DISCLOSURE / FILE
Air Materiel Command correspondence from late 1947 that includes General Twining's September 23 1947 opinion calling the flying-disc phenomenon "something real and not visionary or fictitious" and the December 30 1947 directive establishing Project SIGN.
18_100754_ General 1946-7_Vol_2
Air Materiel Command correspondence from late 1947 that includes General Twining's September 23 1947 opinion calling the flying-disc phenomenon "something real and not visionary or fictitious" and the December 30 1947 directive establishing Project SIGN.
This Department of War file compiles 1947 Air Materiel Command memoranda on flying discs, headlined by the September 23 1947 letter from Lt. Gen. N. F. Twining (TSDIN/HMM/ig/6-4100, U-39552) declaring the phenomenon real and recommending a coordinated study. It pairs that opinion with the December 30 1947 directive from Maj. Gen. L. C. Craigie standing up a project under priority 2A, classification restricted, Code Name SIGN, to collect, collate, evaluate and distribute UAP reports. Supporting correspondence covers a December 10 1947 follow-up from Col. H. M. McCoy noting continued sightings by qualified observers, a 4th Air Force flying-disc photograph case from Mary L. Herren of Portland, Oregon (file 1177846), the Madeline Gwynne Merchant theory routed through Kirtland Field, and references to Horten brothers tailless-aircraft technology including a reported 1,800 Horten-VIII-derived Soviet aircraft (V-32291-8).
Continued and recent reports from qualified observers concerning this phenomenon still makes this matter one of concern to Headquarters, Air Materiel Command.p.1
The phenomenon reported is something real and not visionary or fictitious.p.9
There are objects probably approximating the shape of a disc, of such appreciable size as to appear to be as large as man-made aircraft.p.9
Circular or elliptical in shape, flat on bottom and domed on top.p.10
The possibility that some foreign nation has a form of propulsion possibly nuclear, which is outside of our domestic knowledge.p.10
This project is assigned priority 2A, with a security classification of "restricted" and Code Name of "SIGN".p.3
The marks appearing on the photographs inclosed in basic letter are believed to be defects in the film, paper, or camera and not pictures of "flying discs".p.4
"Flying Discs" are being fired from a locality in Central Mexico from a laboratory which is being operated by the Russians.p.20
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HqAMC Form No. 10-514 (Rev 10 Sep 46) WF-L-7 JAN 47 300M IN REPLY ADDRESS BOTH COMMUNICATION AND EN- VELOPE TO COMMANDING GENERAL, AIR MATERIEL COMMAND, ATTENTION FOLLOWING OFFICE SYMBOL: TSDIN SECRET DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 700188 HEADQUARTERS AIR MATERIEL COMMAND TSDIN/HMM/ig/6-4100 WRIGHT FIELD, DAYTON, OHIO DEC 1 0 1947 SUBJECT: Flying Discs TO: Chief of Staff United States Air Force Washington 25, D. C. ATTENTION: Director, Research & Development Major General L. C. Craigie 1. Confirming the recent conversation of the undersigned with Major General L. C. Craigie, 9 December 1947, attached as listed below are copies of the reports from this Headquarters concerning Flying Discs. 2. Comments of Headquarters, Air Force on these letters have never been received by this Command. Continued and recent reports from qualified observers concerning this phenomenon still makes this matter one of concern to Headquarters, Air Materiel Command. Intelli- gence Department of this Command is continuing the collection and analysis of all available reports. FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL: H. M. McCOY Colonel, USAF Chief of Intelligence 2 Attach: cc ltr to CG, AAF, dtd 23 Sept 47 subj "AMC Opinion Concerning "Flying Discs"" cc ltr to CG, AAF, dtd 24 Sept 47 subj "Flying Discs" SECRET U-53791
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DATE: 22 Dec 47 SUSPENSE DATE: NO.: 244391 FROM: OIN FILE DESIGNATION AND DATE: P 97084 TYPE: R&Rpl SMRY: "Analysis of 'Flying Disc' Reports". 2 Incls. 11 TO: MRR TO: Memo to AMC Attn: TSDIN TO: TO: TO: DATE: 24 Dec 47 DATE: 30 Dec 1947 DATE: DATE: DATE: REPLIED OR INDORSED TO: FILED (PLACE): OTHER ACTION: HQ AAF
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RESTRICTED
HEADQUARTERS ARMY AIR FORCES
ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET
TALLY
NO.
SUBJECT: Flying Saucer Phenomena FILE
NO.
TO: Air Intelligence Requirements Division, AC/AS-2 DATE AUG 29 1947
Attn: Collection Branch
COMMENT No. 2
FROM: Deputy Chief of Air Staff for Research & Development Mr Roddy/pmo/73481
[ILLEGIBLE] ccs
The Army Air Forces has no research project with the characteristics described
in Comment No. 1.
