DISCLOSURE / FILE
SHAEF Air Staff file 37153 collects January-March 1945 messages and witness reports on "night phenomena (foofighters)," cylindrical objects, and blinking lights tracked by the 415th Night Fighter Squadron and other Allied units over Germany and France.
331_120752_Numeric_Files_1944–1945_37153_German_Armament_Equipment_Documents
SHAEF Air Staff file 37153 collects January-March 1945 messages and witness reports on "night phenomena (foofighters)," cylindrical objects, and blinking lights tracked by the 415th Night Fighter Squadron and other Allied units over Germany and France.
The file routes complaints up from the 415th Night Fighter Squadron through XII Tactical Air Command, First Tactical Air Force, and on to SHAEF Air Staff under Air Commodore C.M. Grierson, who in February 1945 told U.S.S.T.A.F. the reports were too many to dismiss as imagination and that pilots were "becoming slightly worried." The 415th's S-2, Capt. F.B. Ringwald, attached verbatim sortie-report extracts from December 14, 1944 through January 29, 1945 describing red, orange, amber, and white lights that formed up on aircraft, followed evasive maneuvers, and disappeared on command. A parallel daylight thread covers a March 1, 1945 sighting by a 107th Squadron/67th TAC/R pilot of a 12-foot aluminum-colored cylinder floating vertically at 9,000 feet near grid F-5710; the pilot attacked it, producing "a red flame" without smoke, and the cylinder did not disintegrate. By March 13, 1945, Air Ministry's D.D.I.2 (Group Captain E.D.W. Hopkins) replied that Bomber Command crews were reporting similar phenomena and offered Me.262s and flak rockets as the "most likely explanation," while conceding the affair was "still something of a mystery."
We have encountered a phenomenon which we cannot explain; crews have been followed by lights that blink on and off changing colors etc. The lights come very close and fly formation with our planes. They are agitating and keep the crews on edge when they encounter them, mainly because they cannot explain them.p.14
From the number of reports quoted in the 2nd W/Ind. from the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, it would seem that there must be something more than mere imagination behind the matter, and in view of the fact that pilots and crews are becoming slightly worried by them, it is considered that everything possible should be done to get to the root of the matter.p.11
An aluminum colored cylinder shaped object, about 12 ft long and 1 ft in diameter was observed floating in the air at 9,000 ft. It appeared to be suspended vertically with small fins and a mast projecting from the lower end. The object was attacked and partially deflated, a red flame resulted without smoke. The cylinder did not disintegrate.p.9
Bomber Command crews have for some time been reporting similar phenomena. A few of the alleged aircraft may have been Me. 262 and for the rest, flak rockets are suggested as the most likely explanation.p.2
The whole affair is still something of a mystery and the evidence is very sketchy and varied so that no definite and satisfactory explanation can yet be given.p.2
They closed in to about 8 O'clock and 1000 ft. and remained in that position for several minutes and then disappeared.p.15
After staying with A/C for approximately 2 minutes, they would peel off and turn away, fly along level for a few minutes and then go out. They appeared to be under perfect control at all times.p.15
Foofighters is the name given these phenomenon by combat crews of this Squadron.p.17
Extracted text · Page 1
Page 1 · vision OCR
DECLASSIFIED
Authority:
NND 947020
FILE COPY
63A
AIR STAFF
SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
(FORWARD)
REF:- SHAEF/A/TS.37153/A.2. 16 March 1945.
SUB:- Night Phenomena.
TO:- First Tactical Air Force (Prov.), APO 374. US ARMY.
1. With reference to reports forwarded from the XIIth
Tactical Air Command through your Headquarters on the subject of
night phenomena (foofighter), and further to this Headquarters'
letter of even reference dated 11 February, a reply has now been
received from the Air Ministry who say that Bomber Command crews
have for some time been reporting similar phenomena.
2. The Air Ministry view is that a few of the alleged
aircraft may have been Me.262's and for the rest, flak rockets
are suggested as the most likely explanation.
3. It is regretted that no further, or more definite,
information can be given.
for the Deputy Supreme Commander,
C.M. GRIERSON,
Air Commodore,
A.C. of S., A-2.
