// DECLASSIFIED DOCUMENT · DOC-141 //
DOW-UAP-D017, UAP REPORTED AT SANDIA BASE, 1948-1950
Department of War (DoD) · DECLASSIFIED · dated 1948
About this document
DOW-UAP-D017, UAP REPORTED AT SANDIA BASE, 1948-1950 is a declassified record from the U.S. Department of War (DoD), dated 1948, classification DECLASSIFIED. It is part of the Pentagon's PURSUE program — the rolling public unsealing of UAP records under the Presidential Unsealing & Reporting System for UAP Encounters, published in tranches at war.gov/UFO/ (Release 01 on 2026-05-08, Release 02 on 2026-05-22). UAP.WATCH has indexed the full text locally so the document can be read, searched, and cited without leaving the site.
Document text
=== [Pages 1-20] ===
=== [Page 1 — Memo 1] ===
[stamp: Secret]
[hw: This document consists of 2 pages, copy 1 of 4, series F.]
HEADQUARTERS, DETACHMENT D
1100TH USAF SPECIAL REPORTING GROUP
Campbell Air Force Base
Camp Campbell, Kentucky
[hw: 333.1] 7 April 1949
SUBJECT: Security Inspection
[hw: SBOP-0-2301]
[hw: ?]
TO: Commanding General
Sandia Base
Albuquerque, New Mexico
1. Reference is made to secret letter, your headquarters, dated
1 April 1949, Subject: Security Inspection.
2. a. Guard Orders have been amended directing that the elec-
tric gate be closed between 1700 hours until 0700 hours the following
day.
b. Locks have replaced the bolts in all inspection access
gates in the outer fence.
c. Inspection ports on both bridges are now provided with
locks.
d. The final draft of our alert plan has been reviewed and
will be published and distributed for study to operating personnel.
It is desired to point out that the alert plan is incomplete. A
stockpile custodian has not been assigned here; his part in the alert
plan has been outlined only. Furthermore, since the 11th Airborne
Division is not in place yet, only temporary arrangements for defense
have been made. Final form of the overall alert plan will be sub-
mitted to your headquarters for approval as soon as conditions will
allow. In the interim period, it is felt that the temporary alert
plan we have prepared is adequate. A copy of this plan will be dis-
patched to your headquarters in the near future.
e. All jeep radios are now installed in jeeps.
f. Although not entirely satisfactory, radio communication
with the Camp Campbell Military Police has been in effect for some-
time and was in effect at the time of the Security inspection. Per-
manent arrangements for radio communication with Camp Campbell Military
Police are delayed pending the arrival of radio frequency crystals
that fit the Military Police net frequency.
[stamp: Secret] Short Title [hw: BC-10-0-214]
SHORT TITLE [hw: Campbell-5681]
[hw: l 217]
NND 58378
=== [Page 2 — Memo 1 cont'd] ===
[stamp: Secret]
[hw: This document consists of 2 pages, copy 1 of [?], series F.]
7 April 1949
SUBJECT: Security Inspection
2. Cont'd.
g. Pressure has been exerted to get the Post Engineers to
keep the drainage system clear and to take measures to check the ero-
sion. These efforts will be continued but little progress on erosion
control can be expected until the rains diminish. Ditches have been
filled, dirt moved and replaced, native grasses planted, but the rains
return too soon and much of the effort invested is therefore wasted.
Plans are prepared for an interim erosion control effort, and a study
is being made to estimate the cost of resloping the cuts in order
that the rainfall may be drained with less damaging results. Initial
estimates run in the neighborhood of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00).
3. With the exception of halting the erosion, all deficiencies
listed in the security inspection report have been cleared away. It
is therefore requested that the monthly report of action taken re-
quired by cited letter be discontinued.
[signature: Richard W. Kline]
RICHARD W KLINE
Lt Col, USAF
Commanding
[stamp: Secret] Short Title [hw: BC-10-0-214]
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=== [Page 3 — File cover sheet] ===
[stamp: SECRET (crossed through)]
HEADQUARTERS
SANDIA BASE
Albuquerque, New Mexico
[hw: Renewal —
DF 21 Jan 52]
AFSWP
CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS LIBRARY
[hw: 1949]
FILE NO. [hw: 333.5]
SUBJECT: [hw: Unidentified Flying Objects]
[stamp: SECRET (crossed through)]
NND 58378
=== [Page 4 — Memo 2: Crozier to LaPaz cover letter] ===
[hw: 380.01]
[hw: 333.5]
[stamp: SECRET]
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION - NEW MEXICO SCHOOL OF MINES - SOCORRO, NEW MEXICO
10 August 1949
Dr. Lincoln LaPaz
Institute of Meteoritics
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, N. M.
Dear Lincoln:
I am inclosing two copies of the report you asked for, and hope
that they serve their purpose.
We have made a preliminary examination of the eighteen collections
taken at nine locations on my Monday-Tuesday trip. There was a large
number of copper-bearing particles on one collection (R-104L) taken on
Highway 84, seventeen miles north of Highway 66, and scattered occas-
ional particles throughout the series. The collection taken at the
same location immediately following R-104L shows practically no copper.
A large part of the R-104L is of a granular material unfamiliar to us, and
the 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, how-
ever, appear to be solid and opaque. The passage of two automobiles while
this collection was being made is a complicating factor. 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.
We intend to do some further chemical work with these collections,
but I doubt if much new relevant information will be obtained.
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. 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.
The route of the collecting trip included Pastura, Santa Rosa, junc-
tion of Routes 66 and 84, and Las Vegas on Monday afternoon. On Tuesday
morning it included Las Vegas, Canoncito, Glorieta and Pecos.
Yours very truly,
W.D. Crozier
WDC*TW
attachments (2)
[stamp: SECRET]
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=== [Page 5 — Memo 3: Crozier & Seely report, page 1] ===
[stamp: SECRET]
R/D-tw
8-10-49
AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT AIRBORNE PARTICLES
ASSOCIATED WITH THE FIREBALL OF JULY 24, 1949
By
W. D. Crozier
and
Ben K. Seely
NEW MEXICO SCHOOL OF MINES
M E T H O D
A fireball was reported to have passed over the general neighborhood of
Socorro, New Mexico, at 8:26 p.m., July 24, 1949. Impactment equipment, developed
in connection with the aerosol research project of the New Mexico School of Mines,
was available, and it was decided to make systematic collections of airborne mater-
ial in the hope of obtaining material that could be associated with the fireball.
For the present report it is sufficient to state that the equipment processed air
at the rate of about 34 liters per minute, the particles being separated from the
air by impactment against an adhesive-coated plate in an air jet. Approximately
ninety per cent of airborne particles with diameters greater than one micron are
collected.
The adhesive used on the collecting plates (microscope slides) was a glycerin-
gelatin mixture with an addition of rubeanic acid (dithiooxamide.) This reagent
was used to enable identification of copper or copper compounds; it also enables
identification of nickel and cobalt. After making the collections, the slides were
covered with a Saran film, after which they were exposed to strong ammonia vapor
for fifteen minutes to effect partial solution of any copper or copper oxide parti-
cles.
R E S U L T S
The first collection was made at 10:00 a.m., July 25, about thirteen and one-
half hours after the fireball was seen. The air was taken about twelve feet above
ground level, on the campus of the School of Mines. The first run was for three min-
utes, 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, with the smaller
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=== [Page 6 — Crozier & Seely report, page 2] ===
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dimension of the order of twenty or thirty microns. There were no small particles,
that is, no particles with a maximum dimension below 15 microns.
Following the first collection, additional collections were made, under simi-
lar conditions, over a period of eight days.
The accompanying table summarizes the conditions and copper counts for all
these collections, including the first one described above. A number of the runs
were for periods longer than three minutes, but the counts have, in these cases,
been reduced to the three-minute equivalent. One collection showing several large
copper indications, taken July 25, is omitted from the table because it was
damaged in course of a test for radioactivity by exposure of a nuclear track plate
(with negative results) and a definite count could not be made.
The counts are exhibited in three size classifications, and attention is
directed to the fact that particles in the smallest size group (1 to 15 microns)
are practically absent from the early collections, while in the later collections,
particles in the largest (30 microns) and middle (15 to 30 microns) groups have
become quite scarce. At the same time, the counts have become quite large in the
smallest size group.
SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS
If it were possible to say that particles giving a copper test are generally
very rare in collections near ground level in this locality, the above facts would
be highly significant. It happens, however, that collections have been made at
Socorro over only a short period, and not much attention has been given to identi-
fication of copper compounds. However, after the copper indications had been found
in the present series of collections, 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. Some other collections were made early in July that will be examined
for copper when they are freed from other tests. In addition, occasional collections
will be examined for copper in the future, and it may be possible eventually to add
something to the information now presented.
CONCLUSIONS REGARDING COPPER
In view of the above facts, it seems very hazardous to draw any definite con-
clusion associating the copper-bearing particles collected with the fireball of July
24. 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.
[stamp: SECRET]
NND 58378
=== [Page 7 — Crozier & Seely report, TABLE] ===
[stamp: SECRET]
T A B L E
Counts of Copper Particles in Collections at Socorro
During Period July 25 to August 1, 1949
(Reduced to Particles per 102 Liters of Air)
Copper Counts
1 - 15 15 - 30
Collec.Time Elapsed Wind* Micron Micron 30
Date Hour time Direction knots Range Range Microns
7-25 10 AM 13.5 NNW - 9 1 4 1
" 13.5 " 0 2 2
7-25 2 PM 17.5 ? ? 4 1 1
" ? ? 1 0 0
7-26 8 AM 35.5 W? - 9 8 0 0
" " 20 0 0
" " 2
7-26 2 PM 41.5 W? - 7 <----20---> 0
" " 18 1
" " <----22---> 0
7-27 7:30 AM 71.0 NE - 8 1 0 0
7-27 1:30 PM 77.0 NE - 6 23 0 0
" " 8 0 0
7-28 7:30 AM 95.0 WSW -3 0 1 0
" " <----28---> 0
7-29 7:30 AM 119.0 S - 7 4 0 0
7-29 4 PM 127.5 ESE -10 <----28---> 1
" " 15 0 0
7-30 10 AM 145.5 SE - 4 2 0 0
" " 83 1 1
7-31 10 AM 169.5 SSE - 5 4 0 0
10+ AM " 3 0 0
10+ AM " 2 0 0
8-1 9:30 AM 193.0 N - 6 17 0 0
" " 6 0 0
___________________
*Surface Wind recorded by Weather Station at time nearest collection time.
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NND 58378
=== [Page 8 — Crozier & Seely report, page 3] ===
[stamp: SECRET] Page 3
Attention is called particularly to the 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,
and 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. These parti-
cles could have come down from a greater height only if some downward motion had
taken place in part of the air involved.
It should be mentioned that 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.
It is perhaps noteworthy that the copper-bearing particles in all these collec-
tions were of opaque material. Most of the copper minerals that have previously come
to our attention in collections from the air have been colored material, blue,
green, red, or yellow.
COBALT AND NICKEL TESTS
In the 2:00 p.m. collection of July 26, three quite remarkable particles were
found that gave very strong cobalt indications. The particles were apparently per-
fect spheres (at least they were perfectly circular in cross section), twelve mic-
rons in diameter. The reaction with rubeanic acid, after ammonia treatment, pro-
duced a dense yellow-tan halo, sixty microns in diameter. The color was not quite
so clear as with pure cobalt: the appearance suggesting a high-cobalt composition
with some metal present. 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, how-
ever. If anything, the number is smaller than might have been expected in material
of surface origin. The collections were not given acid treatment: additional nickel
indications might have been found if this had been done.
A SUGGESTION
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 cop-
per particles associated with events of the July 24th type.
Particle collection equipment, operating on the same principle as that used in
the present investigation, and designed for airplane installation, is on hand and
its successful operation has been demonstrated in numerous flights. Provision
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=== [Page 9 — Crozier & Seely report, page 4] ===
[stamp: SECRET] page 4
could easily be made for quickly mounting this equipment in an airplane capable of
ascending above the 40,000-foot level, which could take off soon after an event of
the July 24th kind, and fly a pattern that would include with reasonable certainty
some of the material originating at the meteor trajectory. A quick approximate
determination of the trajectory would be required, of course, and if winds aloft
were of considerable strength it would be necessary to make due allowance for them
in planning the flight.
NOTE ADDED ON AUGUST 10, 1949:
As this report was being finished, an attempt was made at an airplane collection
following the event of August 6. The collecting equipment was installed in a B-25
from Kirtland Field and 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 alti-
tude 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. An elabo-
rate 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.
[stamp: SECRET]
NND 58378
=== [Page 10 — Memo 4: LaPaz to Rees, page 1] ===
[stamp: SECRET]
August 17, 1949
TO: Colonel Doyle Rees
FROM: Lincoln LaPaz
SUBJECT: Anomalous Luminous Phenomena. Sixth Report (attempts to collect volatili-
zation products from green fireballs)
(1) In an earlier report it has been pointed out that 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.
There remained the possibility that this fireball had been so completely
volatilized during flight that only fine dust from it filtered down thru the
atmosphere. Since, for several reasons, it seemed more probable that such dust
would consist chiefly of copper or a copper alloy rather than of the ferro-
magnetic substances found for ordinary meteorites, the methods habitually employed
by meteoriticists for the collection of "cosmic dust" (separation of the dust
from the air by use of electromagnets or permanent magnets) would not be appropri-
ate for use in connection with the green fireballs. It was therefore decided to
enlist the aid of Dr. William Crozier, who was known to have developed a novel
impactment dust collector for use on the Aerosol Project of the New Mexico School
of Mines. (The writer had been closely associated, in 1943-44, with Dr. Crozier
at New Mexico Proving Grounds while working on saboted and proximity fused shells
and knew that he had satisfactory clearance.) Dr. Crozier not only agreed to parti-
cipate in a ground-level search for dust possibly put down by the fireball of Jan-
uary 30th, but made the valuable suggestion that dust collections be made on plane
flights routed back and forth at high altitudes through the air beneath green
fireball paths as soon as possible after fireball fall. In this manner contami-
nation of the dust collections by terrestrial particles would be reduced to a
minimum. No immediate application was made of Dr. Crozier's dust collection
techniques, in part because of the writer's return to full time academic work at
the UNM on February 8th and in part because of Dr. Crozier's other research
activities and the interruptions in Research and Development Division work inci-
dent to the A.E.C.'s taking over the Albuquerque quarters of the Division.
(2) When it was determined that the green fireball of July 24th had descended
in the immediate vicinity of Socorro, it was decided to ask Dr. Crozier to attempt
collections even though he and his staff were then engaged in the final stages of
moving from Albuquerque to their new quarters on the Campus of the New Mexico
School of Mines. A long distance call to Dr. Crozier on July 26th brought the
welcome news that 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 dimensions. On receipt of this exciting
information, a party was dispatched from 17th District O.S.I. Hqs. to confer with
Dr. Crozier and to make a field search for the fireball of July 24th. This party
consisted of Major Charles L. Phillips (courteously made available for the trip by
Colonel Harold A. Gunn, C.O. of Kirtland Field) Mr. Paul Taft of the U.S. Weather
Bureau in Albuquerque, S/A Jack Boling and the undersigned. A conference with Dr.
Crozier and Mr. Ben Seely was held on the School of Mines campus in Socorro between
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=== [Page 11 — LaPaz Sixth Report, page 2] ===
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10:00 - 12:00 A.M. on July 26th. At this conference it became apparent that
Dr. Crozier was inclined to attribute the unusually large copper fragments
collected on July 25 at 10:00 A.M. ("which because of their size could not have
been blown very far by surface winds") to particles blown off the roof or out
of the gutters of the Assaying Building on the Campus. In answer to a question
from the writer, Dr. Crozier replied that he would consider this possibility
ruled out if copper particles showed up in collections made in the open country
at considerable distances from the Campus. It was therefore recommended that
such collections be made and 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 and driven out through San Antonio, Carthage,
and Bingham, New Mexico (this route passing, in Mr. Taft's opinion, through the
region where particles from the fireball of July 24th would most probably have
been carried by the very light winds prevailing in the region since the inci-
dent). Four of the collections made on this trip were examined on the evening
of July 26th by Mr. Ben Seely and all were found to contain copper particles
indistinguishable from those collected in Socorro at about the same time.
(3) Full details on the methods of collection employed by Dr. Crozier and
Mr. Seely and on later examinations of the dust particles collected after the
green fireballs of both July 24th and August 6th are given in Dr. Crozier's
report (R/D - tw, 8-10-49) copies of which are hereto appended. Dr. Crozier's
tentative conclusion from study of the collections made, not only in connection
with the incident of July 24th, but also that of August 6th, is that "the results
of the present investigation should be regarded as negative or inconclusive."
From analysis of his report (R/D - tw, 8-10-49) and from several phone conver-
sations with Dr. Crozier, it is the writer's belief that Dr. Crozier was led to
the above conclusion by the following facts listed below in decreasing order of
importance, and accompanied by critical comments:
(3.1) The 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. (Dr. Crozier has informed
the writer that the collection of July 14th was carefully wrapped up and could
not have become contaminated by copped dust which blew in through the open win-
dows of the R.D. &D. Building at Socorro after the incident of July 24th. How-
ever, there remains the possibility that an unobserved or unreported green fire-
ball occurring in the Socorro neighborhood shortly before July 14th had put down
the copper dust found in the July 14th collection. To one familiar with the
almost uninhabited country around Socorro and the fact that green fireballs as
bright as the half moon occurring at times as favorable for observation as 7:30
— 8:30 P.M. have gone almost unreported, it seems quite likely that a green
fireball that fell after midnight or during the daytime or while most of the
sky was overcast might go entirely unreported.)
(3.2) The discrepancy between the computed and observed rates of
descent of very fine copper particles. (As Dr. Crozier notes, such discrepan-
cies are understandable "if some downward motion had taken place in part of the
air involved." Precisely such downward motion occurred in the air near the real
paths of the fireballs of July 24th and August 6th for these falls were nearly
vertical. Furthermore the best observations of the endpoints of these fireballs
place that of July 24th at a hight of 18-12 miles and that of August 6th at 5-6
miles. 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 at
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=== [Page 12 — LaPaz Sixth Report, page 3] ===
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the time of fall. 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 there approximately compensating and resulted in the return
of Dr. Crozier's tiny "five-micron particles" to the Socorro neighborhood in
approximately 145 hours. Only a detailed study of air mass motions for the
time interval involved can settle this point.)
(3.3) The long continued appearance of copper particles (however, as
Dr. Crozier emphasizes, smaller and smaller in size) in the Socorro collections.
