1951 Project GRUDGE Status Report No. 2 ATIC Reported UFO Sightings

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CONFIDENTIAL

AIR TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE fI
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STUDY .

AIR TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE CENTER
/

.

WRIGHT PATTERSON A,R «^COCE BASE
TAVton OHIO

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CONFIDENTIAL
TT\

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CONFIDENTIAL

STATUS REPORT NO. 2

PROJECT GRUDGE

31 DECEMBER 1951
PROJECT NO. 10073

Published By
UR TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE CENTER
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE
DAYTON, OHIO

CONRDENm^L^

22120

X J

CONFIDENTIAL

This reoort is the second of a series of monthly status reports
of Project Grudge. Each report will be written on or near the last
day of the month and will contain a list of all incidents reported
during the month covered by the report. The reports that are considered to be outstanding will be summarized in the appendices of the
reoort so that more details can be nresented. The overall statxis of
the project will also be presented.
Additional information nay be obtained on any incident by directing
requests to Chief, Air Technical Intelligence Center, attention; ATIAA-2c,
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, bayton, Ohio.

CONFIDENTIAL

/ n

CONFIDENTIAL
RTtms QF PROJECT GRUDGE

I.

nVl-mLL STATUS
A.

Files

The naiority of the tine devoted to Project Grudge during the period
covered
Report, 30 Sore,eb,f 1951 to g ^oember 19a, hee
soent in sorting and filing old Project Grudge and Project bxgn files. ^
+hfi inridents dating back to 1946 that are in ATIC have been sorted and filed.
S:rrj:?a^roJlSLr800 on file. Each incident has been put in a separate
folder and filed in chronological order.
Sumoary cards are being made on each incident. These sum^ c^ds
will inclu^^Sa such as description of the object, course,
«r,c.,m-ov.o ptr
These cards will then be cross-inaexed in an attempt to obtain
.ighting.. It 1. conupplatcc th.t tM. cro..^Ttdeying will be cofflpleted by the middle of February.
B.

Missing Reports and Photographs

It is apparent that the details of some of the reports between early
1949 and mid-1951 are missing. An attempt will be made to obt^n these r^rts
other agencies so that the ATIC file will be complete.
ferred to in some reoorts are also missing. Although there have ^t been
many photograohs of alleged unusual aerial objects ^^t^ to
^
been a few and an attempt will be made to obtain prints of these photographs.
C.

Map for Plotting Sightings

A large nap of the United States is being prepared and is nearly comnleted. All of the sightings will be plotted on this man in an attempt ^
establish some pattern in the sightings. A color code win be
that as much information as possible can be granhicany mustrated on the map.
D.

Delays in Obtaining Inforiaation

It wni be noted in the list of incidents that is contained in this
report tlaat the investigations of sightings reported several months
still pending or that some sightings have not been investigated due to the tame
that has elapsed since the sighting. The investigations being conductea in
conjunction with the project are still being hampered by the aelays in receiving information.
*•
On ?5 October 1951, it was requested that AFOIN-GG-1 letter dated
8 September 1950 subjects -Heporting of Information on Unconventional aircraft
be revised and recirculated to all ivF commands. It is honed that as soon as
this is done the situation will improve.

CONFIDENTIAL

i/-.:

I
‘

A

confidential
In addition to delays in receiving additional infomation, it is believed that many sightings of unidentified objects are not being reported at all*
Thie belief is founded on the fact that ATIC has received newspaper clippings or
requests for information on sightings about which there is no information in the
records.
E,

Consultants

Several conferences have been held with members of a prominent research
organization to determine whether or not there is enough information available
on the xmidentified aerial objects to warrant a thorough scientific investigation.
These peoole have inspected the files, discussed the oroblem, and it is their
opinion that there are enough reports that cannot be explained by known objects
or phenomena to warrant a detailed investigation.
Several other prominent engineers and scientists have been contacted
and their opinions are much the same as those stated above.
Negotiations are underway to obtain the services of consultants in the
fields of physics, nuclear physics, astronomy, psychology, etc., to assist in
the analysis of the reports. These consultants will also attempt to make a
continuing statistical analysis of the reports in an attemot to determine
whether or not there is any significant pattern or characteristics in the
sightings. In this respect, it is hoped tliat the project can receive tlie full
cooperation of all AF commands in promptly reporting all sightings of unidenti^
fied aerial objects, so that as many authentic reports as possible will be
available for study by statistical analysis.
II.

REPORTS OF SdECIFIC II^TIbENTS
A,

Inclosed Sinnmarj’- List of Incidents

The Inclosed list is (1) a siinmary of all incidents reported during the
period of 30 November 1951 to 31 December 1951j (2) those incidents that were
reported in Status Report No, 1, dated 30 November 1951, and still have the conclusions oendingi and (3) those incidents that have been closed during the month
covered by the report.
Incidents which are considered too detailed to summarize in the list
of sightings are again given in the appendices, and in greater detail.

CONFin'^NTlAi

SIGHTINC
(

DATE

T

f

location

TIME

- ---------

description

I (Locol)

of

INCIC

1

1

1

Lubbock, Texes

Qroup of lights that hare been seen on eanj occasions.

25 Aug 51

2110

25 Aug 51

2158

27 Aug 51

^0

Tendelie, 111.

