DISCLOSURE / FILE
FBI Section 5 of case file 62-HQ-83894 (serials 186-245) collects Bureau correspondence, telephone records, and inter-agency reports on flying disc and flying saucer sightings circulating between mid-1947 and the late 1940s.
65_HS1-834228961_62-HQ-83894_Section_5
FBI Section 5 of case file 62-HQ-83894 (serials 186-245) collects Bureau correspondence, telephone records, and inter-agency reports on flying disc and flying saucer sightings circulating between mid-1947 and the late 1940s.
This is Section 5 of the FBI's central headquarters flying-disc file, 62-HQ-83894, covering serials 186 through 245. The opening serials document a July 1949 inquiry that ran from Walter Winchell, through intermediary Ernest Cuneo, to D. M. Ladd and J. Edgar Hoover concerning Peter Camerlon Jones of 164 West 37th Street, Los Angeles, who claimed an August 1947 hiking encounter with a silver, top-shaped object in the mountains outside Los Angeles. Los Angeles SAC R. B. Hood reported on July 18 1949 that 'efforts to identify or locate Jones negative,' and Hoover's office concluded the original letter 'may have been a prank.' The section also includes a 23 June 1949 Office of Naval Intelligence report (N.N.I. 16-1943) from DIO-11ND San Diego transmitting Navy reserve pilot LTJG Joseph C. Shall's account of six or seven elongated-oval flying discs over southern Oregon on 27 May 1949.
I thought you might wish to consider the possibility that the original letter in this matter may have been a prank.p.9
SUBJECT ADDRESSED A LETTER TO WALTER WINCHELL RELATING THAT IN AUGUST, NINETEEN FORTYSEVEN, HE WAS HIKING IN THE MOUNTAINS OUT OF LA AND HE OBSERVED ABOUT ONE HALF BLOCK AWAY FROM HIM A LARGE SILVER METAL OBJECT SHAPED LIKE A CHILD'S TOP ABOUT THE SIZE OF A BALLOON.p.17
To hell with the Air Force. He just didn't want to release the information if it would affect the Bureaup.19
PETER CAMERLON JONES, INFO. CONCERNING. REURTEL JULY EIGHTEEN. EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY OR LOCATE JONES NEGATIVE.p.24
While flying north in a private plane source, who is believed to be reliable, saw 6 or 7 "flying discs" in southern Oregon 27 May 1949. The discs are described as elongated ovals, perhaps 20' in length; they flew in a steady file formation at between 200 to 250 MPH; they appeared to be made of unpainted metal; no smoke or exhaust trails were observed.p.26
He is believed to be conservative, sincere, absolutely reliable, and very competent.p.26
Extracted text · Page 1
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4-895 (REV. 11-25-73) Declassification authority derived from FBI Automatic Declassification Guide, issued May 24, 2007. FBI - CENTRAL RECORDS CENTER HQ - HEADQUARTERS Class / Case # D062 83894 Sub Vol Serial # 5 186 245 7/15/715510 RRF0093CU10 [Department] of Justice [REMO]VED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FIL[E] BUREAU 62 - HQ-83894 SERIALS 186-245 DESTROY[ILLEGIBLE] of FOIPA # 993087. INVESTIGATION PICKETT STREET COPIED FOR FOIPA JAN 19 197[ILLEGIBLE] COPIED FOR FOIPA MAR 3 1978 BY 20 COPIED FOR FOIPA MAY 14 197[ILLEGIBLE] BY [ILLEGIBLE] Serial - [ILLEGIBLE] 197[ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] COPIED FOR F[OI]P[A] [N]OV 11 1978 [ILLEGIBLE] 500 USE CARE IN HANDLING THIS FILE Transfer - Call 3421 SECTION 5 SERIALS 186-245 SECTION 5
Page 2 · vision OCR
[Reverse of folder cover] 303 1DC 707 714 Bucholdon [ILLEGIBLE] 2401 N35 5[ILLEGIBLE]/8[ILLEGIBLE] 34373 Al[ILLEGIBLE]9h 20[ILLEGIBLE] Azoric COPIED FOR FOIPA [stamp rotated/partially legible]
Page 209 · vision OCR
SERVICE UNIT 4-22a
SEARCH SLIP
Supervisor [Trossburg?] Room 3708
Subj: Walter D. Jones
___ Exact Spelling Searchers
_✓_ All References Initial pc
_✓_ Subversive Ref. Date 9-6-50
___ Main File
___ Restricted to Locality of
Canada
on the nose
FILE NUMBER SERIALS
100-309856-1,5,
100- 3a
[signature: Tele S Etter?]
InitialedConcatenated 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.
4-895 (REV. 11-25-73) Declassification authority derived from FBI Automatic Declassification Guide, issued May 24, 2007. FBI - CENTRAL RECORDS CENTER HQ - HEADQUARTERS Class / Case # D062 83894 Sub Vol Serial # 5 186 245 7/15/715510 RRF0093CU10 [Department] of Justice [REMO]VED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FIL[E] BUREAU 62 - HQ-83894 SERIALS 186-245 DESTROY[ILLEGIBLE] of FOIPA # 993087. INVESTIGATION PICKETT STREET COPIED FOR FOIPA JAN 19 197[ILLEGIBLE] COPIED FOR FOIPA MAR 3 1978 BY 20 COPIED FOR FOIPA MAY 14 197[ILLEGIBLE] BY [ILLEGIBLE] Serial - [ILLEGIBLE] 197[ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] COPIED FOR F[OI]P[A] [N]OV 11 1978 [ILLEGIBLE] 500 USE CARE IN HANDLING THIS FILE Transfer - Call 3421 SECTION 5 SERIALS 186-245 SECTION 5
[Reverse of folder cover] 303 1DC 707 714 Bucholdon [ILLEGIBLE] 2401 N35 5[ILLEGIBLE]/8[ILLEGIBLE] 34373 Al[ILLEGIBLE]9h 20[ILLEGIBLE] Azoric COPIED FOR FOIPA [stamp rotated/partially legible]
STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : Director, FBI DATE: July 26, 1949
FROM : SAC, San Antonio
SUBJECT: O FLYING DISKS
INTERNAL SECURITY - R
On July 15, 1949, the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff,
G-2, Fourth Army, advised that a small article which had appeared in the
Galveston (Texas) News on July 10, 1949, advertised the fact that the
Young Men's Business Club of Alexandria, Louisiana, announced that it was
planning a convention for persons from all over the nation who have seen
flying saucers. It was stated that the convention was planned so that members
may compare notes. It was also stated that flying disks were reported twice
inthe week preceding the article in Alexandria, Louisiana.
The above is furnished as a matter of information.
cc: New Orleans
RECORDED - 22 | 62 - 83894 - 186
F B I
EX-112 34 JUL 29 1949
[signature]
FIVE
100-7545
JEJ:wjw
52 AUG 5 1949
246[Reverse of page 3 — mirror image of front] U.S. Dept. of Justice F B I ACNT ESPIONAGE AUG 4 5 25 PM '49 RECEIVED
OFFICE OF DIRECTOR
[FED]ERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Record of Telephone Call or Visitor
Tolson_
Clegg_
Mr. Glavin_
Mr. Ladd_
Mr. Nichols_
Mr. Rosen_
Mr. Tracy_
Mr. Egan_
Mr. Gurnea_
Mr. Harbo_
Mr. Jones_
Mr. Mohr_
Mr. Pennington_
Tele. Room_
Mr. Nease_
Miss Holmes_
Miss Gandy_
Mr. Flying Saucers
Mr. Ernest Cuneo
called. phoned. from New York City
Phone No.
Hour 10:54am Date July 11, 19 49
REMARKS
When informed of Mr. Hoover's and Mr. Ladd's
absence from their office, Mr. Cuneo declined
to speak to anyone else and stated that he was
just following up on a conversation he had with
Mr. Ladd over the weekend. He asked that Mr.
Ladd be informed of his call.
RECORDED - 59
INDEXED - 59 | 62 - 83894 - 187
F B I
3 AUG [ILLEGIBLE] 1949
rjp
61 AUG 11 1949[Reverse of page 5 — mirror image of front] RECEIVED-LADD F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Jul 11 1 59 PM '49 Jul 11 7 54 PM '40 RECEIVED-TOLSON RECEIVED-FLETCHER Jul 11 1 10PM '4[ILLEGIBLE] AUG 8 7 26 PM '4[ILLEGIBLE] RECEIVED-FLETCHER
OFFICE OF DIRECTOR
[FED]ERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Record of Telephone Call or Visitor
ms 3
Mr. Ernest Cuneo thru. opr. from
called. phoned. NYC 2
Phone No.
Hour 10:29am Date July 12, 1949
Mr. Tolson_
Mr. Clegg_
Mr. Glavin_
Mr. Ladd [check]
Mr. Nichols_
Mr. Rosen_
Mr. Tracy_
Mr. Egan_
Mr. Gurnea_
Mr. Harbo_
Mr. Jones_
Mr. Mohr_
Mr. Pennington_
Tele. Room_
Mr. Nease_
Miss Holmes_
Miss Gandy_
REMARKS
When informed that Mr. Hoover was not in his
office, Mr. Cuneo asked to speak with Mr. Ladd,
and after checking the call was transferred, to
Mr. Ladd.
Mr. Ladd advises that Mr. Cuneo was calling
about the matter he dicussed with Mr. Ladd
on last Saturday re a flying saucer in Califor-
nia. Mr. Cuneo asked if he could release the
story. He was told that this was up to him
rjp/mhm
What have done re it?
RECORDED - 59 | 62-83894-188
INDEXED - 59
[ILLEGIBLE].
3| 61 AUG 11 1949 5 [ILLEGIBLE][Reverse of page 7 — mirror image of front] Jul 12 7 56 PM '40 AUG 5 RECEIVED - FLETCHER [ILLEGIBLE stamps]
July 21, 1949
13-
mc
Mr. Ernest Cuneo
40 Wall Street
New York, New York
Dear Ernie:
You will recall the telephone conversa-
tions about Mr. Peter Cameron Jones, 164 West
37th Street, Los Angeles 7, California, and
information furnished by him on the subject of
flying saucers.
I thought you would like to know that
efforts made to locate Mr. Jones have been un-
successful and casual inquiry in the vicinity
he mentioned did not develop information about
any one who is acquainted with him.
I thought you might wish to consider
the possibility that the original letter in this
matter may have been a prank.
Sincerely yours,
RECORDED - 59 | 62 - [ILLEGIBLE]
[signature]
INDEXED - 59 3 AUG [ILLEGIBLE] 194[ILLEGIBLE]
Mr. Tolson
Mr. [ILLEGIBLE]
Mr. Glavin
Mr. Ladd
Mr. Nichols
Mr. Rosen
Mr. Tracy
Mr. Egan
Mr. Gurnea
Mr. Harbo
Mr. Mohr
Mr. Pennington
Mr. Quinn Tamm
Tele. Room
Mr. Nease
Miss Gandy [ILLEGIBLE]
REC'D IN [ILLEGIBLE] SECTION
[ILLEGIBLE] JUL 22 1949 P.M.
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
61 AUG 11 1949URD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : THE DIRECTOR DATE: July 12, 1949
FROM : D. M. Ladd [signature]
SUBJECT:
Mr. Tolson [check]
Mr. [ILLEGIBLE]
Mr. [ILLEGIBLE]
Mr. Ladd
[ILLEGIBLE] Nichols [ILLEGIBLE]
[Mr.] Rosen [ILLEGIBLE]
Mr. Tracy
Mr. Egan
Mr. Harbo
Mr. Mohr
Mr. Pennington
Tele. Room [ILLEGIBLE]
Mr. Nease
Miss Holmes
Miss [ILLEGIBLE]
K3-
You inquired as to what was being done with
reference to the information concerning flying saucers,
which information was furnished by Ernest Cuneo.
I desire to advise that a letter is being prepared
for the Los Angeles Office suggesting that they make a discreet
check of the background of the individual who wrote the letter
to Winchell and thereafter interview him for details.
It is believed that a letter is satisfactory inasmuch
as it is noted that this alleged incident occurred in 1947.
DML:dad This should have been
done the first thing
monday instead of
waiting until Wed
to get it out
Teletypel A
7-18-49
7
3|
61 AUG 11 1949
RECORDED - 59 | 62-83894-190
INDEXED - 59 F B Y
3 AUG [ILLEGIBLE] 1949
5 [ILLEGIBLE]JULY 18, 1949 URGENT
SAC, LOS ANGELES
PETER CAMERLON JONES, INFORMATION CONCERNING. K3-
REMYTEL JULY TWELVE LAST. SUTEL RESULTS YOUR
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND INTERVIEW OF SUBJECT.
HOOVER INITIALED
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE
EHM:jpa[ILLEGIBLE]
RECORDED - 59
INDEXED - 59 | 62-83894-191
F B I
3 AUG [ILLEGIBLE] 1949
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
[ILLEGIBLE] JUL 18 1949
COPIES DESTROYED
NOV 18 1964
TELEMETER 270 NOV 18 1964
[ILLEGIBLE] 1 02PM
3 1 AUG 11 1949[Reverse of page 11 — mirror image of front] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION [ILLEGIBLE] 7 26 PM '40 RECEIVED - FLETCHER JUL 18 1948 COPIES DESTROYED NOV 18 1964 TELEMETER [ILLEGIBLE]
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Room 5744 7-20 1949
TO: ___Director
___Mr. Ladd
___Mr. Clegg
___Mr. Glavin
___Mr. Harbo
[check] Mr. Nichols
___Mr. Rosen
___Mr. Tracy
___Mr. Fletcher
___Mr. Mohr
___Mr. Carlson
___Mr. Nease
___Miss Gandy
___Personnel Files Section
___Records Section
[check] Mrs. Skallman
[signature]
See Me For Appropriate Action
Send File Note and Return
Prepare note to
Cuneo today
[signature]
____________________
Clyde TolsonMR JONES JUL 21 10 26 AM '49 RECEIVED F B I DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED AUG 8 7 25 [ILLEGIBLE] Mr. Ernest Cuneo 40 Wall St. NY, N.Y. Dear Ernie: [ILLEGIBLE handwritten text]
Federal Bureau of Investigation
United States Department of Justice
Los Angeles 13, California
July 13, 1949
K5-
mc
DIRECTOR, FBI
Re: PETER CAMERLON JONES
INFORMATION CONCERNING
6
Dear Sir:
Re your teletype July 12, 1949.
Present owner for one and one half years and former manager
of court for six years, which includes 164 W. 37th Street, Los Angeles,
do not know PETER CAMERLON JONES.
Other investigation in an endeavor to locate JONES was not
productive.
- RUC - DEFERRED [RE]CORDING
Very truly yours,
R. B. Hood [signature]
R. B. HOOD, SAC
IHM;jcw
62-3364
AMSD
ROUTINE DIVISION
RECEIVED
RECORDED - 59 | 62-83894-192
INDEXED - 59 F B I
[ILLEGIBLE] AUG [ILLEGIBLE] 1949
61 AUG 11 194[ILLEGIBLE]
3|
RECEIVED-FLETCHER
7 27 PM
5 [ILLEGIBLE][Reverse of page 15 — mirror image of front] RECEIVED INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION [ILLEGIBLE] JUL 18 10 08 AM '49 F B I DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED-ROSEN DIV. [ILLEGIBLE] JUL 18 10 08 AM '49 RECEIVED ROSEN [ILLEGIBLE] AUG 11 [ILLEGIBLE]
CC - 150
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
------ ROUTINE
JULY 12, 1949
TO: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION. SAC, LOS ANGELES
PETER [Transmit the following message to:] [ONE SIXTY] FOUR WEST THIRTYSEVENTH STREET, LOS ANGELES,
INFORMATION CONCERNING. SUBJECT ADDRESSED A LETTER TO WALTER WINCHELL
RELATING THAT IN AUGUST, NINETEEN FORTYSEVEN, HE WAS HIKING IN THE MOUNTAINS
OUT OF LA AND HE OBSERVED ABOUT ONE HALF BLOCK AWAY FROM HIM A LARGE SILVER
METAL OBJECT SHAPED LIKE A CHILD'S TOP ABOUT THE SIZE OF A BALLOON. HE
GAINED THE IMPRESSION THERE WAS LIFE WITHIN THE OBJECT THOUGH HE SAW NO
ONE. HE STOOD UP AND WAVED TOWARDS THE OBJECT AND WITHIN A SECOND IT
TOOK OFF, KNOCKING HIM TO THE GROUND. DISCREETLY CHECK BACKGROUND OF
JONES. THEREAFTER, INTERVIEW HIM FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING ANY FACTS
IN HIS POSSESSION CONCERNING THE STATEMENTS SET OUT HEREIN.
HOOVER
HBF:CMW
RECORDED - 59
INDEXED - 59 | 62-83894-193
F B I
3 AUG 1[ILLEGIBLE] 1949
INITIALED
DIRECTOR'S OFFIC[E]
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
COPIES DESTROYED
NOV 18 1964
JUL 12 1949
TELEMETER
AUG 11 1949
SENT VIA
[ILLEGIBLE] M. Per C.
RECEIVED - FLETCHER[Reverse of page 17 — mirror image of front] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION COPIES DESTROYED NOV 18 1964 JUL 15 1949 TELEMETER [ILLEGIBLE] AUG 8 7 27 PM '40 RECEIVED - FLETCHER
STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : THE DIRECTOR DATE: July 12, 1949
FROM : D. M. Ladd [signature]
SUBJECT: O FLYING SAUCERS
Mr. Tolson [check]
Mr. Clegg [ILLEGIBLE]
Mr. Glavin [ILLEGIBLE]
Mr. Ladd [check]
[Mr. Nichols] [ILLEGIBLE]
[Mr.] Rosen
Mr. Tracy
Mr. Egan
Mr. Gurnea
Mr. Harbo
Mr. Mohr
Mr. Pennington
Mr. Quinn Tamm
Tele. Room
Mr. Nease
Miss Holmes
Miss Gandy
K3-
I took a call from Ernest Cuneo by reference
from your office. He referred to his call of last
Saturday relative to a letter Mr. Winchell received from
a man in Los Angeles concerning flying saucers. He stated
that Winchell wanted to do a column on this letter if the
Bureau had no objection.
I told him that whatever he did with reference to
writing the story concerning this letter was entirely up to
him and wouldn't in no way affect anything the Bureau was doing.
I suggested that he might desire to check with the Air Corps
inasmuch as the handling of flying saucers was a matter of primary
interest to them. He stated, "To hell with the Air Force. He
just didn't want to release the information if it would affect
the Bureau".
DML:dad
RECORDED - 59 | 62-83894-194
INDEXED - 59 F B I
3 AUG 1[ILLEGIBLE] 194[ILLEGIBLE]
3|
61 AUG 11 1949
5 [ILLEGIBLE][Reverse of page 19 — mirror image of front] RECEIVED-LADD F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Jul 12 6 44 PM '49 Jul 12 6 44 PM '40 RECEIVED-FLETCHER Jul 17 6 43 PM '40 RECEIVED-FLETCHER [ILLEGIBLE] EM AM '49 Jul 12 3 22 PM '49 RECEIVED-NICHOL[S] F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUS[TICE] Jul 13 3 22 PM '[ILLEGIBLE] RECEIVED ACT G. ESPIONAGE Jul 13 10 5[ILLEGIBLE] AM '49 Jul 12 12 4[ILLEGIBLE] PM '49
FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : The Director DATE: July 9, 1949
K[ILLEGIBLE]
FROM : Mr. Ladd [initialed]
SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS
[Routing box upper right:]
Mr. Tolson
Mr. Clegg
Mr. Glavin
Mr. Ladd
Mr. Nichols
[ILLEGIBLE]
Mr. Tracy
[ILLEGIBLE]
Mr. Harbo
Mr. Mohr
Mr. Pennington
Mr. Quinn Tamm
Tele. Room
Mr. Nease
Miss Holmes
Miss Gandy
[handwritten] V. [ILLEGIBLE]
[handwritten] [ILLEGIBLE] Pitcher
W [ILLEGIBLE]
[left margin handwritten: CMS]
Ernest Cuneo advised that Walter Winchell had received a letter from Peter Cameron Jones, 164 West 37th Street, Los Angeles 7, California. Mr. Cuneo read the letter to me and it was very well written, obviously by a man of intelligence. In this letter Jones stated that in August of 1947 he left Los Angeles for the mountains and started hiking through the mountains. About 10:00 A. M. he was lying on the ground when he observed about one-half block away from him a large silver metal, greenish in color, shaped like a child's top and about the size of the balloons used at County Fairs. He stated that there appeared to be two windows in the object and portions of metal appeared transparent and that he gained the impression that there was some life within this object [right margin: sealed.] although he saw no persons. The object appeared as though [strikethrough] as a pressure chamber. He stood up and waved towards this object and this so-called flying saucer was off the ground in a second, knocking Jones to the ground. In its flight he stated that its power was silent and he raised the question as to whether this was [strikethrough] an inter-global landing on our planet. He thought that it might be a device to land in our planet because the occupants of another planet had become curious as to the reaction caused by the explosion of the [right margin: asked.] atomic bomb causing trouble in an expanded universe. He [strikethrough] the question as to whether it was possible that the occupants of another planet might have solved the theory of negative gravity.
Mr. Cuneo stated that this letter indicated a very good knowledge of physics and that he thought it would be interesting to check into Jones' background and then possibly interview him about this alleged flying saucer. Mr. Cuneo stated that it would appear that Jones may have actually seen a flying saucer, that in any event it made an awfully good story and he requested that the Bureau keep the matter in confidence.
I would recommend that the Los Angeles Office discreetly check into the background of Jones and thereafter interview him for the purpose of determining any facts he possesses about flying saucers in order that it may be determined whether his story is in any way accurate.
RECORDED - 59
DML:dhb
Tele. La. INDEXED - 59 | 62-83894-195
N.B.F. 7-1 FBI
3 AUG [?] 1949
[stamp:] 61 AUG 11 1949[Reverse of page 21 — show-through of memo text visible but not independently legible] [Stamps readable on this side:] RECEIVED-LADD U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I Jul 11 11 17 AM '49 RECEIVED U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I Aug 8 2 24 PM '49 [Additional stamps at bottom, partially legible:] Jul 9 4 09 PM '49 RECEIVED-TOLSON RECEIVED-DIRECTOR F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Aug 8 7 25 PM '49 RECEIVED-FLETCHER Aug 11 10 30 AM [?] RECEIVED Aug 13 9 38 AM [?] RECEIVED-ESPIONAGE Aug [?] 12 52 PM [?]
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Division Four ________________________1949 Director, 5633 Mr. Logue, 5263 Mr. Tolson, 5744 Mr. Donohue, 3710 Mr. Ladd, 5734 Fugitive Desk, 5720 Mr. Clegg, 5256 Lab. Night Sup'r. 7619 Mr. Glavin, 5517 Movement Section, 5266 Mr. Harbo, 7641 Leave Clerk, 7623 Mr. Fletcher, 1742 Reading Room, 5531 Mr. Nichols, 5640 Mail Room, 5533 Mr. Rosen, 5706 Coding Unit, 4642 Mr. Tracy, 4130 IB Routing, 7133 Mr. McGuire, 5640 Miss Gandy, 5633 [Several blank lines] [Signature] Teletype Unit Room 5644, Ext. 687
[Routing box upper right:]
Mr. Tolson
Mr. Ladd
Mr. Clegg
Mr. Glavin
Mr. Nichols
Mr. Rosen
Mr. Tracy
Mr. Harbo
Mr. Mohr
Tele. Room
Mr. Nease
Miss Gandy
[handwritten upper right:] Tho. Mostling [?]
2244
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
JUL 18 1949
[Signature/stamp]
TELEMETER
[left margin handwritten:] Flying Saucers
WASH 2 FROM LOS ANGELES 18 10-35 AM
DIRECTOR URGENT
PETER CAMERLON JONES, INFO. CONCERNING. REURTEL JULY EIGHTEEN.
EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY OR LOCATE JONES NEGATIVE.
HOOD
ACK PLS
RECORDED - 77 | 62-83894-196
INDEXED - 77 FBI
3 JUL 21 1949
[right margin handwritten:] to
[right margin handwritten:] file 5-Eston [?]
[stamp:] 57 AUG 23 1949 EX-1[Reverse of page 24 — telemeter content shows through in mirror image] RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Jul 18 2 56 PM '49 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE [Mirror-image show-through of telemeter text — not independently transcribable] WASH 2 FROM LOS ANGELES 18 10-35AM DIRECTOR URGENT PETER CAMERLON JONES, INFO. CONCERNING. REURTEL JULY EIGHTEEN. EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY OR LOCATE JONES NEGATIVE. HOOD ACK PLS [stamp:] 57 AUG 23 1949
N.N.I. 16-1943
[CONFIDENTIAL — stamped in pink/red, upper center]
[CONFIDENTIAL — printed, upper left, struck through]
ISSUED BY THE INTELLIGENCE DIVISION
OFFICE OF CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
NAVY DEPARTMENT
INTELLIGENCE REPORT
[handwritten subject title:] Flying Discs
[Form fields:]
Subject [printed form]: (Short new index each sub, i. e. 1-2; 2-4)
Monograph Index Guide No. _____
(To correspond with SUBJECT given below. See O. N. I. Index Guide. Make separate report for each index title.)
From DIO-11ND at San Diego Date 23 June 1949
(Ship, fleet, unit, district, office, station, or person)
Reference CNO Conf Ser 04422P32 dtd 4 Nov 1948. Subj: Flying Discs - Report Of.
(Directive, correspondence, previous related report, etc., if applicable)
Source See Below. Evaluation B-3
(As official, personal observation, publication, press, conversation with- identify when practicable, etc.) (A4 to 60 str: AA/BI 1-10; BIC 11-18-12-19-42)
Subject Unidentified Flying Objects - Report Of.
(Nation reported on) (Main title as per index guide) (Sub-titles) (Alpha separate report for each title)
BRIEF.—Now enter careful summary of report, explaining substance concisely stated; include important facts, names, places, dates, etc.)
BRIEF: While flying north in a private plane source, who is believed to be reliable, saw 6 or 7 "flying discs" in southern Oregon 27 May 1949. The discs are described as elongated ovals, perhaps 20' in length; they flew in a steady file formation at between 200 to 250 MPH; they appeared to be made of unpainted metal; no smoke or exhaust trails were observed.
SOURCE: LTJG Joseph C. SHALL, AS(L), USNR (Inactive), Serial #348375, of 4575 Northridge Drive, Los Angeles, California. He was commissioned Ensign 5 January 1944. Served at Corpus Christie 30 days AF(F); in Dallas two months VRF-2(D). Ferried SNJ's from North American Company plants. Was at Willow Grove, Pennsylvania for 30 days. Served at check-out base for ferry squadron VRF(2) at Columbus; served at Columbus until August 1945. Source then was with VRF(3) at Terminal Island, California, where he became legal and personnel officer. Was discharged from the Navy in January 1946 as LTJG.
Source holds Naval Aviator's Certificate #C-17945, plus a senior pilot's rating in the Ferry Wing of the Naval Air Transport Command. He also holds a commercial license, single and multi-engine, and flight instructor's ratings. His flight time began in 1934 and now totals over 5000 hours, of which time 1300 hours were in the U.S.Navy. Source secured a private license in 1935, a transport license in 1937, a commercial pilot's license in 1938, and a re-issue commercial pilot's license in 1945 (r184256). From March 1942 to September 1943 he was flight instructor for the Army Air Force (3 months as primary instructor at Cal-Aero, and the balance of the time as basic instructor at Lancaster, California). From September 1943 to January 1944 he flew for the Superior Oil Company of California.
Since 1940 source has been Vice-President of the Royal Petroleum Company of California, Long Beach, a concern in which he and his relations own all of the stock; he also is part-owner of three other oil producing concerns in Southern California.
Source is married and has three children. He has a B.S. and M.A. degree from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; he also had two years of law at the University of Southern California. Source is thirty years of age, but appears to have a background of experience few men his age possess. He is believed to be conservative, sincere, absolutely reliable, and very competent.
[Distribution footer:]
Use this form for page 1 (original and copies). Prepare as required for additional pages. Forward to ONI as adopted and as "Title" indicates.
Buy U.S. Savings bonds — [ILLEGIBLE]. Submit copies of reports or clippings, etc., when practicable.
CIA (8) N 15047 BRCL— DI USAF
only.
DI USAF (4) (DAB) Op322V
In COHSa (4) 822P2 ON 15-6 US
(THIS [IS PAGE 1 OF FOUR PAGES])
322Y (4)
322H2
22U205
[handwritten:]
Declassified by
NIS letter, 9/26/77
concerning request of
[ILLEGIBLE]
BRUCE S.
MACCABEE
7306 10/3/77
[stamp:] 52 AUG 22 1949
RECORDED - [ILLEGIBLE] 62-8 3894 - 197
[ILLEGIBLE][Reverse of page 26 — blank page, show-through faint] [Stamps at bottom, some upside-down/mirrored:] RECEIVED Aug 4 10 13 AM [?] RECVD ESPIONAGE F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Aug 4 4 18 PM [?] U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I INTERNAL ESPIONAGE [?] Aug 4 4 18 PM [?]
