Historical Declassified Government and Intelligence Documents on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (1947–2023)

Summary

This compilation contains declassified historical United States government memorandums, reports, and intelligence records concerning unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP/UFOs) spanning from 1947 to recent DOPSR-cleared briefings. It includes the 1947 General Twining Air Materiel Command memo, 1950s USAF and CIA scientific intelligence analyses by H. Marshall Chadwell, FBI/AEC investigation reports on sightings over sensitive nuclear installations like Oak Ridge and Savannah River, and modern disclosures concerning legacy programs and AAWSAP.

Page 1: Modern UAP Legacy Program / AAWSAP Briefing Slide (DOPSR Cleared 2023)

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government. CLEARED For Open Publication Sep 06, 2023 Department of Defense OFFICE OF PREPUBLICATION AND SECURITY REVIEW

The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) of the linked websites, or the information products or services contained therein. The DoD does not exercise any editorial security or other control over the information you may find at these locations.

3 European/Italian UAP recovery?

This vehicle was in an acorn or bell shaped as it appeared the edges broke off during its impact with [redacted] ape would be lenticular, or saucer shaped with a raised center. [redacted] e OSS and eventual landing on FDR’s desk.

DoD Public Release Clearance is provided with the understanding that it does not abridge the privacy rights of any individual depicted in these photographs nor any copyright protection of information photographs or animation used in this presentation nor any other provisions of law prohibiting public release.

Intent of the $22M allocated by Sen Harry Reid for the DIA Program (AAWSAP)?

Open source ref: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/05/10/how-the-pentagon-started-taking-ufos-seriously (Reid confirms Lockheed Martin) https://www.dia.mil/FOIA/FOIA-Electronic-Reading-Room/FileId/170015/ (Sen Reid SAP Request) Pages 152-153 “Skinwalkers at the Pentagon” (DOPSR Approved)

The $22M allocated for DIA AAWSAP, after speaking to multiple individuals on the program, was originally intended to SCIF-out Bigelow Aerospace Facilities in Las Vegas due to a UAP material divestment plan proposed to AAWSAP leadership by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Vice President Dr. James Ryder (now deceased). A specific facility known to me was described as having crash retrieval material from the 1950s and other historical operations. They proposed a technology transfer agreement (TTA) into the propose Waived PSAP Sen Reid was championing (See DIA FOIA release). Unfortunately, due to the sensitive nature of the TTA, USDI and OSD leadership were not specifically briefed on this proposal. This is why, in “Skinwalkers at the Pentagon”, they approach DHS S&T, Tara O’Toole to set up a PSAP. Ultimately the original government custodian, CIA DS&T, disapproved that transfer during a meeting with Glenn Gaffney while he was in that position. Instead, much of the money was used to produce Defense Intelligence Reference Documents (DIRDs) to possibly show value to the Legacy Program.

What do you know about President Obama and Trump being briefed on Legacy Program activities as defined in Sen Schumer’s proposed unclassified legislation?

Open Source Ref: https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/4101345-non-human-intelligence-schumer-proposes-stunning-new-ufo-legislation/

My sources with direct access indicated to me that President Obama requested a briefing post-presidency after the NY AAIP/AAWSAP news broke and wanted to understand what information he was not afforded access to during his administration. President Trump was briefed mid-way through his administration by multiple CIA officers in an unofficial manner as the Legacy Program leadership did not trust the President. The briefing President Trump was deeply disturbed by the contents of the briefing and decided not to proceed with any disclosure activities at that time.

Page 2: USAF OSI 17th District Office - Summary of Observations of Aerial Phenomena in the New Mexico Area (25 May 1950)

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE WASHINGTON

THE INSPECTOR GENERAL USAF 17TH DISTRICT OFFICE OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO

File No: (24-8)-28 DR/ms 25 May 1950

SUBJECT: Summary of Observations of Aerial Phenomena in the New Mexico Area, December 1948 - May 1950

TO: Brigadier General Joseph F. Carroll Director of Special Investigations Headquarters USAF Washington 25, D. C.

