded out in distance
  • Case 43: About 75° above, orange flame, 10 lts, long & narrow about 1/6 lunar diameter, width-about 1/5 length, faded out in distance
assessments
  • Case 39: Disappearance noted as final disposition
  • Case 40: Description relative to full moon size
  • Case 41: Speed calculation (65° in 9 seconds)
  • Cases 42-43: Fading in distance as final observation
redactionsNone visible
quotes
  • "Traveled in arc" | referring to Case 39 trajectory
  • "Hose-like bullet" | referring to Case 41 description

Page 31

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of Project Sign incident summary table with 7 UFO sighting records from March-April 1949, cases 44-50.
dates
  • 1949-03-27 | Case 44, Tucumcari New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-03-27 | Case 45, Tucumcari New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-03-31 | Case 46, Camp Hood Texas sighting
  • 1949-04-05 | Case 47, Los Alamos New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-04-06 | Case 48, Los Alamos New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-04-07 | Case 49, Los Alamos New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-04-07 | Case 50, Los Alamos New Mexico sighting
locations
  • Tucumcari, New Mexico | E to W, close to 26° above horizon | location of Case 44
  • Tucumcari, New Mexico | E to W, 60° above horizon | location of Case 45, 10,000 ft altitude
  • Camp Hood, Texas | SW | location of Case 46, 25,000 feet
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N, 350 feet above slope of Pejarito | location of Case 47
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | SE, about 15,000 feet | location of Case 48
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | W, about 200 yards from top of hill | location of Case 49
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to W | location of Case 50
observations
  • Case 44: Bright orange, 15 mts, long & narrow, faded out of sight in distance
  • Case 45: Orange fire, 15 mts, like tube of C-47 at tail 10,000 ft, disappeared behind hills
  • Case 46: Fire, red to white, 1-nsec-scn, size of basketball, appeared in ashes (description unclear)
  • Case 47: Arc above 8, green with red after glow, ½-1 sec, tremendous speed, disappeared behind mountain
  • Case 48: Between dark and light green, 3-5 secs, very fast
  • Case 49: Green, app 45 secs, moved very slowly
  • Case 50: Green, 5 secs, moving slowly
assessments
  • Case 44: Fading in distance as end observation
  • Case 45: Disappearance behind hills
  • Case 46: Appears in ashes reference unclear
  • Case 47: Tremendous speed assessment
  • Case 48: Very fast designation
  • Cases 49-50: Slow movement noted
redactionsCase 46: Possibly illegible text in shape/appearance column
quotes
  • "Tremendous speed" | referring to Case 47 assessment
  • "Like tube of C-47" | referring to Case 45 shape

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionPage 10 of Project Sign incident summary table for 17th District OSI (continued) with 6 UFO sighting records from April 1949, cases 51-56.
dates
  • 1949-04-08 | Case 51, Albuquerque New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-04-15 | Case 52, El Paso Texas sighting
  • 1949-04-18 | Case 53, Flagstaff/Fort Williams Arizona sighting
  • 1949-04-22 | Case 54, Cliff New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-04-24 | Case 55, White Sands New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-04-25 | Case 56, Springer New Mexico sighting
locations
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico | SE to NW | location of Case 51, 20° above horizon
  • El Paso, Texas | straight up | location of Case 52, about 30° angle
  • Flagstaff/Fort Williams, Arizona | NW | location of Case 53, app 12,000 feet to one, 75-100 miles to other observer
  • Cliff, New Mexico | W to E | location of Case 54, 20° dropping slowly
  • White Sands, New Mexico | (specific direction unclear) | location of Case 55, 25-29° angle
  • Springer, New Mexico | 2 groups racing E, 2 groups going S | location of Case 56, well above 30,000 feet
observations
  • Case 51: White, round, 1/6 size of moon, 8 secs, 15° in 8 secs, extinguished
  • Case 52: Grayish, 15 mts, thin smoke trail, dissipated
  • Case 53: Greenish-blue, 1-2 secs, ball-100 watt light bulb, disappeared behind obstacle
  • Case 54: Aluminum, 2 mts, round flat disc-shape, over 15 inches in diameter, disappeared behind mountains
  • Case 55: White light yellow, 60 secs, ellipsoid, tremendous rate of speed, disappeared due to distance
  • Case 56: Silvery white, 4 grps, very fast well above speed of sound, very small, disappeared from view
assessments
  • Case 51: Extinguished as final state
  • Case 52: Dissipation noted
  • Case 53: Obstacle obstruction
  • Case 54: Disc shape description
  • Case 55: Tremendous speed assessment, distance disappearance
  • Case 56: Speed exceeds sound, very small size
redactionsNone visible
quotes
  • "Tremendous rate of speed" | referring to Case 55 assessment
  • "Very fast well above speed of sound" | referring to Case 56 observation
  • "Ball - 100 watt light bulb" | referring to Case 53 size/brightness comparison

Page 33

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionPage 11 of Project Sign incident summary table for 17th District OSI (continued) with 5 UFO sighting records from April-May 1949, cases 57-61.
dates
  • 1949-04-26 | Case 57, Tucson Arizona sighting
  • 1949-04-30 | Case 58, Albuquerque New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-05-03 | Case 59, Los Alamos New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-05-03 | Case 60, Los Alamos New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-05-03 | Case 61, Los Alamos New Mexico sighting
locations
  • Tucson, Arizona | HD to SE or SW | location of Case 57 sighting
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico | E to W | location of Case 58, 53° above horizon
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | location of Case 59, 10° - 15° above horizon
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | location of Case 60, 10° - 15° above horizon (multiple times: 2126, 2143, 2205)
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | SE to NW | location of Case 61, 10° - 15° above horizon
observations
  • Case 57: Silver, 12-20 mts, cigar or sausage shape, from L-29 to city block, 300-600 mph, faded from view
  • Case 58: Blue green, 2 secs, round, tenth of moon, 2 seconds 2 degrees, went out
  • Case 59: Bright white light, 10 secs, very fast up to 1,000 mph
  • Case 60: White, 3-7 secs each time, large-similar to size of airplane landing lights, very fast
  • Case 61: 2126-white 2140-red, 5 sec 1st, 2 sec 2nd, 2126-base-ball diamond lights, 2140-slightly larger than firebox lights, same speed as aircraft landing
assessments
  • Case 57: Cigar/sausage shape, fading disappearance
  • Case 58: Round shape, went out (extinguished)
  • Case 59: Very fast speed up to 1,000 mph
  • Case 60: Size comparison to airplane landing lights, very fast
  • Case 61: Multiple observations over time, color changes, speed comparable to aircraft
redactionsNone visible
quotes
  • "Cigar or sausage shape" | referring to Case 57 description
  • "Large - similar to size of airplane landing lights" | referring to Case 60
  • "2126-base-ball diamond lights. 2140-slightly larger than firebox lights" | referring to Case 61

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionPage 12 of Project Sign incident summary table for 17th District OSI (continued) with 6 UFO sighting records from May 1949, cases 62-67.
dates
  • 1949-05-06 | Case 62, Camp Hood Texas sighting
  • 1949-05-06 | Case 63, Los Alamos New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-05-07 | Case 64, Camp Hood Texas sighting
  • 1949-05-07 | Case 65, Camp Hood Texas sighting
  • 1949-05-08 | Case 66, Camp Hood Texas sighting
  • 1949-05-08 | Case 67, Tucson Arizona sighting
locations
  • Camp Hood, Texas | W and H | location of Case 62, app 1200' dropping to 240'
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | N to S | location of Case 63, 5° above horizon
  • Camp Hood, Texas | SE | location of Case 64, 1300 feet
  • Camp Hood, Texas | N and E | location of Case 65, 1000 feet
  • Camp Hood, Texas | N and E | location of Case 66, 1800 feet
  • Tucson, Arizona | W, 30° turn to the N | location of Case 67, 4000 to 20,000 feet
observations
  • Case 62: Alternating pinkish to green, 50 mts, round, ½ dollar to quarter size, very slow, faded from sight
  • Case 63: Gas going down at angle of 20-35°, green, fraction of a sec, round, app 1/8 size of full moon, very high rate of speed, disappeared west of Demet Ros.
  • Case 64: 1300 feet, green-white, 40 mts, diamond shape, 3 mils width, covered 15 mils in 40 mins horiz., dimmed and went out
  • Case 65: 1000 feet, reddish greenish white, 57 sec, diamond shape, 3 mils width, covered 20 mils in 57 secs horiz., dimmed and went out
  • Case 66: 1800 feet, reddish greenish white, 9 mts, diamond shape, 2 mils width, 10 mils in 9 mts, dimmed and went out
  • Case 67: 4000 to 20,000 feet, horizontal then rapid climb at 25° angle, white, 10-20 mts, metallic circular, 40-75' in diameter, motionless to faster than jet, climbed at 45° angle until out of sight
assessments
  • Case 62: Slow movement, color alternation, fading disappearance
  • Case 63: High speed, very small appearance relative to moon
  • Cases 64-66: Diamond shape, mil measurements for angular size, dimming and extinction
  • Case 67: Size estimate 40-75 feet, speed exceeds jet capability, steep climbing angle
redactionsNone visible
quotes
  • "Round, ½ dollar to quarter size" | referring to Case 62 description
  • "App 1/8 size of full moon" | referring to Case 63 size
  • "Metallic circular" | referring to Case 67 shape
  • "Motionless to faster than jet" | referring to Case 67 speed range

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionPage 13 of Project Sign incident summary table for 17th District OSI (continued) with 7 UFO sighting records from May-June 1949, cases 68-74.
dates
  • 1949-05-09 | Case 68, Tucson Arizona sighting
  • 1949-05-12 | Case 69, Alamocordo New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-05-16 | Case 70, Tucson Arizona sighting
  • 1949-06-02 | Case 71, Los Alamos New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-06-11 | Case 72, Los Alamos New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-06-20 | Case 73, Los Alamos New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-06-20 | Case 74, Los Alamos New Mexico sighting
locations
  • Tucson, Arizona | SW to NE | location of Case 68 sighting
  • Alamocordo, New Mexico | (no direction given) | location of Case 69, 3° or 4° above horizon
  • Tucson, Arizona | E to W | location of Case 70, 5000 feet
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | E to N | location of Case 71, 7000' - 10,000'
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | ST to NE | location of Case 72, 25° above horizon
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | W to E | location of Case 73
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | W to E | location of Case 74, directly overhead
observations
  • Case 68: Silvery, 6-10 secs, round & flat, 25' in diameter, 750-1000 mph, faded from view
  • Case 69: White with greenish tince, 4 mins, 2 fuzzy stars, ½ diameter of full moon, vanished
  • Case 70: Black, 8-10 secs, round solid flat, 3-4' in diameter, 800-1000 mph, behind aircraft hangar
  • Case 71: Descending, green, 1 sec, ball of light, (no further details in visible columns)
  • Case 72: Green then red at end of flight, 4-5 secs, size of star
  • Case 73: Green turned orange red before vanishing, 3 secs, round, extinguished
  • Case 74: Blue green, 1-1/2 secs, vanished as the extingu'd. [sic]
assessments
  • Case 68: Silvery flat round shape, high speed 750-1000 mph, fading disappearance
  • Case 69: Fuzzy appearance, size relative to full moon
  • Case 70: Solid flat round, high speed 800-1000 mph, near aircraft hangar
  • Case 71: Descending trajectory
  • Case 72: Color change during flight
  • Case 73: Color transformation ending with extinguishment
  • Case 74: Rapid color to extinction
redactionsCase 74: Text appears cut off "extingu'd" likely "extinguished"
quotes
  • "Round & flat" | referring to Case 68 shape
  • "2 fuzzy stars" | referring to Case 69 appearance
  • "Ball of light" | referring to Case 71 description

Page 36

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionPage 14 of Project Sign incident summary table for 17th District OSI (continued) with 5 UFO sighting records from June-July 1949, cases 75-79.
dates
  • 1949-06-24 | Case 75, Mesa Arizona sighting
  • 1949-06-27 | Case 76, Albuquerque New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-06-29 | Case 77, Flagstaff Arizona sighting
  • 1949-06-30 | Case 78, Seligman Arizona sighting
  • 1949-07-11 | Case 79, Camp Hood Texas sighting
locations
  • Mesa, Arizona | 1 to SE, 2 to E, 3 to NE, 4 vertical, 5 to E | location of Case 75, near horizon
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico | W to E | location of Case 76, 30° to 90° above horizon
  • Flagstaff, Arizona | E to W | location of Case 77, 30° from vertical
  • Seligman, Arizona | N | location of Case 78, 30° above horizon
  • Camp Hood, Texas | W by SW | location of Case 79, 30° above horizon
observations
  • Case 75: Steel gray, 4 at 30 mts, 1 at 25 secs, disc w/2 flanges, max of 400 mph, faded from view
  • Case 76: Similar to star, slightly more orange, slightly brighter, 2 mts, round, slightly larger than brightest star, 140° in 2 mts., went behind building
  • Case 77: Yellow in front red behind, none, bullet shaped ½ size of small airplane, relatively slow, over a hill
  • Case 78: Dull gray, 6 secs, circle, appeared 1½ diameter at 10,000 feet altitude, 2,000 mph or faster, disappeared in distance
  • Case 79: Pale red, 2 secs, ball but not a perfect circle, twice as large as evening star, such as turning off flashlight
assessments
  • Case 75: Disc shape with flanges, high speed 400 mph
  • Case 76: Star-like appearance with color, angular movement measurement
  • Case 77: Bullet shape, relatively slow, disappearance over hill
  • Case 78: Circular appearance, size estimate at altitude, very high speed 2,000+ mph
  • Case 79: Approximate spherical shape, brightness comparison, rapid extinction
redactions
  • Case 75: Text appears partially illegible in directional column
  • Case 78: Text partially unclear regarding exact appearance
quotes
  • "Disc w/2 flanges" | referring to Case 75 shape
  • "Bullet shaped" | referring to Case 77 description
  • "Such as turning off flashlight" | referring to Case 79 extinction manner

Page 37

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionPage 15 of Project Sign incident summary table for 17th District OSI (continued) with 5 UFO sighting records from July 1949, cases 80-84.
dates
  • 1949-07-26 | Case 80, Killeen Base Texas sighting
  • 1949-07-28 | Case 81, Killeen Texas sighting
  • 1949-07-28 | Case 82, Killeen Texas sighting
  • 1949-07-30 | Case 83, Camp Hood Texas sighting
  • 1949-07-30 | Case 84, Camp Hood Texas sighting
locations
  • Killeen Base, Texas | N to S | location of Case 80, 30° above horizon
  • Killeen, Texas | S to N | location of Case 81, 30° above horizon
  • Killeen, Texas | N to NW | location of Case 82, 30° above horizon
  • Camp Hood, Texas | SE to NW | location of Case 83, 35° to horizon, climbed in arc
  • Camp Hood, Texas | SE to SW | location of Case 84, app 30° above horizon, straight flight losing altitude
observations
  • Case 80: White with tint of blue green, 3-5 secs, round with tail, size of evening star, unable to estimate, faded out
  • Case 81: 2 predominantly white, 1 at 2-3 secs, 1/2 at 10-12 secs, had orange glow to tail, round with tail, tennis ball, faded out
  • Case 82: Initially blue turning white, 15-20 secs, round, 3 times size evening star, went out like light
  • Case 83: Climbed in arc, blue-white, 2-2½ secs, like rocket tail, 2-2½ secs to cover fire of about 15°, faded out
  • Case 84: Straight flight losing altitude, freedom white with blue tint, 2-3 secs, round with tail, evening star or planet, very fast, gradually faded out
assessments
  • Case 80: Tail structure noted, star size comparison
  • Case 81: Multiple objects, color transformation (white to orange glow)
  • Case 82: Color change during observation, rapid extinction
  • Case 83: Climbing trajectory in arc, rocket-like appearance
  • Case 84: High speed, star-like size, gradual extinction
redactionsNone visible
quotes
  • "White with tint of blue green" | referring to Case 80 color
  • "Had orange glow to tail" | referring to Case 81
  • "Like rocket tail" | referring to Case 83 appearance
  • "Evening star or planet" | referring to Case 84 size comparison

Page 38

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionPage 16 of Project Sign incident summary table for 17th District OSI (continued) with 5 UFO sighting records from August 1949, cases 85-89.
dates
  • 1949-08-05 | Case 85, Las Cruces New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-08-06 | Case 86, Las Cruces New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-08-06 | Case 87, Alamocordo New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-08-06 | Case 88, Alamocordo New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-08-06 | Case 89, Alamocordo New Mexico sighting
locations
  • Las Cruces, New Mexico | E to W | location of Case 85 sighting
  • Las Cruces, New Mexico | E to W | location of Case 86, 62°20" to 62°40" above horizon
  • Alamocordo, New Mexico | Vertical | location of Case 87, 29°30" to 70°30" above horizon
  • Alamocordo, New Mexico | E to W | location of Case 88, 204" to 120°0" above horizon, 10° off vertical
  • Alamocordo, New Mexico | SW | location of Case 89 sighting
observations
  • Case 85: Bluish green, 1-2 secs, round, bigger than falling star, disappeared behind building
  • Case 86: Curve going up when fell in almost vertical direction, reddish blue & green, 4-5 secs, round, app 6" in diameter, disappeared gradually
  • Case 87: 29°30" to 70°30" straight vertical flight, bright white slight reddish cast, 3 secs, round, ½ size of moon, exploded then pieces died out
  • Case 88: 204" to 120°0" off vertical, white, 2 secs, large as auto spot-light at car length, disappeared behind building
  • Case 89: Straight flight app 20° vertical decline, whitish yellow (red trail), 1 sec, round, twice size normal falling star, extremely fast - twice as fast as falling star, disappeared behind mountain
assessments
  • Case 85: Disappearance behind building
  • Case 86: Curved trajectory, gradual fading
  • Case 87: Vertical flight, explosion phenomenon noted
  • Case 88: Size comparison to automobile spotlight
  • Case 89: Exceptional speed - twice normal meteor speed
redactionsNone visible
quotes
  • "Bluish green" | referring to Case 85 color
  • "Bigger than falling star" | referring to Case 85 size
  • "Exploded then pieces died out" | referring to Case 87 terminal event
  • "Large as auto spot-light at car length" | referring to Case 88 size
  • "Extremely fast - twice as fast as falling star" | referring to Case 89 speed assessment

Page 39

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionPage 17 of Project Sign incident summary table for 17th District OSI (continued) with 6 UFO sighting records from August 1949, cases 90-95.
dates
  • 1949-08-06 | Case 90, Alamocordo New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-08-06 | Case 91, Albuquerque New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-08-06 | Case 92, White Sands New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-08-06 | Case 93, Alamocordo New Mexico sighting
  • 1949-08-10 | Case 94, Killeen Base Texas sighting
  • 1949-08-10 | Case 95, Killeen Base Texas sighting
locations
  • Alamocordo, New Mexico | N | location of Case 90 sighting
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico | Descending to earth vertically | location of Case 91, 15° above horizon
  • White Sands, New Mexico | (no direction given) | location of Case 92, 40° above horizon
  • Alamocordo, New Mexico | 200° | location of Case 93, 30° above horizon
  • Killeen Base, Texas | E to W | location of Case 94, 30° angle headed down
  • Killeen Base, Texas | N to S | location of Case 95, 30° above horizon
observations
  • Case 90: Constant slight curve earthward, white (bluish), 1 sec, round, app smaller than clenched fist, similar to falling star, went out
  • Case 91: Descending to earth vertically, 15° above horizon, green, 1-1½ secs, round, 500 watt bulb to near shape, 10° in 1½ secs at 2 miles away, dissipated
  • Case 92: 40° above horizon, straight line to earth, observer color blind, 1 sec, round, half size of fingernail at arm's length, slightly faster than ordinary falling star, disappeared behind sand dune
  • Case 93: 200° at 30° above horizon, long slow curve to earth, bluish green, 1 sec, round, tip of thumb at arm's length, burned out
  • Case 94: 30° angle 30° angle headed down, blue, 3-4 secs, oval, head size, sudden disappearance/once
  • Case 95: 30° above horizon, white, 5 secs, similar to comet, disappeared
assessments
  • Case 90: Fading extinction as end state
  • Case 91: Rapid descent with high angular velocity
  • Case 92: Size comparison (fingernail) with movement relative to falling meteors
  • Case 93: Slow trajectory, rapid extinction
  • Case 94: Oval shape, sudden disappearance
  • Case 95: Comet-like appearance, rapid disappearance
redactionsCase 94: Text appears partially unclear "disappearance/once"
quotes
  • "Constant slight curve earthward" | referring to Case 90 trajectory
  • "Similar to falling star" | referring to Case 90 appearance
  • "500 watt bulb" | referring to Case 91 brightness comparison
  • "Half size of fingernail at arm's length" | referring to Case 92 size
  • "Tip of thumb at arm's length" | referring to Case 93 size

Page 40

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionPage 18 of Project Sign incident summary table for 17th District OSI (continued) with 5 UFO sighting records from August 1949, cases 96-100 (final entries).
dates
  • 1949-08-10 | Case 96, Camp Hood Texas sighting
  • 1949-08-10 | Case 97, Camp Hood Texas sighting
  • 1949-08-10 | Case 98, Camp Hood Texas sighting
  • 1949-08-10 | Case 99, Killeen Base Texas sighting
  • 1949-08-10 | Case 100, Camp Hood Texas sighting
locations
  • Camp Hood, Texas | N to S | location of Case 96 sighting
  • Camp Hood, Texas | W to E | location of Case 97, 30° - 45° above horizon
  • Camp Hood, Texas | N to S | location of Case 98, 30° above horizon, horizontal with slight arc
  • Killeen Base, Texas | S | location of Case 99, 30° above horizon, continued climbing at 30° angle going up until disappearance
  • Camp Hood, Texas | (no direction given) | location of Case 100, 40° - 70° above horizon, 1 3 & 4 almost horizontal, 2 almost vertical
observations
  • Case 96: Level flight, yellow to orange, 1-2 secs, like headlight of old car, 50° in 2 secs, cut out
  • Case 97: Level flight, white, 3-4 secs, round with tail, large flare, greater speed than plane, burned out
  • Case 98: Horizontal with slight arc, orange with white tail, 3-5 secs, rocket, 20 mm. tracer, very great similar to falling star, light gradually diminished
  • Case 99: Continued climbing at 30° angle going up until disappearance, bright orange reddish ball with long firey tail, 5 secs, head size, disappeared
  • Case 100: 40° - 70° above horizon 1 3 & 4 almost horizontal, 2 almost vertical, white with orange, 1 sec for each one, round with trail, large star, great speed, went out like a light
assessments
  • Case 96: Rapid extinction, headlight appearance
  • Case 97: Level flight at high speed, rapid burnout
  • Case 98: Rocket-like appearance, gradual dimming
  • Case 99: Climbing trajectory, bright orange color, head-sized appearance
  • Case 100: Multiple objects, varying angles, rapid extinguishment
redactionsNone visible
quotes
  • "Like headlight of old car" | referring to Case 96 appearance
  • "Large flare" | referring to Case 97 description
  • "20 mm. tracer" | referring to Case 98 appearance comparison
  • "Reddish ball with long firey tail" | referring to Case 99 description
  • "Went out like a light" | referring to Case 100 extinction manner