[CONFIDENTIAL — stamped at top]
DIO-11ND Serial 33-49 23 June 1949
Subject: Unidentified Flying Objects — Report of.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
REPORT: Unidentified Flying Objects Observed in Oregon 27 May 1949:
On Friday, 27 May 1949, source was flying his own SNJ-type aircraft from Red Bluff, California to Burns, Oregon, a distance of 305 miles. He left Red Bluff at 1332 P.S.T. and arrived at Burns at 1458 P.S.T. (elapsed time: 1 hour 26 minutes). Source landed at Burns after circling the town twice, which consumed about ten minutes. While an SNJ's normal maximum speed is 170 MPH, source "demilitarized" his plane (which he had purchased at War Surplus, lightening the plane by about 500 lbs.) and it makes around 200 MPH true air speed. While on this flight he made 212 MPH ground speed; source estimates he had a tail wind of 15 to 18 MPH.
At 1425 Pacific Standard Time, Friday, 27 May 1949, source observed the sun reflecting on an object or objects at a considerable distance ahead, a few points to the starboard. He continued to watch the course taken by the reflecting material expecting it to materialize into conventional aircraft as the distance lessened between him and the object or objects. As the objects reached the long bluffs (shown on the Boise (V-2) Aeronautical Chart as Hart Mountain) which run for a number of miles along the east side of some dry lakes (Swamp, Flagstaff, Campbell and Stone Corral Lakes) he saw that instead of a single object there were several, which seemed to be flying in formation.
At this point the objects appeared to have changed their course so that they were paralleling his course (southwest to his northeast) and were following the bluffs' rim at about 1000 to 1500 feet below source's altitude, at a distance which he estimates to have been 3½ to 7½ miles. Source is certain that it could not have been as far as 10 miles since the bluffs were less than 10 miles away and he could see the objects outlined against the bluffs.
The objects that source saw are described by him as follows:
Size of each object: Considerably smaller than a fighter plane, probably less than 20' in length. All of the separate objects appeared to be the same in size.
Shape of objects: There was no break in the outlines. Source is certain he would have recognized conventional aircraft. They had a solid configuration, and no great thickness. They were elongated oval, perhaps twice as long as wide, and perhaps five times as long as thick. Source points out he observed the objects from an angle from above and could not easily estimate their thickness; they could possibly have been egg-shaped, and could conceivably have been perfectly ovals. The objects seemed definitely solid objects - there was nothing ethereal about them.
Speed of objects: Source is confident they were traveling at least as fast as source's own plane (212 MPH). Source had a tail wind of 15 to 18 MPH and the objects would therefore have been doing over 230 MPH air speed. The objects were traveling south/southwest, opposite to source's course. Calculating the speed of the objects, several different ways from the facts at hand, the speed of the objects varies between 190 to 260 MPH. Source concluded at the time of observation that he could not possibly sw[ing] around and caught up with the objects. They were definitely trave[ling] [faster] than a group of birds, and slower than jet planes. No trail of sm[oke or] exhaust was observed. The speed of the objects appeared to be ste[ady].
Terrain, elevations, population, etc in area: Source flew at [9000'] [which] was between 4000' and 5000' above terrain. During most of t[he time] of observation, the objects were 1000' to 1500' below source's [altitude]. Towards the end of sighting when source had begun to nose down he was almost on a level with them in altitude.[CONFIDENTIAL — stamped at top]
DIO-11ND Serial 38-49 23 June 1949
Subject: Unidentified Flying Objects — Report of.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The valley through which source flew north, and the objects flew south, is roughly 12 miles wide. The floor of the valley is between 4000' to 5000' in elevation. The east side of the valley is dominated by Hart Mountain (8020' in elevation). Hart Mountain stands on an elongated bluff, which has an almost sheer drop of around 1000'. The bluff, and all the terrain, against which source saw the objects is quite dark in color. The objects stood out in contrast to the dark color. The objects appeared to be unpainted metal.
The rim of the bluff on the east side of the valley is about 7000' in elevation. From where source saw the objects (at 9000' elevation) they were roughly in line with the rim of the bluff (7000'). Assuming the objects were 1 to 3 miles away from the bluff-rim, they were probably flying at about 8000' MSL, and about 3500' above the valley floor.
The valley where source sighted the objects is sparsely populated; however, there are a number of ranches there - more than are indicated on the Boise (V-2) Aeronautical Chart. Source believes that if persons living in the valley were questioned, chances are several might be found who saw the objects from the ground. Source has flown through this valley many times going between California and Oregon and does not recall ever having seen another airplane in the valley where he sighted the objects. The valley is not a commercial airway route, and is seldom used by private planes. Source does not recall ever seeing any automobiles on the dirt roads in the valley, shown as such on the Boise (V-2) section of Aeronautical Chart.
Number and formation of objects: At the beginning of observation, when the objects were a few degrees to the starboard of dead ahead, source could not distinguish separate objects - all he saw were reflections; however, as he came closer and passed them by 3½ to 7½ miles he definitely saw 6 or 7 separate objects. To be on the safe side source states with positiveness that there were no less than 5 objects and no more than 6.
The objects were always in file formation (one behind the other) and there appeared to be no change in altitude of the formation. The space between the lead object and the next one was three or four times the length of one of the objects. The distance between the second and the following objects was between one-half and two-thirds the length of the objects. Accordingly, if the objects were 20' in length, the distance between #1 and #2 was 60 to 80 feet, and the distance between #2 and the others was between 10 and 17 feet. The distance between the objects appeared very constant. The objects were so close and appeared to keep their formation spacing in a manner which indicated they might have been under tow by the leading object. At the distance of sighting, no connection, if there was any, could possibly have been observed. Source is positive that the objects were separate objects because he was able to see terrain between them. The formation did not fluctuate in flight; the objects flew very evenly and steadily. When [the] objects they were going out of visual range on the horizon.
Weather and Visibility at time of observation: Vi[sibility] exceptionally good. Source could see Harvey Lake, 60 mile[s;] see smoke rising from the saw mills at Burns, Oregon, 75 [miles]. There were a few scattered clouds at between 12,000' and 13,000'. The ceiling [?] at the time indicated scattered clouds at 18,000'. The air was very nea[rly] perfectly [calm]. The air in the area is light to mildly turbulent. The sun was [beh]ind of course; that is, source's plane was between the sun and the objects.
Location of sighting/objects (Refer to Boise (V-2) Sectional Aeronautical Chart): Source's location when objects were first [observed was about][CONFIDENTIAL — stamped at top]
DIO-11ND Serial 38-49 23 June 1949
Subject: Unidentified Flying Objects — Report Of.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
observed the objects. This position could possibly be as much as five miles SSW of the position given. Source's location when objects left his visual range was 42°41'N, 119°49'W. Source flew in a straight line between these coordinates.
Location of objects when first observed: 42°38'N, 119°43'W.
Location of objects when last seen: 42°28'N, 119°48'W.
The objects made a slight change of course from quartering to paralleling source's straight line of flight.
REPORTING OFFICER'S COMMENT: It is believed that conventional aircraft, birds, balloons, astronomical phenomena, and auto-hypnosis can be eliminated as an explanation for the objects sighted by source. Since source was not flying into the sun and since he is an expert pilot-instructor, VFR10C does not appear to be a reasonable explanation; nor do reflections on, or irregularities of, the plexi-glass canopy through which source viewed the objects offer a reasonable explanation, because of the wide range of observance of the objects. As far as the reporting officer's comment is concerned (as well as source's own comment) the explanation of source's sighting of the strange flying objects remains a question mark.Director, FBI August 16, 1949
SAC, San Antonio
PROTECTION OF VITAL INSTALLATIONS
I am attaching hereto a number of copies of reports being received in great numbers in this office concerning the so-called flying disks or unnatural phenomena being frequently observed around Camp Hood, Texas. This is, of course, a primary concern of the Air Corps. Consequently, this office is following the practice of reviewing these data and then destroying them in the event there appears to be nothing of FBI interest therein. It is pointed out that the filing of these would result in the rapid accumulation of very bulky files.
Unless the Bureau believes this is unwise, this practice will continue.
Encls.
CEW:cs
100-7545
[handwritten left margin:] copies of reports filed with original
[stamp lower right:]
62-83894
NOT RECORDED
149 AUG 28 1949
62-83874 [?]
[stamp lower left:] 51 SEP 9 1949[Routing box upper right:]
Mr. Tolson
Mr. Ladd
Mr. Clegg
Mr. Glavin
Mr. Nichols
Mr. Rosen
Mr. Tracy
Mr. Harbo
Mr. Mohr
Tele. Room
Mr. Nease
Miss Gandy
[handwritten upper right:] [ILLEGIBLE]
Ke[ILLEGIBLE]
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
AUG 20 1949
cw
TELEMETER
WASHINGTON FROM LOSA 3 20 240 pm
OT 20 ---- 2-40 PM
DIRECTOR URGENT
RE FLYING DISKS. LA TIMES, AUG. TWENTY, ARTICLE DATE-
LINED, WASHINGTON, AUG. NINETEEN, U.P. RELEASE, INDICATING
U. S. AIR FORCE SEARCHING FOR JONATHAN CALDWELL WHO MADE
FLYING DISKS DISCOVERED IN MARLEY PARK MD. INFO RECEIVED
J. E. CALDWELL LOCATED AT ONE FOUR FIVE SIX - NINTH ST.
MANHATTAN BEACH ; CALIF. THIS INFO BEING FURNISHED DIS,///
OSI, MAYWOOD, MONDAY UNLESS ADVISED TO CONTRARY.
[right of text: 198 in red]
RECORDED - 99
[stamp:] 62-63894-198 [in red]
4 AUG 24 1949
126 [handwritten]
HOOD
[stamp:] 56 SEP 1 1949 106
[handwritten annotations at bottom:]
OSI 4 : 30 p.m.
8-21-49
[ILLEGIBLE] M.S.
cc: Mr. Fletcher
5, N[?][Reverse of page 32 — telemeter content shows through in mirror image] RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Aug 20 7 11 PM '49 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE [Mirror-image show-through of telemeter — not independently transcribable] CORRELATION-LIAISON F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Aug 22 12 41 PM '49 RECEIVED-LADD Aug 22 2 45 PM '49 U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I Aug 22 9 59 AM '49 U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I RECEIVED - FLETCHER
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
CC-150
To: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION.
[left margin handwritten:] my
Transmit the following message to: AUGUST 21, 1949
SAC, LOS ANGELES URGENT
FLYING DISKS. REURTEL AUGUST TWENTY LAST. BUREAU ADVISING OSI HEADQUARTERS
TODAY OF ADDRESS J. E. CALDWELL, MANHATTAN BEACH, CALIFORNIA. YOU SHOULD ALSO
FURNISH THIS ADDRESS OSI REPRESENTATIVE YOUR DIVISION TODAY. HOOVER.
JEN:ed [initialed]
cc- Mr. Newby
Mr. Sanders
Mr. Whitson
Mr. Fletcher
[right margin:] G.I.R. 4
RECORDED - 30 62-83894-199
EX-34 FBI
12 AUG 22 1949
[Distribution list lower left:]
Tolson
Clegg
Glavin
Nichols
Rosen
Tracy
Egan
Gurnes
Harbo
John [?]
Pennington
Quinn Tamm
Room
[ILLEGIBLE]
[ILLEGIBLE]
Gandy [initialed]
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
AUG 21 1949
TELEMETER
[stamp:] 62 AUG 31 1949 SENT VIA _____ M Per _____
COPIES DESTROYED
270 NOV 18 1964
[various handwritten initials in margins]STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: September 6, 1949
[left margin handwritten:] N[?]
FROM : SAC, INDIANAPOLIS 3-1
SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS
SECURITY MATTER - X
[left margin:] R [circled]
ELBERT W. FARRIS of OSI, Benjamin Harrison Air Base called at this office recently to ascertain if there was any current information on "flying saucers". He stated that he had been instructed recently to contact Dr. RICHARD K. PARRISH of Decatur, Indiana, with reference to a flying saucer he allegedly observed in the vicinity of Lake of the Woods, Canada, on or about July 1, 1949. An FBI Agent by the name of METCALF of the Omaha office was alleged to have seen the same saucer.
When FARRIS conversed with Dr. PARRISH, the Dr. told him that when he returned from Canada, he found himself in the midst of a polio epidemic and that as a result he had read as much literature as possible with respect to polio, its symptoms, diagnosis, etc. Dr. PARRISH told FARRIS that in his opinion, the cases which were thought to be polio in the vicinity of Decatur, Indiana, were not polio, but possibly the result of uranium poisoning and that he felt the presence of flying saucers had direct bearing on the polio epidemic. Dr. PARRISH pointed out that flying saucers were observed in the Carolina's in 1948 and there was a polio epidemic in the vicinity at that time. FARRIS stated he had consulted one of the physicians at the Benjamin Harrison Air Base and had also checked the records with reference to allegations concerning the sighting of flying saucers and had done a little research with respect to correlating the presence of flying saucers and any polio epidemic. He further stated that he was reporting the matter to the proper Air Force authorities, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio.
It has also come to the attention of this office that FARRIS made inquiry of the Indiana University Medical School, Indianapolis, Indiana, where the doctors treated the entire matter as a big joke.
FARRIS also stated that Dr. PARRISH had heard while in Canada that there had been some rather strange events somewhere in the interior with respect to finding what might have been remains of flying saucers.
The foregoing is furnished for the information of the Bureau. This office is taking no action in the matter.
RECORDED - 137 | 62-83894-200
INDEXED - 137 FBI
5 SEP 8 1949
HAK/fjd
100-0 EX-68
[stamp:] 58 SEP 15 1949[Reverse of page 35 — show-through of memo text visible but not independently legible] [Stamps at bottom, some mirrored/upside-down:] RECEIVED SEP 14 3 18 PM [?] F B I INTERNAL ESPIONAGE [?] U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE [Additional faint stamps — ILLEGIBLE]
[left margin stamp:] RECORDED - 36
[red stamp upper left:] 62-83894-201
October 12, 1949
Mr. Maurice E. Hatten
419 East Main Street
Circleville, Ohio
Dear Mr. Hatten:
Your letter dated October 8, 1949, has been received and in response to your request I am returning it to you at this time.
For your information the jurisdiction of this Bureau does not extend outside the United States and its Possessions. It is therefore suggested that you may wish to communicate with the Division of International Press and Publications, Office of Public Affairs, United States Department of State, 21st Street and Virginia Avenue, Washington, D. C., with regard to the suggestion made in your letter.
Sincerely yours,
John Edgar Hoover
Director
Enclosure [initialed]
NOTE: The enclosure is incoming letter being returned to correspondent at his request.
ARA:cjh
[Routing list lower left:]
Tolson
Ladd
Clegg
Glavin
Nichols
Rosen
Tracy
Harbo
Mohr
Tele. Room
Nease
Gandy
[handwritten near routing list:] a Ra
n0
[stamp center:]
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
MAILED 11
* OCT 12 1949 P.M.
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
[handwritten right side:] [ILLEGIBLE signatures/initials]
[stamp lower left:] 69 OCT 24 1949- COPY -
419 East Main Street
Circleville, Ohio
1949 October 8
permanent address: Route 2
Delaware, Ohio
Mr. J. Edgar Hoover
Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Department of Justice
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Hoover:
It is requested that this letter be returned to the above address and no record of it kept in FBI files.
If is it true that the Soviet leaders intend to use the flying disk in an attempt to confuse and terrify the American people, why should we not state to the United Nations that we believe this condition to exist and further request permission from United Nations to fly American printed statements into the USSR in the interests of peace and better understanding between the two nations? To prevent the belief that such a method would be used, be either nation, to carry bombs rather than paper, it should be pointed out that it is not necessary to employ airplanes for the purpose insofar as actually flying over enemy territory is concerned. There are several possible means of placing information at the disposal of citizens of either country via air; I mention small balloons incapable of carrying more than a few pounds, or finned, cardboard disks capable of drifting on wind currents for great distances after release from several miles height. (I reserve the right to claim patent rights to the latter "flying newspaper".)
Inasmuch as we have been told that the Communist Party is a very small minority in the USSR, it is impossible to prevent information, printed, from reaching many good people there if flown in by the millions. Of course there would be a penalty in Russia for reading them if caught, but curiosity being curiosity, many would be read and remembered. And no one really believes that children could be prevented from picking up objects floating in from another country.
Shall freedom of the press be defended in some countries at cost in lives, yet denied across nations, the latter being contrary to United Nations principles?
Yours sincerely,
s/ Maurice E. Hatten
[stamp lower center:]
INDEXED - 36 RECORDED - 36 | 62-83894-201
[handwritten lower left:] FILING 10-12-49
ARASTANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: October 2, 1949
[left margin handwritten:] m[?]
FROM : SAC, Pittsburgh
SUBJECT: GLEN SPROUSE, Informant
FLYING DISCS, MISCELLANEOUS
On September 26, 1949, GLEN SPROUSE, 608 Montrose Drive, S. Charleston, West Virginia, appeared at the Charleston, West Virginia, resident agency and gave to Special Agent JOHN B. WOODRUFF the attached letter. Mr. SPROUSE stated that he had written the letter following a pleasure flight from Clark Field, St. Albans, West Virginia, to Parkersburg, West Virginia, on September 25, 1949. Mr. SPROUSE stated that after writing the letter, he did not know whether it would be of any interest to the FBI and decided that instead of mailing it directly to the Bureau at Washington, he would contact the local agent and turn it over to him if it were thought it would be of interest to the Bureau.
Mr. SPROUSE stated that he has set out the complete details of this incident in his letter and that there is nothing further that he can add. He further stated that he is certain this was not a mirage and that it actually occurred.
No further action is being taken by this office unless specified to do so by the Bureau.
ENCL
JBW/jw
62-0
[handwritten lower left:]
ENCL.
EX-119
Security Division [?]
let to Air Force
clhm-g
10-14-49
For Security Division
RECORDED 87 | 62-83894-202
INDEXED - 87 FBI
13 OCT 25 1949
EX-119
[handwritten right margin:] [ILLEGIBLE initials]
[handwritten lower right:] FIVE=[Reverse of page 39 — show-through of memo text visible but not independently legible] [Stamps at bottom, some mirrored/upside-down:] Oct 5 2 43 PM '49 FBI RECEIVED Oct 10 10 [or] AM [?] U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I RECEIVED ESPIONAGE U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I [handwritten lower left:] - JONES 5016 [?]
608 Montrose Drive
S. Charleston, W. Va.
September 25, 1949.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington D. C.
Gentlemen:
(9/25/49)
An incident happened this afternoon which after consideration
I felt I should report. I most certainly do not want this incident
disclosed, as I do not want any publicity concerning it. If you
regard it of no special interest to the F.B.I. please disregard
this correspondence.
I was flying from (Clark Field) to Parkersburg, W. Va. this
afternoon and about four miles airline, southwest of Parkersburg,
I suddenly noticed a bright yellow object coming directly towards
me. It came at me with such speed, added to my 100 m.p.h. forward
speed that it startled me and had passed by in a matter of a couple
of seconds. But it passed by about 100 feet under my ship and about
50 feet to my right, and because of the dark green background of the
forests below I was able to get a very clear outline of the
object, and what I believe is a very accurate description.
Color - bright canary yellow
Length- about 15 to 18 inches
Diameter- About 4" in the largest part
It resembled a rocket, in fact was about the same shape and
proportions as the fuselage of a Lockheed Air Force X-90
No wings but vertical and horizontal fins on rear 1/3 of the
rocket.
No visable means of propulsion such as propeller, vapor trail,
smoke or exhaust.
The front of the rocket was very sharp with a needle nose, the
needle looked about 6" long and was the size of a lead pencil.
The rear end was blunt similar to the rear end of a jet fuselage.
I was flying my ship, (a Luscombe 8A, NC 1440K) and was traveling
about 100 m.p.h. at the time.
I was at 3450 ft above sea level at the time.
I was flying a compass course of 60 degrees, and the rocket
was traveling almost west at 240 degrees.
It happened about 2:45 P.M. on the above date.
The visability was exceptionally good, about 30 miles.
The yellow object looked very sharp and clearly outlined
because of the dark green background,
If you will refer to the Huntington sectional aerial map
this object was sighted over a very small town named Lubeck, which
is about 4 miles direct west of South Parkersburg.
It appeared to have spent it's force and seemed to be
dropping slightly as it passed by, or had been fired or launched
from a higher altitude than the altitude I was flying. end
My wife was with me but she did not see the object, and I did
not tell her of the incident until we had landed at Parkersburg.
[ILLEGIBLE] force
10-19-49 [ILLEGIBLE]
Very truly yours,
[ILLEGIBLE signature]
RECORDED 37 62-83894-202
ENCLOSUREDeclassified
2/40
9/8/77
[ILLEGIBLE]
RECORDED 87
62-83894-202
CONFIDENTIAL
REGISTERED MAIL
Date: October 19, 1949
To: Director
Office of Special Investigations
The Inspector General
EX-119 Department of the Air Force
The Pentagon
Washington, D. C.
APPROPRIATE AGENCIES
AND FIELD OFFICES
ADVISED BY ROUTING
SLIP(S) OF 2040
DATE 9/1/77
From: John Edgar Hoover - Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Subject: FLYING DISCS
There is set forth the following unverified information relating to
the captioned matter which was furnished to this Bureau by a confidential
source whose reliability is unknown and who has requested that his identity not
be revealed.
"I was flying from ... to Parkersburg, W. Va. this
afternoon (September 25, 1949) and about four miles airline,
southwest of Parkersburg, I suddenly noticed a bright yellow
object coming directly towards me. It came at me with
such speed, added to my 100 m.p.h. forward speed that it
startled me and had passed by in a matter of a couple of
seconds, but it passed by about 100 feet under my ship and
about 50 feet to my right, and because of the dark green
background of the forests below I was able to get a very
clear outline of the object, and what I believe is a very
accurate description.
"Color - bright canary yellow
"Length - about 15 to 18 inches
"Diameter - about 4" in the largest part
"It resembled a rocket, in fact was about the same shape
and proportions as the fuselage of a Lockheed Air Force X-90
Tolson
Ladd
Clegg
Glavin
Nichols
Rosen
Tracy
Harbo
Mohr
Tele. Room
Nease EHM:cg:rmh
Gandy
MAILED 12
OCT 20 1949 P.M.
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
52 NOV 1 1949
[Signatures] [ILLEGIBLE]"No wings but vertical and horizontal fins on rear 1/3
of the rocket.
"No visable means of propulsion such as propeller,
vapor trail, smoke or exhaust.
"The front of the rocket was very sharp with a needle
nose, the needle looked about 6" long and was the size of a
lead pencil.
"The rear end was blunt similar to the rear end of a
jet fuselage.
"I was flying my ship ... and was traveling about 100
m.p.h. at the time.
"I was at 3450 ft. above sea level at the time.
"I was flying a compass course of 60 degrees, and the
rocket was traveling almost west at 240 degrees.
"It happened about 2:45 P.M. on the above date.
"The visability was exceptionally good, about 30 miles.
"The yellow object looked very sharp and clearly outlined
because of the dark green background.
"If you will refer to the Huntington sectional aerial
map this object was sighted over a very small town named
Lubeck, which is about 4 miles direct west of South Parkersburg.
"It appeared to have spent it's force and seemed to be
dropping slightly as it passed by, or had been fired or
launched from a higher altitude than the altitude I was flying."
The above has been furnished to you for your information and
assistance in connection with the captioned matter.
- 2 -SECRET
DECLASSIFIED
Authority:
NND 90986
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
STAFF MESSAGE DIVISION
INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE
SECRET Flying Discs
PRIORITY
FROM: HQ 13TH OSI DST OFFUTT AFB, OMAHA, NEBRASKA
TO : DIR OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS HQ USAF, WASH., D.C.
INFO: DIST COMDR 14 OSI DIST LOWRY AFB, COLO (ZEN)
DIST COMDR 17 OSI DIST KIRTLAND AFB, NEW MEXICO (ZEN)
NR : OSI 8 16 January 1950
(THIS IS REHAS OSI 8 DTD 14 JAN 50. CATEGORY BAKER MESSAGE).
Rudy Fick says Flying saucers from Venus came to earth by accident.
Rudy Fick, well known Kansas City auto dealer stopped in Denver 2 weeks
ago while returning from Ogden, Utah. At that time he called on the
manager of Ford Agency. Their conversation was interrupted by some
engineers arriving for a meeting; one of whom was a man named
Coulter. Coulter revealed some startling information. He (Coulter)
stated he "Crashed the Gate" at a radar station near New Mexico and
Arizona borders, and while there he saw 2 of the highly secret
"Flying Saucers." Spot report details---the information contained
herein was furnished from article which appeared in the Wyandotte
Echo newspaper, Kansas City, Kansas, 6 January 1950. Of the two
flying saucers one was badly damaged and the other almost perfectly
intact. They consisted of 2 parts, a cockpit or cabin about 6 feet
in diameter. A ring 18 feet across and 2 feet thick surrounded
the cabin. The cabin was constructed of metal resembling aluminum,
but the actual make of the metal has defied analysis. Coulter had
a piece of the metal in his possession and gave it to the Ford man to
send to the Dearborne plant for analysis. This man (Coulter) showed
to the group, including Fick, a clock or automatic calendar which was
taken from one of the Flying Saucers. This clock or automatic
calendar consisted of 2 pieces of metal together with some unusual
type of metal. On the face of 1 or 2 pieces of this metal there
appeared an indentation which rotated around the disk completing a
cycle each 28 days. According to the information given Coulter
around 50 of these flying saucers have been found in the United
States in a period of 2 years. Of these, 40 are in the 7 US Research
Bureau in Los Angeles. Each of the craft had a crew of 2. The bodies
in the damaged ship were charred, but the other ship's occupants were
in a perfect state of preservation, although dead.
Received [ILLEGIBLE]
Major [ILLEGIBLE]
0 S/0 23-50 CAF IN: 7130
1-2-5/5
[ILLEGIBLE] FEB 13 1950
(16 Jan 50) Page 1
RECORDED - 31 62-83894-203
SECRET EX-10
[Signatures]SECRET
Page 2
All were uniform height of 3 feet; blond, beardless and their teeth
were completely free of fillings or cavities. They wore no under
garments, but had their bodies taped and were dressed in a sort of
wire. A quantity of food in tablet form was found in ship. Mr.
Fick assumed that the reason behind the apparent lack of security was that
the Government wanted the information spread from unofficial sources
until people are more or less familiar with the facts. Mr. Fick feels
that the security department of the military fear that the sudden shock
of a surprise announcement that interplanitary travel is possible might
cause mass hysteria. Fick is well known locally and has a number of
friends at the Kansas City Star. OSI District 13 will interview Fick
and will make additional inquiries at the Kansas City Star. Coulter
not otherwise identified, but can be reached through Ford agency in
Denver. Action: Information copies furnished OSI Districts 14 and
17 for action. The editor of the Kansas City Star stated that while
they were aware of this story they did not dare publish it in the
paper because it is too fantastic.
ACTION: DIRECTOR, SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS
INFO : DCS/O DIRECTOR OF INTELLIGENCE
DCS/O DIRECTOR OF PLANS & OPERATIONS
DCS/O POLICY DIVISION
CHIEF OF STAFF'S LOG, USAF
CAF IN: 7130 (16 Jan 50) DTG: 16/1430Z CVC/lws
RO 28/16th
SECRETCONFIDENTIAL
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
STAFF MESSAGE DIVISION
INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE
CONFIDENTIAL
PRIORITY
FROM: 13 OSI DIST OFFUTT AFB, OMAHA NEBRASKA, SGD THOMPSON
TO : OSAF, WASHINGTON 25, D.C.
DIST COMDR 14TH OSI DIST LOWRY AFB, COLORADO
DIST COMDR 17TH OSI DIST KIRTLAND AFB ALBUQUERQUE,
NEW MEXICO
NR : OSI 11. 17 January 1950
This refers to TWX from 13th OSI District, Offutt AFB,
Omaha, Nebraska, dated 13 January and spot intelligence report
dated 16 January, subject: "Flying Saucers From Venus Come To
Earth." For your information both TWX and spot report are down-
graded to Confidential.
NOTD: Reference TWX is CAF-IN-7130, 17 Jan 50 (OSI).
ACTION: OSI.
INFO : ODS, CIN, OPO, OOP, OPY, CAG-30.
CAF IN: 7 3 3 1. (18 Jan 50) DTG: 172110Z. RCW/jgl.
CONFIDENTIAL RO-NBR: 25/18.
62-83894-203
ENCLOSURE
CONFIDENTIAL1-24-50
1953 Fitzgerald St
Phila 45 Pa
24-1-50-
o flying saucers
Gentlemen- Re:- Flying Saucers
With the persistent debates pro +
con on the above - It sort of annoys me
and since I have an opinion of inter-
national nature, I'd feel pretty
bad & if I happened to be right and
it resulted in harm to my country
I realize I might be wasting your
time. (my theory perhaps having
been considered and discounted) but
on the other hand if it's a new
angle it might bear investigation.