2354
- 4336Page 2 · vision OCR
SECRET
To: A/Cmdr. Grierson,
A.C. of S. A-2
Air Staff S.H.A.E.F.
6A
From: Air Ministry, D.D.I.2.
Date: 13th March, 1945. FD
Ref: 111/45/DDI2.
SHAEF 13 MAR 1945
6C
A 37153
BALLS OF FIRE - RED.
The papers dealing with
the above subject which you en-
closed with your memo SHAEF Air/
TS.37153/A2 dated 11th February,
have been carefully examined and
discussed with the various other
Departments concerned.
Bomber Command crews have
for some time been reporting simi-
lar phenomena. A few of the
alleged aircraft may have been Me.
262 and for the rest, flak rockets
are suggested as the most likely
explanation.
The whole affair is
still something of a mystery and
the evidence is very sketchy and
varied so that no definite and
satisfactory explanation can yet
be given.
- 2355 4337 E. D. W. Hopkins
Group CaptainPage 17 · vision OCR
S E C R E T
2nd. W/Ind., 415th. Night Fighter Squadron, 30 January 1945 Con't.
Night of 29-30 January 1945 - "At about 00:10 hrs. sighted a Foofighter
about half way between Weissembourg and Landau. Foofighter was off to
the starboard and rear at Angels 2. Lights were amber and one was 20 -
50 ft. above the other and of about 30 seconds duration. Foofighter was
about 1000 ft. away and following. The lights were about a foot in
diameter. Lights disappeared when Travel 34 turned into them."
2. In every case where pilot called GCI Control and asked if there was a
Bogey A/C in the area he received a negative answer.
[signature]
F. B. RINGWALD,
Captain, A. C.,
Intelligence Officer.
* Foofighters is the name given these phenomenon by combat crews of this
Squadron.
S E C R E T
2408 - 4398Concatenated 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.
DECLASSIFIED
Authority:
NND 947020
FILE COPY
63A
AIR STAFF
SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
(FORWARD)
REF:- SHAEF/A/TS.37153/A.2. 16 March 1945.
SUB:- Night Phenomena.
TO:- First Tactical Air Force (Prov.), APO 374. US ARMY.
1. With reference to reports forwarded from the XIIth
Tactical Air Command through your Headquarters on the subject of
night phenomena (foofighter), and further to this Headquarters'
letter of even reference dated 11 February, a reply has now been
received from the Air Ministry who say that Bomber Command crews
have for some time been reporting similar phenomena.
2. The Air Ministry view is that a few of the alleged
aircraft may have been Me.262's and for the rest, flak rockets
are suggested as the most likely explanation.
3. It is regretted that no further, or more definite,
information can be given.
for the Deputy Supreme Commander,
C.M. GRIERSON,
Air Commodore,
A.C. of S., A-2.
2354
- 4336SECRET
To: A/Cmdr. Grierson,
A.C. of S. A-2
Air Staff S.H.A.E.F.
6A
From: Air Ministry, D.D.I.2.
Date: 13th March, 1945. FD
Ref: 111/45/DDI2.
SHAEF 13 MAR 1945
6C
A 37153
BALLS OF FIRE - RED.
The papers dealing with
the above subject which you en-
closed with your memo SHAEF Air/
TS.37153/A2 dated 11th February,
have been carefully examined and
discussed with the various other
Departments concerned.
Bomber Command crews have
for some time been reporting simi-
lar phenomena. A few of the
alleged aircraft may have been Me.
262 and for the rest, flak rockets
are suggested as the most likely
explanation.
The whole affair is
still something of a mystery and
the evidence is very sketchy and
varied so that no definite and
satisfactory explanation can yet
be given.
- 2355 4337 E. D. W. Hopkins
Group CaptainSECRET
SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORWARD)
Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff A-2
61A
REF : SHAEF/AIR/S.37153/A-2 14 March 1945.
SUBJECT: Request for Photographs.
TO : HQ. 1ST US. TAC. A.F.
Attention AC of S. A-2.
Reference your letter dated 12 March asking that
photos be furnished as mentioned in our Signal A.I.380
dated 4 March, this office has since been informed by HQ.
