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4-598 (REV. 1-20-73) HQ - HEADQUARTERS FBI - CENTRAL RECORDS CENTER BUREAU DESTROY FOIPA # 993087 INVESTIGATION [STAMP:] [STAMP:] [STAMP:] USE CARE IN HANDLING THIS FILE PICKETT STREET Transfer-Call 3421
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Office Memorandum UN. STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Director, FBI - Attention: Assistant Director D. M. LADD FROM: SAC, San Francisco DATE: August 8, 1947 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS Reference is made to my letter to the Bureau dated July 28, 1947 entitled as above forwarding a copy of a report furnished to me by Lieutenant Colonel DONALD SPRINGER, A-2, Fourth Air Force, Hamilton Field, California setting forth the results of inquiries made by his office concerning the reported sightings of flying discs. As of further interest to the Bureau in this regard, there are transmitted herewith photostatic copies of three letters dated August 4, 1947 and entitled "Investigation of Flying Discs," furnished to me by Major WILLIAM R. GRAHAM, Deputy AC of S., A-2, Army Air Forces, Hamilton Field, California who is acting in the absence of Lieutenant Colonel SPRINGER enclosing copies of reports of additional reported sightings of flying discs by persons in Oregon and Arizona together with the results of their investigations in that regard. It is noted that these investigations were conducted prior to the time Bureau instructions were issued that our own Bureau would conduct inquiries into the reported sightings of flying discs. Copies of these reports are being forwarded to the Portland and Phoenix Offices for the completion of their files in connection with this subject. STAMP: G.I.R.9 RECORDED & INDEXED [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE
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[STAMP: FBI INTERNAL SECURITY] [STAMP: RECEIVED-LAOD Aug 12 4:42 PM '47] [STAMP: RECEIVED Aug 19 5:10 PM '47] Rules: - Output the visible text exactly as it appears, preserving line breaks. - Black bars or boxes covering text → write [REDACTED] - Handwritten annotations → prefix with [HW:] - Stamps → prefix with [STAMP:] - Form labels and their values: keep them on adjacent lines - If a small region is illegible, write [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE for that region - If the rest of the page is blank or you have transcribed everything visible, STOP. Do not repeat [ILLEGIBLE] to fill space. - Output ONLY the page transcription — no commentary, summary, or explanation.
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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: DIRECTOR, FBI FROM: SAC, NEWARK DATE: August 13, 1947 SUBJECT: FLYING DISC REPORTED AT HACKENSACK, NEW JERSEY AUGUST 3, 1947 - MISCELLANEOUS Reference is made to the teletype from the Newark Division to the Bureau dated August 4, 1947 stating that a "Flying Disc" had been reported to have been seen at Hackensack, New Jersey on August 3 last by one CHARLES CASELLA, JR. and WILLIAM TRUEX. CHARLES CASELLA, JR., 287 Euclid Avenue, Hackensack, upon interview by Special Agent ARTHUR F. WILLIAMS of this Division stated that on August 3 he had been standing with WILLIAM TRUEX a soldier stationed at Fort Dix observing a "ham" radio rig atop a two-story house on Simons Avenue Hackensack. It was approximately 7:45 p.m., and they were in this vicinity for the purpose of meeting TRUEX's girlfriend one JOYCE Mc FARLAND. TRUEX commented to CASELLA that a child had apparently lost its balloon. CASELLA looked and about a block or a half block away noticed a round black object moving from south to north and east of the stop where he and TRUEX were standing. CASELLA noticed that it was moving too fast to be an ordinary balloon but he could not discern whether it was globular in form or a disc. He said it was about thirty to forty inches in diameter moving north in a horizontal plane about two hundred yards above the top of the hill at