Very Truly [ILLEGIBLE]
(YMD)
[ILLEGIBLE]
RECORDED -128 [ILLEGIBLE]
FEB 7 1950
Ferdinand B. C. Pfeil
P.S. my store is open 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (& 1 pm Wed.)
loud lunch from (1 to 2 p.m.)
FILE
[ILLEGIBLE] 1/30/50 [ILLEGIBLE]January 30, 1950
RECORDED - 128 62-83894-204
INDEXED - 128
Mr. Ferdinand R. C. Pfeil
1953 Fitzgerald Street
Philadelphia 45, Pennsylvania
Dear Mr. Pfeil:
Your letter of January 24, 1950,
has been received and while I appreciate
your offer to furnish me your observations
concerning the flying saucers, this matter
is not being investigated by the FBI.
Sincerely yours,
John Edgar Hoover
Director
NJC:aip
[ILLEGIBLE stamps and signatures]
MAILED 10
FEB 1 - 1950
COMM-FBI
[Multiple routing stamps and signatures]
JAN 31 5 42 PM '50
RECEIVED READING ROOM
U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE
[ILLEGIBLE] FEB 15 1950RECORDED - 128 INDEXED - 128 [Page is reverse/back of letter - text shows through faintly and is largely illegible] RECEIVED [ILLEGIBLE] FEB [ILLEGIBLE] RECEIVED-LADD F B I U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE FEB 2 4 01 PM '50 U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F B I RECEIVED-[ILLEGIBLE] FEB 1 12 29 PM [ILLEGIBLE]
n c Paxinos Pa
Feb 12th 1950
Dear Sir,
o flying saucers
I am writing you about the
flying discs Saucers and am enclosing
dates which I would like for you to have checked
with flying Saucers Project to see if any were reported
seen on the dates I have down. Below.
Date time time Direction from My Home.
Jan 25th 1950. 10:15 A.M. Southeast
" 3:00 P.M. Southwest
" 4:00 P.M.
Jan 26th, 1950 11:50 A.M. till 12:30 P.M. South - or east.
Jan 27th, 1950 12:00 Noon. South
South South[ILLEGIBLE]
1:45 P.M. 9 P.M. [ILLEGIBLE]
3:00 P.M.
Jan 28th, 1950 11:00 AM East
Jan 29th, 1950 5:00 P.M. also Night 8:3[ILLEGIBLE] P.M.
Jan 30th, 1950 2:00 P.M. Northwest
Feb. 3rd 1950. 10 AM-11 AM-12 & 0 Noon. Southeast
Feb. 4th 1950. 4:30 AM- 2:30 P.M. Southwest
Feb 8th 1950 11:45 AM. till 12:15 P.M. Noon 1:30 P.M. till [ILLEGIBLE]
Feb 10th, 1950 Night 8:40 P.M. - West.
The reason for having you check these I don't
trust anybody unless you say o.k. I won't
Make any claims but try to furnish proof that
I know More about flying discs than anybody they
have found yet. I will Send More dates [ILLEGIBLE]
from time to time to prove what I say. All I ask
is that, if any was seen please give place time
and date. So I can check - My [ILLEGIBLE] And above all
I don't want any Snooper's around my place! Also
ask you please not to tell anybody for them. Maybe
a lot of things I will tell you after while
I don't want any dates before Jan 5th 1950 - Please Make
Sure that anyone checking the dates is 100 Percent
American.
(over)II [ILLEGIBLE] 1/30/[ILLEGIBLE]
P. Seeing any letter I send you it might
be better if after a while as I send you dates
that I really know. for to find Something
to find a better way to contact one
each other. for There are Snoopers in
the Postal Service talking about Postal Service
if you answer this letter please do not
use letterhead just plain letter will do
for I don't want any Postal clerks getting
Ideas - the buttle is I don't want
anyone but you to know where or -
[REDACTED] the letters are from.
WHO
Thanking You I remains
Mr. Walter Fisher.
R.D#1
Paxinos
Pa
P.S. If Saucers Project want its to clear this up
quick I have a idea of how they can do same and will
be able to check and find out who really does see them.
let them have people be on the lookout for these give
the exact time date and place. Then they
can check My list of dates. I send you.
FEB 16 12 18 PM '50
RECEIVED
F B I
U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE
MR JONESFebruary 20, 1950
RECORDED - 125 62-83894-205
INDEXED - 125
Mr. Walter Fisher
Route 1
Paxinos, Pennsylvania
Dear Mr. Fisher:
Your letter of February 12,
1950, has been received and I appreciate
your thoughtfulness in making available
the information which you furnished.
If in the future additional data
comes to your attention which you feel should
be made available to the FBI please feel free
to furnish it to Mr. A. Cornelius, Special
Agent in Charge of our Philadelphia Office,
500 Widener Building, Philadelphia 7, Pennsyl-
vania.
Sincerely yours,
John Edgar Hoover
Director
CC: Philadelphia,
[Multiple routing stamps and signatures]
MAILED 16
FEB 21 1950
COMM-FBI
1 MAR 8 1950RECORDED - 125 INDEXED - 125 [Page is reverse/back of letter - text shows through faintly and is largely illegible] RECEIVED MAIL ROOM F B I U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE FEB 21 11 20 AM '50 FEB 2 1 1950 [ILLEGIBLE]
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
MAR - 9 1950
TELETYPE
FBI, DENVER 3-9-50 9-25 PM JHM
DIRECTOR, FBI URGENT
[ILLEGIBLE]
Mrs [ILLEGIBLE]
O
FLYING SAUCERS. TWO SOURCES ADVISED TODAY THAT UNIDENTIFIED INDIVIDUAL
HAS GIVEN AT LEAST ONE AND POSSIBLY MORE LECTURES BEFORE CLASSES AT
DENVER UNIVERSITY YESTERDAY OR TODAY IN WHICH HE DISCUSSED FLYING
SAUCERS WHICH HE ALLEGEDLY PERSONALLY OBSERVED. THIS PERSON CLAIMS TO
HAVE SEEN SEVERAL SUCH OBJECTS, ONE OF WHICH ALLEGEDLY LANDED IN NEW
MEXICO. HE ALSO CLAIMS TO HAVE OBSERVED OCCUPANTS OF SAUCERS DESCRIBED
BY HIM AS OF HUMAN FORM, BUT ABOUT THREE FEET TALL. THESE OCCUPANTS OF
SAUCERS ALLEGEDLY DEAD AT TIME HE OBSERVED THEM. THIS LECTURER RFXXX /
REFUSED TO REVEAL IDENTITY, BUT IS KNOWN TO GEORGE KOEHLER, WHO IS
CONNECTDXXX CONNECTED WITH RADIO STATION KMYR, DENVER. KOEHLER REPORTED
TO HAVE MADE SOME PREVIOUS CLAIMS HIMSELF WITH RESPECT TO OBSERVING
FLYING SAUCERS. LOCAL PRESS AND ALSO WIRE SERVICES CARRYING STORIES
CONCERNING THESE LECTURES AT DENVER UNIVERSITY. OSI, DENVER, HAS NO
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION EXCEPT THAT GEORGE KOEHLER IN JANUARY THIS
YEAR REPORTED TO HAVE MADE SIMILAR CLAIMS AND UPON INVESTIGATION WAS
UNABLE TO PRODUCE ANY VERIFIABLE INFORMATION. OSI CONSIDERS KOEHLER AS
PROBABLE MENTAL CASE. BUREAU ADVISE WHAT, IF ANY, ACTION DESIRED AT
DENVER.
KRAMER RECORDED - 33
INDEXED - 33 62-83894-206
END
cc Mr. Belmont
11-29 PM OK FBI WA HSU [ILLEGIBLE]
V
[Handwritten] Julie called 3/10/50
5-EthnFBI DENVER 3-9-50 9-25 PM DIRECTOR, FBI URGENT FLYING SAUCERS. TWO SOURCES ADVISED TODAY THAT UNIDENTIFIED INDIVIDUAL HAS GIVEN AT LEAST ONE AND POSSIBLY MORE LECTURES BEFORE CLASSES AT DENVER UNIVERSITY YESTERDAY OR TODAY IN WHICH HE DISCUSSED FLYING SAUCERS WHICH HE ALLEGEDLY PERSONALLY OBSERVED. THIS PERSON CLAIMS TO HAVE SEEN SEVERAL SUCH OBJECTS, ONE OF WHICH ALLEGEDLY LANDED IN NEW MEXICO. HE ALSO CLAIMS TO HAVE OBSERVED OCCUPANTS OF SAUCERS DESCRIBED BY HIM AS OF HUMAN FORM, BUT ABOUT THREE FEET TALL. THESE OCCUPANTS OF SAUCERS ALLEGEDLY DEAD AT TIME HE OBSERVED THEM. THIS LECTURER [ILLEGIBLE] REFUSED TO REVEAL IDENTITY, BUT IS KNOWN TO GEORGE KOEHLER, WHO IS CONNECTED WITH RADIO STATION KMYR, DENVER. KOEHLER REPORTED TO HAVE MADE SOME PREVIOUS CLAIMS HIMSELF WITH RESPECT TO OBSERVING FLYING SAUCERS. LOCAL PRESS AND ALSO WIRE SERVICES CARRYING STORIES CONCERNING THESE LECTURES AT DENVER UNIVERSITY. OSI, DENVER, HAS NO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION EXCEPT THAT GEORGE KOEHLER IN JANUARY THIS YEAR REPORTED TO HAVE MADE SIMILAR CLAIMS AND UPON INVESTIGATION WAS UNABLE TO PRODUCE ANY VERIFIABLE INFORMATION. OSI CONSIDERS KOEHLER AS PROBABLE MENTAL CASE. BUREAU ADVISE WHAT, IF ANY, ACTION DESIRED AT DENVER. RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT MAR 9 11 31 PM '50 [ILLEGIBLE] DEPT OF JUSTICE RECEIVED-LADD F B I U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE MAR 20 4 12 PM '50 RECEIVED-[ILLEGIBLE] U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE MAR 26 [ILLEGIBLE] PM '50 RECEIVED - FLETCHER CENTRAL-FBI-[ILLEGIBLE] MAR 10 1 3u PM '50 11-29 PM OK FBI WA HSU [ILLEGIBLE]
RECORDED - 33
62-83894-206
MARCH 10, 1950 - ROUTINE
SAC DENVER
FLYING DISCS. REURTEL MARCH NINE LAST CAPTIONED FLYING SAUCERS AND RE BUREAU
BULLETIN NUMBER FIVE SEVEN DATED OCTOBER ONE, NINETEEN FORTYSEVEN IN CAPTIONED
MATTER. NO FURTHER ACTION DESIRED.
HOOVER
EHM:EWT
Ethn
[Signatures]
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
MAR 10 1950
TELETYPE
[Multiple signatures and initials]
58 MAR 29 1950 COPIES DESTROYED
270 NOV 18 1964CLASSIFIED
INCOMING
MESSAGE
CONFIDENTIAL
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
DECLASSIFIED
Authority:
NND 90986
[Handwritten] add
FBI
OSI (AF)
[Handwritten] Rec'd from [ILLEGIBLE]
3-6-50
[Handwritten] Harbig - PA
Dr [ILLEGIBLE]
By [ILLEGIBLE]
[ILLEGIBLE]
CONFIDENTIAL PARAPHRASE NOT REQUIRED
PRIORITY
From: COMGENARMYTHREE Ft McPherson Ga
To: Dept of Army for Dir of Intelligence
Nr: AJACI 1-2 2 Mar 50
Telephone call received from Lt Col Nunamaker
Tennessee Military District 1130, 2 March. He stated that
A. There is a radar station near Knoxville which has
been in operation about 3 weeks. This radar station is being
operated by station WROL of Knoxville.
B. On 1 March at 2135 hours the station picked up
an object 340 degrees and 18 miles from Knoxville altitude
40,000 feet. Direction and distance put the object directly
over Oak Ridge. AEC Security Division Chief at Oak Ridge
checked with Smyrna Air Base Nashville which reported it had
no flight plan for any plane being in that vicinity and
altitude.
C. On 2 March at 1105 station picked up object at
335 degrees and 18 miles from Knoxville altitude 40,000
feet. AEC Security Div Chief checked with Smyrna Air Base
with negative results.
D. AEC Sec Div Chief is not certain as to operational
efficiency of radar unit and requested Smyrna AB to send
qualified radar operator. Smyrna has no personnel so
qualified. Smyrna commander suggested Third Army send
qualified radar operator to check equipment.
E. Data from radar was limited to:
RECORDED - 46 62-83894-207
1. Bearing, distance and altitude on each object.
MAR 15 1950
2. Third Army queried 14th Air Force to determine
if 14th AF had training flights over the Knoxville area on
1 and 2 March. Answer was no.
CM IN 12036 (3Mar 50)
ACTION COPY
OPS RM
ACTION COPY
OPS RM
ACTION COPY
OPS RM
DA SCO FORM 22-3
15 JAN 1948 CONFIDENTIAL COPY NO.
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1949 - O - 830430CLASSIFIED
INCOMING
MESSAGE
CONFIDENTIAL
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
Nr: AJACI 1-2 Page 2
3. Third Army has no radar operators.
4. Inquiry of Lt Col Nunamaker revealed that
Chief Security Div Oak Ridge is anxious to get qualified
personnel check on the performance of the radar.
ACTION: G-2
CM IN 12036 (3 Mar 50) DTG: 022030Z mlf/C
DA SCO FORM 22-3
15 JAN 1948 CONFIDENTIAL COPY NO.
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1949 - O - 830430Tulsa Okla,
Feb. Tues 28, 1950
Mr J. Edgar Hoover
Director of F.B.I.
Washington D.C.
Dear Mr Hoover:- O Flying Saucers
Your acknowledgement of my letter in
regard to your excellent & faithful service, rec'd Feb. 22. [ILLEGIBLE]
I've had something "on my chest" for seven
years, and it may be the time and way to do something about
it now also. It was during a time of my seven years of
Civil Service work here in Tulsa, while doing Engr. drafting
for the Corps of Engineers, War Department. At this time I began
giving
to the matter serious thought.
For a number of intermittent nights at about
the same time, I would hear a whistle very quick noise over
the four unit apartment Bldg. at 44 East 17th St. where I had
a small 3 roomed apartment on the top floor. The noise only
lasted a second or less. and always traveled north & south. It was
at such speed this missile or whatever over head, that I could
never get to the window to look into the night sky. I reported it to
the F.B.I. here (local F.B.I.) & checked all the air ports. no one knew
of any craft having been there at that time. I clocked it after hearing
it 4 or 5 times, and as near as I can remember now it was about
11:21 P.M. Then the time I again reported to the F.B.I. I had long
before found it was not street nor building noise. The second
time I called the F.B.I. the party at the other end, said wait a
moment; soon he said, a Lt. of the force had been telling him of
hearing the same thing a few blocks south of me at the 21st
bridge while out there on patrol duty!
Then a few week after those noises over head, came
the first word of people seeing "flying saucers".
Since living here at 1039 N College, late last fall
a flying saucer must have been what I saw, that looked like a
very round white cloud against a grey stormy sky (overcast
or overcast sky.) It also rapidly drifted north & south, and while
I wondered & looked at the (cloud?) sphere I saw it disintegrate and
something that looked like envelopes or paper fell toward the earth
but the round objects pieces seemed to melt into the grey sky.
[Stamp: RECORDED 1[ILLEGIBLE] 62-83894-298
[ILLEGIBLE] EX-[ILLEGIBLE][Reverse/back of letter - page mostly blank] MR JONES RECEIVED RECORDS SEC. Mar 2 3 29 PM '50 F B I U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE RECEIVED MAR 2 4 23 PM '50 RECEIVED F B I U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE INTERNAL SECURITY - SN MAR 27 O 34 AM '50 RECEIVE[D]
2 . It was all so plain & clear for the object was in the eastern sky & the sun just came from behind a cloud in the west at about sun down & shown upon it. I rushed to my east door to try to distinguish a plane motor or some sound of motor or a possible crash maybe a few blocks away. But I heard nothing so I again explained & report to the 7., B.O. Lee. I could not judge the distance of the object. Now my own radio has not been working for about 2 weeks, so that I've not recently caught all the news. But a friend of mine tells me that according to radio news the saucers are again appearing and are now disintegrating. Now Mr. Hoover if this matter that I shall mention here is by chance out of your jurisdiction, then I pray that you either mail this to some one (the right one) or put it into the hands (directly) to some responsible Gov. Official whom you are sure will give the matter serious study and consideration. When the two tornados hit Woodward Okla several years ago within a few days or a few weeks of each other. From that time on I have theorized that these "flying Saucers" are being sent from a Russian base located somewhere near the eastern edge of Siberia, Korea or Mongolia, but more likely some place in Siberia, and are radar controlled. That the first ones of about the year of the tornados came back to the base there, and that they served a tri-purpose. No. 1. That the first ones contained instruments to photograph & simultaneously record distance altitude & temper- ature. Thus with data returning via the "saucers" the Russians may by this means have every foot of our U.S.A. photographed and our vital areas spotted. No doubt the "saucers" are built round and like this view from the side would have only one edge [DRAWING] and spin like a top thru the air with slots around the saucer [DRAWING] where I have placed the dots. Could be made to open automaticly and scatter germs, chemicals ice & etc. No 2. That they may be able to effect our weather currents that have caused our heavy storms and unusual sudden
3 .. changes in temperatures in spotted areas over the U.S. They may be able from their data formally obtained to send a saucer anywhere at most any time with most anything, depending on the setting of the automatic device within the saucer & the altitude & distance on their Controls at their base & the substance placed within. Nothing now is impossible! No. 3. The sudden weather changes all this last fall and this winter especially have caused a "flu" & a chest condition that lasts much longer and weakens those parts much more than ever the oldfashioned "flu" did, so I've been told by the doctor & whom I go. Hence it has put the vast majority of people in a weakened condition, receptive of attack of a greater physical illness, something that may even be breathed from the air, & may put us into a helpless, weak or sleeping condition that will give Russia a chance to walk in and take this country intact, without ever bombing & spoiling our rich oil and industrial supplies! (Russia has never yet gotten the oil she started out for.) If done in this manner we would wake up or come to and find ourselves possibly her slaves! It's something to think about, and as I see it a very great possibility! so I'm praying that you place this matter with those or one you are certain will give it a very serious tho't. If my theory is a true case, then if we could locate that base, we could save a great deal of trouble to our nation. The above mentioned matter ties in with what I wrote before World War II to General Chief of Staff Marshall, President F.D.R. and Martin Dyes. about a seemingly fantastic dream I had three years or about that after the first world war. In that dream which I had 3 nights alike to the smallest detail and in succession. In that dream the Russians, Germans, and a slant eyed people came in the S. West & marched & swarmed over our country to the North East. and in the dream we stood like stone
4 images stunned with surprise! In the dream it seemed that I was a child again watching grandfather at his work bench, and tho' at the time of that strange dream Grandfather was then deceased, but as I seemed to be standing beside him in the dream, he looked down at me and said "Florence whatever I dream always comes true". Actually I had never, while he lived with us in all those years ever heard him claim he had dreamed; so my only interpretation of the dream & what he said in it would mean that what "I dreamed" & etc. When he was young he was ordered to "goose-step" into Russia in the Franco-Prussian War, and he often told me in German how he hated war, & I know how much he loved the beautiful & how really kind he was. He loved garden, flowers & did beautiful Cabinet work. Doesn't it stand to reason that there is a very definite purpose in the disintrigation of the "saucers" now? That we have advertised the fact that we think they are "interplanetary" and the country sending them are now affraid that we may find out different? That also there may be chemicals or disease germs within them that if they return to the original base might accidently be scattered within their own boundaries and dangerous to their own welfare?! And besides after all we have found out that Mars is not inhabited! I might add now that I did not sign my name to the letters I wrote about that dream to the three Washington gentlemen. I was afraid to for we were so close to war with Germany then. I mailed them from Tulsa, so you might have heard of this happening at that time. We know that dream of 3 nights did not then come true. But there is still time that something very similar may yet happen! Enclosed is postage for mailing this to the party you know will consider it from a serious possibility angle. Also a rough sketch that I've made, my idea of Russia's method. I would appreciate hearing your opinion on the above scientific possibility mentioned. I know nothing of science actually. I am Sincerely Yours, wish I did. Mrs Florence B. Pervier I hope something will be done 1039 N. College. in time.
SIBERIA ALASKA "SAUCER" BASE • Possible Route of Saucers The "saucer" base may be further South on in such a location as to allow them in their Course, to pass thru' the Alaskan weather Currents, some where in their course between Alaska and U.S.A. All:- Heavier is storm area CANADA So on & all over U.S.A. by: Florence Pervier Tulsa, Okla.
ENCLOSURE 62-83894-208
March 7, 1950
Mrs. Florence B. Pervier
1039 North College
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Dear Mrs. Pervier:
62-83894-208
Your letter of February 28, 1950, has been
received and I want to thank you for making your ob-
servation available to me. Your thoughtfulness in
this connection is appreciated.
Sincerely yours,
J. Edgar Hoover
John Edgar Hoover
Director
NOTE: Correspondent lengthly relates her observations
concerning flying saucers and advised that she believes
they are of Russia origin. It is noted that in her
letter of February 14, she wrote to commend Mr. Hoover
for his services as Director of the FBI.
NJC:ai[ILLEGIBLE]
RECORDED-23
INDEXED-23
RECEIVED U.S.DEPT OF
FBI - DIRECTOR
MAR 8 9 1950
MAILED A
MAR 8 1950
COMM-FBI
20 APR 3 1951
EX 9[REVERSE SIDE — bleed-through of March 7, 1950 letter] U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F.B.I. RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM MAR 8 11 38 AM '50 MAILED A MAR 8 1950 COMM-FBI
STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: March 22, 1950
74-1
FROM : GUY HOTTEL, SAC, WASHINGTON
SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS
INFORMATION CONCERNING
Flying Discs or Flying Saucers
The following information was furnished to SA R. H. KURTZMAN by
KARL HOWE, Special Investigator, Sex Squad, Metropolitan Police
Department:
An investigator for the Air Forces stated that three so-called
flying saucers had been recovered in New Mexico. They were
described as being circular in shape with raised centers, approxi-
mately 50 feet in diameter. Each one was occupied by three bodies
of human shape but only 3 feet tall, dressed in metallic cloth of
a very fine texture. Each body was bandaged in a manner similar
to the blackout suits used by speed flyers and test pilots.
According to Mr. HOWE'S informant, the saucers were found in New
Mexico due to the fact that the Government has a very high-powered
radar set-up in that area and it is believed the radar interferes
with the controling mechanism of the saucers.
No further evaluation was attempted by SA KURTZMAN concerning the
above.
RHK:VIM
RECORDED - 3 62-83894-209
INDEXED - 3 MAR 28 1950
34
51 MAR 29 1950[REVERSE SIDE — bleed-through of March 22, 1950 Office Memorandum] RECEIVED MAR 29 9 25 AM '50 U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE INTERNAL ESPIONAGE F.B.I. U.S. DEPT OF J[USTICE]
CLASSIFIED
INCOMING
MESSAGE
CONFIDENTIAL
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
Surv for
FBI
Rec'd from IOA
3-6-50 CWBjs
CONFIDENTIAL PARAPHRASE NOT REQUIRED
PRIORITY
Narbs 11
Im best
[ILLEGIBLE]
From: COMGENARMYTHREE Ft McPherson Ga
y directly
#-1
To : Dept of Army for Dir of Intelligence
Nr : AJACI-3-3 3206 3 Mar 50 Actively
51-1
Reference our TWX AJACI-1-2, 2nd Mar supplementary
report follows:
1. (A) At 2130 hours on 2nd Mar radar station
picked up 2 objects 310 degrees, altitude 80000 feet, ap-
proximately 18 miles from Knoxville in general direction of
Oak Ridge, moving in circular motion but in opposite direc-
tions.
(B) At 2230 hours 2nd Mar and again at 0030 hours
3rd Mar station picked up object, moving same direction,
locality and altitude.
(C) Density of object similar to DC-3 airplane,
speed not established but report as "terrific".
2. CIA Radar Technician reportedly arrives Knoxville
today to check radar set and operation.
3. Arrangement reportedly made by FBI with Naval
and Marine Reserve Unit Knoxville to set up radar equipment
to verify reception of WROL radar station.
4. All information on this subject this headquarters
has been turned over to A-2 Fourteenth Air Force.
Note: AJACI-1-2 is CM IN 12036 (3 Mar 50) G-2
ACTION: G-2
RECORDED - 104 62-83894-210
INFO : G-3 INDEXED - 104 MAR 17 1950
5
CM IN 12184 (4 Mar 50) DTG: 031900Z ear/B
51 APR 22 1950 J#72 Mar 4, 1950 101
DA SCO FORM 22-3
15 JAN 1949
CONFIDENTIAL COPY NO.
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1949-O-830430CLASSIFIED
INCOMING
MESSAGE
CONFIDENTIAL
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
Nr: AJACI 1-2 Page 2
3. Third Army has no radar operators.
4. Inquiry of Lt Col Nunamaker revealed that
Chief Security Div Oak Ridge is anxious to get qualified
personnel check on the performance of the radar.
ACTION: G-2
CM IN 12036 (3 Mar 50) DTG: 022030Z mlf/C
DA SCO FORM 22-3
JAN 1949
CONFIDENTIAL COPY NO.
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1949-O-830430CLASSIFIED
INCOMING
MESSAGE
CONFIDENTIAL
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
Rec'd from IOA
CWBjs
3-8-50
CONFIDENTIAL PARAPHRASE NOT REQUIRED
PRIORITY
y directly
#-1
From: COMGENARMYTHREE Ft McPherson Ga
To: Dept of Army for Dir of Intelligence
Nr: AJACI 1-2 2 Mar 50
Telephone call received from Lt Col Nunamaker
Tennessee Military District 1130, 2 March. He stated that
A. There is a radar station near Knoxville which has
been in operation about 3 weeks. This radar station is being
operated by station WROL of Knoxville.
Krodar
B. On 1 March at 2135 hours the station picked up
an object 340 degrees and 18 miles from Knoxville altitude
40,000 feet. Direction and distance put the object directly
over Oak Ridge. AEC Security Division Chief at Oak Ridge
checked with Smyrna Air Base Nashville which reported it had
no flight plan for any plane being in that vicinity and
altitude.
C. On 2 March at 1105 station picked up object at
335 degrees and 18 miles from Knoxville altitude 40,000
feet. AEC Security Div Chief checked with Smyrna Air Base
with negative results.
D. AEC Sec Div Chief is not certain as to operational
efficiency of radar unit and requested Smyrna AB to send
qualified radar operator. Smyrna has no personnel so
qualified. Smyrna commander suggested Third Army send
qualified radar operator to check equipment.
E. Data from radar was limited to: INDEXED -19 162-83894-211
RECORDED -19 MAR 22 1950
1. Bearing, distance and altitude on each object.
2. Third Army queried 14th Air Force to determine
if 14th AF had training flights over the Knoxville area on
1 and 2 March. Answer was no. EX-136
CM IN 12036 (3Mar 50) I.D. JOURNAL NO.
75 MAR[ILLEGIBLE] 50 17
52 APR 10 1950
SCO FORM 22-3
JAN 1949
CONFIDENTIAL COPY NO.FROM DO-7
OFFICE OF DIRECTOR, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
TO
OFFICIAL INDICATED BELOW BY CHECK MARK
Mr. Tolson _________ (✓)
Mr. Clegg __________ ( )
Mr. Glavin _________ ( )
Mr. Ladd ___________ (✓)
Mr. Nichols ________ (✓)
Mr. Rosen __________ ( )
Mr. Tracy __________ ( ) Just what
Mr. Gurnea _________ ( ) are the facts re
Mr. Harbo __________ ( ) "flying saucers"?
Mr. Mohr ___________ ( ) A short memo as
Mr. Nease __________ ( ) to whether it is
Miss Gandy _________ ( ) true or just what,
Air Force etc. think
See Me _____________ ( ) of these.
Note and Return ______ ( )
For Your Recommendation( )
What are the facts? ( )
Remarks:
of these.
[ILLEGIBLE signature]
ENCLOSURE
62-83894-212[REVERSE SIDE — bleed-through of DO-7 routing slip] RECEIVED-LADD U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F.B.I. MAR 29 11 01 AM '50 RECEIVED-NICHOLS U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F.B.I. APR 3 5 43 PM '50 RECEIVED MAR 27 10 59 AM '50 F.B.I. U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE RECEIVED-LADD RECEIVED MAR 27 11 58 AM INTERNAL ESPIONAGE F.B.I. U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE APR 4 5 59 PM '50 F.B.I. U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE RECEIVED-NICHOLS
STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : The Director DATE: March 28, 1950
FROM : D. M. Ladd
SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS
Reference is made to your inquiry on the attached routing slip:
"Just what are the facts re 'flying saucers'? A short
memo as to whether it is true or just what Air Force
etc. think of them."