Page 41

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of a summary table of sightings of unknown aerial phenomena from the 17th District OSI, page 19.
dates
  • 1956-08-10 | sighting incident 101
  • 1956-08-10 | sighting incident 102
  • 1956-08-11 | sighting incident 103
  • 1956-08-12 | sighting incident 104
people[names not legible] | witness/observer | multiple locations
organizations
  • 17th District OSI | United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations
  • Camp Hood, Texas | military installation
locations
  • Camp Hood, Texas | location of incidents 101, 102
  • Killeen Base, Texas | location of incident 104
observations
  • Incident 101: 2200-2230 hours, unknown aircraft observed. Location: Camp Hood, Texas. Altitude: 300 feet above horizon. Appearance: white light with white m/white trail. Direction: straight and level flight. Duration: 1-2 seconds. Size: comparable to shooting star. Speed: 300 mph or faster. Result: faded out
  • Incident 102: 2240 hours, unknown aircraft. Location: Camp Hood, Texas. Altitude: 8,000 feet or more. Appearance: light red diminishing to light yellow. Direction: straight flight with gradual incline. Duration: 2-3 seconds. Size: much larger than evening star w/jag-ged trail. Speed: faster than any plane observed. Result: burned up and disintegrated
  • Incident 103: 2030-2105 hours, seven unknown objects. Location: Camp Hood, Texas. Altitude: 45-60 degrees above horizon. Appearance: white. Direction: generally above horizon flight. Duration: 3-5 seconds. Size: star size or flash like a rocket or training flare. Speed: faster than any plane observed. Result: went out like a light
  • Incident 104: 0010 hours, unknown object. Location: Killeen Base, Texas. Altitude: 45 degrees, due W in arc. Appearance: bluish white. Direction: straight and level flight with ascent descent describing arc. Duration: 10 seconds. Size: head size. Appearance: broken circle resembling signal flare. Speed: [not specified]. Result: sudden disappearance
referencesProject Sign incident summaries (implied by format)
redactions
  • "CONFIDENTIAL" classification marking at top and bottom of page
  • NW 91526 document number
quotesNone visible

Page 42

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of a summary table of sightings of unknown aerial phenomena from the 17th District OSI, page 20.
dates
  • 1949 | sighting incident 105
  • 1956-08-12 | sighting incident 105
  • 1956-08-14 | sighting incident 106
  • 1956-08-20 | sighting incident 107
  • 1956-08-21 | sighting incident 108
  • 1956-08-26 | sighting incident 109
people[names not legible] | witness/observer | multiple locations
organizations
  • 17th District OSI | United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations
  • Davis-Monthan AFB | Air Force installation
locations
  • Killeen Base, Texas | location of incident 105
  • Alamogordo, New Mexico | location of incident 106
  • Douglas, Arizona | location of incident 107
  • Nogales, Arizona | location of incident 108
  • Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona | location of incident 109
observations
  • Incident 105: 0445 hours, unknown object. Location: Killeen Base, Texas. Altitude: 30 degrees above horizon. Appearance: reddish. Direction: headed down. Duration: 2-3 seconds. Shape: trail of flame. Size: fairly long streak of flame. Speed: [not specified]. Result: faded away
  • Incident 106: 2155 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Alamogordo, New Mexico. Altitude: 10-15 degrees off vertical. Appearance: reddish orange. Direction: appeared at 250 degrees, disappeared at 120 degrees. Duration: 2 seconds. Size: larger than Venus. Shape: round. Speed: [not specified]. Result: disappeared
  • Incident 107: 2130 hours, unknown object. Location: Douglas, Arizona. Altitude: 8,000-10,000 feet. Appearance: none specified. Direction: flat trajectory. Duration: 6-10 seconds. Shape: round to oblong like inverted saucer. Size: about size of single engine airplane. Speed: 3500 to 14500 mph. Result: disappeared in distance
  • Incident 108: 2115-2150 hours, five unknown objects. Location: Nogales, Arizona. Altitude: 45 degrees at low level to earth's surface, 60 degrees at high level. Appearance: dull orange. Direction: horizontal to earth's surface. Duration: 10 seconds. Shape: wafer app size of volley ball. Size: app size of volley ball. Speed: 10 times speed of jet planes. Result: disappeared in space
  • Incident 109: 1345 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. Direction: SE to NW. Altitude: approximately 50,000 feet. Appearance: brownish gray color. Duration: 60 seconds. Shape: similar to tri-angle with round edges. Size: estimated to be app 4 of inch when observed at 3 ft. Speed: terrific rate of speed. Result: faded from view
referencesProject Sign incident summaries (implied by format)
redactions
  • "CONFIDENTIAL" classification marking at top and bottom of page
  • NW 91526 document number
quotesNone visible

Page 43

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of a summary table of sightings of unknown aerial phenomena from the 17th District OSI, page 21.
dates
  • 1949 | sighting incident 110
  • 1956-09-15 | sighting incident 111
  • 1956-09-16 | sighting incident 112
  • 1956-09-18 | sighting incident 113
  • 1956-09-19 | sighting incident 114
  • 1956-09-27 | sighting incident 115
  • 1956-09-27 | sighting incident 116
people[names not legible] | witness/observer | multiple locations
organizations
  • 17th District OSI | United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations
  • Sandia Base | Department of Energy facility
locations
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | location of incidents 110, 112
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico | location of incident 111
  • Sandia Base, New Mexico | location of incidents 113, 115, 116
  • Tucson, Arizona | location of incident 114
observations
  • Incident 110: 2300 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Altitude: 60 degrees overhead almost straight fall. Appearance: bright green with reddish tail. Direction: almost straight fall. Duration: 1-2 seconds. Shape: none specified. Size: much larger than meteor. Speed: [not specified]. Result: burned out
  • Incident 111: 0025 hours, unknown object. Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico. Altitude: 30 degrees above horizon. Appearance: yellow red. Direction: [not specified]. Duration: 6 seconds. Shape: round. Size: size of baseball. Speed: [not specified]. Result: burst and appeared to disintegrate
  • Incident 112: 0230 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Altitude: 3,000 feet. Appearance: orange. Direction: horizontal. Duration: 15 seconds. Shape: ball shape. Size: larger than falling star. Speed: faster than airplane slower than falling star. Result: dimmed then disappeared completely
  • Incident 113: 2015 hours, unknown object. Location: Sandia Base, New Mexico. Altitude: 45 degrees above horizon. Appearance: dark yellow. Direction: [not specified]. Duration: 3-4 seconds. Shape: round. Size: size of baseball. Speed: [not specified]. Result: unknown
  • Incident 114: 0900 hours, two unknown objects. Location: Tucson, Arizona. Direction: N. Altitude: approximately 4000 feet. Appearance: grayish white. Duration: 2 minutes. Shape: none specified. Size: 2 to 3 feet across. Speed: 1600 mph. Result: faded from view
  • Incident 115: 0300 hours, unknown object. Location: Sandia Base, New Mexico. Direction: from SE. Altitude: 45 degrees above horizon. Appearance: bright blue to white. Duration: 4 seconds. Shape: round. Size: about size of softball at 300 yds. Speed: 45 degrees in 4 seconds. Result: obscured by building
  • Incident 116: 0300 hours, unknown object. Location: Sandia Base, New Mexico. Direction: to the N. Altitude: 10 degrees above horizon. Appearance: yellow. Duration: 3-4 seconds. Shape: round. Size: size of baseball at 25 yds. Speed: same rate as shooting star. Result: died out
referencesProject Sign incident summaries (implied by format)
redactions
  • "CONFIDENTIAL" classification marking at top and bottom of page
  • NW 91526 document number
quotesNone visible

Page 44

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of a summary table of sightings of unknown aerial phenomena from the 17th District OSI, page 22.
dates
  • 1949 | sighting incident 117
  • 1956-09-27 | sighting incident 118
  • 1956-09-27 | sighting incident 119
  • 1956-09-30 | sighting incident 120
  • 1956-10-02 | sighting incident 121
  • 1956-10-06 | sighting incident 122
people[names not legible] | witness/observer | multiple locations
organizations
  • 17th District OSI | United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations
  • Sandia Base | Department of Energy facility
locations
  • Sandia Base, New Mexico | location of incidents 117, 118, 119, 120
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | location of incident 121
  • Mescalero, New Mexico | location of incident 122
observations
  • Incident 117: 0300 hours, unknown object. Location: Sandia Base, New Mexico. Direction: SE to NW. Altitude: 15-20 degrees above horizon. Appearance: bright green. Direction: traveling in arc toward earth. Duration: 2 seconds. Shape: round. Size: same size as perimeter fence light at distance of about 200 yds. Speed: 45 degrees in 2 seconds. Result: brightened then went out
  • Incident 118: 0130 hours, unknown object. Location: Sandia Base, New Mexico. Direction: S to N. Altitude: 20 degrees above horizon. Appearance: dark blue. Direction: made a gentle arc toward earth. Duration: 2 seconds. Shape: conic-icle. Size: looked like a comet w/tail sky rocket twice its diameter. Speed: 50 degrees in 2 seconds. Result: burst out
  • Incident 119: 0130 hours, unknown object. Location: Sandia Base, New Mexico. Altitude: 45 degrees above horizon. Appearance: green. Direction: hovering tangent to earth. Duration: 1 second. Shape: round. Size: fist at arm's length. Speed: 20 degrees in 1 second. Result: burst out
  • Incident 120: 2257 hours, unknown object. Location: Sandia Base, New Mexico. Direction: S to W. Altitude: 55 degrees to horizon. Appearance: yellow orange. Duration: 2-3 seconds. Size: slightly larger than shooting star. Speed: 200-300 mph. Result: [not specified]
  • Incident 121: 2110 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Altitude: 20,000-30,000 feet. Appearance: bright green. Direction: went up and then down. Duration: 3 seconds. Shape: [not specified]. Size: [not specified]. Speed: [not specified]. Result: [not specified]
  • Incident 122: 1745 hours, unknown object. Location: Mescalero, New Mexico. Altitude: 15 degrees above horizon. Appearance: dark green. Direction: descended in slight arc. Duration: 30 seconds. Shape: round. Size: big ball. Speed: [not specified]. Result: disappeared behind hills
referencesProject Sign incident summaries (implied by format)
redactions
  • "CONFIDENTIAL" classification marking at top and bottom of page
  • NW 91526 document number
quotesNone visible

Page 45

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of a summary table of sightings of unknown aerial phenomena from the 17th District OSI, page 23.
dates
  • 1956-10-06 | sighting incident 123
  • 1956-10-06 | sighting incident 124
  • 1956-10-06 | sighting incident 125
  • 1956-10-06 | sighting incident 126
  • 1956-10-06 | sighting incident 127
  • 1956-10-06 | sighting incident 128
people[names not legible] | witness/observer | multiple locations
organizations17th District OSI | United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations
locations
  • Mescalero, New Mexico | location of incident 123
  • Alamogordo, New Mexico | location of incidents 124, 125
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico | location of incidents 126, 128
  • Wagon Mound, New Mexico | location of incident 127
observations
  • Incident 123: 1600-1625 hours, unknown object. Location: Mescalero, New Mexico. Altitude: 18 degrees above horizon. Appearance: green. Direction: [not specified]. Duration: 7-9 seconds. Shape: round. Size: size of thumb at arm's length. Speed: moving slowly. Result: disappeared behind a hill
  • Incident 124: 1755 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Alamogordo, New Mexico. Direction: E to W. Appearance: bluish white possibly lt. green tinge. Direction: straight angular descent. Duration: 4 seconds. Shape: circular. Size: 3 times the size of Jupiter or Venus. Speed: 5 degrees per second. Result: [not specified]
  • Incident 125: 1800 hours, unknown object. Location: Alamogordo, New Mexico. Altitude: 40 degrees to vertical. Appearance: green. Direction: [not specified]. Duration: 5-8 seconds. Shape: round. Size: size of baseball at arm's length. Speed: [not specified]. Result: [not specified]
  • Incident 126: 1750 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico. Direction: E to W. Appearance: greenish white. Direction: curved descent approaching vertical. Duration: 1 second. Shape: similar to very flare. Size: size of thumb at arm's length. Speed: [not specified]. Result: abrupt
  • Incident 127: 1750 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Wagon Mound, New Mexico. Direction: E to W. Appearance: greenish white. Direction: horizontal. Duration: 3-4 seconds. Size: 1.5-2 inches in diameter. Speed: approximately that of meteor. Result: went out like electric light
  • Incident 128: 1753 hours, unknown object. Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico. Direction: NE to ST. Appearance: brilliant green. Direction: at tail end of its course it arched over and fell. Duration: 10 seconds. Shape: pear drop. Speed: [not specified]. Result: seemed to burn out
referencesProject Sign incident summaries (implied by format)
redactions
  • "CONFIDENTIAL" classification marking at top and bottom of page
  • NW 91526 document number
quotesNone visible

Page 46

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of a summary table of sightings of unknown aerial phenomena from the 17th District OSI, page 24.
dates
  • 1949 | sighting incident 129
  • 1956-10-10 | sighting incident 130
  • 1956-10-10 | sighting incident 131
  • 1956-10-10 | sighting incident 132
  • 1956-10-10 | sighting incident 133
  • 1956-10-11 | sighting incident 134
people[names not legible] | witness/observer | multiple locations
organizations
  • 17th District OSI | United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations
  • Sandia Base | Department of Energy facility
locations
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico | location of incident 129
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | location of incident 130
  • Sandia Base, New Mexico | location of incidents 131, 132, 133
  • Roswell, New Mexico | location of incident 134
observations
  • Incident 129: 2120 hours, unknown object. Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico. Direction: straight vertical drop. Altitude: 36 degrees above horizon. Appearance: yellow to green. Duration: 1 second. Shape: round. Size: half a moon. Speed: dropped 15 degrees in 1 second. Result: behind Sandia mountains
  • Incident 130: 0406 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: SE to NE. Altitude: 3,000 feet above observation point. Appearance: brilliant white. Direction: parallel to surface of earth. Duration: 4-5 seconds. Size: small. Speed: appeared to be slower than a meteor. Result: disappeared
  • Incident 131: 0107 hours, unknown object. Location: Sandia Base, New Mexico. Direction: W to E. Altitude: 45 degrees above horizon. Appearance: bluish green. Duration: 15 seconds. Shape: round. Size: size of fist at arm's length. Speed: slow. Result: died out
  • Incident 132: 0107 hours, unknown object. Location: Sandia Base, New Mexico. Direction: ST to NE. Altitude: 45 degrees above horizon. Appearance: greenish blue with red sparks trailing. Direction: executed dives. Duration: 4 seconds. Shape: round. Size: size of fist at arm's length. Speed: slow. Result: faded out
  • Incident 133: 0107 hours, unknown object. Location: Sandia Base, New Mexico. Direction: N to NE. Altitude: 45 degrees above horizon. Appearance: green. Duration: 15 seconds. Shape: round. Size: size of fist at arm's length. Speed: slow. Result: burned out
  • Incident 134: 2010 hours, unknown object. Location: Roswell, New Mexico. Direction: appeared moving to N and angling slightly to E. Appearance: light green turned orange. Direction: maneuvered up and down. Duration: 45 minutes. Shape: round. Size: size of baseball. Speed: [not specified]. Result: [not specified]
referencesProject Sign incident summaries (implied by format)
redactions
  • "CONFIDENTIAL" classification marking at top and bottom of page
  • NW 91526 document number
quotesNone visible

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of a summary table of sightings of unknown aerial phenomena from the 17th District OSI, page 25.
dates
  • 1949 | sighting incident 135
  • 1956-10-12 | sighting incident 136
  • 1956-10-12 | sighting incident 137
  • 1956-10-12 | sighting incident 138
  • 1956-10-14 | sighting incident 139
people[names not legible] | witness/observer | multiple locations
organizations17th District OSI | United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations
locations
  • Alamogordo, New Mexico | location of incidents 135, 137
  • Roswell, New Mexico | location of incident 136
  • Tucson, Arizona | location of incident 138
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | location of incident 139
observations
  • Incident 135: 1045-1100 hours, unknown object. Location: Alamogordo, New Mexico. Direction: NY to SE. Appearance: white. Altitude: IF size of B-29 appeared at 150,000 feet. Duration: 10-15 seconds. Shape: round dish shape. Size: 2 inches in diameter at arm's length. Speed: very fast compared with falling star. Result: faded from view
  • Incident 136: 1115 hours, three unknown objects. Location: Roswell, New Mexico. Direction: S to NE. Altitude: 3,500 feet. Appearance: white (silver). Direction: smooth arc. Duration: 45-60 seconds. Shape: round probably elliptical. Speed: faster than jet aircraft. Result: went beyond range of vision
  • Incident 137: 1115 hours, three unknown objects. Location: Alamogordo, New Mexico. Direction: appeared from S and veered off to NE. Altitude: IF size of B-29 appeared to be 35,000 feet. Appearance: white or aluminum. Direction: smooth arc. Duration: 45-60 seconds. Shape: round ball. Size: 35,000 feet 4 inches in diameter. Speed: 1,500 mph. Result: faded from view
  • Incident 138: 1340 hours, four R-type unknown. Location: Tucson, Arizona. Direction: from NE to ST. Altitude: 30,000 feet. Appearance: white or silver. Direction: horizontal. Duration: 15 seconds. Shape: round. Size: 50-100 feet in diameter. Speed: 1,000 mph. Result: faded from view
  • Incident 139: 1420 hours, three R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: W to E. Altitude: 20,000 feet. Appearance: greenish blue-white trail. Direction: level flight just above horizon. Duration: 2 seconds. Shape: round. Size: appeared as a 12-inch disc also. Speed: [not specified]. Result: burned out
referencesProject Sign incident summaries (implied by format)
redactions
  • "CONFIDENTIAL" classification marking at top and bottom of page
  • NW 91526 document number
quotesNone visible

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of a summary table of sightings of unknown aerial phenomena from the 17th District OSI, page 26.
dates
  • 1949 | sighting incident 140
  • 1956-10-14 | sighting incident 140
  • 1956-10-14 | sighting incident 141
  • 1956-10-21 | sighting incident 142
  • 1956-10-22 | sighting incident 143
  • 1956-10-22 | sighting incident 144
  • 1956-11-16 | sighting incident 145
  • 1956-11-19 | sighting incident 146
people[names not legible] | witness/observer | multiple locations
organizations17th District OSI | United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations
locations
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico | location of incident 140
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | location of incidents 141, 143, 144, 145, 146
  • Roswell, New Mexico | location of incident 142
observations
  • Incident 140: 2021 hours, two R-type unknown. Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico. Direction: N to S. Direction: horizontal. Appearance: red orange. Duration: 10 seconds. Shape: round. Size: 1/3 - 1/4 size of moon. Speed: [not specified]. Result: broke into 2 pieces and disappeared
  • Incident 141: 1410-1415 hours, unknown object. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: S to N. Appearance: front-green and silver rear pale blue. Duration: 3-4 seconds. Shape: [not specified]. Size: 1/8 size of full moon. Speed: 500 mph or more. Result: [not specified]
  • Incident 142: 2130 hours, unknown object. Location: Roswell, New Mexico. Direction: SE to NW. Altitude: 30 degrees above horizon. Appearance: very bright white. Duration: 20-30 minutes. Shape: [not specified]. Size: [not specified]. Speed: [not specified]. Result: unknown
  • Incident 143: 2130 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: NW to SE. Altitude: on horizon. Appearance: bright green. Duration: 2 seconds. Shape: [not specified]. Size: 4 times size of a whale. Speed: 150 mph. Result: disappeared behind a hill
  • Incident 144: 0220 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: vertical. Altitude: 50-100 feet. Appearance: green. Duration: 1 second. Shape: like flare. Size: small. Speed: [not specified]. Result: went out
  • Incident 145: 1950 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: disappeared to N. Appearance: 2 objects bluish green. Duration: [not specified]. Shape: [not specified]. Size: [not specified]. Speed: stationary but disappeared with speed of meteor. Result: disappeared from view
  • Incident 146: 2152 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: vertical. Appearance: green then yellow. Duration: 2 seconds. Shape: [not specified]. Size: [not specified]. Speed: [not specified]. Result: [not specified]
referencesProject Sign incident summaries (implied by format)
redactions
  • "CONFIDENTIAL" classification marking at top and bottom of page
  • NW 91526 document number
  • Table header row at top of page is heavily degraded/illegible
quotesNone visible