1. 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. The organization and physical location of units of this District were most suitable for collecting these data, therefore, 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. These reports have been distributed to the Air Materiel Command, USAF, in accordance with Air Intelligence Requirements No. 4, and to other interested military and government agencies.

2. There is attached, as a part of this summary, a 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. 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. The 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 whose reliability is not questioned. This compilation sets forth the most important characteristics with respect to each observation and evaluates each sighting into one of three classifications, (1) green fireball phenomenon, (2) disc or variation, and (3) probably meteoric.

3. There is also attached an analysis of the green fireball occurrences in this area made by Dr. Lincoln LaPaz. Dr. LaPaz is the

Page 3: USAF OSI 17th District Office - Summary of Observations (Continued)

File No: (24-8)-28 Subj: Summary of Observations of Aerial Phenomena in the New Mexico Area, December 1948 - May 1950 25 May 1950

Director of the Institute of Meteoritics and Head of the Department of Mathematics and Astronomy at the University of New Mexico. He was Research Mathematician at the New Mexico Proving Grounds under an OSRD appointment in 1943 and 1944, and Technical Director of the Operations Analysis Section, Headquarters, Second Air Force, 1944-45. Since 1948, Dr. LaPaz has served on a voluntary basis as consultant for this District in connection with the green fireball investigations.

4. On 17 February 1949 and again on 14 October 1949, conferences were held at Los Alamos, New Mexico, for the purpose of discussing the green fireball phenomena. Representatives of the following organizations were present at these meetings: Fourth Army, Armed Forces Special Weapons Project, University of New Mexico, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U. S. Atomic Energy Commission, University of California, U. S. Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, Geophysical Research Division Air Materiel Command USAF, and the Office of Special Investigations (IG) USAF. A logical explanation was not proffered with respect to the origin of the green fireballs. It was, however, generally concluded that the phenomena existed and that they should be studied scientifically until these occurrences have been satisfactorily explained. Further, that the continued occurrence of unexplained phenomena of this nature in the vicinity of sensitive installations is cause for concern.

5. The Geophysical Research Division, Air Materiel Command, Cambridge, Massachusetts, has recently let a contract to Land-Air, Inc., Holloman AFB, Alamogordo, New Mexico, for a limited scientific study of green fireballs. The results of this scientific approach to the problem will undoubtedly be of great value in determining the origin of these phenomena.

6. This summary of observations of aerial phenomena has been prepared for the purpose of re-emphasizing and reiterating the fact that phenomena have continuously occurred in the New Mexico skies during the past 18 months and are continuing to occur, and, secondly, that these phenomena are occurring in the vicinity of sensitive military and government installations.

[Signed] DOYLE REES Lt Colonel, USAF District Commander

4 Incls

1. Summary of Sightings
2. Photo of Sighting No. 175 w/comments
3. Ltr fr Dr. LaPaz to Lt Col Rees, dtd 23 May 50
4. Graph indicating maximums

Page 4: Air Materiel Command Memo - AMC Opinion Concerning “Flying Discs” (23 September 1947)

HEADQUARTERS AIR MATERIEL COMMAND WRIGHT FIELD, DAYTON, OHIO

TSDIN/HMM/1g/6-4100

SEP 23 1947

SUBJECT: AMC Opinion Concerning “Flying Discs”

TO: Commanding General Army Air Forces Washington 25, D. C. ATTENTION: Brig. General George Schulgen AC/AS-2

1. As requested by AC/AS-2 there is presented below the considered opinion of this Command concerning the so-called “Flying Discs”. This opinion is based on interrogation report data furnished by AC/AS-2 and preliminary studies by personnel of T-2 and Aircraft Laboratory, Engineering Division T-3. This opinion was arrived at in a conference between personnel from the Air Institute of Technology, Intelligence T-2, Office, Chief of Engineering Division, and the Aircraft, Power Plant and Propeller Laboratories of Engineering Division T-3.

2. It is the opinion that: a. The phenomenon reported is something real and not visionary or fictitious. b. There are objects probably approximating the shape of a disc, of such appreciable size as to appear to be as large as man-made aircraft.