(Precisely such a decrease in particle size has repeatedly been observed in
connection with dust collections believed to be of meteoritic origin and is attrib-
uted to the slower and slower rate of descent of the particles as their average size
decreases. Thus, L. Rudaux's results strongly indicate that particles from the
Giacobinid shower of 1933, October 9, filtered down in smaller and smaller sizes
for 100 hours or more. Furthermore, for the green fireballs of July 24th and
August 6th, 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 infall of dust particles were approached in these falls.)
(3.4) Failure of the airplane collection of August 8th to detect air-
borne copper particles definitely not of terrestrial origin. (However, the
airplane collections were all made at great distances (hundreds of miles) from
the Vaughn region in which the fireball of August 6th fell; and, as Dr. Crozier
points out, at the moment it can not be determined "whether or not the flight
did actually include air that should have borne particles from meteor trajectory."
In this connection the results alluded to in paragraph 4, below, may be of
considerable significance.)
(4) 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 to the Durango, Colorado region (a recommendation based
on advice received from Mr. Paul Taft of the U.S. Weather Bureau) but also that
simultaneously a ground search with the portable impactment dust collecting equip-
ment rigged up on July 27th be run from Vaughn through Pastura to Santa Rosa. The
latter part of this recommendation was followed by Dr. Crozier who reported
on the results obtained in his letter to me under date of August 10, copies of
which are hereto attached. Dr. Crozier's letter makes clear that ground collec-
tions in the subfinal regions of the fireballs of both August 6th and July 24th
resulted in the detection of unusual aggregations of copper particles. Apparently
the copper particle aggregate obtained in collection R - 104L, within the subfinal
region of the August 6th fall was the only such aggregate found in Dr. Crozier's
lenghty ground search of August 8-9. It seems particularly significant to the
writer that 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 ----
a likely catchment surface for dust put down by the green fireball of August 6th,
in view of the information given me by Mr. Taft in regard to the wind direction
prevailing during the hours immediately following this incident.
(5)8 In spite of the critical comments made in paragraphs 3 and 4 above, the
writer has no quarrel with Dr. Crozier's conclusion that the results so far
obtained in the investigation of volatilization products possibly put down by
the green fireballs are negative or at best inconclusive. However, I do wish to
stress most emphatically that if future more detailed work shows that the numer-
ous copper particles found by Dr. Crozier and Mr. Seely are indeed floating down
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=== [Page 13 — LaPaz Sixth Report, page 4] ===
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from green fireballs, then the fireballs are not conventional meteorites. Copper
is one of the rarest of the elements found in meteorites (See G.P. Merrill,
Memoirs National Academy of Science, vol. 14 (1925), Table facing p. 27; and
Harrison Brown, Journal of Geology, vol. 56 (March 1948,) Table 1, p. 87.) In
fact, I know of no case in which even the tiniest particle of copper has been
reported in a dust collection supposedly of meteoritic origin. 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.
(6) The writer therefore wishes to make the following recommendations:
(6.1) 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.)
(6.2) That ground-level dust collections be made along the well deter-
mined earth-trace of the green fireball of January 30th, using the portable impact-
ment equipment already rigged up by Dr. Crozier and Mr. Seely and used in the ground
searches of July 27th and August 8-9th. 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.
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=== [Page 14 — Memo 5: Sandia Base to SAC, page 1] ===
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HEADQUARTERS, SANDIA BASE
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
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NO. [hw: 1] OF [hw: 5] COPIES, SERIES [hw: a]]
[hw: 299]
[stamp: 5 DEC 1949]
SBOP/4
REFER TO FILE No. [hw: 333.1 Gen]
[hw: D/Ofms]
SUBJECT: Board to Inspect Special Weapons Facilities
at Strategic Air Command Stations
TO: Commanding General
Strategic Air Command
Offutt Air Force Base
Omaha, Nebraska
1. Reference is made to Top Secret letter, your
Headquarters, subject: "Special Weapons Training Facilities
at Strategic Air Command Stations," dated 29 November 1949,
Short Title: B-3000, which proposed an inspection tour of
Strategic Air Command stations to determine adequacy of
station plans for Special Weapons training facilities and
recommend a priority and time schedule for Special Weapons
Unit assignment to Strategic Air Command stations.
2. This Headquarters concurs in the basic objectives
of the proposed board and its general plan of action. Capt.
Barnes will represent the Plans and Operations Division of
this Headquarters and Lt. Col. Olson, Commanding Officer of
the 515th Aviation Squadron, will represent the 8460th
Special Weapons Group. 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.
3. It is recommended that the work of this board be
supplemented by a similar board, to visit the station con-
cerned about thirty (30) days prior to movement of a Special
Weapons Unit to that station. This second board could then
verify the rate of progress of facilities preparation and
the adequacy of the plans at that time, and solve many of
the administrative problems inherent in the transfer of
[hw: Jan - 353 C5 Dec 49]
[stamp: SECRET] SHORT TITLE [hw: SBOP-0-3017]
NND 58378
=== [Page 15 — Sandia to SAC, page 2] ===
[stamp: THIS DOCUMENT CONSISTS OF [hw: 2] PAGE(S)
NO. [hw: 1] OF [hw: 5] COPIES, SERIES [hw: a]]
[stamp: 5 DEC 1949]
Subj: Board to Inspect Special Weapons Facilities
at Strategic Air Command Stations
any unit to another command and station. It is suggested
that this second board be empowered to recommend readjust-
ment of movement schedule as circumstances indicate.
FOR THE COMMANDING OFFICER:
[signature: D.H. Guinn]
D. H. GUINN
LCDR USN
Executive Officer
Distribution:
1a&2a - addressee
2
NND 58378
=== [Page 16 — Reverse of page 15, routing stamps] ===
[stamp (sideways): J-4 OFFICE DEC 5 1949 10:22 AM IN OUT]
[stamp (circular, sideways): RECEIVED 8 DEC 1949 HQ S A C 299]
[bleed-through text from reverse, illegible]
NND 58378
=== [Page 17 — Memo 6: SAC 1st Indorsement] ===
[stamp: SECRET]
B/L from Sandia Base to SAC, dtd 5 Dec 49, subj: "Board to Inspect
Special Weapons Facilities at SAC Stations
SAC 353 (5 Dec 49) 1st Ind DO2C
HEADQUARTERS STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND, Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebraska
[hw: 19 DEC] 49
TO: Commanding General, Sandia Base, Post Office Box 5100, Albuquerque,
New Mexico
1. This headquarters concurs, in general, with basic communica-
tion.
2. Reference paragraphs 1 and 2, basic communication, inspection
board has completed inspections.
3. Reference paragraph 3, basic communication, this headquarters
is directing the Eighth and Fifteenth Air Forces to designate personnel
from units concerned to inspect aviation squadron facilities immediately
upon receipt of notification from this headquarters. Notification will
be in the form of an information copy of Strategic Air Command request
for movement of aviation squadrons. Your headquarters will receive a
copy of subject requests. Inspection will be completed no later than
fifteen (15) days after receipt of notification. Your command will be
requested to furnish personnel for inspection teams.
FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:
[signature: Stewart Wholen Col USAF]
1 Incl J. B. MONTGOMERY
Cy of ltr fm SAC to 8 & 15 AF Brigadier General, USAF
Director of Operations
3
SHORT TITLE [hw: SBOP-0-3012]
[stamp: SECRET]
NND 58378
=== [Page 18 — Reverse of page 17, routing stamps] ===
[stamp (sideways): J-4 OFFICE [illegible date]]
[stamp (circular, sideways): DISTRIBUTED 19 DEC 49 HQ SAC 299]
[bleed-through text from reverse, illegible]
NND 58378
=== [Page 19 — Memo 7: SAC to 15 AF] ===
[stamp: SECRET]
HEADQUARTERS STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE
OMAHA, NEBRASKA
[stamp box: SECRET [hw: D02C] [hw: 16 Dec 49]]
SUBJECT: Inspection of Special Weapons Facilities at Strategic Air
Command Stations
TO: Commanding General
Fifteenth Air Force
March Air Force Base
California
1. Your attention is invited to the inclosed basic communication
and first indorsement thereto. It is requested that your headquarters
designate personnel to inspect aviation squadron facilities of your
command immediately upon receipt of notification from this headquarters.
Notification will be in the form of an information copy of Strategic
Air Command request for movement of aviation squadrons. 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.
2. 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.
3. Direct communication with Sandia Base is authorized for the
purpose of coordinating this matter.
BY COMMAND OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL LeMAY:
2 Incls
1. b/l from Sandia to SAC
2. 1st Ind from SAC to Sandia
[hw: Incl 1]
[stamp: SECRET] SHORT TITLE [hw: SBOP-0-3012]
NND 58378
=== [Page 20 — Memo 8: OSI Summary of Aerial Phenomena, page 1] ===
[stamp: CONFIDENTIAL (crossed through)]
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON
[stamp box: DECLASSIFIED
Authority NW 91526
By [hw: pp/pb] NARA Date [hw: 5/13/26]]
THE INSPECTOR GENERAL USAF
17TH DISTRICT OFFICE OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO
DR/ms
File No: (24-8)-28
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 intel-
ligence 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 Dis-
trict were most suitable for collecting these data, therefore, since
December 1948, this District has assumed the responsibility for collect-
ing 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 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 com-
pilation sets forth the most important characteristics with respect to
each observation and evaluates each sighting into one of three classifi-
cations, (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
[stamp: CONFIDENTIAL (crossed through)]
NW 91526
=== [Pages 21-40] ===
=== [Page 2 of memo - continuation of summary memo] ===
CONFIDENTIAL
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 Re-
search 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 Dis-
trict 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 Wea-
pons 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 pheno-
mena 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 mili-
tary and government installations.
/s/ Doyle Rees
4 Incls
1. Summary of Sightings DOYLE REES
2. Photo of Sighting No. 175 Lt Colonel, USAF
w/comments District Commander
3. Ltr fr Dr. LaPaz to Lt Col
Rees, dtd 23 May 50
4. Graph indicating maximums
2
CONFIDENTIAL
NW 91526
=== [Distribution page] ===
CONFIDENTIAL
File No: (24-8)-28
Subj: Summary of Observations of Aerial Phenomena in
the New Mexico Area, December 1948 - May 1950 25 May 1950
DISTRIBUTION:
6 cys, Director of Special Investigations, Headquarters USAF
1 cy, CG, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
ATTN: Director of Technical Intelligence
1 cy, CG, Special Weapons Command, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico
1 cy, CG, Armed Services Special Weapons Project, Sandia Base,
New Mexico. ATTN: J-2
1 cy, CG, Headquarters, Fourth Army, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas
ATTN: AC of S, G-2
1 cy, CO, Holloman AFB, New Mexico
1 cy, CO, Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories, Cambridge, Mass.
1 cy, Director, Security Division, U. S. Atomic Energy Commission,
Los Alamos, New Mexico. ATTN: Mr. B. O. Wells
1 cy, Federal Bureau of Investigation, El Paso, Texas
1 cy, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albuquerque, New Mexico
1 cy, Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, Pentagon Building
ATTN: Dr. Joseph Kaplan
1 cy, Research and Development Board, Pentagon Building
ATTN: Dr. H. E. Landsberg, Executive Director, Committee on
Geophysics and Geography
1 cy, File
[hw: lines drawn through several distribution entries indicating cancellation/strikethrough]
3
CONFIDENTIAL
NW 91526
=== [Incl 1: Summary of Sightings - Page 1] ===
CONFIDENTIAL
SUMMARY OF SIGHTINGS OF UNKNOWN AERIAL PHENOMENA
Reported by the 17th District Office of Special Investigations (IG), Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico
Columns: Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
1 | 1948 18 Jan | 2300 | 1 | R | Point of impact on line between Brest and Kiev | Almost vertical descent followed by "bouncing" N to S | | 35° above Horizon Descending | Brilliant white | | 2-3 secs. | None | | Compare w/planet Venus on unusually clear night. | | Disappeared | (1)(2)
2 | latter part 1947 | App. 2000 | 1 | R | Vaughn, New Mexico | | 400'-500' | Descending slowly in vertical manner | Bright white | | | None | Round | Larger than basketball | Descending slowly | Exploded | (3)
3 | 1948 27 Jul | 0835 0845 | 1 | R | Albuquerque, New Mexico | | | | Duraluminum reflected light | | | None | Flat and round | | Stationary at times | | (2)
4 | 4 Aug | 0200 & 0300 | 2 | Unk | North Powder, Oregon | NW to SE | 5500' | Horizontal line | Green | | | | | Softball | 720 mph | Extinguished | (1)
LEGEND:
*Reliability of Observers: VR - Very Reliable R - Reliable Unk - Unknown Reliability
**Evaluation: (1) "Green Fireball Phenomena" (2) "Disk" or Variation (3) Probable Meteor
Page 1
CONFIDENTIAL
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=== [Summary of Sightings - Page 2] ===
CONFIDENTIAL
Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 2
5 | 1948 24 Oct | Night | 1 | Unk | Phoenix, Arizona | E to W | | | Green | | 75 hrs. | | | Star | Very slow | Became very bright and fell apart | (1) & (2)
6 | 3 or 4 Nov | App 2200 | 1 | R | Vaughn, New Mexico | | 400'-500' | Descending slowly in vertical manner | Bright white | | | None | Round | Larger than basketball | Descending slowly | Exploded | (3)
7 | 23 Nov | App 2200 | 1 | R | Vaughn, New Mexico | | 400'-500' | Descending slowly in vertical manner | Bright white | | | None | Round | Larger than basketball | Descending slowly | Exploded | (3)
8 | 5 Dec | 2135 | 2 | R | Las Vegas, New Mexico | W to E | Slightly above 9,000' | Horizontal slightly descending | Whitish orange | | Few secs | | | | | Disappeared | (1)
9 | 5 Dec | App 2200 | 2 | R | Albuquerque, New | No movement noted | 10,500' | Parabolic curve | Green | Yes | 2 secs | None | Round | | | Faded out | (1)
10 | 6 Dec | 2255 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | E to W | | Slight falling arch | Green | Yes | 2-3 secs | None | Round | 1/3 diameter of moon | Rapid | Vanished | (1)
11 | 8 Dec | 1833 | 2 | VR | Las Vegas, New Mexico | ENE to WSW | 13,500' | Horizontal | Bright green | Yes | 2 secs | None | | Larger than a flare | Rapid rate of speed | Faded out | (1)
CONFIDENTIAL
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=== [Summary of Sightings - Page 3] ===
CONFIDENTIAL
Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 3
12 | 1948 11 Dec | 1930 | | Unk | Hood River, Oregon | | | | Blue & white | | | Yes | Flash | | | Flash w/noise like thunder | (1)(2)
13 | 12 Dec | 2102 | 5 | VR | 15 miles south of Las Vegas, New Mexico | E to W | 3-10 miles | Horizontal | Very bright green | | 2.1-2.3 secs | None | Ball | Magnitude -4 | | Broke into 3 or 4 small fragments & disappeared | (1)
14 | 20 Dec | 2054 | 4 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | W to E | Great height descending | 20° to the horizon | Pale green or bluish white | Yes | 1-1/2 secs | None | Ball | Basketball | High speed | Disappeared behind mountain | (1)
15 | 28 Dec | 0431 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | N to S | Descended from high alt to 6000' | Descending in vertical path | white | Sev. secs | None | Star | Star | Slower than falling star | Disappeared w/greenish flash | (3)
16 | 1949 6 Jan | 1730 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | SE to NW | 1500'-2000' | Horizontal | Bright white | | | None | Diamond | App. 2' long | Much faster than a jet | Disappeared | (1)
17 | 6 Jan | 0310 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | E to W | 3 to 5° from observer | Horizontal | Brilliant green | | 2 secs | None | | | High speed | Disappeared behind mountainous horizon | (1)
18 | 30 Jan | 1754 | App 200 | Unk | El Paso, Texas | NW to SE | 3°-5° above horizon | Horizontal | Green | | | None | Ball | | | Broke into pieces | (1)
CONFIDENTIAL
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=== [Summary of Sightings - Page 4] ===
CONFIDENTIAL
Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 4
19 | 1949 30 Jan | 1755 | App 200 | Unk | Roswell, New Mexico | W to E | 2000' | Horizontal | Blue-green | | | None | | | Moving slowly | Disappeared to some. Disintegrated into shower of smaller lighted fragments | (1)
20 | 30 Jan | App 1800 | App 200 | Unk & R | Alamogordo, New Mexico | N to S | Angle of elev. 15°-30° from observer. | Gentle descent | Green | | 3-15 secs | None | Ball | | | Seemed to fizzle out | (1)
21 | 30 Jan | 1854 1900 | 10 | Unk | Ft. Worth, Texas | N to S | 13° above horizon | 30° downward from horizon | Green trailing sparks | Yes | 1-7 secs | None | | 1/3 size of full moon | | Disintegration | (1)
22 | 14 Feb | 1840 | 2 | Unk | Ganado, 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. | | (1)
CONFIDENTIAL
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=== [Summary of Sightings - Page 5] ===
CONFIDENTIAL
Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 5
23 | 1949 17 Feb | 1800 | 1 | Unk | Grants, New Mexico | Southward | | Vertical climb then leveled off Gradual ascent | White | Yes | | None | Oval | Larger than meteor | | Disappeared | (1)
24 | 17 Feb | App 100 | VR | | Albuquerque, New Mexico | W to E | | | Brilliant white shifting to peach color | | 8 mts | None | Round shifting to ellipse | 1 lunar diameter | | Disappeared | (2)
25 | 27 Feb | 1905 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | W to E | | Parallel to earth | Green-white | | 2 secs | None | | | Not as fast meteor | Disappeared abruptly | (1)
26 | 2 Mar | 0010 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | N to S | "Low in sky" | Horizontal | Light | | 2 secs | None | | | Very fast | Disappeared behind trees | (1)(3)