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of a summary table of sightings of unknown aerial phenomena from the 17th District OSI, page 27.
dates
  • 1949 | sighting incident 147
  • 1956-11-19 | sighting incident 147
  • 1956-11-25 | sighting incident 148
  • 1956-11-27 | sighting incident 149
  • 1956-11-27 | sighting incident 150
  • 1956-11-27 | sighting incident 151
  • 1956-11-27 | sighting incident 152
people[names not legible] | witness/observer | multiple locations
organizations17th District OSI | United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations
locations
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | location of incidents 147, 148
  • McIntosh, New Mexico | location of incident 149
  • Winslow, Arizona | location of incident 150
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico | location of incident 151
  • Socorro, New Mexico | location of incident 152
observations
  • Incident 147: 2152 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: vertical. Appearance: green. Duration: 2 seconds. Shape: [not specified]. Size: [not specified]. Speed: [not specified]. Result: [not specified]
  • Incident 148: 2000 hours, five R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: E to W. Altitude: 15-10 degrees above horizon. Appearance: yellowish green. Direction: downward 10 degrees from the horizontal. Duration: 2 seconds. Shape: [not specified]. Size: [not specified]. Speed: [not specified]. Result: disappeared behind mountains
  • Incident 149: 1800 hours, unknown object. Location: McIntosh, New Mexico. Direction: vertical. Altitude: loss than 2,000 feet. Direction: vertical descent. Appearance: green. Duration: 1 second. Shape: shaped like a signal flare. Size: same as signal flare. Speed: same as signal flare. Result: same as signal flare
  • Incident 150: 1730 hours, unknown object. Location: Winslow, Arizona. Direction: E to W. Altitude: 30 degrees above horizon. Appearance: bright blue-white. Duration: 3-4 seconds. Shape: egg shape. Size: egg held at arm's length. Speed: 3-4 seconds to cover 16 degrees-20 degrees of horizon. Result: dwindled out
  • Incident 151: 1749 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico. Direction: E to W. Altitude: 30-5 degrees above horizon. Appearance: blue-white. Direction: sloping descent. Duration: 1-2 seconds. Shape: round. Size: pencil eraser at arm's length. Speed: 5 degrees - 7 degrees in 1 or 2 seconds. Result: went out then on then out again
  • Incident 152: 1749 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Socorro, New Mexico. Direction: E to W. Altitude: 10 degrees-40 degrees above horizon. Appearance: pale green to pale blue. Duration: 5 seconds. Shape: round. Size: quite large. Speed: slower than meteor. Result: faded out gradually
referencesProject Sign incident summaries (implied by format)
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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of a summary table of sightings of unknown aerial phenomena from the 17th District OSI, page 28.
dates
  • 1949 | sighting incident 153
  • 1956-12-03 | sighting incident 153
  • 1956-12-04 | sighting incident 154
  • 1956-12-04 | sighting incident 155
  • 1956-12-05 | sighting incident 156
  • 1956-12-05 | sighting incident 157
  • 1956-12-09 | sighting incident 158
people[names not legible] | witness/observer | multiple locations
organizations17th District OSI | United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations
locations
  • Alamogordo, New Mexico | location of incident 153
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico | location of incident 154
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | location of incident 155
  • Carrizozo, New Mexico | location of incident 156
  • Tularosa, New Mexico | location of incident 157
  • Farmington, New Mexico | location of incident 158
observations
  • Incident 153: 1805 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Alamogordo, New Mexico. Direction: E to W. Direction: in an arc downward. Appearance: green fringe of orange light. Duration: 2 seconds. Shape: circular. Size: somewhat larger than Venus. Speed: [not specified]. Result: disappeared behind building
  • Incident 154: 1835 hours, unknown object. Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico. Direction: E to W. Direction: nearly horizontal. Appearance: green. Duration: 2-3 seconds. Shape: round. Size: marble at arm's length. Speed: [not specified]. Result: went out like a candle
  • Incident 155: 1935 hours, two unknown objects. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: E to NE. Direction: sloping descent. Appearance: green. Duration: 1/5 second. Shape: round. Size: [not specified]. Speed: [not specified]. Result: disappeared behind mountain
  • Incident 156: 1930 hours, three unknown objects. Location: Carrizozo, New Mexico. Altitude: 40 degrees above horizon. Direction: in dive. Appearance: blue-green. Duration: [not specified]. Shape: tear-drop. Size: [not specified]. Speed: very slow. Result: disappeared
  • Incident 157: 2240 hours, unknown object. Location: Tularosa, New Mexico. Direction: E to W. Direction: smooth arc downward. Appearance: blue with yellowish red toward tail. Duration: 1 second. Shape: streak of light. Size: appeared little longer than length of lead pencil at 6 feet. Speed: [not specified]. Result: appeared to hit ground near Tularosa, New Mexico
  • Incident 158: 1830 hours, unknown object. Location: Farmington, New Mexico. Direction: dropping vertically-ly. Altitude: 500 feet. Direction: vertically down. Appearance: [not specified]. Duration: [not specified]. Shape: charred parachute or cargo net. Size: [not specified]. Speed: [not specified]. Result: disappeared
referencesProject Sign incident summaries (implied by format)
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  • "CONFIDENTIAL" classification marking at top and bottom of page
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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of a summary table of sightings of unknown aerial phenomena from the 17th District OSI, page 29.
dates
  • 1949 | sighting incident 159
  • 1956-12-13 | sighting incident 159
  • 1957-01-06 | sighting incident 160
  • 1957-01-07 | sighting incident 161
  • 1957-01-09 | sighting incident 162
people[names not legible] | witness/observer | multiple locations
organizations17th District OSI | United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations
locations
  • Alamogordo, New Mexico | location of incidents 159, 160
  • Corona, New Mexico | location of incident 161
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | location of incident 162
observations
  • Incident 159: 2005 hours, three R-type unknown. Location: Alamogordo, New Mexico. Direction: stationary then began to move downward slowly and to right. Altitude: 5,000 feet. Appearance: white amber red green. Duration: 9 minutes. Shape: circular. Size: 1-1.5 times size of average street light at a distance of 6 miles. Speed: [not specified]. Result: object took on brilliant green color, picked up speed and faded from view
  • Incident 160: 2230 hours, seven R-type unknown. Location: Alamogordo, New Mexico. Direction: E to W. Direction: up and down and horizontal. Appearance: white changed to green and red. Duration: 45 minutes. Shape: star like. Size: slightly larger than planet Venus. Speed: moved approximately 15 degrees to 20 degrees from E to W during 45 minutes it was observed. Result: stopped observation
  • Incident 161: 2215 hours, two unknown objects. Location: Corona, New Mexico. Direction: from SW to SE. Direction: descending. Appearance: yellowish white orange blue etc. Duration: 10 seconds. Shape: round ball shape. Size: same as cup 6 inches in diameter at arm's length. Speed: compared with fast jet fighter. Result: disappeared behind mountain range
  • Incident 162: 2226 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Altitude: 80 degrees-40 degrees above horizon. Direction: horizontal. Appearance: incandescent green. Duration: 2 seconds. Shape: oval with trail. Size: [not specified]. Speed: [not specified]. Result: disappeared behind trees
referencesProject Sign incident summaries (implied by format)
redactions
  • "CONFIDENTIAL" classification marking at top and bottom of page
  • NW 91526 document number
  • Table header row at top of page is heavily degraded/illegible
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Page 52

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of a summary table of sightings of unknown aerial phenomena from the 17th District OSI, page 30.
dates
  • 1950 | sighting incident 163
  • 1957-01-08 | sighting incident 163
  • 1957-01-09 | sighting incident 164
  • 1957-01-12 | sighting incident 165
  • 1957-01-13 | sighting incident 166
  • 1957-01-27 | sighting incident 167
  • 1957-02-07 | sighting incident 168
people[names not legible] | witness/observer | multiple locations
organizations17th District OSI | United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations
locations
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | location of incidents 163, 164
  • Holloman, New Mexico | location of incidents 165, 166
  • Scullville, New Jersey | location of incident 167
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico | location of incident 168
observations
  • Incident 163: 2220 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: due W. Altitude: 60 degrees above horizon. Direction: straight course. Appearance: bluish white. Duration: 2 seconds. Shape: pointed. Size: appeared as a point. Speed: 10 degrees per second. Result: luminosity stopped suddenly
  • Incident 164: 2225 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Altitude: 75-80 degrees above horizon. Direction: straight line. Appearance: greenish white. Duration: 3 seconds. Shape: round. Size: -4 to -5 compared to Jupiter. Speed: 25 degrees per second. Result: behind horizon
  • Incident 165: 1900 hours, three unknown objects. Location: Holloman, New Mexico. Direction: to W. Direction: changed altitude erratically. Appearance: white changed to green and red. Duration: 5 minutes. Shape: star like. Size: about same size of Venus. Speed: [not specified]. Result: discontinued watching
  • Incident 166: 0605 hours, three unknown objects. Location: Holloman AFB, New Mexico. Direction: E to W. Direction: erratically up and down. Appearance: white changed to green and red. Duration: short time. Shape: star like. Size: about same size as Venus. Speed: [not specified]. Result: disappeared in daylight
  • Incident 167: 1715 hours, unknown object. Location: Scullville, New Jersey. Direction: NW. Direction: ascending at about 60 degree angle. Appearance: white streak. Duration: 30 minutes. Size: [not specified]. Speed: that of fireworks rocket at close range. Result: faded gradually
  • Incident 168: 1950-2015 hours, two R-type unknown. Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico. Direction: SSE to E. Altitude: 40 degrees-45 degrees above horizon. Direction: horizontal. Appearance: reddish green. Duration: 4-6 seconds. Shape: round with elongated trail. Size: twice size of evening star. Speed: about same as falling star. Result: faded out in atmosphere
referencesProject Sign incident summaries (implied by format)
redactions
  • "CONFIDENTIAL" classification marking at top and bottom of page
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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of a summary table of sightings of unknown aerial phenomena from the 17th District OSI, page 31.
dates
  • 1950 | sighting incident 169
  • 1957-02-07 | sighting incident 169
  • 1957-02-15 | sighting incident 170
  • 1957-02-18 | sighting incident 171
  • 1957-02-20 | sighting incident 172
  • 1957-02-24 | sighting incident 173
people[names not legible] | witness/observer | multiple locations
organizations
  • 17th District OSI | United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations
  • Holloman AFB | United States Air Force facility
locations
  • Between Holloman and Kirtland AFBs, New Mexico | location of incident 169
  • Sandia Base, New Mexico | location of incident 170
  • Holloman AFB, New Mexico | location of incidents 171, 172
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico | location of incident 173
observations
  • Incident 169: 1945-2000 hours, two R-type unknown. Location: between Holloman and Kirtland AFBs, New Mexico. Direction: flat trajectory. Appearance: fireball white. Duration: 2-4 seconds. Shape: [not specified]. Size: [not specified]. Speed: over 1,000 mph. Result: faded out suddenly
  • Incident 170: 1530 hours, unknown object. Location: Sandia Base, New Mexico. Direction: from NW to W. Altitude: 45 degrees downward above horizon. Appearance: apportioned red and green. Duration: 30 seconds. Shape: round. Size: that of a normal marble. Speed: like shooting star trail. Result: faded out
  • Incident 171: 0510 hours, five R-type unknown. Location: Holloman AFB, New Mexico. Direction: [not specified]. Direction: climbed. Appearance: white and orange. Duration: 1 hour 44 minutes. Shape: round to cone shape. Size: size of coffee cup at arm's length. Speed: [not specified]. Result: stopped observation
  • Incident 172: 0530 hours, two unknown objects. Location: Holloman AFB, New Mexico. Direction: stationary. Altitude: 1,000 feet above 9,000 feet mountain. Direction: stationary. Appearance: white. Duration: 5 minutes. Shape: round. Size: app size of 5 dollar held at arm's length. Speed: stationary. Result: disappeared from view behind cloud
  • Incident 173: 1355 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico. Direction: W or SW. Altitude: 20 degrees to 30 degrees above horizon. Direction: straight flight. Appearance: white. Duration: 1.5 minutes. Shape: round. Size: compared in size to upper dark portion of moon as it rises in E. Speed: 1.5 minutes to cover 2 degrees. Result: [not specified]
referencesProject Sign incident summaries (implied by format)
redactions
  • "CONFIDENTIAL" classification marking at top and bottom of page
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quotesNone visible

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of a summary table of sightings of unknown aerial phenomena from the 17th District OSI, page 32.
dates
  • 1950 | sighting incident 174
  • 1957-02-24 | sighting incident 174
  • 1957-02-24 | sighting incident 175
  • 1957-02-24 | sighting incident 176
  • 1957-02-24 | sighting incident 177
  • 1957-02-24 | sighting incident 178
people[names not legible] | witness/observer | multiple locations
organizations17th District OSI | United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations
locations
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico | location of incident 174
  • Datil, New Mexico | location of incident 175
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | location of incidents 176, 177, 178
observations
  • Incident 174: 1400 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico. Direction: E by SE. Altitude: about 20 degrees above horizon. Appearance: bright white. Duration: 20-30 seconds. Shape: round. Size: compared with size of weather balloon as it disappeared in distance. Speed: very slow. Result: faded out of sight
  • Incident 175: 1930 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Datil, New Mexico. Direction: NW. Appearance: white changing to red and green. Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes. Shape: round. Size: [not specified]. Speed: 1 degree per 2 minutes. Result: disappeared
  • Incident 176: 1345 hours, unknown object. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: E then turned W. Altitude: 25,000-30,000 feet. Direction: straight up. Appearance: white, kept flash-like mirror in gum. Duration: 20 minutes. Shape: [not specified]. Size: [not specified]. Speed: very fast. Result: went straight up out of sight
  • Incident 177: 1340 hours, unknown object. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: E to W then turned up. Altitude: 30,000 feet. Direction: straight up. Appearance: silvery white. Duration: 20 minutes. Shape: [not specified]. Size: [not specified]. Speed: [not specified]. Result: went straight up out of sight
  • Incident 178: 1315 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: erratic generally NE. Altitude: 20,000-30,000 feet. Appearance: silvery. Duration: 15 minutes. Shape: saucer-shaped. Size: 100 feet across if at 20,000-30,000 feet. Speed: as fast or faster than sound. Result: disappeared
references
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  • Attached photograph (incident 175 marked with ***)
redactions
  • "CONFIDENTIAL" classification marking at top and bottom of page
  • NW 91526 document number
  • Note at bottom: "***See attached photograph."
quotesNone visible

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of a summary table of sightings of unknown aerial phenomena from the 17th District OSI, page 33.
dates
  • 1950 | sighting incident 179
  • 1957-02-24 | sighting incident 179
  • 1957-02-25 | sighting incident 180
  • 1957-02-25 | sighting incident 181
  • 1957-02-25 | sighting incident 182
  • 1957-02-25 | sighting incident 183
people[names not legible] | witness/observer | multiple locations
organizations17th District OSI | United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations
locations
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | location of incidents 179, 180, 183
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico | location of incident 181
  • Datil, New Mexico | location of incident 182
observations
  • Incident 179: 1315-1400 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: circled then E. Altitude: considerable altitude. Appearance: aluminum. Duration: 2 seconds. Shape: spherical. Size: rather large. Speed: erratic. Result: unknown
  • Incident 180: 1545-1555 hours, two R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: heading toward ground. Altitude: 30 degrees-35 degrees above horizon. Appearance: flashing silver. Duration: 3 seconds to 2 minutes. Shape: circular like airplane fuselage. Size: small airplane. Speed: from very slow to very fast. Result: [not specified]
  • Incident 181: 2115 hours, unknown object. Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico. Direction: toward S. Altitude: approximately 20 degrees above horizon. Direction: almost vertical. Appearance: bright greenish white. Duration: 1.5 seconds. Shape: tear-drop. Size: 3 times size of a shooting star. Speed: slightly slower than falling star. Result: appeared to burn out
  • Incident 182: 0200 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Datil, New Mexico. Direction: NW. Appearance: white changing to red and green. Duration: 30 minutes. Shape: round. Size: [not specified]. Speed: 1 degree per 2 minutes. Result: disappeared behind mountain
  • Incident 183: 1410 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: S to N. Altitude: 1 to 3 miles at 30 degrees above horizon. Appearance: metallic. Duration: 2 minutes. Shape: oblong. Size: 10-15 feet. Speed: 40 mph. Result: went below horizon
referencesProject Sign incident summaries (implied by format)
redactions
  • "CONFIDENTIAL" classification marking at top and bottom of page
  • NW 91526 document number
  • Table header row at top of page is heavily degraded/illegible
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Page 56

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationCONFIDENTIAL
page_descriptionContinuation of a summary table of sightings of unknown aerial phenomena from the 17th District OSI, page 34.
dates
  • 1950 | sighting incident 184
  • 1957-02-25 | sighting incident 184
  • 1957-02-25 | sighting incident 185
  • 1957-02-25 | sighting incident 186
  • 1957-02-25 | sighting incident 187
  • 1957-03-10 | sighting incident 188
  • 1957-03-05 | sighting incident 189
people[names not legible] | witness/observer | multiple locations
organizations17th District OSI | United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations
locations
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico | location of incidents 184, 185, 186, 187
  • Phoenix, Arizona | location of incident 188
  • Vaughn, New Mexico | location of incident 189
observations
  • Incident 184: 1545 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: N to SUS. Altitude: very high. Appearance: white to silver. Duration: 30 seconds. Shape: circular. Size: about size of 50 cent piece at its height. Speed: very fast. Result: disappeared into glare of sun
  • Incident 185: 1550 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: S or SW. Altitude: 12,000 feet. Appearance: metallic. Duration: few seconds. Shape: [not specified]. Size: as large or larger than average plane. Speed: fast. Result: faded from view
  • Incident 186: 1545-1555 hours, 14 R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: NE to SW. Altitude: overhead at from 4 to 10 miles. Direction: traveled with fluttering motion. Appearance: silver. Duration: few seconds to 2 minutes. Shape: round. Size: vary from 5 to 20 small airplane. Speed: very fast 500-1500 mph. Result: [not specified]
  • Incident 187: 1655 hours, R-type unknown. Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico. Direction: E to W. Appearance: shiny silvery. Duration: 10-15 seconds. Shape: round. Size: about size of B-25. Speed: slow speed. Result: disappeared behind tree
  • Incident 188: 1600-1630 hours, six unknown objects. Location: Phoenix, Arizona. Direction: SE. Altitude: 20,000-50,000 feet. Direction: moved upward at 60 degree angle. Appearance: aluminum or quick silver. Duration: 10 minutes. Shape: oval or oblong. Size: size of moon. Speed: extremely high. Result: disappeared
  • Incident 189: 1135-1300 hours, four R-type unknown. Location: Vaughn, New Mexico. Direction: traveled 1959. Direction: straight flight. Appearance: white. Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes. Shape: round. Size: ping pong ball at arm's length. Speed: 180 to 200 mph. Result: ceased observation
referencesProject Sign incident summaries (implied by format)
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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationCONFIDENTIAL (marked and crossed out)
page_descriptionContinuation of Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena from 17th District OSI (Page 35), displaying a data table with four sighting entries numbered 190-194.
dates
  • 1950-03-11 | Entry 190, Holloman Air Force Base sighting
  • 1950-03-16 | Entry 191, Farmington New Mexico sighting
  • 1950-03-16 | Entry 192, Farmington New Mexico sighting
  • 1950-03-17 | Entry 193, Los Alamos New Mexico sighting
  • 1950-03-17 | Entry 194, Los Alamos New Mexico sighting
people
  • Holloman | witness location
  • Farmington | witness location
  • Los Alamos | witness location
organizations17th District OSI | U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations
locations
  • Holloman Air Force Base | New Mexico | sighting location (Entry 190)
  • Farmington | New Mexico | sighting location (Entry 191, 192)
  • Los Alamos | New Mexico | sighting location (Entry 193, 194)
observations
  • Entry 190: Straight flight object changed from light orange to blood red to green. About 300 feet above horizon at distance of 50 miles. Approximately 5 minutes duration. Described as "Finc pong ball held at arm's length" size.
  • Entry 191: Object turned on its axis and maneuvered up and down. Bright luminous object described as 1 to 6" spheroidal. Lasted 3-5 minutes. Faster than conventional aircraft.
  • Entry 192: Over 20,000 feet altitude, skyward jet 60°-60°. Bright aluminum object 30 minutes duration. Oval & oblong, 1/16" to 3" at arm's length. Faster than conventional aircraft.
  • Entry 193: Toward earth motion, reddish then green colored. 1 second duration. Appeared to fall to earth.
  • Entry 194: Level flight, greenish-yellow colored. 3 seconds duration. Round shape, size of full moon. Moderate speed. Described as "Like light going out."
assessments
  • Entry 190: Disappeared from view, marked as questionable (1)(2)
  • Entry 191: Discontinued observation, marked questionable (2)
  • Entry 192: Gradually disappeared, marked questionable (2)
  • Entry 193: Appeared to fall to earth, marked (2)
  • Entry 194: Marked (3)
redactionsDocument classification header "CONFIDENTIAL" is crossed out
referencesNW 91526 (document identifier, bottom of page)

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationCONFIDENTIAL (marked and crossed out)
page_descriptionContinuation of Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena from 17th District OSI (Page 35), displaying the same data table with four sighting entries numbered 190-194.
dates
  • 1950-03-11 | Entry 190, Holloman Air Force Base sighting
  • 1950-03-16 | Entry 191, Farmington New Mexico sighting
  • 1950-03-16 | Entry 192, Farmington New Mexico sighting
  • 1950-03-17 | Entry 193, Los Alamos New Mexico sighting
  • 1950-03-17 | Entry 194, Los Alamos New Mexico sighting
people
  • Holloman | witness location
  • Farmington | witness location
  • Los Alamos | witness location
organizations17th District OSI | U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations
locations
  • Holloman Air Force Base | New Mexico | sighting location (Entry 190)
  • Farmington | New Mexico, N to NE | sighting location (Entry 191, 192)
  • Los Alamos | New Mexico | sighting location (Entry 193, 194)
observations
  • Entry 190: Straight flight object changed from light orange to blood red to green. About 300 feet above horizon at distance of 50 miles. Approximately 5 minutes duration. Described as "Finc pong ball held at arm's length" size.
  • Entry 191: Object turned on its axis and maneuvered up and down. Bright luminous object described as 1 to 6" spheroidal. Lasted 3-5 minutes. Faster than conventional aircraft.
  • Entry 192: Over 20,000 feet altitude, skyward jet 60°-60°. Bright aluminum object 30 minutes duration. Oval & oblong, 1/16" to 3" at arm's length. Faster than conventional aircraft.
  • Entry 193: Toward earth motion, reddish then green colored. 1 second duration. Appeared to fall to earth.
  • Entry 194: Level flight, greenish-yellow colored. 3 seconds duration. Round shape, size of full moon. Moderate speed. Described as "Like light going out."
assessments
  • Entry 190: Disappeared from view, marked (1)(2)
  • Entry 191: Discontinued observation, marked (2)
  • Entry 192: Gradually disappeared, marked (2)
  • Entry 193: Appeared to fall to earth, marked (5)
  • Entry 194: Marked (5)
redactionsDocument classification header "CONFIDENTIAL" is crossed out
referencesNW 91526 (document identifier, bottom of page)

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationCONFIDENTIAL (marked and crossed out)
page_descriptionContinuation of Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena from 17th District OSI (Page 37), displaying a data table with five sighting entries numbered 200-204.
dates
  • 1950-03-21 | Entry 200, Sandia Base sighting
  • 1950-03-21 | Entry 201, Sandia Base sighting
  • 1950-03-21 | Entry 202, Sandia Base sighting
  • 1950-03-21 | Entry 203, Kirtland AFB sighting
  • 1950-03-22 | Entry 204, Kirtland AFB sighting
people
  • Sandia Base | witness location
  • Kirtland AFB | witness location
organizations
  • 17th District OSI | U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations
  • Sandia Base | U.S. facility in New Mexico
  • Kirtland AFB | U.S. Air Force Base in New Mexico
locations
  • Sandia Base | New Mexico, E to SW direction | sighting location (Entry 200, 201)
  • Sandia Base | New Mexico, E direction | sighting location (Entry 202)
  • Kirtland AFB | New Mexico, SE to S direction | sighting location (Entry 203)
  • Kirtland AFB | New Mexico, NW changing to N direction | sighting location (Entry 204)
observations
  • Entry 200: Approximately 45 degrees above horizon, E to SW direction. 2 objects silver colored. 10 minutes duration. Round shape, approximately size of dime at arm's length. Excessive to jet flight speed.
  • Entry 201: 40,000-60,000 feet altitude, NE to SE direction. Varied from shiny silver to shady gray colored. 30 minutes duration. Round shape, size of thumb at arm's length. About same as jet aircraft speed.
  • Entry 202: 75 degrees above horizon, E direction. White colored object. 5 minutes duration. Round shape, smaller than fist at arm's length. Approximately 500-700 mph speed.
  • Entry 203: 40-50 degrees above horizon, SE to S direction. Zig-zag motion up and down. Bright silver colored. 1 minute duration. Round shape, size of dime at arm's length. About same as fast jet aircraft speed.
  • Entry 204: 25,000 to 30,000 feet altitude, NW changing to N direction. Horizontal motion, tan to brown colored. 5-6 seconds duration. Flying wing shape. About size of golf ball held at arm's length. Extremely high speed.
assessments
  • Entry 200: Gradually faded from view, marked (2)
  • Entry 201: Disappeared, marked (2)
  • Entry 202: Disappeared from range of vision, marked (2)
  • Entry 203: Disappeared from range of vision, marked (2)
  • Entry 204: Disappeared, marked (2)
redactionsDocument classification header "CONFIDENTIAL" is crossed out
referencesNW 91526 (document identifier, bottom of page)

