DISCLOSURE / FILE
A 1948 Department of the Air Force file routing flying-disc sighting reports, the Air Materiel Command collection policy under Project SIGN, and a debate over standing fighter alerts to intercept the objects.
18_6369445_General_1948_Vol_1
A 1948 Department of the Air Force file routing flying-disc sighting reports, the Air Materiel Command collection policy under Project SIGN, and a debate over standing fighter alerts to intercept the objects.
The folder collects USAF correspondence from February through June 1948 implementing the policy that Air Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson would 'collect, collate, evaluate and distribute' all flying-disc sighting reports. It forwards specific incidents, including a phosphorescent round object reported by four New York Central railroad workers at Hobson, Ohio on the night of 8 May 1948 and two falling objects near Bakersfield, California on 5 and 8 March 1948 investigated by the Fourth Air Force. It records Air Materiel Command's proposal to keep fighter or night-interceptor aircraft on continuous alert with gun cameras to photograph the discs, and the Director of Plans and Operations' rejection of that proposal in March 1948. It also preserves a September 1947 SECRET letter from Col. H. M. McCoy linking the 'Flying Disc' question to the Horten brothers' tailless aircraft and a Moscow attache report of 1,800 jet-propelled Horten VIII derivatives being built in the USSR.
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.p.12
Air Materiel Command has been authorized direct contact with all Air Force installations whenever required to develop additional information on the flying discs.p.12
(2) Shape - roundp.2
(4) Color - phosphorescentp.3
(10) Exhaust trail or not - Phosphorescent trail in the skyp.3
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.p.6
Proper interception is not possible, except by accident, without complete radar coverage. The Air Force is incapable of providing such coverage.p.17
These aircraft should be equipped with gun camera, and such armament as deemed advisable, in order to secure photographs necessary to the obtainment of all possible data on any reported and sighted unusual phenomena, of the "flying disc" type, in the atmosphere.p.18
Extracted text · Page 1
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AFOIR-CO/Lt Col Garrett/lwd/4544
14 June 48
DECLASSIFIED
Authority:
NND 760191
CONFIDENTIAL
Basic Ltr fm Hq. Eleventh Air Force, Harrisburg, Pa., dtd (undated),
subj: Report of "Flying Discs"
AFOIR-CO-5 (1-6-29) 1st Ind. 1 5 JUN 1948
Dept. of the Air Force, Hq. USAF, Washington 25, D. C.
TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air
Force Base, Dayton, Ohio
ATTN: MCI
15/[ILLEGIBLE]
4 Incls.
n/c
w/[ILLEGIBLE]
P102375
HQ. USAF
1 5 JUN 1948
CAG-MAIL BRANCH
CONFIDENTIAL
OFFICE SYMBOL 1. AFOIR[ILLEGIBLE] 2. 3. 4. 5.
GRADE AND
SURNAME OF
COORDINATING
OFFICERS [ILLEGIBLE]
Lt Col Garrett
[ILLEGIBLE]
10-20242-2 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICEPage 2 · vision OCR
CONFIDENTIAL
HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AIR FORCE
1612 South Cameron Street
EAFD Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
SUBJECT: Report of "Flying Discs"
TO: Chief of Staff
United States Air Force
Washington 25, D. C.
ATTN: Director of Intelligence,
Requirements Division
1. In compliance with paragraph 1a, ADC Letter 45-5, 25 March
1948, the following information relative to "Flying Discs" is hereby
submitted. The attached report was received this Headquarters 27 May
1948, from Special Agent, D.K. Brown, Federal Bureau of Investigation,
Cleveland, Ohio. This Headquarters has no further information and is
not initiating any investigation in accordance with paragraph 2, ADC
Ltr. 45-5. Any additional information received by this Headquarters
will be immediately forwarded to your Headquarters. Copies of report
have been forwarded to Hq. Air Materiel Command and Hq. Air Defense
Command as directed in above mentioned directive.
a. Location and time of sighting - Hobson, Ohio; night of
8 May 48.
b. Weather at the time - unknown by this Hq.
c. Names, occupations, and addresses of witnesses - Addresses
Ben Rupe, New York Central System Car Inspector unknown.
Earl Roush, " " " " "
Bob White, Yard Clerk, N.Y.C.