Bright orange light seen froe the ground and again ftroi

12U5

1 Matador, Texas

, Pear-shaped aluminum object seemed to hover then leave
(See Appendix III)

51 Aug 51

1 Albuquerque, N.M,. Dark fl3rlng wing type a/c with about 1 1/2 tiaes the w
(See Appendix II)

1

1

1

t

2220

Spokane, Wash.

litOO

1 Spokane, Wash.

8 Sept 51

11*00

Spokane, Wash.

Bluish-white light about the sise of an automobile hea^

10 Sept 51

2100

Ooose ATB,
Newfoundland

Radar return - OCA radar observed two objects near the

23 Sept 51

1210

9 Oot 51

131*2

3 S*pt 51

Bluish-white light with fiery trail.

About the si*e 0

1
3 Sept 51

Three objects appeared out of HW.
monocular.

1

i

Appeared to be a dl

, March AFB, Calif, Object sighted over Long Beach. Four F-86's scrambled
Intercept was unsuccessful due to altitude of object.
(See Appendix IV)

j

Terre Haute,
Ind.

Round, silver colored object passed over airport at higj

9 Oct 51

151*5

Paris, 111.

Round, silver colored object seen by private pilot, (s

10 Oct 51

1010

' Minneapolis,
Minn.

Round, silver object seen by pilots tracking a balloon

11 Oct 51

0630

Minneapclla,
Minn.

Round, silver object seen by pilots tracking balloon a
(See Appendix VII)

11 Oct 51

081*5

Neublburg AFB,
Oemany

Object seen by two airmen who described object as "somi

21 Oot 51

1250

Battle Creek,
Mich.

Disk-ehaped object 30 ft. - 1*0 ft. in diameter. Pilot
Object was disk-shaped, with a highly polished surface

21 Oct 51

0500Z

62®N 13^

28 Oct 51

2000- : Buena Vista,
2030
Col.

1 Bright yellowish flash on the horlson.
1

30 Oct 51

ATIC

*’ORM
(27

1930

NO
OeC

328
5J)

Four Corners,
Col.

Oreenish-blue brilliant lii^t with an incandescent glo'
,
Object appeared white first, then red.
neon tube.

Core glowed wl

SIGHTINGS OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECTS
description

of

LENGTH
SOUND
OF TIME
1 OBSERVED

INCIDENT

SPE

(See Appendix I)

U See.

None

30® kx

Dark flying wing type a/c with about 1 1/2 times the wing span of a B-36.
(See Appendix II)

30 Sec.

None

300-Jifl
mph

Bright orange light seen from the ground and again from two aircraft.

Unknown

None

High

Pear-shaped aluminum object seemed to hover then leave the area at high speed.
(See Appendix III)

Several
seconds

Nona

Hover!
to hi(
spaed

Bluish-white light with fiery trail.

Seconds

None

Hl^

Three objects appeared out of IW. Appeared to be a disk when viewed throu^ a
monocular.

3-lt Min.

Nona

Erratl

Bluish-white light about the size of an automobile headlight leaving a fiery trail.

Seconds

None

High

Radar return - GCA radar observed two objects near the airfield.

Several
Minutes

None

11*^0 mi

Unknown
Object sighted over Long Beach. Four F-g6's scrambled and sighted object over Muroc.
; Intercept was unsuccessful due to altitude of object. Orbitted March AFB at 55*000 ft. i1
i
(See Appendix IV)
1
i 15 Sec.
; RoTind, silver colored object passed over airport at high spaed. (See Appendix V)
11
1
!
Unknown
: Round, silver colored object seen by private pilot. (See Appendix VI)
i
Two Min.
I Round, silver object seen by pilots tracking a balloon.(See Appendix VII)

Nona

Unknoi

Nona

Very 1

Nona

Very h

None

Hii^

Group of lights that have been seen on many occasions.

About the size of an automobile headlight.

i
1

1

i Round, silver object seen by pilots tracking balloon and by ground observer team,
j (See Appendix VII)

Several
Minutes

Nona

High

: Object seen by two airmen who described object as "some form of flying disk .

Unknown

Nona

Unkncw

Several
Seconds

Nona

High

Bright yellowish flash on the horizon.

Unknown

Nona

Unknoi

Gresnish-blue brilliant light with an Incandescent glow in the form of a tail.

15-20 See.

None

Unknow

Unknown

None

Unknow

1

Disk-shaped object 30 ft. - Uo ft. in diameter. Pilot in navion met object head-on.
Object was disk-shaped, with a highly polished surface.

Object appeared white first, then red.
neon tube.

Core glowed with brilliant green color like

1

1

1

CONFIDENTIAL

SIGHTINGS OF UNIDENTiFIED OBJECTS
DESCRIPTION

LENGTH
OF TIME i SOUND
GBSERVEC)

OF INCIDENT

been seen on many occasions.

(See Appeollx I)

SPEED

altitude HEADI^

U Sec.

None

j 30® Aro/Si•' i

IWcnown

180®

»/c with about 1 1/2 times the wing span of a B-36.

30 Sec.

None

300-J4OO
mpb

1000 ft.

1 160®

»«n trm the ground and again from two aircraft.