Summit Avenue and Simons Avenue. It proceeded at a steady rate emitted no rays and was moving fast enough to require them to turn their heads steadily in order to follow it. TRUEX's girlfriend came out about fifteen seconds after they first sighted it. They pointed it out to her and she said that it looked like a bird on the horizon so small. It faded out of sight shortly thereafter. CASELLA said that a line drawn along its apparent course of flight would go from the vicinity of Bendix New Jersey to a point west of Westwood New Jersey. CASELLA also said that man on the porch across the street also noticed it and pointed it out to women CASELLA said that this man seemed excited but did nothing about it. CASELLA said that he was positive it was no optical illusion He was not facing into the sun and saw the object clearly He also said that he would have thought nothing of except for speed at which it was traveling. RECORDED SE-162-83894-53 INDEXED EX-50 STAMP: EX-50 ONCE
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[STAMP: F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY] [ILLEGIBLE] 22 24 PM
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Letter to Bureau August 13, 1947 Miss JOYCE Mc FARLAND, 476 Simons Avenue, upon interview by Special Agent WILLIAMS, stated that the event in question occurred at about 7:30 on the evening of Sunday, August 3. She said that she was in the house when CASELIA or TRUEX called to her. She went out immediately, and they pointed out the object in question. She saw it just before it disappeared over the horizon, but she declared that it was in view from that time for approximately one minute. She said it was round and silver-blue in color and appeared to be revolving. She said that she did not recall making any comment that it might have been a bird and herself had no idea of what it could be. In view of the distance from which she noticed it, she said that it could not have been more than six inches in diameter but would have been much larger if she had been near to it. Miss Mc FARLAND said that she had never seen anything like it before. She said that across the street the BOOTHS, mother and daughter, were the only people sitting on the porch and she, herself, did not notice anyone pointing toward the object in question. The only other person around, to her knowledge, was GLORIA TRUEX, sister of WILLIAM TRUEX, who remained in the house and did not see the object at all. Mrs. WINFIELD S. BOOTH, 459 Simons Avenue, stated that she was on the porch on the evening in question with her mother but did not notice any unusual object in the sky nor had any man been present there to point out the object in question. The following information was received from TRUEX through interview by Special Agent T. HOWARD WALDRON: Private WILLIAM A. TRUEX, RA 12282003 Company G 2nd Battalion 47th Infantry Regiment 9th Division Fort Dix New Jersey advised he was born April 12 1930 at Jersey City New Jersey and completed eight and one half years of school He enlisted in United States Army on May 29 1947 His mother is Mrs GRACE FIELDS of [HW:88] Wales Avenue River Edge Bergen County New Jersey TRUEX stated that on Sunday August 3 [ILLEGIBLE] p.m he was standing outside home girlfriend Miss JOYCE Mc FARLAND [HW:478] Simons Avenue Hackensack New Jersey accompanied by CHARLES CASELLA of [HW:287 Euclid Avenue Hackensack New Jersey who is his sister's fiance He said tnat he and CASELIA were looking at radio antenna home near address when they noticed an object