C. K. Hite, Patrolman, N.Y.C.
d. Photographs of objects, if available - unknown this Hq.
e. Sketches of objects configuration - unknown this Hq.
f. Objects sighted:
(1) Number - not known this Headquarters
(2) Shape - round
(3) Size - appeared to be nine inches in diameter from
ground level.
CONFIDENTIALPage 28 · vision OCR
AFCAG-10 (Rev 13 Oct 47)
INDEX: 000.9 Phenomena DATE: 6 February 1948
TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,
Dayton, Ohio.
FROM: Executive, Air Intelligence Requirements Div., Directorate of Intelligence.
SUMMARY: Flying Discs.
Ltr
FILED: 312.3 Channels
INDEXER: rg
REMARKS:
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
CORRESPONDENCE REFERENCE FORM
8-3867, AFConcatenated 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.
AFOIR-CO/Lt Col Garrett/lwd/4544
14 June 48
DECLASSIFIED
Authority:
NND 760191
CONFIDENTIAL
Basic Ltr fm Hq. Eleventh Air Force, Harrisburg, Pa., dtd (undated),
subj: Report of "Flying Discs"
AFOIR-CO-5 (1-6-29) 1st Ind. 1 5 JUN 1948
Dept. of the Air Force, Hq. USAF, Washington 25, D. C.
TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air
Force Base, Dayton, Ohio
ATTN: MCI
15/[ILLEGIBLE]
4 Incls.
n/c
w/[ILLEGIBLE]
P102375
HQ. USAF
1 5 JUN 1948
CAG-MAIL BRANCH
CONFIDENTIAL
OFFICE SYMBOL 1. AFOIR[ILLEGIBLE] 2. 3. 4. 5.
GRADE AND
SURNAME OF
COORDINATING
OFFICERS [ILLEGIBLE]
Lt Col Garrett
[ILLEGIBLE]
10-20242-2 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICECONFIDENTIAL
HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AIR FORCE
1612 South Cameron Street
EAFD Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
SUBJECT: Report of "Flying Discs"
TO: Chief of Staff
United States Air Force
Washington 25, D. C.
ATTN: Director of Intelligence,
Requirements Division
1. In compliance with paragraph 1a, ADC Letter 45-5, 25 March
1948, the following information relative to "Flying Discs" is hereby
submitted. The attached report was received this Headquarters 27 May
1948, from Special Agent, D.K. Brown, Federal Bureau of Investigation,
Cleveland, Ohio. This Headquarters has no further information and is
not initiating any investigation in accordance with paragraph 2, ADC
Ltr. 45-5. Any additional information received by this Headquarters
will be immediately forwarded to your Headquarters. Copies of report
have been forwarded to Hq. Air Materiel Command and Hq. Air Defense
Command as directed in above mentioned directive.
a. Location and time of sighting - Hobson, Ohio; night of
8 May 48.
b. Weather at the time - unknown by this Hq.
c. Names, occupations, and addresses of witnesses - Addresses
Ben Rupe, New York Central System Car Inspector unknown.
Earl Roush, " " " " "
Bob White, Yard Clerk, N.Y.C.
C. K. Hite, Patrolman, N.Y.C.
d. Photographs of objects, if available - unknown this Hq.
e. Sketches of objects configuration - unknown this Hq.
f. Objects sighted:
(1) Number - not known this Headquarters
(2) Shape - round
(3) Size - appeared to be nine inches in diameter from
ground level.
CONFIDENTIALCONFIDENTIAL
EAFD
Subj: Report of "Flying Discs"
(4) Color - phosphorescent
(5) Speed - Great amount of speed
(6) Heading - 90°
(7) Maneuverability - not known
(8) Altitude - 6 to 8 miles
(9) Sound - unknown to this Hq.
(10) Exhaust trail or not - Phosphorescent trail in the sky
FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:
/s/ H. B. WAX
Lt Col., USAF
AC of S, A-2
4 Incls.
1. FBI ltr., Cleveland, Ohio, 25 May 48
2. N.Y. Central System Ltr., Columbus, Ohio
dtd 15 May 48
3. N.Y. Central System Ltr., Hobson, Ohio
4. N.Y. Central System Ltr., 21 May 48
File 22.00
C
O
P
Y
CONFIDENTIALSECRET
6/4/48
5425
Dispatched thru TS Control Office
by Special Officer Courier X-010
4 June 48
AFOIR
Lt Col Earle/mcb/6548
/t/ 4 June 48
AFOIR 1st Ind.