Page 5: Air Materiel Command Memo - AMC Opinion Concerning “Flying Discs” (Continued)

c. There is a possibility that some of the incidents may be caused by natural phenomena, such as meteors.

d. The reported operating characteristics such as extreme rates of climb, maneuverability (particularly in roll), and action which must be considered evasive when sighted or contacted by friendly aircraft and radar, lend belief to the possibility that some of the objects are controlled either manually, automatically or remotely.

e. The apparent common description of the objects is as follows:- (1) Metallic or light reflecting surface. (2) Absence of trail, except in a few instances when the object apparently was operating under high performance conditions. (3) Circular or elliptical in shape, flat on bottom and domed on top. (4) Several reports of well kept formation flights varying from three to nine objects. (5) Normally no associated sound, except in three instances a substantial rumbling roar was noted. (6) Level flight speeds normally above 300 knots are estimated.

f. It is possible within the present U. S. knowledge — provided extensive detailed development is undertaken — to construct a piloted aircraft which has the general description of the object in sub-paragraph (e) above which would be capable of an approximate range of 7000 miles at subsonic speeds.

g. Any developments in this country along the lines indicated would be extremely expensive, time consuming and at the considerable expense of current projects and therefore, if directed, should be set up independently of existing projects.

h. Due consideration must be given the following:— (1) The possibility that these objects are of domestic origin — the product of some high security project not known to AC/AS-2 or this Command. (2) The lack of physical evidence in the shape of crash recovered exhibits which would undeniably prove the existence of these objects.

Page 6: Air Materiel Command Memo - AMC Opinion Concerning “Flying Discs” (Conclusion)

(3) The possibility that some foreign nation has a form of propulsion possibly nuclear, which is outside of our domestic knowledge.

3. It is recommended that: a. Headquarters, Army Air Forces issue a directive assigning a priority, security classification and Code Name for a detailed study of this matter to include the preparation of complete sets of all available and pertinent data which will then be made available to the Army, Navy, Atomic Energy Commission, JRDB, the Air Force Scientific Advisory Group, NACA, and the RAND and NEPA projects for comments and recommendations, with a preliminary report to be forwarded within 15 days of receipt of the data and a detailed report thereafter every 30 days as the investigation develops. A complete interchange of data should be effected.

4. Awaiting a specific directive AMC will continue the investigation within its current resources in order to more closely define the nature of the phenomenon. Detailed Essential Elements of Information will be formulated immediately for transmittal thru channels.

[Signed] N. F. TWINING Lieutenant General, U.S.A. Commanding

Page 7: CIA Memorandum - Flying Saucers (SEP 24 1952)

SEP 24 1952

MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Central Intelligence THROUGH: Deputy Director (Intelligence) SUBJECT: Flying Saucers

1. Recently an inquiry was conducted by the Office of Scientific Intelligence to determine whether there are national security implications in the problem of “unidentified flying objects,” i.e., flying saucers; whether adequate study and research is currently being directed to this problem in its relation to such national security implications; and what further investigation and research should be instituted, by whom, and under what aegis.

2. It was found that the only unit of Government currently studying the problem is the Directorate of Intelligence, USAF, which has charged the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) with responsibility for investigating the reports of sightings. At ATIC there is a group of three officers and two secretaries to which come, through official channels, all reports of sightings. This group conducts investigation of the reports, consulting as required with other Air Force and civilian technical personnel. A world-wide reporting system has been instituted and major Air Force Bases have been ordered to make interceptions of unidentified flying objects. The research is being conducted on a case basis and is designed to provide a satisfactory explanation of each individual sighting. ATIC has concluded an arrangement with Battelle Memorial Institute for the latter to establish a machine-indexing system for official reports of sightings.

3. Since 1947, ATIC has received approximately 1500 official reports of sightings plus an enormous volume of letters, phone calls, and press reports. During July 1952 alone, official reports totaled 250. Of the 1500 reports, Air Force carries 20 percent as unexplained and of those received from January through July 1952 it carries 28 percent unexplained.

4. In its inquiry into this problem, a team from CIA’s Office of Scientific Intelligence consulted with a representative of Air Force Special Studies Group; discussed the problem with those in charge of the Air Force Project at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base; reviewed a considerable volume of intelligence reports; checked the Soviet press and broadcast indices; and conferred with three CIA consultants, who have broad knowledge of the technical areas concerned.