CONCURRENCE: Jur Seasure at he
CURTIS E. LeMAY
AFDRE [ILLEGIBLE] Major General, U. S. Army
Deputy Chief of Air Staff for
AFDRE-2 Lt Col [ILLEGIBLE] Research and Development
AFDRE-3 Maj. [ILLEGIBLE]
AFDRE-4 Col [ILLEGIBLE]
PAGE 2
RESTRICTED
3-1109, AF (REV 20 MAY 44)Concatenated page-by-page transcript. Born-digital pages came through pdf.js; scanned pages were transcribed by Claude vision OCR. Pages marked unreadable failed multiple OCR retries (heavy redaction, microfilm artifacts, or blank separators) and are kept in place for audit.
HqAMC Form No. 10-514 (Rev 10 Sep 46) WF-L-7 JAN 47 300M IN REPLY ADDRESS BOTH COMMUNICATION AND EN- VELOPE TO COMMANDING GENERAL, AIR MATERIEL COMMAND, ATTENTION FOLLOWING OFFICE SYMBOL: TSDIN SECRET DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 700188 HEADQUARTERS AIR MATERIEL COMMAND TSDIN/HMM/ig/6-4100 WRIGHT FIELD, DAYTON, OHIO DEC 1 0 1947 SUBJECT: Flying Discs TO: Chief of Staff United States Air Force Washington 25, D. C. ATTENTION: Director, Research & Development Major General L. C. Craigie 1. Confirming the recent conversation of the undersigned with Major General L. C. Craigie, 9 December 1947, attached as listed below are copies of the reports from this Headquarters concerning Flying Discs. 2. Comments of Headquarters, Air Force on these letters have never been received by this Command. Continued and recent reports from qualified observers concerning this phenomenon still makes this matter one of concern to Headquarters, Air Materiel Command. Intelli- gence Department of this Command is continuing the collection and analysis of all available reports. FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL: H. M. McCOY Colonel, USAF Chief of Intelligence 2 Attach: cc ltr to CG, AAF, dtd 23 Sept 47 subj "AMC Opinion Concerning "Flying Discs"" cc ltr to CG, AAF, dtd 24 Sept 47 subj "Flying Discs" SECRET U-53791
DATE: 22 Dec 47 SUSPENSE DATE: NO.: 244391 FROM: OIN FILE DESIGNATION AND DATE: P 97084 TYPE: R&Rpl SMRY: "Analysis of 'Flying Disc' Reports". 2 Incls. 11 TO: MRR TO: Memo to AMC Attn: TSDIN TO: TO: TO: DATE: 24 Dec 47 DATE: 30 Dec 1947 DATE: DATE: DATE: REPLIED OR INDORSED TO: FILED (PLACE): OTHER ACTION: HQ AAF
Col Cook/2497/bm AFMRS (3) 30 December 1947 SUBJECT: Flying Discs TO: Commanding General Air Materiel Command Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio Attn: TSDIN 1. Reference is made to three inclosures, memoranda from your office to this headquarters, subject as above. 2. It is Air Force policy not to ignore reports of sightings and phenomena in the atmosphere but to recognize that part of its mission is to collect, collate, evaluate and act on information of this nature. 3. In implementing this policy, it is desired that the Air Materiel Command set up a project whose purpose is to collect, collate, evaluate and distribute to interested government agencies and contractors all information concerning sightings and phenomena in the atmosphere which can be construed to be of concern to the national security. It is desired that appropriate recommendations be forwarded to this Headquarters, wherever action is indicated which falls outside the field of the Air Materiel Command. 4. It is suggested that the activities of this project include the preparation and distribution of an initial report, as recommended in Inclosure 1, and that subsequent reports be issued on a quarterly basis. Supplementary reports should be issued at more frequent inter- vals should the need for same be indicated. This project is assigned priority 2A, with a security classification of "restricted" and Code Name of "SIGN". Where data of a classification higher than restricted is handled by the project such data should be classified accordingly. A complete interchange of data should be effected as recommended in Inclosure 1. BY COMMAND OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF: P 97084 L. C. CRAIGIE Major General, U. S. Air Force Director of Research and Development Office, Deputy Chief of Staff, Materiel 4 Incls 1. Memo dtd 23 Sept '47 from AMC to AC/AS-2 (Gen Schulgen) 2. Memo dtd 24 Sept '47 AFMRS from AMC to AC/[signature] (Gen McDonald) 3. Memo dtd 19 Dec '47 to Gen Craigie 4. R&R from Dir of Intell/[SECRET] OFFICE SYMBOL GRADE AND SURNAME OF COORDINATING OFFICERS 1. AFOIN 2. AFOIN mcDonald (A=MRD) 3. AFSPR [signature] AEMRD Craigie 4. AFOPO Weyland [signature] AC-27948-2 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