Dept. of the Air Force, Hq. USAF, Washington 25, D. C. 4 - JUN 1948
TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air
Force Base, Dayton, Ohio
T-2 Report "German Flying Wings Designed by Horten Brothers" has
been retained by this office.
BY COMMAND OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF:
WILTON H. EARLE, Jr.
OFFICE SYMBOL 1. AFOIR 2. Lt. Colonel, U.S.A.F.
GRADE AND Executive, Air Int. Req. Div.
SURNAME OF [ILLEGIBLE] Directorate of Intelligence
COORDINATING
OFFICERS 1 Incls.
1 & 2 n/c
3 w/d
SECRET
10-20242-2 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICESECRET
AIR MATERIEL COMMAND
TSNAD-2B/ACL:ccc
Wright Field, Dayton, O.
TSNAD-2B 24 September 1947
"Flying Disc"
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.
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
U-39942SECRET
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.
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-S.
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:
sgd
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
SECRET
U-39942AFOIR-C4/lt Col Garrett/lwd/6282
12 May 48
AF HQ-44
3 Dec 1947
AFOIR-CO-5
1 3 MAY 1948
SUBJECT: Flying Discs
TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-
Patterson Air Force, Dayton, Ohio
ATTN: MCI
Forwarded for your information.
BY COMMAND OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF:
GEORGE D. GARRETT, JR.
Lieutenant Colonel, USAF
Acting Chief, Collection Branch
1 Incl. Air Intelligence Requirements Division
ID No. 456982 Directorate of Intelligence
(4 copies)
HQ. USAF
13 MAY 1948
CAG-MAIL BRANCH
P101459
SECRET
OFFICE SYMBOL 1. AFOIR-CO 2. 3. 4. 5.
GRADE AND
SURNAME OF
COORDINATING Col Taylor
OFFICERS [ILLEGIBLE]
Lt Col Garrett
[ILLEGIBLE]
10-20242-2 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICEAFCAG-10 (Rev 13 Oct 47)
INDEX: 000.75 Clippings DATE: 28 Apr 48
TO: CG, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio
FROM: Air Intelligence Requirements Division, Directorate of Intelligence
SUMMARY: Clippings Service for Project "SIGN"
1tr
FILED: 380 Project
INDEXER: C
REMARKS:
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
CORRESPONDENCE REFERENCE FORM
8-3667, AF
[ILLEGIBLE]AFOIR-CO/Lt. Col. Garrett/jh/4544
26 Apr 48
AF HQ-44
3 Dec 1947
CONFIDENTIAL
Basic ltr, subj: Report of Information on "Flying Disc" dated 12 Apr 48
1st Ind G/fhc/R
HEADQUARTERS, THE AIR UNIVERSITY, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama
TO: Chief of Staff, USAF, Washington 25, D. C., Attn: Dir of Intelligence 14 Apr
Forwarded in accordance with paragraph 4 of letter cited in basic
communication.
FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:
1 Incl: /s/ F. E. LANKSTON
n/c (1 cy w/d) MAJOR, AGD
ASS'T. ADJ. GEN.
AFOIR-CO-5 2nd Ind. 2 7 APR 1948
Department of the Air Forces, Hq. USAF, Washington 25, D. C.
TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force
Base, Dayton, Ohio
ATTN: MCI
/s/ R.T.
1 Incl
n/c HQ. USAF
27 APR 1948
CAG-MAIL BRANCH
Reference: Ltr frm Hq Tyndall AFB, dated 12 Apr 48, subject as above.
1st Ind frm Hq Maxwell Air FB, to C/S, USAF, dated 14 Apr 48.
P100938
OFFICE SYMBOL 1. AFOIR-CO 2. 3. 4. 5.
GRADE AND
SURNAME OF
COORDINATING Col Taylor
OFFICERS [ILLEGIBLE]
Lt. Col. Garrett
CONFIDENTIAL
10-20242-2 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICECOPY
CONFIDENTIAL
HEADQUARTERS
500th AIR UNIVERSITY WING
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA (H-4) MEJ/al/R
12 April 1948
SUBJECT: Report of Information on "Flying Disc"
THRU : Commanding General
Air University
Maxwell Air Force Base
Montgomery, Alabama
ATTN: AC of S, A-2
TO : Commanding General
United States Air Force
Washington 25, D. C.