Page 8: CIA Memorandum - Flying Saucers (SEP 24 1952, Page 2)

5. It was found that the ATIC study is probably valid if the purpose is limited to a case-by-case explanation. However, that study does not solve the more fundamental aspects of the problem. These aspects are to determine definitely the nature of the various phenomena which are causing these sightings, and to discover means by which these causes, and their visual or electronic effects, may be identified immediately. The CIA consultants stated that these solutions would probably be found on the margins or just beyond the frontiers of our present knowledge in the fields of atmospheric, ionospheric, and extraterrestrial phenomena, with the added possibility that the present dispersal of nuclear waste products might also be a factor. They recommended that a study group be formed to perform three functions: a. analyze and systematize the factors which constitute the fundamental problem; b. determine the fields of fundamental science which must be investigated in order to reach an understanding of the phenomena involved; and c. make recommendations for the initiation of appropriate research.

Dr. Julius A. Stratton, Vice President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has indicated to CIA that such a group could be constituted at that Institute. Similarly, Project Lincoln, the Air Force’s air defense project at MIT, could be charged with some of these responsibilities.

6. The flying saucer situation contains two elements of danger which, in a situation of international tension, have national security implications. These are: a. Psychological — With world-wide sightings reported, it was found that, up to the time of the investigation, there had been in the Soviet press no report or comment, even satirical, on flying saucers, though Gromyko had made one humorous mention of the subject. With a State-controlled press, this could result only from an official policy decision. The question, therefore, arises as to whether or not these sightings: (1) could be controlled, (2) could be predicted, and (3) could be used from a psychological warfare point of view, either offensively or defensively.

Page 9: CIA Memorandum - Flying Saucers (SEP 24 1952, Page 3)

The public concern with the phenomena, which is reflected both in the United States press and in the pressure of inquiry upon the Air Force, indicates that a fair proportion of our population is mentally conditioned to the acceptance of the incredible. In this fact lies the potential for the touching-off of mass hysteria and panic.

b. Air Vulnerability — The United States Air Warning System will undoubtedly always depend upon a combination of radar screening and visual observation. The U.S.S.R. is credited with the present capability of delivering an air attack against the United States, yet at any given moment now, there may be current a dozen official unidentified sightings plus many unofficial ones. At any moment of attack, we are now in a position where we cannot, on an instant basis, distinguish hardware from phantom, and as tension mounts we will run the increasing risk of false alerts and the even greater danger of falsely identifying the real as phantom.

7. Both of these problems are primarily operational in nature but each contains readily apparent intelligence factors.

8. From an operational point of view, three actions are required: a. Immediate steps should be taken to improve identification of both visual and electronic phantom so that, in the event of an attack, instant and positive identification of enemy planes or missiles can be made. b. A study should be instituted to determine what, if any, utilization could be made of these phenomena by United States psychological warfare planners and what, if any, defenses should be planned in anticipation of Soviet attempts to utilize them. c. In order to minimize risk of panic, a national policy should be established as to what should be told the public regarding the phenomena.

9. Other intelligence problems which require determination are: a. The present-level of Soviet knowledge regarding these phenomena. b. Possible Soviet intentions and capabilities to utilize these phenomena to the detriment of United States security interests.

Page 10: CIA Memorandum - Flying Saucers (SEP 24 1952, Page 4)

c. The reasons for silence in the Soviet press regarding flying saucers.

10. Additional research, differing in character and emphasis from that presently being performed by Air Force, will be required to meet the specific needs of both operations and intelligence. Intelligence responsibilities in this field as regards both collection and analysis can be discharged with maximum effectiveness only after much more is known regarding the exact nature of these phenomena.

11. I consider this problem to be of such importance that it should be brought to the attention of the National Security Council, in order that a community-wide coordinated effort towards its solution may be initiated.