In response to your inquiry, Special Agent S. W. Reynolds obtained
the following information today (3/28/50) from Major Boggs and Lieutenant
Colonel J. V. Hearn of Air Force Intelligence. The Air Force discontinued
their intelligence project to determine what flying saucers are the latter part
of last year. They publicly announced to the press in December, 1949, that
the project had been discontinued. They advised that the press release had
been concurred in by the Army and Navy. The reason for the discontinuance,
according to Major Boggs and Lieutenant Colonel Hearn, was that after two
years of investigation over three-fourths of the incidents regarding flying
saucers proved to be misidentifications of a wide variety of conventional
items such as lighted weather balloons and other air-borne objects.
Colonel Hearn pointed out that the Commanders of the various areas
are charged with the security of those areas. Reports concerning flying saucers
received at this time will be investigated by the Area Commander and his report
submitted to the Air Force Intelligence Division as an intelligence item.
Major Boggs and Lieutenant Colonel Hearn made the observation that
many of the reported sightings of flying saucers at this time appear to be an out-
growth of recent magazine articles. They reiterated that the Air Force is
conducting no active investigation to determine whether flying saucers exist
or what they might happen to be.
You will recall that the investigation of flying saucers was discontinued
by the Bureau in October, 1947, in order that the Air Force could take over
such investigations. (62-83894-141-160)
Adv routing slip
ENCL
Attachment RECORDED - 61 162-83894 - 212
EHM:jam,sd[ILLEGIBLE] MAR 30 1950
3
57 APR 5 1950
COPIES DESTROYED
270 NOV 18 1964[REVERSE SIDE — bleed-through of March 28, 1950 Office Memorandum] RECEIVED-NICHOLS U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F.B.I. MAR 29 2 24 PM '50 RECEIVED F.B.I. U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE MAR 29 11 01 AM '50 RECEIVED-TOLSON RECEIVED-LADD MAR 28 1 33 PM[ILLEGIBLE] F.B.I. DEPT. OF BELMONT U.S.A. MAR 28 3 46 PM '50 RECEIVED-DIRECTOR U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F.B.I. MAR 29 4 23 PM '50
STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: March 31, 1950
FROM : SAC, NEW ORLEANS
SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS
Special Agent H. WARREN TOOL, JR., of the New Orleans Division, has a
brother, J. K. TOOL, of the Wayne Welch, Inc., advertising agency, 202
Keith Building, 1025 14th St., Denver, Colorado. J. K. TOOL has advised
Special Agent TOOL that an employee of the Wayne Welch, Inc., JEFFERSON
B. ARMSTRONG, has been contacted by one GEORGE T. KOEHLER, 315 Franklin
Street, telephone SPruce 2563, Denver, Colorado, regarding Flying Discs.
KOEHLER is alleged to have told ARMSTRONG in January, 1950, that he
(KOEHLER), knows a prominent Denver oilman named SILAS NEWTON, also known
as a "Mysterious Mr. X", and an official of the Newton Oil Co., Equitable
Building, Denver, Colorado. NEWTON is claiming that he leased land in
the Mojave Desert in California and that on this land a flying disc had
been found intact, with eighteen three-foot tall human-like occupants,
all dead on it but not burned. Further, that the disc was alleged to be
of very hard metal and near indestructible. KOEHLER is said to have
exhibited a radio set to ARMSTRONG purported to be a souvenir of the
space disc.
According to ARMSTRONG, KOEHLER has been telling of this story off and
on for the three month period prior to January, 1950, and is said to have
notified ARMSTRONG of it weeks prior to the publication of a flying disc
article published in the True Magazine, and one by FRANK SCULLY published
in the Variety Magazine in January, 1950. KOEHLER claimed to have been
visited by DONALD KEHOE, author of the article in the True Magazine.
Further data was furnished that KOEHLER had been telling the tale so
prolifically in Denver that he claimed to have had telephone calls from
Washington, D. C. and from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in which he
was requested to keep the information to himself and that, thereafter,
he became mysterious about the entire matter.
It is noted that considerable publicity regarding these discs has been
found in Denver and other papers.
This information is being furnished the Bureau and the designated offices
for informational purposes.
HWT:mrg RECORDED - 28 162-83894 - 213
66-1199 INDEXED - 28 APR 3 1950
34
cc: Denver
Los Angeles
24 APR 19 1950 EX-94
COPIES DESTROYED
270 NOV 18 1964FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
MAR 30 1950
TELETYPE
FBI ALBUQUERQUE 3-30-50 7-55 PM MST TOH
[REDACTED] DIRECTOR, FBI U R G E N T
FLYING SAUCERS, INFO CONCERNING. JIM BARDEN, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF
NEW MEXICO AND REPORTER FOR SCHOOL PAPER FURNISHED THIS OFFICE WITH
TRICK PHOTOGRAPH OF MOUNTIAN SIDE SHOWING A FLYINGSAUCER CRASHED AND
BURNING ON THE SIDE OF THE MOUNTIAN, LITTLE MEN WALKING AWAY AND
FOUR FLYING SAUCERS HOVERING AROUND THE CRASHED ONE. BARDEN, WHO HAS
VOLUNTARILY FURNISHED INFORMATION TO THIS OFFICE PREVIOUSLY STATED HE
IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING THE TRICK PHOTOGRAPH. HE FIRST TOOK A
PHOTOGRAPH OF A HILLSIDE NEAR ALBUQUERQUE, HAD THE FLYING SAUCERS,
CRASHED SAUCER, SMOKE AND LITTLE MEN DRAWN IN AND THEN MADE THE FINAL
PHOTOGRAPH. BORDEN STATED THIS PHOTOGRAPH AND A RIDICULOUS STORY WILL
BE PRINTED IN THE UNIV. OF N.M. SCHOOL PAPER THIRTY FIRST INSTANT AND
MAY BE CARRIED OVER ASSOCIATED PRESS LINES. BORDEN WAS ADVISED THAT THIS
OFFICE GAVE NO SANCTION OR CLEARANCE TO HIS IDEA. THIS FOR BUREAU'S
INDEXED - 112 62-83894-214
INFORMATION. LOCAL INTELLIGENCE REPRESENTATIVES ADVISED.
RECORDED - 112 APR [ILLEGIBLE] 1950
52 APR 10 1950
[ILLEGIBLE] WYLY cc: Mr. Nichols
CORRECTION FIRST WORD FOURTH LINE BURNING
END AND ACK PLS.
10-05 PM OK FBI WA NJ[REVERSE SIDE — bleed-through of Albuquerque teletype] RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT MAR 30 10 08 PM '50 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED-LADD U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F.B.I. MAR 31 5 04 PM '50 RECEIVED U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F.B.I. MAR 31 RECD BELMONT F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Mar 31 6 48 PM '50 RECEIVED-NICHOLS DEPT OF JUSTICE F.B.I. APR 3 1 02 PM '50 RECEIVED-DIRECTOR U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F.B.I. MAR 31 6 15 AM '50 RECEIVED U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F.B.I. RECEIVED-TOLSON MAR 31 11 51 PM '50
STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : MR. D. M. LADD DATE: March 3, 1950
FROM : MR. A. H. BELMONT
SUBJECT: UNKNOWN OBJECT OVER OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE, MARCH 1, 1950;
STUART ADCOCK, COMPLAINANT; VITAL FACILITIES; INTERNAL SECURITY
At 9:55 A.M. today, SAC Robey of Knoxville advised that Stuart E.
Adcock, owner and operator of Radio Station WROL, Knoxville, had called
the Knoxville Office at 11:15 P.M. on March 1. Adcock is a radio ham
operator and has set up in his home in Knoxville an Army Surplus APM-7
radar set. Adcock advised that he had picked up on this set a "pip"
indicating that an object was circling at an altitude of about 40,000 feet
over Oak Ridge. Adcock stated that he customarily had followed the movement
of airplanes through this set and he was sure this item was not a thunder
cloud. Mr. Robey advised that the Knoxville Office had immediately notified
the AEC Security Section following the receipt of the call from Mr. Adcock.
At 5:30 P.M. on March 2, Mr. Adcock again called to say that he had
again picked up an object at 11:15 A.M. on March 2 about 100,000 feet up and
about 18 miles from his home in Knoxville which would place the object over
Oak Ridge. Mr. Robey advised that CIC Agents had been given the information coming
from the Knoxville Office, as a result of which CIC Agents and OSI representatives
went out last night and looked over Mr. Adcock's set. They did see an object
on the screen about 11:00 or 12:00 P.M. last night. They reported this infor-
mation to the Third Army. Mr. Robey was of the opinion that the Air Force
probably has sent the information to Washington also. Army CIC has now informed
that CIA is going to send a technician down from Washington to examine the set.
Mr. Robey had no information as to how CIA had jurisdiction. Mr. Robey advised
that the Army is also contemplating sending a man up from Atlanta with a portable
radar set to check into this situation. In addition, the Naval Reserve has a
set locally and is putting it into operation this morning in an effort to identify
this object.
Mr. Robey advised that AEC and the Armed Forces' representatives are
somewhat concerned about this matter and he wanted the Bureau to have the
above information in case there were inquiries.
ACTION
I advised Mr. Robey to keep in touch with the situation and let us
know immediately of any developments and as to any information picked up by the
Armed Forces or the CIA representative. I also requested that he ascertain who
the CIA representative is and what action he took upon his arrival. Mr. Robey
was advised that no investigation should be conducted by the Knoxville Office
but that he should be kept advised of developments and should send a teletype
to the Bureau tonight.
AHB:mer
RECORDED - 104 62-83894-215
57 APR 6, 1950 INDEXED - [ILLEGIBLE] MAR 17 1950
37
Memo to Ladd 3-10-50 CWBjs[VERSO — bleed-through text from obverse, largely [ILLEGIBLE] due to mirror reversal] RECEIVED — NICHOLS F B I U S DEPT OF JUSTICE MAR 3 4 50 PM '30 RECEIVED MAR 3 4 15 PM '30 "S DEPT OF JUSTICE F B I RECEIVED — FLETCHER MAR 6 2 52 PM '50 U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F B I MAR 6 4 15 PM '50 RECEIVED MAR 3 11 57 AM '50 U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I RECEIVED — LADD RECEIVED — DIRECTOR MAR 6 12 37 PM '50 U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I RECEIVED MAR 7 10 19 AM '50 INTERNAL SECURITY SN F B I U S DEPT OF JUSTICE RECEIVED MAR 6 10 20 AM '50 RECEIVED — TOLSON MAR 3 4 49 PM '50 F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVEDMAR 3 4 49 PM '50 F B I RECEIVED — [ILLEGIBLE] MAR 3 1 20 P[M] U.S. DEPT OF JU[STICE] F B I Acc-1 [?] 3-[?]-50 [ILLEGIBLE handwritten]
STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : MR. LADD DATE: March 6, 1950
FROM : A. H. BELMONT
SUBJECT: UNKNOWN OBJECT OVER OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE, MARCH 1, 1950;
STUART ADCOCK, COMPLAINANT; VITAL FACILITIES; INTERNAL
SECURITY
Reference is made to my memorandum of March 3, 1950, reflecting
a call from SAC Robey, of Knoxville, in the above-entitled matter.
On the morning of March 6, 1950, I called SAC Robey to ascertain what he
had found out concerning this matter. He advised that a teletype had been sent
reflecting that there was some question of Adcock's reliability and knowledge on
radar theory; that CIC and OSI are continuing their interest in the matter; and that
the CIA technician from Washington had not arrived.
SAC Robey will report any further developments.
[handwritten margin note: flying Discs]
[handwritten: men]
AHB:tlc
[stamps]
INDEXED [initials]
62-83894-216
[illegible file number]
-11996-1
RECORDED - 60
MAR 7 1950 [stamped]
[initialed]
EX-93
157
5 8 MAR 16 1950
[routing list stamps, right margin:]
Mr. Tolson
Mr. Clegg
Mr. Glavin
Mr. Ladd [checked]
Mr. Nichols [checked] 14
Mr. Rosen
Mr. Tracy
Mr. Egan
Mr. Gurney
Mr. Harbo
Mr. Mohr
Mr. Pennington
Mr. Quinn Tame
Tele. Room
Mr. Nease
Miss Holmes
Miss Gandy[VERSO — bleed-through text from obverse of March 6, 1950 Office Memorandum, mirror reversed, largely [ILLEGIBLE]] RECEIVED MAR 13 3 26 PM '50 INTERNAL SECURITY SN F B I U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE RECEIVED — LADD MAR 7 9 33 AM '50 U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F B I [handwritten at bottom, reversed:] [ILLEGIBLE] 9/13/50 [?]
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
MAR - 6 1950
[initialed/signed]
TELETYPE
[routing list, right margin:]
Mr. Tolson [checked]
Mr. Lodd [checked]
Mr. Clegg
Mr. Glavis
Mr. [?] [checked]
Mr. Rosen
Mr. Tracy
Mr. Harbo
Mr. Belmont [checked]
Mr. Mohr DG
Tele. Room
Mr. Nease
Miss Gandy
FBI KNOXVILLE 3-6-50 12-03 PM AB
DIRECTOR, FBI ATT. MR. A. H. BELMONT URGENT
[handwritten: month thing]
UNKNOWN OBJECT OVER OAK RIDGE, TENN., MARCH ONE, NINETEEN FIFTY,
STUART ADCOCK, COMPLAINANT, VITAL FACILITIES, IS. REMYCALL
MARCH THIRD. EXISTENCE OF OBJECT REPORTED BY ADCOCK AS BEING
DIRECTLY OVER OAK RIDGE AT ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND FEET ALTITUDE NOT
VERIFIED. ADCOCK REPUTEDLY CAPABLE RADIO TECHNICIAN. ADCOCK CLAIMS
TO HAVE DETECTED OBJECT WITH HIS RADAR EQUIPMENT ON FIVE OCCASIONS
OVER THREE DAYS. NAVAL RESERVE RADAR EQUIPMENT AT KNOXVILLE DID NOT
DETECT OBJECT ON ANY OCCASION, BUT TECHNICIANS STATE IT IS NOT
CONSIDERED EFFICIENT FOR AIRCRAFT AT EXTREME ALTITUDES. QUALIFIED
PERSONS FROM USAF AT NEPA, OAK RIDGE, TALKED WITH ADCOCK AND
EXAMINED HIS RADAR EQUIPMENT. FOUND HIS EQUIPMENT NOT TOO RELIABLE
AND FELT ADCOCK TECHNICALLY WRONG ON SOME RADAR THEORY. RELIABILITY
OF ADCOCK QUESTIONED DUE TO SOME DEGREE OF INEBRIATION. THESE
PERSONS DISCOUNT PROBABILITY. CIC AND OSI CONTINUE INTEREST BUT
DO NOT CONTEMPLATE FURTHER ACTION. AEC TOOK STEPS TO HAVE RADAR
TECHNICIAN SENT FROM WASH., BELIEVED FROM CIA, BUT NOT YET ARRIVED.
ANY FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS WILL BE REPORTED TO BUREAU.
[handwritten:] Bales claimed he ref ok will [Rolanders?]
AZ on this 3-7-50
[handwritten:] letter to [?] [illegible] ca [?]
memo [?] 3-14-50 [?]
KWD/[?]/[?] CC: Mr. Belmont
[handwritten margin: flying Discs]
[handwritten margin: See Index]
END COPIES DESTROYED
270 NOV 18 1964
12-06 PM OK FBI WASH DC ED
62-83894-217
[file number]
-11996-2
MAR 17 1950
37
ROBEY
[initialed: Belmont][VERSO — bleed-through text from obverse of teletype, mirror reversed, largely [ILLEGIBLE]] FBI KNOXVILLE 3-6-50 12-03 PM [mirror text bleed-through, [ILLEGIBLE]] RECEIVED — FLETCHER [stamp, partially legible] RECEIVED MAR 6 2 52 PM '50 U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F B I MAR 6 4 15 PM '50 RECEIVED — NICHOLS F B I U S DEPT OF JUSTICE MAR 6 4 27 PM '50 RECEIVED — TOLSON MAR [?] [ILLEGIBLE] U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED — DIRECTOR MAR 6 12 37 PM '50 U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I RECEIVED MAR 6 9 07 PM '50 U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F B I RECEIVED MAR 7 8 59 AM '50 ESPIONAGE F B I U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE 12-06 PM OK FBI WASH DC ED [mirror]
[Red stamped:] 62-83894-217
RECORDED - 104
[handwritten:] 1ct
[stamped:] CONFIDENTIAL
[stamped:] Declassified
2040
8/31/77
[initials]
BY SPECIAL MESSENGER
Date: March 14, 1950
To: Atomic Energy Commission
Building T-3
16th and Constitution Avenue, N. W.
Washington, D. C.
Attention: Mr. Francis R. Hammack
Acting Director
Division of Security
From: John Edgar Hoover, Director - Federal Bureau of Investigation
Subject: UNKNOWN OBJECT OVER OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE, MARCH 1, 1950
STUART ADCOCK, INFORMANT
VITAL FACILITIES
INTERNAL SECURITY
Stuart E. Adcock, operator of Radio Station WROL, Knoxville,
is reported to have detected on his radar equipment an object directly
over Oak Ridge, Tennessee, at an altitude of 40,000 feet at 11:15 p. m.,
March 1, 1950. On March 2, 1950, he advised that his radar equipment
recorded an object about 100,000 feet high and approximately 18 miles from
his home in Knoxville at 11:15 a. m. on that date. It was reported that
Naval Reserve radar equipment at Knoxville, Tennessee, did not detect an
object on any occasion but stated that the equipment was not considered
efficient for aircraft at extreme altitudes. It was further reported
that qualified persons at Oak Ridge questioned Adcock and examined his radar
equipment. They reportedly found his equipment not too reliable and felt
that Adcock was technically wrong on some of his radar theory. The reliability
of Adcock was also questioned due to some degree of inebriation.
The above confirms information telephonically furnished to
Mr. C. A. Rolander of your office. No investigation is being conducted
by this Bureau but in the event additional information comes to our
attention you will be promptly advised.
[routing list, left margin:]
Tolson
Ladd
Clegg
Glavin
Nichols
Rosen
Tracey
Harbo
Thr
Tele. Room
Nease
[illegible]
cc - Director of Special Investigations
The Inspector General
Department of the Air Force
The Pentagon
Washington, D. C. CONFIDENTIAL - REGISTERED MAIL
cc - Director of Intelligence
General Staff [NY]
Department of the Army MAR 15 1950
5 7 APR [?] The Pentagon COMM-FBI
Washington 25, D. C. Attention: Chief, Security and Training Group
CONFIDENTIAL - REGISTERED MAIL
KWD:eal:mes
[various stamps including:]
RECD CH. CLK
U DEPT OF JU[STICE]
F B I
[initials and routing stamps][VERSO — bleed-through text from obverse of March 14, 1950 Hoover-to-AEC letter, mirror reversed] [Declassified stamp, mirror reversed:] Declassified 2040 8/31/77 [initials] [Mirror-reversed bleed-through text of the obverse letter body — [ILLEGIBLE] due to reversal] REFD-ED-TOLSON [stamp] MAR 14 3 27 PM '5 U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F B I RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM MAR 14 7 46 PM '51 [?] U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F B I MAR 1 9 1950 COMM-FBI [stamped] 80 MAR 14 1950 [stamped] MAR 1 4 1950 [stamped]
CLASSIFIED
INCOMING CONFIDENTIAL SURV
MESSAGE DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
For: FBI
Recd from IOA
CWIBe[?] CONFIDENTIAL PARAPHRASE NOT REQUIRED
3-13-'50
PRIORITY
From: COMGENARMYTHREE Ft McPherson Ga
To: Dept of Army for Director of Intel 5
Nr: AJACI-3-5 3206 9 Mar 50
Reour TWX AJACI-3-3 subject reported radar sightings
over Oakridge, additional info indicates radar operator in-
experienced and radar set has been modified so as to cast
doubt on reliability of reading. Chief Tennessee Mil Dist
recommends expeditious action be taken to determine whether
an unknown object has reappeared over Oakridge in the past
few days. Chief Security Div at Oakridge requested info
as to channels of communication with Air Force in connection
with radar sightings.
[Blue box stamp:]
DECLASSIFIED
Authority
NND 90986
[handwritten margin: flying Discs]
Note: Ref is CM IN 12184 (4 Mar) G-2
62-83894-218
[file number]
MAR 17 1950
5
ACTION: G-2
INFO: G-3
CM IN 13022 (10 Mar 50) DTG: 091430Z fmb/B
20 MAR 10 50
24
OCS FORM 270-1
1 JAN 50 02 MAR 31 1950
CONFIDENTIAL COPY NO.
REPLACES DA SCO FORM 22-3, 15 JAN 49, WHICH MAY BE USED. * U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1950 — O-8681-29Assistant Attorney General James M. McInerney March 14, 1950
Criminal Division
Director, FBI [CONFIDENTIAL stamped, struck through] Declassified
2040
8/31/77
[initials]
UNKNOWN OBJECT OVER OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE, MARCH 1, 1950
STUART ADCOCK, INFORMANT
VITAL FACILITIES
INTERNAL SECURITY
[handwritten margin: flying Discs]
Stuart E. Adcock, operator of Radio Station WROL, Knoxville, is
reported to have detected on his radar equipment an object directly over Oak
Ridge, Tennessee, at an altitude of 40,000 feet at 11:15 p. m., March 1, 1950.
On March 2, 1950, he advised that his radar equipment recorded an object about
100,000 feet high and approximately 18 miles from his home in Knoxville at 11:15
a. m. on that date. It was reported that Naval Reserve radar equipment at Knoxville,
Tennessee, did not detect an object on any occasion but stated that the equipment
was not considered efficient for aircraft at extreme altitudes. It was further
reported that qualified persons at Oak Ridge questioned Adcock and examined his
radar equipment. They reportedly found his equipment not too reliable and felt
that Adcock was technically wrong on some of his radar theory. The reliability
of Adcock was also questioned due to some degree of inebriation.
No investigation is being conducted by this Bureau but in the event
additional information comes to our attention you will be promptly advised.
KWD:eal:mes
[stamped:]
MTO APPROPRIATE AGENCIES
AND FIELD OFFICES
ADVISED BY ROUTING
ELIF(S) OF 2040
INDEXED
DATE 9/1/[?]
N 62-83894-219
[file number]
-11996-3
MAR 17 1950
80
[various stamps including:]
RECORDED - 104
F B I
U.S. DEPT OF JU[STICE]
[initials]
MAILED 13
MAR 14 1950
COMM-FBI
[routing list, left margin:]
Tolson
Ladd
Clegg
Glavin
Nichols
Rosen
Tracy
Harbo
Mohr
Tele. Room
Nease
Gandy
[stamped at bottom:] [?] OCT 1950 [?][VERSO — bleed-through text from obverse of McInerney letter, mirror reversed, largely [ILLEGIBLE]] [Mirror-reversed bleed-through of letter body — [ILLEGIBLE]] Declassified [mirror stamp] 2040 8/31/77 RECEIVED-TOLSON MAR 14 3 27 PM '5 U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F B I RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM [?] MAR 14 7 46 PM '5[?] U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F B I MAR 1 9 1950 COMM-FBI 80 MAR 14 1950 [handwritten, bottom:] [ILLEGIBLE] 9/13/50 [?]
A short time after receiving the above information, Special Agent
E. L. SEAGRAVES, CIC, 3rd Army, stationed at Knoxville, telephonically com-
municated with this office to determine if any further information had been
received regarding the matter reported by ADCOCK. Mr. SEAGRAVES was, at that
time, given all of the information which had been received by this office.
SEAGRAVES advised that he had been called by his headquarters, CIC, 3rd Army,
Atlanta, Georgia, and had been told to look into the matter to determine if it
had any basis in fact. Mr. SEAGRAVES continued that he had made arrangements
with Mr. STUART ADCOCK to have him and Special Agent W. M. PRICE, OSI, U. S.
Air Forces, to visit ADCOCK's home during the evening of March 2, 1950 and
observe the radar indications with him. SEAGRAVES advised that neither he
nor Mr. PRICE had any radar experience and were in no sense technicians or
radar operators, but would make their observations merely to determine if a
real reading was being made by ADCOCK.
On the morning of March 3, 1950, SEAGRAVES again telephonically com-
municated with this office and advised the Liaison Agent, Special Agent
CHARLTON C. McSWAIN, that he and PRICE had been with ADCOCK during the previous
evening and that they had observed on his radar screen some "pips" which,
according to ADCOCK, indicated an object with the same general elevation and
azimuth as previously reported by him. SEAGRAVES said they were unable to
make any authoritative statement concerning the matter of the object or the
reliability of the radar equipment, but they had seen sufficient to give them
reason to believe it warranted investigation.
General inquiry at this time at Radio Station WROL and other readily
available sources of information divulged the fact that STUART ADCOCK is
generally recognized in this vicinity as a reputable and substantial citizen
in Knoxville and, in addition thereto, is recognized as somewhat of a radio
authority. It was found that he is credited with being a skilled radio technician
and has done considerable development and research work in the field of radio.
Due to the interest which was being portrayed by all agencies concerned
with this matter, the Bureau at this time was apprised by telephone conversation
with A. H. BELMONT at the Bureau concerning the facts known. As a result of
this conversation, SA McSWAIN was instructed to follow the matter in the
capacity of an observer and to advise the Bureau of any important developments.
Arrangements were made through Lieutenant Commander G. R. SHACKLETT,
Commanding Officer, U. S. Naval Reserve Training Center, Alcoa Highway,
Knoxville, for the Research Training Center to put into operation radar equipment
which they have. At approximately 10:30 A. M. on the same day, this radar
- 2 -equipment was in operation and continuous search being made. Special Agent
McSWAIN, together with Special Agent SEAGRAVES, CIC, and Special Agent PRICE, OSI,
observed this Navy equipment for some time but no object whatsoever could be
detected. A telephone call was placed by SEAGRAVES to Mr. ADCOCK at approxi-
mately 11:00 A. M. and ADCOCK advised he had been picking up some indication
of the object again. He indicated its elevation and direction as well as
distance to be the same as previously reported. At the time of his conver-
sation, the Navy equipment detected two aircraft at an elevation of approxi-
mately 2,000 feet and a general azimuth of approximately 300 degrees true
and seemingly headed in the general direction of the Knoxville Municipal
Airport. By way of a check, ADCOCK was asked if he detected on his equipment
any objects other than those reported by him. ADCOCK stated that he had noticed
two small aircraft headed in the general direction of the Knoxville Airport
at a relatively low altitude but he had not paid much attention to them.
ADCOCK then requested that he be allowed to view the radar equipment at the
Naval Reserve Armory in order that he might coordinate his equipment with
that equipment and thus obtain a better fix on the object should it again be
located. The radar watch was continued and at about 11:30 A. M. ADCOCK
called the armory and advised that the object being observed by him over Oak
Ridge had started moving in an easterly direction and had, in a period of
about twenty minutes, faded from the screen.
On the afternoon of March 3, 1950 at about 1:30 P. M., STUART ADCOCK,
together with CIC, OSI and FBI agents, went to the Naval Armory where ADCOCK
was allowed to look at the radar equipment of the Navy. It had been previously
determined from Lieutenant Commander SHACKLETT that this equipment did not
comprise any classified information. At this time, ADCOCK claimed familiarity
with the equipment being used by the Navy and spoke of having assisted in its
development at Harvard University during the early stages of the war. ADCOCK
also made statements to the effect that he had traveled extensively for the
Army during the war in adapting radar for specialized services. At this time,
the presence of some alcohol was noted on the breath of ADCOCK, but he was
not in an inebriated condition. After examining the equipment, ADCOCK stated
he did not feel that this low frequency type of radar would be of much
assistance in detecting the object reported by him for several reasons, such
as the elevation of the antenna, the minimum fade area, etc. These state-
ments seemed to be in accord with the radar operator's opinion.
At 3:30 P. M. on the afternoon of March 3, 1950, a conference was
had with Colonel C. D. GASSER, Engineering Officer, U. S. Air Force Material
Command, NEPA Site, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Those present at the conference
were Special Agent SEAGRAVES, CIC; Special Agent PRICE, OSI; Mr. GENE GOEDJEN,
U. S. Air Forces Security Officer; Captain ROBERT CROSS, USAF, and Special
Agent CHARLTON C. McSWAIN of this office. At this conference, Colonel GASSER
- 3 -stated that while it was highly improbable that aircraft could sustain flight
at an altitude of 100,000 feet, it was absolutely possible from a scientific
and engineering standpoint. Therefore, it was his opinion that the matter
should be followed closely. He arranged for Captain CROSS, whom he termed a
radar expert, to observe with ADCOCK during the evening of March 3, 1950
the radar equipment on which ADCOCK had detected the object.