ATTN: Director of Intelligence
The attached information is forwarded in compliance with USAF Letter,
subj: "Reporting of Information on "Flying Discs", dtd 6 February 1948.
FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:
1 Incl - /s/ J. B. PRICE
MOIC and Exhibit I. (in dup) Major, USAF
Adjutant
Distribution:
1 cy ea:
C/S USAF
CG, AMC
CG, AU
CONFIDENTIALAFOIR-CO/Lt. Col. Garrett/jh/4544
2 Apr 48
AF HQ-44
3 Dec [ILLEGIBLE]
RESTRICTED
AFOIR-CO-5
SUBJECT: Flying Discs 5 APR 1948
TO : Commanding General
Air Materiel Command
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Dayton, Ohio
ATTN: MCI
Forwarded for your information.
BY COMMAND OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF:
1 Incl ROBERT TAYLOR 3rd
Ltr frm CSGID, 25 Mar Colonel, USAF
(dup) Chief, Collection Branch
Air Intelligence Requirements Division
Directorate of Intelligence
HQ USAF
5 APR 1948
CAG-[ILLEGIBLE]-BRANCH
Reference: DF frm Hq USAF, Comment No. 1 to CSGID dtd 27 Feb 48.
DF frm CSGID, Comment No. 2, to Hq USAF, dtd 25 Mar 48.
OFFICE SYMBOL 1. AFOIR-CO 2. 3. 4. 5.
GRADE AND
SURNAME OF Col Taylor
COORDINATING [ILLEGIBLE]
OFFICERS Lt. Col. Garrett
RESTRICTED
10-20242-2 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICEDept. of the Air Force
WAR DEPARTMENT
DISPOSITION FORM
RESTRICTED
FILE No. SUBJECT
AFOIR-CO-5 Reporting of Information on "Flying Discs."
TO CSGID FROM HQ. USAF - AFOIR DATE 27 FEB 1948
Attn: Plans & Collection COMMENT No. 1
Branch Lt.Col.Garrett/dk/4544
Lt.Col. Smith
1. 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.
2. In Implementing this policy the Air Materiel Command has been designated
the Air Force agency to collect, collate, evaluate, and distribute to interested
government agencies and contractors all information concerning sightings and pheno-
mena in the atmosphere which can be construed to be of concern to the national
security.
3. All Air Force installations within and outside Zone of Interior and Alaska
have been instructed to report all sightings, or information concerning sightings
which comes to their attention, direct to the Commanding General, Air Materiel Com-
mand, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, Attn: MCI.
4. Air Materiel Command has been authorized direct contact with all Air Force
installations whenever required to develop additional information on the flying discs.
5. It is requested that all Department of the Army installations also be instruct-
ed to report such occurrences directly to Air Materiel Command and that they be in-
formed that Air Materiel Command is authorized to contact them direct when necessary
in connection with such occurrences.
6. If possible, reports to Air Materiel Command should include the following
information:
a. Location and time of sighting
b. Weather at the time
c. Names, occupations, and addresses of witnesses
d. Photographs of objects, if available
e. Object sighted:
(1) Number (4) Color (7) Maneuverability (10) Exhaust trail
(2) Shape (5) Speed (8) Altitude or not
(3) Size (6) Heading (9) Sound
g. General remarks
FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF:
C.P.Cabell
C. P. CABELL
Major General, U.S.A.F.
Chief, Air Intel. Req. Div.
Directorate of Intelligence
Recd 1 March 48
WD AGO FORM 897
1 MAY 1946
RESTRICTED
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1946 O - 722055000.9 AFOIR-CO-5
Lt.Col.Garrett/dk/4544
RESTRICTED 25 Feb 48
AFOIR-CO-5 Reporting of Information on "Flying Discs."
HQ. USAF - AFOIR
CSGID 27 FEB 1948
Attn: Plans & Collection Lt.Col.Garrett/dk/4544
Branch
Lt.Col. Smith
1. 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.
2. In Implementing this policy the Air Materiel Command has been designated
the Air Force agency to collect, collate, evaluate, and distribute to interested
government agencies and contractors all information concerning sightings and pheno-
mena in the atmosphere which can be construed to be of concern to the national security.
3. All Air Force installations within and outside Zone of Interior and Alaska
have been instructed to report all sightings, or information concerning sightings
which comes to their attention, direct to the Commanding General, Air Materiel Com-
mand, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, Attn: MCI.