27 | 3 Mar | 0159 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Straight down | | Straight down | Bright green | | | | | | | Disappeared | (1)(3)
28 | 6 Mar | 2100 | 2 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | From N 74° W N 81° W | From 6° 45' above horizon | | Blue-white light | Yes | | None | Oblong | 2' by 1' | | Not known | (1)
CONFIDENTIAL
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=== [Summary of Sightings - Page 6] ===
CONFIDENTIAL
Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 6
29 | 1949 6 Mar | 2020 | 2 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | N 40° E | 59° above horizon | | Blue-white light | | | None | Ball like flash | Basketball | "Fixed flash" | | (1)
30 | 6 Mar | 2045 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | From S 81° W to S 60° W | From 21° above horizon to 6°31' above | | Light colored head orange trail | Yes | | None | Round head with trail | About 10° in length | | | (1)
31 | 7 Mar | 0115 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | N 40° E | 66° 15' above horizon | | Brilliant blue-white | | | None | Like flash bulb | Flash bulb | | | (1)(3)
32 | 7 Mar | 0130 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | N 16° W | 27° 30' above horizon | | Bright blue-white | | | None | Like flash bulb | Basketball | "Fixed flash" | | (1)(3)
33 | 7 Mar | 0130 0200 | 2 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | S 20° W | 26° above horizon | | Bluish white | | | None | Ball like flash | Flash bulb | | | (1)(3)
34 | 7 Mar | 0145 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | N 60° E | | Dropped vertically to ground | Orange | | 2 secs | None | Teardrop | 2' by 1' | | Disappeared behind trees | (3)
CONFIDENTIAL
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=== [Summary of Sightings - Page 7] ===
CONFIDENTIAL
Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 7
35 | 1949 7 Mar | 1610 | 1 | Unk | Window Rock, Arizona | N | 40 - 45° to horizon | | Red (fire) in center shading to blue at edge | Yes | 6-8 secs | None | Ball round-spherical | 3' in diameter | 200-300 mph | Disintegrated | (1)
36 | 8 Mar | 1836 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | 12,000' to 15,000' | Horizontal | Bright white with greenish tint | | 1-2 secs | None | | | App 800 mph | Either went out or disappeared behind cloud | (1)
37 | 8 Mar | 1835 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | 4,000 above terrain | Descending at 45° angle | Intense white light aluminum colored | | Very short | None | Elliptical pointed at ends | | Slower than twin-engined plane | Disappeared behind trees | (1)
38 | 8 Mar | 0103 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | from S 58° E to S 54° E | From 58° above horizon to 54° above | Traveled in arc | Pale white light | Yes | | None | Roundish head w/hazy smoke trail | | | | (3)
CONFIDENTIAL
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=== [Summary of Sightings - Page 8] ===
CONFIDENTIAL
Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 8
39 | 1949 8 Mar | 0103 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | From N 56° W S 64° W | From 15° above horizon | Traveled in arc | Pale reddish nose whitish red trail | Yes | | None | Lemon w/tail | | | Disappeared | (3)
40 | 13 Mar | 2153 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | NE to SW or SW to NE | 20° above horizon | Descending slightly | Bluish or greenish white | Yes | 2-4 secs | None | Length twice diameter of ball | 1/2 diameter of full moon | | | (1)
41 | 14 Mar | 08-00-16Z | 1 | R | Airplane enroute fr Honolulu to Canton Is | | 6°-12° above airplane at 8,000 | Horizontal | | | 10 secs | None | Nose like bullet | | 65° in 9 secs | | (1)(2)
42 | 27 Mar | 1800 1805 | 1 | Unk | Tucumcari, New Mexico | E to W | High in sky - app 30° above horizon | | Amber | None | 25 mts | None | Long & narrow | | | Faded out in distance | (2)
43 | 27 Mar | 1800 | 1 | Unk | Montoya, New Mexico | E to W | About 75° above | | Orange flame | None | 10 lts | None | Long & narrow | Length about 1/6 lunar diameter, width about 1/5 length | | Faded out in distance | (2)
CONFIDENTIAL
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=== [Summary of Sightings - Page 9] ===
CONFIDENTIAL
Summary [of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont)] Page 9
44 | 1949 27 Mar | 1813 | 1 | R | Tucumcari, New Mexico | E to W | Close to 45° above horizon | | Bright orange | None | 15 mts | None | Long & narrow | | | Faded out of sight in distance | (2)
45 | 27 Mar | 1800 | 1 | Unk | Tucumcari, New Mexico | E to W | 60° above horizon | | Orange fire | None | 15 mts | None | Like kite tail | About size of C-47 at 10,000 ft. | | Disappeared behind hills | (2)
46 | 31 Mar | 2130 | 1 | R | Camp Hood, Texas | SW | Est. 2,000' | | Fire red to white | Yes | | None | Spherical | App. size of basketball | | | (3)
47 | 5 Apr | 2200 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | App. 300' above S slope of Pajarito Pk. | Arc | Green w/red after glow | | 1/2 - 1 sec | None | | | Tremendous speed | Disappeared behind mountain | (1)
48 | 6 Apr | 1205 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | SE | About 15,000' | | Between dk & lt green | | 3-5 secs | None | | | Very fast | | (1)
49 | 7 Apr | 0135 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | W | About 200 yds fr top of hill | | Green | | App 45 secs | None | | | Moved very slowly | | (1)(2)
50 | 7 Apr | 0100 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | | | Green | | 5 secs | None | | | Moving slowly | | (1)
CONFIDENTIAL
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=== [Summary of Sightings - Page 10] ===
CONFIDENTIAL
Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (contd) Page 10
51 | 1949 12 Apr | 1930 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | SE to NW | 20° above horizon | | White | None | 8 secs | None | Round | 1/6 size of moon | 15° in 8 secs | Extinguished | (1)
52 | 15 Apr | 1630 | 1 | Unk | El Paso, Texas | Straight up | About 30° | | Grayish | Yes | 15 mts | None | Thin smoke trail | Very thin | | Dissipated | (2)
53 | 18 Apr | 0148 | 2 | R | Flagstaff & Williams, Arizona | NW | App 12,000' to one. 75 - 100 miles to other observer | | Greenish blue | | 1 - 2 secs | None | Ball-like | 100 watt light bulb | | Disappeared behind obstacle | (1)(3)
54 | 22 Apr | 0905 | 1 | Unk | Cliff, New Mexico | W to E | 20° dropping slowly | | Aluminum | None | 2 mts | None | Round, flat thin, disc-shape | Over 15' in diameter | | Disappeared behind mountains | (2)
55 | 24 Apr | 1033 | 5 | VR | White Sands, New Mexico | N | 25-29° | | White light yellow | | 60 secs | None | Ellipsoid | | Tremendous rate of speed | Disappeared due to distance | (2)
56 | 25 Apr | 0630 | 2 | Unk | Springer, New Mexico | 2 groups going W 2 groups going E | Well above 30,000' | | Silvery white | None | 4 grps totaling about 20 sec | Yes | Round | Very small | Very fast well above speed of sound | Disappeared from view | (2)
CONFIDENTIAL
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=== [Summary of Sightings - Page 11] ===
CONFIDENTIAL
Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 11
57 | 1949 28 Apr | App 1745 | 3 | Unk | Tucson, Arizona | NE to SE or SW | | | Silver | None | 12 - 40 mts | None | Cigar or sausage shape | From B-29 to a city block | 300 - 600 mph | Faded from view | (2)
58 | 30 Apr | 2215 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | E to W | 59° above horizon | | Blue green | None | 2 secs 2° | None | Round | Tenth of moon | 2 seconds 2 degrees | Went out | (1)
59 | 3 May | 2143 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | 10° - 15° above horizon | | Bright white light | | 10 secs | None | | | Very fast up to 1,000 mph | | (1)(3)
60 | 3 May | 2126 2143 2205 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | 10° - 15° above horizon | | White | | 3 - 7 secs each time | None | | Large - similar to size of airplane landing lights | Very fast | | (1)(3)
61 | 3 May | 2126 2140 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | ESE to NWN | 10° - 15° above horizon | | 2126-white 2140-red | | 5 sec 1st; 2 sec 2nd | None | | 2126-baseball diamond lights. 2140-slightly larger than firebox lights | Same speed as aircraft landing | | (1)(3)
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=== [Summary of Sightings - Page 12] ===
CONFIDENTIAL
Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 12
62 | 1949 6 May | 2040 2130 | 1 | R | Camp Hood, Texas | W and N | App 1200' dropping to 440' | | Alternating pinkish to green | None | 50 mts | None | Round | 1/2 dollar diminishing to short quarter size | Very slow | Faded from sight | (2)(1)
63 | 6 May | 0105 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | N to S | 5° above horizon | Was going down at an angle of 30 - 35° | Green | | Fraction of a sec | None | Round | App 1/8 size of full moon | Very high rate of speed | Disappeared west of Jemez Mts. | (1)
64 | 7 May | 2025 2105 | 4 | R | Camp Hood, Texas | SE | 1300' | | Green-white | None | 40 mts | None | Diamond shape | 3 mils width | Covered 15 mils in 40 mins. horiz. | Dimmed and went out | (2)(1)
65 | 7 May | 1940 | 1 | R | Camp Hood, Texas | N and E | 1000' | | Reddish greenish white | None | 57 sec | None | Diamond shape | 3 mils width | Covered 20 mils in 57 secs horiz. | Dimmed and went out | (2)(1)
66 | 8 May | 2008 2017 | 1 | R | Camp Hood, Texas | N and E | 1600' | | Reddish greenish white | None | 9 mts | None | Diamond | 2 mils width | 10 mils in 9 mts | Dimmed and went out | (1)(2)
67 | 8 May | 0930 1100 | 4 | Unk | Tucson, Arizona | W, 90° turn to the N | 4000 to 20,000 | Horizontal then rapid climb at 45° angle | White | None | 10-20 mts | None | Metallic circular | 40-75' in diameter | Motionless to faster than jet | Climbed at 45° angle until out of sight | (2)
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68 | 1949 9 May | App 1430 | 1 | R | Tucson, Arizona | SW to NE | | | Silvery | None | 6-10 secs | None | Round & flat | 25' in diameter | 750-1000 mph | Faded from view | (2)
69 | 12 May | 2115 2130 | 1 | VR | Alamogordo, New Mexico | | 3° or 4° above horizon | | White with greenish tinge | None | 4 mins | None | 2 fuzzy stars | 1/4 diameter of full moon | | Vanished | (1)(2)
70 | 16 May | App 1700 | 1 | Unk | Tucson, Arizona | E to W | 5000' | Horizontal | Black | None | 8-10 secs | None | Round solid flat | 3 - 4' in diameter | 800-1000 MPH | Behind aircraft hangar | (2)
71 | 2 Jun | 0040 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | E to N | 7000' - 10,000' | Descending | Green | Yes | 1 sec | None | Ball of light | | | | (1)(3)
72 | 11 Jun | 2057 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, | SW to NE | 25° above horizon | | Green then red at end of flight | Yes | 4 - 5 secs | None | | Size of star | | | (1)
73 | 20 Jun | 2010 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | W to E | | | Green turned orange red before vanishing | None | 3 secs | None | Round | | | Extinguished | (1)
74 | 20 Jun | 2010 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | W to E | Directly overhead | | Blue green | None | 1-1/2 secs | None | | | | Vanished as tho extng'd. | (1)
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75 | 1949 24 Jun | 1545 1630 | 2 | Unk | Mesa, Arizona | 1 to SE 2 to E 3 to NE 4 vertical 5 to E | | 4 Horizontal 1 Vertical | Steel gray | None | 4 at 30 mts 1 at 25 secs | None | Disc w/2 flanges | | Max of 400 mph | Faded from view | (2)
76 | 27 Jun | 0138 | 1 | R | Albuquerque, New Mexico | W to E | 30° to 90° above horizon | | Similar to star Slightly more orange | Yes | 2 mts | None | Round | Slightly larger than brightest star | 140° in 2 mts. | Went behind building | (3)
77 | 29 Jun | 2010 | 1 | Unk | Flagstaff, Arizona | E to W | 30° from vertical | | Yellow in front Red behind | None | | None | Bullet shaped | 1/2 size of small airplane | Relatively slow | Over a hill | (1)(2)
78 | 30 Jun | 1630 | 1 | R | Seligman, Arizona | N | 30° above horizon | | Dull grey | None | 8 secs | None | Circle | Appeared 1-1/2" diameter at 10,000' altitude | 2,000 mph or faster | Disappeared in distance | (2)
79 | 11 Jul | 2110 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | W by SW | 30° above horizon | | Pale red | None | 2 secs | None | Ball - but not a perfect circle | Twice as large as evening star | | Such as turning off flashlight | (3)
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80 | 1949 28 Jul | 2045 | 1 | Unk | Killeen Base, Texas | N to S | 30° above horizon | | White w/tint of blue green | Yes | 3-5 secs | None | Round w/tail | Size of evening star | Unable to estimate | Faded out | (1)
81 | 28 Jul | 2259 | 1 | Unk | Killeen, Texas | S to N | 30° above horizon | | 2 predominately white. 1 had orange glow to tail | Yes | #1 at 2-3 secs #2 at 10-12 secs | None | Round w/tail | Tennis ball | | Faded out | (1)
82 | 28 Jul | 2258 | 1 | Unk | Killeen, Texas | N to NW | 30° above horizon | | Initially blue turning white | None | 15-20 secs | None | Round | 3 times size evening star | | Went out like light | (1)(3)
83 | 30 Jul | 2135 | 1 | R | Camp Hood, Texas | SE to NW | 35° to horizon | Climbed in arc | Blue-white | Yes | 2 - 2-1/2 secs | None | Like rocket tail | | 2 - 2-1/2 secs to cover arc of about 15° | Faded out | (1)
84 | 30 Jul | 2204 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | SE to SW | App 30° above horizon | Straight flight losing altitude | Predominately white w/blue tint | Yes | 2 - 3 secs | None | Round w/tail | Evening star or planet | Very fast | Gradually faded out | (3)
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85 | 1949 6 Aug | 2000 | 1 | Unk | Las Cruces, New Mexico | E to W | | | Bluish green | Yes | 1 - 2 secs | None | Round | Bigger than falling star | | Disappeared behind building | (1)
86 | 6 Aug | 2000 | 1 | Unk | Las Cruces, New Mexico | E to W | 3°28" to 9°40" above horizon | Curve going up then fell in almost vertical direction | Reddish blue & green | Yes | 4 - 5 secs | None | Round | App 6" in diameter | | Disappeared gradually | (1)
87 | 6 Aug | 2000 | 1 | Unk | Alamogordo, New Mexico | Vertical | 2°20" to 7°35" above horizon | Straight vertical flight | Bright white slight reddish cast | None | 3 secs | None | Round | 1/2 size of moon | | Exploded then pieces died out | (1)
88 | 6 Aug | 2000 2005 | 1 | Unk | Alamogordo, New Mexico | E to W | 2°4" to 12°7" above horizon | 10° off vertical | White | | 2 secs | None | | Large as auto spotlight at arm's length | | Disappeared behind building | (1)
89 | 6 Aug | 2015 | 1 | Unk | Alamogordo, New Mexico | SW | | Straight flight app 20° vertical decline | Whitish yellow (red trail) | Yes | 1 sec | None | Round | Twice size normal falling star | Extremely fast - twice as fast as falling star | Disappeared behind mountain | (1)
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90 | 1949 6 Aug | 2030 | 1 | Unk | Alamogordo, New Mexico | N | | Constant slight curve earthward | White (bluish) | Yes | 1 sec | None | Round | App smaller than clenched fist | Similar to falling star | Went out | (1)
91 | 6 Aug | 2020 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Descending to earth vertically | 15° above horizon | Descending to earth vertically | Green | None | 1 - 1-1/2 secs | None | Round to pear shape | 500 watt bulb about 1/5 mile away | 10° in 1-1/2 secs at 2 miles | Dissipated | (1)
92 | 6 Aug | 2000 | 1 | Unk | White Sands, New Mexico | | 40° above horizon | Straight line to earth | Observer color blind | None | 1 sec | None | Round | Half size of fingernail at arm's length | Slightly faster than ordinary falling star | Disappeared behind sand dune | (1)
93 | 6 Aug | 2000 | 1 | R | Alamogordo, New Mexico | 200° | 30° above horizon | Long slow curve to earth | Bluish green | Yes | 1 sec | None | Round | Tip of thumb at arm's length | | Burned out | (1)
94 | 10 Aug | 0010 | 2 | Unk | Killeen Base, Texas | E to W | 30° angle headed down | 30° angle headed down | Blue | Yes | 3 - 4 secs | None | Oval | Head size | | Sudden disappearance | (3)
95 | 10 Aug | 2030 | 1 | Unk | Killeen Base, Texas | N to S | 30° above horizon | | White | Yes | 5 secs | None | Similar to comet | | | Disappeared | (3)
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96 | 1949 10 Aug | 2035 | 1 | R | Camp Hood, Texas | N to S | | Level flight | Yellow to orange | Yes | 1 - 2 secs | None | | Like headlight of old car | 60° in 2 secs | Cut out | (3)
97 | 10 Aug | 2035 2207 2220 2240 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | W to E | 30° - 45° above horizon | Level flight | White | Yes | 3 - 4 secs | None | Round w/tail | Large flare | Greater speed than plane | Burned out | (3)
98 | 10 Aug | 2040 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | N to S | 30° above horizon | Horizontal w/slight arc | Orange w/white tail | Yes | 3 - 5 secs | None | Rocket | 20 mm. tracer ammo. | Very great | Light gradually diminished similar to falling star | (3)
99 | 10 Aug | 2100 | 1 | Unk | Killeen Base, Texas | S | 30° above horizon going up | Continued climbing at 30° angle until disappearance | Bright orange | Yes | 5 secs | None | Reddish ball with long firey tail | Head size | | Disappeared | (3)
100 | 10 Aug | 2100 2120 2215 2250 | 1 | R | Camp Hood, Texas | | 40° - 70° above horizon | #1, 3 & 4 almost horizontal #2 almost vertical | White with orange | Yes | 1 sec for each one | None | Round with trail | Large star | Great speed | Went out like a light | (3)
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Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1949 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
101 | 10 Aug | 2200 / 2230 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | S to N | 30° above horizon | Level flight | White w/yellow trail | Yes | 1 - 2 secs | None | Oval | Size of shooting star | 300 mph or faster | Faded out | (3)
102 | 10 Aug | 2240 | 1 | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | N to S | 8,000' or more | Straight flight with gradual incline | Light red diminishing to light yellow | Yes | 2 - 3 secs | None | Round w/jagged trail | Much larger than evening star | | Burned up and disintegrated | (3)
103 | 11 Aug | 2030 / 2045 / 2052 / 2105 / 0010 | Sev | Unk | Camp Hood, Texas | N to S | 45 - 60° above horizon | Generally a level flight | White | Yes | 3 - 5 secs | None | Flash like a rocket or training flare | Star size | Faster than any plane observed | Went out like a light | (3)
104 | 12 Aug | 0010 | 2 | Unk | Killeen Base, Texas | Due W in arc | 45° above horizon | Straight & level flight w/ascent descent describing arc | Bluish white | Yes | 10 secs | None | Broken circle resembling signal flare | Head size | | Sudden disappearance | (3)
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Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1949 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