Unknown

i None

High

Unknown

Varied

>bject seemed to hover then leave the area at high spaed.

Several
seconds

None

Hovering
to high
speed

Low to
high

90°

;h fiery trail.

Seconds

None

High

Low

225“

3-U Min.

None

Erratic

Unknown

225®

ut the size of an automobile headlight leaving a fiery trail.

Seconds

None

High

Low

225®

ar observed two objects near the airfield.

Several
Minutes

None

II4.0 mph

L,000 ft.

Varied

None

Unknown

55,000 ft.

Varied

15 Sec.

None

Very high

Unknown

135^

Unknown

None

Very hi^

1 out of m.

About the sise of an automobile headlight.

Appeared to be a disk when viewed throu^ a

ng Beach. Four F-36's scrambled and sighted object over liuroc.
Bfnl due to altitude of object. Orbltted March AFB at 55,000 ft. :

Unknown

t

1

1

1

bject passed over airport at high speed, (see Appendix 7)

|
j

object seen by private pUot. (see Appendix VI)

5,000 ft.
1

Mn by pilots tracking a balloon. (See Appendix VII)

Two Min.

None

High

High

SS

ten by pilots tracking balloon and by ground observer team.

Several
Minutes

None

High

High

Unknowi

ten who described object as "some form of flying disk".

tftiknown

None

Unknown

20,000 ft.

Unknowi

t. - 4o ft, in diameter. Pilot in navlon met object head-on,
with a hi^ly polished surface.

Several
Seconds

None

High

3,000 ft.

85®

Unknown

None

Unknown

Itaknosn

Unknowi

15-20 Sec.

None

Unknown

Unknown

on the horlson.

^ 1

i

, li^t with an incandescent glow in the form of a tall.

N to SI
1

Irst, then red.

Coro glowed with brilliant green color like

Unknown

CONFIDENTIAL

None

Unknown

Unknown

N to SI

riFIED OBJECTS
[

LENGTH ;
OF TIME ' SOUND
OBSERVED

SPEED
50° Arc/Sej

U See.

None

! 50 Sec.

None

' ^OO-kOO

Unknown

None

High

Several
seconda

None

None

altitude HEADING;
fttoown

Varied

See Appendix I

160“

Sandia Base gnard
and wife

See Appendix II

Ihiknown

Varied

Commercial pilots and
Qround Obs.

No further investigation.
No eoaclusions.

Hovering
to high
speed

low to
high

90°

Two ladles

Sea Appendix III

High

Low

225°

AF Captain and wife

Believed to be meteor or
fireball. No ooncluaiona.

iF Major

No ooncluaiona.

AF 1st Lt

Believed to be a meteor or
fireball. No oonelnslens.

mph

1

1000 ft.

i

i

1
3-k Min.

Hone

Erratic

Unknown

225°

Seconds

None

1 High

Low

225°
l

Several
Minutes

None

lUo mph

L.ooo ft.

Varied

GCA Operator

i Unknown

No further investigation.
Insufficient information.

None

Unknown

55,000 ft.

Varied

P-86 pilots and
Qround Obs.

See Appendix IV.

15 Sec.

None

Very high

Unknown

155^

CAA Chief A/C
Communicator

See Appendix V.

Onknoim

None

Very high

5,000 ft.

145“

Private pilot

See Appendix VI.

Two Min.

None

High

High

SB

Balloon Obs.

See Appendix VII.

t. 1
i

(

ACTION OR COMMENTS

180°

i

Seconda

SOURCE

1

9

Several
Hlnutea

None

High

High

Unknown

Balloon Obs.

See Appendix VII.

1 Unknown

None

Unknown

20,000 ft.

Unknown

Two airmen

No conclusions.

Several
Seconds

None

High

5,000 ft.

85“

Civilian ^Uot
IL yrs axpsrlanca

No conclusions.

Unknown

None

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Scientist

No conclusions.

i; 15-20 See. None

Unknown

Unknown

N to SM

AF Major

Example of green fireball
phenomena. No conclusions.

Unknown

Unknown

N to SW

Civilian

Example of green fireball
phenomena. No conclusions.

i

1
1

Unknown

AL

None

i

PAGE 5

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SIGHTINGS
DATE

TIME
(Local)

11 Mot 51

1030

2U Nov 51

1825

LOCATION

:
!
i
Object not seen.

J42® U3'N
78° 32
:
Lower Michigan ■
1

1

2U Hot 51

1553

7 Deo 51

il|ig

DESCRIPTION

OF INCIDEI

1

IllnnaapoUa,
Minn.
{
Kansas City, Ho.

Only vapor trail.

Sighted by number of observers. Color variously dascri
grayish white. (See Appendix 7JII)
Flying wing shaped object.

i

Described as perfectly round, with inner core rasemblin
tapered and stubby wings.

]

Shiny, silvery sphere seen through telescope.

1

7 Dec 51

1630

Sunbury, Ohio

10 Deo 51

1820
KST

Buffalo, N. T.

12 Dae 51

215OZ ■

Hastings, Minn.

White object resembling a kite about 1000 ft. below a/c

28 Dae 51

1910

Alexandria, Ta.

Pilot saw object glowing which circled and hovered.