4. Air Materiel Command has been authorized direct contact with all Air Force
installations whenever required to develop additional information on the flying discs.
5. It is requested that all Department of the Army installations also be instruct-
ed to report such occurrences directly to Air Materiel Command and that they be in-
formed that Air Materiel Command is authorized to contact them direct when necessary
in connection with such occurrences.
6. If possible, reports to Air Materiel Command should include the following
information:
HQ. USAF
a. Location and time of sighting
b. Weather at the time 27 FEB 1948
c. Names, occupations, and addresses of witnesses
d. Photographs of objects, if available CAG-MAIL BRANCH
e. Object sighted:
(1) Number (4) Color (7) Maneuverability (10) Exhaust trail
(2) Shape (5) Speed (8) Altitude or not
(3) Size (6) Heading (9) Sound
g. General remarks C. P. CABELL
Major General, U.S.A.F.
FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF: Chief, Air Intel. Req. Div.
Directorate of Intelligence
OFFICE SYMBOL 1. AFOIR-CO 2. AFOIR 3. 4. 5.
GRADE AND
SURNAME OF Col.Taylor III
COORDINATING [ILLEGIBLE] C. P. [ILLEGIBLE]
OFFICERS Lt Col Garrett [ILLEGIBLE] USAF
RESTRICTED
10-20242-2 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICESECRET
CSGID 350.05 SUBJECT: Reporting of Information on
"Flying Discs"
TO: HQ, USAF, AFOIR FROM: D/I, GSUSA DATE: 25 Mar 48 COMMENT NO. 2
Lt. Col. Smith/2931/jes
1. Action on Comment No. 1 has been completed by request for information
at Inclosure 1.
2. It is requested that Air Materiel Command be directed to transmit to
the Director of Intelligence, GSUSA, an information copy of each communication
received from or sent to commands subordinate to the Department of the Army in
connection with so-called "flying disc" reports.
FOR THE DIRECTOR OF INTELLIGENCE:
[ILLEGIBLE]
R. F. ENNIS A. D. MacLEAN
Colonel, GSC Colonel, GSC
Chief, Intelligence Group, ID
2 Incls:
1. Req for Info (10 copies)
2. ICM 7 (2 copies)
SECRET prm 46478AFOIR-CO/Lt. Col. Garrett/jh/4544
2 Apr 48
AF HQ-44
3 Dec [ILLEGIBLE]
CONFIDENTIAL
Ltr frm Hq 4th AF, dated 11 Mar 48, subject: "Investigation of Flying Disc"
AFOIR-CO-5 1st Ind. 2 8 APR 1948
Department of the Air Force, Hq. USAF, Washington 25, D. C.
TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force
Base, Dayton, Ohio
P100289
HQ. USAF
2[ILLEGIBLE] APR 1948
CAG-[ILLEGIBLE]-BRANCH
OFFICE SYMBOL 1. AFOIR-CO 2. 3. 4. 5.
GRADE AND
SURNAME OF Col Taylor
COORDINATING [ILLEGIBLE]
OFFICERS Lt. Col. Garrett
CONFIDENTIAL
10-20242-2 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICECOPY
CONFIDENTIAL
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH AIR FORCE
Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2
Intelligence
Hamilton Field, California
4AFDA-3/1208-I Mar 11, 1948
SUBJECT: Investigation of Flying Disc.
TO: Chief of Staff
United States Air Forces
Washington, D. C.
ATTN: Directorate of Intelligence
Air Intelligence Requirements Division
1. Incident reported on 9 March 1948, this headquarters, per
telephone call from Sgt. A. M. Larsen, Sheriff's office, Bakersfield,
California.
a. Observation by Mr. Les Buchner, Bakersfield, California,
of two objects falling to earth from unknown source on 5 March 1948
between 1610 and 1655 hours. Description of objects similar to falling
aircraft with smoke and debris trailing. Observation made at Bakersfield
with objects sighted southwest toward Buena Vista Lake, California.
b. Observation by Mr. Denio, employee of the Pacific General
Electric Company, Bakersfield, California, of two objects which fell to
earth from unknown source north of Bakersfield, California, 8 March 1948.
One object seemed to be on fire with red and black smoke trailing behind.
2. Informant Larsen stated that searching parties, aircraft and
rescue units have made numerous attempts to locate these reported objects
without success.
3. Investigation of incident has been initiated by this headquarters.
Report will follow.