IX TAC. That the pictures of "Long cylindrical objects"
claimed by the 107th P.R. Squadron pilot proved to be unsuccessful.
For the Deputy Supreme Commander:
T.G. AMES.
Lt-Col. AC.
A-2 RECCE.
/ - 2356 - 4338R.A.F. Form 96. MESSAGE FORM Signal Office File No.
58A
IN
MESSAGE 37153 No. of Groups Office Date Stamp
GR
OUT
SIGNALS OFFICE
HEADING -5 MAR 1945
SIGNALS HEADQUARTERS
(Above this line is for Signals use only)
FROM AIR STAFF, SHAEF. (FORWARD). File
TO AIR MINISTRY, WHITEHALL.
REPEATED
Originator's Number Date (Write horizontally)
A.I. 321 5 MARCH 1945. [REDACTED](.) YOUR AX 222 4TH MARCH(.)5
UNDERSTAND FROM DDI2 VISITING HERE TODAY THAT ALL 10
AVAILABLE BOMB TORPEDOES FROM TRIPPELWERKE 15
MOLSHEIM HAVE ALREADY BEEN SENT TO HORNCHURCH(.) DDI2 20
WILL CHECK FURTHER WITH USSTAF AND REPORT ON RETURN TO 25
U.K. ABOUT 8TH MARCH(.) 30
35
40
45
50
May be sent AS WRITTEN *(1) By ANY Signal Method Send in CYPHER *(1) By ANY Signal Date-Time Group
*(2) NOT by Wireless Method
*(3) But if liable to Interception *(2) NOT by Wireless 05 1700 A.
or Capture SEND IN CYPHER
Originator's Instructions
Signature [signature] Signature 2359 Degree of Priority
[REDACTED]
Rank A/1Cdr Rank IMPORTANT
(* Strike out methods which do not apply. Below this line is for Signals use only.)
System Time Reader Sender System Time Reader Sender System Time Reader Sender T.O.R.
in in out out out
4344 03/916
b ledger
724699 WL 49887/03734 497,000 Pads 3/44 MP 51-833637153 2[3]0[?]
Acos 1
FROM AIR MINISTRY WHITEHALL. 041432A
TO S.H.A.E.F. (FORWARD) FOR AIR COMMODORE GRIERSON ED
SHAEFM N
-5 MAR 1945 fwd.
A 11c
ABLE XRAY TWO TWO TWO FOURTH MARCH [REDACTED] ED
REFERENCE MIKESUGARWILLIAM SIX DATED SECOND JANUARY ONENIREFOUR FIVE FROM VCAS
TO AIR MARSHAL ROBB STRESSING IMPORTANCE OF RECOVERING BULK STOCKS OF GERMAN
BOMB TORPEDOES FROM TRIPPELWERKE MOLSHEIM AND REPLY JIG MIKE ROGER SLANT
ONE TWO TWO DATED SECOND JANUARY BULK DELIVERIES HAVE NOT REPEAT NOT YET
BEGUN PD PLEASE INVESTIGATE AS STOCKS ARE REQUIRED URGENTLY.
AIR STAFF
DISTRIBUTION
ACTION NFOR.
A-2 [check] A-2
A-3 A-3
A-4 A-4
SIL SIL
YO [?]C
SMO [check]
PRIORITY IMPORTANT - 2360
- 4345 IMPORTANTIMMEDIATE 25 MAR 1945
52A 90
SHAEFM fwd
-5 MAR 1945
10c A 37/53
AIR STAFF
DISTRIBUTION
ACTION NFOR.
A-[?] A-[?]
A-II A-II
A-4 [?]
[?]G [?] 1
G G [check] 989/21
55A
[REDACTED] PLEASE [REDACTED]
AFF V JE70 NR ITS 21 OPOP
FROM: HQ IX TAC 051102A
TO: AIR STAFF S.H.A.E.F. FORWARD
[REDACTED] QQY BT
REFERENCE YOUR MESSAGE AI.320 DATED 041745A: PHOTOS OF LONG CYLINDRICAL
OBJECTS TAKEN BY 67TH TAC/R PILOTS 011030 VICINITY F-5710 WERE UNSUC-
CESSFUL, FULL WRITTEN REPORT WILL FOLLOW.