Large, white, extremely brilliant and globular in shape.
11

1

ATIC

FORM
(27

NO
DEC

328
50
V

SIGHTINGS OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECTS
LENGTH
OF TIME
OBSERVED

SOUND

SPEE

Unknown

Nona

Unknc

Sighted by number of observers. Color variously described as bright vphite, ahlts,
grayish white. (See Appendix VIII)

Unknown

Nona

High

Flying wing shaped object.

Unknown

None

Hovel

description

Object not seen.

of incident

Only vapor trail.

^

r. Ho.

Described as perfectly round, with inner core resembling fuselage of small a/c with
tapered and stubby wings.

Approx.
1 Min.

None

Unku

tiio

Shiny, silvery sphere seen through telescope.

Half an
hour

None

High

. T.

Large,white, extremely brilliant and globular in shape.

15 Sec.

None

2U0 Knc

Hlnn.

White object resembling a kite about 1000 ft. below a/c.

3-U Min.

None

3«0-l400

, Va.

Pilot saw object glowing which circled and hovered.

2 Min.

None

Unknc

CONFIDENTIAL

SIGHTINGS OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECTS
I

description

LENGTH
SOUND
OF TIME
OBSERVED

of incident

SPEED

ALTITUDE HEADING

Only vapor trail.

Unknown

None

Unknown

High

Unknown

of obeanrors. Color wloualy described as bright white, white.
iSee Appendix Till)

Unknown

None

High

Hi^

Unknown

1 object.

Unknown

None

Hovering

25,000 ft.

90®

Approx.
• 1 Min.

None

Unknown

Unknown

NW

Half an
hour

None

High

Bl{^

N to W

15 Sec.

None

bllng a kite about 1000 ft. below a/c.

3-it Min.

None

lowing which circled and hovered.

2 Min.

None

f

•ctly round, with inner core resembling fuselage of small a/c with
►by wings.
lere seen through telescope.
laely bUlUant and globular in shape.

i

CONFIDENTIAL

2U0 Knots 3000-lj000 ft.

S to N
1

9,000 ft.

Unknown

Unknown 1000-6000 ft.

Unknown

580-14.00 mph

CONFIDENTIAL
Appendix I

LUBBOCK. TEXAS - 25 August 1951
I.

DISCUSSION OF THL INCIDENT

The first of a series of sightings related to this incident occurred the
evening of 25 August 1951 at approximately 2110 CST. Foinr Texas Technical College
professors were sitting in the backyard of one of the professor's homes observing
meteorites in conjunction with a study of micrometeorites being carried out by
the college. At 2120 they observed a group of lights pass overhead from N to S.
The lights had about the same intensity as high cirus clouds on a moonlight night.
The altitude was not determined but they traveled at a high rate of speed. The
pattern of the lights was almost a perfect serai-circle containing from 20 to 30
individual lights. Later in the eveniug a similar incident was observed and
dviring a period of about three weeks a total of approximately twelve (12) such
flights were observed by these men.
The group of men included;
a.
b.
c.
d.

The Head of the Petroleum iingineering Department
Professor of Geology, has PhD.
Professor of Physics, has PhD.
Professor of Chenical Engineering, has PhD.

Besides the above four men, the following have observed the incidents;
a.
b.

Professor of Mathematics, has PhD.
Graduate student working on PhD.

In addition, a Professor of Astronomy was consulted on tlie incident, but he did
not observe any of these flights.
The above mentioned men took a personal interest in the phenomena and xmdertook a study of the objects. Attempts were made to obtain an altitude measurement by laying out a measured base line perpendiciJ.ar to the usual flight path
of the object and placing angle measuring devices at the end of the base line,
however, all their attempts failed because the objects did not appear on the
nights the observers were waiting for them.
Prom the series of observations, the following facts were obtained;

-i

a.

The angular velocity of the object was very nearly 30° of arc per second.

b.

There was no sound that could be attributed to the object.

c.

The flight path of the object was from N to S in the majority of the
flights although some were KE to SW.

d.

On several nights there were two or tliree flights.

■CONFIDENTIAL

■3,

CONFIDENTIAL
e.

The color of the lights was blue-green.

f.

There were from 15 to 30 peparate lights in each formation.

g.

The first two flights observed were a semi-circle of lights but in
subsequent flights there was no orderly arrangement.

h.

The object always appeared at an angle of about 45° from horizontal in
the north and disappeared at about 45° in the south. The object did
not gradually come into view as would an aircraft aporoaching from a
distance, neither did it gradually disappear.

i.

There was no apnarent change in size as the object passed overhead.

j.

The "angular span" was estimated to be 10°.

Attempts were made to obtain the relative height of the object in respect
to clouds. However, these attempts were also unsuccessful due to the fact that
the objects passed between widely scattered clouds.
Attempts were made to determine whether or not there was any form between
the lights by trying to see stars between the lights. These also was unsuccessful due to the short time the object was in view.
1
li

This ohenomena was observed by at least one hundred people in ano around
I^bbock, Texas. Some ol* these people were of the ooinion that the objects
were birds reflecting lights from the city.
On the evening of 31 August 1951 at about 2330 GST, a college freshman from
Texas Tech observed a flight of the unidentified objects pass over his home. The
flight was observed through an open window. Upon observing the first flight of
the objects, the observer obtained his camera and went into the backyard of his
home in an attempt to get photographs of additional flights of the object.
(Comments This would be logical as by 31 August 1951 these flights of the objects, and the fact that several flights might occur in an evening, was well
toown.) Two more flights of the object allegedly did occur and were photographed.
Two photos of one flight and three of another were obtained. ATIC has foxir of
the negatives but the other one was lost or misplaced by the photograoher. The
photographs show a V-shaped fonation of lights. In one j5hoto a singie-V of
lights appear, while on three photos there is a double-V. The seoarate lights,
which appear to be pinpoint light sources, vary in intensity.
(See Appendix II for possibly related incidents.)
II.