/s/ DONALD L. SPRINGER
Lt. Colonel, USAF
AC of S, A-2
Information to:
ADC, Mitchel Fld, N.Y.
FBI, San Francisco
G-2, Sixth Army
DIO, San Francisco (12th Nav. Dist)
CONFIDENTIALAFOIR-CO-5/Lt.Col.Garrett/dk/
4544
9 March 48
SECRET
AFOIR-CO-5 1 7 MAR 1948
SUBJECT: Flying Discs
TO: Commanding General
Air Materiel Command
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Dayton, Ohio
ATTN: MCI
1. Reference is made to Colonel McCoy's informal proposal
that certain fighter aircraft be maintained on a continuous alert
status, within the Zone of the Interior, to aid in gathering in-
formation on Flying Discs.
2. This proposal is considered unfeasible for the following
reasons:
a. The outlay of aircraft and personnel would be too
great in relation to the results obtained.
b. Proper interception is not possible, except by acci-
dent, without complete radar coverage. The Air Force is incapable
of providing such coverage.
c. It is doubtful if fighter aircraft would be able to
follow up reports emanating, for the most part, from civilian sources.
BY COMMAND OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF:
HQ USAF
17 MAR 1948
CAG-MAIL BRANCH
GEORGE C. McDONALD
Major General, USAF
Director of Intelligence, Office of
Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations
P80
recommended
above answer by RBP
Cntr 3 Mar To D/I USAF
OFFICE SYMBOL 1. AFOIR-CO 2. AFOIR 3. AFOIR 4. 5.
GRADE AND
SURNAME OF Col Taylor III
COORDINATING [ILLEGIBLE] C. P. CABELL
OFFICERS Lt.Col.Garrett Maj. Gen., USAF
SECRET
10-20242-2 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICEAF HQ-33 (20 MAY 44)
HEADQUARTERS ARMY AIR FORCES
ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET
SECRET
TALLY NO. 090
FILE NO.
SUBJECT: Flying Discs
TO: Director of Plans and Operations DATE 12 FEB 1948
FROM: Director of Intelligence COMMENT No. 1
Lt. Col Garrett/lwd/4544
1. By letter from this Headquarters, dated 30 December 1947 with subject
as above, the Commanding General, Air Materiel Command is instructed to "set up
a project whose purpose is to collect, collate, evaluate and distribute to
interested government agencies and contractors all information concerning sight-
ings and phenomena in the atmosphere which can be construed to be of concern to
the national security".
2. The Commanding General, Air Materiel Command feels that the responsibility
assigned to him for collecting and developing information and intelligence on the
"flying discs" should be complemented by a requirement that all Air Force installa-
tions in the United States and Alaska provide a minimum of one each fighter or
night interceptor type aircraft, with necessary crews, on a continuous alert basis.
These aircraft should be equipped with gun camera, and such armament as deemed
advisable, in order to secure photographs necessary to the obtainment of all
possible data on any reported and sighted unusual phenomena, of the "flying disc"
type, in the atmosphere.
3. It is envisaged that each Air Force installation maintaining aircraft on
an alert basis for this purpose would investigate all unusual flying objects
reported from any source in any area over which it has cognizance. Such a program
would obviously require a detailed Standard Operating Procedure, in the preparation
of which Air Materiel Command should cooperate.
4. Your comments and/or concurrence are requested.
C.P.Cabell
C. P. CABELL
Brigadier General, U.S.A.F.
Chief, Air Intel. Req. Div.
Directorate of Intelligence
(102)
PAGE SECRET
3-1109, AF (REV 20 MAY 44)
[ILLEGIBLE]AF HQ-33 (20 MAY 44)
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS ARMY AIR FORCES
ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET
SECRET
TALLY NO. [ILLEGIBLE]
FILE NO.
SUBJECT:
Flying Discs
TO: Director of Intelligence DATE 3 MAR 1948
FROM: Director of Plans and Operations COMMENT No. 2
Major Cook: csk 72233
1. The proposal of Air Materiel Command for stationing fighter aircraft at all
bases on a continuous alert status is not considered feasible for the following reasons:
a. The outlay of aircraft and personnel would be too great consistent with
the results to be obtained.
b. Proper interception is not possible, except by accident, without complete
radar coverage which the Air Force is not capable of providing.
c. It is doubtful if fighter aircraft would be able to follow up reports
emanating, for the most part, from civilian sources.