QUESADA
BT 051102A
DRP AR
AFF R ......05/1132 KS AR
- 2361
- 4346 1136R.A.F. Form 96. MESSAGE FORM Signal Office File No.
[?]
IN
MESSAGE 37153 No. of Groups Office Date Stamp
55A GR
OUT
SIGNALS OFFICE
HEADING -4 MAR 1945
SIGNALS HEADQUARTERS
(Above this line is for Signals use only)
FROM AIR STAFF S.H.A.E.F. FORWARD.
TO WHITEHALL
AIR MINISTRY. USSTAF.(M) 2nd T.A.F.(M) 1st TAC A.F. H.Q. IXTH TAC.
REPEATED NINTH AIR FORCE.(M)
Originator's Number Date (Write horizontally)
AI. 320. 4 MARCH 1945 FOLLOWING RECEIVED FROM H.Q. NINTH 5
TAC AIR COMMAND DATED 1 MARCH QUOTE PILOTS REPORT FOLLOWING AN ALUMINUM 10
COLOURED CYLINDER SHAPED OBJECT COMMA ABOUT 12 FEET LONG 15
AND 1 FOOT IN DIAMETER WAS OBSERVED FLOATING IN THE AIR AT 20
9,000 FEET(.) IT APPEARED TO BE SUSPENDED VERTICALLY 25
WITH SMALL FINS AND A MAST PROJECTING FROM THE LOWER 30
END(.) THE OBJECT WAS ATTACKED AND PARTIALLY DEFLATED 35
COMMA A RED FLAME RESULTED WITHOUT SMOKE(.) THE CYLINDER 40
DID NOT DISINTEGRATE (.) PHOTO TAKEN BY 107 SQ. 45
OF 67 TAC/R GROUP AT 011030 HOURS VIC F-5710 UNQUOTE(.) 50
May be sent AS WRITTEN *(1) By ANY Signal Method Send in CYPHER *(1) By ANY Signal Date-Time Group
*(2) NOT by Wireless Method
*(3) But if liable to Interception *(2) NOT by Wireless
or Capture SEND IN CYPHER
Originator's Instructions
Signature Signature 2362 Degree of Priority
IMMEDIATE
Rank Rank
(* Strike out methods which do not apply. Below this line is for Signals use only.)
System Time Reader Sender System Time Reader Sender System Time Reader Sender T.O.R.
in in out out out
- 4347
724899 Wt. 49887/03734 497,000 Pads 3/44 MP 51-8336R.A.F. Form 96. MESSAGE FORM Signal Office File No. V[?]
IN
MESSAGE No. of Groups Office Date Stamp
GR
OUT
HEADING
(Above this line is for Signals use only)
FROM
TO
- PAGE 2 -
REPEATED
Originator's Number Date
AI. 4 MARCH 5
PHOTOS TO AIR MINISTRY COMMA USSTAF AND A.C.I.U. 10
ALSO FULL WRITTEN REPORT BY PILOTS CONCERNED 15
(.) ANY FURTHER INSTANCES ALSO TO BE 20
REPORTED(.) 25
30
35
4348 40
45
50
May be sent AS WRITTEN *(1) By ANY Signal Method Send in CYPHER *(1) By ANY Signal Date-Time Group
*(2) NOT by Wireless Method
*(3) But if liable to Interception *(2) NOT by Wireless 041745A
or Capture SEND IN CYPHER
Signature [signature] Signature 2363 Originator's Instructions
Degree of Priority
Rank A/1Cdr Rank [REDACTED]
IMMEDIATE
(* Strike out methods which do not apply. Below this line is for Signals use only.)
System Time Reader Sender System Time Reader Sender System Time Reader Sender T.O.R.
in in out out out Smith
187
724899 Wt. 49887/03734 497,000 Pads 3/44 MP 51-8336SECRET SECRET
SHAEF
STAFF MESSAGE CONTROL
INCOMING MESSAGE 54A
JEUS SHAEF A02/1
TOR 012100A MARCH
TCO 011947A MARCH mbm 012115A MARCH
S E C R E T
OF PRIORITY
FROM : HQ IX TAC SIGNED QUESADA SHAEFM N fwd
9K -2 MAR 1945
TO : CG SHAEF MAIN ATTN A-2, CG NINTH AF ADV ATTN A-2
A 37153
REF NO : NONE, 1 MARCH 1945
Pilots report the following.