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Letter to Bureau August 13, 1947 about two to three feet in diameter moving rapidly about two hundred yards off the ground. TRUEX said he thought at first it was a child's balloon, but when he noticed there was no wind and the object had no strings to it, he decided it was something else. He stated the object was moving in a steady, straight path, going north, and he said there was no exhaust or indication of any motive power for the object. TRUEX said they observed the object for fifteen or twenty seconds. He could not give a description of the object's color or the material it was composed of but said it looked more like a large, flat child's cup than anything else he could think of, as the object was oval on the top and came to a point on the bottom side. TRUEX said that CASELLA stated "Maybe it's a flying saucer". He said he had never seen anything move through the air quite like this object, and he had no idea where it came from. TRUEX stated that neither ne nor CASELLA had had anything to drink, and there was sufficient light for them to observe the object very clearly. The "Flying Disc" was reported by CASELLA to Sergeant JAMES PERONE of the Hackensack Police Department. Sergeant PERONE advised the writer that his Department had taken no further action nor had they received reports of the object in question from any other source. It may be noted that no other Police Department in the vicinity has brought to the attention of this Division any information regarding this matter. -3-
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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION AUG 5 1947 TELETYPE FBI DETROIT 8-5-47 5-08 PM EST JOH DIRECTOR, FBI URGENT UNSUBS, RAYMOND EDWARD LAND, MRS. LAURA [REDACTED], INFORMATNTS, FLYING DISC, MISC. INFO RECEIVED FROM DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY, MIDLAND, MICHIGAN, THAT ON JULY TEN LAST RAYMOND EDWARD LANE AN EMPLOYEE OF DOW AND SUBSIDIARY SINCE ABOUT NINETEEN TWENTY TWO BROUGHT SOME MATERIAL TO THEIR PHYSICS LABORATORY STATING THAT ABOUT FIVE FEETEN PM JULY NINE LAST HE AND WIFE LAURA LANE WERE WALKING IN A FIELD OWNED BY DOW AND ABOUT A HUNDRED FEET AWAY HEARD A PUFF NOISE TURNED AND SAW A BALL OF WHITE ABOUT THE SIZE OF A BUSHEL BAKET BURNING ABOUT A FOOT OFF THE GROUND. THE FIRE DIED OUT IMMEDIATELY AND LANE LATER SCOOPED UP A THREE INCH AREA OF FUSED SAND INTO A CAN AND TOOK THIS TO THE PHYSICS LAB. BOTH COMPLAINANTS INTERVIEWED. RAYMOND TELLING SUBSTANTIALLY SAME STORY BUT WIFE RELUCTANT TO TALK AND VERY INDEFINITE ON WHAT HAPPENED. THERE ARE MAKRED DISCREPANCIES IN THEIR STORY. DOW AUTHORITIES CONSIDERED STORY FANTASTIC BUT HAVE EXAMINED MATERIAL AND STATE CONTENTS TO BE ORDINARY SAND NOT RADIOACTIVE BUT GIVING OFF AMMONIA GAS A SMALL SILVER NUGGET ALMOST PURE EXCEPT FOR SAND MISSED IN IT NOT RADIOACTIVE MELTED OR INDUSAND WHICH GIVES OFF AMMONIA ODOR AND LITTLE DROPLETS OF SILVER MELTED IN SAND AND SOME OTHER GRAYISH COLOR IN MATERIAL WHICH IS RADIOACTIVE LEVEL OF RADIO ACTIVITY EXTREMELY LOW EMPLOYEE FORMERLY EMPLOYED BY GOVERNMENT AT LOS ALAMOS PROJECT STATES FUSED SAND HAS SOME CHARACTERISTIC [STAMP: SE 16] [STAMP: 62-83894-54] [STAMP: 135]
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STAMP: F.B.I. STAMP: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE STAMP: INTERNAL SECURITY STAMP: F.B.I. STAMP: F.B.I. STAMP: F.B.I. RECEIVED RECEIVED RECEIVED Aug 6 9 28 AM 42 PM [ILLEGIBLE] Aug 5 6 42 PM [ILLEGIBLE] Aug 30 1 24 PM [ILLEGIBLE] F.B.I. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
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PAGE TWO OF LOS ALAMOS SAND BUT NOT BELIEVED TO BE THE SAME. RAYMOND LAND KNOWN TO HAVE IN HIS POSSESSION SMALL QUANTITY OF LUMINOUS PAINT, RADIO ACTIVE, TO BE AN AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER, TO HAVE LIMITED KNOWLEDGE OF CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS FROM EMPLOYMENT AT DOW. LAND DESCRIBED AS VERY PECULIAR, SURELY, ANTAGONISTIC TO PLANT PROTECTION OFFICERS, INTERESTED IN PHOTOGRAPHY AND ELECTRICITY. LANE IS WHITE, BORN MAY SEVEN, NINETEEN NAUGHT TWO, AT FREESOIL, MICHIGAN, FIVE FEET NINE AND ONE HALF, ONE HUNDRED FORTY FIVE POUNDS, DARK BROWN HAIR, PARTLY BALD, SERVED US ARMY NINETEEN EIGHTEEN TO NINETEEN TWENTY THREE, CONVICTED NINETEEN TWENTY FOUR MIDLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN FOR BURGLARY SERVING SIXTY DAY SENTENCE. NEITHER PARTY ADmits STORY IS A PRANK BUT LANE HAS MENTIONED FLYING DISCS AND ROCKETS. ON INTERVIEW LANE WAS RELUCTANT TO DISCUSS MATTER AND NEITHER HE NOR HIS WIFE ARE ABLE TO LOCATE THE EXACT LOCATION WHERE MATERIAL WAS FOUND. ARMY AIR FORCES INTELLIGENCE AT SELFRIDGE FIELD MICHIGAN, HAVE BEEN ADVISED. [STAMP: 30] SUTEL IF BUREAU DESIRES MATERIAL FORWARDED TO FBI LABORATORY FOR EXAMINATION. O-CONNOR CORRECTION LINE ONE WORD FOUR SHOULD RAXXX READ - LANE END 6-16 PM OK FBI WASH DC WJR Called Laboratory