Immediately following this conference, Special Agent McSWAIN contacted
Mr. CHARLES WHITE, Physical Security and Plant Protection Branch, U. S. AEC,
and Mr. FRANK CALLAGHAN, Assistant Chief, Security Division, U. S. AEC, to
advise them of the findings and to determine what action was being taken by
AEC. Both WHITE and CALLAGHAN advised that the matter had been referred to
3rd Army authorities and that beyond this, no steps had been taken. It was
their belief, however, that a radar technician was being sent down,
probably from Washington, to inspect the equipment owned by ADCOCK. It was
erroneously reported that a CIA technician would come to Oak Ridge.
Also, immediately following this conference above stated, Special
Agent PRICE, OSI, called his headquarters at Maxwell Field, Alabama to determine
if any action were being taken with regard to having radar equipment flown to
this area to verify or disprove the findings of ADCOCK. PRICE was advised that
he should act only in the capacity of an observer in the matter but that such
radar equipment would be flown up, if requested by the AEC.
Special Agent SEAGRAVES, CIC, stated he had also been advised by his
headquarters at Atlanta to act in the capacity of an observer and that,
accordingly, he had not as yet been advised whether or not the 3rd Army in-
tended to send mobile radar equipment to the area to verify or disprove the
findings of ADCOCK. Inquiry was made by Special Agent PRICE, OSI, of AEC as
to whether or not they would request having radar equipment flown in by OSI
authorities, and he was told by AEC that while the AEC was, of course,
vitally interested in anything which directly affected the safety of the area,
they nevertheless did not feel that they had the authority to make a specific
request for such action inasmuch as the protection of the area from assault
was the responsibility of the 3rd Army. Accordingly, they could not make
any direct request for such equipment.
During the evening of March 3, 1950, Special Agent CHARLTON C. McSWAIN
and myself, together with SA PRICE (OSI), remained at the Naval Reserve Armory,
Alcoa Highway, during which time search was being conducted by the radar equipment
at this installation. Captain ROBERT CROSS, NEPA, and Special Agent SEAGRAVES, CIC,
- 4 -were at the home of STUART ADCOCK observing his radar equipment during this
search. No object was reported by ADCOCK during this evening and therefore
Captain CROSS had no opportunity to observe his equipment in action, par-
ticularly in reference to the reported object at such phenomenal altitudes.
No unusual objects were detected by the radar equipment of the U. S. Naval
Reserve Armory during the entire evening.
Upon abandoning the watch on this evening, a meeting was held with
Captain CROSS after leaving ADCOCK's residence in order to ascertain CROSS'
opinion. CROSS stated he had found ADCOCK to be technically incorrect in
several matters relating to radar theory and practice and, in addition thereto,
had very grave doubts as to the capabilities of the surplus APN-7 radar set
which had been adapted by ADCOCK. He stated, however, that he had insufficient
opportunity to observe the set in practice or to examine the radio equipment
connected with the set to make any definite statements as to whether or not
the detection of the unknown object would be possible with said equipment.
He said, however, he did feel that ADCOCK was a capable person with pure radio
techniques.
On the morning of March 4, 1950 at 10:30 A. M. ADCOCK again contacted
Special Agent McSWAIN of this office and Special Agent SEAGRAVES, CIC, to
advise that he had again received indications of the object at approximately
100,000 feet directly over Oak Ridge and that the intensity of the radar "pip"
was stronger than noted at any time previous. At about 11:40 A. M. ADCOCK
again called and advised he had watched the object until approximately 11:10
A. M., at which time he had noted it stopped circling and headed off in an
easterly direction at approximately 200 miles per hour, at which time it
had faded from the screen in slightly less than 20 minutes.
On the afternoon of March 4, 1950, Colonel C. D. GASSER and Captain
ROBERT CROSS, both NEPA, visited the home of ADCOCK and carefully examined his
radio and radar equipment, including the antenna and related mechanisms. After
such examination and after talking at some length with ADCOCK, these two
gentlemen met with Special Agent SEAGRAVES (CIC), PRICE (OSI) and McSWAIN (FBI),
to give their opinions. Colonel GASSER advised they had found ADCOCK in a much
inebriated condition and that they had had difficulty in making any determination
as to his abilities in the field of radar. It was their belief that his equip-
ment was haphazard at best and that no great degree of reliability could be
placed therein. They did state, however, they intended to return during
the morning of March 5, 1950, which was the usual time for the object to be
detected.
On the morning of March 5, 1950, Colonel GASSER and Captain CROSS went
to the home of Mr. ADCOCK and were unable to gain entry or to find anyone at
the residence. After this experience, it was the belief of these two gentlemen
- 5 -that the reliability of ADCOCK was extremely dubious and they felt that
the matter was worthy of little consideration.
On the morning of March 6, 1950, ADCOCK again contacted Special
Agent SEAGRAVES, CIC, and advised he had again observed the object at about
the same altitude over the Oak Ridge area and he estimated the object to
be of approximately the same density as would be caused by a DC-4 at that
altitude. Again, Colonel GASSER was contacted by Special Agent PRICE of
OSI and Colonel GASSER said that he intended to take some electronic equip-
ment to the home of ADCOCK with which they could actually check the electrical
circuits of his radar equipment to determine whether or not it was accurate,
particularly in view of the fact they had checked some of the findings of
ADCOCK with regard to known aircraft detected during previous visits and
found him to be off to a considerable extent regarding speed, elevation
and azimuth. During the afternoon of March 6, 1950, all day of March 7, and
the morning of March 8, 1950, attempts were made by Special Agent PRICE,
OSI, to get in touch with ADCOCK to make an appointment with Colonel GASSER
and Captain CROSS, and ADCOCK could not be located. According to his office
at Station WROL, he had left town and it was not known when he would return.
In summary, therefore, it seems to be the general opinion that the
actual existence of an object at such an exceptional altitude is quite im-
probable and no explanation is yet known as to just what was detected by
ADCOCK on his screen or, in fact, whether anything was detected. On the
afternoon of March 8, 1950, Special Agent SEAGRAVES telephoned Special Agent
McSWAIN of this office and advised that two representatives of the 14th Air
Forces with headquarters at Greenville, South Carolina, had arrived in Knox-
ville and contacted him with regard to making an appointment with ADCOCK
to inspect his equipment. These representatives advised they did not feel
it sufficiently important for them to remain or to make a return trip
inasmuch as ADCOCK was unavailable.
This information is being furnished to the Bureau in detail inasmuch
as it is the understanding of this office that Colonel C. D. GASSER was much
perturbed in the manner in which this matter was handled and has written
letters to his Commanding Officer, U. S. Air Forces Material Command, Wright
Field, concerning it. These letters by Colonel GASSER apparently were prompted
from the fact that the 3rd Army Intelligence representative and the Air Force
Intelligence representative have both been instructed to act as observers
only, with no authority to act in the situation. In addition thereto, AEC
felt that their responsibility had been discharged upon notifying the 3rd
Army. The Bureau was obviously interested only from an observer's viewpoint
and no question of jurisdiction in this regard was raised.
- 6 -On the morning of March 7, 1950, Special Agent McSWAIN of this office
was advised by Mr. HOWARD WOODSIDE, U. S. AEC Security Division, of steps taken
by AEC in this regard. Mr. WOODSIDE stated that immediately upon receiving the
report from me, he had made the matter known to the proper authorities at AEC
and early the following morning he had conversed with Colonel JOHN MEADE,
3rd Army Headquarters, Atlanta, Georgia, and apprised him of the matter.
Mr. WOODSIDE stated he also conversed with 14th Air Force Headquarters at
Greenville, South Carolina and advised them of the matter. He stated that
this was strictly in accordance with the plans drawn up between AEC and the
armed forces for protection against air or land assault. He continued that
the AEC has neither the facilities nor the equipment with which to defend
itself in such emergencies and that such responsibility had been assumed
by these agencies of the military forces.
It would appear from the manner in which this incident was handled
that despite the fact that all agencies seemed to be operating in the manner
prescribed by agreement, and although each was apprised of the action being
taken by the other and cooperating in every respect, there nevertheless
seemed to be an impressive lack of any agency actually taking the responsibility
for the situation and taking any action to verify or disprove the threat. Had
a similar incident occurred wherein an actual threat against the physical
security of the AEC Installation had been experienced, it is not implausible
to believe that a similar confused fixing of final authority would have
been found. It should be noted that many hours elapsed from the receiving
of the first report until such time as any reasonable conclusion could be
reached concerning the matter and nothing of a positive nature with regard
to any action being taken had been had during all that time. While it is
now felt that this entire matter was in a manner of speaking "dry run", it
nevertheless warrants some consideration from a procedural standpoint and
might be worthy of discussion at some liaison meeting in the future.
The Bureau will be immediately advised if there are any further
developments in this matter.
- 7 -APRIL 7, 1950 15 CENTS U. S. Postage 4c PAID DAYTON, OHIO Permit No. 60 U.S. News & World Report The United States News ® World Report ® FLYING SAUCERS: THE REAL STORY [handwritten:] mem [routing list, right side:] Mr. Tolson Mr. Ladd [?] Mr. Nichols Mr. Rosen Mr. Tracy Mr. Harbo Mr. Belmont [checked] Tele. Room Mr. [?] Miss Gandy [handwritten: mos 1] [handwritten: A.B.] SPEAKER SAM RAYBURN Congress at the Halfway Mark [image of Speaker Sam Rayburn] HON J EDGAR HOOVER 4936 30TH PL N W WASHINGTON 8 D C
[blank page / envelope back]
62-83[894]-
RECORDED
APR 14 1950
[handwritten:] File in Flying
Disc file
flo 5 I [?]
52 APR 20 1950VOLUME XXVIII—No. 14 U.S. News & World Report WASHINGTON, D. C. FLYING SAUCERS—THE REAL STORY: U.S. BUILT FIRST ONE IN 1942 Jet-Propelled Disks Can Outfly Other Planes Observers of "flying saucers" aren't just seeing things. They're real—aircraft that conform to ac- cepted laws. Sky disks, manned by regular pilots, can hover aloft, spurt ahead at tremendous speed, out- maneuver conventional craft. No official announcements are being made yet. But about the only big secret left is who makes them. Evidence points to Navy experiments. The real story on "flying saucers" is finally coming to light. What the saucers are, how they operate, and how they have been tested in U.S., all can be told in detail at this time. That story, without violating present security regulations, points to these basic conclusions by engineers compe- tent to appraise reports of reliable observers: Flying saucers, seen by hundreds of competent observers over most parts of U.S., are accepted as real. Evidence is that they are aircraft of a revolutionary type, a combination of helicopter and fast jet plane. They conform to well-known prin- ciples of aerodynamics. An early model of these saucers was built by U.S. engineers in 1942, achieved more than 100 successful test flights. That project then was taken over by the Navy in wartime. Much more advanced models now are being built. Just where present saucers are being built also is indicated by evidence now available. In more detail, the story pieced together from nonsecret testimony of responsible U.S. scientists, pri- vate observers and military offi- cials, is this: Early models of the flying saucer, pictured on this page and the next, were built by U.S. Gov- ernment engineers of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronau- tics. Similar flying-saucer projects were begun in Germany and Italy at the same time, in 1942. The first U.S. model, designed by Charles H. Zimmerman, of NACA, was elliptical in shape, powered by two piston engines and driven by twin propellers. It had a maximum speed between 400 and 500 miles an hour. More important, it could rise almost vertically and its minimum speed for landing was only about 35 miles an hour, a great advan- tage in military and naval aircraft. And it was far more maneuverable than con- ventional military planes. Idea behind those original flying-sau- cer projects, both in U.S. and abroad in Germany and Italy, was to overcome basic drawbacks of conventional aircraft by new techniques. A plane that could rise almost straight would not need long airfields, could be used from any cleared area just behind front-line troops or from the deck of any Navy combat ship. If that plane, in addition, had great speed and more maneuverability, it could prob- ably outfly any conventional aircraft. In United States, the first model seemed to fulfill these requirements, but the less- ened stability of the wingless craft re- quired more research. Present flying saucers apparently have overcome this problem of stability by use of very advanced design. An analysis of reports submitted by compe- tent observers show this: What they look like, first, is de- scribed in well-documented accounts. Those accounts show saucers to be ex- actly 105 feet in diameter, circular in shape. They have what appear to be jet nozzles arranged all around the outer rim, just below the center of gravity. They are made of a metal alloy, with a dull whitish color. There are no rudders, ailerons, or other protruding surfaces. From the side, the saucers appear about 10 feet thick—there are no exact mea- surements from this angle in publicly available accounts. They are built in three layers, with the center layer slightly larger in diameter than the other two. That is the picture agreed on by quali- fied observers of saucers in flight—com- mercial aircraft pilots, fighter pilots who have chased these aircraft, trained air- plane spotters, high-ranking Army and Air Force officers. It is backed by exact measurement made by a group of scientists last April near White Sands Proving Ground base, with instruments set up to observe high- altitude balloons, who suddenly ob- served a saucer and tracked it for several minutes, thereby getting reliable data on its size, speed, alti- tude and maneuverability. How they operate now can be told in some detail, too. Based on this description, the probable tech- nique used by current saucers is explained by a top-level Govern- ment aeronautical engineer in this manner: Power for these aircraft, at their present stage of development, ob- viously is supplied by jet engines. Each saucer appears to have a series of variable-direction jet noz- zles around its rim, with a compli- cated central control system. Fuel used is unknown—the exhaust flame has been observed to be red-orange in some cases, blue in others, miss- [photo caption:] U. S. 'SAUCER'—1942 MODEL . . . a combination of helicopter and fast jet plane [-NACA photo] APRIL 7, 1950 o 13
U. S. News & World Rep[ort] FACT: THESE DESIGNS, AND LATER ONES ARE REAL [photo caption:] DISK-LIKE NAVY FLOUNDER PROJECT WAS 'DROPPED' [-U.S. Navy] [photo caption:] MOCK-UP OF EARLY MODEL IS TESTED IN WIND TUNNEL . . . latest models are circular, faster, more maneuverable [-NACA photo] ing in still others. The saucers appear to have the power to "coast" long distances, thus saving on fuel consumption. Direction of the aircraft and its veloc- ity, in turn, evidently are controlled by the angle at which the jet nozzles are tilted, the number operating, the power applied. By choosing which nozzles to turn on or off and the angle of tilt, the pilot could make the saucer rise or de- scend vertically, hover, fly straight ahead, or make sharp turns. A right-angle turn, for example, could be made by turning off the rear jets, turning on the side and front nozzles. Great speed can be ob- tained by focusing to the rear all nozzles in the after half of the aircraft. With all nozzles pointed downward, the saucer could rise straight off the ground, and, with less power, could descend the same way. That is the explanation, based on ac- cepted principles of aerodynamics, given by an authoritative engineer as the likely answer to how these saucer aircraft oper- ate. As evidence that this explanation is correct, there are these actual cases of publicly observed saucer behavior: Rows of window-like openings around the rims of saucers traveling at more than 500 miles an hour are mentioned in several documented reports. In all cases, these "windows" glowed as if they were jet-nozzle openings. The most recent of these reports was made last month by two experienced pilots of the Chicago and Southern Air Lines, who passed within 1,000 feet of a saucer traveling over Arkansas. Another similar report was made by two Eastern Air Lines pilots who narrowly missed colliding with a saucer in July, 1948, while flying a DC-3 over Georgia. Saucers' ability to hover in mid-air, accelerate at tremendous speed, and then rise almost vertically is described in several reports, one documented by Air Force officers at Fort Knox, Ky. That saucer, seen by dozens of officers at the post, was chased by three military pilots flying fast F-51s. The saucer quickly out- maneuvered the planes. Speed of one saucer was measured by ground instruments in the White Sands base at well over the speed of sound, indicating the use of a number of jet engines. Cruising speed has been esti- mated in other cases at 200 to 600 miles an hour. What it all adds up to is this: Flying saucers being observed in many parts of the U.S. are not mysterious visitors from Mars. They are actual planes, sound- ly engineered on principles developed by U.S. engineers. By using this new design, they can do things that no conventional aircraft can be expected to approach. Who's building the saucers now being observed in test flights over U.S. 14 o U. S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
U. S. News & World Report is not yet publicly disclosed. It cannot be proved until a public announcement is made or until a saucer crashes away from its home base—which is highly unlikely because of its jet helicopter action that makes take-offs and landings almost com- pletely safe. But there are these factors that point to an answer: Official inquiry by the Air Force, in the face of overwhelming evidence that the saucers are real, was called off last De- cember. This indicates clearly that top Air Force officials know where the saucers originate and are not concerned about them, as they would be if these aircraft were from Russia or Mars. These officials, at the same time, denied emphatically that a secret Air Force project is re- sponsible. Best use of fully developed saucer air- craft, however, could be made in war- time not by the Air Force, but by the Navy. All fleet operations now require an air cover, even in antisubmarine war- fare, and a plane that can rise like a heli- copter could be used from any Navy combat ship, not only from big, expen- sive aircraft carriers. It was for that reason that the first U.S. flying sau- cer was purchased by the Navy after the original model was tested in 1942. That first full-size aircraft, built by Chance-Vought, was thoroughly tested by Navy engineers. Then a statement was released that this project had been dropped. Early experimenting with sau- cers, thus, centered in the Navy. Big spending on missile aircraft cen- ters in the Navy now, too. More than twice as many dollars were spent by the Navy last year as by the Air Force on secret guided-missile research. There is no public accounting for these millions, the only Government funds aside from atomic-energy dollars that still are being spent with great secrecy. Surface indications, then, point to re- search centers of the U.S. Navy's vast guided-missile project as the scene of present flying-saucer development. That project has the scientists, the engineers, the dollars, the motive, and the back- ground of early Navy development of saucer-type aircraft. This likelihood will remain, despite any future denials by the Navy front office, until secrecy is lifted on the big missile program. But, regardless of just where these saucers are being built now, the evidence points to a U.S. development that will mean a radical change in aircraft design in coming decades. In war, this combina- tion of helicopter and fast jet plane will easily outfly any present types of mili- tary aircraft. In peacetime, the safety of a nearly crash-proof aircraft may be ex- pected to revolutionize civil air transport. It all points to a big advance in the sci- ence of flying. APRIL 7, 1950 o 15 FANCY: SPACE SHIPS, MONSTERS, MARTIANS, MAYHEM NOCTURNAL 'INVASION' SURPRISE PACKAGE FROM MARS A PLANE DESIGNER'S DAYDREAM HOME-MADE SAUCER ????? -photos Tom Bettman, Acme, Wide World The real thing is strictly a one-planet proposition
SERVICE UNIT
SEARCH SLIP 4-22a
Supervisor Mossburg Room 3[ILLEGIBLE]8
Subj: Miguel Angel Garcia
Macias
[check] Exact Spelling Searchers
[check] All References Initial [ILLEGIBLE]m
___ Subversive Ref. Date 5-16-50
___ Mail File
___ Restricted to Locality of
FILE NUMBER SERIALS
62-83894-229
[multiple blank lines]
[ILLEGIBLE] 5 Etm
InitialedSTANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : Director, FBI DATE: April 11, 1950
[check] FROM : SAC, New York
SUBJECT: MIGUEL ANGEL GARCIA MACIAS
There is enclosed a letter directed to the "President of the Com-
mission of Scientific Investigation of the United States of North America,"
which was received at this office on April 7, 1950. This letter is dated at
Veracruz, March 19, 1950, and is from a MIGUEL ANGEL GARCIA MACIAS. There is
attached to this letter an English translation, together with a newspaper
clipping in the Spanish language and four hand-drawn designs. Because of the
technical language used, it is rather difficult to determine whether the in-
formation is authentic or whether the author of this material is either
psychotic or neurotic.
It is suggested that the Bureau may desire to have the enclosed
examined by some Government agency familiar with the language appearing therein
for its ultimate dissemination.
TGS:RAA
Enclosures
Encts trans.
with letter
5-17-50
EN Mieal
ENCLOSURE BEHIND FILE
23
RECORDED - 23,
INDEXED - 23
162-83894-220
APR 12 1950
3
[ILLEGIBLE] Etm
FIVE
Mosslung
Etm
April [ILLEGIBLE] 1950
Etm
FLYING SAUCERS[Reverse side of page 103 — text visible as bleed-through mirror image, not directly legible] RECEIVED APR 19 9 53 AM '50 U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED APR 18 3 45 PM '50 INTERNAL SECURITY - SN F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
[CONFIDENTIAL — crossed out]
declassified
2040
8/31/77
Hm
RECORDED - 96 62-83894-220
Date: May 17, 1950
EX-27 To: Director
Office of Special Investigations
The Inspector General
Department of the Air Force
The Pentagon
Washington, D. C.
From: J. Edgar Hoover - Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Subject: FLYING DISCS
There are attached hereto for your information in
connection with the captioned matter a communication written
in Spanish dated March 19, 1950, at Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico,
and enclosures addressed to the "Presidente de la Comision de
Investigacion Cientifica de Estados Unidos de Norte America."
In view of the fact that a translation of the above
referred to communication reflects the correspondent's interest
in flying discs, it is being furnished to your office for
appropriate attention. The files of this Bureau contain no
information which can be identified with the writer of this
letter. No reply has been made to the writer of this letter
by this Bureau in view of the fact that it was not addressed
to this Bureau.
Attachment
EHM:eal
APPROPRIATE INITIALS
AND FILING INSTRUCTIONS
ADVISED BY [ILLEGIBLE]
SLIP(S) OF 2040
DATE 94/67
Tolson___
Ladd___
Clegg___
Glavin___
Nichols___
Rosen___
Tracy___
Harbo___
Belmont___
Mohr___
Tele. Room___
Neese___
Gandy___
MAILED 13
MAY 13 1950
CO WASH FBI
APR 13 3 5[ILLEGIBLE] AM [ILLEGIBLE]
[ILLEGIBLE]
58 MAY 26 1950[Reverse side of page 105 — text visible as bleed-through mirror image] RECORDED - 96 Date: May 17, 1950 EX-27 To: [mirrored text — ILLEGIBLE] [mirrored body text — ILLEGIBLE] Attachment EHM 2040 94/67 U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F.B.I. SECURITY-INTERNAL SN MAY 17 3 24 PM '50 RECEIVED 58 MAY 26 1950
U. S. TREASURY DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF DISTRICT SUPERVISOR
District No. 9, Alcohol Tax Unit
734 NEW POST OFFICE BUILDING
CHICAGO 7, ILL.
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
Alcohol Tax Unit.
IN REPLYING REFER TO:
Federal Bureau of Investigations
Washington D.C.
April 4, 1950
This is not an April Fool joke.
Saturday, April 1, 1950 at about 6 P.M. I was
driving north on Route 47 - West of Geneva, Illinois
and a little north of St. Charles, Illinois. Just
ahead, thru the windshield I saw a silvery white
object in the sky. It was traveling west at about
the speed of an air plane. It was shaped like
this [drawing of flat trapezoid shape]. I was driving at 35 MPH and
slowed down to 20 MPH to watch this object.
It went behind a white cloud and I continued
to watch but the object did not come out from
behind the cloud as far as I could see.
Geneva is 35 miles west of Chicago, and just
north of Chicago is the Glenview Airport, operated I
believe by the Navy. The Saturday Evening
Post carried an article sometime ago about the
Flying Saucers and it said to report anything
like the above to the FBI.
NIC
nme
ack 4-11-50
201 J. [ILLEGIBLE] St. Geneva Ill. on Rm 734 New Post Office Bldg. Chicago
RECORDED - 56
162-83894-221
APR 14 1950
3
Mrs. Laura M. McClaskey[Reverse side of page 107 — blank back of Treasury Department letterhead with stamps] RECEIVED APR 24 9 45 AM '50 INTERNAL SECURITY SN F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED APR 6 4 18 PM '50 F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE MR JONES RECEIVED RECORDS SEC. APR 6 3 27 PM '50
April 11, 1950
Miss Laura McClaskey
201 North First Street
Geneva, Illinois
RECORDED - 56 62-83894-221
Dear Miss McClaskey:
INDEXED - 56 Your letter dated April 4, 1950, has
been received and I want to thank you for furnish-
ing me the data you related.
I am taking the liberty of referring a
copy of your communication to the Secretary of the
Air Force, National Defense Building, The Pentagon,
Washington 25, D. C.
Sincerely yours,
John Edgar Hoover
Director
NOTE: Security Division, Espionage Unit, advised.
"Flying Saucer" data is being referred to the Air
Force.
NJC:ok
Tolson___
Ladd___
Clegg___
Glavin___
Nichols___
Rosen___
Tracy___
Harbo___
Mohr___
Tele. Room___
Neese___
Gandy___
22 APR 27 1950
APR 11 7 19 PM '50
RECEIVED-READING ROOM
F B I
U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
Bch[Reverse side of page 109 — text visible as bleed-through mirror image] APR 26 4 43 PM '50 INTERNAL SECURITY SN F B I RECEIVED APR 12 11 40 AM [ILLEGIBLE] RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE [ILLEGIBLE stamp]
STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : MR. A. H. BELMONT [ILLEGIBLE initials] DATE: April 8, 1950
FROM : W. T. BROOKING
SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCER COMPLAINT
ELMIRA, NEW YORK PD INFORMANT
Reference teletype dated April 8, 1950, from the Buffalo
Office advising that information had been received from the Elmira
Police Department regarding a flying saucer and advising that press
inquiries are being answered by the Buffalo Office.
Mr. V. P. Keay was contacted and he advised that the
Duty Officer at the Office of Special Investigations, Inspector
General, Air Force, should be contacted and furnished the information
regarding the flying saucer.
Captain Ralph C. Williams, Air Force, Duty Officer, was
telephonically contacted and furnished the information regarding the
flying saucer.
SA J. J. McGuire was contacted and advised of the teletype
and that a statement was contained therein that press inquiries had been
received and were being answered. McGuire instructed that the Buffalo
Office be telephonically contacted and advised that they should furnish
the information regarding the flying saucer to the Air Force Office in
that area and that any press inquiries regarding the flying saucer
should be referred to the Air Force in that area.
SA Robert Cryan of the Buffalo Office was telephonically
contacted and advised of the above instructions.
WTB:hke
62-83894-222
RECORDED - 53 APR 19 1950
37
EX-115
50 APR 25 1950
Tolson___
Ladd___
Clegg___
Glavin___
Nichols___
Rosen___
Tracy___
Harbo___
Mohr___
Tele. Room___
Neese___
Gandy [ILLEGIBLE]
[ILLEGIBLE signatures][Reverse side of page 111 — text visible as bleed-through mirror image] APR 25 10 03 AM '50 MR JONES RECEIVED F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECD BELMONT F. B. I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE APR 10 2 25 PM '50 APR 10 12 35 PM '50 F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED-LADD APR 10 2 06 PM '50 F. B. I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE CORRELATION - LIAISON
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
APR - 8 1950
TELETYPE
FBI, BUFFALO 4-8-50 12-52 PM
DIRECTOR, FBI URGENT
FLYING SAUCER COMPLAINT. INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM ELMIRA PD. THAT
FLYING SAUCER HAD LANDED NEAR ELMIRA, NY AIRPORT. RESIDENT AGENT AT
ELMIRA ADVISES "FLYING SAUCER" WAS CORRUGATED CARDBOARD BOX, FORTY INS.
IN DIAMETER, ONE FOOT THICK AT CENTER. ENTIRE BOX PAINTED ALUMINUM.
CROSLEY RADIO TUBE ATTACHED TO CENTER OF BOX WITH LOOSE WIRES HANGING
FROM EACH SIDE OF TUBE, TRUCKER-S RED FLARE CONNECTED TO BOTTOM OF BOX,
WHICH FLARE HAD SCORCHED GRASS AREA BENEATH BOX. NO WITNESSES AS TO
ACTUAL FLIGHT AND BOX IS DESCRIBED AS TOO FRAGILE TO WITHSTAND FLIGHT.
BUREAU BEING ADVISED AS PRESS INQUIRIES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED AND ARE BEING
ANSWERED ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE FACTS.
MAYNOR
RECORDED - 6 162-83894-223
APR 19 1950
37
CORRECTION
FIFTH LINE FORTH WORD SHOULD BE "ATTACHED"
S
12-55 PM OK FBI WA LIR
V
65 APR 26 1950
[Handwritten notes top left:]
N.9
SD - Brooking 4/12/50
Memo by [ILLEGIBLE]
nl
[Distribution list top right:]
Mr. Tolson [checkmark]
Mr. [ILLEGIBLE]
Mr. Clegg
Mr. Glavin
Mr. Nichols [checkmark]
Mr. Rosen
Mr. Tracy
Mr. Harbo
Mr. [ILLEGIBLE]
Mr. Mohr
Tele. Room
Mr. Neese
Miss Gandy
LTM
c o Mr. Belmont
5-Etm
Etm
MosslungRECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Apr 8 12 56 PM '50 [ILLEGIBLE] DEPT OF JUSTICE [Mirror-image bleed-through of teletype text — ILLEGIBLE] RECEIVED APR 10 8 57 AM '50 U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I RECEIVED-LADD RECD BELMONT F. B. I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE APR 10 12 23 PM '50 APR 13 [ILLEGIBLE] RECEIVED F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE APR 8 4 50 PM '50 U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I RECEIVED-DIRECTOR FIFTH LINE FORTH WORD SHOULD BE "ATTACHED" 12-55 PM OK FBI WA LIR V [ILLEGIBLE]
[Handwritten notes top left:]
Keay
Capt. R.C. Wms
Airforce advised
SA Robert Cryan Buffalo
advised to refer press to
Airforce per instruction McGuire
Airforce per W/3
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
APR - 8 1950
TELETYPE
FBI, BUFFALO 4-8-50 12-52 PM
DIRECTOR, FBI URGENT
FLYING SAUCER COMPLAINT. INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM ELMIRA PD. THAT
FLYING SAUCER HAD LANDED NEAR ELMIRA, NY AIRPORT. RESIDENT AGENT AT
ELMIRA ADVISES "FLYING SAUCER" WAS CORRUGATED CARDBOARD BOX, FORTY INS.