AFOIR-CO/Col Garrett/lwd/4544 18 Dec '47 CONFIDENTIAL Basic Ltr fr Hq. Fourth Air Force, Hamilton Fld, Calif., dated 5 Dec '47, subject: Flying Disc. AFOIR-CO-5 1st Ind. Dept. of the Air Force, Hq. USAF, Washington 25, D. C. 22 DEC 1947 TO: Commanding General, Fourth Air Force, Hamilton Field, California X06 2 1. The marks appearing on the photographs inclosed in basic letter are believed to be defects in the film, paper, or camera and not pictures of "flying discs". 2. It is requested that no further investigation be made of this incident. FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF: DOUGLASS W. EISEMAN Lt. Colonel, U.S.A.F. Executive, Air Intelligence Requirements Div. Directorate of Intelligence Incls. n/c HQ. AAF 22 DEC 1947 AAG MAIL BRANCH 1177846 File ref: B/L fr Hq. Fourth Air Force, Hamilton Fld, Calif. dated 5 Dec '47 subj: as above OFFICE SYMBOL GRADE AND SURNAME OF COORDINATING OFFICERS 1. AFOIR-CO Col Taylor Col Garrett 2. AFOIR Eseman C. P. CABELL Brig. Gen., USAF 3. 4. 5. 16-29242-2 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE CONFIDENTIAL
DATE: 5 Dec 47 CONFIDENTIAL SUSPENSE DATE: NO.: 242134 FROM: Hamilton Fld, Calif FILE DESIGNATION AND DATE: 1177846 TYPE: Ltr SMRY: Flying Disc - Mary L. Herren 3 Incls: TO: OCI TO: AFOIR-CO TO: FF TO: TO: DATE: 10 Dec 47 DATE: 10 Dec [?] DATE: 12/22/47 DATE: DATE: REPLIED OR INDORSED TO: FILED (PLACE): OTHER ACTION: HQ AAF
CONFIDENTIAL HEADQUARTERS FOURTH AIR FORCE Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2 Intelligence Hamilton Field, California 4AFDA-3/1208-I SUBJECT: Flying Disc. DEC 5 1947 12-131 TO: Chief of Staff United States Air Force Washington 25, D. C. ATTN: Director of Intelligence X201-1000 1. The attached photographs were forwarded to this office by a very reliable source of information, obtained from a Mary L. Herren, 1728 S. W. Bidwell Avenue, Portland 2, Oregon. She advises these photographs were taken some time between November 5th and 12th, 1946, in the vicinity of Jefferson, Oregon, and points out the formation in the photographs as being objects she did not recall seeing herself but she thought might possibly be flying discs. 2. The objects referred to appear in the sky area of each accompanying photograph. The uniformity of the markings would tend to indicate that the camera or film used to take these pictures was possibly defective. No incidents of flying discs have been reported from that vicinity on or about the inclusive dates named above. 3. Mrs. Herren has requested the return of the negatives. If desired, this office will obtain the negatives and forward them at your request. DONALD L. SPRINGER Lt. Colonel, USAF AC of S, A-2 3 Incls: Photographs. [RECEIVED stamp] [HQ AAF AAG MAIL BRANCH stamp] CONFIDENTIAL
(v. 1 Aug 45) SECRET HEADQUARTERS AIR MATERIEL COMMAND IN REPLY ADDRESS BOTH COMMUNICATION AND EN- VELOPE TO ATTENTION OF FOLLOWING OFFICE SYMBOL: TSNAD-2B TSNAD-2B/ACL/amb WRIGHT FIELD, DAYTON, OHIO 18 NOV 1947 11-145 SUBJECT: Flying Discs TO: Chief of Staff United States Air Force Washington 25, D. C. ATTENTION: Office, Director of Intelligence Lt Colonel George Garrett, Jr. 1. The inclosed newspaper clippings are submitted for your informa- tion and comment. The incident reported in Seattle appeared in the "Dayton Journal" on 12 November 1947, and should be followed up if possible. 2. The story by Lionel Shapiro regarding war weapons developed in Spain evidently was printed in a number of leading newspapers throughout the country. The significance of this article will be dependent upon cer- tain essential elements for such alleged important developments, such as funds, materials, experimental testing facilities, and technological "know-how". The latter is supposed to be supplied by German scientists. The German scientists at this Hq indicate that no important scientists from Germany are working in Spain, and those mentioned in this article are not known to them. 3. If possible, therefore, an effort should be made to obtain names, qualifications, or any information that might help to identify the alleged German scientists working in Spain. 4. A brief statement was made in a recent intelligence report from Hq, USAF, AC/AS-2, regarding a flying disc incident in Alaska in September. The close range sighting reported should render a more detailed observation than what was reported, which also suggests a follow-up. 5. It is further requested that this office be advised as to progress being made on the plotting of all flying disc incidents to date, particu- larly in North America. It was understood that Dr. Carroll was going to plot these incidents, but no further word was received regarding this ef- fort. FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL: FILE GARRETT CD GARRETT USAF Lt Col Do H. M. McCOY Colonel, Air Corps Chief of Intelligence SECRET 1 Incl newspaper clippings OIR APR 46 300M