[Signed] H. MARSHALL CHADWELL Assistant Director Scientific Intelligence

Page 11: CIA Action Memorandum - Flying Saucers (OCT 2 1952)

OCT 2 1952

MEMORANDUM TO: Director of Central Intelligence THROUGH: Deputy Director (Intelligence) FROM: Assistant Director, Office of Scientific Intelligence SUBJECT: Flying Saucers

1. PROBLEM—To determine: (a) whether or not there are national security implications in the problem of “unidentified flying objects”; (b) whether or not adequate study and research is currently being directed to this problem in its relation to such national security implications; and (c) what further investigation and research should be instituted, by whom, and under what aegis.

2. FACTS AND DISCUSSION—OSI has investigated the work currently being performed on “flying saucers” and found that the Air Technical Intelligence Center, DI, USAF, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, is the only group devoting appreciable effort and study to this subject, that ATIC is concentrating on a case-by-case explanation of each report, and that this effort is not adequate to correlate, evaluate, and resolve the situation on an overall basis. The current problem is discussed in detail in TAB A.

3. CONCLUSIONS—“Flying saucers” pose two elements of danger which have national security implications. The first involves mass psychological considerations and the second concerns the vulnerability of the United States to air attack. Both factors are amplified in TAB A.

4. ACTION RECOMMENDED—(a) That the Director of Central Intelligence advise the National Security Council of the implications of the “flying saucer” problem and request that research be initiated. TAB B is a draft memorandum to the NSC, for the DCI’s signature. (b) That the DCI discuss this subject with the Psychological Strategy Board. A memorandum to the Director, Psychological Strategy Board, is attached for signature as TAB C. (c) That CIA, with the cooperation of PSB and other interested departments and agencies, develop and recommend for adoption by the NSC a

Page 12: CIA Action Memorandum - Concurrences and Approvals (OCT 2 1952, Page 2)

policy of public information which will minimize concern and possible panic resulting from the numerous sightings of unidentified objects.

[Signed] H. MARSHALL CHADWELL Assistant Director Scientific Intelligence

ANNEXES: TAB A—Memorandum to DCI, through DDI, Subject: Flying Saucers. TAB B—Letter to National Security Council with enclosure. TAB C—Memo to Director, Psychological Strategy Board with enclosure.

CONCURRENCES: Date: [Blank] [Signed] LOFTUS E. BECKER Deputy Director/Intelligence

ACTION BY APPROVING AUTHORITY: Date: [Blank] Approved (disapproved): [Signed] WALTER B. SMITH Director

Page 13: FBI Teletype - Savannah River Plant Atomic Energy Commission Flying Discs (May 12, 1952)

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION

MAY 12 1952

TELETYPE

FBI, SAVANNAH 5-12-52 7-58 PM DIRECTOR, FBI URGENT

SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT, ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION, FLYING DISCS. AT APPROXIMATELY TEN FORTYFIVE PM, MAY TEN LAST FOUR EMPLOYEES OF DUPONT CO., EMPLOYED ON SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT NEAR ELLENTON, S. C., SAW FOUR DISC SHAPED OBJECTS APPROACHING THE FOUR HUNDRED AREA FROM THE SOUTH, DISAPPEARING IN NORTHERLY DIRECTION. AT APPROXIMATELY ELEVEN FIVE PM, ABOVE MENTIONED EMPLOYEES SAW TWO SIMILAR OBJECTS APPROACH FROM SOUTH AND DISAPPEAR IN NORTHERLY DIRECTION. AT APPROXIMATELY ELEVEN TEN PM ONE SIMILAR OBJECT APPROACHED FROM THE NORTHEAST AND DISAPPEARED IN SOUTHWESTERNLY DIRECTION. ONE MORE OBJECT SIGHTED ABOUT ELEVEN FIFTEEN PM TRAVELLING FROM SOUTH TO NORTH. EMPLOYEES DESCRIBED OBJECTS AS BEING ABOUT FIFTEEN INCHES IN DIAMETER, HAVING YELLOW TO GOLD COLOR. ALL OF THESE OBJECTS WERE TRAVELLING AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED AT HIGH ALTITUDE WITHOUT ANY NOISE. EIGHTH OBJECT WHICH APPROACHED THE FOUR HUNDRED AREA FROM NE WAS TRAVELLING AT ALTITUDE SO LOW IT HAD TO RISE TO PASS OVER SOME TALL TANKS IN FOUR HUNDRED AREA. THIS OBJECT WAS ALSO FLYING AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND WAS NOISELESS. WITNESSES STATED OBSERVED OBJECTS WEAVING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