STATUS OF THE INVESTIGATION
A.

Trip to Lubbock, Texas

A trip was made to Lubbock. Texas, on 6^9 November 1951 to obtain more
details on the incident, flany peooie w3io had seen the object or who were involved
in the incident were interrogated. A conference was held with.the college nrofessors and they prepared a signed statement describing the objects they thW
observed.

CONF/DENTmj

CONF'OENTl,fsL
* X,DhoTiographer was interrogated, in conjunction with OSI, in regard
to the photographs of the objects. His account of the incident seemed logical,
Md there were no obvious indications of a hoax. The ohotographer had oreviously
^en interrogated by the Lubbock newspaper and the photos inspected by j^sociated
Pfess and Life i-lagazine representatives. It was their opinion that the ohotos
were Mt obviously a hoax. The college professors were doubtful as to whether
or not the photographs were of the sane objects that they had observed because:
1. They had never observed a V-shaped formation of lights. This is
not too significant, however, as the arrangement of the lights that they observed
varied and s^ce there were several flights the college professors possibly did
not see the flights that were photographed. In addition, the ohotogranher states
that toe object appeared to be U-shaoed but when he developed toe negatives, the
object was V-shaped.
’
X w X ux*
objects that the professors observed were, in their opinion
^t bright enough to be photographed. Tliis is, however, an estimate aL could
be in error.
««« H
thought of the people in the Lubbock
^ea was that the objects were some tj-pe of migratory birds reflecting lipht
^om toe city. Several people rooorted that they definitely knew th^ objects
™
because they could see wings 'flapping’. It is very possible that
Sck
®
as ^l^ere were
duck flights passing
over during the period.
professors do not believe the theory that the objects were
birds, but they are giving the possibility more thought. If they were birds
they would have to be relatively low to give the illusion of Sgh sSed
to*
highly doubtful If they would continue to do this for several nights.
birds usually try to keep away from cities.
«ignus.

l-liFratorv
i^gratory

famin r.

’ arden was visited and although he was not
incident he doubted if the objects were birds. He stated
that they could have been, however. The most liJ^ely suspect, if it is a bird
iL
® ®^®
breast, but unless there
WM a ^dden ^nux of toe birds into the Lubbock area, the game warden doubted

obsess.

^“®^®

as werr

If the photos are authentic, toe objects very probably are not ducks
to
PerpSto?o?r°S^
^^bbock^valanche
Newspaper attempted
to get
photos of ducks using both natural ^®
light
and flash, but failed.
^
B.

toalysis of dhotos by V/right Mr Levelopment Ckjnter

analvsi-, ^ ^°^fTa-phic Reco^aissance uaboratory of WALC made a preliminary
m^ysis of toe ptotographs. The analysis was made by inspecting the negates
in a comparator microscope. Their conclusions were:
negatives

CONF'DENTLhL

CONFIDENTIAL
1
The i»age= on the noenti,o, were cnunod hy lieht etrlMny nnexooeed
film, (i.e*., the negatives were not retouched).
2.

The individual lights in the "formation” varied in intensity.

T
The intensity was greater than any surrounding_stars as the stars
did not register. (The photos were taken under CAVU conarUons.)
4.
C

The individual lights changed position in the "formation".

Reinterrogation of the Photographer

3‘“=rrwS:,s.^ ™ Sws-—»•
D.

Future Investigations
»

r

tr, Tvhhoek

Texas, will be made during January,

/vrrangements

in that:
1.

They will give an accurate measurement of the 'angular span’.

2. The light source, although it appeared to be of low intensity to
the eye, was highly actinic.
3. The movement of the individual lights in the formation can be
studied further.
4.

Density comoarison tests can be made.

CONFIDENTIAL

__

CONFIDENTIAL
Appendix II
AL3UQU.RQUE. NKU MEXICO - 25 Autnast 1951
I.

DISCUSSION OF IHGIuENT

On the evenin^r of 25 Auprust 1951, at 2158 MST, a Sandia Base Security Guard
and his vrife observed what they described to be a flyinp wing type aircraft
similar to the Northrop Fly-Uing Bomber (B-49) pass over the backyard of their
trailer home in the east part of Albuquerque. Ihey judged the wing span of the
aircraft to be about one and one half tines the wing span of a B-36, with which
they^were familiar. Ihe object was fljdlng low, the 'altitude was thoiight to oe
about 300 ft. - 1000 ft., and there v;as no soima that coxild be attributed to
the object, ihe color of the object was not apparent due to the twilight but
dark chordwise stripes were noticed under the wings. Six to eight pairs of soft
flov/ing lights were noticed on the trailing edge of the wing. The speed was
j^ged to be about 300 - 400 mph and the object was on a heading of approximately
(See Appendix I for possible related incident.)
II.

j

WbATHiJl
Broken clouds at 17,000 ft., visibility five miles, wind S at 5 mph.