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RECEIVED TELETEYPE UNIT AUG 5 6 18 PM '47 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE STAMP: F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY EP 30 I 24 PM '47 STAMP: F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY EP 6 I 42 PM '47
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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Mr. Ladd FROM: J. P. Coyne SUBJECT: UNKNOWN SUBJECTS; Raymond Edward Lane, Mrs. Laura Lane - Informants; FLYING DISC MISCELLANEOUS There is attached a memorandum setting forth the pertinent information received by the Detroit Office from Raymond Edward Lane and Mrs. Laura Lane relative to "flying discs." RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that this material be personally delivered by the Liaison Section to the appropriate contact in the War Department. Attachment RGF:MAW:EW [STAMP:] [STAMP:] [STAMP:] STOP
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STAMP: FBI STAMP: U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE RECEIVED LIAISON SECTION NOV 26 12 23 PM [ILLEGIBLE] RECEIVED LIAISON SECTION NOV 11 9 51 AM '47
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August 8, 1947 FLYING DISCS Information was received from the Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan, that on July 10, 1947, one Raymond Edward Lane, an employee of Dow Chemical Company since about 1922, brought some material to their Physics Laboratory. He stated that about 5:15 p.m., July 9, he and his wife, Laura, were walking in a field when they heard a puff noise about one hundred feet away. They turned and saw a ball of white about the size of a bushel basket burning approximately a foot off of the ground. The fire died out immediately and later Lane scooped up a three inch area of fused sand into a can for examination at their laboratory. Upon interview by FBI Agents, Raymond told substantially the same story, but Mrs. Lane was reluctant to talk and very indefinite about what happened. There were marked discrepancies in their stories. Dow authorities considered the story fantastic but have examined the material and state contents are: ordinary sand, not radio active; but giving off ammonia gas; a small silver nugget almost pure except for sand mixed in it; not radio active; melted or fused sand which gives off ammonia odor and little droplets of silver melted in sand and some grayish color material which is radio active. The level of radio activity in this material is extremely low. An employee of Dow, formerly employed by the Government at Los Alamos Project, stated the fused sand has some characteristics of Los Alamos sand but he does not believe it is the same. Raymond Lane is known to have in his possession a small quantity of luminous paint; radio active; to be an amateur photographer and to have limited knowledge of chemistry and physics. He is described as very peculiar surly antagonistic to plant protection officers and interested in photography and electricity. Lane is white was born May 7, 1902 at Freesoil Michigan. He is 5'9", weighs 145 pounds has dark brown hair partly bald served in the U.S. Army from 1918 to 1923. He was arrested for burglary in Midland County Michigan in 1924 for which he served a sixty day sentence. Neither Raymond Lane nor his wife will admit their story is a prank However neither are able to point out the exact location of this incident. The Army Airforce Intelligence at Selfridge Field Michigan has been advised and the material has been turned over to them.