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationCONFIDENTIAL (marked and crossed out)
page_descriptionContinuation of Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena from 17th District OSI (Page 38), displaying a data table with five sighting entries numbered 205-209.
dates
  • 1950-03-22 | Entry 205, Sandia Base sighting
  • 1950-04-01 | Entry 206, Los Alamos sighting
  • 1950-04-17 | Entry 207, Los Alamos sighting
  • 1950-04-20 | Entry 208, Los Alamos sighting
  • 1950-05-01 | Entry 209, Kirtland AFB sighting
people
  • Sandia Base | witness location
  • Los Alamos | witness location
  • Kirtland AFB | witness location
organizations
  • 17th District OSI | U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations
  • Sandia Base | facility in New Mexico
  • Los Alamos | facility in New Mexico
  • Kirtland AFB | U.S. Air Force Base in New Mexico
locations
  • Sandia Base | New Mexico, SE to NW direction | sighting location (Entry 205)
  • Los Alamos | New Mexico, S to N direction | sighting location (Entry 206)
  • Los Alamos | New Mexico | sighting location (Entry 207)
  • Los Alamos | New Mexico | sighting location (Entry 208)
  • Kirtland AFB | New Mexico, S7 to NE direction | sighting location (Entry 209)
observations
  • Entry 205: SE to NW direction. Line parallel with line tangent to the earth. Blue center with orange border. 1.5-3 seconds duration. Round like ball from roman candle. 1.5 seconds at 30 degree azimuth.
  • Entry 206: S to N direction, 75 degrees above horizon. White light object. 1 second or less duration. Round shape.
  • Entry 207: 2,000 feet above horizon. Maneuvered up & down & from side to side. Light green bright as tin foil. 20-30 seconds duration. 1/16" at arm's length.
  • Entry 208: Maneuvered up & down. Bright metallic object. 15-30 minutes duration. Roughly circular. Estimated 9 inch diameter. Faster than conventional aircraft.
  • Entry 209: Apparently a few thousand feet altitude, S7 to NE direction. Was angling downward. Silver liquid metallic object. Not quite a second duration. Cylindrical shape. Tremendous flash of brilliant white light.
assessments
  • Entry 205: Burned out, marked (3)
  • Entry 206: Disappeared behind building, marked (2)
  • Entry 207: Gradually went out of sight, marked (1)
  • Entry 208: Lost sight of object, marked (2)
  • Entry 209: Flash of brilliant white light, marked (2)
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referencesNW 91526 (document identifier, bottom of page)

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationCONFIDENTIAL (marked and crossed out)
page_descriptionAnalysis and photograph of Sighting No. 175, showing a perfectly round luminous object photographed at Datil, New Mexico, with expert analysis from Dr. Lincoln LaPaz.
dates
  • 1950-02-24 | Photograph taken at Datil, New Mexico
  • 1950-02-25 | Photograph taken at Datil, New Mexico
people
  • Cpl Lertis E. Stanfield | witness, Corporal, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico
  • Dr. Lincoln LaPaz | Head of the Institute of Meteoritics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, analyst
organizations
  • Holloman Air Force Base | U.S. Air Force Base, New Mexico
  • Institute of Meteoritics | University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
  • University of New Mexico | Albuquerque, New Mexico
locations
  • Datil | New Mexico | photograph location
  • Holloman Air Force Base | New Mexico | witness location
  • Albuquerque | New Mexico | analyst affiliation
observations
  • Perfectly round luminous object photographed by Cpl Stanfield
  • Angular diameter of approximately 1/4 of a degree
  • Angular velocity in the sky greater than half a degree per minute
assessments
  • Dr. Lincoln LaPaz concluded the object was not the moon (angular diameter too small)
  • Dr. LaPaz concluded the object was not Venus or any other planet (angular diameter too large)
  • Dr. LaPaz concluded the object was not a bright fixed star slightly out of focus (observed rate of motion is double that due to the diurnal rotation of the earth)
references
  • Sighting No. 175 | subject of this analysis
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
quotes
  • "The angular diameter of the perfectly round luminous object Stanfield observed was approximately 1/4 of a degree." | Dr. Lincoln LaPaz
  • "The angular velocity of the object in the sky was greater than half a degree per minute." | Dr. Lincoln LaPaz
  • "the object seen by Stanfield was not the moon (for the angular diameter is too small), it was not Venus or any other planet (for the angular diameter was too large), and it was not a bright fixed star slightly out of focus (for the observed rate of motion is double that due to the diurnal rotation of the earth)." | Dr. LaPaz

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statusno_content

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statushas_content
doc_typeletter
classificationCONFIDENTIAL (marked and crossed out)
page_descriptionLetter from Lincoln LaPaz, Director of the Institute of Meteoritics, to Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees of the 17th District OSI, dated May 23, 1950, discussing anomalous luminous phenomena and differences between green fireballs and typical meteors.
dates
  • 1948-12-20 | Date of second report referenced
  • 1948-12-05 to 1948-12-20 | Interval of observed bright green horizontally-moving fireballs
  • 1949-01-30 | Exception to noiselessness of green fireballs noted
  • 1949-12-04 | Exception to noiselessness of green fireballs noted
  • 1950-05-23 | Date of this letter
people
  • Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees | Commanding Officer, 17th District OSI, recipient
  • Lincoln LaPaz | Director, Institute of Meteoritics, author
organizations
  • 17th District, O.S.I. | U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations
  • Institute of Meteoritics | University of New Mexico
  • University of New Mexico | Albuquerque
locationsAlbuquerque | New Mexico | institution location
observations
  • Bright green horizontally-moving fireballs observed in December 1948 (interval December 5-20)
  • Fireball of December 12 moved at relatively low height
  • Velocity of December 12 fireball is much less than typical meteors but considerably greater than V-2 Rockets, jet planes, or conventional flares
  • December fireballs moved in horizontal paths, which is unusual for genuine meteors
  • December fireballs reached very low heights (contrasting with typical meteors at 40 or more miles altitude)
  • Green fireballs appeared almost instantly at full brightness, unlike typical meteors which begin as fine thin hair lines and brighten gradually
assessments
  • The December fireballs differ significantly from typical meteors in ten key ways identified by LaPaz
  • No noises have been observed in connection with the various December fireballs investigated, unlike meteorites at comparable low levels
  • Exceptions noted: incidents of 1949 January 30 and 1949 December 4 may have had associated noises
references
  • Second report of this series, dated 1948, December 20 | Previous analysis referenced
  • Anomalous Luminous Phenomena reports | This is the seventh report in the series
  • Fireball of December 12 | Specific case referenced multiple times
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
quotes
  • "The horizontal nature of the paths of most of the December fireballs is most unusual. Genuine meteors are rarely observed to move in horizontal paths." | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "the very low height of the December fireball discussed in section 2 above sets it off in sharp contrast from the genuine meteors for which heights of the order of 40 or more miles are normally observed" | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "The velocity determined for the fireball of December 12 is much less than the velocities determined from typical meteors (and yet is considerably greater than the speeds of the V-2 Rockets or jet planes or of conventional flares)" | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "No noises whatever have been observed in connection with the various December fireballs so far investigated." | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "Possible exceptions to the noiselessness of green fireballs are the incidents of 1949, January 30, and 1949, December 4." | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "the green balls appeared almost instantly at their full brightness" | Lincoln LaPaz, describing observer reports

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statushas_content
doc_typeletter
classificationCONFIDENTIAL (marked and crossed out)
page_descriptionContinuation of letter from Lincoln LaPaz to Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees, Page 2, dated May 23, 1950, providing detailed analysis of differences between green fireballs and meteors, with five additional distinguishing characteristics (items 6-10) and updated statistics on green fireball observations.
dates
  • 1950-01 | Quadrantid shower referenced (early January)
  • 1948-08 | Persid shower referenced (time of McCullough observation)
  • 1948-12 | Geminid shower referenced (December observations)
  • 1950-05-23 | Date of this letter
people
  • Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees | recipient
  • Lincoln LaPaz | author
  • Mr. Ponnig | observer mentioned, observed near Quadrantid shower
  • Mr. McCullough | observer mentioned, observation in August near Persid shower
organizations17th District OSI | recipient organization
observations
  • Paths of green fireballs show pronounced tendency to come from north half of sky, unlike genuine meteors which approach from all compass points with equal frequency
  • Green fireballs show curious association with known meteor showers (Quadrantid, Persid, Geminid) although these showers do not normally produce extremely bright green fireballs
  • Vivid green color reported for most December fireballs is rarely observed in genuine meteors
  • Laboratory test shows the peculiar green color identical to that given off by copper salts in the blowpipe flame
  • Wave length of radiation from green fireballs is near lambda 5218.R (Ångströms)
  • Duration estimates between 2 and 3 seconds for green fireballs (longer than ordinary visual meteors at 0.4-0.5 seconds, but shorter than genuine meteorite falls at 5-30 seconds or longer)
  • No train of sparks or dust cloud has been reported for any green fireball
  • Total number of objects now accepted as green fireball category: 72
  • 72 objects constitute nearly 50% of incidents listed in the accompanying Summary but less than 5% of total unscreened observations reported
  • Recent observations show considerable number of green fireballs appeared to fall vertically downward rather than horizontally
assessments
  • Of the ten distinguishing characteristics listed, only one (item 1 regarding horizontal paths) needs modification based on recent observations
  • The association with known meteor showers might indicate an attempt to render green fireballs less conspicuous by causing them to appear only when there is considerable meteoric activity
  • The green color identification with copper salts appears correct based on laboratory testing
references
  • Quadrantid shower of early January | meteor shower association
  • Persid shower | meteor shower association
  • Geminid shower | meteor shower association
  • Summary | accompanying document referenced
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
quotes
  • "In the case of genuine meteors the paths are directed toward all points of the compass with equal frequency. On the contrary in the case of the green fireballs, plots of admissible approach sectors show that there is a very pronounced tendency for the paths to come in from the north half of the sky." | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "By laboratory test this peculiar color seems to be identical with that given off by copper salts in the blowpipe flame. If this identification is correct, the wave length of the radiation from the green fireballs is near lambda 5218.R." | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "This relationship might indicate an attempt to render the green fireballs less conspicuous by causing them to appear only when there is considerable meteoric activity." | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "Within the last year, a considerable number of the green fireballs have appeared to fall vertically downward rather than" | Lincoln LaPaz

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statushas_content
doc_typeletter
classificationCONFIDENTIAL (marked and crossed out)
page_descriptionContinuation of letter from Lincoln LaPaz to Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees, Page 3, dated May 23, 1950, providing time distribution analysis of green fireballs, temporal patterns, and speculative interpretations regarding possible missile origins.
dates
  • 1950-05-23 | Date of this letter
  • 1950 (last two months) | Period of decline in green fireball sightings referenced
people
  • Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees | recipient
  • Lincoln LaPaz | author
  • Dr. Joseph Kaplan | Scientific Advisory Board member, correspondent
  • Von Karman | referenced scientist
organizations
  • Scientific Advisory Board | referenced organization
  • Optical Trajectory Section | White Sands Proving Ground
  • White Sands Proving Ground | U.S. military facility
locations
  • Ural region | USSR, referenced as possible missile origin point
  • Southern Urals | USSR, referenced as potential launch bases
  • New Mexico | target location for hypothetical missiles
  • White Sands Proving Ground | New Mexico, referenced for optical tracking capability
observations
  • Maximum frequency of green fireball sightings occurring at approximately 2030 hours (8:30 PM)
  • Ordinary meteors show frequency maximum at approximately 0300 hours (3:00 AM)
  • Meteorite falls show frequency maximum at approximately 1600 hours (4:00 PM)
  • Most green fireballs sighted in time interval from about 5 PM to 11 PM (MST)
  • Secondary maximum around 2 AM (MST) likely contains ordinary meteors misidentified as green fireballs
  • Time interval from 5 PM to 11 PM (MST) corresponds to approximately 7 AM to 1 PM in Ural region of USSR
  • Missiles moving at velocities found for green fireballs would travel from southern Urals to New Mexico in less than 15 minutes
  • Pronounced concentration of green fireball incidents on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday with most widely observed incidents on Saturday or Sunday
  • Distinct decline in number of green fireball sightings during last two months
  • During same period, number of "flying saucer" incidents in region reached all-time high
assessments
  • Possible interpretation: green fireballs result from guided missiles launched from bases in the Urals in morning hours before cloudiness due to convection or afternoon dust storms interfere with non-radar tracking
  • Dr. Joseph Kaplan stated "Frankly, I don't know of any U.S. experiments that would result in the appearance of these unconventional objects, and neither does Von Karman" regarding green fireballs
  • Strict vertical infall of green fireballs is also very rarely observed in genuine meteor falls
  • Secondary maximum around 2 AM appears to contain misidentified ordinary meteors
references
  • Dr. Joseph Kaplan | Scientific Advisory Board
  • Von Karman | referenced scientist
  • Optical Trajectory Section at White Sands Proving Ground | referenced tracking capability
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
quotes
  • "The graph of frequency versus local time which accompanies the present report shows that the maximum frequency of sighting of green fireballs (occurring at approximately 2030) coincides in time with neither the frequency maximum for ordinary meteors (occurring at approximately 0300) nor the frequency maximum for meteorite falls (occurring at approximately 1600)." | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "Some significance may attach to the fact that the time interval alluded to in paragraph 4 extends from about 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Ural region of the USSR. Since missiles moving with velocities of the order of those found for the green fireballs for which real path determinations have been possible would travel from the southern Urals to New Mexico in less than 15 minutes, a possible interpretation of the concentration of sightings referred to in paragraph 4 is that the green fireballs result from guided missiles launched from bases in the Urals in the morning hours before cloudiness due to convection or blinding afternoon dust storms can interfere with non-radar tracking, such as has been used by the Optical Trajectory Section at White Sands Proving Ground." | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "Frankly, I don't know of any U.S. experiments that would result in the appearance of these unconventional objects, and neither does Von Karman" | Dr. Joseph Kaplan
  • "There is also a pronounced concentration of green fireball incidents on the four days, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, almost all of the most widely observed incidents having occurred on Saturday or Sunday." | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "It is a curious and fairly well-established fact that there has been a distinct decline in the number of green fireball sightings during the last two months, within which the number of so-called 'flying saucer' incidents in this region has attained an all-time high." | Lincoln LaPaz

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statushas_content
doc_typeletter
classificationCONFIDENTIAL (marked and crossed out)
page_descriptionContinuation of letter from Lincoln LaPaz to Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees, Page 4, dated May 23, 1950, quoting from a previous letter of February 20, 1950 containing conclusions and recommendations regarding the green fireball investigation.
dates
  • 1948-12-05 | Start of fireball incident period reviewed
  • 1950-02-07 | Extraordinary fireball incident mentioned
  • 1950-02-17 | First Los Alamos conference where Dr. Teller raised question
  • 1950-02-20 | Date of previous letter to Dr. P.H. Wyckoff quoted here
  • 1950-05-23 | Date of current letter
people
  • Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees | recipient of current letter
  • Lincoln LaPaz | author
  • Dr. P.H. Wyckoff | Chief Atmospheric Physics Laboratory, Base Directorate for Geophysical Research, recipient of February 20 letter
  • Dr. Teller | referenced as questioner at First Los Alamos conference
  • Dr. Fred L. Whipple | Harvard College Observatory, recommended for photographic phase
  • Dr. Peter M. Millman | Dominion Observatory, recommended for spectrographic phase
organizations
  • Atmospheric Physics Laboratory | Base Directorate for Geophysical Research
  • Harvard College Observatory | recommended to head photographic investigation
  • Dominion Observatory | recommended to head spectrographic investigation
  • Los Alamos | location of first conference mentioned
locationsLos Alamos | February 17, 1949 conference location
observations
  • Comprehensive review of fireball data from December 5, 1948 to February 7, 1950
  • Data includes observers' reports, transit measurements, calculated real paths, etc.
  • Incident of February 7, 1950 was extraordinary and underwent intensive investigation for two weeks
assessments
  • LaPaz originally had intention to recommend a fireball project but changed conclusion after reviewing evidence
  • Based on available evidence, fireballs fall into two categories: (1) meteorite falls of unusual but not impossible magnitude/frequency (majority), and (2) U.S. guided missiles undergoing tests in neighborhoods of sensitive installations they defend (minority)
  • The interpretation of guided missiles as U.S. origin was proposed by LaPaz in response to Dr. Teller's question at First Los Alamos conference on February 17, 1949
  • Those in position to confirm this interpretation should refuse to do so
  • Recent international developments compel immediate investigation of unconventional green fireballs if not proven to be U.S. missiles
  • Systematic investigation should not be delayed until end of academic year
references
  • Letter of February 20, 1950 to Dr. P.H. Wyckoff | source of quotes
  • First Los Alamos conference, February 17, 1949 | previous discussion
  • February 7, 1950 incident | extraordinary case referenced
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
quotes
  • "As a preliminary to setting down the project recommendations which you requested, I have very carefully reviewed all available fireball data (observers' reports, transit measurements, calculated real paths, etc.) covering incidents from those of December 5, 1948 to the extraordinary incident of February 7, 1950, which has been under intensive investigation for the last two weeks." | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "In my opinion, this evidence proves conclusively that the fireballs reported on fall into one of two categories: Those of the first category (the majority) are meteorite falls of unusual, but certainly not of impossible, magnitude, frequency and other characteristics; those of the second category (the minority) are U.S. guided missiles undergoing tests in the neighborhoods of the sensitive installations they are designed to defend." | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "This interpretation of the latter category is the one that I proposed in answer to a question raised by Dr. Teller at the first Los Alamos conference on February 17, 1949. It was not taken seriously then and I doubt that it will be taken seriously at the present time." | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "Only one other point need be stressed, namely, that if I am wrong in interpreting the guided missiles as of U.S. origin, then certainly intensive, systematic investigation of those objects should not be delayed until the termination of the present academic year. Recent international developments compel one to sense the imperative necessity of immediate investigation of the unconventional green fireballs, in case you are in possession of information proving that they are not U.S. missiles." | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "If such an immediate investigation were to be undertaken, I would recommend that Dr. Fred L. Whipple, of Harvard College Observatory, be placed in charge of the photographic phase of the investigation; that Dr. Peter M. Millman, of the Dominion Observatory, be placed in charge of the spectrographic phase of the investigation;" | Lincoln LaPaz

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statushas_content
doc_typeletter
classificationCONFIDENTIAL (marked and crossed out)
page_descriptionContinuation and conclusion of letter from Lincoln LaPaz to Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees, Page 5, dated May 23, 1950, providing personnel recommendations for investigation phases and concluding remarks.
dates
  • 1949-11-29 | Date of Major Oder's letter to Lincoln LaPaz
  • 1950-02-20 | Date of previous letter to Dr. Wyckoff
  • 1950-05-23 | Date of current letter
people
  • Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees | recipient
  • Lincoln LaPaz | author and signatory
  • Dr. L.A. Manning | Stanford, recommended for radar investigation
  • Dr. Millman | recommended for radar investigation (in addition to spectrographic phase)
  • Dr. William Crozier | New Mexico School of Mines, recommended for dust collection and identification
  • Major Oder | correspondent, mentioned in context of ground search conversations
organizations
  • Institute of Meteoritics | Lincoln LaPaz's organization
  • University of New Mexico | LaPaz's affiliation
  • Stanford | Dr. Manning's affiliation
  • Dominion Observatory | Dr. Millman's affiliation
  • New Mexico School of Mines | Dr. Crozier's affiliation
locations
  • Stanford | California
  • New Mexico | Dr. Crozier's location
  • New Mexico School of Mines | location
observationsComprehensive ground search recommendations previously discussed with Major Oder
assessments
  • Based on many intensive field surveys, no ground search recoveries anticipated but investigation should proceed on large scale if attempted
  • Earlier paragraphs written some months ago but recommendations remain valid for present time
references
  • Letter of February 20 to Dr. Wyckoff | earlier communication referenced
  • Major Oder's letter dated November 29, 1949 | earlier correspondence referenced
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
quotes
  • "that Dr. L.A. Manning, of Stanford, and Dr. Millman be placed in charge of the radar investigation; and, finally, that Dr. William Crozier, of the New Mexico School of Mines, be placed in charge of dust collection and identification. On the basis of many intensive field surveys, I do not anticipate that ground search will lead to any recoveries, but in case such ground search is to be attempted, it should be carried out on the scale stressed in my conversations with you and Major Oder last month." | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "Although the above paragraphs were written some months ago, the recommendations contained in them are the ones I would urge you to consider at the present time. In conclusion, I should like to repeat the offer made at the end of my letter of February 20 to Dr. Wyckoff, namely to serve, if needed, as consultant on the green fireball project as suggested in Major Oder's letter to me under date of November 29, 1949, with the stipulation, however, that my service be on a voluntary basis rather than on the $40 per day contract specified in Major Oder's letter." | Lincoln LaPaz
document_signature
  • Lincoln LaPaz, Director
  • Institute of Meteoritics
  • University of New Mexico

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationCONFIDENTIAL (marked and crossed out)
page_descriptionGraph titled "Time of Sightings" showing frequency distribution of observations for different types of aerial phenomena including meteorites, meteors, green fireballs, and disks or variations, plotted against time of day from 16:00 to 16:00 (24-hour clock).
observations
  • Graph displays number of observations on vertical axis (0 to 40)
  • Time of sightings on horizontal axis (16 to 16 hours, representing 24-hour period)
  • Green fireball maximum occurs approximately at 20:30 hours (8:30 PM)
  • Meteor maximum occurs approximately at 24:00-02:00 hours (midnight to 2 AM) with peak around 02:00
  • Meteorite maximum occurs approximately at 16:00 hours (4 PM)
  • Disk or variation observations show secondary maximum around 14:00 hours (2 PM)
  • Green fireballs show concentrated activity between approximately 17:00-23:00 hours (5 PM to 11 PM)
  • Meteorite observations show sharp peak at 16:00 hours
  • Meteor observations show gradual increase from 18:00 to 02:00 then decrease toward morning hours
  • Green fireball data shown as dotted line with distinct peak
  • Meteor data shown as solid line with broader distribution
  • Meteorite data shown as dotted line with singular sharp peak
  • Disks or variations shown as dash-dot line with multiple smaller peaks
references
  • Printed by The Frederick Post Co., Chicago, Ill.
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
document_notes
  • Graph legend distinguishes between four categories: Meteorites (dotted), Meteors (dashed), Green Fireballs (solid), and Disks or Variations (dash-dot)
  • Time scale appears to represent local time