HqAMC Form No. 10-514 (Rev. 1 Aug 45) SAVE IN REPLY ADDRESS BOTH COMMUNICATION AND EN- VELOPE TO ATTENTION OF FOLLOWING OFFICE SYMBOL: TSNAD-2B CONFIDENTIAL HEADQUARTERS AIR MATERIEL COMMAND TSNAD-2B/ACL/amb WRIGHT FIELD, DAYTON, OHIO 24 NOV 1947 17-8 SUBJECT: Flying Discs TO: Chief of Staff United States Air Force Washington 25, D. C. ATTENTION: Office, Director of Intelligence Lt Colonel George Garrett, Jr. Reference letter, subject as above, dated 18 November 1947, it is requested that immediate action be taken to appropriately mark or stamp this correspondence with the classification "secret". This classifica- tion number is as follows: U-48983 FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL: H. M. McCOY Colonel, USAF Chief of Intelligence To O/T Files action completed LtCol Garret - OIR-CO 12-10-47 CONFIDENTIAL WF-L-29 APR 46 300M OIR
HqAMC Form No. 10-514 (Rev 10 Sep 46) WF-L-7 JAN 47 300M SAVE IN REPLY ADDRESS BOTH COMMUNICATION AND EN- VELOPE TO COMMANDING GENERAL, AIR MATERIEL COMMAND, ATTENTION FOLLOWING OFFICE SYMBOL: TSDIN SECRET HEADQUARTERS AIR MATERIEL COMMAND TSDIN/HMM/ig/6-4100 WRIGHT FIELD, DAYTON, OHIO SEP 2 3 1947 SUBJECT: AMC Opinion Concerning "Flying Discs" TO: Commanding General Army Air Forces Washington 25, D. C. ATTENTION: Brig. General George Schulgen AC/AS-2 1. As requested by AC/AS-2 there is presented below the considered opinion of this Command concerning the so-called "Flying Discs". This opinion is based on interrogation report data furnished by AC/AS-2 and preliminary studies by personnel of T-2 and Aircraft Laboratory, Engineer- ing Division T-3. This opinion was arrived at in a conference between personnel from the Air Institute of Technology, Intelligence T-2, Office, Chief of Engineering Division, and the Aircraft, Power Plant and Propeller Laboratories of Engineering Division T-3. 2. It is the opinion that: a. The phenomenon reported is something real and not visionary or fictitious. b. There are objects probably approximating the shape of a disc, of such appreciable size as to appear to be as large as man-made aircraft. c. There is a possibility that some of the incidents may be caused by natural phenomena, such as meteors. d. The reported operating characteristics such as extreme rates of climb, maneuverability (particularly in roll), and action which must be considered evasive when sighted or contacted by friendly air- craft and radar, lend belief to the possibility that some of the objects are controlled either manually, automatically or remotely. e. The apparent common description of the objects is as follows:- (1) Metallic or light reflecting surface. U-39552 SECRET Incl #2
SECRET Basic Ltr fr CG, AMC, WF to CG, AAF, Wash. D. C. subj "AMC Opinion Con- cerning "Flying Discs". (2) Absence of trail, except in a few instances when the object apparently was operating under high perform- ance conditions. (3) Circular or elliptical in shape, flat on bottom and domed on top. (4) Several reports of well kept formation flights varying from three to nine objects. (5) Normally no associated sound, except in three instances a substantial rumbling roar was noted. (6) Level flight speeds normally above 300 knots are esti- mated. f. It is possible within the present U. S. knowledge -- pro- vided extensive detailed development is undertaken -- to construct a piloted aircraft which has the general description of the object in sub- paragraph (e) above which would be capable of an approximate range of 7000 miles at subsonic speeds. g. Any developments in this country along the lines indicated would be extremely expensive, time consuming and at the considerable ex- pense of current projects and therefore, if directed, should be set up in- dependently of existing projects. h. Due consideration must be given the following:- (1) The possibility that these objects are of domestic origin - the product of some high security project not known to AC/AS-2 or this Command. (2) The lack of physical evidence in the shape of crash recovered exhibits which would undeniably prove the existence of these objects. (3) The possibility that some foreign nation has a form of propulsion possibly nuclear, which is outside of our domestic knowledge. 3. It is recommended that:- a. Headquarters, Army Air Forces issue a directive assigning a priority, security classification and Code Name for a detailed study of this matter to include the preparation of complete sets of all available and pertinent data which will then be made available to the Army, Navy, Atomic Energy Commission, JRDB, the Air Force Scientific Advisory Group, NACA, and the RAND and NEPA projects for comments and recommendations, with a preliminary report to be forwarded within 15 days of receipt of the data and a detailed report thereafter every 30 days as the investi- SECRET -2- U-39552
SECRET Basic Ltr fr CG, AMC, WF to CG, AAF, Wash. D.C. subj "AMC Opinion Con- cerning "Flying Discs" gation develops. A complete interchange of data should be effected. 4. Awaiting a specific directive AMC will continue the investi- gation within its current resources in order to more closely define the nature of the phenomenon. Detailed Essential Elements of Information will be formulated immediately for transmittal thru channels. N. F. TWINING Lieutenant General, U.S.A. Commanding SECRET -3- U-39552