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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION AUG 8 1947 TELEMETER WASH 9 FROM CGO 8-8-47 800 PM RLS DIRECTOR "URGENT" FLYING DISC SIGHTED BY MRS. ROBERT LITTLE, SECURITY MATER X. CHICAGO HERALD AMERICAN TODAY REPORTED THAT LITTLE OF SIX THREE TWO SEVEN HARPER AVENUE CHICAGO REPORTED SEEING A DISC THREE THIRTY AM TODAY SAILING ABOVE LAKE MICHIGAN OFF JACKSON PARK BEACH. LITTLE UNAVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW TODAY. FATHER IN LAW JOSEPH REINER, SIX THREE TWO SEVEN HARPER AVENUE, ADVISED LITTLE SIGHTED DISC OVER A MONTH AGO AND SHE IS EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. NO FURTHER INQUIRY CONTEMPLATED. MC SWAIN INDEXED #45 G.I.R.-9 RECORDED SE 17: 67-83894-563 15 AUG 12 1947
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RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Aug 8. 9:28 PM '47 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE TRIMETER STAMP: F.B.I. ILLEGIBLE ONCE ILLEGIBLE ONCE
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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: D. M. LADD FROM: E. G. Fitch DATE: 7/21/47 SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS Colonel Carl Golbranson of the Intelligence Division of the War Department advised Special Agent S. W. Reynolds of the Liaison Section that the War Department has received a telegram, dated New York, New York, July 5, as follows: "FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONCERNING FLYING DISKS SUGGEST IMMEDIATE CONTACT OF MR. RICHARD F. SHAVER LILY LAKE ILLINOIS WHO MAY HAVE IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING THEIR ORIGIN." Colonel Golbranson furnished Mr. Reynolds with a copy of the memorandum entitled "Report on Flying Saucers," dated July 7, 1947, addressed to Commanding General, 32d AAF Base Unit, Bolling Field, Washington, D. C., from John D. Schindler Jr., a copy of which is attached to this memorandum. The attached memorandum sets forth information and statistics regarding two reportings of incidents of flying disks. There is also attached hereto a map of the Illinois River area which was furnished to Mr. Reynolds by Colonel Golbranson. Colonel Golbranson stated that according to this map the incidents reported in the attached memorandum are in the general vicinity of Lily Lake, which was given as the address of Mr. Richard F. Shaver in the anonymous telegram received by the War Department. Colonel Golbranson advised that in view of the fact that the observation of the flying saucers was made on July 7th and the date of the unsigned telegram is July 5th, together with proximity Lily Lake to points where objects were observed he desired Bureau conduct some investigation Shaver determine whether or not he has any information pertaining origin flying saucers. Mr Reynolds advised Colonel Golbranson that his request would be made known you and results investigation would be brought attention. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that field be directed make inquiries regarding Shaver and if deemed advisable interview him regarding any information relative flying disks The results investigation should be forwarded Liaison Section for delivery Intelligence Division War Department. Attachments SWR:AJB [STAMP:]
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SAC, Chicago Director, FBI FLYING DISCS RECORDED EX-06 62- 83844-58 The War Department has furnished this Bureau with the following telegram dated July 5 at New York, New York: "FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONCERNING FLYING DISKS SUGGEST IMMEDIATE CONTACT OF MR. RICHARD F. SHAVER LILY LAKE ILLINOIS WHO MAY HAVE IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING THEIR ORIGIN." The War Department has furnished a memorandum entitled "Report on Flying Saucers", dated July 7, 1947, addressed to Commanding General, 32d AAF Base Unit, Bolling Field, Washington, D. C., from John D. Schindler, Jr., two copies of which are attached. The War Department has stated that the incidents referred to in the attached memorandum are in the general vicinity of Lily Lake, which was given as the address of Richard F. Shaver in the above telegram. It is, therefore, desired that the Chicago Field Division conduct appropriate inquiries regarding Shaver, and in the event such inquiries do not reveal information indicating that he should not be