An aluminum colored cylinder shaped object,
about 12 ft long and 1 ft in diameter was observed floating in the
air at 9,000 ft. It appeared to be suspended vertically with small
fins and a mast projecting from the lower end. The object was attacked
and partially deflated, a red flame resulted without smoke. The
cylinder did not disintegrate.
Photo taken by 107 SQ of 67 TAC/R Group at 011030
hours via F-5710.
ACTION : AIR STAFF / mB.164/14.
INFORMATION : G-2 AIR STAFF
SHAEF FORWARD DISTRIBUTION
AG RECORDS ACTION NFOR.
A-2 [check] A-[?]
A-3 A-3
A-4 A-[?]
S[?] [?]
AG C [check]
2364 4349
SMC IN 310 1 MAR 45 2200A AGD/wml REF NO: NONE
SECRET
[REDACTED]
COPY NO. 8
THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN [?]A:- A.D.I.(K), Air Ministry. SECRET
5A
To:- A/Cdr. Grierson, S.H.A.E.F.Main,
(Air Div.).
Copy to C.I.O. 2nd T.A.F.
Date: 17th February 1945.
51A
Reference your SHAEF AIR/S.37153/A.2
dated 14th February 1945 with the attached
CX report, this probably refers to "Flak Bombe"
mentioned in A.D.I.(K) Report No.562/1944,
paragraphs 128 and 129.
52A
SHAEFMAIN FWD
21 FEB 1945
5C A 37/53
[signature]
S.D.Felkin,
Wing Commander.
SDF/GJ 2365
- 4350AIR STAFF
SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.
48A
REF: SHAEF AIR/TS.37153/A-2. 11 February 1945.
SUBJECT: Night Phenomena.
TO: Headquarters, U.S.S.T.A.F.
(For attention of Chief Technical Intelligence
Officer, Col. Bradley).
1. Attached are copies of papers received from the First
Tac. Air Force (Prov). From the number of reports quoted in
the 2nd W/Ind. from the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, it would
seem that there must be something more than mere imagination
behind the matter, and in view of the fact that pilots and crews
are becoming slightly worried by them, it is considered that
everything possible should be done to get to the root of the
matter.
2. Copies of the reports have been sent to the Air Ministry
for their consideration, and the Scientific Investigation
Division of this Headquarters (Mr. Robertson) has also been asked
to consider the problem.
3. In the meantime, it is suggested that it might be as well
for an Air Technical Intelligence Officer to visit the Unit
concerned and obtain reports and impressions at first hand from
aircrew personnel.
For the Deputy Supreme Commander,
[signature]
C.M. GRIERSON,
Air Commodore,
A.C. of S., A-2,
Air Staff, SHAEF.
- 2402
- 4391[REDACTED]
AIR STAFF
SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
47A
REF:- 37153 11 February 1945.
TO:- First Tactical Air Force (Prov.), APO 374, U.S. ARMY.
1. Reference to your 3rd Indorsement on the subject of
night phenomenon originated by the 415th Night Fighter Squadron,
there is no information at this Headquarters which might explain the
nature and cause of the lights and other phenomena described by the
pilots of this Squadron.
2. The matter is, therefore, being referred to the
Air Ministry in order to find out whether any further information
can be obtained from that source. It is also hoped to make
arrangements for an Air Technical Intelligence Officer from USSTAF
to visit the Unit concerned.
For the Deputy Supreme Commander,
[signature]
C.M. GRIERSON,
Air Commodore,
A.C. of S., A-2.
2403 439237153 S E C R E T
Please return to A2 Shelf
2nd Ind. GAF
05/1000 46A
D-W-2
HEADQUARTERS XII TACTICAL AIR COMMAND (ADV), APO #374, U.S. Army,
4 February 1945. SHAEFMAIN
TO: Commanding General, First Tactical Air Force (Prov), APO 374,
U.S. Army. Attn: A/C of S, A-2.
A 15c
Attention is invited to 2nd W/Ind.