IN DIAMETER, ONE FOOT THICK AT CENTER. ENTIRE BOX PAINTED ALUMINUM.
CROSLEY RADIO TUBE ATTACHED TO CENTER OF BOX WITH LOOSE WIRES HANGING
FROM EACH SIDE OF TUBE, TRUCKER-S RED FLARE CONNECTED TO BOTTOM OF BOX,
WHICH FLARE HAD SCORCHED GRASS AREA BENEATH BOX. NO WITNESSES AS TO
ACTUAL FLIGHT AND BOX IS DESCRIBED AS TOO FRAGILE TO WITHSTAND FLIGHT.
BUREAU BEING ADVISED AS PRESS INQUIRIES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED AND ARE BEING
ANSWERED ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE FACTS.
MAYNOR
CORRECTION
FIFTH LINE FORTH WORD SHOULD BE "ATTACHED" ORIGINAL--DIRECTOR
S
12-55 PM OK FBI WA LIR
V
memo from
Mr. Brooking
to Mr. Belmont
4/8/50
WTB
[Distribution list top right:]
Mr. Tolson
Mr. Ladd
Mr. Clegg
Mr. Glavin
Mr. Nichols
Mr. Rosen
Mr. Tracy
Mr. Harbo
Mr. [ILLEGIBLE] [checkmark]
Mr. Mohr
Tele. Room
Mr. Neese
Miss Gandy
LTM
Her [ILLEGIBLE]RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Apr 8 12 56 PM '50 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE [Remainder of page blank except for stamp at bottom right:] APR 8 1 29 PM '50 RECD BELMONT F. B. I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
April 11, 1950
Secretary of the Air Force
National Defense Building
The Pentagon
Washington 25, D. C.
o Flying Saucers
Miss Laura McClaskey
201 North First Street
Geneva, Illinois
Enclosed is a copy of a communication dated
April 4, 1950, from the captioned individual, which is
furnished to you for any action deemed appropriate. C
Enclosure
NJC:ok ok
RECORDED - 99 162-83894-224
APR 13 1950
80
INDEXED - 99
EX-136
Tolson___
Ladd___
Clegg___
Glavin___
Nichols___
Rosen___
Tracy___
Harbo___
Mohr___
Tele. Room___
Neese___
Gandy___
MARKED
APR 12 1950
COMM - FBI
58 MAY 9 1950
APR 11 7 19 PM '50
RECEIVED-READING ROOM
F B I
U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE[Reverse side of page 117 — text visible as bleed-through mirror image] RECORDED - 99 80 INDEXED - 99 EX-136 APR 12 11 40 AM [ILLEGIBLE] RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE APR 13 1950 [ILLEGIBLE stamp]
STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : Director, FBI DATE: 4/18/50
le
FROM : SAC, Phoenix
le
SUBJECT: WILLIAM ALBERT RHODES
INFORMATION CONCERNING
FLYING DISCS
Rebulet 6/30/49.
62-83894-183.
On 4/17/50 Mr. RHODES advised he had been contacted by True Magazine
and would like to secure the photographs which he had made available
to the Air Force Intelligence.
He was referred to OSI, Fourth Air Force Base, San Francisco, Cali-
fornia, since the photographs desired were made available by him to
a representative of A-2 of the Fourth Air Force on 8/30/47.
WAM-kb
62-213
RECORDED - 49 62-83894-225
APR 24 1950
5
INDEXED - 49
[ILLEGIBLE] MAY 9 1950
[ILLEGIBLE signatures]Yuba City, California 4-8-1950
F.B.T.
P.O. Building
Flying Saucers Niagara Sq.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Gentlemen:-
Here is a sketch of a "flying saucer" as was
given to me by Herman Ubalsky a free hand drawing
by me after going over Ubalsky's drawings. I was very
interested in same as to what made it "tick," and I will
give you the sketches by me as I have a pretty good
memory on what I see. Ubalsky said these "saucers" can
attain tremendous speeds and says when one is launched
near Leningrad it is but 3 hrs if not in to much of a hurry
to New York, Washington, Boston, Albany and a lot of other
citys on the Atlantic coast.
RECORDED -25 62-83894-226
INDEXED - 25 APR 22 1950
[ILLEGIBLE]
I am at Redwood Valley Ic. now in
Calif on 101 highway 9 mi north of Ukiah. Will go back
to Yuba City and Marysville and Stockton next week after
Easter. I understand these "saucers" do not need much
nme
ack 4-14-50 noc
N.C.
04-1power to run them[ILLEGIBLE] Ubalsky says th[ILLEGIBLE] can go over 5,000 mi per hr. and go as high as two hundred thousand feet and more. Well give these sketches to our army chiefs of staff and they can soon tell what is what about I think Ubalsky lied some but it looks kinda good and that Russia has a lot of them [DIAGRAM: circular saucer mechanism with labels:] collor weights revolving in side saucer disseders to hold a cable affront slides horizontal to keep weights centered as they revolve. centre stanchion of saucer slides horizontal to keep weights centered as they revolve. weights revolving inside saucer long rods 6 ft in fan to [ILLEGIBLE] with [ILLEGIBLE] of wor[ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] revolving around [ILLEGIBLE] cables of shaft advances to [ILLEGIBLE] field collor [STAMP:] U.S. DEP. OF JUSTICE [STAMP:] F.B.I. [STAMP:] RECEIVED [STAMP:] APR 10 3 21 PM '50 [STAMP:] MR JONES page 4/6
weight revolves double cable sheave double cable sheave double cable sheave double cable sheave sheave plate holding sheave cable also revolves weights revolves this sheave revolves sheave double acts as spacer or spreader ball bearing swivel bolt this plate revolves this plate doesn't revolve stanchion in saucer. sheave thimble cable lace up to weights. keper across sheave to hold cable on as it revolves cable lace up to weights. cable anchor 2 3 cross bar this shows lace of cable to weights and sheaves. there are two of these set ups. one on each side this shows detail of one the other one is left out it would be at 3 the next sketch will show what makes it revolve that swivel plate is a cog wheel at 4. The sheave plate at 5 is made double and a bearing is between the two plates so it can move (over) hme ark 4-14-50 ngc
2 up and down a mi[ILLEGIBLE] as the weights revo[ILLEGIBLE] the bearing moves lengthwise as well as revolves [DIAGRAM: bearing/shaft mechanism with labels:] bearing 2 3 shaft shaft support one 4 Cable Cable one 4 engine shaft. one and one cog wheels make [STAMP OBSCURES TEXT] there is a sliding key and way in shaft at 2 and the cog wheel one on [STAMP OBSCURES TEXT] engine shaft turns the shaft 3 causing the weigh[STAMP OBSCURES TEXT]o revolve. the cog wheels 4 & 4 drive swivel plate 4 & 4 and shaft 3 run even, 1, 2. both the same R.P.M. This is the mechanism of the thing as near as I can remember it from the drawings. [SIGNATURE ILLEGIBLE]
thro the Buffalo office. The story is to be[ILLEGIBLE] write it down to-day I feel jittery about this fellow Ubalsky as I thi[ILLEGIBLE] he is a very bad egg and etc. He was friendly to me and told me to do the best I could and when I get it done to let them know and my price will be paid pronto. This keeps me on a footing with them and I stall them off all the time. Well this is the saucer as I have it for you. Yours Truly Lewis A Ward 336 Bird st Yuba City Calif.
I do not know how the rudders go on he said they were manual [ILLEGIBLE] control, hydraulic contr[ILLEGIBLE] and electronic control as they pulled hard at high speed. The jet is fed by pellets carefully proportioned to the charge in the jet chamber and are fed to it fast by gadgets operated by electronics so as they go fast and accurate. I gave the idea that is all I cannot draw the gadgets as I do not know how. But I saw in the drawings electric control on them. He says they can light on a pond and take off on a pond on even flat land he said they can light and take off if they have to but its dam rough going. I wonders if thats 'horse feathers'. well that is all I know about it the rest you will have to dope out. I have looked my copies over after I left him and while the drawings were fresh in my head I can see nothing further to try and tell you about In case you do not know I am the fellow who reported to the Buffalo office when I lived at 164 Prospect Ave in Buffalo I am working on an engine that goes by the cosmic ray The Russians want to get this - rest assured they never will so they make contact with me and see what I get to say about this engine. you likely know about it if you inquire
4 The saucers ar[ILLEGIBLE] launched by a cat[ILLEGIBLE]ult... [DIAGRAM 1 - side view with labels:] bolt Cable slide guide Cable ball bearing for swivel [DIAGRAM 2 - perspective view with labels:] Cable Bolt ball bearing on bolt these saucers are 30 feet and more in dia and not very heavy Ubalsky says. The plane division of our army can soon figure this out I cannot as it is out of my line but I seen the mechanics of it I did not see any propellor on it in the drawings I saw they use a jet on it to so Ubalsky says. They use pellets in a case in the jet and it fires like a cannon and the recoil sends the saucers very fast
5 This uses centrifugal force and is ca[ILLEGIBLE]le connected to weights that revolve at right angles to the pull on the 'saucer' I presume engines are synchronized as to speed the wt of the revolving balls gives the pull to pull 'saucer' and the whole mechanism is inside of the 'saucer' there are a bottom and top saucer He said there is an up and down rudder and a sideways rudder but very small and they are handled by electronic gadgets at high speed The saucers are made of magnesium and reinforced for strength they look something like this the saucers it looks are air tight [DRAWING: elongated lens/oval shape in profile] these drawings are not much - but there is not much to them as I cannot give dimensions our 'Techs' will have to figure that out as I am dam lucky to find this out and be all together.
6 Ubalsky says a[ILLEGIBLE] high altitudes [ILLEGIBLE] jet will speed up to - well he don't know but it is a terrific speed he said he thought 16 thousand mi. per hr. Now this does not look like a lot of horse feathers so I am putting it into your hands as if it is a trap for me its only you can get me in dutch and I know you won't do that - but get it into our army chiefs hands for I do not know if this will fly or not - but on the other hand it may be all O.K. so what. Ubalsky is 5 feet 8" tall wt. 175 square faced quite a large mouth gold teeth left side upper light hair sort of red cheeked big arms all around stout square hands short fat fingers and talks good english - blue eyes. has friends in Buffalo - Iowa, is a Russian Pole and was in world two in Europe. He has gone to Ketchican he knows some folks there he said he got off a submarine and gave a fisherman a sum of money to get him ashore, near Eureka and he said he was drifting inshore in a drift boat made of rubbers when picked up - he said there was nothing to it getting ashore. When you give this to the army chiefs keep my name out of it - I want to get a lot more information to give to you
The jet [DIAGRAM of jet mechanism with labels:] plug for [ILLEGIBLE] of muzzle electronic plug in end of muzzle air in this compartment 300 lbs p.s.i. electronic value vacuum or atmic press in this compartment. pellets [ILLEGIBLE] charge up to 5 thousand to thirty thousand p.s.i. 4 times comp. = explosion stanchion in center of saucer stanchion in center of saucers. P.S. looks as the jet can swing around to any angle This jet is loaded with capsules by air door traps and the capsule containing [ILLEGIBLE]sa[ILLEGIBLE] the gasolene is put into a pressure of say 10,000 lbs p.s.i. the capsule is busted and out comes the gasolene in that high press. of air or something else to take place of air two electrodes set it off the capsule falls between the ends of the electrodes every time the charge leaving by the opening of the electronic values goes thro the vacuum chamber and hits the air press. chamber the air in chamber is the bullet at just the right split sec. the elect muzzle plug controlled by electronics is opened and the recoil when all is timed O.K. sends saucer at good speed.
so I guess this i[ILLEGIBLE] all for now and [ILLEGIBLE]ill write you again as soon as I learn any thing worth while Yours Truly Lewis A Ward 336, Bird st. Yuba City Calif. P.S. I have been in contact with the Buffalo Office and they can tell you more - So I decided to send this direct to you to the head office so excuse the office with Buffalo on this letter as I deem it important enough to go direct to you If you write me do not forget to use perfectly plain envelope - no markings on it - just in case. I am putting this in your hands because I do not know who is a Commie in Washington and who is not I leave that to you and I know you will not give me away.
[REVERSE SIDE / BLEED-THROUGH OF TYPED LETTER - text largely ILLEGIBLE as mirror image] [STAMP REVERSED:] U.S. DEP. OF JUSTICE [STAMP REVERSED:] F.B.I. [STAMP REVERSED:] RECEIVED L ROOM [Routing slip column, reversed - partially legible:] Tolson Ladd Clegg Glavin Nichols Rosen Tracy Harbo Mohr Tele. Room Nease Gandy [Main body text ILLEGIBLE - bleed-through reverse of April 17 1950 typed letter]
Yuba City Apr [ILLEGIBLE] - 1950 Federal Bureau Investigation Washington D.C. o Flying Saucers Gentlemen: I saw Ubalsky last Saturday in Willits, before he got on the bus to go to Eureka. I went to Willits for the mail for my son-in-law. In our talk he said well if there is anything in the drawings of the mechanism of the saucer that will help you along on your cosmic ray engine use it - here are the drawings look them over and if you can find any thing to help you O.K. Those drawings are made in Russian I think so I could not read the instructions or lettering a but I did see and he explained to me the centrifugal force that pulls the saucer and the inside the saucer I seen the rudders of it but just how the[ILLEGIBLE] [STAMP:] RECORDED - 101 62-83294-227 [STAMP:] APR 27 1950 [STAMP:] COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964 p.m[ILLEGIBLE] ode 4-25-50 NGC[ILLEGIBLE]
attached I really do not kno[ILLEGIBLE] our [ILLEGIBLE]ngineers can dope that out so I am sending a set of drawings free hand and these are in detail just exactly like the Russian drawings - so these look a lot better than those I mailed out Sat. and Ubalsky said after I studied them for quite a spell - that he was trusting me - and should I open my mouth or tell any one of the mechanics I saw in them saucers I would be taken care of an dam fast - so thats that. When you get these drawings go to the military officials and don't get me in dutch I know you will not for my life is the price I would pay - sooner or later if the commie agents figured I had gave this away and do not have any F.B.I. men tagging me that would look suspicious to the commie agents. I am taking a hell of a chance and I want some more information get from them and I will pass it along to you as fast as I get it
4 the drawings sh[ILLEGIBLE]w the sauces put t[ILLEGIBLE]gether like this - straight piece circulars between top and bottom of saucer - filled with ball bearings in a groove top and bottom the center piece turns but top or bottom does not turn - top and bottom obey the rudder the up and down rudder and the sideways rudder. 1,1,1, is for the jets to fire out side. from point 2 to point 2 on a 30 foot diameter saucers is 10 feet making an overall diameter of 50 feet [DIAGRAM: cross-section/elevation view of saucer assembly with measurements] [Labels:] 2 2 2 2 10' 30' 10' o1 o1 o1 3 3 30' drawing 4. of course it does not look like this drawing for curves and etc - you know what I mean. All the floor in the saucer is fastened to the center piece as dotted line shows at 3, 3. I guess that is so saucer can be maneuvered or something my wife or son - or son in law - or daughter know nothing about this - and do not tell them - or there would be hell to pay. I think the drawings are plain enough this time.
3 where the jets are [ILLEGIBLE]inted in I could not fi[ILLEGIBLE]re it out so will leave that to you the drawings I sent in sat. with the jet are O.K. that is the jet - but some of the centrifugal power mechanism is wrong in design. Ubalsky had two or three sets of drawings and this copy I am sending you are plain and I believe better drawings. In drawing #2 where turnbuckles are shown in cables - they are shortened or lengthened to suit - like this as the weights fly or pull outward - the weights must pull the cable straight out or up and down - see no height in the line holding the weights - lines must be straight when engines are in motion and up to speed allowing every thing else is in proportion O.K. [DIAGRAM labeled 'drawing 3.' showing cross-section of weight/cable mechanism with dashed and solid lines indicating cable positions and directions of force]
6 P.S. I think I can get some information on the Russian [ILLEGIBLE]ubmarine and what makes them go so deep down. Ubalsky says he is sure our navy cannot locate them as they got dummies they put out some how in the water and can fool anyone with the dummies. He said they were making a long range rocket and putting this engine it but that the saucer goes as fast as the rocket will. I was going to patent this engine even if I did get it from Ubalsky - I placed my self in great danger to get it - and am in danger yet if anyone gives me away. But give it to the U.S.A. quick and the U.S.A. can give me something for my efforts, I do not think the U.S.A. will turn me down - do you? and maybe I will ask a favor of the F.B.I. - who knows.
5 I do not believe [ILLEGIBLE]his is 'horse feathers' [ILLEGIBLE]so much as I did in the drawings sent you sat. Ubalsky said on the snow with runners on this saucer like a sled centrifugal force will pull her at a hell of speed. The jets are used on take off there is wheels on the saucer there are 3 wheels they are pulled up into places in the saucer from the inside and some how or other a piece covers the spot on the outside the drawing shows that but I cannot figure out how it is done from the inside of the saucer. Now I believe this is all the dope I can give you on them. Ubalsky said the big saucers are oblong fore and aft but round in the middle - just as the round saucers are something like this. you know what I mean only I cannot draw it. [DRAWING: side-profile of saucer - oblong lens shape with flat-sided cylindrical central body, three small protrusions visible] I will mail this from Ukiah monday 10 th 1950 and trust you will put this into the right hands Yours Truly Lewis A Ward 336 Bird st Yuba City Calif.
Drawing #1 [DETAILED MECHANICAL DIAGRAM: top-down plan view of centrifugal weight mechanism. Two symmetric assemblies are shown side by side, each consisting of horizontal rails, sheaves, cable routing, bearings, connecting rods, and weight carriages. Number '1' labeled on left side of each assembly. Right ends show coiled spring components.] This drawing has no equalizers on I left them off at /1/ so as it will look plain the equalizers are shown in drawing #2
[ILLEGIBLE - page not clearly rendered in extraction]
[ILLEGIBLE - page not clearly rendered in extraction]
[HAND-DRAWN MECHANICAL DIAGRAM WITH HANDWRITTEN ANNOTATIONS]
cable anchor Turnbuckle
cable anchor
cable
revolves with shaft on
sliding keys & ways
Key ways + Keys
Key ways + Keys.
does not revolve wit
shaft.
cable anchor in Turnbuckle
cable anchor
cable
Turnbuckle
[RIGHT SIDE ANNOTATIONS:]
does not
revolve with shaft
does not revolve
with shaft
floor
Thrust spring
ball bearings
This thrust box
cannot revolve
it is shown
bolted to floor
but can slide
back and ahead
with thrust.
floor
[LABEL ON TAPED PAPER AT BOTTOM CENTER:]
drawing # 7
L a ward[HAND-DRAWN MECHANICAL DIAGRAM - TOP VIEW - WITH HANDWRITTEN ANNOTATIONS]
Drawing 2
just a rest bearing for shaft the shaft
does not turn in this bearing - just slides a little
[LEFT SIDE:]
thrust bearing
gear bearing
Rudder
equalizers
rest bearing
Rudder
Rudder hinge oil
[INSIDE CIRCULAR DIAGRAM ANNOTATIONS:]
cable ball bearing
works up and down
flows sliding them in a slip
the thrust works with shaft
this does not revolve with shaft
thrust plate does not revolve
collar revolves with shaft
spring
ball bearing
engines o o o o o o
engines o o o o o
cable
generating D.C.
electric
Curtis stanchion
Ball bearings to turn
on stanchion
spring
ball bearing
cable
cable
Turnbuckle
ball bearing
gear bearing
Rudder
bearings
bearings
[BOTTOM LEFT:]
just a rest bearing for shaft
shaft does not turn in this bearing
just slides a little.
[BOTTOM CENTER - REVERSED/UPSIDE DOWN:]
Drawing 2L. A. Ward From 336 Bird St. Yuba City Calif [Postmark cancellations] Federal Bureau Investigation Washington D.C. VIA AIR MAIL REGISTERED 42x6 over H 12 H 3 Special Delivery Special Delivery
[ENVELOPE REVERSE - POSTAL CANCELLATION STAMPS] MUKO APR 11 1950 [partial circular stamp - illegible] WASHINGTON, D.C. APR 11 [time stamp] 1950 WASHINGTON, D.C. APR 11 [time stamp] 1950 SPEC. DEL.
SAC, San Francisco April 25, 1950
Director, FBI
LEWIS A. AWARD
336 Bird Street
Yuba City, California
RESEARCH
62-83894-327 L. A. AWARD
By letter dated April 9, 1950, captioned individual
wrote to the Bureau with reference to matters pertaining to
"flying saucers." A photostatic copy of his communication is
enclosed. It is noted that correspondent has referred to his
contact with an individual named Ubalsky and reference is made
to "Russian drawings."
It is desired that you have an agent of your office
contact correspondent to secure any data which may be of interest
to the Bureau. It should be kept in mind, however, that the FBI
is not conducting an investigation with reference to "flying
saucer matters" and the correspondent should be advised that he
may wish to communicate with the Secretary of the Air Force,
National Defense Building, The Pentagon, Washington 25, D.C.
Please furnish me all information concerning the
handling of this matter.
Enclosure
NOTE: Correspondent advised that he has previously furnished
data to the Bureau. It is believed this communication was referred
to the Army Air Force. He has advised in his letter of April 9,
that some drawings pertaining to flying saucers were executed
in what he believes to be the Russian language, and it is deemed
advisable to have him personally contacted to discourage further
correspondence and to obtain any information he might have in his
possession pertaining to matters which may be in the scope of our
activities.
NJC:lch:mms
Follow-up made 5-24-50
[Handwritten annotations - ILLEGIBLE]
27 MAY 4 1950
MAILED 10
APR 25 1950
COMM - FBI
RECORDED - 101
INDEXED - 101Received from CNI through Liaison Channels
Date 4/24/50 [initials] HandAddeln
[Stamp:] CONFIDENTIAL
ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
NAVY DEPARTMENT
INTELLIGENCE REPORT
(Reference to this report must specify Serial Number, Place and Date)
Serial No 4-50 at Kodiak, Alaska Date 10 Feb., 1950, 19
From DIC/1759 [Collector Box No.] (See note 2)
Make separate report for each main title. See C. N. I. Index Guide.
Reference_____
Source: OFFICIAL - U. S. Navy Evaluation: A-2
Refs: AB/EN 3-10; GEN 4013NS-11 1842
Subject: Unidentified Phenomena in vicinity of Kodiak Alaska
BRIEF: A report of sightings of unidentified airborne objects, by various
naval personnel, on 22 and 23 January 1950, in the vicinity of
Kodiak, Alaska is contained herein.
NOTE: (1) This information is as of 23 January 1950
(2) IFI makes no provision for reporting phenomena of this nature
ENCL: (1) Completed CINCAL form containing information given by
Lt. Smith, USN
(2) Completed CYNOAL form containing information given by
MORGAN, TM1 and CARVER, EMC, USN
(3) Sketch of radar interference characteristics experienced by
Lt. Smith, USN
(4) Completed CINCAL form containing information given by Lt.
Barco, USN
(5) Track chart of aircraft in which Lt. Barco, USN embarked
23 January 1950
(6) Statements of MORGAN TM1 and CARVER EMC, USN
(7) Statement of Lt. Barco
(8) Winds aloft and balloon release data
1. Enclosures (1), (2), and (4) are completed forms suggested by Commander
in Chief, Alaskan Command, Fort Richardson, Alaska for the reporting of
sighting of unidentified objects. Enclosure (3) is a sketch of radar
interference experienced in aircraft piloted by Lt. Smith. Enclosure (5)
is a track chart of aircraft in which Lt. Barco was embarked when he
sighted unidentified object. Enclosure (6) contains statements by MORGAN,
TMC, USN and CARVEN, YM, USN relative to their sighting. Enclosure (7)
is a copy of Lt. Barco's statement and enclosure (8) is a summary of
weather and balloon release information. CONFIDENTIAL
Declassified by NIS letter 9/20/77
concerning request 2 THIS REPORT CONSISTS OF THREE PAGES
BRUCE S. MACCABEE 10/7306 19/3/77
Distribution By Originator: CNI, CINCAL, COMALAIR NAS, CINCPACFLT
[Handwritten left margin:]
File in Flying Discs
Flying Discs
[Stamps and notations:]
N 42827
INDEXED - 74
OpS22V(LAB)
322F2(2)OR 62-83894-228
322I3[?]
20-[?] NOT RECORDED
MAY 9 1950
322Y(4) Encls.(1)-(8)
Op52292.
CIA (8)
ST. L(5)
DI USAF (5)
[?] CIA(6)
WS8/LS(2)
"Reproduction of this material in any form is not
authorized except by specific approval of the
Secretary of the Navy."
COPIES DESTROYED
270 NOV 23 1984X
This document contains information effecting the
national defense of the United [States] within the
[remainder cut off]CONFIDENTIAL
DIC/1759 No. 4-50 10 February 1950
Subj: Unidentified Phenomena
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2. A summary of the information contained in enclosure (1) through (8)
follows:
a. At 2202L0W January LT Smith, USN, patrol plane commander of P2V3
No. A of Patrol Squadron One reported an unidentified radar contact 20
miles north of the Naval Air Station, Kodiak, Alaska. When this contact
was first made, LT Smith was flying the Kodiak Security Patrol. At
0240L, 8 minutes later a radar contact was made on an object 10 miles
southeast of NAS Kodiak. Lt. Smith checked with the control tower to
determine known traffic in the area, and was informed that there was none.
During this period the radar operator, GASKEY ALC, USN reported inter-
mittent radar interference of a type he had never before experienced.
(See enclosure (3)). Contact was lost at this time, but intermittent
interference continued.
b. At some time between 0200 and 0300W, MORGAN TMC, USN was standing
watch on board the USS TILLAMOOK (ATA 192), which was anchored in the
vicinity of buoy 19 in the main ship channel. Morgan reported sighting
a "very fast moving red glow light, which appeared to be of exhaust
nature, seemed to come from the southeast, moved clockwise in a large
circle in the direction of, and around Kodiak and returned out in a
generally southeast direction." Morgan called Carver YM, USN, also on
watch, to observe this object, and they both witnessed the return flight.
The object was in sight for an estimated 30 seconds. No motor or sound
was detected, and the object was described to have the appearance of a
ball of fire about one foot in diameter.
c. At 2204L0W, conducting routine Kodiak security patrol, Lt Smith
reported a visual sighting of an unidentified airborne object at a
radar range of 5 miles, on the starboard bow. This object showed in-
dications of great speed on the radar scope. (The trailing edge of the
blip gave a tail like indication.) At this time Lt Smith called the
attention of all crew members to the object. An estimated ten seconds
later, the object was directly overhead, indicating a speed of about
1800 MPH. Smith climbed to intercept, and attempted to circle to keep
the object in sight. He was unable to do this, as the object was too
highly maneuverable. Subsequently the object appeared to be opening
the range, and Smith attempted to close the range. The object was
observed to open out somewhat, then to turn to the left and come up on
Smith's quarter. Smith considered this to be a highly threatening
gesture, and turned out all lights in the aircraft. Four minutes later
the object disappeared from view in a southeasterly direction.
d. At 2204350W, the day following Lt Smith's sighting, Lt Causer and
Lt Barco of Patrol Squadron One were conducting the Kodiak Security
Patrol, and sighted an unidentified object. At the time of the sight-
ing the aircraft in which these officers were embarked was approximately
62 miles south of NAS Kodiak. The object appeared to be on an ascending
westerly course, and was in sight for ten minutes. During this period
the object was observed by Lieutenants Causer and Barco, and PAULSON,
AD1, plane captain. At no time was radar contact made on the object.
Lt Causer was unable to close the object at 170 knots.
2
CONFIDENTIALCONFIDENTIAL
DIC/1759 Serial No. A-50 10 February 1950
Subj: Unidentified Phenomena
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
(e) The objects sighted have been described as follows:
(1) To Lt Smith and crew it appeared as two orange lights
rotating about a common center, "like two jet aircraft making slow
rolls in tight formation". It had a wide speed range.
(2) To Morgan, TMC, and Carver, YM it appeared as a reddish
orange ball of fire about one foot in diameter, travelling at a high
rate of speed.
(3) To Lt Causer, Lt Barco, and Paulson, AD1, it appeared to
be a pulsating orange yellow projectile shaped flame, with regular period
of pulsation on 3 to 5 seconds, off 3 to 5 seconds. Later, as the object
increased the range the pulsations appeared to increase to on 7 to 8
seconds and off 7 to 8 seconds.