SECRET COPY TSDIN/HMM/ig/6-4100 23 September 1947 TSDIN SUBJECT: AMC Opinion Concerning "Flying Discs" TO: Commanding General Army Air Forces Washington 25, D. C. ATTENTION: Brig. General George Schulgen AC/AS-2 1. As requested by AC/AS-2 there is presented below the considered opinion of this Command concerning the so-called "Flying Discs". This opinion is based on interrogation report data furnished by AC/AS-2 and preliminary studies by personnel of T-2 and Aircraft Laboratory, Engineer- ing Division T-3. This opinion was arrived at in a conference between personnel from the Air Institute of Technology, Intelligence T-2, Office, Chief of Engineering Division, and the Aircraft, Power Plant and Propeller Laboratories of Engineering Division T-3. 2. It is the opinion that: a. The phenomenon reported is something real and not visionary or fictitious. b. There are objects probably approximating the shape of a disc, of such appreciable size as to appear to be as large as man-made aircraft. c. There is a possibility that some of the incidents may be caused by natural phenomena, such as meteors. d. The reported operating characteristics such as extreme rates of climb, maneuverability (particularly in roll), and action which must be considered evasive when sighted or contacted by friendly air- craft and radar, lend belief to the possibility that some of the objects are controlled either manually, automatically or remotely. e. The apparent common description of the objects is as follows: (1) Metallic or light reflecting surface. SECRET COPY U-39552 Incl. #1
SECRET Basic Ltr fr CG, AMC, WF to CG, AAF, Wash. D.C. subj "AMC Opinion Con- cerning "Flying Discs". (2) Absence of trail, except in a few instances when the object apparently was operating under high perform- ance conditions. (3) Circular or elliptical in shape, flat on bottom and domed on top. (4) Several reports of well kept formation flights varying from three to nine objects. (5) Normally no associated sound, except in three instances a substantial rumbling roar was noted. (6) Level flight speeds normally above 300 knots are esti- mated. f. It is possible within the present U. S. knowledge -- pro- vided extensive detailed development is undertaken -- to construct a piloted aircraft which has the general description of the object in sub- paragraph (e) above which would be capable of an approximate range of 7000 miles at subsonic speeds. g. Any developments in this country along the lines indicated would be extremely expensive, time consuming and at the considerable ex- pense of current projects and therefore, if directed, should be set up in- dependently of existing projects. h. Due consideration must be given the following:- (1) The possibility that these objects are of domestic origin - the product of some high security project not known to AC/AS-2 or this Command. (2) The lack of physical evidence in the shape of crash recovered exhibits which would undeniably prove the existance of these objects. (3) The possibility that some foreign nation has a form of propulsion possibly nuclear, which is outside of our domestic knowledge. 3. It is recommended that:- a. Headquarters, Army Air Forces issue a directive assigning a priority, security classification and Code Name for a detailed study of this matter to include the preparation of complete sets of all available and pertinent data which will then be made available to the Army, Navy, Atomic Energy Commission, JRDB, the Air Force Scientific Advisory Group, NACA, and the RAND and NEPA projects for comments and recommendations, with a preliminary report to be forwarded within 15 days of receipt of the data and a detailed report thereafter every 30 days as the investi- COPY SECRET U-39552
SECRET COPY Basic Ltr fr CG, AMC, WF to CG, AAF, Wash. D.C. Subj "AMC Opinion Con- cerning "Flying Discs" gation develops. A complete interchange of data should be effected. 4. Awaiting a specific directive AMC will continue the investi- gation within its current resources in order to more closely define the nature of the pehnomenon. Detailed Essential Elements of Information will be formulated immediately for transmittal thru channels. N. F. TWINING Lieutenant General, U.S.A. Commanding This letter was coordinated by: Col. Moore - Ch. Aircraft Lab Mr. D.H. Dicby - Ch. Propeller Lab Gen. D.L. Putt - Engr. Div. Col. Minty - ch. Power Plant Lab Gen. Bentrall - T-3. SECRET COPY -3- U-39552