105 | 12 Aug | 0445 | 1 | Unk | Killeen Base, Texas | SE to NW | 30° above horizon headed down | Headed down | Reddish | Yes | 2 - 3 secs | Yes | Trail of flame | Fairly long streak of flame | | Faded away | (3)
106 | 14 Aug | 2135 | 1 | R | Alamogordo, New Mexico | | Appeared 25° Disappeared at 12° | 10 - 15° off vertical | Reddish orange | Yes | 2 secs | None | Round | Larger than Venus | | Disappeared | (3)
107 | 20 Aug | 2130 | 2 | Unk | Douglas, Arizona | N to S | 8,000' - 10,000' | Flat trajectory | | None | 6 - 10 secs | None | Round to oblong like inverted saucer | About size of single engine airplane | 3500 to 4500 mph | Disappeared in distance | (2)
108 | 21 Aug | 2115 / 2150 | 5 | Unk | Nogales, Arizona | | 45° at low level, 90° at high level | Horizontal to earth's surface | Dull orange | None | 10 secs | None | Wafer | App size of volley ball | 10 times speed of jet planes | Disappeared in space | (1) (3)
109 | 26 Aug | 1345 | 1 | R | Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona | SE to NW | App. 50,000 | Horizontal at 50,000' | Brownish hazy color | None | 60 secs | None | Similar to triangle with round edges | Est. to be app 3/4 of inch when observed at 3 ft. | Terrific rate of speed | Faded from view | (2)
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Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 21
Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1949 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
110 | 30 Aug | 2300 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Almost straight fall | 90° overhead | Almost straight fall | Bright green w/reddish tail | Yes | 1 - 2 secs | None | | Much larger than meteor | | Burned out | (1)
111 | 15 Sep | 0025 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | | 30° above horizon | | Yellow red | None | 6 secs | None | Round | Size of baseball | | Burst & appeared to disintegrate | (3)
112 | 16 Sep | 0230 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | W to E | 3,000' | Horizontal | Orange | None | 15 secs | None | Ball shape | Larger than falling star | Faster than airplane slower than falling star | Dimmed then disappeared completely | (3)
113 | 18 Sep | 2015 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | W to S | 45° above horizon | | Dark yellow | None | 3 - 4 secs | None | Round | Size of baseball | | Unknown | (1)
114 | 19 Sep | 0900 | 2 | Unk | Tucson, Arizona | N | App 4000' | | Grayish white | None | 2 mts | None | | 2 to 3 ft across | 600 mph | Faded from view | (2)
115 | 27 Sep | 0300 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | From SE | 45° above horizon | Traveling tangent to earth | Bright blue to white | None | 4 secs | None | Round | About size of softball at 300 yds. | 45° in 4 secs. | Obscured by building | (3)
116 | 27 Sep | 0300 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | To the N | 10° above horizon | | Yellow | Yes | 3 - 4 secs | None | Round | Size of baseball at 25 yds. | Same rate as shooting star | Died out | (3)
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Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1949 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
117 | 27 Sep | 0300 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | SE to NW | 15° - 20° above horizon | Traveling in arc toward earth | Bright green | None | 2 secs | None | Round | Same size as perimeter fence light at distance of about 200 yds. | 45° in 2 secs. | Brightened then went out | (1)
118 | 27 Sep | 0130 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | S to N | 20° above horizon | Made a gentle arc toward earth | Dark blue | Yes | 2 secs | None | Conicle w/tail twice its diameter | Looked like a sky rocket | 50° in 2 secs. | Burnt out | (3) (1)
119 | 27 Sep | 0130 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | | 45° above horizon | Moving tangent to earth | Green | None | 1 sec | None | Round | Fist at arm's length | 20° in 1 sec | Burnt out | (3) (1)
120 | 30 Sep | 2257 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | S to W | 55° to horizon | | Yellow orange | None | 2 - 3 secs | None | | Slightly larger than shooting star | 200 - 300 mph | | (1)
121 | 2 Oct | 2110 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | | 20,000 - 30,000' | Went up & then down | Bright green | Yes | 3 secs | | | | | | (1)
122 | 6 Oct | 1745 | 1 | Unk | Mescalero, New Mexico | | 15 1/2° above horizon | Descended in slight arc | Dark green | None | 30 secs | None | Round | Big ball | | Disappeared behind hills | (1)
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Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 23
Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1949 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
123 | 6 Oct | 1800 / 1845 | 1 | Unk | Mescalero, New Mexico | | 18° above horizon | | Green | None | 7 - 9 secs | None | Round | 1/2 size of thumb at arm's length | Moving slowly | Disappeared behind a hill | (1)
124 | 6 Oct | 1758 | 1 | R | Alamogordo, New Mexico | E to W | | Straight angular descent | Bluish white possibly lt. green tinge | None | 4 secs | None | Circular | 3 times the size of Jupiter or Venus | 5° per sec. | | (1)
125 | 6 Oct | 1800 | 1 | Unk | Alamogordo, New Mexico | | 4°20' to 7°5' | | Green | None | 5 - 6 secs | None | Round | Size of baseball at arm's length | | | (1)
126 | 6 Oct | 1750 | 1 | R | Albuquerque, New Mexico | E to W | | Curved descent approaching vertical | Greenish white | None | 1 sec | None | Similar to very flare | 1/2 size of thumb at arm's length | | Abrupt | (1)
127 | 6 Oct | 1750 | 1 | R | Wagon Mound, New Mexico | E to W | | Horizontal | Greenish white | None | 3 - 4 secs | None | Round | 1 1/2" - 2" in diameter | App. that of meteor | Went out like electric light | (1)
128 | 6 Oct | 1758 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | NE to SW | | At tail end of its course it arched over and fell | Brilliant green | None | 10 secs | None | Tear drop | | | Seemed to burn out | (1)
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Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1949 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
129 | 7 Oct | 2120 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Straight vertical drop | 35° above horizon | | Yellow to green | None | 1 sec | None | Round | Half a moon | Dropped 15° in 1 sec | Behind Sandia Mountains | (1)
130 | 10 Oct | 0406 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | SE to NE | 3,000' above observation pt. | Parallel to surface of earth | Brilliant white | Yes | 4 - 5 secs | None | | Small | Appeared to be slower than a meteor | Disappeared | (3)
131 | 10 Oct | 0107 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | W to E | 45° above horizon | | Bluish green | Yes | 15 secs | None | Round | Size of fist at arm's length | Slow | Died out | (1)
132 | 10 Oct | 0107 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | SW to NE | 45° above horizon | Executed dives | Greenish blue w/red sparks trailing | Yes | 4 secs | None | Round | Size of fist at arm's length | Slow | Faded out | (1)
133 | 10 Oct | 0107 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | N to NE | 45° above horizon | | Green | None | 15 secs | None | Round | Size of fist at arm's length | Slow | Burned out | (1)
134 | 11 Oct | 2010 | 6 | Unk | Roswell, New Mexico | Appeared moving to N & angling slightly to E | | Maneuvered up & down | Light green turned orange | Yes | 45 mts | None | Round | Size of baseball | | | (1)
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Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1949 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
135 | 11 Oct | 1045 / 1100 | 2 | Unk | Alamogordo, New Mexico | NW to SE | If size of B-29 appeared to be 150,000' | | White | None | 10-15 secs | None | Round dish shape | 2" in diameter at arm's length | Very fast compared w/falling star | Faded from view | (2)
136 | 12 Oct | 1115 | 3 | Unk | Roswell, New Mexico | S to NE | 3,500' | Smooth arc | White (silver) | None | 45-60 secs | None | Round probably elliptical | | Faster than jet aircraft | Went beyond range of vision | (2)
137 | 12 Oct | 1115 | 3 | Unk | Alamogordo, New Mexico | Appeared from S & veered off to NE | If size of B-29 appeared to be 35,000' | Smooth arc | White or aluminum | None | 45-60 secs | None | Round ball | 35,000' 4" in diameter | 1,500 mph | Faded from view | (2)
138 | 12 Oct | 1340 | 4 | R | Tucson, Arizona | From NE to SW | 30,000' | Horizontal | White or silver | None | 15 secs | None | Round | 50 - 100' in diameter | 1,000 mph | Faded from view | (2)
139 | 14 Oct | 1420 | 3 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | W to E | 20,000' | Level flight just above horizon | Greenish blue-white trail | Yes | 2 secs | None | Round | Appeared as a 12" disc | | Burned out | (1)
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Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1949 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
140 | 14 Oct | 2021 | 2 | R | Albuquerque, New Mexico | N to S | | Horizontal | Red orange | Yes | 10 secs | None | Round | 1/3 - 1/4 size of moon | | Broke into 2 pieces & disappeared | (1) (3)
141 | 14 Oct | 1410 / 1415 | 1 | Unk | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | | | Front-green & silver, Rear-Pale blue | Yes | 3 - 4 secs | None | | 1/8 size of full moon | 500 mph or more | | (1)
142 | 21 Oct | 2130 | 1 | Unk | Roswell, New Mexico | SE to NW | 30° above horizon | | Very bright white | None | 20-30 mts | None | | | | Unknown | (2)
143 | 22 Oct | 0228 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | NW to SE | On horizon | | Bright green | | 2 secs | None | | 4 times size of a flare | 150 mph | Disappeared behind a hill | (1)
144 | 22 Oct | 0220 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Vertical | 50 - 100 ft. | | Green | | 1 sec | None | Like flare | Small | | Went out | (1)
145 | 16 Nov | 1950 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Disappeared to N | | | 2 objects bluish green | | | None | | | Stationary but disappeared with speed of meteor | Disappeared from view | (1)
146 | 19 Nov | 2152 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Vertical | | | Green then yellow | | 2 secs | None | | | | | (1)
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Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1949 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
147 | 19 Nov | 2152 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Vertical | | | Green | | 2 secs | None | | | | | (1)
148 | 25 Nov | 2000 | 5 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | E to W | 15° - 10° above horizon | Downward 10° from the horizontal | Yellowish green | | 2 secs | None | | | | Disappeared behind mt. | (1)
149 | 27 Nov | 1800 | 1 | Unk | McIntosh, New Mexico | Vertical | Less than 2,000' | Vertical descent | Green | None | 1 sec | None | Shaped like a flare | Same as a signal flare | Same as falling signal flare | Same as signal flare | (1)
150 | 27 Nov | 1730 | 1 | Unk | Winslow, Arizona | E to W | 30° above horizon | | Bright blue-white | Yes | 3 - 4 secs | None | Egg shape | Egg held at arm's length | 3 - 4 secs to cover 15° - 20° of horizon | Dwindled out | (1)
151 | 27 Nov | 1749 | 1 | R | Albuquerque, New Mexico | E to W | 3° - 5° above horizon | Sloping descent | Blue-white | None | 1 - 2 secs | None | Round | Pencil eraser at arm's length | 5° - 7° in 1 or 2 secs | Went out then on then out again | (1)
152 | 27 Nov | 1749 | 1 | R | Socorro, New Mexico | E to W | 10° - 40° above horizon | Arc | Pale green to pale blue | Yes | 5 secs | None | Round | Quite large | Slower than meteor | Faded out gradually | (1)
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Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 28
Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1949 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
153 | 3 Dec | 1805 | 1 | R | Alamogordo, New Mexico | E to W | | In an arc downward | Green fringe of orange light | None | 2 secs | None | Circular | Somewhat larger than Venus | | Disappeared behind building | (3)
154 | 4 Dec | 1935 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | E to W | | Nearly horizontal | Green | None | 2 - 3 secs | None | Round | Marble at arm's length | | Went out like a candle | (1) (3)
155 | 4 Dec | 1935 | 2 | Unk | Los Alamos, New Mexico | E to NE | | Sloping descent | Green | Yes | 1/5 sec | | Round | | | Disappeared behind mt. | (1) (3)
156 | 5 Dec | 1930 / 1945 | 3 | Unk | Carrizozo, New Mexico | | 40° above horizon | In dive | Blue-green | | | None | Teardrop | | Very slow | Disappeared | (1) (3)
157 | 5 Dec | 2240 | 1 | Unk | Tularosa, New Mexico | E to W | | Smooth arc downward | Blue w/yellowish red toward tail | Yes | 1 sec | None | Streak of light | Appeared little long- longer than length of lead pencil at 6' | | Appeared to hit ground near Tularosa, New Mexico | (1) (3)
158 | 9 Dec | 1330 | 1 | Unk | Farmington, New Mexico | Dropping vertically | 500 ft. | Vertically down | | | | None | Charred parachute or cargo net | | | Disappeared | (2)
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Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 29
Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1949 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
159 | 13 Dec | 2005 | 3 | R | Alamogordo, New Mexico | Stationary then began to move downward slowly and to right | 5,000' | | White amber red green | None | 9 mts | None | Circular | 1 - 1 1/2 times size of average st. light at a distance of 8 miles | | Object took on brilliant green color, picked up speed and faded from view | (1) (2)
| 1950 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
160 | 6 Jan | 2230 | 7 | R | Alamogordo, New Mexico | E to W | | Up & down and horizontal | White changed to green & red | None | 45 mts | None | Star like | Slightly larger than planet Venus | Moved app. 15° to 20° from E to W during 45 mins it was observed | Stopped observation | (1) (2)
161 | 7 Jan | 2215 | 2 | Unk | Corona, New Mexico | From SW to SE | | Descending | Yellowish white orange blue gr. | Yes | 10 secs | None | Round ball shape | Same as cup 6" in diameter at arm's length | Compared w/fast jet fighter | Disappeared behind mt. range | (1)
162 | 9 Jan | 2226 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | | 80° - 40° above horizon | Horizontal | Incandescent green | Yes | 2 secs | None | Oval with trail | | | Disappeared behind trees | (1)
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Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 30
Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1950 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
163 | 9 Jan | 2220 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Due W | 60° above horizon | Straight course | Bluish white | Yes | 2 secs | None | Pointed | Appeared as a point | 10° per second | Luminosity stopped suddenly | (1)
164 | 9 Jan | 2225 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | | 75° - 80° above horizon | Straight line | Greenish white | None | 3 secs | None | Round | -4 to -5 compared to Jupiter | 25° per second | Behind horizon | (1)
165 | 12 Jan | 1900 | 3 | Unk | Holloman, New Mexico | To W | | Changed altitude erratically | White changed to green & red | None | 5 mts | None | Star like | About same size of Venus | | Discontinued watching | (1) (2)
166 | 13 Jan | 0605 | 3 | Unk | Holloman AFB, New | E to W | | Erratically up & down | White changed to green & red | None | Short time | None | Star like | About same size as Venus | | Disappeared w/daylight | (3)
167 | 27 Jan | 1715 | 1 | Unk | Scullville, New Jersey | NW | | Ascending at about 60° angle | White streak | | 30 mts | | | 1/2 that of a fireworks rocket at close range | | Faded gradually | (2)
168 | 7 Feb | 1950 / 2015 | 2 | R | Albuquerque, New Mexico | SSE to E | 40° - 45° above horizon | Horizontal | Reddish green | Yes | 4 - 6 secs | None | Round elongated trail | Twice size of evening star | About same as falling star | Faded out in atmosphere | (1)
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Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 31
Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1950 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
169 | 7 Feb | 1945 / 2000 | 2 | R | Between Tucumcari & Kirtland AFB, New Mexico | | | Flat Trajectory | Fire-ball white | Yes | 2 - 4 secs | None | | | Over 1,000 mph | Faded out suddenly | (1)
170 | 15 Feb | 1530 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | From NW to W | 45° downward above horizon | | Appeared red & green | Yes | 30 | None | Round | That of a normal marble | Like shooting star trail | Faded out | (1) (3)
171 | 18 Feb | 0510 | 5 | R | Holloman AFB, New Mexico | | | Climbed | White and orange | None | 1 hr 44 mts | None | Round to cone shape | Size of coffee cup at arm's length | | Stopped observation | (2)
172 | 20 Feb | 0530 | 2 | Unk | Holloman AFB, New Mexico | Stationary | 1,000' above 9,000' mt. | Stationary | White | None | 5 mts | None | Round | App size of 1/2 dollar held at arm's length | Stationary | Disappeared from view behind cloud | (2)
173 | 21 Feb | 1355 | 1 | R | Albuquerque, New Mexico | To W or SW | 20° to 23° above horizon | Straight flight | White | None | 1 1/2 mts | None | Round | Compared in size to upper dark portion of moon as it rises in E | 1 1/2 mts. to cover 2° | | (2)
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Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 32
Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1950 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
174 | 24 Feb | 1400 | 1 | R | Albuquerque, New Mexico | E by SE | About 20° above horizon | | Bright white | None | 20-30 secs | None | Round | Compared w/size of weather balloon as it disappeared in distance | Very slow | Faded out of sight | (2)
175*** | 24 Feb | 1930 | 1 | R | Datil, New Mexico | NW | | | White changing to red & green | Yes | 2 hrs 30 mts | None | Round | | 1° per 2 mts. | Disappeared | (1) (2)
176 | 24 Feb | 1345 | 1 | Unk | Los Alamos, New Mexico | E then turned W | 25,000-30,000' | Straight up | White, kept flashing like mirror in sun | None | 20 mts | None | | | Very fast | Went straight up out of sight | (2)
177 | 24 Feb | 1340 | 1 | Unk | Los Alamos, New Mexico | E to W, W to E then st. up | 30,000' | Straight up | Silvery white | None | 20 mts | None | | | | Went straight up out of sight | (2)
178 | 24 Feb | 1315 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Erratic generally NE | 20,000-30,000' | | Silvery | None | 15 mts | None | Saucer shaped | 100' across if at 20,000-30,000' | As fast or faster than sound | Disappeared | (2)