3. A check with the Navy Weather Central, Kodiak, Alaska revealed that
balloons were released at the following times:
22 January - 0445 and 2200W (approximately)
23 January - 0400. (approximately)
4. On 23 January winds aloft at 1000 feet were reported at 0400W as
from 310°. T at 36 knots, and at 2000 feet from 240° T at 37 knots, while
the object was reported to be on an ascending - westerly course.
COMMENT: In view of the fact that no weather balloons were known to have
been released within a reasonable time before the sightings, it
appears that the object or objects were not balloons. If not
balloons the objects must be regarded as phenomena (possibly
meteorites), the exact nature of which could not be determined
by this office.
3
CONFIDENTIALOffice Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO [REDACTED] Director, FBI DATE: May 31, 1950
FROM SAC, New Orleans
SUBJECT: MICHAEL HALFERY
FLYING DISCS
afm
eft
On May 24, 1950, this office received from Major MERLE L. MENNIE,
Intelligence and Security Officer, New Orleans Port of Embarka-
tion, a report dealing with MICHAEL HALFERY of 2453 Urquhart
Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. A copy of this report is at-
tached to this letter for your information.
The report states that HALFERY sold for $1.00 two photographs
to one JOHN R. ESPOSITO, 615 Piety Street, New Orleans, who in
turn gave the photographs to an agent of CID, New Orleans Port
of Embarkation. These photographs were of flying saucers and a
man from Mars in the custody of two U. S. Army Military Policemen.
A copy of one negative and a copy of one positive of these photo-
graphs are also enclosed herewith.
Enclosures (3)
DHB:mas
66-1199
[Handwritten annotation:]
Matter discussed with
Col. Bordon, OSI. Advised
that hundreds of such matters are
received by A.F. They do not
consider them worthy of investigation.
6-21-50 OWB.
ENCLOSURE ATTACHED
EX-32
RECORDED - 5 62-83894-229
INDEXED - 5
JUN 8 1950
[stamps and initials - ILLEGIBLE]
57 JUN 22 1950
361[ORANGE MANILA ENVELOPE - BLANK FACE] 62-83894-229
Case # T4-15-0; 117th CIC Det FO, NOPE, New Orleans, La. Positive Photostat copy of document turned in to NOPE CID (Agent John F. Quinn) by John R. Espesite, 615 Piety Street, New Orleans, La., who reported purchase of document from Michael HALFERY, 2453 Urquhart St, New Orleans, La. Date 22 May 1950 Received from Agent John F. Quinn, NOPE CID, by Louis Rebillia, Jr., Criminal Investigator, Intelligence & Security Branch, NOPE; Date 23 May 1950 Louis [Rebillia signature] 62-83894-29 [handwritten on side]
ENCLOSURES TO THE BUREAU Copy of report by Intelligence Branch, New Orleans Port of Embarkation, re MICHAEL HALFERY. One negative copy and one positive copy of photographs of flying saucer and man from Mars in custody of two MP's. N.O. File 66-1199
CONFIDENTIAL
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION DATE
23 May 1950
PREPARING OFFICE
Intelligence Branch, New Orleans Port of Embarkation, New Orleans 12, La.
SUBJECT CODE FOR USE IN INDIVIDUAL PARAGRAPH EVALUATION
HALFERY, Michael OF SOURCE: OF INFORMATION:
2453 Urquhart Street COMPLETELY RELIABLE . . . A CONFIRMED BY OTHER SOURCES . . 1
New Orleans, La. USUALLY RELIABLE . . . . B PROBABLY TRUE . . . . . . . . 2
FAIRLY RELIABLE . . . . . C POSSIBLY TRUE . . . . . . . . 3
CASE NO. T4-15-0 NOT USUALLY RELIABLE . . . D DOUBTFULLY TRUE . . . . . . . 4
UNRELIABLE . . . . . . . . E IMPROBABLE . . . . . . . . . 5
RELIABILITY UNKNOWN . . . . F TRUTH CANNOT BE JUDGED . . . 6
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION
At about 1430 hours, 22 May 1950, the attached (See Enclosure 1)
"photograph" was turned over to Agent John F. Quinn, CID, New Orleans Port
of Embarkation. The individual who turned this material over to Quinn told him
that he had purchased the "photograph" from one Michael HALFERY, 2453 Urquhart
Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, for the sum of $1.00. He stated he thought
this material "should be placed in the hands of the Government", as it was
supposed to be pictures of "flying saucers" and "a man from Mars in the United
States". The "man from Mars" was pictured as being in the custody of two military
policemen. (B-2)
The individual turning this material over to Quinn gave his name as
John R. Deposito, 615 Piety Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, and his telephone as
Bywater 5190. (B-3)
According to Deposito, HALFERY is alleged to have served five (5) years in
the Federal penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas. (B-5)
No interrogation of Deposito was conducted by Agent Quinn. (B-2)
1 Encl:
Photo. (Original & Cy)
COMMENT: A literal translation of the caption under the alleged photographs
stated that a special infra-red machine was used to take these photographs
because the "flying saucers" were invisible to the human eye. Also, the sound
emitted by the two pictured "saucers" was of such high frequency as to be above
frequencies audible to the human ear. The caption continues by stating that an
accident occurred to one of the "saucers" and the individual shown in custody
of United States Military Police in the right hand photograph was a "Mr. X",
a member of the crew of one of these "flying saucers". The location of both
photographs was stated to be Wiesbaden, Germany.
DECLASSIFIED
Authority:
NND 90986
SEARCHED [stamp] INDEXED
SERIALIZED FILED
MAY 24 1950
FBI-NEW ORLEANS
CC, 44 (ACofS, G-2) (1) FBI, NOLa (2) (Including original)
CO, 117th CIC Det (1) MIO, NOLa (1) Le Mil Dist (1)
CO, NOPE (01) ONI, NOLa (1) File (1)
WD JAGO FORM 568 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 10-53306-1 CONFIDENTIAL[PHOTOGRAPH - Two side-by-side images printed on paper]
[Left image: Nighttime photograph showing church/cathedral spires with two disc-shaped objects visible in the sky above]
[Right image: Two uniformed military policemen walking with a shorter figure between them on steps or a pathway]
Das Infra-Rot-Kathodenstrahlrohr offenbart mit Bildaufnahmegerät und Spezialfilm Vorgänge, die dem menschlichen Auge unsichtbar bleiben
müssen. Das beweist unsere linke Abbildung: Zwei "fliegende Untertassen" kreisen — von den Wiesbadenern unbemerkt — um die Markt-
kirche. Die Geräusche der sausenden Scheiben waren nicht merkbar, da Ultra-Kurzschallwellen bekanntlich vom menschlichen Gehör nicht
aufgenommen werden. Unser rechtes Bild zeigt erstmalig Mister X, ein Besatzungsmitglied der "fliegenden Untertasse", die am Fuße des
Bieldenstadter Kopfes zerschellt ist
(3 Transitag/USA-Fotos)[PHOTOGRAPH - Negative/alternate copy of same two side-by-side images]
[Left image: Nighttime photograph showing church/cathedral spires with two disc-shaped objects visible in the sky above]
[Right image: Two uniformed military policemen walking with a shorter figure between them]
Das Infra-Rot-Kathodenstrahlrohr offenbart mit Bildaufnahmegerät und Spezialfilm Vorgänge, die dem menschlichen Auge unsichtbar bleiben
müssen. Das beweist unsere linke Abbildung: Zwei "fliegende Untertassen" kreisen — von den Wiesbadenern unbemerkt — um die Markt-
kirche. Die Geräusche der sausenden Scheiben waren nicht merkbar, da Ultra-Kurzschallwellen bekanntlich vom menschlichen Gehör nicht
aufgenommen werden. Unser rechtes Bild zeigt erstmalig Mister X, ein Besatzungsmitglied der "fliegenden Untertasse", die am Fuße des
Bleidenstadter Kopfes zerschellt ist
(3 Transitag/USA-Fotos)[Top right handwritten:] G-3 Briefing
Mr. Stites
19 May 5[0]
[Left handwritten:] Rec'd from G-2
5-22-50 C.W.[initials]
CONFIDENTIAL
UNIDENTIFIED AERIAL PHEN[OMENA]
(Flying Saucers)
Reports of strange and mysterious objects seen in the sky over most
of the countries of the world during the past five years have created
quite a stir in the public press. The sighting of such objects has not
been confined to the last five years. History records many instances of
man's inability to explain what he saw or thought he saw. The prophet
Ezekiel in the 6th century BC reported "a whirl wind came out of the
north, a great cloud, and a fire unfolding itself, and a brightness was
about it." He then saw "a wheel in the middle of a wheel" and reported
"when they went, they went up on their four sides and they turned not
when they went". (Ezekiel 1:16)
In the past, these phenomena have usually been attributed to super-
natural causes, and in more recent years to natural phenomena. However,
the introduction of the atomic bomb and guided missiles in World War II
has so caught the public imagination with their potentialities, actual and
fanciful, that we now find the phenomena variously attributed to space ships
from other planets and US or Soviet experiments with new and wonderful
weapons.
The present flurry of flying saucers, ghost rockets, etc., began in
mid-1946 in Sweden. Hundreds of people reported seeing strange objects
flying over the country. Newspapers speculated that they were Soviet
guided missiles being tested over the Baltic Sea, either from the former
German experimental station at Penemunde, or from Dago Island off the
Estonian Coast. The fact that an experimental V-2 fired by the Germans
from Peenemunde had landed in Sweden in 1944 lent credence to their
speculation. The Swedish defence staff made an investigation and may
have deliberately allowed the public to believe this theory for some time
for political reasons. Careful investigation by the US Na[vy] and by an
1
52 JUN 15 1950
CONFIDENTIAL
62-83894-
[handwritten signatures and initials - ILLEGIBLE]CONFIDENTIAL
independent British team, failed to uncover any evidence to support the
theory of Soviet missiles. By 1947 the thing had snowballed to such an
extent that the Swedish Government finally issued a report identifying
most of the incidents with natural phenomena and denying that any
foreign power was involved. During this period sightings were reported
from the remaining Scandanavian countries and most of Western Europe.
Incidents were first reported over the US in 1947 and are still con-
tinuing. Much space in the press has been given to these reports and
various semi-official opinions have been quoted. For example, on 16
May, Captain Eddie Rickenbacker was quoted as saying "There must be
something to them, for too many reliable persons have made reports on
them. I am duty bound not to say what I know about them - or what I don't
know about them. However, if they do exist, you can rest assured that
they are ours." The USAF for a long time conducted a thorough investigation
of each of the hundreds of incidents involved. It found that approximately
75% of the reports could definitely be related to known causes such as
meteorological balloons, aircraft, meteors and other common phenomena.
A public statement was issued debunking the entire existence of flying
disks or saucers. This did little to cut down the flood of reports.
It only resulted in convincing a large number of people that the National
Military Establishment was trying to cover up our own experiments with
new weapons.
Many theories have been advanced to explain these reports of aerial
phenomena over the US. These include:
1. Space ships from other planets
2. Soviet guided missiles or aircraft-, probably atomic-powered.
3. US experiments with new weapons
4. Natural phenomena
5. Mass hysteria, or other psychological causes.
2
CONFIDENTIALCONFIDENTIAL
While it is not possible to categorically rule out theory No. 1 it
is very easy to do so on reasonable grounds. The existence of any form
of life on other planets is extremely tenuous and debatable. The level
of technical achievement required to launch piloted or pilotless missiles
from one planet to another and return is several orders of magnitude beyond
that existing on the earth today and probably would have resulted in some
firm contact prior to this, either through deliberate landings or un-
scheduled crashes. (Even these have been reported in the press - complete
with descriptions of men only 18 inches tall! Such reports are sheer
fabrication.)
There is absolutely no evidence that the Soviet Union possess either
guided missiles or disc shaped aircraft capable of making round trip flights
to the US, and the use of atomic energy for the propulsion of any aerial
vehicle is still at least several years in the future. Even if the Soviets
are that far ahead of us in such a program, there is no reason to expect
the airplanes would be other than of conventional design. An atomic power
plant, alone, would be sufficiently radical, without also designing a com-
pletely new vehicle to carry it.
The US is not experimenting with any new weapon that could reasonably
be mistaken by identified as a flying disc or saucer. The US is launching
large numbers of meteorological and cosmic ray balloons for experimental
purposes and a fair number of the reports can be definitely attributed
to sightings of these objects or reflections of other shiny objects such
as aircraft.
The continued reporting of aerial phenomena must then be attributed
to a mass hysteria caused by the present tenseness in the international
situation; the public belief in the ability of science to accomplish
miracles; and to statements in the press by "name" individuals hinting at
3
CONFIDENTIALCONFIDENTIAL the existence of some new weapon. Such statements, of the type attributed to Rickenbacker, often solicited in the most sensation form by news reporters in order to make a good story, make people watch the sky and any object they cannot immediately recognize is called a "flying saucer." This helps to maintain the "chain reaction" of such reports. 4 CONFIDENTIAL
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES 24, CALIFORNIA
Graduate Department of Journalism June 2, 1950
Mr. J. Edgar Hoover, Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Pennsylvania Avenue at 9th, NW
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Hoover,
I am currently engaged in research for a graduate
dissertation which will attempt to analyze the socio-
logical and psychological implications of the flying
saucer phenomenon.
In the course of my research I am giving extensive
consideration of the several magazine articles and the
one book which have already been written on the subject.
The book, in particular, and the magazine articles in
general, hint at official restraints which have hampered
the authors in their research. So far as I know none of
those research projects attempted to probe as deeply into
the background of the phenomena as I have, yet I have en-
countered no such "official censorship" as they mention.
In fact I have been surprised at the openness with which
some people have replied to my queries.
I believe the fact that I have encountered no restric-
tions is significant when I attempt to analyze my total
findings. It raises the question as to whether those
previously mentioned authors aren't trying hard to sell
something which really isn't there to sell.
Is there any reason why the flying saucer situation
should be "played down?" Is there any official attitude
toward the matter?
I wish to thank you in advance for your interest and
help. You may be assured that I will appreciate any infor-
mation you may be able to give me.
Sincerely yours,
DeWayne B. Johnson
DeWayne B. Johnson
[Handwritten bottom left:] mml
ack 6-8-50
aka
RECORDED - 5 62-83894-230
EX-[?] JUN 19[50][Verso of document. Body text visible in reverse (bleed-through), [ILLEGIBLE].] MR JONES JUN 6 9 45 AM '50 MR JONES RECEIVED JUN 5 4 46 PM '50 FBI U S DEPT OF JUSTICE RECEIVED RECORDS SEC Jun 5 5 3 39 PM '50
June 8, 1950
RECORDED - 5
62-83894-230
EX-32
Mr. DeWayne B. Johnson
Graduate Department of Journalism
University of California
Los Angeles 24, California
Dear Mr. Johnson:
Your letter dated June 2, 1950,
has been received, and I appreciate the
interest which prompted your communica-
tion.
While I would like to be of
service, this Bureau has no information
available for distribution with regard
to the subject of your letter, and I
suggest that you may wish to direct
your inquiry to the Secretary of Defense,
National Defense Building, Washington,
D. C.
Sincerely yours,
John Edgar Hoover
Director
ARA:rmus
Tolson_____
Ladd_______
Clegy______
Glavin_____
Nichols_____
Rosen______
Tracy______
Harbo______
Mohr_______
Tele. Room_
Nease______
Gandy______
36/
56JUN22 1950
MAILED 17
JUN 9 1950
COMM - FBI
JUN 8 7 42 PM '50
RECEIVED READING ROOM
U S DEPT OF JUSTICE
FBISTANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : Director, FBI DATE: June 15, 1950·
FROM [initialed]: SAC, San Francisco
SUBJECT: LEWIS A. WARD
336 Bird Street
Yuba City, California
RESEARCH
Rebulet 6-5-50.
Subject was located 6-13-50 residing at 78 South Tenth Street,
San Jose, California. He was interviewed by SA CHARLES J. PRELSNIK of
this Office, who carefully explained the jurisdiction of the FBI to him
and questioned him relative to any information he might have which would
be of interest to this Bureau.
Mr. WARD had nothing to add to his previous story as submitted
by letter to the Bureau on 4-9-50. He was advised that any information
relative to "flying saucers" did not come within the jurisdiction of this
Bureau and that he could communicate such information to the Secretary of
the Air Force, National Defense Building, The Pentagon, Washington 25,
D. C.
For the further information of the Bureau, Mr. R. E. MC CARTHY,
Secretary, Local 39, International Union of Stationary Engineers, 805
East Weber Street, was contacted in an effort to locate Mr. WARD. Mr.
MC CARTHY described WARD as being "odd" but would not elaborate on this
statement.
It was also ascertained from Mr. R. A. CHRISTIANSEN, Business
Representative of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 39,
57 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, California, through whom WARD was
located, that WARD was given to weird imaginings. Mr. CHRISTIANSEN stated
that he would not exactly describe WARD as insane but stated that he
was getting along in years and was prone to exaggerate on queer imaginings.
It was the observation of the interviewing agent that Mr. WARD is
abnormal mentally.
CJP:eu
94-492
[Handwritten: Following up Read 6-10-50 KH]
RECORDED - 71
INDEXED - 71
EX-55
62-83894-231
JUN 10 [?]
34
56JUL21 1950
454Office Me[mo]randum • UNIT[ED STAT]ES GOVERNMENT
TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: 7/19/50
FROM : SAC, ALBUQUERQUE
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
SUBJECT: SUMMARY OF AERIAL PHENOMENA IN
NEW MEXICO
INFORMATION CONCERNING
[Handwritten: O flying discs]
There is being transmitted herewith a Summary of Observations of Serial
Phenomena in New Mexico from December 1948 to May 25, 1950. This recapitulation
of data summarizes previous individual sights that have been reported in this
area. The summary was prepared by the Inspector General's Office of the 17th
District of Special Investigations, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.(S-1)[X]
The above information is being submitted for the completion of the
Bureau's files.
pw:ush
Encls.
5/22/85
Classified by SRG Bjel/tey
Declassify on: OADR
FOI/PA # 24S 974
APPEAL #
CIVIL AC. #
E.O. # 12356
DATE 5/22/85 INITIALS TCY
S-1 = Air Force
[Handwritten: federaled original]
162-83894-1
NOT RECORDED
53 JUL 27 1950
DECLASSIFIED
Authority:
NND 90986
CONFIDENTIAL
55 JUL 31 1950
[Right margin handwritten: ORIGINAL COPY FILED IN 62-83894-558-7]DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON
RGC/EJB/bls
THE INSPECTOR GENERAL USAF
17TH DISTRICT OFFICE OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO
84-1
File No: 24-8-0 5 July 1950
SUBJECT: UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
sighted on 29 June 1950
at Phoenix, Arizona
SPECIAL INQUIRY
TO: Director of Special Investigations
Headquarters, United States Air Force
Washington 25, D. C.
[Left margin handwritten: Mr. Sanders you asked for this N]
[Handwritten: Rec'd from O.S.I. 7-14 50 ESS]
[Handwritten: Keep]
[Handwritten: Heinrich]
[Handwritten: Flying Discs]
1. Reference is made to Spot Report TWX from this Headquarters
dated 30 June 1950, making reference to an unidentified flying object
sighted on 29 June 1950 at Phoenix, Arizona.
2. An interview with 1st Lt. JOHN D. FINK, AO-823052, 93rd
Fighter Squadron, Kirtland AFB reveals that on 29 June 1950 at approxi-
mately 1840 hours Lt. FINK sighted this object. Lt. FINK climbed to
47,000 while flying an F-86 aircraft and observed that the object was
a bright balloon with instruments attached and was floating at an
altitude of 50,000 feet.
3. Lt. FINK described the speed of the balloon as being very
slow and further described the balloon as being an "inverted tear
drop".
4. Inasmuch as the previously unidentified object has been
positively identified as a balloon, further investigation will not
be conducted in this incident.
RICHARD G. COX
MAJOR, USAF
District Commander
[Handwritten: Filein Flying Disc fete]
[Handwritten: 62-83894-]
RECORDED
[Handwritten date and signatures, partially illegible]
63 AUG 2 1950
Key CONFIDENTIALOffice Memorandum • UNITED [STATES] GOVERNMENT
TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: June 29, 1950
FROM [initialed]: SAC, WASHINGTON FIELD
SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS
INTERNAL SECURITY - X
This is to advise the Bureau that on June 25, 1950, DOUGLAS
HARRISON, 2337 Ashmead Place, N.W., telephone, DEcatur 2797, and who is
employed at the Hot Shoppe, Connecticut Avenue, N.W., informed that at
9:25 am, that date, while looking out of the window of his residence he
saw what he believed to be a flying saucer. He described this object as
resembling a cigar, the end of which was tilted down toward the earth
and presenting a silver appearance. He estimated the height of this ob-
ject as from 20 to 25 thousand feet, and stated the size at that distance
appeared to be about four inches. HARRISON could furnish no further de-
tails other than to state the object appeared to be moving in an easterly
direction. He advised that this is the first flying saucer he has ever
seen.
The foregoing is being furnished for the information of the
Bureau and no action is being taken by this Office.
KTD:bh
100-0
RECORDED - 106 62-83894-232
EX-32 JUN. 29.1950
3
[Stamps and initials at bottom, partially illegible][Verso of June 29, 1950 Washington Field memo. Body text visible in reverse (bleed-through), [ILLEGIBLE].] U S DEPT OF JUSTICE F B I INTERNAL SECURITY SN JUL 6 10 10 AM '50 RECEIVED JUL 7 1 57 PM '50 RECEIVED RECD ESPIONAGE F B I U. S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED-LADD U S DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I [Date illegible] JUL 5 9 33 AM '50 RECEIVED-LADD U S DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I
[Routing distribution box at left margin, partially cut off:
Tolson_____
Ladd_______
Clegy______
Glavin_____
Nichols_____
Rosen______
Tracy______
Harbo______
Mohr_______
Tele. Room_
Nease______
Gandy______]
SAC, Washington Field July 19, 1950
Director, FBI
FLYING DISCS
INTERNAL SECURITY - X
Reurlet 6-29-50.
Attention is directed to existing Bureau instructions wherein
complaints received relating to the captioned matter should be promptly
furnished to a local representative of the Office of Special Investiga-
tions, the Inspector General, U. S. Air Force by your office.
You are instructed to furnish the information contained in
the referenced letter to OSI. In the future, such action should be
taken promptly following the receipt of such information by your office.
62-83894 -232
RECORDED - 92
EHM:EHW
EX-43
[Signatures at bottom right]
MAILED 15
JUL 19 1950
COMM - FBI
JUL 29 1950STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: July 11, 1950
FROM [initialed]: SAC, CHICAGO
SUBJECT: FLYING DISC 4-1
Reference is made to SAC letter #38, series 1949.
Mr. TAGE STENSIG, 4905 Bryan Place, Downers Grove, Illinois,
telephone number - Downers Grove 1199 J, telephonically
advised SA JOHN E. KEATING at 9:54 PM, July 4, 1950, that
at 9:38 PM on July 4, 1950, he observed a large, bright,
silvery object moving at an approximate altitude of
10,000 feet, in a north, north-westerly direction over
Downers Grove. Mr. STENSIG said that his wife also
observed this object. He stated that he estimated the
speed of the object at 700 to 800 miles by comparing its
rate of movement with that of commercial airplanes.
Mr. STENSIG advised that he is a meteorologist with
United Air Lines and the object he observed was not a
plane nor was it a fireworks display.
The above is being submitted for your information.
JEK:BJB
100-18999
RECORDED - 129 62-83894-233
JUL 13 1950
INDEXED - 129 87
[Signature]
EX-81
51 JUL 24 1950FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
JUN 30 1950
TELETYPE
WASH 8 FROM PHOENIX VIA LOSA 30 10-03 AM
DIRECTOR FBI URGENT
FLYING DISCS. AT FIVE FORTYFIVE PM, JUNE TWENTYNINTH LAST, AN
OBJECT IN SKY WAS OBSERVED BY MANY CITIZENS OF PHOENIX INCLUDING
FBI PERSONNEL. MATTER IMMEDIATELY REPORTED TO HERMAN MUNROE,
OSI, WILLIAMS AFB, ARIZONA. MUNROE ADVISED TODAY OBJECT WAS PICKED
UP BY RADAR SCOPE AT SIX PM, JUNE TWENTYNINTH, AT WHICH TIME IT
WAS ESTIMATED OBJECT WAS THIRTY TO THIRTYFIVE THOUSAND FEET IN
AIR. A B TWENTYNINE FROM FIVE HUNDRED NINTH BOMB GROUP, ROSWELL,
NM, WAS ASSIGNED TO FOLLOW OBJECT AND PILOT REPORTED THAT WHILE
TRAVELING AT TWENTYFIVE THOUSAND FEET HE ESTIMATED OBJECT TO BE
ADDITIONAL TEN TO TWENTY THOUSAND FEET ABOVE HIM. PLANE WAS
TRAVELING AT TWO HUNDRED NINETY MPH AND WAS ABLE TO CIRCLE BENEATH
OBJECT. OBJECT WAS MOVING IN WESTWARDLY DIRECTION IN ABSENCE OF
WIND. IT WAS LAST SIGHTED AT EIGHT FIFTYFIVE PM AT A POINT ABOUT
TWENTY MILES NORTH OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, WHEN IT WAS LOST DUE TO
HEAVY THUNDERSTORM IN AREA. MUNROE ESTIMATED SIZE OF OBJECT TO
BE VERY LARGE, INASMUCH AS WITH USE OF BINOCULARS HE COULD EASILY
SEE OBJECT. NEVERTHELESS, THE B TWENTYNINE COULD NOT BE OBSERVED
WITH BINOCULARS. OSI WILL SUBMIT FULL REPORT AFTER CONSULTATION
WITH AIRPLANE CREW AND FURTHER STUDY. NO ACTION BEING TAKEN BY
END OF PAGE ONE
COPIES DESTROYED
270 NOV 18[...]
RECORDED - 15 62-83894-234
JUL 18 1950
EX-43 5-Etm
[Routing box: Mr. Tolson, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Belmont, Mr. Mohr, Tele. Room, Mr. Nease, Miss Gandy]
[Handwritten: [ILLEGIBLE], Mossberg, Efm][Verso of June 30, 1950 Phoenix teletype. Body text visible in reverse (bleed-through), [ILLEGIBLE].] RECEIVED-NICHOLS U S DEPT OF JUSTICE F B I CORRELATION - [ILLEGIBLE] F. B. I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Jul 3 9 19 AM '50 RECEIVED U S DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I 10 46 AM '50 Jun 30 RECEIVED-LADD U S DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I Jun 30 3 52 PM '50 Jun 30 1 58 PM '50 RECEIVED-DIRECTOR U S DEPT OF JUSTICE F B I Jun 30 3 36 PM '50 RECEIVED-TOLSON U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F B I Jun 30 4 33 PM '50 RECD BELMONT F B I DEPT. OF JUSTICE Jul 10 11 34 AM '50 RECEIVED RECD ESPIONAGE DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I
PAGE TWO THIS OFFICE AND ABOVE FOR YOUR INFO ONLY. [Stamp: 12 N19 re P[HOENIX?]] MURPHY CORRECTION PLS 6TH LINE 7TH WORD SHOULD BE THIRTYFIVE END PLS ACK HOLD PLS cc Mr. Belmont
[Verso of PAGE TWO teletype. Blank except for stamp:] RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Jun 30 1 31 PM '50 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: July 18, 1950
FROM : SAC, Chicago
SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS
(b)(7)(D) - INFORMANT
The following is submitted for information of the Bureau for whatever
action it may deem advisable.
On July 1, 1950, (b)(7)(D), of known reliability, advised that at 1:00 a.m.
July 1, 1950, at North Chicago, Illinois, east intersection of 22nd
Street and the Chicago, North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad and Chicago
Northwestern Railroad tracks, (b)(7)(D)
(b)(7)(D)
, he observed one cigar-shaped object,
about five feet in appearance from his viewpoint, traveling from north-
western to southeastern direction at an excessive rate of speed over the
Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois. According to the in-
formant, this object appeared almost directly overhead at an altitude
which he estimated to be about 15,000 to 20,000 feet, and it remained in
sight for about twenty to twenty-five seconds until it disappeared over
the horizon.
This informant advised the object did not appear like any falling star
or meteor he had ever seen, and that it proceeded in a straight and
level flight. The informant continued that the front two-thirds of the
object was a constant glow about the coloring of a burning kerosene
lamp, and that the rear third was dark. He continued that the object
left a bluish-white trail behind it, appearing to be about four inches
in width, and about three times the length of the object. The informant
advised that there were no wings or other type of support visible to
him, and that the propulsion, control and stability were unknown to him.
He advised that the speed of this object was much faster than any con-
ventional type of aircraft he had ever seen, although it did not travel
as fast as a falling star. He added that there was no sound discernible.