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doc_typememo
classificationSECRET (marked and crossed out)
page_descriptionOfficial memorandum from Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees, District Commander of the 17th District Office of Special Investigations, dated May 18, 1949, transmitting a Summary of Information regarding aerial phenomena observed in New Mexico-West Texas area.
dates1949-05-18 | Date of memorandum
people
  • Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees | District Commander, 17th District OSI, Kirtland AFB, signatory
  • Commanding General | Sandia Base, recipient
  • Intelligence Officer | Sandia Base, recipient attention
organizations
  • Department of the Air Force | U.S. government agency
  • Headquarters United States Air Force | Washington
  • The Inspector General USAF | organization
  • 17th District Office of Special Investigations | Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, sending agency
  • Kirtland Air Force Base | New Mexico
  • Sandia Base | Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • 3d OSI Region | distribution recipient
  • Air Material Command (AMC) | distribution recipient
  • 636th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron | distribution recipient
  • AF Guided Missile Project | distribution recipient
  • AF Field Office for Atomic Energy | distribution recipient
  • Atomic Energy Security Service | distribution recipient
  • Fourth Army | distribution recipient
  • FBI | Albuquerque field office, distribution recipient
  • Institute of Meteoritics | University of New Mexico, Dr. LaPaz's organization
locations
  • New Mexico | area of observations
  • West Texas | area of observations
  • Albuquerque | New Mexico, Sandia Base location
  • Kirtland Air Force Base | New Mexico
  • Washington | Air Force Headquarters location
  • Fort Bliss | Texas, BIO location
references
  • File No: 24-8 | official file reference
  • Summary of Information | enclosed document
  • KE-6977 | short title reference
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
distribution
  • 2 copies to Headquarters OSI
  • 1 copy to 3d OSI Region
  • 1 copy to Commanding General, Air Material Command
  • 1 copy to Commanding Officer, Kirtland AFB
  • 1 copy to Commanding Officer, 636th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron
  • 1 copy to Air Force Guided Missile Project
  • 1 copy to Air Force Field Office for Atomic Energy
  • 1 copy to Commanding General, Sandia Base
  • 3 copies to Atomic Energy Security Service
  • 1 copy to Commanding General, Fourth Army
  • 1 copy to Base Intelligence Officer, Fort Bliss, Texas
  • 1 copy to Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albuquerque
  • 1 copy to Dr. Lincoln LaPaz, University of New Mexico
  • 12 copies to File
quotes
  • "Transmitted herewith is a Summary of Information relative to the aerial phenomena which have been observed in the New Mexico -- West Texas area." | Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees
  • "This investigation is being continued and your office will be kept informed of future developments." | Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees
document_signature
  • DOYLE REES
  • Lt. Col., USAF
  • District Commander
  • Handwritten signature present

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doc_typereport
classificationDECLASSIFIED (marked with authority NW 9152C, by DE John WMA Dea 3/15)
page_descriptionBeginning of Summary of Information report from 17th District OSI dated April 19, 1949, providing comprehensive overview of unidentified aerial phenomena observations in New Mexico-West Texas area with common characteristics.
dates1949-04-19 | Date of report
people
  • Dr. Lincoln LaPaz | University of New Mexico, meteoricist, compiler of notes 1, 3, and 5
  • OSI personnel | conducted interviews
organizations
  • Department of the Air Force | U.S. government agency
  • Headquarters United States Air Force | Washington
  • The Inspector General USAF | organization
  • 17th District Office of Special Investigations | Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico
  • University of New Mexico | Dr. LaPaz's affiliation
locations
  • New Mexico | area of observations
  • West Texas | area of observations
  • Kirtland Air Force Base | New Mexico
observations
  • Common characteristics of unidentified aerial phenomena observed in New Mexico-West Texas area include:
  • - Green color, sometimes described as greenish-white, bright green, yellow-green, or blue green
  • - Horizontal path, sometimes with minor variations
  • - Speed less than that of a meteor, but more than any known type of aircraft
  • - No sound associated with observations
  • - No persistent trail or dust cloud
  • - Period of visibility from one to five seconds
  • Not all incidents possess all characteristics, but each case has one or more present
  • No natural or man-made object has been determined responsible in any reported incident
assessments
  • Summary comprises only observations in which interviews were conducted by OSI personnel
  • Dr. LaPaz interviewed many other persons, but complete data not available for those interviews
  • Many reports received from individuals without supporting details were excluded
  • Dr. LaPaz is internationally known and respected as a meteoricist
references
  • Report compiled by Dr. Lincoln LaPaz, University of New Mexico
  • Note numbers 1, 3, and 5 taken directly from Dr. LaPaz reports
  • Short title: KE-6977
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
document_notes
  • Declassification stamp shows declassified authority NW 9152C by DE John WMA Dea 3/15
  • This is a comprehensive summary of all observations of unidentified aerial phenomena with similar characteristics in the specified region

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doc_typereport
classificationSECRET (marked and crossed out)
page_descriptionContinuation page of Summary of Information report dated April 19, 1949, providing concluding remarks on interview methodology and inclusion criteria.
dates1949-04-19 | Date of report
observationsAny interview where the veracity of the interviewee was doubted was discounted in the preparation of reports
references
  • Tabular Summary w/notes | included document reference
  • Page 2 of report
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
document_notes
  • Brief concluding statement on methodology
  • References inclusion of Tabular Summary with notes as enclosure

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doc_typereport
classificationnot visible
page_descriptionTabular listing of 24 sighting incidents with dates ranging from December 5, 1948 to February 17, 1949, including time, color, course, location, and observer type.
dates
  • 1948-12-05 | Multiple sightings (entries at 1530, 2000, 2105, 2115, 2115, 2115, 2127, 2135, 2200, 2220, 2220, 2315 hours)
  • 1948-12-06 | Sighting at 2255 hours
  • 1948-12-07 | Sighting at 2145 hours
  • 1948-12-08 | Sighting at 1835 hours
  • 1948-12-12 | Two sightings at 2102 hours
  • 1948-12-13 | Two sightings (2130 and 2215 hours)
  • 1948-12-14 | Sighting at 0100 hours
  • 1948-12-20 | Sighting at 2054 hours
  • 1948-12-28 | Sighting at 0431 hours
  • 1949-01-06 | Two sightings (0310 and 1730 hours)
  • 1949-01-30 | Referenced with Note 5
  • 1949-02-14 | Sighting at 1840 hours
  • 1949-02-17 | Referenced with Note 6
locations
  • Las Vegas | New Mexico, multiple sightings
  • Albuquerque | New Mexico
  • Near Las Vegas | New Mexico, multiple locations
  • Lucy | New Mexico
  • East of Albuquerque | New Mexico
  • Sandia Base | multiple sightings
  • Los Alamos | multiple sightings
  • Near Las Vegas | New Mexico
  • Lowy | New Mexico
  • Quara | New Mexico
  • Near Las Vegas | New Mexico
  • 20 miles East of Las Vegas | New Mexico
  • Wagon Mound | New Mexico
  • Near Ganado | Arizona
observations
  • December 5, 1948: Multiple green colored objects observed from Las Vegas area, Albuquerque, and surrounding locations
  • December 6, 1948: Green object, N/S course, Sandia Base
  • December 7, 1948: Green object, N/S course, Los Alamos
  • December 8, 1948: Green object, N/S course, near Las Vegas
  • December 12, 1948: Two observations referenced as Note 1
  • December 13, 1948: One observation referenced as Note 2, one green object N/S course 20 miles east of Las Vegas
  • December 14, 1948: Green object, N/S course, Wagon Mound
  • December 20, 1948: Observation referenced as Note 2 and Note 3
  • December 28, 1948: White colored object, N to S course, Los Alamos
  • January 6, 1949: Green object, E to W course; second observation referenced as Note 4
  • January 30, 1949: Referenced as Note 5
  • February 14, 1949: White-Greenish object, NE to SW course, near Ganado, Arizona
  • February 17, 1949: Referenced as Note 6
people
  • Civilian observers (multiple entries)
  • University of New Mexico students
  • Military pilots (multiple entries)
  • Civilian pilots
  • Pioneer Airlines pilots
  • USAF photographer
  • Railway worker
  • AESS Security Agent
  • AESS Inspector
  • OSI Personnel
  • Dr. Salsbury (February 14, 1949 observer)
organizations
  • Las Vegas | witness location
  • Albuquerque | witness location
  • Sandia Base | facility
  • Los Alamos | facility
  • Pioneer Airlines | referenced airline
  • USAF | United States Air Force
  • AESS | Atomic Energy Security Service (implied by inspector references)
  • OSI | Office of Special Investigations
  • University of New Mexico
references
  • Note 1, Note 2, Note 3, Note 4, Note 5, Note 6 | detailed notes referenced for certain entries
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
observations_summary
  • Predominantly green colored objects
  • Mostly N/S course
  • Observed at various times throughout day and night
  • Observers include civilians, military personnel, and scientists
  • Widespread geographic distribution across New Mexico with one entry in Arizona

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doc_typereport
classificationnot visible
page_descriptionContinuation of tabular listing of sighting incidents with dates ranging from February 27, 1949 to April 12, 1949, including time, color, course, location, and observer type.
dates
  • 1949-02-27 | Sighting at 1300 hours
  • 1949-03-02 | Sighting at 0010 hours
  • 1949-03-03 | Sighting at 0159 hours
  • 1949-03-09 | Sighting at 1836 hours
  • 1949-03-08 | Sighting at 1835 hours
  • 1949-03-15 | Sighting at 2153 hours
  • 1949-03-27 | Sighting at 1800 hours
  • 1949-04-05 | Sighting at 2200 hours
  • 1949-04-06 | Sighting at 0005 hours
  • 1949-04-07 | Two sightings (0100 and 0134 hours)
  • 1949-04-12 | Sighting at 1930 hours
locations
  • Los Alamos | multiple sightings
  • Los Alamos | multiple sightings
  • Sandia Base | multiple sightings
  • Los Alamos | multiple sightings
observations
  • February 27, 1949: Green object, W to E course, Los Alamos
  • March 2, 1949: N/S course, U to S course, Los Alamos
  • March 3, 1949: Green object, Down course, Los Alamos
  • March 9, 1949: White-Greenish object, 275 to 289 course, Los Alamos
  • March 8, 1949: Referenced as Note 7
  • March 15, 1949: Greenish-White object, NE or SW course, Sandia Base
  • March 27, 1949: Referenced as Note 8
  • April 5, 1949: Green object, S to N course, Los Alamos
  • April 6, 1949: Green object, NW to SE course, Los Alamos
  • April 7, 1949: Two green objects, S to N and E to W courses, Los Alamos
  • April 12, 1949: White object, E to W course, Sandia Base
people
  • AESS (Atomic Energy Security Service) observers
  • AESS Inspectors (multiple entries)
  • AESS Sergeants
  • HAP personnel
  • MP personnel
organizations
  • Los Alamos | facility
  • Sandia Base | facility
  • AESS | Atomic Energy Security Service
  • HAP | Army Air Forces Personnel
  • MP | Military Police
references
  • Note 7, Note 8 | detailed notes referenced for certain entries
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
observations_summary
  • Mix of green and white/greenish colored objects
  • Various compass courses (N/S, E/W, diagonal)
  • Observations primarily from Los Alamos and Sandia Base facilities
  • Observers include AESS inspectors and military personnel

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doc_typereport
classificationSECRET (marked and crossed out)
page_descriptionExtract from Dr. Lincoln LaPaz's report of December 20, 1948, containing detailed analysis of a December 14, 1948 incident and the real path calculation of a December 12 green fireball observed from two separate stations, with discussion of significant differences between fireballsand typical meteors.
dates
  • 1948-12-14 | Sighting at 1:00 a.m.
  • 1948-12-12 | Fireball observed at 9h 2m plus or minus 30 seconds
  • 1948-12-20 | Date of Dr. LaPaz's report
people
  • Dr. Lincoln LaPaz | Report author and analyst
  • Mr. Mimo Sanchez | Observer, Wagon Mound, New Mexico, December 14 incident
organizations
  • Los Alamos | observation station location
  • Starvation Peak | observation location near Bernal
locations
  • Wagon Mound | New Mexico, December 14 observation location
  • Starvation Peak | Bernal, New Mexico, observation station
  • Los Alamos | New Mexico, observation station
  • Los Alamos Reservation | area through which path extended
observations
  • December 14, 1948: 1:00 a.m. observation by Mr. Mimo Sanchez at Wagon Mound, New Mexico
  • December 12 fireball: Only green fireball with simultaneous observations from two widely separated stations
  • Fireball appeared near point with coordinates latitude 35° 50', longitude 106° 40'
  • Fireball disappeared near point with coordinates latitude 35° 45', longitude 107° 05'
  • Nearly exactly horizontal path
  • Path length: approximately twenty-five (25) miles
  • Altitude above surface: approximately 8 to 10 miles
  • Velocity: between 8 and 12 miles per second (or 3-6 miles per second if timing assumption different)
  • Five different estimates of angular elevation showed concordance
  • Linear height estimated between 8-10 miles
  • Backward extension of 25-mile path passes almost centrally across Los Alamos reservation
assessments
  • Real path determination based on graphic reduction of simultaneously made observations
  • Considerable uncertainty due to lack of confirming azimuth observations from third station
  • Horizontal nature of paths most unusual compared to genuine meteors
  • Very low height distinguishes from genuine meteors (which normally at 40+ miles altitude)
  • Velocity much less than typical meteors but considerably greater than V-2 Rockets, jet planes, or conventional flares
  • Only one pair of corresponding observations obtained from different groups at widely separated stations
references
  • Report submitted by Dr. LaPaz on December 20, 1948
  • Report on night of 1948 December 12, 9h 2m plus or minus 30s
  • NOTE 1 | footnote reference
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
quotes
  • "The only green fireball so far observed at two separate stations" | regarding December 12 incident
  • "By graphic reduction of the simultaneously made observations, the following facts have been determined:" | Dr. LaPaz methodology statement
  • "The horizontal nature of the paths of most of the December fireballs is most unusual. Genuine meteors are rarely observed to move in horizontal paths." | Dr. LaPaz
  • "Again the very low height of the December fireball discussed in section 2 above sets it off in sharp contrast from the genuine meteors for which heights of the order of 40 or more miles are normally observed." | Dr. LaPaz
  • "The velocity determined for the fireball of December 12 is much less than the velocities determined from typical meteors (and yet is considerably greater than the speeds of the V-2 Rockets or jet planes or of conventional flares)." | Dr. LaPaz

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET (marked and crossed out)
page_descriptionContinuation of Dr. Lincoln LaPaz's December 20, 1948 report to Colonel Doyle Rees with detailed analysis of differences between fireballsand typical meteors, and final conclusion regarding the non-meteoric nature of the observed phenomena.
dates
  • 1948-12-20 | Date of report
  • 1948-12-12 | Fireball discussed in analysis
people
  • Colonel Doyle Rees | Recipient
  • Dr. Lincoln LaPaz | Author and signatory
  • Mr. Ponnig | Observer referenced
  • Mr. McCullough | Observer referenced
organizationsOSI | Office of Special Investigations
observations
  • Meteorites penetrating to low levels accompanied by very violent noises; no such noises observed with December fireballs
  • Genuine meteors show remarkable brightness variations beginning as fine thin hair lines; December fireballs appeared almost instantly at full brightness
  • Genuine meteors paths directed toward all compass points equally; green fireballs show pronounced tendency for paths from north half of sky
  • Three groups of anomalous greenish luminous phenomena show curious association with well-known meteor showers (Quadrantid, Persid, Geminid) although these showers normally do not produce extremely bright green fireballs
  • Remarkably vivid green color rare in genuine meteors, identical to copper salts in blowpipe flame per laboratory test
  • Wavelength of radiation from green fireballs near 5,218 Angstrom Units
  • Duration estimates 2-3 seconds (longer than ordinary visual meteors at 0.4-0.5 seconds; shorter than genuine meteorite falls at 5-30+ seconds)
  • No train of sparks or dust cloud reported for any green fireball
  • Contrasts sharply with meteoric fireballs, particularly those penetrating to very low levels
assessments
  • Writer remains of opinion that fireball of December 12 was definitely non-meteoric
  • In all probability same is true of most, if not all, other bright green fireballs under OSI investigation
references
  • Earlier communication | referenced for color information
  • Section 3 items | referenced for differences
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
document_signature
  • LINCOLN LaPAZ
  • Author
quotes
  • "In the case of meteorites that penetrate to as low levels as that determined for the fireball of December 12, the observed luminous phenomena are always accompanied by very violent noises. No noises whatever have been observed in connection with the various December fireballs so far investigated." | Dr. LaPaz
  • "Genuine meteors normally show remarkable variations in brightness, beginning as fine thin hair lines, which are scarcely visible to the observer, and then brightening up to flash out near the end of their paths. In the case of the December fireballs most of the observers have reported that the green balls appeared almost instantly at their full brightness." | Dr. LaPaz
  • "In the case of genuine meteors the paths are directed toward all points of the compass with equal frequency. On the contrary in the case of the green fireballs, plots of admissible approach sectors show that there is a very pronounced tendency for the paths to come in from the north half of the sky." | Dr. LaPaz
  • "The three groups of anomalous greenish luminous phenomena show a curious association with well known meteor showers, although none of these meteor showers normally produce extremely bright green fireballs, such as those recently observed." | Dr. LaPaz
  • "By laboratory test this peculiar color seems to be identical with that given off by copper salts in the blowpipe flame. If this identification is correct, the wavelength of the radiation from the green fireballs is near 5,218 Angstrom Units." | Dr. LaPaz
  • "On the basis of the various differences to which attention is called in section 3, the writer remains of the opinion that the fireball of December 12 was definitely non-meteoric and that in all probability the same is true of most, if not all, the other bright green fireballs, which the OSI has had under investigation." | Dr. LaPaz

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doc_typereport
classificationSECRET (marked and crossed out)
page_descriptionNOTE 2 describing unusual incidents of December 13 and 20, 1948, characterized by two red lights trailing the green fireball with constant positioning and sharp direction changes.
dates
  • 1948-12-13 | Incident date
  • 1948-12-20 | Incident date
people
  • Atomic Energy Security Service Inspectors | December 20 observers
  • Truck driver | December 13 observer
  • Truck driver's wife | December 13 observer
organizations
  • Atomic Energy Security Service | December 20 observation agency
  • Los Alamos area | December 20 observation location
locations
  • Los Alamos area | December 20 observation location
  • Southwest of Las Alamos | December 13 observation location
observations
  • Two red lights trailing the green fireball in both incidents
  • Trailing lights retained constant position with respect to each other and to the green light
  • Only green fireball incidents where sharp change of direction in the vertical plane was observed
  • December 20 incident: Observed in Los Alamos area
  • December 13 incident: Observed southwest of Las Alamos
assessments
  • These two sightings are the only ones among all the green fireballs where a sharp change of direction in the vertical plane was observed
  • Unusual feature of trailing red lights retained constant positioning relative to each other and central green light
references
  • NOTE 2 | Note reference designation
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
quotes"The unusual feature of these two incidents is that there were reported two red lights trailing the green fireball. In each case observers agree that the trailing lights retained a constant position with respect to each other and to the green light. Also, these two sightings are the only ones among all the green fireballs where a sharp change of direction in the vertical plane was observed." | Report text

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statushas_content
doc_typeletter
classificationSECRET (marked and crossed out)
page_descriptionNOTE 3 - Letter from Lincoln LaPaz to Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees dated December 30, 1948, providing detailed analysis of real paths for December 12 and December 20, 1948 fireballs with coordinate calculations and observer information.
dates
  • 1948-12-12 | Fireball of December 12 at 9h 2m (plus or minus 30 seconds)
  • 1948-12-20 | Fireball of December 20 at 20h 54m (8:54 p.m.)
  • 1948-12-29 | Date of sketches supplied by observers
  • 1948-12-30 | Date of letter
people
  • Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees | Recipient, Commanding Officer District No. 17 OSI
  • Lincoln LaPaz | Author and Director of Institute of Meteoritics
  • AESS Inspectors William D. Wilson | December 20 observer
  • AESS Inspector Buford G. Truett | December 20 observer
  • AESS Inspector Clifford E. Strang | December 20 observer
  • AESS Security Inspector George S. Skipper | December 20 observer
  • Captain M.E. de Esis | Transit observation participant
organizations
  • The University of New Mexico | Institution affiliation
  • Institute of Meteoritics | LaPaz's organization
  • Office of Special Investigations | District No. 17
  • AESS | Atomic Energy Security Service
  • Los Alamos | Observation location and facility
locations
  • Starvation Peak | New Mexico, December 12 observation station
  • Los Alamos | New Mexico, December 20 observation area
  • Latitude 35° 50' N, Longitude 106° 40' W | December 12 fireball appearance coordinates
  • Latitude 35° 45' N, Longitude 107° 05' W | December 12 fireball disappearance coordinates
  • Latitude 35° 48' 9, Longitude 106° 18' 4 | Observation point for Strang and Skipper, December 20
  • Latitude 35° 55', Longitude 106° 23' W | Observation point for Wilson and Truett, December 20
observations
  • December 12 fireball: Appeared near coordinates latitude 35° 50' N, longitude 106° 40' W
  • December 12 fireball: Disappeared near coordinates latitude 35° 45' N, longitude 107° 05' W
  • December 12 fireball: Almost horizontal path
  • December 12 fireball: Elevation approximately 10 miles above sea level
  • December 12 fireball: Path length approximately 25 miles
  • December 12 fireball: Velocity approximately 10 miles per second
  • December 12 fireball: Minimum path length 11 miles (with corresponding velocity 3-6 miles per second depending on duration)
  • December 20 fireball: Greenish-white color at 20h 54m (8:54 p.m.)
  • December 20 fireball: Observed by two pairs of Los Alamos observers
  • December 20 fireball: Observed under less favorable conditions than December 12 fireball
  • December 20 fireball: Sketches supplied by observers on December 29
  • December 20 fireball: Transit observations made at observation points established by surveyors
  • December 20 fireball: Short baseline of only 8 miles between two observation points
assessments
  • December 12 observations provide better data for real path calculation
  • Real path derived from December 20 observations deserves considerably less weight than that obtained from December 12 observations
  • Reasonable concordance established between various points on fireball paths seen by two groups of observers despite difficult conditions
references
  • Second report of this series | Referenced for December 12 details
  • NOTE 3 | Note designation
  • Inclosure #6 | Document designation
  • NW 91526 | Document identifier
quotes
  • "On the basis of corresponding observations made from one station near Starvation Peak, New Mexico, and a second station near Los Alamos, New Mexico, this fireball was found to have appeared near a point with the coordinates: latitude 35° 50' N, longitude 106°, 40' W, and to have disappeared near a point with the coordinates: latitude 35° 45' N, longitude 107° 05' W, traversing an almost horizontal path, at an elevation of about 10 miles above sea level, with a length of about 25 miles, at a velocity of approximately 10 miles per second." | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "Because of the very short base line (only 8 miles long) between the two points of observation and the difficult conditions under which the fireball of December 20 was observed, it is my opinion that the real path derived from the December 20 observations deserves considerably less weight than that obtained from the December 12 observations." | Lincoln LaPaz