Joan E. Wooley
for LEAVITT CORNING, JR.,
Lt. Colonel, G. S. C.,
A/C of S, A-2.
3rd Ind. D-Y-1
HEADQUARTERS, FIRST TACTICAL AIR FORCE (PROV), APO 374, U S Army, 5 February 1945.
TO: Chief Intelligence Officer, Air Staff SHAEF, APO 757.
1. Forwarded for your information.
2. This headquarters has no further information or explanation in connection
with these phenomena.
3. It is believed that further investigation is warranted. Since appropriate
technical personnel are not available within the First Tactical Air Force, the matter
is forwarded for such further investigation as may be advisable.
[circular stamp: SHAEF MAIN AIR
-8 FEB 1945
A2
REGISTRY]
1 Incl.
#1 - 1st & 2nd W/Ind, 23 Jan 45
and 30 Jan 45.
C.A.YOUNG
C. A. YOUNG,
Colonel, AO,
AC of S, A-2
S E C R E T
- 4393
- 2404 307
- 2 -SECRET SECRET
TH: CG, XII TAC
:Initial [initials]
:Date: 16/Jan 1945:
HEADQUARTERS XII TACTICAL AIR COMMAND (ADV) D-C-1
Office of the A/C S, A-2
APO 374, US Army,
16 January 1945.
SUBJECT: Night Phenomenon.
TO : Commanding General, First Tactical Air Force (Prov),
APO 374, US Army. Attn: A/C of S, A-2.
1. The following is quoted from training and tactical
information supplied by the 415th Night Fighter Squadron for
the month of December 1944:
"We have encountered a phenomenon which we cannot
explain; crews have been followed by lights that blink on and
off changing colors etc. The lights come very close and fly
formation with our planes. They are agitating and keep the
crews on edge when they encounter them, mainly because they
cannot explain them. It is requested further information be
furnished on this subject, such as similar experiences of other
night units".
2. Further information is requested.
[signature]
LEAVITT CORNING, JR.,
Lt. Colonel, G. S. C.,
A/C of S, A-2.
1st Ind D-B-1
HEADQUARTERS, FIRST TACTICAL AIR FORCE (PROV), AC of S A-2, APO 374, US Army,
20 January 1945
TO: AC of S A-2, XII Tactical Air Command, APO 374, US Army
1. There have been no instances reported as above.
2. Before an investigation can be made it will be necessary to have
more complete information, such as colors of the lights, their intensity,
size, duration, and at what altitudes seen; also if the lights are observed
at any specific hours. Do subject lights cross Allied lines and in what
direction are they seen to travel? Also, has it been noted on what part of
the aircraft are they carried, i.e. wing, tail, prop; and how close do they
approach our aircraft?
For the Assistant Chief of Staff A-2:
- 2405 -1- 4395
SECRET S V BOYKIN
S V BOYKIN
Major AC
Executive OfficerS E C R E T
1st W/Ind. D-W-2
HEADQUARTERS XII TACTICAL AIR COMMAND, APO #374, U.S. Army, 23 January 1945.
TO: S-2, 415 Night Fighter Squadron.
Forwarded for compliance with paragraph 2 of 1st Ind.
John E. Woolley
for LEAVITT CORNING, JR.,
Lt. Colonel, G. S. C.,
A/C of S, A-2.
2nd W/Ind.
415th. NIGHT FIGHTER SQUADRON, APO #374, U. S. Army, 30 January 1945.
TO: AC of S A-2 XII Tactical Air Command, APO 374, U. S. Army.
1. In compliance with paragraph 2 of 1st. Ind., the following extracts from
the Sortie Reports of various pilots who have encountered the Night Phenomenon
are submitted for your information.
Night of 14-15 December 1944 - "In vicinity of Erstein (V-9381) flying at
1000 ft. observed large red light at 2000 ft. going East at 18:40 hrs.
Travelling at approximately 200 MPH"
Night of 16-17 December 1944 - "20 miles North of Breisach (W-0173) at
800 ft. observed 5 or 6 flashing red and green lights in "T" shape.
Thought they were flak. About 10 minutes later saw the same lights much
closer and behind me. We turned port and Starboard and the lights
followed. They closed in to about 8 O'clock and 1000 ft. and remained
in that position for several minutes and then disappeared."