With regard to the informant, it is to be noted that (b)(7)(D)
(b)(7)(D)
It is to be noted that he advised there were no other witnesses who saw
the aforementioned object.
This informant has furnished reliable information to the Chicago Division
in the past, is of average intelligence, and considered of good character
and reputation.
cc: (b)(7)(D)
JHS:RMS
100-18999
RECORDED - 118 62-83894-235
JUL 20 1950
34
[Handwritten: Sec Clgy 7-28, elm, ch-32]
[Signature][Routing distribution box at left margin, partially cut off]
SAC, CHICAGO July 28, 1950
Director, FBI
FLYING DISCS
Chicago File 100-18999
Bufile 62-83894
Reurlet July 18, 1950.
You are instructed to advise the Bureau whether the information
contained in your reference letter has been furnished to the local office
of OSI in Chicago, Illinois in accordance with existing Bureau instructions.
RECORDED - 117
62-83894 - 235
EHM:DE
[Signatures at bottom right: Bls, AB, Etm, Clton]
MAILED 10
50 AUG [?] 1950
COMM-FBI
[Routing stamps at bottom, partially illegible]FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION JUL 4 1950 TELETYPE FBI HOUSTON 7-4-50 2-35 PM CST /FB S64 DIRECTOR URGENT [Handwritten: Mossberg, Efm] FLYING DISC REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN FOUND NEAR ALICE, TEXAS JULY FOURTH INFORMATION CONCERNING. SAN ANTONIO TELEPHONICALLY ADVISED THIS OFFICE BUREAU BEING INFORMED THAT SUBJECT DISC DESCRIBED AS APPROXIMATELY FIVE FEET IN DIAMETER, ELYPTICAL IN SHAPE AND BEARING SERIAL NUMBER X DASH ONE FOUR SEVEN A AND INSTRUCTIONS QUOTE DO NOT TOUCH UNQUOTE. RESIDENT AGENT CORPUS CHRISTI STATES THAT LOCAL RADIO REPORTS THIS DISCOVERY TO BE A HOAX. FURTHER INQUIRY BEING MADE AND BUREAU WILL BE ADVISED. CAPTAIN O. C. WETZELL, SECURITY OFFICER ELLINGTON FIELD AIR FORCE ADVISED AND REPORTED HIS OFFICE HAD NO INFORMATION RE SUBJECT DISC. PRESS INQUIRIES OF THIS OFFICE WILL BE ANSWERED WITH NO COMMENT UACB. RECORDED - 118 62-83894-235 LORTON END AC PLS 441PM OK FBI WASH DC CCW M 51 JUL 24 1950 cc: Mr. Belmont [Handwritten: 7-430 44[?]PM Press release OK Re Mr. Nichols E] [Routing box: Mr. Tolson, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Belmont, Mr. Mohr, Tele. Room, Mr. Nease, Miss Gandy]
[Verso of July 4, 1950 Houston teletype (first). Body text visible in reverse (bleed-through), [ILLEGIBLE].] RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Jul 4 4 42 PM '50 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED Jul 5 1 08 PM '50 RECD ESPIONAGE F B I U. S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED-LADD U S DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I Jul 5 11 09 AM '50 RECD BELMONT F. B. I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Jul 5 11 43 AM '50 RECEIVED-LADD U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I Jul 5 9 33 AM '50 RECEIVED-DIRECTOR U S DEPT OF JUSTICE F B I Jul 5 10 30 AM '50
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION JUL 4 1950 TELETYPE FBI HOUSTON 7-4-50 3-50 PM CST ICF DIRECTOR, FBI URGENT FLYING DISC REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN FOUND NEAR ALICE, TEXAS JULY FOURTH, INFORMATION CONCERNING. STOKES MCENHEIMER, CHIEF OF POLICE ALICE, TEXAS ADVISES THAT ON THIS DATE A SMALL ELYPTICAL CONTRAPTION WAS FOUND IN A FIELD ABOUT ONE HUNDRED YARDS NORTHWEST OF MUNICIPAL AIRPORT ALICE, TEXAS. UPON EXAMINATION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT OBJECT WAS CONSTRUCTED BY WELDING A PORTION OF TWO AIRPLANE WINGS TOGETHER. THE CONTRIVANCE WAS FRESHLY PAINTED AND BORE THE MARKINGS DESCRIBED IN REFERENCE TELETYPE, AND HAD NO MOTOR OR MEANS OF PROPULSION. THE CHIEF OF POLICE REMOVED THE OBJECT TO THE POLICE STATION AND UPON INQUIRY DETERMINED THAT IT HAD BEEN CONSTRUCTED BY A GROUP OF MECHANICS AT THE ALICE AIRPORT AS A PRACTICAL JOKE. AIR FORCE OFFICIALS ELLINGTON FIELD ADVISED. NO FURTHER INQUIRES TO BE MADE. LORTON CORRECTION LAST WORD ON LINE TWO IS "ALICE" END ACK 5-54 PM OK FBI WASH DC ED cc: Mr. Belmont RECORDED - 118 62-83894-237 [Date stamp, partially illegible] EX-[?] [AIRED RELEASE ONLY?] 51 JUL 24 1950 [Handwritten: Nc, 5-Etm] [Routing box: Mr. Tolson, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Belmont, Mr. Mohr, Tele. Room, Mr. Nease, Miss Gandy]
[Verso of July 4, 1950 Houston teletype (second). Body text visible in reverse (bleed-through), [ILLEGIBLE].] RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Jul 4 5 54 PM '50 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED Jul 5 4 46 PM '50 RECD ESPIONAGE F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED-LADD U S DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I Jul 5 10 34 AM '50 RECEIVED-NICHOLS U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE F B I Jul 5 12 19 PM '50 RECD BELMONT F. B. I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Jul 5 1 48 PM '50 RECEIVED-TOLSON Jul 5 10 17 AM '50
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
JUL 4 1950
TELETYPE
FBI SAN ANTONIO 7-4-50 1-30 PM JMW
DIRECTOR FBI
FLYING DISC FOUND AT ALICE, TEXAS, JULY FOUR, FIFTY, INTERNAL SECURITY
DASH R. CAA REPRESENTATIVES SAN ANTONIO, ADVISED THIS OFFICE AT TWELVE
FIFTEEN P. M. THIS DATE THAT THEY HAD RECEIVED INFORMATION FROM THEIR
REPRESENTATIVE AT ALICE THAT A FLYING DISC HAD BEEN FOUND BETWEEN THE
MUNICIPAL AIRPORT AND THE CITY OF ALICE. DISC IS ELLIPITICAL SHAPE,
FOUR TO FIVE FEET IN DIAMETER, HAS TWO RADIO AERIALS, SLOTS OR HOLES
INDICATING JET OR ROCKET PROPULSION. DISC HAS NO. X ONE FOUR SEVEN A,
PRINTED ON IT, TOGETHER WITH QUOTE DO NOT TOUCH UNQUOTE. LOCAL RADIO
NEWSCAST QUOTES CHIEF OF POLICE, ALICE, TEXAS AS STATING FLYING
DISC A HOAX. OSI, KELLY AFB AND HOUSTON OFFICE ADVISED.
WEEKS
END RECORDED - 118 162-83894-238
ACK PLS [stamp]
331PM OK FBI WASH DC CCW 5
V 51 JUL 24 1950
[Signature]
cc: Mr. Belmont
[Routing box: Mr. Tolson, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Belmont, Mr. Mohr, Tele. Room, Mr. Nease, Miss Gandy][ILLEGIBLE] RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Jul 4 3 32 PM '50 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE [ILLEGIBLE] RECEIVED DIRECTOR U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I Jul 4 5 45 PM '50
62-83894-239
[ILLEGIBLE] [PHOTOGRAPH]
[PHOTOGRAPH]
To whom it may concern: I would like to know just how much truth is in Donald Keyhoe's book "The Flying Saucers Are Real," published this year by the Fawcett Publications, Inc. Keyhoe quotes a vast amount of information from the Air Force, and the F.B.I. Sincerely yours, J.L. Adams nml ack 7-[ILLEGIBLE]-50 DDC JUL 5 12 20 [ILLEGIBLE] RECORDS OF [ILLEGIBLE] RECORDED - 71 62-83894-239 JUL 18 1950 3 h
July 11, 1950
RECORDED 71
INDEXED 71 62-83894-239
Mr. Glenn Lee Adams
921 South 40th Street
Louisville 11, Kentucky
Dear Mr. Adams:
Your card postmarked July 3, 1950, has
been received and it is suggested that you may
wish to correspond directly with the Secretary
of the Air Force, National Defense Building, The
Pentagon, Washington 25, D. C., since the matter
to which you referred has been handled by that
agency.
I am sure you will find on a close
examination of the book you mentioned that it
contains no quotations from the FBI but merely
mentions this agency.
Sincerely yours,
J. Edgar Hoover
John Edgar Hoover
Director
NOTE: Correspondent refers to a book "The Flying Saucers
are Real" by Donald Keyhoe, which has been read and will
be reviewed by the Crime Records Section in the near fu-
ture. The book mentions briefly that the FBI was investigating
flying saucers and that the Bureau Agents witnessed saucers
at Las Vegas, New Mexico, 12-8-48. It is not malicious
in the references to the FBI. By Keyhoe who wrote the article
on saucers for True Magazine.
DDC:mjp:mad
MAILED 17
JUL 13 1950
COMM - FBI
Tolson___
Ladd____
Clgg____
Glavin__
Nichols_
Rosen___
Tracy___
Harbo___
Belmont_
Mohr____
Tele. Room
Adams___
Gandy___
[ILLEGIBLE stamps and initials]STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : Director, FBI DATE: 8/2/50
FROM : SAC, Louisville
SUBJECT: ALF E. HIXENBAUGH's Photographs
of Flying Saucers;
INFORMATION CONCERNING
On June 28, 1950, the Louisville Times, a newspaper of general
circulation published at Louisville, Kentucky, carried a two
column cut showing three frames of a movie camera film of what
purported to be a moving picture of a flying saucer. The photo-
graphs, taken by ALF (AL) HIXENBAUGH, Times staff photographer,
were taken, HIXENBAUGH said, on a 16 mm magazine-loading movie
camera.
The news article, accompanying the photographs, stated HIXENBAUGH
took 50 feet of film in which "the bright flying object shows
clearly." The photographer, according to the article, was at
Longest and Everett Avenues near his home, 2205 Longest, at 4:15
p.m., June 27, 1950, on his way to take some moving pictures of
birds. The article relates that HIXENBAUGH "suddenly heard the
roar of a big plane -- a twin-motored DC-3 -- and glanced over-
head. At first he thought it was a jet plane then he looked to
the west of the plant, which was flying southwest toward Standi-
ford Field -- and saw the large disk. It had a slight corona
around it and seemed to be lower than the plane."
According to HIXENBAUGH, the object appeared "motionless for about
ten seconds ... then it began to get smaller, finally vanishing into
the west." The article notes that while the "saucer" appeared on
all the film HIXENBAUGH took, the airplane was out of the picture
field quickly, appearing on only about 10 feet. HIXENBAUGH, accord-
ing to the article, advised military officers at Godman Field who
in turn notified flight headquarters at Wright-Patterson Field.
A copy of the newspaper article and photographs are being forwarded
to the Bureau as enclosures.
A subsequent newspaper article stated that representatives of the
military would fly to Louisville to examine the films. In addition
to being printed in the Louisville Times, the movie film taken by
HIXENBAUGH was carried on a national television network and received
national comment from WALTER WINCHELL. HIXENBAUGH has received tele-
phonic and written queries concerning subject matter of the picture
HTH/whp
Ls #62-
Encl.
4
Enclosures-3
ENCLOSURE ATTACHED
RECORDED - 118 62-83894-240
AUG 4 1950
3
EX-95
51 AUG 8 195[0] EX-95
FIVE [ILLEGIBLE][REVERSE SIDE OF DOCUMENT] [ILLEGIBLE bleed-through text] RECEIVED Aug 9 5 20 PM [ILLEGIBLE] INTERNAL SECURITY SN RECORDS ESPIONAGE F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
Ls #62-0
from various persons and organizations throughout the United States,
he said.
On July 28, 1950, HIXENBAUGH telephonically communicated with the
Louisville Division stating that he had been advised that a repre-
sentative of one of the Army Intelligence Agencies would be in Louis-
ville on Saturday, July 29, 1950, to view the film. He expressed fear
that the persons who might be contacting him might be unauthorized in-
dividuals and asked if he could bring the film to the FBI office for
clearance. HIXENBAUGH was advised that the Bureau did not clear em-
ployees of other agencies and if he had doubt as to their authenticity
he should check with the agency they professed to represent. HIXEN-
BAUGH was advised that in the event they were not representatives of
the agency they professed to represent, the information should be fur-
nished this office and appropriate action would be taken under the Im-
personation Statute.
On July 29, 1950, ROBERT STEINAU, 1608 South Second Street, Louisville,
staff photographer for the Courier-Journal, a newspaper of general cir-
culation published in Louisville, Kentucky, personally called at the
Louisville Office. STEINAU stated that he and WILLIAM DAVIS, who is
in charge of photographers for both the Courier-Journal and Louisville
Times, doubted the authenticity of the photographs taken by HIXENBAUGH
and went on to state that approximately two years ago HIXENBAUGH took
what he claimed was a night photograph of a "flying disk". The photo-
graph was published at that time in the Louisville Times and showed a
streak of light across the heavens. STEINAU said that he and DAVIS
subsequently were advised by a friend of HIXENBAUGH that the picture
was "a fraud". The friend related that HIXENBAUGH was lying on his
back on the ground with his camera pointing toward the sky when the
friend flipped one or more lighted matches across the focal plane of
the camera.
STEINAU said that HIXENBAUGH enjoys a poor reputation among other staff
photographers of the Courier-Journal and Louisville Times and he believes
HIXENBAUGH perpetrated both the original hoax concerning the flying disk
and this later "hoax" concerning the flying saucer to attract attention
to himself. STEINAU produced a print made from three frames of the orig-
inal motion picture negative submitted by HIXENBAUGH for television use.
He also furnished an enlargement of one of the frames. He called atten-
tion to the fact that the trees appearing in the photograph and the air-
plane appearing in the center background both are out of focus and appear
- 2 -Ls #62-0
"fuzzy". STEINAU called attention to the fact that the dot appear-
ing in the picture which was termed a "flying saucer" by HIXENBAUGH
appears in sharp detail. This, according to STEINAU, would indicate
that the disk was closer to the camera then either the trees or air-
plane. Although the pictures were taken at 64 frames per second,
which is calculated, according to STEINAU, to produce slow motion
action, the airplane appears in only the first few frames of the
negative and then disappears. The "saucer" appears stationary dur-
ing most of the frames but eventually appears to be growing smaller
in the distance.
STEINAU says he does not know how HIXENBAUGH performed the "trick
photography" but suggests that it could be done easily by focusing
the camera at a spot on a window and then moving the camera in a
straight line away from the window, thus giving the illusion that
the spot was disappearing into the distance.
For the further information of the Bureau it should be noted that the
photographic department of the Courier-Journal and The Louisville Times,
under the direction of WILLIAM DAVIS, furnishes staff photographs
for both the Courier-Journal and the Louisville Times, which newspapers
are operated under one ownership.
The above is furnished for the Bureau's information.
- 3 -2 THE LOUISVILLE TIMES
Movies Snapped of Sky Disk
By Alert Times Photographer
Yes, we have some flying saucers today, and for the first time,
here are moving pictures for proof.
Many have reported seeing the
saucers but it remained for Al
Hixenbaugh to do something
about it—with his trusty 16 mm.
magazine-loading movie camera.
"Hix," Times staff photog-
rapher, took 50 feet of film in
which the bright flying object
shows clearly in all. Army of-
ficials have been informed and
have indicated eagerness to ex-
amine the pictures.
The photographer was at Long-
est and Everett Avenues, near his
home at 2205 Longest, at 4:15 p.m.
yesterday. He was on his way to
take some movies of birds.
* * *
Suddenly he heard the roar of
a big plane — a twin-motored
DC-3 — and glanced overhead. At
first he thought it was a jet
plane. Then he looked to the
west of the plane, which was
flying southwest toward Standi-
ford Field — and saw the large
disk. It had a slight corona
around it and seemed to be lower
than the plane.
He aimed his camera and fired.
While he ground out the film, he
said, the object appeared motion-
less for about 10 seconds.
"It stood practically still, like
a balloon," he said.
Then it began to get smaller,
finally vanishing into the west.
While the "saucer" appears on
all of the film he took, the plane
was out of the picture field
quickly, appearing only on about
10 feet. The disk was within his
vision "about a minute."
"Hix" contacted the newsroom
at WHAS and from there Jerry
Gammons called Standiford
and Bowman Fields and weather
officials. None had heard any
reports of a "flying saucer." He
was advised to inform military
officials at Godman Field.
Godman said it would notify
flight headquarters at Wright-
Patterson Field which might
send an aide to examine the
films.
By Times Staff Photographer
Here's Real Flying Saucer, If There Is One
This is what a "flying saucer" looks like, if there really is such
a thing. Al Hixenbaugh, Times' photographer, snapped movies of
the object yesterday. The object appears almost as big as the twin-
motored DC-3 to the right.
ENCLOSURE
62-83894-240
The Louisville Times
Louisville, Kentucky
June 28, 1950STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : Director, FBI DATE: August 2, 1950
FROM : SAC, Chicago
SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS
(Bufile 62-33894[ILLEGIBLE])
Etm Mossberg
ReBulet July 28, 1950.
The Bureau is advised that the information set forth in Chicago
let dated July 18, 1950 and the information submitted to the
Bureau by Chicago let dated July 31, 1950 entitled "ROBERT R.
PETRONE, INFORMANT, FLYING DISCS" has been submitted to OSI.
WLR-JCS
100-18999
RECORDED - 103 62-83894-241
AUG 4 1950
8
EX-71
R141
63 AUG 10 1950
RECEIVED [ILLEGIBLE]
FIVE [ILLEGIBLE]
RECEIVED [ILLEGIBLE][REVERSE SIDE OF DOCUMENT] [ILLEGIBLE bleed-through text] RECEIVED Aug 9 [ILLEGIBLE] PM [ILLEGIBLE] INTERNAL SECURITY SN RECORDS ESPIONAGE F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
[ILLEGIBLE] RM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : Director, FBI DATE: July 31, 1950
FROM : SAC, Chicago
AIR MAIL
SUBJECT: ROBERT R. PETRONE, INFORMANT SPECIAL DELIVERY
FLYING DISCS
Etm Mossberg
On July 28, 1950, Mr. ROBERT R. PETRONE, Publisher, Midwest Times,
3437 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, phone KEdzie 3-8400, brought to
this office the original letter and envelope attached, postmarked
July 25, 1950 at Chicago, which letter is quoted below:
"New Flying Saucer DEFERRED RECOR[D]
"Since we are on the brink of a third world conflict, the
world is more air concious than ever. Aviation in some
phases is yet in its pioneering days. Much talk goes on
about the flying saucers or discs. The saucer we speak
about, is not a military secret, and is not yet owned by
any government. The flying saucer which was seen over
south Chicago last April is a large fuel tank with crystal
glass wings. It has two large jet engines on both sides.
It is radion controled. It resembles a saucer very much
when in flight. The wings cannot be seen on a clear day.
This is so it is a most difficult target for anti aircraft
gunners. The reason for the large flat gas or fuel tank
is to give the ship a long range for atomic bombing. The
ship was designed by FRED SPAUNHOLDT, a former 'Linco'
skywriter, FRANK HOOCHPAW, aircraft mechanic, and CARL
TEICHMAN, German World War I ace. The ship was financed
by HOWARD HUGHES, millionaire aviation enthusiast. It is
now being tested by the Glen F. Martin Aircraft Co., makers
of the Martin Marauder. The craft is only made for one
way trips. It has a range of 4000 miles, ceiling of
25,000 feet, and a speed of 750 miles per hour. So far
only a few of these craft have been made, and they usually
are pitched in the lake or ocean as they cannot be landed.
They are merely to carry a bomb of high destruction to
enemy country. They have no wheels, but small steel rails
on the bottom from which they take off. All other mechanism
can be explained in detail. The man who welded the ship
says it is by far the best long range bombing instrument
he has ever seen. The name of the ship is the 'Danse
Macabre'.
"Editor
"In a few weeks zinc cuts showing 3 views of craft will be
sent to you.
EX. 83 62-83894-242
RECORDED - 113 AUG 4 1950
INDEXED - 113 24
"Yours [ILLEGIBLE]
"/s/ ALBERT HOLMBERG"
Enclosure
BRS:bam
100-18999
EX. 83
3 ENCL
ENCLOSURE ATTACHED
8/3/50
1 cc. forwarded to OSI [ILLEGIBLE]
55 AUG 11 195[0][REVERSE SIDE OF DOCUMENT] [ILLEGIBLE bleed-through text] CORRELATION - LIAISON F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED Aug 2 1 38 PM [ILLEGIBLE] U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I AUG 3 12 12 PM [ILLEGIBLE] RECEIVED RECORDS RECORDS RECID BELMONT Aug [ILLEGIBLE] 4 43 PM [ILLEGIBLE] RECEIVED AUG 9 11 AM [ILLEGIBLE]60 113 [ILLEGIBLE]
Director, FBI, 7/31/50
Mr. PETRONE states that no one connected with the Midwest Times
knows of anyone named "ALBERT HOLMBERG", nor do they know of
anyone who lives in the circulation area of their paper with that
name. The Midwest Times has a circulation of 15,000 copies which
papers are distributed in a small area in the northwest section of
Chicago.
Mr. PETRONE stated he did not want to publish this letter as he felt
the Army desired that the matter be kept confidential. He will
contact this office again if he receives the "zinc cuts" or has any
other corresponcence from HOLMBERG. He felt that HOLMBERG might
send the same information to other publishers who may print the
story.
There was no return address for HOLMBERG on either the envelope or
the letter. There is, however, an ALBERT HOLMBERG listed in the
telephone directory at 2065 North Kedzie and an ALBERT F. HOLMBERG
at 11328 South Prairie Street, Chicago.
This information is being transmitted to the Bureau for such action
as it deems appropriate.
The Chicago indices are negative regarding HOLMBERG.
- 2 -62-83894-242
CHICAGO JUL 25 6 PM 1950 ILL. Midwest News 3435 W. Chicago Ave. Chicago, Ill. 62-83894-242
[ILLEGIBLE]
3.
Martin Aircraft Co. Makers of
the Martin Marauder. The
craft is only made for one
way trips. It has a range
of 4000 miles. Ceiling of 25000
feet, and a speed of 750
miles per hour. So far only
a few of these craft have been
made, and they usually
are pitched in the lake
or ocean, as they cannot
be landed. They are merely to
carry a bomb of high destruction
to enemy country. They have no
wheels, but small steel rails
on the bottom from which
they take off. All other
mechanism can be explained in
detail.
4.
The man who welded the ship
says it is by far the best
long range bombing instrument
he has ever seen. The
name of the ship is the
"Danse Macabre".
Editor
In a few weeks zinc cuts
showing 3 views of craft
will be sent to you.
Yours truly
albert Holmberg62-83894-242 [Two blank pages in plastic sleeves, labeled 62-83894-242 on each]
New Flying Saucer Since we are on the brink of a Third World conflict, the world is more air conscious than ever. Aviation in some phases, is yet in its pioneering days. Much talk goes on about the flying saucers or discs. The saucer we speak about, is not a military secret, and is not yet owned by any government. The flying saucer which was seen over south Chicago last april, is a large fuel tank with crystal glass wings. It has two large jet engines on both sides. It is rodion controled. It resembles a saucer very much when in flight. 62-83894-242 [Page 4] The wings cannot be seen on a clear day. This is so it is a most difficult target for anti aircraft gunners. The reason for the large flat gas or fuel tank is to give the ship a long range for atomic bombing. The ship was designed by Fred Spaunholdt, a former "Jims" skywriter. Franks Hoochpaw, aircraft mechanic, and Carl Teichman German world war I are. The ship was financed by Howard Hughes, millionaire aviation enthusiast. It is now being tested by the [ILLEGIBLE]. 62-83894-242
To the F.B.I. July 20/50
Dear Sir:
N.R.P. 11-50
The answer to your letter as near as I know
This letter is to the best of my Remery about the Beast Saucer that hit the top of a fig ash tree my truck park under it at night. FLYING SAUCERS
When I came to the to go to work I heard a whistly sound just as I was start to git in the truck and then the Saucer hit the top of the tree an I taken of an left the truck and call Oak Park Ill Police at July 20/50 at 6.29 am o clock.
Then a four a month later I found a note in the truck seat when I was call out on a trip at 9 30 o clock at night I taken to the Police here. [ILLEGIBLE]
as near as I can Remeber it Said Leave the Cote that is a Pealoff Paper that was in the Saucer leave it out where the Right Party can git.
on the Secon Paper it said the Saucer was not men for you that is a Coade of mape of big city an atomic [ILLEGIBLE] 62-83894-
RECORDED - 108
[Dat] AUG 14 1950 r Bisness dont mis.
[ILLEGIBLE][Blank lined page, torn and damaged, with tape residue] [Stamps, printed upside down at bottom:] RECEIVED FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE Jul 24 4:19 PM '50 MR. JONES [RECEIVED] RECORDS SEC[TION] Jul 24 2:52 PM '50
If that would been Look in to then it might been a Grate iger now I sent it to the Repulic Partie at Washington D.C. F. Ray Turner. 217 S maple ave. Oak Park Ill.
62-83894-244 CHANGED TO 62-48563-7X NOV 13 1951 mmb C
[DECLASSIFIED
Authority
NND 90986]
CONFIDENTIAL
[stamp: Sa[?] [?], 1950
September 8, 1950]
ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS UNCLASSIFIED EXCEPT WHERE SHOWN OTHERWISE
Mr. Walter D. Jones
36 King Street, East
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Dear Mr. Jones:
I have received your letter of August 29, 1950, and want to thank you for bringing the information contained therein to the attention of this Bureau.
The Department of the Air Force is the Department of this Government engaged in coordinating and analyzing the type of information contained in your referenced letter. I have taken the liberty, therefore, in furnishing your letter to that Department for their attention.
Sincerely yours,
Classified by 2040
Exempt from GDS, Category 1 8/31/77 H9m
Date of Declassification Indefinite
John Edgar Hoover
Director
EHM:eas [?]
62-83894-24[5]
[stamps: SEP 8 1950 / COMM-FBI]
Note: Bureau files reflect that a Walter D. Jones in 1944 was the Treasurer of the National Council for Canadian-Soviet Friendship located at 80 King Street, Toronto, Ontario. The RCMP advised in February, 1945 that Walter D. Jones was a prominent Canadian businessman and was not known to be connected in any way with the Labor Progressive Party (CP of Canada). The RCMP further advised that the National Council for Canadian-Soviet Friendship was formed primarily by persons prominent in the business life of Canada. According to the RCMP, the list of patrons included the Prime Minister of Canada, many of the Lieutenant Governors of the Provinces, the Premiers of the Provinces and several of the Chief Justices of Canada.
(100-309856, Serials 1 & 5)
CONFIDENTIALWALTER D. JONES
36 KING STREET EAST
TORONTO, ONT.
August 29, 1950.
Gentlemen:
It has come to my attention that one of the Departments of the F.B.I. is collecting information from eyewitnesses of the phenomenon commonly termed 'Flying Saucers' and with this in view I have the following incident to relate.
On July 19th at 10:30 I was looking over my farm facing west. The moon was fairly full and there was a low ceiling of light clouds. Much to my amazement I saw through the clouds a hazy object of light coming towards the farmhouse with incredible speed. It circled before reaching the farmhouse and continued to do so, neither the height or the orbit of which I could determine. I could not distinguish its shape, as it was above the clouds and I could only see a filter of light.
This was an entity in itself or within itself. It did not come from a beam either above or below. At times it seemed to retard its speed and then would circle in the opposite direction. After watching this spectacle for about ten minutes I felt in justice to myself that I should have corroboration so I called to my houseman who was in bed who came out in slippers and bathrobe and watched it with me for about ten minutes with mouth agape. I continued to watch it in all for about thirty-five minutes, from 10:30 p.m. to 11:05 p.m. when it disappeared in a westerly direction.
I am passing this along to you for what it is worth. If you are not interested throw it in the waste paper basket.
Yours very truly,
RECORDED - 90 [signature: Walter D. Jones]
INDEXED - 90
The Federal Bureau of Investigation,
Department of Investigation,
Washington, D.C.,
U.S.A.
P.S. My farm is located twelve miles northeast of City Hall, Toronto.SERVICE UNIT 4-22a
SEARCH SLIP
Supervisor [Trossburg?] Room 3708
Subj: Walter D. Jones
___ Exact Spelling Searchers
_✓_ All References Initial pc
_✓_ Subversive Ref. Date 9-6-50
___ Main File
___ Restricted to Locality of
Canada
on the nose
FILE NUMBER SERIALS
100-309856-1,5,
100- 3a
[signature: Tele S Etter?]
Initialed