Page 14: FBI Teletype - Savannah River Plant (Continued)

PAGE TWO

BUT SEEMED TO HOLD GENERAL COURSE. ALSO STATED DUE TO SPEED AND ALTITUDE THEY WERE ONLY VISIBLE FOR FEW SECONDS. SAVANNAH OFFICE IS NOT ACTIVELY CONDUCTING INVESTIGATION IN THIS MATTER AND IS FURNISHING THIS INFO TO BUREAU FOR WHATEVER ACTION THEY DEEM ADVISABLE.

SCHLENKER ACK AND HOLD 9-03 PM OK FBI WA SS

Page 15: FBI Letter to OSI USAF - Flying Disks Sighted in Vicinity of Savannah River Plant AEC (May 15, 1952)

Date: May 15, 1952

To: Director of Special Investigations The Inspector General Department of the Air Force The Pentagon Washington 25, D. C.

From: John Edgar Hoover, Director Federal Bureau of Investigation

Subject: FLYING DISKS REPORTEDLY SEEN IN VICINITY OF SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION

The Savannah Office of this Bureau has been informed that at approximately 10:45 pm, May 10, 1952, four employees of the DuPont Company employed in the Savannah River Plant near Ellenton, South Carolina, saw four disk shaped objects approaching “the four hundred area” from the south which disappeared in a northerly direction. At approximately 11:05 pm on the same date the above-mentioned employees saw two similar objects approach from the south and disappear in a northerly direction. At approximately 11:10 pm a similar object was seen by these employees approaching from the north-east and disappearing in a southwesterly direction. A similar object was also sighted about 11:15 pm traveling from south to north by the same employees.

The disks were described by the above-mentioned employees as being approximately fifteen inches in diameter and yellow to gold in color. All of the objects were allegedly traveling at a high rate of speed and at a high altitude without any noise. The disk shaped objects referred to above which approached “the four hundred area” from a northeasterly direction was reportedly traveling at such a low altitude it had to rise to pass over some tall tanks which are in “the four hundred area.” The employees referred to above advised the objects were weaving from left to right but seemed to hold a general course. According to these persons because of the speed at which the objects were traveling they were only visible for a few seconds.

Page 16: FBI Letter - Savannah River Plant (Continued)

The above data, which was previously furnished to your office through this Bureau’s liaison representative, is being furnished for your information and any action you desire to take in this matter. No investigation is being conducted by this Bureau.

cc - Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2 Department of the Army The Pentagon Washington 25, D. C. Attention: Chief, Intelligence Division

cc - Director of Naval Intelligence Department of the Navy The Pentagon Washington 25, D. C.

cc - Captain John A. Waters Director of Security Atomic Energy Commission Room 8058 19th & Constitution Avenue, N. W. Washington, D. C. BY SPECIAL MESSENGER

SECURITY INFORMATION - CONFIDENTIAL

Page 17: FBI Office Memorandum - Radar Detection of Unidentified Objects Over Oak Ridge (October 18, 1950)

Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

TO: Director, FBI DATE: October 18, 1950 FROM: SAC, Knoxville

SUBJECT: RADAR DETECTION OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECTS OVER OAK RIDGE, October 12, 15, 16, 1950 PROTECTION OF VITAL INSTALLATIONS

Remytel October 13, 1950.

There is being submitted herewith a copy of two reports made by District Representative of the OSI, 8th District, U. S. Air Force, with regard to the detection of unidentified objects by the means of radar, as set forth in referenced teletype. These reports continue to set forth additional reports concerning unidentified objects in the air space area over Oak Ridge, Tennessee, which to date have not been explained.

No investigation is being conducted by the Knoxville Office in this matter, but any further information received from OSI or from CIC representatives will be forwarded immediately.

Air Mail CCM:jaw 65-475 Enc.