SECRET COPY TSNAD-2B/ACL/eec 24 September 1947 TSNAD-2B SUBJECT: "Flying Disc" TO: Commanding General Army Air Forces Washington 25, D. C. ATTN: AC/AS-2 Major General George McDonald 1. In compliance with General McDonald's telephone conversa- tion, this date, to Colonel H. M. McCoy, T-2, Hq. AMC, attached herewith is a copy of a drawing entitled, "Loedding Flying Disc", designated LD-2. Because of patent rights involved, it is reques- ted that a record be kept of all persons reviewing this drawing by witnessing with signatures and dates directly on the drawing. 2. This drawing should be returned to this office when it has served its purpose so that it can be turned over to the Patent Office Hq. AMC for official record. X4521 Airplanes - Misc 3. Inclosed herewith is also a report prepared by the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Technical Note, AERO 1703, which describes the Horten tailless aircraft. The following references are invited which is considered significant in relating the Horten brothers per- spective thinking and accomplishments toward the alleged "Flying Saucer" case: a. Page 5, Paragraph 4 and 6. b. Page 6, Paragraph 1 and 7. c. Page 26, Paragraph 3 and 10. d. Page 27, Paragraph 12. e. Page 28, Paragraphs 1 through 5. f. Page 54, Photograph of Horten "Parabola". SECRET COPY U-39942 Incl. #1
SECRET COPY Basic ltr, dtd 24 Sep 47, to CG, Hq AAF, Wash, subj: "Flying Disc" g. Page 69, The Horten VIII. h. Pages 71 and 72, Photographs of the Horten IX Versions. i. Page 74, Drawing of the "Parabola". This document should also be returned when it has served its intended purpose. X4521 Airplanes - Russia 4. A recent report from the U. S. Military attache, Moscow, USSR, dated 9 June 1947, indicates that 1800 aircraft, directly or indirectly based on the Horten VIII design (six engine pusher, having a wing spread of 131 feet and a gross weight of approximately thirty-three thousand pounds) are being built for bomber squadron use. The Russian version, however, is jet propelled, reference report whose identification No. is V-32291-8. X095 5. The T-2 report "German Flying Wings Designed by Horten Brothers", No. F-SU-1110-Nd, also inclosed herewith, may be retained by your office if desired. FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL: H. M. McCOY Colonel, Air Corps Deputy Commanding General Intelligence (T-2) 3 Incls: 1. Drawing 2. RAE Tech Note, AERO 1703 3. T-2 Rpt, No. F-SU-1110-ND Inclosures mailed with original ltr 9 Dec 47 [signature] SECRET COPY -2- U-39942
FORM NO. MR-1 (2) DATE: 30 Oct 47 452.1 Aircraft - Misc. INDEX: 0009 Flying Saucer - Phenomena TO: CSGID, Plans and Collection Branch FROM: Chief, Air Intelligence Requirements Division, AC/S-2 SUMMARY: Intelligence Requirements on Flying Saucer Type Aircraft D/F FILED: 350.09 Intelligence INDEXER: G REMARKS: Re: German scientists HEADQUARTERS ARMY AIR FORCES CORRESPONDENCE REFERENCE FORM
CONFIDENTIAL RESTRICTED B/L fm AMC, Subj: "Flying Discs", dtd 13 Oct 47 Wrtn 22 Oct 1947 Lt Col Garrett/dl/4544 AFBIR-CO-5 AFBIR-CO-5 1st Ind Dept. of the Air Force, Hq., USAF, Washington 25, D. C. 28 OCT 1947 To: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright Field, Ohio (Attention: T-2) 1. A representative of this headquarters has contacted Lt. Colonel Herbert C. Gee concerning Mrs. Merchant's theory on the flying discs, as expressed to General Brentnall. 2. It is recommended that no action be taken to interrogate Mrs. Merchant and that this case be closed. BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE: Incls - n/c DOUGLASS W. EISEMAN Lt. Colonel, Air Corps USAF Executive, Air Intel, Requirements Division Office of Ass't Chief of Air Staff-2 HQ. AAF 28 OCT 1947 AAG MAIL BRANCH acl P 94846 CONFIDENTIAL RESTRICTED OFFICE SYMBOL SIGNATURE OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICER INTERNAL OFFICE COORDINATION 1. AFOIR-CO Col Taylor [signature] LtCol Garrett 2. AFOIR Eseman Geo. F. Schulgen Brig. Gen., USAF 3. 4. 5. 6. 16-29242-1 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
CONFIDENTIAL Headquarters AIR MATERIEL COMMAND TSNAD-2B TSNAD-2B/ACL/amc Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio 13 Oct 1947 SUBJECT: "Flying Discs" TO: Chief of Staff United States Air Force Washington 25, D. C. ATTN: AC/AS-2 Lt Col George Garrett 1. Attached copies of communications are self-explanatory and indicate action taken to obtain additional information regarding subject. Assistance shown from Lt Col Herbert C. Gee was with reference to the social standing and character of Mrs. Merchant to determine justification for further investigation of her theories. 2. In view of Lt Col Gee's transfer to Washington, D. C., it is suggested that a representative from Headquarters, AC/AS-2 con- tact and interview him. 3. General Brentnall stated that Mrs. Merchant was extremely talkative and seemed quite intent on promoting a personal enterprise instead of cooperating to help solve an intelligence problem. 4. Comments and suggestions, therefore, regarding further action to interrogate Mrs. Merchant in order to close this case as soon as possible. FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL: /s/ W. R. Clingeman, Col., A. C. for H. M. McCOY Colonel, Air Corps Deputy Commanding General Intelligence (T-2) 2 Incls 1. Cy AMC, T-2 Ltr, 9/29/47, "Flying Discs" 2. Cy 1st Ind, 10/2/47, fr Hq. Kirtland Field, Albuquerque, New Mexico C O P Y CONFIDENTIAL