interviewed, he should be interrogated for any information he might have relative to flying discs. It is desired that this matter be handled as soon as possible and the Bureau promptly advised. Enclosure RGF:mae [STAMP:] COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED 5 AUG 12 1947 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: FBI FROM: WDGS, US BRANCH DATE: 16 July 47 SUBJECT: RICHARD F. SHAVER 1. Attached hereto: a. Copy of unsigned telegram received by HQ. AAF 9 July 1947, in which it is indicated that Richard F. Shaver, Lilly Lake, Illinois may have information concerning the origin of the "flying saucers". b. Copy of a report on flying saucers which were observed by four witnesses while in flight in two airplanes over southern Wisconsin. c. Map with indications as to proximity of the locations where the flying saucers were reported to have been seen in relation to Lilly Lake, Ill. 2. In view of the fact/the observation of the flying saucers was made corresponds closely with the date of the unsigned telegram, and considering the proximity of Lilly Lake to the points where the objects were observed, it is requested that Mr Shaver be investigated to determine whether or not he has information pertaining to the origin of Flying Saucers. [HW:] memo to ladl [STAMP:] EX-66 [STAMP:] EX-66 Recorded Indexed [STAMP:] 1/30 [STAMP:] 36 AUG 18 1947
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NL PD NEWYORK NY JUL 5 MAJOR PAUL [REDACTED] AAF HQTS WASHDC FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONCERNING FLYING DISKS SUGGEST IMMEDIATE CONTACT OF MR. RICHARD F SHAVER LILY LAKE ILLINOIS WHO MAY HAVE IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING THEIR ORIGIN UNSIGNED 651P. [HW: Received AFBIR:CO] [HW: 9 July 47] [STAMP: 20 3.74]
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7 July 1947 SUBJECT: Report on Flying Saucers. TO: Commanding General 32d AAF Base Unit Bolling Field Washington, D. C. 1. Following are statistics regarding reports by four witnesses while in flight in two airplanes. 2. Weather CAVU. Visibility exceptionally good. Scattered altocumulus 6000 feet. 3. First report: time 1145 hours CST. Alt. of observers 800 feet above the ground. Altitude of saucer 4000 feet MSL. Observed period - First sighted over Koshkonong, Wisconsin. Flight was observed from town of Koshkonogg to Elkhorn, Wisconsin. This flight covered twenty-five (25) miles in fifteen (15) seconds, which is a speed of six thousand (6000) miles per hour. 4. Second report: Time 1430 hours CST. Altitude of observers thirty-five hundred feet (3500) MSL. Altitude of saucer twenty-five hundred feet (2500). Observation period. Observers at East Troy, Wisconsin, flight observed from Eagle, Wisconsin to Muskego, Wisconsin. This flight covered twenty-two (22) miles in twenty (20) seconds, which is a speed of three thousand nine hundred sixty (3960) miles per hour. 5. Flight maneuvers: First observation-saucer descended vertically edgewise through altocumulus clouds, stopped at four thousand (4000) feet and assumed horizontal position and proceeded in horizontal flight from a horizontal position for fifteen (15) seconds covering twenty-five (25) miles and again stopped and disappeared. Second observation: Observed in horizontal flight in a horizontal attitude for a period of twenty (20) seconds covering twenty-two (22) miles. By the time the pilot had removed his camera from the glove compartment of his plane, the saucer disappeared and again reappeared approximately ten (10) miles farther along its course after six (6) seconds making its final disappearance. 6. The first two observers were an instructor and a student, having just taken off from Elkhorn Airport. The second two observers, one being Cap't R.J Southey Wing Supply Officer and a passenger. [HW:] John D Schindler Jr Maj Air Corps AAF-CAP Liaison Officer
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(308) ILLINOIS RIVER WORLD AERONAUTICAL CHART Scale 1:1,000,000 (308) Price 25 CENTS Date of magnetic information: 1947 Date of chart after: 12, 1946 [STAMP:] [HW:] LILY LAKE [HW:] [REDACTED] [HW:] [REDACTED] [HW:] [REDACTED] [HW:] [REDACTED] [HW:] [REDACTED]