***See attached photograph.
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Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 33
Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1950 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
179 | 24 Feb | Between 1315 / 1400 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Circled then E | Considerable altitude | | Aluminum | Yes | 2 | None | Spherical | Rather large | Erratic | Unknown | (1)
180 | 25 Feb | 1545 / 1555 | 12 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Heading toward ground | 30° - 35° above horizon | | Flashing silver | None | 3 secs to 2 mts | None | Circular like plane fuselage | Small airplane | From very slow to very fast | | (2)
181 | 25 Feb | 2115 | 1 | Unk | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Toward S | App. 20° above horizon | Almost vertical | Bright greenish white | Yes | 1 1/2 secs | None | Teardrop | 3 times size of a shooting star | Slightly slower than falling star | Appeared to burn out | (1)
182 | 25 Feb | 0200 | 1 | R | Datil, New Mexico | NW | | | White changing to red & green | Yes | 30 mts | None | Round | | 1° per 2 mts | Disappeared behind mountain | (2)
183 | 25 Feb | 1410 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | 1 to 3 miles at 30° above horizon | | Metallic | None | 2 mts | None | Oblong | 10 - 15' | 40 mph | Went below horizon | (2)
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Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 34
Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1950 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
184 | 25 Feb | 1545 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | N to SWS | Very high | | White to silver | None | 30 secs | None | Circular | About size of 50¢ piece at its height | Very fast | Disappeared into glare of sun | (3)
185 | 25 Feb | 1550 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S or SW | 12,000' | | Metallic | None | Few secs | None | | As large or larger than average plane | Fast | Faded from view | (2)
186 | 25 Feb | 1545 / 1555 | 14 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | NE to SW | Overhead at from 4 to 10 miles | Traveled w/a fluttering motion | Silver | None | Few secs to 2 mts | None | Round | Vary from 4" to small airplane | Very fast 500 - 1500 mph | | (2)
187 | 25 Feb | 1655 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | E to W | | | Shiny silvery | None | 10-15 secs | None | Round | About size of B-25 fuselage | Slow speed | Disappeared behind tree | (2)
188 | 10 Mar | 1800 / 1830 | 6 | Unk | Phoenix, Arizona | SE | 40,000-50,000' | Moved upward at 60° angle | Aluminum or quick silver | Yes | 10 mts | None | Oval or oblong | Size of moon | Extremely high | Disappeared | (2)
189 | 5 Mar | 1135 / 1300 | 4 | R | Vaughn, New Mexico | Traveled 195° | | Straight flight | White | None | 1 hr 25 mts | None | Round | Ping pong ball at arm's length | 180 to 200 mph | Ceased observation | (2)
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Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 35
Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1950 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
190 | 11 Mar | 0100 | 1 | R | Holloman AFB, New | App 270° | About 30° above horizon at distance of 50 miles | Straight flight | Changed from light orange to blood red to amber to light green | None | 5 mts | None | Ping pong ball | Ping pong ball held at arm's length | | Disappeared from view | (1) (2)
191 | 16 Mar | 1100 | 10 | Unk | Farmington, New Mexico | N to NE | | Turned on their axis & maneuvered up & down | Bright luminous as tin foil | None | 3 - 5 mts | None | Flat spheroidic | 1 to 6" | Faster than conventional aircraft | Discontinued observation | (2)
192 | 16 Mar | 1000 | 10 | Unk | Farmington, New Mexico | NE | Over 20,000' | Skyward at 60° - 80° | Bright aluminum | None | 30 mts | None | Oval & oblong | 1/16" - 1/2" held at arm's length | Faster than conventional aircraft | Gradually disappeared | (2)
193 | 17 Mar | 0310 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Toward earth | | Toward earth | Reddish then green | None | 1 sec | None | | | | Appeared to fall to earth | (3)
194 | 17 Mar | 0300 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | NE | | Level flight | Greenish yellow | None | 3 secs | None | Round | 1/4 size of full moon | Moderate | Like light going out | (3)
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Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 35
Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1950 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
190 | 11 Mar | 0100 | 1 | R | Holloman AFB, New | App 270° | About 30° above horizon at distance of 50 miles | Straight flight | Changed from light orange to blood red to amber to light green | None | 5 mts | None | Ping pong ball | Ping pong ball held at arm's length | | Disappeared from view | (1) (2)
191 | 16 Mar | 1100 | 10 | Unk | Farmington, New Mexico | N to NE | | Turned on their axis & maneuvered up & down | Bright luminous as tin foil | None | 3 - 5 mts | None | Flat spheroidic | 1 to 6" | Faster than conventional aircraft | Discontinued observation | (2)
192 | 16 Mar | 1000 | 10 | Unk | Farmington, New Mexico | NE | Over 20,000' | Skyward at 60° - 80° | Bright aluminum | None | 30 mts | None | Oval & oblong | 1/16" - 1/2" held at arm's length | Faster than conventional aircraft | Gradually disappeared | (2)
193 | 17 Mar | 0310 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | Toward earth | | Toward earth | Reddish then green | None | 1 sec | None | | | | Appeared to fall to earth | (3)
194 | 17 Mar | 0300 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | NE | | Level flight | Greenish yellow | None | 3 secs | None | Round | 1/4 size of full moon | Moderate | Like light going out | (3)
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Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 37
Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1950 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
200 | 21 Mar | 1320 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | E to SW | App 45° above horizon | | 2 objects silver | None | 10 mts | None | Round | App size of dime at arm's length | Excessive to jet flight | Gradually faded from view | (2)
201 | 21 Mar | 1300 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | NE to SE | 40,000-60,000' | | Varied from shiny silver to shady gray | None | 30 mts | None | Round | Size of end of thumb at arm's length | About same as jet aircraft | Disappeared | (2)
202 | 21 Mar | 1315 | 1 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | E | 75° above horizon | | White | None | 5 mts | None | Round | Smaller than fist at arm's length | App. 600 - 700 mph | Disappeared from range of vision | (2)
203 | 21 Mar | 1300 / 1330 | 4 | Unk | Kirtland AFB, New | SE to S | 40° - 50° above horizon | Zig-zag motion up & down | Bright silver | None | 1 mt | None | Round | Size of dime at arm's length | About same as fast jet aircraft | Disappeared from range of vision | (2)
204 | 22 Mar | 1100 | 11 | Unk | Kirtland AFB, New Mexico | NW changing to N | 25,000 to 30,000' | Horizontal | Tan to brown | None | 5 - 6 secs | None | Flying wing | About size of golf ball held at arm's length | Extremely high speed | Disappeared | (2)
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Summary of Sightings of Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 17th District OSI (cont) Page 38
Number | Date | Time | Number of Observers | *Reliability of Observers | General Area of Occurrence | Apparent Direction of Flight | Apparent Altitude | Course Horizontal to Vertical | Color | Train or Trail | Duration of Observation | Sound | Shape | Apparent Size | Apparent Speed | Manner of Disappearance | **Evaluation
| 1950 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
205 | 22 Mar | 0010 | 3 | Unk | Sandia Base, New Mexico | SE to NW | | Line parallel w/line tangent to the earth | Blue center with orange exterior | None | 1 1/2 - 3 secs | None | Round like ball from roman candle | | 1 1/2 secs 30° azimuth | Burned out | (3)
206 | 1 Apr | 0420 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | S to N | 75° above horizon | | White light | None | 1 sec or less | None | Round | | | Disappeared behind building | (3)
207 | 17 Apr | 1530 | 10 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | | 2,000' above horizon | Maneuvered up & down & from side to side | Light green bright as tin foil | None | 20-30 secs | None | | 1/16" at arm's length | | Gradually went out of sight | (1)
208 | 20 Apr | 1530 | 1 | R | Los Alamos, New Mexico | | | Maneuvered up & down | Bright metallic | None | 15-30 mts | None | Roughly circular | Est. 9' in diameter | Faster than conventional aircraft | Lost sight of object | (2)
209 | 1 May | 1510 | 2 | Unk | Kirtland AFB, New | SW to NE | Apparently a few thousand feet | Was angling downward | Silver lucid metallic object | None | Not quite a sec | None | Cylindrical | | Tremendous | Flash of brilliant white light | (2)
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=== [Page 61 — Sighting No. 175 photograph and caption] ===
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[image: photographic print mounted on page — mostly black field (overexposed/dark exposure) with a small bright round luminous object near the right side; print is held to backing page by two holes/grommets at top]
Sighting No. 175
Photograph of Unknown Aerial Phenomena taken at Datil,
New Mexico by Cpl Lertis E. Stanfield, Holloman Air Force
Base, New Mexico on 24 and 25 Feb 1950. An analysis of
the above photograph was made by Dr. Lincoln LaPaz, Head
of the Institute of Meteoritics, University of New Mexico,
Albuquerque, New Mexico, who reached the following con-
clusions:
a. The angular diameter of the perfectly round
luminous object Stanfield observed was approx-
imately 1/4 of a degree.
b. The angular velocity of the object in the sky
was greater than half a degree per minute.
Dr. LaPaz stated that on the basis of the results (a)
and (b) above, 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).
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[blank page — two punch holes at top; faint diagonal "CONFIDENTIAL" stamp on left side, struck through]
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CONFIDENTIAL
THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
ALBUQUERQUE
INSTITUTE OF METEORITICS
May 23, 1950
[hw: faint watermark/embossed: "DIAMOND ... MADE IN U.S.A."]
To: Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees, Commanding Officer
17th District, O. S. I.
From: Lincoln LaPaz, Director
Institute of Meteoritics
Subject: Anomalous Luminous Phenomena (Seventh Report)
1. In the second report of this series, dated 1948, December 20, the
writer listed ten significant differences between the bright green horizon-
tally-moving fireballs observed in the interval 1948, December 5-20, and
typical meteors. These differences were the following:
(1) 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.
(2) 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 nor-
mally observed.
(3) 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).
(4) In the case of meteorites that penetrate to as low levels
as that determined for the fireball of December 12, the observed lu-
minous phenomena are always accompanied by very violent noises. No
noises whatever have been observed in connection with the various
December fireballs so far investigated. (Note added on 1950, May 23:
Possible exceptions to the noiselessness of green fireballs are the
incidents of 1949, January 30, and 1949, December 4.)
(5) 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.
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=== [Page 64 — LaPaz Seventh Report, page 2] ===
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To: Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees - Page 2
Subj: Anomalous Luminous Phenomena (Seventh Report) May 23, 1950
(6) In the case of genuine meteors the paths are directed to-
ward all points of the compass with equal frequency. On the contrary
in the case of the green fireballs, plots of admissible approach sec-
tors show that there is a very pronounced tendency for the paths to
come in from the north half of the sky.
(7) 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. For example, the obser-
vation mentioned by Mr. Honnig appeared near the maximum of the
Quadrantid shower of early January, Mr. McCullough's observation of
August was near the time of the Persid shower and the December
observations all fell in the interval covered by the Geminid shower.
This relationship might indicate an attempt to render the green fire-
balls less conspicuous by causing them to appear only when there is
considerable meteoric activity.
(8) As noted in an earlier communication, the remarkably vivid
green color reported for most of the December fireballs is rarely
observed in the case of genuine meteors. 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
λ =5218Å.
(9) The duration estimates of between 2 and 3 seconds reported
for the green fireballs are considerably longer than those (0.4 -
0.5 seconds) for the ordinary visual meteors, but shorter than the
duration estimates invariably reported in the case of a genuine
meteorite fall (5 to 30 seconds or even longer).
(10) For none of the green fireballs has a train of sparks or
a dust cloud been reported. This contrasts sharply with the be-
havior noted in case of meteoric fireballs--particularly those
that penetrate to the very low levels where the green fireball of
December 12 was observed.
2. In the year and a half since this list was prepared, many ad-
ditional observations have been made, the total number of objects now
accepted as belonging in the green fireball category being 72. (Al-
though this number constitutes nearly 50% of the incidents listed in the
accompanying Summary, it constitutes less than 5% of the total number of
unscreened observations reported to the writer.) Critical analysis of
all green fireball reports now available shows that only one of the
statements in the list given in paragraph 1 needs to be modified,
namely, item (1). Within the last year, a considerable number of the
green fireballs have appeared to fall vertically downward rather than
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=== [Page 65 — LaPaz Seventh Report, page 3] ===
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To: Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees - Page 3
Subj: Anomalous Luminous Phenomena (Seventh Report) May 23, 1950
to move horizontally. However, a strictly vertical infall is also very
rarely observed in the case of genuine meteor falls.
3. An analysis just completed of the time distribution of the green
fireballs so far observed permits us to add an 11th item to the list of
differences given in paragraph 1 above. 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).
4. Inspection of the graph referred to in paragraph 3 also will
show that most of the green fireballs have been sighted in a time inter-
val extending from about 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (MST). This concentration
might be even more pronounced if it were possible to screen out of the
secondary maximum, around 2 a.m. (MST), all ordinary meteors which have
been mistakenly identified as green fireballs. That such misidentifica-
tion has occurred is strongly suggested by the near coincidence in time
of the secondary maximum of the green fireballs and the well established
early morning maximum of the ordinary meteors.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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 "fly-
ing saucer" incidents in this region has attained an all-time high.
8. Although I have recently received from Dr. Joseph Kaplan of the
Scientific Advisory Board a letter containing the statement "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". I still
CONFIDENTIAL
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=== [Page 66 — LaPaz Seventh Report, page 4] ===
CONFIDENTIAL
To: Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees - Page 4
Subj: Anomalous Luminous Phenomena (Seventh Report) May 23, 1950
consider the most probable explanation of the green fireballs to be the
one given in the first of the three paragraphs below which are quoted
from my letter of 1950, February 20, to Dr. P. H. Wyckoff, Chief Atmos-
pheric Physics Laboratory, Base Directorate for Geophysical Research.
The last two paragraphs quoted below well summarize my recommendations
concerning the green fireball problem:
"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. As a result
of this comprehensive review, particularly as it relates to the in-
cident of February 7, 1950, I feel compelled to write you in some-
what different terms concerning my own part in the proposed fireball
project than I had in mind when we last discussed this matter. In
brief, I have come to the conclusion that, on the basis of the
evidence now available to me, I would not be justified in recommend-
ing a fireball project. In my opinion, this evidence proves conclu-
sively that the fireballs reported on fall into one of two categories:
Those of the first category (the majority) are meteoritic 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. 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.
However, even if my interpretation of the unconventional fireballs
is the correct one, it is obvious that those in position to confirm
it should refuse to do so."
"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 these 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 unconvention-
al green fireballs, in case you are in possession of information
proving that they are not U. S. missiles."
"If such an immediate investigation were to be undertaken, I
would recommend that Dr. Fred L. Whipple, of Harvard College Obser-
vatory, be placed in charge of the photographic phase of the inves-
tigation; that Dr. Peter M. Millman, of the Dominion Observatory,
be placed in charge of the spectrographic phase of the investigation;
CONFIDENTIAL
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=== [Page 67 — LaPaz Seventh Report, page 5 — signed] ===
CONFIDENTIAL
To: Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees - Page 5
Subj: Anomalous Luminous Phenomena (Seventh Report) May 23, 1950
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."
9. Although the above paragraphs were written some months ago, the
recommendations contained in them are the ones I would urge you to con-
sider 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.
[signature: Lincoln LaPaz]
Lincoln LaPaz, Director
Institute of Meteoritics
University of New Mexico
CONFIDENTIAL
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=== [Page 68 — Graph: Time of Sightings] ===
[graph header preprinted: "331-20 20X20 PER INCH THE FREDERICK POST CO., CHICAGO, ILL."]
CONFIDENTIAL
[image: hand-drawn line graph on engineering grid paper. Title implicit. Two punch holes at left margin.]
Legend:
............ Meteorites
---------- Meteors
────────── Green "Fireballs"
─·─·─·─· "Disks" or Variations
Y-axis label: Number of Observations (gridded 0, 8, 16, 24, 32, 40)
X-axis label: TIME OF SIGHTINGS (hours: 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16)
Annotations on curves:
- "GREEN 'FIREBALL' MAXIMUM" (peak near 20-21 hrs, ~24 observations)
- "METEOR MAXIMUM" (peak near 2-3 hrs, ~33 observations)
- "METEORITE MAXIMUM" (peak near 15-16 hrs, ~40+ observations)
- "'DISK' or VARIATION MAXIMUM" (lower peak near 14-15 hrs, ~10 observations)
CONFIDENTIAL
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=== [Page 69 — blank reverse] ===
[blank page — two punch holes at top, faint diagonal "CONFIDENTIAL" stamp lower right, struck through]
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=== [Page 70 — Doyle Rees transmittal, 18 May 1949] ===
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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON
[hw: 380.01]
[hw: 333.5]
THE INSPECTOR GENERAL USAF
17TH DISTRICT OFFICE OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO
DR/JLB/web
File No: 24-8 18 May 1949
SUBJECT: UNKNOWN (Aerial Phenomena)
TO: Commanding General
Sandia Base
Albuquerque, New Mexico
ATTN: Intelligence Officer
1. Transmitted herewith is a Summary of Information relative to
the aerial phenomena which have been observed in the New Mexico -- West
Texas area.
2. This investigation is being continued and your office will be
kept informed of future developments.
[signature: Doyle Rees]
1 Incl DOYLE REES
Summary of Information Lt/Col, USAF
District Commander
DISTRIBUTION OF SUMMARY:
2 - Hq OSI
1 - 3d OSI Region
1 - CG, AMC
1 - CO, Kirtland AFB
1 - CO, 636th Acft Control & warning Sq
1 - AF Guided Missile Project
1 - AF Field Office for Atomic Energy
1 - CG, Sandia Base
3 - Atomic Energy Security Service
1 - CG, Fourth Army
1 - BIO, Ft Bliss, Texas
1 - FBI, Albuquerque
1 - Dr Lincoln LaPaz, UNM
12 - File
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[hw, bottom: File: I Incidents - Fireball Phen]
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=== [Page 71 — Summary of Information, 19 April 1949, page 1] ===
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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON
[stamp: DECLASSIFIED
Authority NW 91526
By [hw: D.E.] /em NARA, Date [hw: 5/13/16]]
THE INSPECTOR GENERAL USAF
17th DISTRICT OFFICE OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO
19 April 1949
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION:
1. This is a comprehensive summary of all observations of unidenti-
fied aerial phenomena possessing similar characteristics which have been
observed in the New Mexico-West Texas area. The common characteristics
of most of the incidents are:
a. Green color, sometimes described as greenish-white, bright
green, yellow-green, or blue green.
b. Horizontal path, sometimes with minor variations.
c. Speed less than that of a meteor, but more than any known type
of aircraft.
d. No sound associated with observations.
e. No persistent trail or dust cloud.
f. Period of visibility from one to five seconds.
2. All of the incidents reported do not possess all of the above
characteristics, but in each case one or more are present. In none of the
reported incidents has any natural or man-made object been determined to
be responsible.
3. The body of this summary consists of a tabulation of observations
with notes attached to clarify or amplify certain of the more important
observations. Note numbers 1, 3, and 5 are taken directly from reports
compiled by Dr. Lincoln LaPaz, University of New Mexico. Dr. LaPaz is
internationally known and respected as a meteoriticist, and has taken a
great interest in these phenomena.
4. The tabulation of sightings is not a complete record of all re-
ported observations, but comprises only those in which interviews were
conducted by OSI personnel. Many other persons were interviewed by Dr.
LaPaz and his colleagues, but inasmuch as complete data is not available,
these interviews are not taken into account in this summary. In addition,
numerous reports have been received from individuals who could not provide
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=== [Page 72 — Summary of Information page 2] ===
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SUMMARY OF INFORMATION (Cont) 19 April 1949
sufficient information to warrant inclusion of such facts as they did
possess. Any interview where the veracity of the interviewee was
doubted was discounted in the preparation of reports for transmittal.