Night of 22-23 December 1944 - "Patrolling at Angels 10 from Sarrebourg
to Strasbourg North and South of highway. At 06:00 hrs. saw two lights
coming towards A/C from the ground. Upon reaching altitude of plane,
they leveled off and stayed on my tail for approximately 2 minutes.
Lights appeared to be a large orange glow. After staying with A/C for
approximately 2 minutes, they would peel off and turn away, fly along
level for a few minutes and then go out. They appeared to be under perfect
control at all times. Lights were seen somewhere in vicinity of Nagenau."
S E C R E T
Incl #1 - 2406 - 4396S-E-G-R-E-T
2 nd. W/Ind., 415th. Night Fighter Squadron 30 January 1945 con't.
Night of 23-24 December 1944 - "Observed reddish colored flames at
considerable distance and at approximately 10,000 ft."
Night of 23-24 December 1944 - "Approximately 10 miles South of Point X (Q6745)
noticed to NE approximately 5 miles a glowing red object shooting straight
up. Changed suddenly to plane view of A/C doing a wing over and going
into a dive and disappearing."
Night of 26-27 December 1944 - "At 01:45 hrs. saw two yellow streaks of
flame flying at same level at approximately 3000 ft. off port side. We also
saw red balls of fire that stayed up for 10 seconds approximately 45 miles
away. After seeing yellow streaks, made starboard vector lost altitude
and streaks disappeared from view. Called GCI Blunder and asked if any E/A
were in vicinity. They answered No. Instructed to return to Angels 10.
We felt what was thought to be prop wash; very distinct. Noticed several
groups of lights off port while patrolling in vicinity of Q-9050 and R-1556
Lights made distinct lines somewhat like arrows."
Night of 26-27 December 1944 - "While on vector 090 near V-7050 during
patrol we observed airborne white lights. They were staggered evenly
vertically and we could see from 1 to 4 swing at once. They appeared
stationary at 10,000 ft."
Night of 26-27 December 1944 - "Observed light at same altitude while in
vicinity of Worms. Observer saw light come within 100 ft. Peeled off and
took evasive action but light continued to follow for 5 minutes. Light
then pulled up rapidly and went out of sight."
Night of 27-28 December 1944 - "While on North heading in patrol area
noticed in vicinity of Q-1378 lights suspended in air moving slowly and
would then disappear. Were orange in color. Lights appeared singly and in
pairs. Observed these lights four or five times during period."
Night of 27-28 December 1944 - "Eight miles NE of Luneville at 19:10 hrs.
saw three sets of three lights (red and white) one on starboard and one on
port from 1000 ft. to 2000 ft. to rear and closing in at Angels 10. Pulled
up to Angels 8 and lights went out. Called Churchman to see if there was
anything in area. Received a negative reply."
Night of 30-31 December 1944 - "Saw a group of lights flying through the
air 30 or 40 miles East of base while flying at Angels 9 - 10."
Night of 1-2 January 1945 - "Saw*Foofighters North of Strasbourg and North
of Saverne".
Night of 14-15 January 1945 - "Observed a large orange glow in sky approx.
5 ft. in diameter in vicinity of Ingweiller at 6000 ft. at 20:00 hrs."
2407 S-E-C-R-E-T 4397S E C R E T
2nd. W/Ind., 415th. Night Fighter Squadron, 30 January 1945 Con't.
Night of 29-30 January 1945 - "At about 00:10 hrs. sighted a Foofighter
about half way between Weissembourg and Landau. Foofighter was off to
the starboard and rear at Angels 2. Lights were amber and one was 20 -
50 ft. above the other and of about 30 seconds duration. Foofighter was
about 1000 ft. away and following. The lights were about a foot in
diameter. Lights disappeared when Travel 34 turned into them."
2. In every case where pilot called GCI Control and asked if there was a
Bogey A/C in the area he received a negative answer.
[signature]
F. B. RINGWALD,
Captain, A. C.,
Intelligence Officer.
* Foofighters is the name given these phenomenon by combat crews of this
Squadron.
S E C R E T
2408 - 4398