2. It is recommended that Air Materiel Command's responsibility for "collecting"
information on unusual phenomena in the atmosphere be confined to the establishment of
direct channels for the receipt of such information.
3. It is further recommended that in lieu of the proposal of Air Materiel Command,
all other major commands be directed to cooperate with Air Materiel Command and to channel
information directly to that command.
S.E. Anderson
S. E. ANDERSON
Major General, U.S.A.F.
Director of Plans and Operations.
SECRET
PAGE
3-1109, AF (REV 20 MAY 44)AFOIR-CO/Lt. Col. Garrett/lwd/4,544
4 March 48
CONFIDENTIAL
B/L fm Hq. Tenth Air Force, Brooks Fld, San Antonio, Texas, dtd
7 Jan 48, subj: "Flying Disks"
AFOIR-CO-5 1st Ind.
Dept. of the Air Force, Hq. USAF, Washington 25, D. C. 9 MAR 1948
TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air
Force Base, Dayton, Ohio
ATTN: TSDIN
Forwarded as a matter pertaining to your Command.
BY COMMAND OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF:
1 Incl. DOUGLASS W. EISEMAN
n/c Lt. Colonel, U.S.A.F.
[ILLEGIBLE] Executive, Air Intelligence Requirements Div.
Directorate of Intelligence
HQ USAF
9 MAR 1948
CAG-MAIL BRANCH
P 99606
Ref: B/L fm 10th A.F. dtd 7 Jan 48, subj: as above
OFFICE SYMBOL 1. AFOIR-CO AFOIR 2. AFOIR 3. 4. 5.
GRADE AND
SURNAME OF [ILLEGIBLE] Col Taylor
COORDINATING [ILLEGIBLE] Eiseman
OFFICERS [ILLEGIBLE] C. P. CABELL
Lt. Col. Garrett [ILLEGIBLE] USAF
CONFIDENTIAL
10-20242-2 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICECONFIDENTIAL
HEADQUARTERS
TENTH AIR FORCE
BROOKS FIELD, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
D 333.5 7 January 1948
SUBJECT: "Flying Disks"
TO: Chief of Staff
United States Air Force
Washington 25, D. C.
ATTN: Director of Intelligence
Commanding General
Air Defense Command
Mitchel Field, New York
ATTN: Asst Chief of Staff, A-2
Commanding General
Fourth Army
Ft. Sam Houston, Texas
ATTN: Asst Chief of Staff, G-2
Inclosed is Summary of Information prepared by the Tenth Air Force
Resident Agent at Houston, Texas covering a report of "Flying Disks"
received by the FBI Office at Houston, Texas.
FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:
/s/ RAYMOND D. STEPHENS
1 Incl Major, USAF
Summary of Inform, Actg Asst Chief of Staff, A-2
subj: "Flying Disk"
175th AFBU, Ellington Fld,
dtd 19 Dec 47
C
O
P
Y
CONFIDENTIALAFOIR-CO/Col Garrett/lwd/4544
2 March 48
[ILLEGIBLE]ORET
AFOIR-CO-5
4 MAR 1948
SUBJECT: Flying Discs
TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson
Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio
ATTN: TSDIN
Attached report from Military Air Attache, Canada, closes the
incident reported by Johnson and Harrison.
BY COMMAND OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF:
DOUGLASS W. EISEMAN
1 Incl. Lt. Colonel, U.S.A.F.
MAA Canada Rpt. Executive, Air Intelligence Requirements Div.
dtd 2 Feb 48 Directorate of Intelligence
[handwritten signature]
P 99514
HQ USAF
5=MAR 1948
CAG-MA[ILLEGIBLE]
[ILLEGIBLE]ORET
+------------------+------------------+----+----+----+
| OFFICE SYMBOL | 1. AFOIR-CO | 2. AFOIR | 3. | 4. | 5. |
+------------------+------------------+----+----+----+
| GRADE AND | Col Taylor | Yeaman | | | |
| SURNAME OF | | C. P. CABELL | | | |
| COORDINATING | Col Garrett[sig] | Maj Gen. USAF | | | |
| OFFICERS | | | | | |
+------------------+------------------+----+----+----+
16-20262-3 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICEAFOIR-CO/Lt. Col. Garrett/jh/4544
16 Feb 48
SECRET
AFOIR-CO-5
24 FEB 1948
SUBJECT: Flying Discs
TO : Commanding General
Air Materiel Command
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Dayton, Ohio
ATTN: TSDIN
1. Attached, for your information, is copy of Collection Memorandum
Number 7, which was forwarded to field collection agencies for action on
above subject.