C O P Y CONFIDENTIAL 29 September 1947 13 Oct 1947 SUBJECT: "Flying Discs" TO: Commanding Officer Operating Location No. 16 of 731st AAFBU (101st AACS Sq) Kirtland Field Albuquerque, New Mexico ATTN: Col. Howard G. Bunker 1. General Brentnall, during a recent visit at Las Vegas, was contacted by a Mrs. Madeline Gwynne Merchant, Santa Fe, New Mexico, who described what may be termed a novel theory concerning "Flying Discs". 2. According to her theory, "Flying Discs" are being fired from a locality in Central Mexico from a laboratory which is being operated by the Russians. She claims they are being aimed at the United States for the purpose of sighting in on important atomic energy and aircraft installations. 3. General Brentnall states that he does not have any further interest in an interrogation of Mrs. Merchant since it is not an engineering matter. However, he recommends that if Hq, Air Materiel Command, T-2, wishes to sponsor an interrogation of this nature that Col. Howard Bunker should be contacted to determine the name and address of the colonel at Las Vegas who has knowledge of this case. In view of General Brentnall's suggestion, no direct contact will be made with Mrs. Merchant. 4. It is requested, therefore, that the name and address of the above mentioned colonel be made available to this office as soon as possible so that further action, as deemed advisable, can be taken. FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL: /s/ N. E. Goll H. M. McCOY Colonel, Air Corps Deputy Commanding General Intelligence (T-2) C O P Y CONFIDENTIAL Incl #1
CONFIDENTIAL
B/L fr Hqs, AMC, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio, File TSNAD-2B, 29 Sep 47,
Subj: "Flying Discs"
1st Ind HOR:ms
HEADQUARTERS, Kirtland Field, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 2 October 1947
TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright Field, Ohio
ATTENTION: T-2
1. The officer referred to in Par. 3 is Lt. Col. Herbert C. Gee,
O-19717, who was formerly Commanding Officer at Los Alamos rather than
Las Vegas, as stated. Lt. Col. Gee is now stationed in the office,
Chief of Engineers, Civil Works Division, Washington, D. C.
2. There is no replacement for Lt. Col. Gee at Los Alamos and no
information is available to indicate that any individual in this vicinity
has more information concerning Mrs. Merchant's theory than Brig. Gen.
Brentnall of AMC who personally conducted an interview with her.
HOWARD G. BUNKER
Colonel, AC
CONFIDENTIAL
Incl # 2DATE [ILLEGIBLE]ENTIAL SUSPENSE DATE: NO.:
FROM: 3 Oct 47 234015
AMC W/Fld, Ohio.
FILE DESIGNATION AND DATE:
TYPE: Ltr.
SMRY: P 94846
"Flying Discs"
W/ 2 Incls.
1st Ind
TO: BIR TO: AMC TO: TO: TO:
DATE: 15Oct47 DATE: [ILLEGIBLE] DATE: DATE: DATE:
REPLIED OR INDORSED TO: FILED (PLACE): OTHER ACTION:
HQ AAFSECRET
AFBIR-CO/Lt Col Garrett/df/4544
6 Oct 46
10/8/47
Basic: Ltr fr Hq, AMC, Wright Fld, Dayton, O. 24 Sept 47, Subj:
"Flying Saucers"
REF: Cys of Inclosures in A-2 Files
P 94380 HQ AAF
8 OCT 1947
ace
AFBIR-CO-B 1st Ind
Department of the Air Force, Hq USAF, Washington 25, D. C. 8 OCT 1947
TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio
ATTN: TSNAD-2B
Attached hereto is information requested in basic letter.
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE:
DOUGLASS W. EISEMAN
Lt. Colonel, Air Corps USAF
SECRET Executive, Air Intel, Requirements Divisio[n]
3 Incls: Office [ILLEGIBLE] Chief of Air Staff[-2]
OFFICE SYMBOL 1. Memo for AC/AS-2, 3. [ILLEGIBLE] AFBIR-CO
GRADE AND 25 Sept 47 w/Map
SURNAME OF 2. Memo for Chief, Air Intel Div, Col Taylor Eiseman
COORDINATING 2 Oct 47
OFFICERS 3. Summary of Info on "Unidentified Flying Objects" Lt Col Garrett[ILLEGIBLE] USA
16-29242-3 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICESECRET
C
O
P
Y
HEADQUARTERS
AIR MATERIEL COMMAND
TSNAD-2B/ACL/amc
Wright Fld, Dayton, O.
24 Sept 47
TSNAD-2B
"Flying Saucers"
Commanding General, Army Air Force, Washington 25, D.C.
ATTN: AC/AS-2, Lt Col Garrett
X 000.9 - Japan
It is requested that this office be furnished all available
information concerning an alleged "Flying Saucer" flight sighting
made by a radar station in Japan. This incident was mentioned by
Dr. Charles Carroll during a conference in Brig Gen Schulgen's
office attended by Mr. A.C. Loedding, T-2 representative, on 5
September 1947.
FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:
/s/ M.E.Gell
/t/ H.M.McCOY
Colonel, Air Corps
Deputy Commanding General
Intelligence T-2
SECRETCONFIDENTIAL
AFBIR-CO/LtCol.Garrett/rm/4544
8 Sept 47
AFBIR-CO
11 SEP 1947
SUBJECT: Reported Sightings of Flying Discs.
TO : Commanding General
Air Materiel Command
Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio
Attention: T-2.
1. As arranged verbally with Mr. Loedding, inclosed is the
complete file maintained by this Office on reported sightings of
Flying Discs.
2. This file is forwarded so that photostats may be made in
order to provide your Command with a duplicate set of these sightings.
3. When photostating this material for your purpose, it will
be appreciated if one extra set is made for this Office and returned
at the same time the originals are returned.
4. This file, and the duplicates, should be returned as soon
as possible to this Headquarters, Attention: AC/AS-2, Air Intelligence
Requirements Division, Collection Branch.
BY COMMAND OF GENERAL SPAATZ:
Incl P 93805 DOUGLASS W. EISEMAN
a/s in Lt. Colonel, Air Corps
par. 1. HQ AAF Executive, Air Intel, Requirements Division
15 SEP 1947 Office of Ass't Chief of Air Staff-2
[ILLEGIBLE]
ace
m
OFFICE SYMBOL AFBIR-Co AFBIR 3. 4. 5.
GRADE AND
SURNAME OF Col. Taylor 3rd Eiseman
COORDINATING Geo. F. Schulgen
OFFICERS Lt Col Garrett Brig. Gen. USA
[ILLEGIBLE] CONFIDENTIAL
16-29242-2 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICEAF [ILLEGIBLE]-33 (20 MAY 44) RESTRICTED
HEADQUARTERS ARMY AIR FORCES
ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET
TALLY
NO.
SUBJECT: Flying Saucer Phenomena FILE
NO.
TO: Deputy Chief of Air Staff for Research & Development DATE 22 August 1947
FROM: AC/AS-2, Air Intelligence Requirements Division COMMENT No. 1
Collection Branch Lt Col Garrett/nc/4544
1. From a detailed study of certain reported observations on the flying saucers,
selected for their veracity and reliability, it is apparent that several aspects of
their appearance have a common pattern.
2. Before pursuing its investigation of these objects any further, this Office
requests assurance that no research project of the Army Air Forces, at present being
t-flown, has the following characteristics and that it may therefore be assumed
the recent flying saucer "mystery" is not of United States origin:
a. Surface is metallic - indicating a metallic skin, at least.
b. When a trail is observed, it is a lightly colored blue-brown haze, similar
to a rocket engine's exhaust. Contrary to a rocket of the solid type, one observation
indicates that the fuel may be throttled, which would indicate a liquid rocket engine.
c. As to shape, all observations state that the object is circular, or at
least elliptical, flat on the bottom and slightly domed on the top.
d. Size estimates place it somewhere near the size of a C-54 or Constellation
as they would appear while flying at 10,000'.
e. Some reports describe two tabs located at the rear and symmetrical about
the axis of flight motion.
f. Flights have been reported containing from three to nine objects, flying
good formation on each other, with speeds always above 300 knots.
g. The discs oscillate laterally while flying along, which could be snaking.
Robert Taylor 3rd
ROBERT TAYLOR 3RD
Colonel, Air Corps
Chief, Collection Branch
Air Intelligence Requirements Division
AC/AS-2
RESTRICTED
PAGE ____
3-1109, AF (REV 20 MAY 44)FORM NO. MR-1 (4)
DATE: 5 Aug 47
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
INDEX: 000.9 Phenomena
TO: Chief, Intelligence Group, Intelligence Division, War Dept Gen Staff
FROM: Executive, Air Intel, Requirements Division, AC/AS-2
SUMMARY: Request for F. B. I. Investigation on Background of Certain Witnesses
to "Flying Discs".
Memo
FILED: 333.5 Investigation
INDEXER: ejb
REMARKS:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY AIR FORCES
CORRESPONDENCE REFERENCE FORMRESTRICTED
HEADQUARTERS ARMY AIR FORCES
ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET
TALLY
NO.
SUBJECT: Flying Saucer Phenomena FILE
NO.
TO: Air Intelligence Requirements Division, AC/AS-2 DATE AUG 29 1947
Attn: Collection Branch
COMMENT No. 2
FROM: Deputy Chief of Air Staff for Research & Development Mr Roddy/pmo/73481
[ILLEGIBLE] ccs
The Army Air Forces has no research project with the characteristics described
in Comment No. 1.
CONCURRENCE: Jur Seasure at he
CURTIS E. LeMAY
AFDRE [ILLEGIBLE] Major General, U. S. Army
Deputy Chief of Air Staff for
AFDRE-2 Lt Col [ILLEGIBLE] Research and Development
AFDRE-3 Maj. [ILLEGIBLE]
AFDRE-4 Col [ILLEGIBLE]
PAGE 2
RESTRICTED
3-1109, AF (REV 20 MAY 44)