1 Incl
Tabular Summary w/notes
- 2 -
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=== [Page 73 — Tabular Summary, first sheet] ===
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Date Time Color Course Seen From Seen By
5 Dec 48 1930 Green NE to SW Las Vegas, N.M. Civilian
5 Dec 48 2000 Green N/S Albuquerque, N.M. Univ. of N.M. Student
5 Dec 48 2105 Green N/S Near Las Vegas, N.M. Military Pilots
5 Dec 48 2115 Green N/S Las Vegas, N.M. Civilian
5 Dec 48 2115 Green N/S Las Vegas, N.M. Civilian
5 Dec 48 2115 Green N/S Lucy, N.M. Civilian
5 Dec 48 2127 Green N/S East of Albuquerque Military Pilots
5 Dec 48 2135 Green N/S Near Las Vegas, N.M. Pilots, Pioneer Airlines
5 Dec 48 2200 Green N/S Near Las Vegas, N.M. Civilian Pilot
5 Dec 48 2220 Red-white NE to SW Levy, N.M. USAF Photographer
5 Dec 48 2220 N/S N/S Onava, N.M. Railway Worker
5 Dec 48 2315 Green N/S Near Las Vegas, N.M. Univ. of N.M. Student
6 Dec 48 2255 Green N/S Sandia Base AEC Security Agent
7 Dec 48 2145 Green N/S Los Alamos AESS Inspector
8 Dec 48 1835 Green N/S Near Las Vegas, N.M. OSI Personnel
12 Dec 48 2102 Note 1
12 Dec 48 2102 Note 1
13 Dec 48 2130 Note 2
13 Dec 48 2215 Green N/S 20 mi. East of Las Vegas Civilian
14 Dec 48 0100 Green N/S Wagon Mound, N.M. Civilian
20 Dec 48 2054 Note 2 Note 3
28 Dec 48 0431 White N to S Los Alamos AESS Inspector
6 Jan 49 0310 Green E to W Los Alamos AESS Inspector
6 Jan 49 1730 Note 4
30 Jan 49 Note 5
14 Feb 49 1840 White-Greenish NE to SW Near Ganado, Ariz. Dr. Salsbury
17 Feb 49 Note 6
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=== [Page 74 — Tabular Summary, second sheet] ===
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Date Time Color Course Seen From Seen By
27 Feb 49 2305 Green W to E Los Alamos AESC Lieutenant
2 Mar 49 0010 N/S W to S Los Alamos AESS Inspector
3 Mar 49 0159 Green Down Los Alamos AESS Sergeant
3 Mar 49 1836 White-Greenish 275 to 269 Los Alamos AESS Inspector
3 Mar 49 1835 Note 7
13 Mar 49 2155 Greenish-White NE or SW Sandia Base MPs
27 Mar 49 1800 Note 6
5 Apr 49 2200 Green S to N Los Alamos AESS Inspector
6 Apr 49 0005 Green NW to SE Los Alamos AESS Inspector
7 Apr 49 0100 Green S to N Los Alamos AESS Inspector
7 Apr 49 0135 Green E to W Los Alamos AESS Inspector
12 Apr 49 1930 White E to W Sandia Base MP
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=== [Page 75 — Extract from LaPaz report of 20 December 1948, page 1 — NOTE 1] ===
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EXTRACT FROM REPORT SUBMITTED BY DR. LaPAZ ON 20 DECEMBER 1948:
December 14:
1:00 a.m., Mr. Mimo Sanchez (Wagon Mound, N.M.)
2. The Real Path of the Only Green Fireball so Far Observed at Two
Separate Stations. Among the numerous observations so far made, there is
only one pair of corresponding observations i.e., those made simultaneously
by different groups of observers at widely separated stations. The only
such observations are those obtained on the night of December 12 by one group
of observers near Starvation Peak (Bernal, New Mexico - see report on incident
of 1948, December 12, 9h 2m plus or minus 30s), and a second pair of observers
stationed within the Los Alamos reservation. By graphic reduction of the
simultaneously made observations, the following facts have been determined:
The green fireball of December 12, 9h 2m plus or minus 30s appeared very near
a point with the coordinates latitude 35° 50', longitude 106° 40' and disap-
peared near a point with the coordinates latitude 35° 45', longitude 107° 05',
traversing a nearly or exactly horizontal path with a length of very nearly
twenty-five (25) miles at an altitude above the surface of the earth of ap-
proximately 8 to 10 miles, depending on the estimate of angular altitude
employed in the reduction; the velocity with respect to the earth works out
at between 8 and 12 miles a second, depending on the duration estimate used.
It should be observed that the above results are obtained under the assump-
tion that the points of appearance and disappearance of the fireball were seen
simultaneously by both the Bernal and Los Alamos groups. In case this assump-
tion is not fulfilled, the real path could very easily be no more than 10 to
12 miles long, the velocity with respect to the earth then working out at
between 3 and 6 miles a second. While there is thus considerable undertainty
because of the lack of confirming azimuth observations from a third station,
concordance in the five (5) different estimates of angular elevation make it
most unlikely that the linear height of the fireball was much less than 8 mi[?]
and much more than 10 miles. It is interesting to observe that the backward
extension of the 25-mile path first given passes almost centrally across the
Los Alamos reservation.
3. Significant Differences Between the Fireballs Observed in the Interval
December 5-13 and Typical Meteors.
3.1 The horizontal nature of the paths of most of the December fire-
balls is most unusual. Genuine meteors are rarely observed to move in hori-
zontal paths.
3.2 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.
3.3 The velocity determined for the fireball of December 12 is much
less than the velocities determined from typical meteors (and yet is consider-
ably greater than the speeds of the V-2 Rockets or jet planes or of conventional
flares).
NOTE 1
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=== [Page 76 — LaPaz extract page 2] ===
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TO: Colonel Doyle Rees December 20, 1948
3.4 In the case of meteorites that penetrate to as low levels as
that determined for the fireball of December 12, the observed luminous phe-
nomena are always accompanied by very violent noises. No noises whatever
have been observed in connection with the various December fireballs so far
investigated.
3.5 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.
3.6 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.
3.7 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. For example, the observation mentioned by Mr. Honnig
appeared near the maximum of the Quadrantid shower of early January, Mr.
McCullough's observation of August was near the time of the Persid shower and
the December observations all fell in the interval covered by the Geminid
shower. This relationship might indicate an attempt to render the green fire-
balls less conspicuous by causing them to appear only when there is consider-
able meteoric activity.
3.8 As noted in an earlier communication, the remarkably vivid green
color reported for most of the December fireballs is rarely observed in the
case of genuine meteors. 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.
3.9 The duration estimates of between 2 and 3 seconds reported for
the green fireballs are considerably longer than those (0.4 - 0.5 seconds)
for the ordinary visual meteors, but shorter than the duration estimates
invariably reported in the case of a genuine meteorite fall (5 to 30 seconds
or even longer).
3.10 For none of the green fireballs has a train of sparks or a dust
cloud been reported. This contrasts sharply with the behavior noted in case
of meteoric fireballs--particularly those that penetrate to the very low
levels where the green fireball of December 12 was observed.
4. 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.
LINCOLN LaPAZ
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=== [Page 77 — NOTE 2: Incidents of 13 and 20 December 1948] ===
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INCIDENTS OF 13 AND 20 DECEMBER 1948:
The unusual feature of these two incidents is that there were reported
two red lights trailing the green fireball. In each case observers agreed
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 two of
all the green fireballs where a sharp change of direction in the vertical
plane was observed. One of these incidents, that of 20 December, was observed
by Atomic Energy Security Service Inspectors, while the other was observed [by a]
truck driver and his wife. That of 20 December was observed in the Los Alamos
area, while that of the 13th of December was observed southwest of Las Vegas[, N.M.]
NOTE 2
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=== [Page 78 — Inclosure #6, LaPaz Third Report 30 Dec 1948 — page 1, NOTE 3] ===
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COPY
INCLOSURE #6
The University of New Mexico
Albuquerque
Institute of Meteoritics December 30, 1948
TO: Lt. Colonel Doyle Rees, Commanding Officer
District No. 17
Office of Special Investigations
From: Lincoln LaPaz, Director
Institute of Meteoritics
Subject: Anomalous luminous phenomena (Third Report)
In the second report of this series, a description was given of the real
path through the atmosphere of the green fireball of 1948, December 12, 9h 2m
(plus or minus 30s). On the basis of corresponding observations made from the
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. (The minimum path length consistent with the observations
was found to be about 11 miles, the corresponding velocity then falling between
3 and 6 miles per second, depending on the duration adopted.)
On the basis of corresponding observations of the greenish-white fireball
of 1948, December 20, 8h 54m p.m. made by two pairs of Los Alamos observers,
it has now become possible to work out another approximate real path. As will
be apparent from the original accounts of the observations made by AESS
Inspectors William D. Wilson, Buford G. Truett, Clifford E. Strang, and Phys[ical]
Security Inspector George S. Skipper, the fireball of 1948, December 20, was
observed under less favorable conditions than the green fireball seen by five
persons on the night of December 12. However, on the basis of the original
accounts of the observers named above, of sketches supplied by these four in[di]-
viduals and of transit observations made by Captain M. E. Oder
and the undersigned on the same date at the points of observation (viz.,
35° 48' .9, 106° 18' .4 for Strang and Skipper and 35° 55', 106° 23' for
Wilson and Truett), it has been possible to establish reasonable concordance
between various points on the fireball path as seen by the two groups of ob-
servers. Because of the very short baseline (only 8 miles long) between the
two points of observation and the difficult conditions under which the fire[ball]
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 ob-
tained from the December 12 observations.
NOTE 3
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=== [Page 79 — Inclosure #6, page 2] ===
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Lt. Col. Doyle Rees -2- December 30, 1948
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 [to]
an angle of about 45° to the vertical (according to Truett's estimate) to [a]
point C at an elevation of only 2.3 miles above the horizontal plane through
the point from which Strang and Skipper observed. As the fireball approach[ed]
the point C, its path levelled off and from C to its point of disappearance [at]
E, the fireball followed a nearly horizontal path approximately 7.5 miles [long]
moving with a velocity of between 3.75 and 7.5 miles per second, depending [on]
the duration estimate adopted. The coordinates of the projection of C on [the]
earth are 35° 56', N, 106° 30' W, and those of the projection of E are 35°
57' N, 106° 23' W. The forward extension of the fireball's trace on the e[arth]
as determined by the above projections, passes some six miles to the north [of]
the town of Los Alamos.
It should be noted that the descending branch of the path of the fire[ball]
was observed by Inspector Truett alone, but he was absolutely certain that
his observation of this portion of the path was correct. It should also 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. I have no hesitancy in testifying that an object possessing the [?]
path and the other peculiarities observed by Messrs. Wilson, Truett, Strang,
and Skipper was not a falling meteorite.
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=== [Page 80 — NOTE 4: Memo 7 January 1949, Pfc. Everitt sighting] ===
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TO: Director, Intelligence & Security Division 7 January 1949
FROM: Chief, Physical Security Branch
SUBJECT: Reported Observation of Unidentified Light or Flare Moving Across
the Sky on 6 January 1949
1. On 7 January 1949, the writer interviewed Pfc. Meredith J.
Everitt, ASN 38552954, Headquarters, 8450th M.P. Group, concerning the un-
identified light or flare which he had reportedly seen moving across the sky.
2. Pfc. Everitt advised that on 6 January 1949 he was guarding a
C-97 airplane at the landing strip, located adjacent to the Ordnance Area,
when at approximately 1730 hours 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. 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 was unable to estimate the speed of the object but stated that he has
seen low flying jet planes, and that this object travelled much faster than
the jets that he has observed. There was no smoke or other vaporous material
visible to Pfc. Everitt around or following the object.
3. At the time Pfc. Everitt witnessed the object, he stated that the
sky was clear, furnishing a light blue background, and that the object appear-
ed to be a bright white light, with no other apparent visible color.
4. Standing guard with Pfc. Everitt were Sgt. Richard Woleslegee and
Cpl. Wilson, and according to Pfc. Everitt, neither of the other men saw the
object. Everitt explained that he called to Sgt. Woleslegee, who was standing
at the other end of the plane, and told him to look at the object in the sky,
but by that time it had disappeared.
5. Pfc. Everitt stated that he attended Flight School, under the G.I.
Bill of Rights in Houston, Texas, during the year 1947, and that he has had
some experience in observing aircraft.
/s/ MATTHEW J. DOYLE
Chief, Physical Security Branch
Intelligence & Security Division
NOTE 4
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=== [Pages 81-100] ===
=== [Page 81 — Memo: LaPaz to Rees, 21 Feb 1949, 4th report] ===
[SECRET — struck through]
THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
ALBUQUERQUE
Institute of Meteoritics February 21, 1949
TO: Lt Colonel Doyle Rees, Commanding Officer
District No. 17
Office of Special Investigations
From: Lincoln LaPaz, Director
Institute of Meteoritics
Subject: Anomalous luminous phenomena (4th report)
1. Several additional sightings of unexplained aerial light phenomena
have occurred since the third report in this series was prepared. Outstanding
among the as yet undescribed incidents was the green fireball of Sunday evening,
January 30, 1949, 5:54 p.m. MST. Within less than one minute after the ap-
pearance of the fireball, an eyewitness (Mr. Nesbett) called to report the im-
pression of a group of persons who saw the fireball through an east window
while seated about the dinner table in a brightly lighted room. Within twelve
hours after the fireball appeared, more than 100 eyewitness accounts had been
obtained by its director through personal interviews. An unusually high per-
centage of the reports came from military personnel (waiting out under the sky
for Post Theaters to open), from guards and other special agents already alert
to watch for anomalous luminous phenomena and from airplane pilots, control
tower men and oilwell workers working on the late afternoon to midnight shift.
2. On February 1st, a staff car was placed at the writer's disposal by
Major William Godsoe of the Fourth Army and a field survey was begun of the
region in New Mexico and Texas in which the majority of the observer's report-
ing the fall lived. This survey, carried out under unusually severe weather
conditions, included visits to the following localities: Moriarty, Estancia,
Vaughn, Ramon, Mesa, Roswell, Caprock, Tatum and other towns in New Mexico;
and Lamesa, Brownfield, Plains, Lubbock, Muleshoe and other towns in Texas.
(Several of these towns were visited two or more times.) At Roswell, where
very effective cooperation was provided by the OSI group at Walker Air Base
under Lt Paul Ryan, and the local CAP unit under Lt R. K. Cobean, Special
Agent Bill Rickot was added to the survey party and gave much aid in later
work. At Lamesa, Texas, the ground survey party was joined by an air search
party consisting of Major Charles Phillips, USAF, Captain Melvin E. Neef and
Special Agent Jack L. Boling, from the 17th District OSI office at Kirtland
Field, and Corporal Cochran. On February 4th, the four persons just named flew
a low-level air reconnaissance mission in a T-11 aircraft over the area sur-
rounding the earth-point of the fireball of January 30th. At the same time
a second ground survey party under Lt Paul Ryan made a careful field search
along a route extending from Lamesa through Amherst, Texas, to Clovis, New [Mex.]
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=== [Page 82 — Memo continued, page 2] ===
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3. As a result of the ground and air searches referred to above, and of
an analysis of the very large amount of information obtained from eyewitnesses
by personal interviews, by telephone conversations and by letter, it has now
(three weeks after the fall) become clear that several thousand persons in
New Mexico and Texas saw this great fireball leisurely traverse the sky. It
has been possible to determine that the January 30th fireball became visible
at an altitude of approximately twelve miles over a point at latitude 34° [?]
longitude 102° 5', and disappeared at an altitude of approximately eight miles
over a point at latitude 32° 48', longitude 102° 22', after traversing a
nearly horizontal path approximately 143 miles long at a velocity of from se[ven]
to fourteen miles per second. Although the January 30th fireball must be ra[ted]
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 [for]
the anomalous green fireballs of December 12th and 20th, 1948), the meteoritic
detonations and long continued rumblings which without exception accompany
large meteorite falls were not observed on January 30th by anyone in the very
large region covered by the various ground surveys. However, what may have
been Udden noises (anomalous whizzing and hissing sounds frequently reported
by very distant observers as having been heard at the same time that a meteo-
ritic fireball was seen) were heard at Roswell, New Mexico, and near Muleshoe,
Texas.
4. In addition to the absence of noise anomaly referred to in the last
paragraph, the fireball of January 30th, 1949, shows several other features
(e.g. nearly horizontal path, absence of long enduring luminous train or dust
clouds, North to South direction, etc) characteristic of the green fireballs
earlier described in this series of reports. However, the January 30th fire-
ball was much brighter than any of those earlier reported and differed from the
other green fireballs in that many of the Texas observers who were situated
nearest its path reported its color as blue, orange, red and even purple in-
stead of green.
5. Up to the present time (February 21st), no evidence whatever supporting
the belief that solid fragments fell to earth from the January 30th fireball
has been discovered. However, as promptly as possible, a much more thorough
ground search should be made in the probable area of fall as outlined by the
earlier surveys, for, in my opinion, the fireball of January 30th is the only
one of the anomalous luminous objects under investigation which gives any indi-
cation of having been a meteorite fall.
6. With the present report, the writer's participation in the OSI's in-
vestigation of the puzzling fireball question must, to his regret, terminate.
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
Head of Dept of Mathematics
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2
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=== [Page 83 — Incidents of 17 February and 27 March] ===
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INCIDENTS OF 17 FEBRUARY AND 27 MARCH:
In each of these incidents the following description applies:
a. Color - Red, orange, pink, or amber.
b. Shape - Elongated, about five to ten times as long as wide.
c. Consistency - Apparently solid, but flexible. Did not appear to
be vapor or smoke trail.
d. Luminosity - Appeared to be self-luminous, and the varying attitude
of flight and changes of position caused no change in
either degree or color of emitted light.
e. Flight - Both objects performed various maneuvers, consisting of
climbing and diving, with turning movements.
f. Speed - Not accurately estimated, due to variation in time factors.
g. Termination - Both objects appeared to disappear in the distance.
h. Location - The 17 February incident was observed from the area of
Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 27 March observations were
made from the Tucumcari-Clovis area.
i. Course - The 17 February object appeared to move from west to east;
that of 27 March, from east to west.
j. Sound - No sound was reported in conjunction with either incident.
k. Remarks - In each case, reports indicated that the objects flowed
around corners in vertical maneuvers, rather than swept
around as would a rigid object. In neither case did
investigation produce any evidence of a jet-propelled
craft in the area. Observers in each case were found
whose credibility is above average.
NOTE 6
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=== [Page 84 — Incident of 8 March 1949] ===
[SECRET — struck through]
INCIDENT OF 8 MARCH 1949:
This incident was reported by an AESS Inspector on duty at Los Alamos.
The object appeared to be an eliptical, rather stubby, aluminum body sur-
rounded or covered with billowy flame. There may have been projections
similar to stubby control surfaces and wings, but the observer could not
be sure of this. The observer described the object as looking rather like
the part of a war time German airplane from the cockpit aft. It disappeared
behind the clouds. The path was slightly descending; there was no noise.