III.

STATUS OF Iir/SSTIGATION

^

aircraft was checked with negative

LrSilAunefaLfcrLrr"'

“”-“1

The guard's background was checked and since he has a ”Q
has been asstmed that he apparently is mentally stable.

clearance, it

^ determine whether or not any one else had seen
the object but only negative results were obtained.
'Photographs referred to in Appendix I were sent to the OSI at Klrtland
if''
^
sources and they stated that the ohotos
resembled the ^Jiaust or light pattern of the object. A sketch, drawn by
the observers, is shown in this Appendix.
^
^
si:.iilar sighting took place in Lubbock,
i',
^he sighting could not be determined due to
the fact that the observer believed she had seen an illusion of some type and
report the incident. The only date that could be given was "late in
Aurust or early Septemoer ,
IV.

CONCLUSIONS

CONFIDENTIA I

a A..

-T?
CONFIDENTIAL

Dark Stripes

Exhaust Observed
Direction of Flight

Copy of Sketch
dravm by Source

confidential

J

;3,
CONFIDENTIAL
Appendix III
HATAlOR. dl.XAS - 31 Aupust 1951
I.

:i3CussioH OF TIL. iiiGH;Eirr

On 31 Aupust 1951 at approximately ld45 GST two ladies were driving in an
automobile several niles north of Matador, Texas. The object was described as
a pear-shaped object about the length of a B-29 fuselage, aluminum or silver in
color, which readily reflected the sunlight. The object had a port or some type
of aperture in the side and moved throvigh the air with the smal1 end forward.
There was no sign of any exliaust and no noise was heard.

I
31

1

As the two ladies were driving north from Matador, Texas, the driver of
toe automobile first noticed the object about 150 yards ahead of the automobile.
They stopped and both ladies got out to observe the object. It was drifting
slowly in ^ eastward direction at a sneed they judged to be 'less than the
speed required to take off in a Oub aircraft and an altitude of about 120 ft.
Seconds later the object began to ascend rapidly and moved out of sight into
tne wine in a circular ascent. {The wind at this tine was from IE at about
5-7 knots.;
A background investigation showed that both womm were of evcellent
character.
This incident is of interest because it was observed during toe same
period as toe objects over LubbocK, Texas (See Appendix I).
II.

ni.

'..EATiull
A.

1^-30 CST — Reese AFB — 31 August 1951
dstinated ceiling 6,000 ft., broken clouds, with thin scattered
clouds at 35,000 ft. Visibility I5 niles. Wind LIE at 3 knots.

B.

1230 CST - ChJLLdress, Texas - 31 August I95I
Estimated ceiling 25,000 ft., overcase. Visibility 15 miles.
V/ind ME at 7 knots. Towering cumulus clouds in SE quadrant.

STATUS OF INVESTIGATION

It has been reported that a road repair crew saw the same object later on
the sane day. Attempts will be made by Project Grudge personnel to contact
members of tMs road crew and obtain their statements. 'There were also reports
of crop dusti^ activity in the area, so attes5>ts will be made to determine
whether or not toe laiies could have seen thig activity.

nnwnDFWTiai

•i.

71

.CONF!DEmt/i
Appendix IV

MARCH AIR FORCL BASE - 21 Septenber 1951
I.

DISCUSSION OF INCIDErrr

The first report of this incident, which appeared in Status Report No. 1,
proved to be incomplete and misleading. Further investigation has corrected the
discrepencies and the following account of the incident is considered to be
accurate.
r

At approximately 0700 PDST, two F-86 aircraft were scrambled from George Air
Force Base, California, on a routine mission. The flight was vectored to 118°
40''.! - 33® 50'N by GCI. (See inclosed overlay.) The flight orbitted the position
and took up a heading ujward Long Beach Radio. At approximately 0755 PDST the
flight reported to GCI that they observed an unidentified object high at 12 o'clock.
The flight was 30 seconds out of Long .ieach Radio at this time. The object appeared to be in a left orbit at about 50,000 ft. The object could not be picked
up by the ground radar, however, visual contact was maintained. The object continued a left orbit and passed over tJie two aircraft. Attempts were made by
the F-86's to identify tho object but they were unsuccessful due to the altitude
of the object and a fuel shortage. At approximately 0810 or 0815 the flight was
released by the ground controller and they returned to George Jiir Force Base.
The object appeared to be an aircraft with 45® swept wings and bright silver -in
color. When last seen the object was in a left orbit, or circling to the left.
The pilot's opinion was that it was a swept xdng type aircreift.
At approximately 0800 PDST four additional F-86 aircraft were scrambled
from George AFB to relieve the two above mentioned F-S6's. The four aircraft
split into two, two-ship elements, denoted as Flight 2-A and 2-3 on the inclosed overlap". Flight 2-A was vectored to a position at 117° 30'W and 30°
20'N. They arrived at this position at approximately 0810 and sighted the
object high at 1.: o'clock at what appeared to be over ihiroc AFB. A steady
climb was made to 43,000 ft. and tlie object was found to be near March AFE.
The object appeared to be in a controlled orbit to the right and left at 50,000
to 55»000 ft. The two aircraft stayed in the area for 10-15 minutes before breaking off the intercept due to a fuel shortage and landed at 0845 KDST, The object
appeared to be a swept wing aircraft.
The second element of the group, noted as Flight 2—B on the overlay, observed
the object soon after take-off. The object appeared to be going south. The
flight made a series of climbing turns under the object as they climbed to 4?,500
ft. The object was in a wide right turn. At approximately 0925 PDST the aircraft
broke off the attempted intercept and returned to their base. This flight reported that the object apoeared to be round and silver.
No more intercepts were attempted. At no tine was the object observed on
the radar screen nor was it reported to be observed visually from the ground.
The F-86's, however, were contin ally tracked by radar.