Page 18: AEC Patrol Incident Report - Kerr Hollow / Oak Ridge (October 15, 1950)

FIELD AREA OFFICE #3 P. O. Box 379 Knoxville, Tenn. Incident Report AEC PATROL

Incident report No. 142-50 Date: October 15, 1950 Time: 3:25 P.M.

Classification: Unidentified Flying Object Trooper: E. D. Rymer Location: Kerr Hollow Person Involved: Trooper E. D. Rymer, Badge No. 206, Company “D” Troop Person Involved: Capt. J. J. Zarzecki

John Honeymaker stopped at Kerr Hollow gate where I was on duty October 15, 1950, 3:20 P.M. He and I observed what appeared to be a skywriter in the air. He was one-quarter of the way through a letter “O”. The object appeared to be 12,000 to 15,000 feet high and east by north of the gate, approximately one mile distance from the gate. At this time, the size appeared to be about the size of a four or five passenger plane. The object had a smoke trail the same cross-sectional size of its body and about one-quarter of a mile long. The smoke was grayish in color. The color of the body of the object was silver metallic. The object gave off no reflection. It was dull in appearance. When first observed, it was describing an arc toward the ground. When the object failed to complete the outside loop, I went into the gate house to report its appearance. Up till this time I thought it to be a plane doing some skywriting. While I was making the phone call, [redacted] watched the object continue downward to 1,500 feet. At that altitude, a second object was noticed alongside the smoke trail. The second object was the same size and shape and was about 50 feet behind the first object. The second object appeared to be attached to the first object’s smoke trail with about an 80 degree forward thrust, yet the second object was moving in the same direction of the first object and not drawing away from the smoke trail of the first object the way it should have been doing according to its angle and direction. At this altitude, both objects changed from a bullet shape to a bladder shape. Also, at 1500 feet both objects began pulling out of the vertical dive. During the entire descent, both objects diminished in size. From 1,500 feet, the angle of descent was about 45 degrees. At about 500 feet, the second or trailing object disappeared. The object continued downward to a point north of the perimeter fence over the roadway about 60 yards from the gatehouse toward Solway bridge. This was where the object was when I came out of the gatehouse. At this time, the object had diminished to about 2x5 inches.

(Page # 1 of Enclosure # 11)

Page 19: AEC Security Division - Report of Mysterious Flying Object (16 October 1950)

16 October 1950

The files A. L. Rydzewski, Acting Assistant Chief, Security Division REPORT OF MYSTERIOUS FLYING OBJECT SYMBOL: S:AIR

Pursuant to receipt of a report from John S. Davis, Chief, Oak Ridge Patrol, indicating that a mysterious flying object was observed in the vicinity of the Kerr Hollow Entrance, [redacted] was interviewed by F. P. Callaghan, Acting Chief, Security Division, AEC, ORO, in the presence of A. L. Rydzewski, Security Division, ORO, and Charles Jones, Security Agent, Maxon Construction Company, at approximately 10:15 p.m., October 15, 1950. Hightower is an electrician employed by the Edenfield Electric Company, which is under subcontract with the Maxon Construction Company, performing work at the K-29 Plant.

[redacted] gave the following account of his observations. He was driving to work at approximately 3:15 p.m., October 15, 1950, and upon nearing the Kerr Hollow entrance to the Oak Ridge Controlled Area, he was requested by the guard on duty to stop and observe an object which the guard and another civilian were looking at. He got out of the car and noticed a white spot in the sky. He said it was “awful high” and moved from a position southeast of Kerr Hollow entrance in a westerly direction toward the Plant Areas. He noted that the sky was clear and the object was merely white, not shiny and emitted no trail of smoke and appeared to have no appendages. He observed the object for about 5 minutes and continued on his way to work before the white object disappeared from sight.

When asked what he thought of the object, [redacted] related that his first impression was that it might be a toy ballon, because it looked quite similar to a toy ballon which one of the neighbor-hood girls had released in his presence several weeks ago. [redacted] was not sure of the size of shape of the object, however he indicated by hand gesture that it might have been about 9 inches in diameter and probably was in the shape of a disc or ball.