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statushas_content
doc_typeletter
classificationSECRET (marked and crossed out)
page_descriptionContinuation of letter from Lincoln LaPaz to Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees dated December 30, 1948 (Page 2), providing detailed analysis of the December 20 fireball path, coordinates, velocities, and expert conclusion that the object was not a meteorite.
dates1948-12-30 | Date of letter (Page 2)
people
  • Lt. Col. Doyle Rees | Recipient
  • Lincoln LaPaz | Author
  • Messrs. Wilson | Observer
  • Messrs. Truett | Observer
  • Messrs. Strang | Observer
  • Messrs. Skipper | Observer
  • Inspector Truett | Observer who observed descending branch alone
  • Messrs. Wilson, Truett, Strang, and Skipper | Collective observers
organizationsLos Alamos | Reference location
locations
  • Point C | Coordinates 35° 56' N, 106° 30' W (turning point)
  • Point E | Coordinates 35° 57' N, 106° 23' W (disappearance point)
  • Los Alamos | Town referenced for directional reference (six miles south of trajectory)
observations
  • Fireball appeared at height of at least 10 miles
  • Descended at angle of about 45 degrees to the vertical (per Truett's estimate)
  • Reached point C at elevation of only 2.3 miles above horizontal plane of observation point
  • From point C, path leveled off
  • From C to point of disappearance E, fireball followed nearly horizontal path
  • Horizontal path length approximately 7.5 miles
  • Velocity between 3.75 and 7.5 miles per second (depending on duration estimate)
  • Descending branch of path observed by Inspector Truett alone
  • No sound heard despite distance from observers to fireball and fireball to earth being only a few miles at most
  • Forward extension of fireball's trace passes approximately six miles to the north of Los Alamos town
assessments
  • Inspector Truett was absolutely certain his observation of descending branch was correct
  • No sound observed despite close proximity to ground
  • Expert assessment: object was definitely not a falling meteorite
  • LaPaz testifies that object possessing the observed path and other peculiarities was not a meteorite
referencesNW 91526 | Document identifier
quotes
  • "It is found that the fireball doubly observed by Messrs. Wilson, Truett, Strang, and Skipper appeared at a height of at least 10 miles and descended at an angle of about 45 degrees to the vertical (according to Truett's estimate) to point C at an elevation of only 2.3 miles above the horizontal plane through the point from which Strang and Skipper observed." | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "As the fireball approached the point C, its path levelled off and from C to its point of disappearance, E, the fireball followed a nearly horizontal path approximately 7.5 miles moving with a velocity of between 3.75 and 7.5 miles per second, depending on the duration estimate adopted." | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "It should be noted that no sound was heard, although the distance from the observers to the fireball and from the fireball to the earth could have been only a few miles at most." | Lincoln LaPaz
  • "I have no hesitancy in testifying that an object possessing the observed path and the other peculiarities observed by Messrs. Wilson, Truett, Strang, and Skipper was not a falling meteorite." | Lincoln LaPaz

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doc_typereport
classificationSECRET (marked and crossed out)
page_descriptionNOTE 4 - Interview report dated January 7, 1949 from Matthew J. Doyle, Chief of Physical Security Branch, documenting an interview with Pfc. Meredith J. Everitt regarding observation of unidentified light or flare on January 6, 1949.
dates
  • 1949-01-06 | Date of sighting
  • 1949-01-07 | Date of interview and report
people
  • Pfc. Meredith J. Everitt | ASN 38552954, Headquarters 8450th M.P. Group, witness
  • Sgt. Richard Woleslegge | Standing guard with Everitt, did not see object
  • Cpl. Wilson | Standing guard with Everitt, did not see object
  • Matthew J. Doyle | Chief, Physical Security Branch, interviewer and report author
  • Director, Intelligence & Security Division | Recipient
organizations
  • Headquarters, 8450th M.P. Group | Everitt's unit
  • Physical Security Branch | Doyle's organization
  • Intelligence & Security Division | Parent organization
  • Ordnance Area | Facility location
locations
  • Landing strip | Adjacent to Ordnance Area, sighting location
  • C-97 airplane landing strip | Exact observation location
  • Southeast to Northwest | Direction of object travel
  • Houston, Texas | Location of Everitt's Flight School
observations
  • Date: January 6, 1949
  • Time: Approximately 1730 hours (5:30 PM)
  • Observer: Pfc. Meredith J. Everitt, guarding a C-97 airplane at landing strip
  • Object description: Diamond shaped
  • Object size: Approximately two feet long
  • Object brightness: Much brighter in center than at edges
  • Object altitude: Estimated 1500 to 2000 feet in the air
  • Object course: From Southeast towards Northwest
  • Object distance traveled: Approximately 500 feet horizontal to earth's surface
  • Object speed: Unable to estimate exactly, but much faster than low flying jet planes Everitt had observed
  • Smoke or vapor: None visible around or following object
  • Sky conditions: Clear, light blue background
  • Object color: Bright white light, no other apparent visible color
  • Witnesses: Only Pfc. Everitt observed object; Sgt. Woleslegge and Cpl. Wilson did not see it
  • Duration: Brief, before object disappeared after Everitt called to Sgt. Woleslegge
witness_background
  • Pfc. Everitt attended Flight School under G.I. Bill of Rights in Houston, Texas during 1947
  • Has experience observing aircraft
  • Credible witness with aviation knowledge
people_details
  • Sgt. Richard Woleslegge | Standing at other end of plane, called to observe but object disappeared
  • Cpl. Wilson | Guarding with Everitt, did not see object
assessments
  • Object traveled much faster than jet aircraft observed by witness
  • Witness unable to contact other guards in time for confirmation
  • Witness credible due to flight training and aircraft observation experience
references
  • NOTE 4 | Note designation
  • C-97 aircraft | Type referenced
  • NW 91526 | Document identifier
document_signature
  • /s/ MATTHEW J. DOYLE
  • Chief, Physical Security Branch
  • Intelligence & Security Division
quotes
  • "he noticed a bright object travelling across the sky, from the Southeast towards the Northwest. He related that the object was diamond shaped, approximately two feet long, and appeared to be much brighter in its center than at the edges." | Pfc. Everitt
  • "He estimated that the object was approximately 1500 to 2000 feet in the air and travelled approximately 500 feet, horizontal to the earth's surface, before he lost sight of it." | Pfc. Everitt
  • "he has seen low flying jet planes, and that this object travelled much faster than the jets that he has observed." | Pfc. Everitt
  • "There was no smoke or other vaporous material visible to Pfc. Everitt around or following the object." | Report text
  • "the sky was clear, furnishing a light blue background, and that the object appeared to be a bright white light, with no other apparent visible color." | Pfc. Everitt

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statushas_content
doc_typememo
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionMemo from Lincoln LaPaz at the University of New Mexico Institute of Meteoriotics reporting on anomalous luminous phenomena investigations, including the January 30, 1949 green fireball sighting and subsequent field survey efforts.
dates
  • 1949-02-21 | date of memo
  • 1949-01-30 | date of green fireball sighting at 5:54 p.m. MST
  • 1949-02-01 | date field survey began
  • 1949-02-04 | date of air reconnaissance mission
people
  • Lt Colonel Doyle Rees | Commanding Officer, District No. 17, Office of Special Investigations | recipient
  • Lincoln LaPaz | Director, Institute of Meteoriotics | author
  • Mr. Nesbett | eyewitness | witness
  • Major William Godsoe | Fourth Army | provided staff car for survey
  • Lt Paul Ryan | OSI group at Walker Air Base, Roswell | survey party
  • Lt H. K. Cobban | local CAP unit, Roswell | survey party
  • Special Agent Bill Ricket | OSI | survey party
  • Major Charles Phillips | USAF | air reconnaissance party
  • Captain Melvin E. Maefane | USAF | air reconnaissance party
  • Special Agent Jack L. Boling | 17th District OSI office at Kirtland Field | air reconnaissance party
  • Corporal Cochran | USAF | air reconnaissance party
organizations
  • University of New Mexico | educational institution
  • Institute of Meteoriotics | research organization
  • Office of Special Investigations, District No. 17 | military/government
  • Fourth Army | military
  • Walker Air Base | military installation
  • Civil Air Patrol (CAP) | civilian organization
  • 17th District OSI office | military
  • Kirtland Field | military installation
locations
  • Albuquerque | where Institute of Meteoriotics is located
  • New Mexico | region surveyed
  • Texas | region surveyed
  • Moriarty, New Mexico | visited during survey
  • Estancia, New Mexico | visited during survey
  • Vaughn, New Mexico | visited during survey
  • Ramon, New Mexico | visited during survey
  • Mesa, New Mexico | visited during survey
  • Roswell, New Mexico | visited during survey, where OSI group provided cooperation
  • Caprock, New Mexico | visited during survey
  • Tatum, New Mexico | visited during survey
  • Lamesa, Texas | visited during survey, where air search party joined ground survey
  • Brownfield, Texas | visited during survey
  • Plains, Texas | visited during survey
  • Lubbock, Texas | visited during survey
  • Muleshoe, Texas | visited during survey
  • Amherst, Texas | field search route extended through
  • Clovis, New Mexico | field search route extended to
observations
  • Green fireball sighting on January 30, 1949 at 5:54 p.m. MST, observed through east window by group seated at dinner table in brightly lighted room
  • Eyewitness (Mr. Nesbett) called to report the impression within less than one minute of fireball appearance
  • More than 100 eyewitness accounts obtained within two hours after fireball appeared
  • Unusually high percentage of reports came from military personnel (waiting outside for Post Theaters to open), guards, special agents monitoring anomalous luminous phenomena, airplane pilots, control tower men, and oilwell workers
  • Low-level air reconnaissance mission conducted on February 4th in T-11 aircraft over area surrounding the earth-point of the fireball of January 30th
  • Second ground survey party under Lt Paul Ryan made careful field search along route extending from Lamesa through Amherst, Texas, to Clovis
assessmentsGreen fireball was "outstanding among the as yet undescribed incidents" | Lincoln LaPaz
referencesThird report in the anomalous luminous phenomena series | referenced for comparison
quotes
  • "Anomalous luminous phenomena (4th report)" | subject line
  • "Within less than one minute after the appearance of the fireball, an eyewitness (Mr. Nesbett) called to report the impression of a group of persons who saw the fireball through an east window while seated about the dinner table in a brightly lighted room." | memo body
  • "Within two hours after the fireball appeared, more than 100 eyewitness accounts had been obtained by its director through personal interviews." | memo body

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statushas_content
doc_typememo
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionContinuation of LaPaz's report detailing the trajectory and characteristics of the January 30, 1949 green fireball, analysis of unusual features, and conclusion of his participation in the OSI investigation.
dates
  • 1949-01-30 | date of fireball sighting (referenced)
  • 1949-02-21 | current date of report
  • 1948-12-12 | date of earlier anomalous green fireball
  • 1948-12-20 | date of earlier anomalous green fireball
peopleLincoln LaPaz | Head of Dept of Mathematics, University of New Mexico | author/investigator
organizations
  • Office of Special Investigations (OSI) | military investigation organization
  • University of New Mexico | educational institution
locations
  • New Mexico | region where fireball observed
  • Texas | region where fireball observed
  • Latitude 32°, Longitude 102° 5' | point where fireball became visible at approximately twelve miles altitude
  • Latitude 32° 48', Longitude 102° 22' | point where fireball disappeared at approximately eight miles altitude
  • Roswell, New Mexico | location where anomalous whizzing and hissing sounds reported
  • Muleshoe, Texas | near location where sounds reported
observations
  • January 30th fireball became visible at altitude of approximately twelve miles over point at latitude 32°, longitude 102° 5'
  • Fireball disappeared at altitude of approximately eight miles over point at latitude 32° 48', longitude 102° 22'
  • Fireball traversed nearly horizontal path approximately 143 miles long at velocity of from twelve to fourteen miles per second
  • Several thousand persons in New Mexico and Texas saw the fireball leisurely traverse the sky
  • January 30th fireball was among the brightest observed in the last quarter-century
  • Real path lay closer to the earth throughout its entire extent than any other meteorite path except the anomalous green fireballs of December 12th and 20th, 1948
  • Meteor detonations and long continued rumblings which normally accompany large meteorite falls were not observed by anyone in the large region covered by various ground surveys
  • Anomalous whizzing and hissing sounds frequently reported by very distant observers as having been heard at the same time that a meteoritic fireball was seen were heard at Roswell, New Mexico, and near Muleshoe, Texas
  • January 30th fireball showed nearly horizontal path, absence of long enduring luminous train or dust clouds, North to South direction - characteristic of earlier green fireballs
  • January 30th fireball was much brighter than any earlier reported green fireballs
  • Texas observers situated nearest the fireball's path reported its color as blue, orange, red and even purple instead of green
  • No evidence discovered up to February 21st that solid fragments fell to earth from the January 30th fireball
assessments
  • The January 30th fireball shows features characteristic of green fireballs described in earlier reports but was much brighter than earlier ones | Lincoln LaPaz
  • The January 30th fireball is the only one of the anomalous luminous objects under investigation which gives any indication of having been a meteorite fall | Lincoln LaPaz
references
  • Earlier reports in the anomalous luminous phenomena series | comparison
  • Green fireballs of December 12th and 20th, 1948 | comparison for trajectory analysis
quotes
  • "Although the January 30th fireball must be among the brightest observed in the last quarter-century, and in spite of the fact that its real path lay closer to the earth throughout its entire extent than any other meteorite path of which the writer has knowledge (excepting the anomalous green fireballs of December 12th and 20th, 1948), the meteor detonations and long continued rumblings which without exception accompany large meteorite falls were not observed on January 30th by anyone in the large region covered by the various ground surveys." | memo body
  • "In my opinion, the fireball of January 30th is the only one of the anomalous luminous objects under investigation which gives any indication of having been a meteorite fall." | memo body
  • "During the time I was on leave of absence from the University of New Mexico, I was glad to donate my time and services to this investigation. Now that I am again serving as Head of the Department of Mathematics with a full time teaching load, it is impossible for me to continue cooperating with the OSI." | Lincoln LaPaz

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionDescriptive analysis of two incidents from February 17 and March 27, documenting standardized observations including color, shape, consistency, luminosity, flight characteristics, and location details.
dates
  • date not specified | February 17 incident
  • date not specified | March 27 incident
observations
  • Color: Red, orange, pink, or amber
  • Shape: Elongated, about five to ten times as long as wide
  • Consistency: Apparently solid, but flexible, with no vapor or smoke trail
  • Luminosity: Appeared to be self-luminous, and the varying intensity of flight and changes of position caused no change either degree or color of emitted light
  • Flight: Both objects performed various maneuvers, consisting of climbing and diving, with turning movements
  • Speed: Not accurately estimated due to variation in time from object observation
  • Termination: Both objects appeared to disappear in the distance
  • Location of February 17 incident: Observed from the area of Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • Location of March 27 incident: Observations made from the Tucumcari-Clovis area
  • Course of February 17 object: Appeared to move from west to south, while that of March 27 object moved from east to west
assessments
  • Reports indicated that the objects found around corners in vertical maneuvers, rather than swinging around as would a rigid object | investigators
  • No evidence of a jet-propelled aircraft in the area was discovered | investigators
  • Observers in each case were found whose credibility is above average | investigators
referencesNOTE 6 | document reference marker
quotes"In each case, reports indicated that the objects found around corners in vertical maneuvers, rather than swinging around as would a rigid object. In neither case did investigation produce any evidence of a jet-propelled aircraft in the area." | report body

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionReport of an incident on March 8, 1949 witnessed by an AESS Inspector at Los Alamos, describing an elliptical object surrounded by billowy flame.
dates1949-03-08 | incident date
peopleAESS Inspector | title/agency | witness | on duty at Los Alamos
organizationsAESS (Atomic Energy Security Service) | government/military organization
locationsLos Alamos | location of sighting
observations
  • Object appeared to be elliptical, rather stubby, aluminum body surrounded or covered with billowy flame
  • May have been projections similar to stubby control surfaces and wings, but observer could not be sure
  • Observer described the object as looking rather like the part of a war time German airplane from the cockpit aft
  • Object disappeared behind the clouds
  • Path was slightly descending
  • There was no noise
assessmentsObserver could not be certain about projections similar to control surfaces and wings
referencesNOTE 7 | document reference marker
quotes
  • "The observer described the object as looking rather like the part of a war time German airplane from the cockpit aft." | report body
  • "The path was slightly descending; there was no noise." | report body

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statusno_content
page_descriptionBlank page with minimal markings.

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statushas_content
doc_typeletter
classificationDECLASSIFIED (NW 91526)
page_descriptionLetter from Sandia Base Headquarters to Armed Forces Special Weapons Project regarding unidentified flying objects, transmitting summaries and conference materials from Fourth Army and Los Alamos conference.
dates
  • 1949-03-31 | date of letter
  • 1948-12-31 | reference to previous letter dated December 31, 1948
  • 1949-03-16 | date of Fourth Army summary
  • 1949-03-18 | date of Fourth Army summary
  • 1949-03-24 | date of Fourth Army summary
  • 1949-02-16 | date of Los Alamos conference
  • 1949-02-18 | date of memo referenced
  • 1949-03-22 | date of AEC letter
people
  • Marvin F. Pound | Infantry Captain, Adjutant | signature authority
  • Commander Richard Mandelkorn | Research and Development Division, Sandia Base | represented Sandia at conference
organizations
  • Headquarters Sandia Base | military installation
  • Armed Forces Special Weapons Project | government organization
  • Fourth Army | military unit
  • Los Alamos | research facility
locations
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico | Sandia Base location
  • Washington, D.C. | Armed Forces Special Weapons Project location
  • Camp Hood, Texas | location of unidentified lights reports
observationsReports of unidentified lights appearing in vicinity of Camp Hood, Texas documented in Fourth Army summaries dated March 16, 18, and 24, 1949
assessmentsConference was held to consider unnatural phenomena reported in the region
references
  • Letter dated December 31, 1948 from this Headquarters, file SBID/1 | previous correspondence
  • Fourth Army summaries dated March 16, 18, and 24, 1949 | enclosed materials
  • Memo dated February 18, 1949 (SBRD-0-2173) | enclosed
  • Transcripts of conference minutes | enclosed
  • AEC letter dated March 22, 1949 | enclosed
  • Letter dated March 17, 1949 from HQ 4th Army | enclosed with 4 inclusions
quotes
  • "A conference was held at Los Alamos on 16 February 1949, to consider the unnatural phenomena that have been reported." | memo body
  • "It is requested that these inclosures be returned to this Headquarters for file, after they have served their purpose, inasmuch as they are the only copies on hand." | memo body

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statusno_content
page_descriptionLargely illegible page with faded text and handwritten markings, classified as IN.

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statushas_content
doc_typeletter
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionIndorsement letter from Armed Forces Special Weapons Project returning enclosed documents to Sandia Base.
dates1949-04-27 | date of indorsement
peopleMajor General Nichols | Command authority
organizations
  • Headquarters, Armed Forces Special Weapons Project | military organization
  • Sandia Base | military installation
locations
  • P.O. Box 2610, Washington 25, D.C. | address of Armed Forces Special Weapons Project
  • P.O. Box 5100, Albuquerque, New Mexico | address of Sandia Base
observationsInclosures from basic communication have been noted and returned
referencesBasic communication (referenced but not detailed)
quotes"Inclosures listed in basic communication have been noted and are returned herewith." | letter body

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statusno_content
page_descriptionPage containing only redaction stamps and minimal markings, mostly blank space with declassification information.