CONFiDENl Al

CONFlDENTiAL
due
Stti^on^^thfr"
n.

^ elimb to the estinated altitude of the object
csarrying external fuel tanks and elected not to

STAm OF IIIVESTIflATTnN

Avmort

radiosonde balloon was released from the Long Deach Municipal

faring of 95 true, due to a malfunction of the tracking equipn»nt
(.^e Point
A on OTerlay.) ^ this tine the balloon would have been at aporoxinntely 40 000
tlks StiSSf tW
it is logical'to

as their
sighting by Flight 1 could very possibly have been the balloon
ILl
Airport. The altitude of the F-86^kt the
time of tK
i^aiown but was probably below 40,000 ft. At 075% the
time of the original sighting, the balloon would be at 50,000 to 55 000 ft
approx^tely ten rdles directly ahead of the two aircrSt
llS ap^S^nt ^rSt
cannot be explained. The balloon would make a gradual turn
would^bT^^pS^nT.^:^ - Src^:fraf?fsfas^2
as3umS^''I^^lf?°

rround track of Flight 2^, if a 30 knot wind at 270® is

?c:^S^b2lSoTio3d
rSl^n^tif
an altitude of 6r nm f+
t
*

. ^*

^550

balloon would probably be at

tr.=.®ei.en“^Sf u^ZTTt

southi^
2»f
“ ^perinsntal aircraft fron aone
Base vas checked with neraUre
rasilts^°^lfa^SS''h
11^
^ *■»•■<»
Vicinity.
^
results.
Ho other balloons
were released
in the
III.

CoHCDisinMq

and assuming that tJie n■r'h^t+^nr»
+1,
ur ^
motion between the balloon and the aircraft^
object was rety possibly a radiosonS^banoon.

CONFIDEMTIA!

^c 01 the r—06 elements,
^
relative
°°^=luded that the unidentified

CONFIDENTIAL
The third attemnted interceot, the one in «hich the object was followed in
a wide turn, cannot be explained,
'
It Is not believed that further interrogation woiild produce any additional
significant details due to the fact that some of the personnel involved have been
transferred overseas and due to the time since the incident.

CONFIDENTIAL

il

.-71
CONFiDENTIAL
•a

g

■s^

-P

b
o

<2

.CONFIDENTIAL
Appendix V
TERRE HAUTE. IIIDIAI'iA - 9 October

I.

/

DISCUSSION OF THE INCIDENT

On 9 October 1951 at 1342 CST, a CAA Chief Aircraft Conaiunicator observed
a silver object pass directly overhead while he was at ifulman hJunicipal Airport
five miles east of Terre Haute, Indiana. The object was judged to be approxi- *
mately the same size as a 50 cent piece held at arm's lengtli. The object passed
overhead at a very high rate of speed going in a southeasterly direction, passing
from direcUy overhead to the horizon in about 15 seconds. There was no sound ot
vapor trails. 'Ihe shape and general form of the object could be seen as the object
passed over the horizon and out of sight.
(For related incident, see Appendix VI.)
II.

WLiiTHER
Clear, bright sun, no clouds or haze,

tll.

ST.-.TUS OF INVESTIGATION
Purtlier investigation revealed no additional information.

17.

CONCLUSIONS
None.

rnMnncruTiy!

CONFIDENTIAL
Appendjjc VI

PARIS. ILLINOIS - 9 October 1951
I.

DISCUSSION OF TIL. lUCIDEIIT

On 9 October 1951, at approximately 1345 GST, a orivate oilot enroute fJ*om
Greencastle, pidiana, to Paris, Illinois, sighted a silver object just east of
Paris, Illinois, at 5,000 ft, altitude, llxe object aoneared to be stationary
in as much as it did not increase or diminish in size'with the approach of the
aircraft. The object then started to travel in a northeasterly direction south
of the Uewport, Indiana, Atomic Energy Plant.
{See Appendix V for related incident.)
II.

^'iP.TKLR
Clear, bright sun, no cloxxds or haze.

III.

STA'rUS OF INVESTIGATION

Father investigation revealed no significant facts. It was imossible to
dete^^ne whether or not there were any jet aircraft in the area due to the lanse
oi time since tlie sighting.
IV.

CONCLUSIONS
None.

CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL
Annent^jy VTT
MINIf^POLIS. I-HK:. - 11-October lQ*;i

I.