[redacted] said that the guard and civilian appeared to be excited and told him that when they first saw it, the object was “quite big” and that it moved along the road at very low altitude and that it suddenly ascended at an angle to the point where they were observing it at the time. He stated that the guard originally asked him to look at the object, just to make sure that he wasn’t merely imagining he was seeing things.

(Page # 1 of Enclosure # 10)

Page 20: AEC Security Patrol - Sighting Extract (20 October 1950)

20 October 1950

The following is extracted from the files of the Security Patrol, Atomic Energy Commission, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This report was originally an OSI report:

“3. At 1900 hours, 20 June 1949, [redacted], stated that at approximately 1200 hours, 19 June 1949, they sighted three unidentified objects flying from the southeast, over Oak Ridge, Tennessee. [redacted] first sighted the objects and called [redacted] attention to them. They watched the objects until they came into closer view. They described two of the objects as being rectangular in shape, and identical. The third object was described as circular in shape, and flying either in between or slightly above the two rectangular objects. The two rectangular objects appeared to be flat and flexible. The third object was flat but did not have a flexible appearance. The rectangular objects in traveling, followed a wave-like course, and appeared to be dark in color underneath, and of bright metal finish on top. Their movements were coordinated, and their reflection in traveling was light and dark. The rectangular objects seemed to have an area of from four to ten square feet. The circular object was described as being the color of frosted glass. This third object did not follow the wave-like movement of the rectangular objects, but maintained a level flight. There was no noise to indicate how these objects were being propelled. They remained in view from 10 to 15 minutes after being sighted, and when last seen were traveling in a northwest direction. During this time the objects did not appear to either gain or loose altitude. The weather was clear with the exception of high scattered cumulus clouds, and the wind which was from an easterly direction was very slight.

“4. At 2000 hours, 20 June 1949, [redacted], stated that [redacted] her neighbor, called her attention to the three flying objects sighted by the Andersons at approximately 1200 hours, 19 June 1949, and that she watched them for approximately 10 minutes. Mrs. White’s description and details regarding the objects were the same as Mr. and Mrs. Anderson’s.

“5. The witnesses of these objects are reputable people, and their statements are considered reliable.

CERTIFIED TRUE EXTRACT COPY: By: /s/ Wm B. Gray SAC, Knoxville (Page # 1 of Enclosure # 9)

Page 21: FBI Office Memorandum - Watch Committee Sighting Report (September 23, 1957)

Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

TO: Mr. A. H. Belmont DATE: September 23, 1957 FROM: R. R. Roach

SUBJECT: UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT REPORTED ON SEPTEMBER 20, 1957; INTELLIGENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE WATCH COMMITTEE

The following information was obtained by Liaison Supervisor M. W. Kuhrtz at the Intelligence Advisory Committee - Watch Committee special meeting on September 21, 1957, relative to the captioned matter. The initial report in this matter was given by the U.S. Air Defense Command to the White House on September 20, 1957, reflecting that an unidentified flying object was picked up by radar station at Montauk Point, Long Island, New York, at approximately 4 p.m., proceeding in a westward direction with an altitude of 50,000 feet and a speed of 2,000 knots (approximately 2300 miles per hour). The radar station at Montauk Point maintained an image for approximately one minute, and thereafter it was picked up by a radar station at Benton, Pennsylvania (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania), which coincided with the Montauk Point pickup and was tracked by Benton for approximately 9 minutes. Thereafter, jamming was reported by several radar stations westward as far as Chicago.

The Watch Committee at its meeting on September 21 was told by the Air Defense Command that the original reports had been down-graded, since there was an 11-minute break in the tracking by the various radar stations, and further that weather stations in the area were of the type which have in the past produced false radar “pips” and electronic information. Also, there were a number of Strategic Air Command planes in the Chicago area on a training flight. The Watch Committee was told that the Air Defense Command has not completed its investigation of this incident; however, in any event it was reported that the phenomena reported west of Buffalo, New York, were not related to the object as reported by Montauk Point and Benton, Pennsylvania.

The Watch Committee concluded that, “It is highly improbable that a Soviet operation is responsible for the unidentified flying object reports of September, 1957.” The Watch Committee in considering this matter also concluded that there is no intelligence on Soviet activities which can be related to a missile launching of this type.