NOTE 7
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=== [Page 85 — Blank verso / control numbers] ===
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[hw: 3437370]
[hw: circled 11]
=== [Page 86 — Memo: Sandia Base to Chief AFSWP, 31 Mar 1949] ===
[SECRET — struck through]
This document consists of 1 page(s)
No. 1 of 5 copies, series A
HEADQUARTERS, SANDIA BASE
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO 797
[hw: 380.05 C/S 045]
MAR 31 1949
REFER TO FILE NO.
SBID/1
[stamp: DECLASSIFIED Authority NW 91526 By DF/DM NARA Date 5/13/26]
SUBJECT: Unidentified Flying Objects
TO: The Chief
Armed Forces Special Weapons Project
P. O. Box 2610
Washington 25, D. C.
ATTENTION: Chief, Intelligence & Security Division
1. Reference is made to letter this Headquarters, file SBID/1,
dated 31 December 1948, subject as above.
2. Inclosed herewith are three (3) summaries of information
from Fourth Army, dated 16 March, 18 March, and 24 March 1949,
dealing with the reports of unidentified lights appearing in the
vicinity of Camp Hood, Texas.
3. A conference was held at Los Alamos on 16 February 1949,
to consider the unnatural phenomena that have been reported. Commander
Richard Mandelkorn represented this Headquarters at this conference.
His report of this conference as well as a transcript of the minutes
of the conference are attached hereto.
4. 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.
FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:
/s/ Marvin F. Pound
MARVIN F. POUND
Capt., Infantry
Adjutant
5 Incls:
1. Memo, 18 Feb. 49 (SBRD-O-2173)
2. Sum. of Info, 24 Mar 49 w/sketch
3. Sum. of Info, 18 Mar 49 w/sketch
4. Ltr 17 Mar 49 (HQS-4th 5557)
w/4 Incls
5. AEC Ltr 22 Mar 49 (in dup) w/Incl
(HILL-5577)
Distribution:
1A & 2A - Addressee
3A - I&S File
4A & 5A - Cl Doc Lib
[SECRET — struck through] SHORT TITLE: SBID-O-2296
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=== [Page 87 — Verso of above, mirror bleed-through] ===
[Reverse side of preceding memo — text shown through paper, mirror image; stamp visible: IN 1949 APR 4 14 05 HQS, AFSWP]
[stamp: DECLASSIFIED Authority NW 91526 By DF/DM NARA Date 5/13/26]
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=== [Page 88 — 1st Indorsement: AFSWP to Sandia Base, 27 April 1949] ===
THIS DOCUMENT CONSISTS OF 1 PAGE(S)
NO. 1 OF 5 COPIES, SERIES A
[SECRET]
SWPIN/380.01 1st Ind
Headquarters, Armed Forces Special Weapons Project, P. O. Box 2610,
Washington 25, D. C., 27 April 1949.
TO: Commanding General, Sandia Base, P. O. Box 5100, Albuquerque, N. M.
Inclosures listed in basic communication have been noted and are
returned herewith.
BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL NICHOLS:
5 Incls:
n/c
/s/ John C. Healey
[stamp: JOHN C. HEALEY
Major, U. S. Air Force
Adjutant General]
[stamp: OUT 27 APR 1949 HQS, AFSWP — circular dater]
[SECRET]
SHORT TITLE: SBID-O-2296
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=== [Page 89 — Verso of above, mirror bleed-through] ===
[Reverse side — text mirror image, includes OUT 27 APR 1949 stamp and John C. Healey signature stamp]
[hw: circled 12]
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=== [Page 90 — Report of Trip to Los Alamos, 18 Feb 1949, page 1] ===
[SECRET — struck through]
This document consists of 4 Pages
No. 1 of 1 copies, Series B
18 February 1949
REPORT OF TRIP TO LOS ALAMOS, NEW MEXICO, 16 FEBRUARY 1949, BY COMMANDER
RICHARD S. MANDELKORN, U.S.N., RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION, SANDIA
BASE.
Subject: Project "Grudge".
1. On 16 February, a conference was held at Los Alamos to consider
the so-called green fireball phenomena which commenced about 5 December
1948. The following were present:
For Los Alamos:
Mr. N. E. Bradbury
Mr. Marshall Holloway
Mr. Fred Reines
Mr. John Manley
Mr. Edward Teller
Mr. Elmo Morgan (AEC)
Mr. Sidney Neuberger (Security)
Mr. Maxwell (AESS)
Mr. Hoyt
For the Fourth Army:
Major William A. Godsoe
Major Wynn [stamp: DECLASSIFIED
Authority NW 91526
By DF/DM NARA Date 5/13/26]
For the U. S. Air Force:
Captain Neef
For the University of New Mexico:
Dr. Lincoln LaPaz
For Sandia Base:
Commander Richard Mandelkorn
2. 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 explana-
tions for the phenomena observed. 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-2. He then turned over the discussion to Dr. LaPaz.
[SECRET — struck through] SHORT TITLE: SBRD-O-2173
[hw: Incl #1]
NW 91526
=== [Page 91 — Report of Trip, page 2] ===
[SECRET — struck through]
This document consists of 4 Page
No. 1 of 1 copies, Series B
Report of Trip to Los Alamos, 16 Feb 49 (Cont.) 18 February 1949
3. 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, and went on with the general discussion of phenomena attending
normal meteorite fall, postulating the following important character-
istics:
a. Random path of fall.
b. Color and intensity variations in light emitted.
c. Sound.
d. Frightened animals.
4. Dr. LaPaz then went on to discuss the number of observers re-
porting the subject phenomena and the diversity of their backgrounds,
including commercial airlines' pilots, military pilots, special intelligence
agents, Los Alamos personnel (Mr. Hoyt), and himself, as well as various
and sundry previously uninformed citizens.
5. Dr. LaPaz then described the "Starvation Peak Incident" which he
observed himself, detailing the following characteristics which indicate
that the phenomenon can not be classified as a normal meteorite fall:
a. Initial bright light (no period of intensity increase) and
constant intensity during the duration of the phenomenon.
b. Yellow-green color (about 5,200 angstroms).
c. Essentially horizontal path.
d. Trajectory traversed at constant angular velocity.
e. Duration about two seconds.
f. No accompanying noise.
6. Since about 5 December 1948, there have been more than ten in-
cidents analogous to the "green fireball" described, and some twenty more
presenting minor deviations to the above, which should be considered in
connection with them. In addition, there have been a number of normal
shooting stars and meteors observed.
7. There ensued a general discussion in which it was brought up that
the majority of the observers whose reports were here under consideration
were not subject to previous psychological influences or prior knowledge
as to what they should look for. Furthermore, "seeing" conditions for
meteor observation throughout the continental United States were at least
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=== [Page 92 — Report of Trip, page 3] ===
[SECRET — struck through]
This document consists of 4 Page
No. 1 of 1 copies, Series B
Report of Trip to Los Alamos, 16 Feb 49 (Cont.) 18 February 1949
average during December, January, and February, yet no green fireballs
have been reported in any other areas. They seemed to be confined to the
Los Alamos, Las Vegas, and West Texas triangle.
8. 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, under
the assumption that the light output is in the vicinity of 10^14 ergs per
second. He then went on to show that the shock wave produced by the
passage of an object of these dimensions or greater passing through the
atmosphere at a height of eight to ten miles (the observer figures) with
a velocity of eight miles per second would produce a loud noise easily
audible ten kilometers from the source. No sound has been observed.
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. In
any event, 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. Mr. Bradbury demurred
so far as the electronic explanation was concerned, saying if it were assumed
that the answer lay in that region, many more difficult problems would have
to be solved.
9. The following action seems in order:
a. Recalculation of the data outlined by Mr. Teller with a more
accurate treatment to verify his tentative conclusions.
b. The establishment of well-equipped and organized observation
stations to give as thorough photometric and photographic coverage as is
possible in the geographic area involved.
c. Assuming that Mr. Teller's theories are borne out by re-
calculation, declassification of the Project to permit participation and
thinking by scientists throughout the country.
10. Dr. LaPaz and Captain Neef have fruitlessly attempted to obtain
information from a meteorite observers' group now at White Sands, said to
be performing work under contract for the Navy. Commander Mandelkorn
offered to assist them in their endeavor to enlist the services of the
group for observations in connection with Project "Grudge".
11. Conclusion: It is my belief that these phenomena, *particularly
if there are any further incidents, are deserving of serious consideration
*See next page.
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- 3 -
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=== [Page 93 — Report of Trip, page 4] ===
[SECRET — struck through]
This document consists of 4 Page
No. 1 of 1 copies, Series B
Report of Trip to Los Alamos, 16 Feb 49 (Cont.) 18 February 1949
until their source and meaning have been satisfactorily explained.
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.
*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.
/s/ Richard Mandelkorn
RICHARD MANDELKORN,
Commander, U.S.N.
Copy Furnished:
Fourth Army, G-2 -- Major William A. Godsoe (2)
USAF -- Captain Neef
USAF FOFAE -- Brig. Gen. Howard G. Bunker
Distribution:
Series B.
Copy 1 -- Security and Intelligence Division, Sandia Base.
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=== [Page 94 — Verso, bleed-through] ===
[Reverse side of preceding page — text mirror image]
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=== [Page 95 — Summary of Information, 24 March 1949 — Unusual Lights, Camp Hood] ===
[CONFIDENTIAL — struck through] [SECRET]
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION DATE 24 March 1949
PREPARING OFFICE
Office of the AC of S, G-2, Headquarters Fourth Army, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
SUBJECT
Unusual Lights
452.1 AKADB
CODE FOR USE IN INDIVIDUAL PARAGRAPH EVALUATION
OF SOURCE: OF INFORMATION:
COMPLETELY RELIABLE . . . . . A CONFIRMED BY OTHER SOURCES . . 1
USUALLY RELIABLE . . . . . . B PROBABLY TRUE . . . . . . . . . 2
FAIRLY RELIABLE . . . . . . . C POSSIBLY TRUE . . . . . . . . . 3
NOT USUALLY RELIABLE . . . . D DOUBTFULLY TRUE . . . . . . . . 4
UNRELIABLE . . . . . . . . . E IMPROBABLE . . . . . . . . . . 5
RELIABILITY UNKNOWN . . . . . F TRUTH CANNOT BE JUDGED . . . . 6
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION
The following information has been received in a report from the Office of
the AC of S, G-2, Headquarters 2d Armored Division, Camp Hood, Texas:
On 181947 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.
A patrol of Killeen Base, in the "Q" Area noticed two of these lights. A patrol
located on Crossville Mountain, which consisted of four enlisted men of the Alert
Force saw four. Immediate investigation in the general area failed to reveal any
cause or anything which would indicate that some person or thing had been in the
area. (B-3) (see Exhibit I, Point #1)
At 181930 March 1949, another yellow light was seen in the approximate
vicinity of 910.41 - 855.10. This light was reportedly seen by only one man.
There was no indication from reports that these lights were moving, there was no
noise, and the persons reporting were unable to make an estimate of the height.
(B-3) (see Exhibit I, Point #2)
At 181947 March 1949, what appeared to be blinking lights appeared in the
vicinity of the Rock Quarry, located at 905.82 - 855.61. Investigation by the
Alert Force and patrols of Killeen Base failed to reveal any cause or person in
that general area. Again at 181955 March 1949, lights were seen in this general
area. (B-3) (see Exhibit I, Point #3)
At 190048 March 1949, blinking lights were seen in the same general area
905.82 - 855.61. Investigation failed to reveal the cause of these lights.
All of the lights which appeared in the proximity of 905.82 - 855.61 were seen
by patrols located in the "Q" Area and were seen from points between 910.20 -
855.36 and 905.44 - 855.41. (B-3) (see Exhibit I, Point #4)
Captain Horace McCulloch, Headquarters 2d Armored Division, and Mr. Raymond
Schmidieke, Special Agent, Killeen Base, spent several hours from an observation
point located in the "Q" Area in an attempt to see these blinking lights.
[stamp: DECLASSIFIED Authority NW 91526 By DF/DM NARA Date 5/13/26]
DISTRIBUTION DI, GSUSA; CG, AMC, Wright-Patterson AFB; CG, Sandia Base; FBI, Santex;
OSI, Kirtland AFB; File
WD AGO FORM 568 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 16-53396-1 [SECRET / CONFIDENTIAL]
1 JUN 47
[hw: Incl #2]
NW 91526
=== [Page 96 — Exhibit I sketch map, Tank Destroyer Center, Camp Hood, Texas] ===
[SECRET — struck through]
[image: hand-drawn sketch map / overlay showing crosshair grid reference points; cross at coordinates 920.00 / 870.00 (upper area); crosses labeled "1", "2" and "384" at lower section; bottom cross 905.00 / 850.00]
TANK DESTROYER CENTER CAMP HOOD, TEXAS
SCALE 1:62,500 FIRST EDITION 1943
[hw: Exhibit I]
[SECRET — struck through]
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=== [Page 97 — Summary of Information, 18 March 1949 — Unusual Lights, page 1] ===
[CONFIDENTIAL — struck through] [SECRET]
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION DATE 18 March 1949
PREPARING OFFICE
Office of the AC of S, G-2, Headquarters Fourth Army, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
SUBJECT
UNUSUAL LIGHTS
(452.1 AKADB)
CODE FOR USE IN INDIVIDUAL PARAGRAPH EVALUATION
OF SOURCE: OF INFORMATION:
COMPLETELY RELIABLE . . . . . A CONFIRMED BY OTHER SOURCES . . 1
USUALLY RELIABLE . . . . . . B PROBABLY TRUE . . . . . . . . . 2
FAIRLY RELIABLE . . . . . . . C POSSIBLY TRUE . . . . . . . . . 3
NOT USUALLY RELIABLE . . . . D DOUBTFULLY TRUE . . . . . . . . 4
UNRELIABLE . . . . . . . . . E IMPROBABLE . . . . . . . . . . 5
RELIABILITY UNKNOWN . . . . . F TRUTH CANNOT BE JUDGED . . . . 6
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION
Eight moving "lights" appeared in the atmosphere over or in the vicinity
of the "Q" area, AFSWP, Camp Hood, Texas, on the evening of 17 March 1949.
At the time of these sightings, the alert guard of the 2nd Armored Division,
under the Assistant AC of S, G-2 of Camp Hood, was in the area concerned and
prepared to fire flares and record instrument readings of elevation and azimuth.
The purpose was to check the powers of observation of observers who had
previously reported the phenomena observed on 6-7-8 March 1949 and heretofore
reported in Summary of Information, this headquarters, dated 17 March 1949,
subject: "Unusual Lights." However, before this operation could be begun,
the series of 8 unusual "lights" appeared.
Coordinates of lights and time of sighting follow:
Coordinates Time
1. 910.40 - 855.14 1952
2. 910.39 - 860.13 1958
3. 910.42 - 860.14 1958
4. 910.38 - 860.15 2000
5. 910.32 - 855.20 2000 [stamp: DECLASSIFIED
Authority NW 91526
6. 910.30 - 855.17 2010 By DF/DM NARA Date 5/13/26]
7. 910.36 - 855.06 2024
8. 910.37 - 855.35 2152
Coordinates were based on dual sightings of each light by sights on tanks
of observers. Time was clocked at instant of sighting. Captain McCullough,
the Assistant G-2, personally observed three of the lights. Physical character-
istics of these "lights" were reported as "quite different" from those reported
on 6-7-8 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.
While this phenomena was occurring, a security detachment from the "Q" area
arrived in the vicinity of the alert crew from the 2nd Armored Division.
DISTRIBUTION
WD AGO FORM 568 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 16-53396-1 [SECRET / CONFIDENTIAL]
1 JUN 47
[hw: Incl #3]
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=== [Page 98 — Summary of Information, 18 March 1949, page 2] ===
[CONFIDENTIAL — struck through] [SECRET]
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION DATE 18 March 1949
PREPARING OFFICE
Office of the AC of S, G-2, Headquarters Fourth Army, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
SUBJECT
UNUSUAL LIGHTS
(452.1 AKADB)
CODE FOR USE IN INDIVIDUAL PARAGRAPH EVALUATION
OF SOURCE: OF INFORMATION:
COMPLETELY RELIABLE . . . . . A CONFIRMED BY OTHER SOURCES . . 1
USUALLY RELIABLE . . . . . . B PROBABLY TRUE . . . . . . . . . 2
FAIRLY RELIABLE . . . . . . . C POSSIBLY TRUE . . . . . . . . . 3
NOT USUALLY RELIABLE . . . . D DOUBTFULLY TRUE . . . . . . . . 4
UNRELIABLE . . . . . . . . . E IMPROBABLE . . . . . . . . . . 5
RELIABILITY UNKNOWN . . . . . F TRUTH CANNOT BE JUDGED . . . . 6
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION
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.
Investigation of whole area by ground crews is being made and additional
reports will be rendered. 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)
Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Antonio, Texas, Office of Naval
Intelligence, San Antonio, Texas, have been notified. Director of Intelligence;
Air Materiel Command; Office of Special Investigations, Kirtland Air Force Base;
and Commanding General, Sandia Base, are on distribution of this Summary.
DISTRIBUTION FBI, Santex; ONI, Santex; DI, GSUSA; CG, AMC; OSI, Kirtland AFB; CG, Sandia
Base; File
WD AGO FORM 568 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 16-53396-1 [SECRET / CONFIDENTIAL]
1 JUN 47
NW 91526
=== [Page 99 — Exhibit I sketch map — second overlay] ===
[SECRET — struck through]
[image: hand-drawn overlay sketch showing two clusters of sighting lines radiating from cross marks; upper cluster labeled with numbers 2, 3, 4 around a cross; lower cluster labeled with numbers 1, 5, 6, 7, 8 radiating from a cross; reference cross at upper right at 865 / 920; lower-left corner labeled 905000 Yards / 850000 Yards]
MAP:
TANK DESTROYER CENTER, CAMP HOOD, TEXAS
SCALE: 1:62500
(First Edition 1943)
[hw: Exhibit I]
[SECRET — struck through]
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=== [Page 100 — Verso of Exhibit I, mirror bleed-through] ===
[Reverse side — text and sketch lines visible as mirror image; "EXHIBIT I" handwritten visible; pencil notation "0107"]
[SECRET — struck through]
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=== [Pages 101-116] ===
[hw: A/all]
SECRET
452.1 AKADB 17 March 1949
SUBJECT: Unusual Lights
TO: Commanding General
Sandia Base
P. O. Box 5100
Albuquerque, New Mexico
ATTN: AC of S, G-2
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.
FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:
1 Incl (dup) EUSTIS L. POLAND
As stated, w/EXHIBITS I, II, Colonel, GSC
III, and IV AC of S, G-2
[stamp: DECLASSIFIED
Authority NW 91526
By NWD NARA D 5/13/26]
[hw: Incl #4] SECRET [struck through] SHORT TITLE [hw: Hq 4th 5557]
NW 91526
=== [next memo/letter] ===
SECRET [struck through]
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION
DATE: 16 March 1949
PREPARING OFFICE
Office of the AC of S, G-2, Headquarters Fourth Army, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
SUBJECT
Unusual Lights
452.1 AKADB
CODE FOR USE IN INDIVIDUAL PARAGRAPH EVALUATION
OF SOURCE: OF INFORMATION:
COMPLETELY RELIABLE . . . . . . A CONFIRMED BY OTHER SOURCES . . . 1
USUALLY RELIABLE . . . . . . . . B PROBABLY TRUE . . . . . . . . . . 2
FAIRLY RELIABLE . . . . . . . . C POSSIBLY TRUE . . . . . . . . . . 3
NOT USUALLY RELIABLE . . . . . D DOUBTFULLY TRUE . . . . . . . . . 4
UNRELIABLE . . . . . . . . . . . E IMPROBABLE . . . . . . . . . . . 5
RELIABILITY UNKNOWN . . . . . F TRUTH CANNOT BE JUDGED . . . . . 6
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION
Following is an interim summary predicated on request of the Fourth Army
Liaison Officer at Sandia Base for this headquarters to investigate and report on
"fireball" phenomena reported to the Commanding General, Sandia Base, by AFSWP
installation at Camp Hood, Texas. Report stated that several sightings of unusual
"light" phenomena in the atmosphere above Site Baker (Q Area) had been made by
security personnel there during the period 6 - 8 March 1949.
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. Because observers were in
different locations and some were not certain as to time, it is possible that
observation reported within the same hour on the same date are duplications. It
should be noted that none of the observers had been instructed to look for or
report any sort of atmospheric phenomena. 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. All men were
interrogated separately and had no advance notice that they would be questioned.
After the interrogation they were taken to the spot where the observations had been
made. These points were numbered and then plotted on map, Camp Hood and vicinity,
1/62 500 1943. Overlays have been made and a copy is hereto attached. The
observer was then told to aim a surveying instrument, brought along for the purpose,
at the celestial points of origin and of termination of the phenomena. Vertical
angles and magnetic azimuth of each point was then recorded. In most cases, the
observer was able to fix azimuths by some terrain features. Vertical angles were
of course estimated except where elevations of observations coincided with ridge
on tree lines.
Observations on 6 March 1949:
1. From observation point #6 (see attached overlay)
a. Location of point: 909.7 - 857.5; Time: 2100 hours.
b. Weather: Overcast (see attached weather report).
c. Witnesses: Sgt Hubert J. Vickery, AF 34932926
1st Provost Security Sq
Killeen Base, Camp Hood, Texas
Pfc John C. Ransom, AF 15252814
1st Provost Security Sq
Killeen Base, Camp Hood, Texas
DISTRIBUTION 1-DI, GSUSA; 2-CG, Sandia Base; 1-OSI, Kirtland AFB; File.
[hw: Cu (dup) X]
WD-AGO FORM 568
1 JUN 47
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 16—53398-1
SHORT TITLE [hw: Hq 4th 5557]
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S/I, Office of the AC of S, G-2, Headquarters Fourth Army, Fort Sam Houston, Texas,
16 March 1949, subj. "Unusual Lights"
d. Object sighted:
(1) Number: 1
(2) Shape: Oblong
(3) Size: Described as "about 2 ft by 1 ft"
(4) Color: Pale blue-white light
(5) Speed: Not known
(6) Direction: From N 74° W to N 81° W
(7) Maneuverability: No deviation from course
(8) Altitude: From 6° above horizon to 45' above
(9) Sound: None
(10) Exhaust trail: Sgt Vickery reports none. Pfc Ransom reported
a faint pinkish red trail extending about three times the
length of the body.
2. From observation point #1 (see attached overlay).
a. Location of point: 914.3 - 855.7; Time: About 2020 hours.
b. Weather: Overcast (see attached weather report).
c. Witnesses: Pvt Martin M. Fensterman, US 57122075
42nd AIB, Company A
Camp Hood, Texas
Pvt Frank (NMI) Luisi, US 57100167
42 AIB, Company A
Camp Hood, Texas
d. Object sighted:
(1) Number: 1
(2) Shape: Ball like flash
(3) Size: Looked like basketball
(4) Color: Pale blue-white light
(5) Speed: Not known
(6) Direction: N 40° E
(7) Maneuverability: None--was a "fixed flash"
(8) Altitude: 59° above horizon
(9) Sound: None
(10) Exhaust trail: None
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S/I, Office of the AC of S, G-2, Headquarters Fourth Army, Fort Sam Houston, Texas,
16 March 1949, subj. "Unusual Lights"
3. From observation point #3 (see attached overlay).
a. Location: 914.5 - 856.1; Time: About 2045 hours.
b. Weather: Overcast (see attached weather report).
c. Witness: Pvt Harold D. Moore, US 57410066
42nd AIB, Company A
Camp Hood, Texas
d. Object sighted:
(1) Number: 1
(2) Shape: Roundish head with trail
(3) Size: About 10° in length
(4) Color: Light colored head, orange trail
(5) Speed: Not known
(6) Direction: From S 81° W to S 60° W
(7) Maneuverability: No deviation from course
(8) Altitude: From 21° above horizon to 6° 31' above
(9) Sound: None
(10) Exhaust trail: Orange trail about 10° long
(11) Remarks: Appeared to be going over Q area
Observations on 7 March 1949:
1. From observation point #1 (see attached overlay)
a. Location: 914.3 - 855.7; Time: 0115 hours.
b. Weather: Clear (see attached weather report).
c. Witness: Pfc Robert Gardner Black, US 57112155
42nd AIB, Company A
Camp Hood, Texas
d. Object sighted:
(1) Number: 1
(2) Shape: Like flash bulb
(3) Size: Flash bulb
(4) Color: Brilliant blue-white
(5) Speed: None
(6) Direction: N 40° E
(7) Maneuverability: None--fixed flash
(8) Altitude: 66° 15' above horizon
(9) Sound: None
(10) Exhaust trail: None
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S/I, Office of the AC of S, G-2, Headquarters Fourth Army, Fort Sam Houston, Texas,
16 March 1949, subj. "Unusual Lights"
(11) Remarks: This observer is a [hw circled: Harvard graduate]. Used stars to
mark bearing and elevation of sighting. Stated he had never
seen anything like this phenomena before.
2. From observation point #2 (see attached overlay).
a. Location: 915.1 - 856.1; Time: 0115 - 0130 hours.
b. Weather: Clear (see attached weather report).
c. Witness: Pvt Paul C. Bryant, US 57204806
42nd AIB, Company A
Camp Hood, Texas
d. Object sighted:
(1) Number: 1
(2) Shape: Like flash bulb
(3) Size: Basketball
(4) Color: Bright blue-white
(5) Speed: None
(6) Direction: N 16° W
(7) Maneuverability: None--fixed flash
(8) Altitude: 27° 30' above horizon
(9) Sound: None
(10) Exhaust trail: None.
3. From observation point #5 (see attached overlay).
a. Location: 914.6 - 856.7; Time: 0130 - 0200 hours.
b. Weather: Clear (see attached weather report).
c. Witnesses: Pvt Francesca (NMI) Lonardo, US 57175045
42nd AIB, Company A
Camp Hood, Texas
Pvt Savino E. Digni, US 57175036
42nd AIB, Company A
Camp Hood, Texas
d. Object sighted:
(1) Number: 1
(2) Shape: Ball like flash
(3) Size: Like flash bulb
(4) Color: Bluish white
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S/I, Office of the AC of S, G-2, Headquarters Fourth Army, Fort Sam Houston, Texas,
16 March 1949, subj. "Unusual Lights"
(5) Speed: Not known
(6) Direction: S 20° W
(7) Maneuverability: None--fixed flash
(8) Altitude: 26° above horizon
(9) Sound: None
(10) Exhaust trail: None
4. From observation point #7 (see attached overlay)
a. Location: 909.0 - 856.9; Time: 0145 hours.
b. Weather: Clear (see attached weather report).
c. Witness: Pfc Max Eugene Manlove, AF 15418997
1st Provost Security Sq
Camp Hood, Texas
d. Object sighted:
(1) Number: 1
(2) Shape: Teardrop
(3) Size: "About 2 ft by 1 ft"
(4) Color: Orange
(5) Speed: Not known
(6) Direction: N 60° E
(7) Maneuverability: No deviation
(8) Altitude: 4 when first seen--dropped vertically
(9) Sound: None
(10) Exhaust trail: None
(11) Remarks: Witness said this "light" dropped vertically to
ground and disappeared behind trees directly in front of him.
In view "about 2 seconds."
Observations on 8 March 1949:
1. From observation point #1 (see attached overlay).
a. Location: 914.3 - 855.7; Time: About 0103 hours.
b. Weather: Clear (see attached weather report).
c. Witness: Pvt Charlie H. Payne, US 57211002
42nd AIB, Company A
Camp Hood, Texas
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S/I, Office of the AC of S, G-2, Headquarters Fourth Army, Fort Sam Houston, Texas,
16 March 1949, subj. "Unusual Lights"
d. Object sighted:
(1) Number: 1
(2) Shape: Roundish head with hazy smoke trail.
(3) Size: Not known
(4) Color: Pale white light at head
(5) Speed: Not known
(6) Direction: From S 58° E to S 54° E
(7) Maneuverability: No deviation
(8) Altitude: From 58° above horizon to 54° above
(9) Sound: None
(10) Exhaust trail: Left hazy white smoke trail
(11) Remarks: Travelled in arc and visible "long enough to
snap your fingers."
2. From observation point #4 (see attached overlay).
a. Location: 914.6 - 856.7; Time: About 0103.
b. Weather: Clear (see attached weather report).
c. Witness: Cpl Luke Burke Sims, RA 38753446
Company A, 42nd AIB
Camp Hood, Texas
d. Object sighted:
(1) Number: 1
(2) Shape: Lemon with tail
(3) Size: Not known
(4) Color: Pale reddish nose, whitish red trail
(5) Speed: Not known, but very fast
(6) Direction: From N 56° W to S 64° W
(7) Maneuverability: No deviation
(8) Altitude: From 15 above horizon at beginning and end of arc.
(9) Sound: None
(10) Exhaust trail: Whitish red trail
(11) Remarks: Good observer. Stated that "light" started from
point above horizon then arced upward and down to 15° when it
disappeared. Was perfect arc. He was able to run 10 paces
toward field telephone to report light before it vanished.
The following incident may or may not be connected: At about 1930 hours on
7 March 1949, a flashlight was seen moving about the Q Area fence line near the
air strip. It could not be told by the observer whether the light was within or
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S/I, Office of the AC of S, G-2, Headquarters Fourth Army, Fort Sam Houston, Texas,
16 March 1949, subj. "Unusual Lights"
without the fence. The Security Officer of Site Baker is investigating. He stated
the light was not carried by any of the AFSWP personnel.
Investigation continues in an effort to determine cause of the "lights." 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. Subse-
quent summary will be rendered when more exact evidence on flares is obtained. It
is presently known, however, that these flares explode on the ground and do not
shoot into the air.
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. Copy of surface weather
observations for Camp Hood on the 6, 7, and 8 March 1949 are attached as a possible
aid in analysis. This report covers only day hours since the USAF weather service
at Camp Hood closes at 1700 hours and opens at 0730 hours.
(B-2)
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
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[image: EXHIBIT I — Hand-drawn overlay map titled "TANK DESTROYER CENTER CAMP HOOD, TEXAS SCALE 1:62,500 FIRST EDITION 1943. LINES AS SHOWN ON OVERLAY HAVE BEEN CONVERTED FROM MAGNETIC TO GRID AZIMUTH." Note at top right: "LENGTH OF RAY LINES DOES NOT INDICATE DISTANCE FROM OBSERVATION POINT TO OBJECT. DISTANCE FROM OBSERVATION POINT TO OBJECT IS UNKNOWN." Legend: GREEN DESIGNATES OBJECTS SIGHTED 6 MARCH 1949; RED — 7 MARCH 1949; BLUE — 8 MARCH 1949. Symbols: MOVING OBLONG FIRE BODY WITHOUT TRAIL (oval); FIXED FLASH (sunburst); MOVING FIRE BALL (circle with dashes); MOVING OBLONG FIRE BODY WITH TRAIL (oval with dashes). I.O. — INITIAL OBSERVATION; T.O. — TERMINAL OBSERVATION. Radial ray lines emanating from central observation point with annotations: "NO. 4 START AZ N 56° W ELEV 15°", "NO. 7 N 6° E ELEV 27° 30'", "NO. 2 N 16° W ELEV 27° 30'", "NO. 1 AZ N 40° E ELEV 66° 15'", "NO. 1 AZ N 50° E ELEV 59°", "NO. 6 START AZ N 74° W ELEV 6°", "NO. 6 FINISH AZ N 81° W ELEV 45'", "NO. 3 START AZ S 81° W ELEV 21°", "NO. 4 FINISH AZ S 60° W ELEV 6° 30'", "NO. 3 FINISH S 60° W ELEV 15°", "NO. 5 AZ S 20° W ELEV 26°", "NO. 1 START S 58° E ELEV 58°", "NO. 1 FINISH S 32° E ELEV 54°". Grid markers "865", "920", "850000 YDS". Dated symbols showing "6 MAR" in green, "7 MAR" in red, "8 MAR" in blue at various positions. SECRET stamp top and bottom (struck through).]
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[image: Reverse / mirrored view of EXHIBIT I overlay (back side of translucent overlay sheet showing same map with text reversed). SHORT TITLE [hw: Hq 4th 5557]. SECRET (struck through).]
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[image: EXHIBIT II — U.S.A.F., AIR WEATHER SERVICE SURFACE WEATHER OBSERVATIONS form (negative/blueprint style). STATION: Det 24-27. MONTH: Mar. DAY: 6. YEAR: 49. Time entries on this form are 90th meridian time. To convert to G.C.T. add 6 hours. Height of Barometer: 926 Ft (MSL). WBAN FORM 10A columns include: TYPE, TIME (LST), CEILING (Hundreds of Feet), SKY, VISIBILITY (Miles), WEATHER AND OBSTRUCTIONS TO VISION, SEA LEVEL PRESS (mbs), TEMP (°F), DEW PT (°F), WIND (DIRECTION, SPEED Knots, SPEED mph, CHARACTER AND SHIFTS), ALTIMETER SET (ins), REMARKS AND SUPPLEMENTAL CODED DATA, OBSERVERS INITIALS. Rows of entries with times 0730, 0830, 0930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630 etc.; ceilings noted as E200, E150, E170 etc.; visibilities 10-15 miles; temperatures 55-75 range; wind directions and speeds 3-20 knots; altimeter 988-001 range. WBAN FORM 10B columns for station pressure, dry bulb, wet bulb, rel humidity, total sky cover, cloud layers. SYNOPTIC OBSERVATIONS, STATION PRESSURE COMPUTATION, SUMMARY OF DAY (MIDNIGHT TO MIDNIGHT), PEAK GUST, REMARKS NOTES AND MISCELLANEOUS PHENOMENA sections. [hw signature: "A TRUE CERTIFIED COPY William S. Statham Jr. WOJG, USAF Station Weather Officer"].]
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[image: EXHIBIT III — U.S.A.F., AIR WEATHER SERVICE SURFACE WEATHER OBSERVATIONS form (negative/blueprint style). STATION: Det 24-27. MONTH: Mar. DAY: 7. YEAR: 49. LAT 37° 43'. LONG 31° 08'. Time entries 90th meridian time, convert to G.C.T. add 6 hours. Barometer height 926 Ft (MSL). Rows of weather entries beginning 0730 through 1630 with ceilings E20, 220, 230, 250, 240, E240 etc.; visibility 15 miles; temperatures 47-71 range; wind directions and speeds 5-12; altimeter values 026-004 range. Station pressure column showing values 29.170-29.660. Cloud type Ci at various heights. SYNOPTIC OBSERVATIONS row at 1230. STATION PRESSURE COMPUTATION: TIME (LST) 1230, ATT THERM 70.4, OBSRVD BAR 29.364, TOTAL CORR 5.163, STA PRESS 29.201, BAROGRAPH 29.205, BAR CORR -.004. [hw signature: "A TRUE CERTIFIED COPY William S. Statham Jr. WOJG, USAF Station Weather Officer"].]
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[image: EXHIBIT IV — U.S.A.F., AIR WEATHER SERVICE SURFACE WEATHER OBSERVATIONS form (negative/blueprint style). STATION: Det 24-27. MONTH: March. DAY: 8. YEAR: 49. LAT 38° 54'. LONG 38° 04'. Time entries 90th meridian time, convert to G.C.T. add 6 hours. Barometer height 926 Ft (MSL). Numerous rows of weather entries showing TYPE codes R, S1, S2, N, S4, R, S5, S6, R/S, R/8, R, S7, R/10, S11, R/12, S13, S14, R/15, S16, R; with times 0230, 0245, 0310, 0330, 0700, 0730, 0745, 1005, 1030, 1130, 1220, 1310, 1330, 1400, 1430, 1505, 1515, 1530, 1600, 1630. Ceilings W4, W3, W5, W1, W2, E5, E20, E120 etc. Visibility values 1/2 to 8 miles. Weather and obstructions: F (fog), R-F (rain-fog), L-F (light fog), L (light rain), L-INTMT etc. Sea level pressures 119-080 range. Temperatures 53-64 range. Dew points 55-64. Wind direction arrows, speeds 3-9. Altimeter 991-913. Various coded remarks including "OCNL R-", "OCNL R-/ 05628 10720 20920", "905 6/19/01018 10720 20920", "05314 10756", "05317 10726", "80604 6/19 52-/10636 05264", "E10@/10720 20920 05264", "E10@/INTMT L-R-- / 10910 20920 65264", "E120/VIS VRBL 1 1/2 TH", "4 L-INTMT", "E120/ 11141 AW SE", "E120@/-CIG @ VO", "E20@/-CIG @ VO", "CINOVC/811 6/19/ 10664 02134", "E200@/SO/ SCUD AT 8 MND/10654 02134". STATION PRESSURE COMPUTATION: TIME (LST) 1230, ATT THERM 16.0, OBSRVD BAR 29.052, TOTAL CORR 5.177, STA PRESS 28.875, BAROGRAPH 28.870, BAR CORR -.005. SYNOPTIC OBSERVATIONS row at 1230: PRECIP 0.07, MAX TEMP 58.4, MIN TEMP 52.5, state 1. Summary of day: 24-HR MIN TEMP 52. [hw signature: "A TRUE CERTIFIED COPY William S. Statham Jr. WOJG, USAF Station Weather Officer"].]
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