DISCUSSION OF INGIDLm:
The only infornation available on this incident is a letter quoted below:

TD-IL; 0630, 11 Oct 51. Dick Reilly and I were flyinp at 10,000 ft. obse^inr the grab bag balloon when I saw a brightly glowing object to the SE of
University of Ilinnesota Airport. At that tL-ne we were a few miles north of
Mihneaoolis and he.-.ding east. I oointod it out to Dick and we both made the
following observation:
'The object was moving from east to west at a high rate and very hiph.
^e tried keening the ship on a constant course and using reinforcing member of
the winashield as a point. The object moved past this member at about 50 deprees
per second •

the balloon L^ght°fo^°a'^comSsoi!

because at the time I didn't have

"When I saw the second one I called our tracing station at the U. of H
Airoort and the observers there on the theodolite managed to get glimpses of
L^Cfie^L SlhSr"
the theodolite go£g fast^noS^S keel them
xn Jie field of their instruments. Both Doug Smith and xd,ck Dorian eamrht
rfdio!-'^
in the theodolite after I notified them of their presence bj^‘

II.
Unknown, but evidently clear.
III.

STATUS 0? Iin/ESTlG^.Tinw

of thl^b^eet
^
addiUonal information as to the identity
oLe^e ^fbriefinterrogated and stated that he could only
?
for about two seconds’. During his brief observation, the ob- ^

All observers were oositive of the following facts:

confidential

•c*

CONFIDENTIAL
A.

Thfe object, though vaf^uely defined and blurred, retained a definite shape.

E.

No vapor trails, exhaust flashes, or jet prormlsion were observed.

C. The object definitely seemed to be controlled. The sooirces are all experienced engineers vdth General I'JJLls Balloon Projects and have been observing
all types of balloons for several years.
IV.

CONGLUSIOHS

No conclusions can be made. It is significant however, that the sources can
be graded as very reliable and that they observed an object with which they were
entirely unfamiliar.

CONFIDFrJTI/!!

confidential
ApTiendlx YITT
SOUTHiJtN 2'IICKIGAN - 2L Kbveaber IQ^l
I.

LISCUSGIOH OF TNOTnKm’

On
of ?A Novenber 1951, sevon people observed an unidentified
aerial object, from four separate locations in Southern Michiran. Vhe obieet
vfM observed in the SL quadrant traveling at speeds 'touch faster than a Jet"
altitT^e (below 2,000 ft. or 2° - 4° above the horizon)
obse^atlons. The object traveled horizontal to tlie earth and in one
he^bv
altitude just before it disappeared. Mo sounds were

Addition^ ^fonaation is piven below and in inclosed overlay which shows
tra^s”^ ■track of objects. It will be noted that these are only the apparent

location

Tine

Shape

Color

Trail

Coiuse

Selfridge AFB

1820 E

Egg

•t/hite

Red

Selfridge AIB

18.20 E

"Football"

Vihite

Orange
red

wsw
w

Battle Creek

1825 E

Oval

White

V/hite

Grand Raoids

18;4 E Round

'.Jliite

Coonersville

1825 E

Bluish
Wliite

II.

Round

Apparent
Observer
(miles)
2-3

AF PFC

1

AF PFC

su

1C—20

AF Pvt

Mone

Su

-

Tower
Operator

Hone

sw

30-40

Airline
Crew
(Airborne)

V/EATHER
CAVU and exceptionally clear at all points of observation.

Ill-

STATUS OF THE IIlVT.GTTr-.ATTnM

^
area, urJ.dentified radar returns, and
phenonenon were checked vdth negative results. FtoL the
reasonable to assune that all the observers sighted the sane object
- ere is a tine sp^ of five ninutes between various sifhtinps but this could be
tS? the tower
would be the laos. accura .e, the tine would be 1324 EST. Fron the estimates of
to

CONFIDENTIAL

COPffIDFiVTWL
in Grmid Rapids and over Coopersville did not obserJ^a S?1 nf
plained by toe fact that they were farther auay from the object.

^ervers
^e ex­

It had haai obaarrad by coaSSnt

“hlaaa

IV.

COXLUSIQTIS

1951 I'L^l

upper Ifew York State,

^

‘ °

^ "°™*ar

passes over Ontario, Canada, or

<u

CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL
LISmiBUTION LIST
No. Cvs
D/I, Hq USAF, ATTH: AFOII^V/TC
Washington 2‘., W. C.

3

Connanding General, Strategic Air Command
ATTK: Intelligence Division, Offutt AFB
Omaha, Nebraska
Comnandinr General, Continental Air Command
ATTN: Intelligence Division
llitchell Air Force Base, New York
Commanding General, Air Defense Command
ATTN; Intelligence division, hnt AFB
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Connaanding Gieneral, Tactical Air Command
ATTN; Intelligence Division
Langley Air Force Base, Virginia
Comnandinr General, Air Training Command
ATTN; Intelligence Division
Scott Air Force Base, Illinois
Air Develooment Forces, AltDC
ATTN; IjCOET
V/right-Patterson Air Force Base
Day^n, Ohio
1
1
2

ATI
ATIA
ATIAA
ATIAA-2C

5

CONFIDENTIAL

4 /

/ /•'

/

/ .

f

■. ;, #7*1
‘

"

-': i

}

■

■; ■

t

It