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET (DECLASSIFIED)
page_descriptionReport of Commander Richard Mandelkorn's trip to Los Alamos on February 16, 1949 to attend a conference on Project "Grudge" and green fireball phenomena.
dates
  • 1949-02-18 | date of report
  • 1949-02-16 | date of trip and conference
  • 1948-12-05 | date green fireball phenomena commenced
people
  • Commander Richard S. Mandelkorn | U.S.N., Research and Development Division, Sandia Base | author/attendee
  • Mr. N. E. Bradbury | Los Alamos | attendee
  • Mr. Marshall Holloway | Los Alamos | attendee
  • Mr. Fred Reines | Los Alamos | attendee
  • Mr. John Manley | Los Alamos | attendee
  • Mr. Edward Teller | Los Alamos | attendee
  • Mr. Elmo Morgan | AEC | attendee
  • Mr. Sidney Neuberger | Security, Los Alamos | attendee
  • Mr. Maxwell | AESS | attendee
  • Mr. Hoyt | Los Alamos | attendee
  • Major William A. Godsoe | Fourth Army | attendee
  • Major Wynn | Fourth Army | attendee
  • Captain Neef | U.S. Air Force | attendee/opened meeting
  • Dr. Lincoln LaPaz | University of New Mexico | attendee
  • Commander Richard Mandelkorn | Sandia Base | attendee
organizations
  • Los Alamos Laboratory | research facility
  • Fourth Army | military unit
  • U.S. Air Force | military branch
  • University of New Mexico | educational institution
  • Sandia Base | military installation
  • AEC (Atomic Energy Commission) | government agency
  • AESS (Atomic Energy Security Service) | government organization
  • USAF Air Materiel Command, T-i | military command
  • Project "Grudge" | military investigation project
locationsLos Alamos, New Mexico | conference location
observations
  • Conference held at Los Alamos to consider green fireball phenomena which commenced about December 5, 1948
  • Problem was being presented to Los Alamos scientists for explanation and modes of attack
  • Question had been classified military SECRET under name Project "Grudge"
  • Investigation was primary responsibility of USAF Air Materiel Command, T-i
assessmentsProblem being presented in hopes that Los Alamos scientists would be able to indicate mode of attack and offer explanations | Captain Neef
referencesProject "Grudge" | military classification and investigation framework
quotes
  • "Captain Neef opened the meeting by saying that the problem was being presented to Los Alamos scientists in hopes that they would be able to indicate some mode of attack on the problem and offer some explanations for the phenomena observed." | report body
  • "He stated that this question had been classified military SECRET under the name, Project 'Grudge', and that the investigation was now the primary responsibility of USAF, Air Materiel Command, T-i." | report body
  • "He then turned over the discussion to Dr. LaPaz." | report body

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionContinuation of Mandelkorn's Los Alamos conference report detailing Dr. LaPaz's discussion of green fireball phenomena characteristics and observer backgrounds.
dates
  • 1949-02-18 | date of report
  • 1948-12-05 | date green fireball phenomena commenced (approximately)
people
  • Dr. Lincoln LaPaz | University of New Mexico | presenter/investigator
  • Commercial airlines pilots | witnesses
  • Military pilots | witnesses
  • Special intelligence agents | witnesses
  • Mr. Hoyt | Los Alamos personnel | witness
  • Dr. LaPaz | observer of "Starvation Peak Incident"
observations
  • Dr. LaPaz discussed phenomena attending normal meteorite falls: random path of fall, color and intensity variations in light emitted, sound, frightened animals
  • Number of observers reporting subject phenomena with diverse backgrounds including commercial airline pilots, military pilots, special intelligence agents, Los Alamos personnel, and previously uninformed citizens
  • "Starvation Peak Incident" observed by Dr. LaPaz with characteristics: initial bright light (no period of intensity increase) and constant intensity during duration, yellow-green color (about 6,200 angstroms), essentially horizontal path, trajectory traversed at constant angular velocity, duration about two seconds, no accompanying noise
  • Since about December 5, 1948, more than ten incidents analogous to "green fireball" described, with some twenty more presenting minor deviations
  • Additional normal shooting stars and meteors observed
  • Majority of observers not subject to previous psychological influences or prior knowledge
  • Seeing conditions throughout continental United States were at least average during December, January, and February
assessmentsPhenomenon cannot be classified as normal meteorite fall based on observed characteristics | Dr. LaPaz
references
  • "Starvation Peak Incident" | specific documented observation
  • Normal meteorite fall characteristics | comparison framework
quotes
  • "Dr. LaPaz stated that he had been assisting the Military for the past two months at their request in the investigation of the subject problem." | report body
  • "Since about 5 December 1948, there have been more than ten incidents analogous to the 'green fireball' described, and some twenty more presenting minor deviations to the above, which should be considered in connection with them." | report body

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionContinuation detailing Mr. Teller's analysis of green fireball phenomena and conclusions regarding non-material nature, plus recommended actions and additional sightings.
dates
  • 1949-02-18 | date of report
  • 1949-02-17 | date of blue fireball sighting at Sandia (0530)
  • 1949-02-17 | date of yellow-orange cigar-shaped light (1759-1806)
people
  • Mr. Teller | Los Alamos | physicist/presenter
  • Mr. Bradbury | Los Alamos | physicist/conferee
  • Dr. LaPaz | University of New Mexico | conference participant
  • Captain Neef | USAF | conference participant, reported additional sightings
  • Commander Mandelkorn | Sandia Base | conference participant
organizations
  • Los Alamos Laboratory | research facility
  • Sandia Base | military installation
  • White Sands | observation site with meteorite observers' group
locations
  • Los Alamos, Las Vegas, West Texas triangle | geographic area of green fireball confinement
  • Sandia | location of February 17 sightings
observations
  • Material object traveling at velocity of subject phenomenon (about eight miles per second) would have mass of about twenty grams assuming all kinetic energy converted to light, with light output in vicinity of 10 ergs per second
  • Shock wave produced by passage of object these dimensions or greater through atmosphere at height of eight to ten miles at velocity of eight miles per second would produce loud noise audible ten kilometers from source
  • No sound has been observed
  • Green fireballs confined to Los Alamos, Las Vegas, and West Texas triangle despite average seeing conditions during December, January, and February throughout continental United States
  • Blue fireball visible from Sandia at 0530 on February 17, 1949
  • Yellow-orange cigar-shaped light visible from 1759 to 1806 on February 17, 1949
assessments
  • Mr. Teller's tentative opinion: phenomena are not material objects passing through the air; should look to electronics and optics for explanation rather than hydrodynamics | Mr. Teller
  • Almost incredible that large object such as guided missile or informer vehicle could pass through atmosphere at eight miles height at seven to eight miles per second without producing loud noise | general agreement
  • Mr. Bradbury demurred regarding electronic explanation, noting that assuming answer lay in that region would require solving many more difficult problems | Mr. Bradbury
  • Phenomena are deserving of serious consideration until source and meaning satisfactorily explained | Commander Mandelkorn
  • Although Mr. Teller's discussion tends to disprove hypothesis of guided missiles or informer vehicles, cause for concern regarding continued occurrences near sensitive installations | Commander Mandelkorn
references
  • "Starvation Peak Incident" | comparison point for analysis
  • Project "Grudge" | military investigation framework
  • Meteorite observers' group at White Sands | potential resource for observations
quotes
  • "Mr. Teller then took over the discussion and showed that a material object travelling with the velocity of the subject phenomenon (about eight miles per second) would have to have a mass of about twenty grams, assuming all the kinetic energy could be converted to light." | report body
  • "Therefore, Mr. Teller has the tentative opinion they are not material objects passing through the air. We should look to electronics and optics for an explanation rather than in the field of hydrodynamics." | report body
  • "It was apparently agreed by those present that it was almost incredible that a large object such as a guided missile or informer vehicle could pass through the atmosphere at a height of eight miles at a velocity of seven to eight miles per second without producing a loud noise which would have been audible to observers." | report body
  • "It is my belief that these phenomena, *particularly if there are any further incidents, are deserving of serious consideration until their source and meaning have been satisfactorily explained." | Commander Mandelkorn

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionConclusion of Mandelkorn's Los Alamos conference report with final assessment and signature, plus summary of additional sightings and distribution information.
dates
  • 1949-02-18 | date of report
  • 1949-02-17 | date of blue fireball and yellow-orange cigar-shaped light sightings
people
  • Richard Mandelkorn | Commander, U.S.N., Research and Development Division, Sandia Base | author/signatory
  • Captain Neef | USAF | reported sightings
  • Major William A. Godsoe | Fourth Army, G-2 | recipient of copies
  • Brig. Gen. Howard G. Bunker | USAF FOFAE | recipient of copies
organizations
  • Security and Intelligence Division, Sandia Base | distribution recipient
  • Fourth Army, G-2 | distribution recipient
  • USAF | distribution recipient
  • USAF FOFAE | distribution recipient
locationsSandia | location of sightings
observations
  • Blue fireball visible from Sandia at 0530 on February 17, 1949
  • Yellow-orange cigar-shaped light visible from 1759 to 1806 on February 17, 1949
assessments
  • Phenomena are deserving of serious consideration until source and meaning have been satisfactorily explained | Commander Mandelkorn
  • Although Mr. Teller's discussion tends to disprove hypothesis of guided missiles or informer vehicles, cause for concern regarding continued occurrences of unexplainable phenomena near sensitive installations | Commander Mandelkorn
references
  • Mr. Teller's discussion on material vs. non-material hypothesis
  • Project "Grudge" investigation
quotes
  • "Although Mr. Teller's discussion tends to disprove the hypothesis that guided missiles or informer vehicles are responsible, there is cause for concern of the continued occurrences of unexplainable phenomena of this nature in the vicinity of sensitive installations." | Commander Mandelkorn
  • "*Captain Neef reports blue fireball visible from Sandia at 0530, 17 February 1949, and a yellow-orange cigar-shaped light at 1759, visible until 1806, 17 February." | report note

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statusno_content
page_descriptionLargely illegible page with faded and redacted text, appears to be part of a declassified document with minimal discernible content.

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statushas_content
doc_typeform/report
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionSummary of Information form (WD AGO FORM 568) documenting unusual lights reports from Camp Hood, Texas in March 1949.
dates
  • 1949-03-24 | report date
  • 1949-03-16 | incident date (first sighting, 15:47 hours)
  • 1949-03-18 | incident date (second sighting, 18:20 hours)
  • 1949-03-18 | incident date (third sighting, 18:19:47 hours)
  • 1949-03-18 | incident date (fourth sighting, 18:35:55 hours)
people
  • Captain Horace McCulloch | Headquarters 2d Armored Division | observer
  • Mr. Raymond Schmidtke | Special Agent, Killeen Base | observer
  • Enlisted men of Alert Force | Crossville Mountain patrol | witnesses
  • Patrol from Killeen Base | "Q" Area | witnesses
organizations
  • Office of the AC of S, G-2, Headquarters 2d Armored Division, Camp Hood, Texas | reporting office
  • Killeen Base | military installation
  • Alert Force | military unit
  • 2d Armored Division | military unit
locations
  • Camp Hood, Texas | location of incidents
  • Vicinity 915.26 - 855.19 | coordinates of first sighting
  • Killeen Base, "Q" Area | observation location
  • Crossville Mountain | observation location
  • Vicinity 910.41 - 855.10 | coordinates of second sighting
  • Rock Quarry, 905.82 - 855.61 | location of third and fourth sightings
  • Points between 910.20 - 855.36 and 905.44 - 855.41 | observation points
observations
  • March 16, 1949 at 15:47 hours: four unidentified lights appeared in vicinity 915.26 - 855.19, three yellow and one red
  • Patrol of Killeen Base in "Q" Area noticed two of the lights
  • Patrol on Crosssville Mountain consisting of four enlisted men of Alert Force saw four lights
  • Immediate investigation in general area failed to reveal any cause or anything indicating person or thing had been in area
  • March 18, 1949 at 18:20 hours: another yellow light seen in approximate vicinity 910.41 - 855.10, reportedly seen by only one man
  • No indication from reports that lights were moving, no noise, persons unable to estimate height
  • March 18, 1949 at 18:19:47 hours: what appeared to be blinking lights appeared in vicinity of Rock Quarry at 905.82 - 855.61
  • Investigation by Alert Force and patrols failed to reveal any cause or person in general area
  • March 18, 1949 at 18:35:55 hours: blinking lights seen in same general area at 905.82 - 855.61
  • Investigation failed to reveal cause
  • All lights in proximity of 905.82 - 855.61 seen by patrols in "Q" Area and from points between 910.20 - 855.36 and 905.44 - 855.41
  • Captain Horace McCulloch and Mr. Raymond Schmidtke spent several hours from observation point in "Q" Area attempting to see blinking lights
assessmentsReliability unknown for most reports (indicated by code B-3, D-3, E-3 designations)
referencesExhibit I with four points marking sighting locations | supporting documentation
redactionsBottom of document appears to contain distribution information, partially visible
quotes"On 16:47 March 1949, four unidentified lights appeared in the vicinity of 915.26 - 855.19, the lights noticed at this time were three yellow and one red." | report body

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statushas_content
doc_typemap
classificationnone visible
page_descriptionMilitary map of Tank Destroyer Center, Camp Hood, Texas showing scale 1:62,500 with marked observation points and sighting coordinates from March 1949 unusual lights incidents.
locations
  • Tank Destroyer Center, Camp Hood, Texas | mapped area
  • Scale 1:62,500 | map scale
  • First Edition 1943 | map edition date
  • Points marked 1, 2, 3B4 | observation/sighting locations
  • Coordinates around 870.00 (vertical) and 850.00 to 905.00 (vertical extent visible) | grid references
observations
  • Military map with marked grid coordinates corresponding to sighting locations
  • Multiple observation points marked with numbered crosses
  • Map appears to support the Summary of Information document from page 095
references
  • Tank Destroyer Center, Camp Hood, Texas | military installation mapped
  • Sighting coordinates from March 1949 reports | reference points

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statushas_content
doc_typeform/report
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionSummary of Information form from Fourth Army regarding unusual lights observed on March 17, 1949 at Camp Hood, Texas, with coordinates and witness observations.
dates
  • 1949-03-18 | report date
  • 1949-03-17 | incident date (evening)
people
  • Captain McCullough | Assistant AC of S, G-2 | observer of three lights
  • Alert guard of 2nd Armored Division | observation team
  • Various enlisted personnel | witnesses
organizations
  • Office of the AC of S, G-2, Headquarters Fourth Army, Fort Sam Houston, Texas | reporting office
  • 2nd Armored Division | military unit
  • Alert guard | military detail
  • "Q" Area, AFSW, Camp Hood | location
locations
  • "Q" Area, AFSW, Camp Hood, Texas | observation area
  • Camp Hood, Texas | military installation
  • Coordinates for eight lights documented with times and locations
observations
  • Eight unusual "lights" appeared in atmosphere over/in vicinity of "Q" Area on evening of March 17, 1949
  • Alert guard of 2nd Armored Division was in area prepared to fire flares and record instrument readings of elevation and azimuth
  • Series of 8 unusual "lights" appeared with specific coordinates:
  • - 910.40 - 855.14, time 1952 hours
  • - 910.39 - 860.13, time 1958 hours
  • - 910.42 - 860.14, time 1958 hours
  • - 910.38 - 860.15, time 2000 hours
  • - 910.32 - 855.20, time 2000 hours
  • - 910.30 - 855.17, time 2010 hours
  • - 910.36 - 855.06, time 2024 hours
  • - 910.37 - 855.35, time 2152 hours
  • Coordinates based on dual sightings of each light by sights on tanks
  • Time clocked at instant of sighting
  • Captain McCullough, Assistant G-2, personally observed three of the lights
  • Physical characteristics reported as "quite different" from those reported March 7-8, 1949
  • One burst into green cluster, one was reddish, another white
  • One observer described some as similar to Very Pistol flares
  • Security detachment from "Q" Area arrived in vicinity of alert crew
references
  • Summary of Information from Fourth Army, March 17, 1949 regarding earlier sightings
  • Observations on March 6-8, 1949 for comparison
quotes
  • "Eight moving 'lights' appeared in the atmosphere over or in the vicinity of the 'Q' area, AFSW, Camp Hood, Texas, on the evening of 17 March 1949." | report body
  • "Physical characteristics of these 'lights' were reported as 'quite different' from those reported on 7-8 March 1949. One burst into a green cluster. One was reddish, another white. One observer described some of them as similar to Very Pistol flares." | report body

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statushas_content
doc_typeform/report
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionContinuation of Summary of Information regarding March 17, 1949 unusual lights incident, detailing investigation findings and distribution of information.
dates
  • 1949-03-18 | report date
  • 1949-03-17 | incident date
observations
  • Investigation determined no one in "Q" area was responsible for phenomena
  • "Q" area then went on alert status
  • Ordnance check showed nothing in way of pyrotechnic missiles has been issued or used in months
  • Investigation of whole area by picked men is being made with additional reports to be rendered
  • Similar to March 6-7-8 sightings: one group of three lights being North of area, one group of five lights just South of area
  • Overlay showing locations attached
organizations
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Antonio, Texas | notified
  • Office of Naval Intelligence, San Antonio, Texas | notified
  • Director of Intelligence, Air Materiel Command | on distribution
  • Office of Special Investigations, Kirtland Air Force Base | on distribution
  • Commanding General, Sandia Base | on distribution
locationsCamp Hood, Texas | area of incidents
assessments
  • No evidence found of jet-propelled aircraft or weapons systems in area
  • Investigation of local phenomena ongoing with additional reports pending
references
  • March 6-7-8 sightings for comparison of patterns
  • Exhibit I with overlay showing light locations
quotes
  • "It was then determined that no one in the 'Q' area was responsible for the phenomena. 'Q' area then went on alert status. Ordnance check has shown that nothing in the way of pyrotechnic missiles has been issued or used in months." | report body
  • "As in the case of the 6-7-8 March 'lights,' those of the 17th 'bracket' the 'Q' area. One group of 3 lights being North of the area and one group of 5 lights just South of the area. Overlay showing locations is attached. (EXHIBIT I)" | report body

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statushas_content
doc_typemap
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionMilitary map of Tank Destroyer Center, Camp Hood, Texas showing scale 1:62,500 with marked light sighting locations and observation points from March 17, 1949 unusual lights incident.
dates
  • 1943 | map edition date (First Edition)
  • 1949-03-17 | incident date referenced
locations
  • Tank Destroyer Center, Camp Hood, Texas | mapped area
  • Scale 1:62,500 | map scale
  • Grid coordinates showing sighting locations and observation points | marked on map
  • 850,000 Yards notation | scale reference
observations
  • Military map with marked observation points and sighting locations
  • Multiple light sighting coordinates plotted on Camp Hood area
  • Map supports the Summary of Information from page 097
references
  • Tank Destroyer Center, Camp Hood, Texas | military installation
  • March 17, 1949 sighting reports | reference framework

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statushas_content
doc_typemap
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionOverlay map showing detailed sighting locations and observation points for unusual lights incidents at Camp Hood, Texas, with cross-hair markings indicating light positions.
observations
  • Detailed overlay showing light sighting locations plotted on grid
  • Multiple cross-hair markings indicating positions of observed lights
  • Map coordinates and observation points clearly marked
  • Shows spatial distribution of sighting clusters
locations
  • Camp Hood, Texas area | mapped region
  • Multiple grid coordinate points | marked locations
  • EXHIBIT I designation | document reference
references
  • Tank Destroyer Center, Camp Hood, Texas maps | base reference
  • March 17, 1949 sighting report data | plotted information

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statushas_content
doc_typeletter
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionLetter from Fourth Army transmitting Summary of Information regarding unusual lights observed at Camp Hood, Texas to Commanding General of Sandia Base.
dates
  • 1949-03-17 | date of letter
  • 1949-03-16 | date of report referenced
peopleEustis L. Poland | Colonel, GSO, AC of S, G-2 | author/signature authority
organizations
  • Headquarters Fourth Army (452.1 AKADB) | preparing office
  • Sandia Base | recipient organization
  • AC of S, G-2 | intelligence office
locationsP.O. Box 5100, Albuquerque, New Mexico | address of Sandia Base
references
  • Summary of Information dated March 16, 1949 | enclosed report
  • Exhibits I, II, III, and IV | supporting materials
quotes"The attached Summary of Information, this office, subject as above, 16 March 1949, re reports of 'lights' observed over Camp Hood, Texas, is forwarded in duplicate for your information and any action deemed necessary." | letter body

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statushas_content
doc_typeform/report
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionDetailed Summary of Information form documenting unusual lights observations at Camp Hood, Texas during March 6-8, 1949, with witness statements and investigative methodology.
dates
  • 1949-03-16 | report date
  • 1949-03-06 | observations on March 6
  • 1949-03-07 | observations on March 7
  • 1949-03-08 | observations on March 8
people
  • Fourth Army Liaison Officer at Sandia Base | investigator
  • Security personnel at Camp Hood | observers
  • Sgt Hubert J. Vickery | AF 2495926, 1st Provost Security Sq, Killeen Base, Camp Hood, Texas | witness
  • Pfc John C. Ransom | AF 1525281, 1st Provost Security Sq, Killeen Base, Camp Hood, Texas | witness
organizations
  • Office of the AC of S, G-2, Headquarters Fourth Army, Fort Sam Houston, Texas | preparing office
  • AFSW installation at Camp Hood, Texas | location
  • 1st Provost Security Sq, Killeen Base | observation unit
  • Site Baker (Q Area) | location
locations
  • Camp Hood, Texas | area of observations
  • Q Area (Site Baker) | specific location of phenomena
  • Camp Hood Reservation | geographic area
  • Observation point #6 | specific location at coordinates 909.7 - 857.5
observations
  • Unusual "light" phenomena in atmosphere above Site Baker (Q Area) observed by security personnel during period March 6-8, 1949
  • Type of phenomena hitherto unreported from Camp Hood area has same general characteristics of phenomena observed at Sandia Base
  • Observers in different locations and some not certain as to times; possible observations within same hour on same date are duplications
  • None of observers had been instructed to look for or report any sort of atmospheric phenomena
  • All stated without equivocation they had never before seen anything resembling reported phenomena
  • All claimed to have seen "falling stars" nearly every night on Camp Hood Reservation
  • All emphatic in stating phenomenon was quite different from normal meteors
  • All men were interrogated separately with no advance notice
  • After interrogation taken to spot where observations made
  • Points numbered and plotted on map, Camp Hood and vicinity, 1/62,500 scale
  • Overlays made and copies attached
  • Observer aimed surveying instrument at celestial points of origin and termination of phenomena
  • Vertical angles and magnetic azimuth of each point recorded
  • In most cases observer able to fix azimuths by terrain features
  • Vertical angles estimated except where elevations of observations coincided with ridge or tree lines
  • Weather overcast
assessments
  • Interim summary predicated on Fourth Army request
  • Type of phenomena has same general characteristics as phenomena observed at Sandia Base
  • None of observers had prior instructions or bias about atmospheric phenomena
  • Observers emphasized distinctiveness from normal meteor observations
references
  • Fourth Army request for investigation and report
  • AFSW installation reports
  • Sandia Base phenomena for comparison
  • Weather report (attached)
  • Overlay maps (attached)
quotes
  • "At Camp Hood, it was determined that this type of phenomena, hitherto unreported from the Camp Hood Area, has the same general characteristics of the phenomena observed during the past several months at Sandia Base." | report body
  • "All stated without equivocations that they had never before seen anything resembling the reported phenomena. All claimed to have seen 'falling stars' nearly every night on the Camp Hood Reservation; but all were emphatic in stating that this phenomena was quite different." | report body

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionPage describing two UFO sightings from Fort Sam Houston, Texas with detailed characteristics of observed objects.
dates
  • 1949-03-12 | date of report
  • 2020 hours | time of observation for point #1
people
  • Sgt Hickery | witness | 1st AD, Company A, Camp Hood, Texas | witness/author
  • Pfc Ransom | witness | 1st AD, Company A, Camp Hood, Texas | witness
  • Pvt Martin M. Fensterman | witness | US 57122075, 2nd ATD, Company A, Camp Hood, Texas | witness
  • Pvt Frank (SST) Iasiai | witness | US 57100167, I2 ATD, Company A, Camp Hood, Texas | witness
organizations
  • 1st AD, Company A | US Army unit
  • Camp Hood, Texas | US Army installation
  • Headquarters Fourth Army, Fort Sam Houston, Texas | US Army command
locations
  • Fort Sam Houston, Texas | command location
  • Camp Hood, Texas | observation location
  • Observation point #1 | 91N.5 = 855.7, coordinates given | first sighting location
observations
  • First object: Oblong shape, described as about 6 ft by 1 ft, pale blue-white light color, speed unknown, direction from 71° W to 81° W, no deviation from course, altitude from 6° above horizon to 45° above. Sgt Hickery reported no sound. Pfc Ransom reported a faint pinkish trail extending about three times the length of the body.
  • Second object: Ball-like flash shape, looked like basketball, pale blue-white light color, speed unknown, direction N 40° E, maneuverable as a fixed flash, altitude 50° above horizon, no sound, no exhaust trail.
assessments
  • No observable deviation from course for first object
  • Second object described as "fixed flash" with maneuverability characteristic
redactionsUnderlined text at top of page is partially illegible/redacted
references
  • Observation point #1 with attached overlay map referenced
  • Weather report attached
  • NW 91526 | document identifier at bottom
quotes
  • "About 6 ft by 1 ft" | size description of first object
  • "Pale blue-white light" | color of first object
  • "faint pinkish" | Pfc Ransom's description of trail
  • "None—was a 'fixed flash'" | description of second object's maneuverability