2. This Directorate has been advised that contact has been made with
the Horton Brothers, and the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2, of European
Command has accordingly been advised by Telecon to use this Memorandum
as the basis for interrogation.
3. The results of this interrogation will be forwarded to your
Headquarters as soon as received.
BY COMMAND OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF:
1 Incl C.P. CABELL
Col Memo #7 [sig] Major General, U.S.A.F.
dtd 21 Jan 48 Chief, Air Intel. Req. Div.
Directorate of Intelligence
P 99247
HQ USAF
24FEB 1948
CAG-MAIL BRANCH
+------------------+------------------+----+----+----+
| OFFICE SYMBOL | 1. AFOIR-CO | 2. AFOIR | 3. | 4. | 5. |
+------------------+------------------+----+----+----+
| GRADE AND | Col. Taylor | [sig] | | | |
| SURNAME OF | | C. P. CABELL | | | |
| COORDINATING | Lt. Col. Garrett | Brig. Gen. USAF | | | |
| OFFICERS | | | | | |
+------------------+------------------+----+----+----+AFCAG-10 (Rev 13 Oct 47)
INDEX: 000.9 Phenomena DATE: 13 February 1948
TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air
Force Base, Dayton, Ohio.
FROM: Executive, Air Intelligence Requirements Div., Directorate of
Intelligence.
SUMMARY: "Project SIGN"
"Flying Discs"
1st Ind
FILED: 380 Project
INDEXER: rg
REMARKS:
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
CORRESPONDENCE REFERENCE FORMAFGMR-60 (REV. OCT. 1947)
INDEX: 000.9 Flying Discs DATE: 12 February 1948
TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force,
Base, Dayton, Ohio.
FROM: Executive, Air Intelligence Requirements Div. Directorate of
Intelligence.
SUMMARY: Project "SIGN".
1st Ind
FILED: 380 Project
INDEXER: rg
REMARKS:
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
CORRESPONDENCE REFERENCE FORMAFOIR-CO/Col. Garrett/jh/4544
4 Feb 48
CONFIDENTIAL
2/6/48
AFOIR-CO-5 1st Ind. 6 - FEB 1948
Dept. of the Air Force, Hq. USAF, Washington 25, D. C.
TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force
Base, Dayton, Ohio
ATTN: TSDIN
Forwarded as a matter pertaining to your Command.
BY COMMAND OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF:
P 97897 DOUGLASS W. EISEMAN
Lt. Colonel, U.S.A.F.
1 Incl HQ USAF Executive, Air Intelligence Requirements Div.
n/c 6=FEB 1948 Directorate of Intelligence
CAG-MAIL BRANCH
+------------------+------------------+----+----+----+
| OFFICE SYMBOL | 1. AFOIR-CO | 2. AFOIR | 3. | 4. | 5. |
+------------------+------------------+----+----+----+
| GRADE AND | Col. Taylor [sig]| Eiseman | | | / |
| SURNAME OF | | C. P. CABELL | | | |
| COORDINATING | Col. Garrett | Brig. Gen. USAF | | | |
| OFFICERS | | | | | |
+------------------+------------------+----+----+----+CONFIDENTIAL
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH AIR FORCE
Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2
Intelligence
Hamilton Field, California
4AFDA-1208-I JAN 1 5 1948
SUBJECT: Report of Flying Disc.
TO: Chief of Staff
United States Air Forces
Washington, D. C.
ATTN: Director of Intelligence
Attached report for your information.
/s/ Donald L. Springer
DONALD L. SPRINGER
1 Incl: Lt. Colonel, USAF
Rpt of Flying Disc. AC of S, A-2
[ILLEGIBLE stamp]
[ILLEGIBLE stamp]
[ILLEGIBLE stamp]
CONFIDENTIALAFCAG-10 (Rev 13 Oct 47)
INDEX: 000.9 Phenomena DATE: 6 February 1948
TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,
Dayton, Ohio.
FROM: Executive, Air Intelligence Requirements Div., Directorate of Intelligence.
SUMMARY: Flying Discs.
Ltr
FILED: 312.3 Channels
INDEXER: rg
REMARKS:
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
CORRESPONDENCE REFERENCE FORM
8-3867, AF