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionContinuation of UFO sighting reports from Fort Sam Houston with observations from March 16 and March 7, 1949 at Camp Hood, Texas.
dates
  • 1949-03-16 | subject line date, "Unusual Lights"
  • 2045 hours | time of observation for point #3
  • 1949-03-07 | observations on this date
  • 0115 hours | time of observation for point #1 on March 7
people
  • Pvt Harold D. Moore | witness | US 57110066, 2nd AID, Company A, Camp Hood, Texas | witness
  • Pfc Robert Gardner Black | witness | US 57112155, I2nd AID, Company A, Camp Hood, Texas | witness
organizations
  • AC of S, G-2, Headquarters Fourth Army | US Army command
  • Fort Sam Houston, Texas | US Army installation
  • Camp Hood, Texas | US Army installation
  • 2nd AID, Company A | US Army unit
locations
  • Fort Sam Houston, Texas | command location
  • Camp Hood, Texas | observation location
  • Observation point #3 | 91N.5 = 856.14 | first set of observations
  • Observation point #1 | 91N.5 = 855.7 | second set of observations
  • Q area | area that object appeared to be traveling over
observations
  • First object (March 16): Roundish head with trail, about 100 in length, light colored head with orange trail, speed unknown, direction from S 81° W to S 60° W, no deviation from course, altitude from 21° above horizon to 6° 31' above, no sound, orange trail about 100 long.
  • Second object (March 7): Like flash bulb shape, flash bulb size, brilliant blue-white color, speed none, direction N 40° E, maneuverability noted as "None—fixed flash", altitude 66° 15' above horizon, no sound, no exhaust trail.
assessments
  • First object appeared to be going over Q area
  • Second object described as "fixed flash" with no maneuverability
references
  • Observation point #3 with attached overlay
  • Observation point #1 with attached overlay
  • Weather reports attached for both observations
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
quotes
  • "About 100 in length" | size description of first object
  • "Light colored head—# orange trail" | appearance description
  • "No deviation from course" | assessment of first object's path
  • "Appeared to be going over Q area" | remark on first object's location
  • "Like flash bulb" | shape description of second object
  • "Brilliant blue-white" | color description of second object
  • "None—fixed flash" | maneuverability description of second object

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionContinuation of UFO sighting reports from Camp Hood, Texas with three observation points and remarks on observer credibility.
dates
  • 1949-03-16 | subject date "Unusual Lights"
  • 0115 - 0130 hours | time range for observation point #2
  • 0130 - 0200 hours | time range for observation point #5
people
  • Pvt Paul C. Bryant | witness | US 57100806, I2nd AID, Company A, Camp Hood, Texas | witness
  • Pvt Francesca (rMT) Lemardo | witness | US 57175045, I2nd AID, Company A, Camp Hood, Texas | witness
  • Pvt Savino E. Digni | witness | US 57175036, I2nd AID, Company A, Camp Hood, Texas | witness
organizations
  • AC of S, G-2, Headquarters Fourth Army | US Army command
  • Fort San Houston, Texas | US Army installation
  • Camp Hood, Texas | US Army installation
  • I2nd AID, Company A | US Army unit
locations
  • Fort Sam Houston, Texas | command location
  • Camp Hood, Texas | observation location
  • Observation point #2 | 915.1 - 856.1 | coordinates
  • Observation point #5 | 914.6 - 856.7 | coordinates
observations
  • Observation point #2: Object like flash bulb, basketball size, bright blue-white color, speed none, direction N 16° W, maneuverability noted as "None—fixed flash", altitude 27° 30' above horizon, no sound, no exhaust trail.
  • Observation point #5: Object ball like flash, like flash bulb size, bluish white color.
assessments
  • One observer noted as Harvard graduate who used stars to check altitude, stated he had never seen anything like this phenomenon before
  • Observer credibility emphasized as high
references
  • Observation point #2 with attached overlay
  • Observation point #5 with attached overlay
  • Weather reports attached for both observations
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
quotes
  • "This observer is a Harvard graduate. Used stars to check his altitude of sighting. Stated he had never seen anything like this phenomenon before." | remark on observer #2 credibility
  • "Like flash bulb" | shape description
  • "Basketball" | size comparison
  • "Bright blue-white" | color description
  • "None—fixed flash" | maneuverability assessment
  • "Ball like flash" | shape description from observation point #5

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionContinuation of UFO sighting reports with observations from observation points #7 and #1 on March 16 and March 8, 1949 at Camp Hood, Texas.
dates
  • 1949-03-16 | subject date "Unusual Lights"
  • 0145 hours | time of observation point #7
  • 0103 hours | time of observation point #1 on March 8
  • 1949-03-08 | "Observations on 8 March 1949"
people
  • Pfc Max Eugene Manlowe | witness | AF 151418997, 1st Provost Security Sq, Camp Hood, Texas | witness
  • Pvt Charlie H. Payne | witness | US 57211002, I2nd AIB, Company A, Camp Hood, Texas | witness
organizations
  • AC of S, G-2, Headquarters Fourth Army | US Army command
  • Fort Sam Houston, Texas | US Army installation
  • Camp Hood, Texas | US Army installation
  • 1st Provost Security Sq | US Army unit
  • I2nd AIB, Company A | US Army unit
locations
  • Fort Sam Houston, Texas | command location
  • Camp Hood, Texas | observation location
  • Observation point #7 | 909.0 - 856.9 | coordinates
  • Observation point #1 | 914.3 - 855.7 | coordinates
  • Ground location | where object allegedly disappeared behind trees directly in front of witness
observations
  • Observation point #7 (from previous page context): Speed not known, direction S 20° W, maneuverability noted as "fixed flash", altitude 26° above horizon, no sound, no exhaust trail.
  • Observation point #7 (continuation): Object teardrop shape, about 2 ft by 1 ft, orange color, speed not known, direction N 60° E, no deviation, altitude 4' when first seen—dropped vertically, no sound, no exhaust trail. Witness said object dropped vertically to ground and disappeared behind trees directly in front of him in view "about 2 seconds."
  • Observation point #1 (March 8): Object characteristics being recorded.
assessments
  • Object demonstrated vertical descent capability
  • Witness observed object disappear behind trees at close range
  • High-speed vertical movement characteristic noted
references
  • Observation point #7 with attached overlay
  • Observation point #1 with attached overlay
  • Weather reports attached for observations
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
quotes
  • "About 2 ft by 1 ft" | size description of teardrop object
  • "Witness said this 'light' dropped vertically to ground and disappeared behind trees directly in front of him. In view 'about 2 seconds.'" | detailed account of observation point #7 sighting
  • "No deviation" | maneuverability assessment
  • "dropped vertically" | movement characteristic

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionContinuation of UFO sighting reports from March 8 and March 7, 1949 with detailed observations including object characteristics and witness accounts of unusual aerial phenomena.
dates
  • 1949-03-16 | subject date "Unusual Lights"
  • 0105 hours | time for observation point #4
  • 1949-03-07 | date of flashlight incident mentioned at bottom
  • 1930 hours | approximate time of flashlight observation on March 7
peopleCpl Luke Burke Sims | witness | BA 58753446, Company A, I2nd AID, Camp Hood, Texas | witness
organizations
  • AC of S, G-2, Headquarters Fourth Army | US Army command
  • Fort Sam Houston, Texas | US Army installation
  • Camp Hood, Texas | US Army installation
  • Company A, I2nd AID | US Army unit
locations
  • Fort Sam Houston, Texas | command location
  • Camp Hood, Texas | observation location
  • Observation point #4 | 914.5 - 856.7 | coordinates
  • Q Area fence line | location of flashlight observation near air strip
  • Field telephone location | where witness ran to report sighting
observations
  • First object (from observation point #1): Roundish head with heavy smoke trail, pale white light at head, speed not known, direction from S 58° E to S 54° W, no deviation from course, altitude from 50° above horizon to 54° above, no sound, left heavy white smoke trail. Trail traveled in arc and visible "long enough to snap your fingers."
  • Second object (observation point #4): Lemon with tail shape, size not known, pale reddish nose with whitish red trail, speed not known but very fast, direction from N 56° W to S 64° W, no deviation, altitude from 15° above horizon at beginning and end of arc, no sound, whitish red trail. Object started from point below horizon then arced upward and descended to 15° when it disappeared. Witness stated it was a "perfect arc." Able to run 10 paces toward field telephone to report light before it vanished.
  • Related incident (March 7): At about 1930 hours, a flashlight was seen moving about the Q Area fence line near the air strip. Observer could not determine if light was within or outside the fence.
assessments
  • First object characterized as very observable with visible smoke trail
  • Second object demonstrated controlled arc maneuver
  • Witness described as "Good observer"
  • Second object showed rapid deceleration from fast movement to controlled arc pattern
  • Related flashlight incident described as "may or may not be connected"
references
  • Observation point #4 with attached overlay
  • Weather report attached
  • Related incident on March 7 at approximately 1930 hours
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
quotes
  • "Roundish head with heavy smoke trail" | shape description of first object
  • "Pale white light at head" | color description
  • "Left heavy white smoke trail" | trail description
  • "visible 'long enough to snap your fingers.'" | trail visibility duration
  • "Lemon with tail" | shape description of second object
  • "pale reddish nose, whitish red trail" | color description
  • "Not known, but very fast" | speed assessment
  • "perfect arc" | witness description of trajectory
  • "Good observer. Stated that 'light' started from point below horizon then arced upward and down to 15° when it disappeared" | detailed witness account
  • "At about 1930 hours on 7 March 1949, a flashlight was seen moving about the Q Area fence line near the air strip" | related incident

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionConclusion section of the UFO sighting report with investigation findings, trip flare explanation hypothesis, and attached exhibits listing.
dates
  • 1949-03-16 | subject date "Unusual Lights"
  • 1949-03-06 | Weather Report exhibit date
  • 1949-03-07 | Weather Report exhibit date
  • 1949-03-08 | Weather Report exhibit date
  • 1700 hours | USAF weather service closing time at Camp Hood
  • 0730 hours | USAF weather service opening time at Camp Hood
people
  • Security Officer of Site Baker | investigating official | location unspecified | investigator
  • AFSUP personnel | mentioned as not carrying lights | organization mentioned
organizations
  • AC of S, G-2, Headquarters Fourth Army | US Army command
  • Fort Sam Houston, Texas | US Army installation
  • Camp Hood, Texas | US Army installation
  • 2nd Armored Division | mentioned as having placed trip flares
  • AFSUP | mentioned as personnel checked against light incidents
  • Tank Destroyer Center, Camp Hood | location of overlay map
locations
  • Camp Hood, Texas | primary location
  • Site Baker | location of Security Officer investigation
  • Q Area | area where lights formed rough circle pattern
  • Air strip | relevant location mentioned
observations
  • Trip flares have been put into general area by the 2nd Armored Division
  • Some flares may have been set off by wild animals
  • 32 trip flares were reportedly placed in the general area
  • Subsequent information indicated these flares explode on ground and do not shoot into the air
  • Light observations formed a rough circle about the Q Area per attached overlay
assessments
  • Investigation into cause of lights ongoing
  • Light was not carried by any of the AFSUP personnel
  • No definitive conclusion drawn from overlay data
  • Investigation continuing to determine final cause
references
  • Exhibit I - Overlay, Tank Destroyer Center, Camp Hood, Texas
  • Exhibit II - Weather Report, 6 March 1949, Camp Hood, Texas
  • Exhibit III - Weather Report, 7 March 1949, Camp Hood, Texas
  • Exhibit IV - Weather Report, 8 March 1949, Camp Hood, Texas
  • Surface weather observations for Camp Hood on 6, 7, and 8 March 1949 attached as possible aid in analysis
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
quotes
  • "without the fence" | reference to light location unclear whether inside or outside fence
  • "The Security Officer of Site Baker is investigating. He stated the light was not carried by any of the AFSUP personnel." | investigation status
  • "Investigation continues in an effort to determine cause of the 'lights.'" | ongoing investigation statement
  • "Last information is that 32 trip flares have been put into the general area by the 2nd Armored Division and that some may have been set off by wild animals." | trip flare explanation hypothesis
  • "Subsequent summary will be rendered when more exact evidence on trip flares is obtained." | commitment to future analysis
  • "It is presently known, however, that these flares explode on the ground and do not shoot into the air." | technical assessment of trip flares
  • "No conclusion is drawn from the data on attached overlay other than to note that the 'lights' form a rough circle about the 'Q' Area." | assessment conclusion
  • "This report covers only day hours since the USAF weather service at Camp Hood closes at 1700 hours and opens at 0730 hours." | report limitation note

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statushas_content
doc_typephotograph
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionTactical overlay map of Tank Destroyer Center at Camp Hood, Texas showing observation point locations and sight lines to UFO observations from March 6, 7, and 8, 1949.
dates
  • 1949-03-06 | date of observations marked on map as "6 MAR"
  • 1949-03-07 | date of observations marked on map as "7 MAR"
  • 1949-03-08 | date of observations marked on map as "8 MAR"
  • 1943 | first edition map date
organizations
  • Tank Destroyer Center, Camp Hood, Texas | military installation on map
  • AC of S, G-2, Headquarters Fourth Army | command authority
locations
  • Tank Destroyer Center, Camp Hood, Texas | primary location
  • Camp Hood, Texas | general location
  • Observation points numbered 1-6 | marked on map with initial (I.O.) and terminal (T.O.) observation points
  • 865 grid reference | location marker on map
  • 860,000 Y83 | grid reference notation
observations
  • Multiple colored sight lines radiating from Tank Destroyer Center to various observation locations
  • Observations plotted for March 6, 7, and 8, 1949
  • Green designation for objects sighted on 6 March 1949
  • Red designation for objects sighted on 7 March 1949
  • Blue designation for objects sighted on 8 March 1949
  • Observations include moving oblong fire bodies with and without trails, fixed flashes, and moving fire balls
  • Elevation angles recorded on sight lines (examples: ELEV 21°, ELEV 45°, ELEV 6° 31', ELEV 27° 30')
  • Azimuth measurements recorded (examples: AZ N 80° E, AZ S 81° W, AZ N 56° W, AZ S 60° W)
  • Multiple observation points show both initial observation (I.O.) and terminal observation (T.O.) locations
assessments
  • Length of ray lines does not indicate distance from observation point to object
  • Distance from observation point to object is unknown
  • Lines converted from magnetic to grid azimuth
references
  • Scale 1:62,500
  • First Edition 1943 map base
  • Coordinate grid system referenced
  • 865 grid reference area identified
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
legend
  • Green designates objects sighted 6 March 1949
  • Red designates objects sighted 7 March 1949
  • Blue designates objects sighted 8 March 1949
  • Moving oblong fire body without trail | symbol shown
  • Fixed flash | symbol shown with radiating lines
  • Moving fire ball | symbol shown with radiating lines
  • Moving oblong fire body with trail | symbol shown
  • I.O. | Initial observation marker
  • T.O. | Terminal observation marker
quotes
  • "LENGTH OF RAY LINES DOES NOT INDICATE DISTANCE FROM OBSERVATION POINT TO OBJECT. DISTANCE FROM OBSERVATION POINT TO OBJECT IS UNKNOWN." | disclaimer on map
  • "LINES AS SHOWN ON OVERLAY HAVE BEEN CONVERTED FROM MAGNETIC TO GRID AZIMUTH." | technical note
  • "FIRST EDITION 1943" | map edition date
  • "TANK DESTROYER CENTER CAMP HOOD, TEXAS" | location designation

Page 110

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statushas_content
doc_typephotograph
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionTactical overlay map (reverse side or alternate perspective) of Tank Destroyer Center at Camp Hood, Texas showing observation point locations and sight lines with inverted/reverse printed text overlay.
dates
  • 1949-03-06 | observations dated "6 MAR" on map
  • 1949-03-07 | observations dated "7 MAR" on map
  • 1949-03-08 | observations dated "8 MAR" on map
  • 1943 | map first edition date
organizationsTank Destroyer Center, Camp Hood, Texas | military installation shown on map
locations
  • Tank Destroyer Center, Camp Hood, Texas | primary location
  • Camp Hood, Texas | general area
  • Observation points | marked on map radiating from central Tank Destroyer Center location
  • Grid reference 860,000 Y83 | location notation
observations
  • Multiple colored observation sight lines from Tank Destroyer Center
  • Pink/red burst symbols indicating observation point locations for March 6, 7, and 8
  • Blue observation markers visible on map
  • Various azimuth and elevation angle measurements recorded on sight lines
  • Legend symbols indicating different types of observations:
  • - Moving oblong fire body with trail
  • - Moving oblong fire body without trail
  • - Fixed flash
  • - Moving fire ball
assessments
  • Map displays tactical correlation of observations from multiple points
  • Sight lines converted from magnetic to grid azimuth
  • Distance from observation point to object unknown
  • Ray line length does not indicate distance to object
references
  • First Edition 1943 map base
  • Scale 1:62,500
  • Grid coordinate system
  • I.O. | Initial observation markers
  • T.O. | Terminal observation markers
  • Color coding: Green (6 March), Red (7 March), Blue (8 March)
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
notes
  • Page contains inverted/reverse printed text overlay making some text difficult to read
  • Map appears to be duplicate or alternate presentation of same observation data
  • Multiple colored sight line radiations suggest triangulation of observation points

Page 111

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionU.S. Air Force Air Weather Service surface weather observations form showing detailed meteorological data for Camp Hood area.
organizations
  • U.S. Air Force Air Weather Service | issuing agency
  • Camp Hood | observation location
locationsCamp Hood | primary weather observation location
observations
  • Surface weather observations tabular form containing meteorological data
  • Multiple hourly weather observations recorded with time intervals
  • Weather parameters include: temperature, dew point, wind direction, wind speed, barometer reading, sky conditions, visibility, ceiling height
  • Cloud cover observations recorded
  • Wind measurements in various directions noted
  • Pressure readings documented
  • Precipitation data where applicable
  • Remarks section for additional observations
assessments
  • Page contains technical meteorological data supporting the UFO sighting investigation
  • Weather data used as reference material for analyzing atmospheric conditions during observation period
  • Provides objective weather conditions for dates of observations (March 6, 7, 8, 1949)
references
  • Exhibit II in main report - Weather Report for March 6, 1949
  • Exhibit III in main report - Weather Report for March 7, 1949
  • Exhibit IV in main report - Weather Report for March 8, 1949
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
notes
  • Form is official U.S. Air Force meteorological observation record
  • Data formatted in standard weather service tabular format
  • Specific hourly readings difficult to read due to image quality but table structure clearly indicates systematic weather monitoring
  • Multiple weather parameters recorded for comprehensive atmospheric assessment
  • Form includes sections for remarks and miscellaneous phenomena

Page 112

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statushas_content
doc_typeother
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionMostly blank page with minimal markings, appears to be inside cover or back matter of document.
redactions
  • Two "SECRET" stamps visible on otherwise blank page
  • Handwritten marking on lower right, partially illegible
references
  • NW 91526 | document identifier at bottom
  • Handwritten notation appears to reference "EXHIBIT II" and possibly "Sandia" or location reference
notes
  • Page is largely blank with fold lines visible from document binding
  • Appears to be protective blank page between exhibits or sections
  • Two holes visible at top indicating document binding
  • Secret classification markings present

Page 113

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionU.S. Air Force Air Weather Service surface weather observations form with detailed meteorological data and handwritten annotations.
organizations
  • U.S. Air Force Air Weather Service | issuing agency
  • Camp Hood | observation location
locationsCamp Hood | primary weather observation location
observations
  • Surface weather observations tabular form containing hourly meteorological data
  • Multiple weather parameters recorded including temperature, dew point, wind direction, wind speed, barometric pressure, sky conditions, visibility, and ceiling height
  • Cloud cover observations documented with codes and descriptions
  • Wind measurements recorded in multiple directions
  • Pressure readings with variations noted
  • Visibility measurements
  • Ceiling height observations
  • Remarks section for additional weather phenomena
assessments
  • Comprehensive weather data supporting UFO sighting investigation
  • Handwritten annotations visible on form indicating manual data recording
  • Data provides objective atmospheric conditions during observation periods
references
  • Part of weather exhibits attached to main UFO sighting report
  • Exhibit II - Weather Report for Camp Hood, Texas
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
notes
  • Form contains extensive handwritten entries overlaid on printed form template
  • Official U.S. Air Force meteorological record
  • Standard weather service format with multiple data columns
  • Specific hourly readings recorded systematically
  • Form includes cloud type classifications and pressure tendency information
  • Remarks section at bottom for miscellaneous observations
  • Two holes visible at top from document binding

Page 114

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statushas_content
doc_typeother
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionMostly blank page with minimal markings, appears to be inside matter or protective page in document.
redactions
  • Two "SECRET" stamps visible on otherwise blank page
  • One stamp on left page, one stamp on right page
references
  • NW 91526 | document identifier at bottom
  • Handwritten notation on lower right, appears to reference "EXHIBIT III" and possibly location reference
notes
  • Page is largely blank with document binding fold line visible
  • Appears to be protective blank page between exhibits or sections
  • Two holes visible at top from document binding
  • Secret classification markings present
  • Handwritten reference to exhibit number visible

Page 115

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionU.S. Air Force Air Weather Service surface weather observations form with extensive handwritten meteorological data for Camp Hood, Texas.
datesDate notation visible at top right of form, appears to be March 1949 (partially legible)
organizations
  • U.S. Air Force Air Weather Service | issuing agency
  • Camp Hood, Texas | observation location
locationsCamp Hood, Texas | primary weather observation location
observations
  • Surface weather observations tabular form containing comprehensive hourly meteorological data
  • Multiple weather parameters recorded including temperature, dew point, wind direction, wind speed, barometric pressure, sky conditions, visibility, ceiling height, and other atmospheric conditions
  • Extensive handwritten annotations overlaid on printed form template
  • Cloud cover observations documented with codes
  • Wind measurements recorded with direction and speed data
  • Pressure readings with tendency indicators
  • Visibility measurements and visibility range data
  • Ceiling height observations
  • Precipitation data where applicable
  • Upper air data sections visible on right side of form
assessments
  • Detailed weather documentation supporting UFO sighting investigation
  • Comprehensive atmospheric conditions recorded systematically
  • Handwritten data recording indicates manual observation procedures
  • Multiple observation times throughout day captured
references
  • Exhibit IV - Weather Report for Camp Hood, Texas
  • Part of supporting weather documentation for March 1949 UFO sightings
  • NW 91526 | document identifier
notes
  • Official U.S. Air Force meteorological observation record
  • Form contains standard Air Weather Service columns and sections
  • Extensive handwritten entries showing detailed observation recording
  • Upper air data section visible on right side
  • Cloud type classifications and pressure tendency information included
  • Remarks section for miscellaneous weather phenomena at bottom
  • Two holes visible from document binding
  • Form appears to be one of the exhibit weather reports referenced in main UFO report

Page 116

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statushas_content
doc_typeother
classificationSECRET
page_descriptionMostly blank back cover page with minimal markings and document control notations.
redactions
  • One "SECRET" stamp visible on right page
  • One "SECRET" stamp visible on left page, partially faded
references
  • NW 91526 | document identifier at bottom
  • 34377313 | document control number or reference number, handwritten on lower left
  • Handwritten notation on lower right appears to reference exhibit number
notes
  • Page is largely blank, appears to be back cover or end matter of document
  • Document binding fold line visible in center
  • Two holes visible at top from document binding
  • Control numbers and classification markings indicate document archival information
  • Appears to be final page of report
  • Handwritten reference to exhibit notation visible
  • Back cover of bound document showing wear and age
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