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AERONAUTICAL SYMBOLS LANDPLANE FACILITIES SEAPLANE FACILITIES LIGHTING FACILITIES AIR NAVIGATION BEACON AIR NAVIGATION BEACON WITH COURSE BEACON AIR NAVIGATION BEACON WITH CODE BEACON AIR NAVIGATION BEACON FLASHING CODE MOORING WIRE LINES OF EQUAL MAGNETIC VARIATION. AIR NAVIGATION DANGER AREA. AIRPORT APPROACH AND TRAFFIC ZONES. CIVIL AIRPORT. RADIO RANGE CENTER (COMMUNICATION AND OPERATIONS) RADIO FAN MARKER. RADIOBEACO, NON-DIRECTIONAL. RADIO RANGE FACILITY. FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT AIRFIELDS: MARINE RADIOBEACO, NON-DIRECTIONAL. MARINE RADIOBEACO, WITH FREQUENCY. MARINE RADIOBEACO, WITH FREQUENCY AND IDENTIFICATION CODES. MARINE RADIOBEACO, WITH FREQUENCY AND IDENTIFICATION CODES AND IDENTIFICATION SIGNALS. WORLD AERONAUTICAL CHART INDEX Scale of Stories: 1:1000000 AUTHORIZED AGENCY FOR THE SALE OF AERONAUTICAL CHARTS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED AT CERTAIN AIRPORTS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES. THESE CHARTS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM CERTAIN DISTRIBUTORS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES. A SET OF THESE CHARTS, WITH THE DATE OF ISSUE AS STATED ON EACH COVER SHEET, WILL BE PRINTED FROM THE ORIGINAL MAPS. REQUESTORS MAY ALSO APPLY TO THE DIRECTOR U.S. COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY WASHINGTON D.C. A DOCUMENT OF 25 LBS FROM FULL-PUBLISHED PRICE IS ALLOWED ON AERONAUTICAL AND AUXILIARY CHARTS AMOUNTING TO $15 GROSS WHEN MADE IN ONE SHIPMENT TO ANY ADDRESS. Charts are not returnable. MILITARY CHART SUPPLY: AAF Rpt 68-45 dated 30 Apr 1945 1. Authorized agencies for the sale of aeronautical charts have been appointed at certain airports throughout the United States. These charts are also available from certain distributors throughout the United States. A set of these charts with the date of issue as stated on each cover sheet will be printed from the original maps. Requests may also be applied to the Director U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Washington D.C. 2. Requisitioning: a) Requisitioning of Continental United States: i) AAF solicitors are to submit requisitions to the supply facility designated by the Theater Supply Officer or by Regional Supply Officer as applicable. ii) Theater supply facilities are to submit requisitions for replenishment of stocks of aeronautical charts in Theater Supply Officers or Regional Supply Officers as applicable. iii) Requests for Continental United States should be submitted to bear the digraphs or approved by independent of Base or Station Operations Office. Quantities of charts and map sheets required should be specified in terms of numbers and sizes. b) Requisitioning outside Continental United States: i) Authorized agencies for sale of aeronautical charts outside Continental United States are authorized to bear digraphs or approved by independent Base or Station Operations Office. Quantities of charts and map sheets required should be specified in terms of numbers and sizes. c) Obsolete Charts: i) Obsolete continental United States aeronautical chart is sold by special policies when not prohibited to serve conformity with new edition; when so arranged if feasible; or else destroyed Disposition by salvage or destruction is to be made in accordance with policies provided herein. ii) Obsolete foreign aeronautical chart is sold by special policies when not prohibited to serve conformity with new edition; when so arranged if feasible; or else destroyed Disposition by salvage or destruction is to be made in accordance with policies provided herein. DRRAINAGE FEATURES GLACEE INTERCOSTAL LAKE LARGE CITY RIVER & TIDAL FLAT LARGE CITY RIVER & TIDAL FLAT LARGE CITY RIVER & TIDAL FLAT LARGE CITY RIVER & TIDAL FLAT LARGE CITY RIVER & TIDAL FLAT LARGE CITY RIVER & TIDAL FLAT LARGE CITY RIVER & TIDAL FLAT RELIEF FEATURES CANYONS & BAD ELEVATION HILLSIDE CONTOUR ELEVATION HILLSIDE CONTOUR ELEVATION HILLSIDE CONTOUR ELEVATION HILLSIDE CONTOUR ELEVATION HILLSIDE CONTOUR ELEVATION HILLSIDE CONTOUR ELEVATION HILLSIDE CONTOUR ELEVATION HILLSIDE CONTOUR ELEVATION CULTURAL FEATURES DAM OR DAM WITH LOCK DAM OR DAM WITH LOCK DAM OR DAM WITH LOCK DAM OR DAM WITH LOCK DAM OR DAM WITH LOCK DAM OR DAM WITH LOCK DAM OR DAM WITH LOCK DMOR DMOR DMOR DMOR DMOR DMOR DMOR DMOR DM
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[STAMP: 8/7/47] [STAMP: 8/6/47] [STAMP: AUG 6 1947] [STAMP: TELETYPE] FBI SEATTLE 8-6-47 7-13 PM PST DIRECTOR FBI URGENT FLYING DISCS, S. M. - X. RETEL PORTLAND TO DIRECTOR, SAN FRANCISCO, AND SEATTLE AUGUST FIVE LAST. INTELLIGENCE OFFICERS MCCORD FIELD, WN., ADVISE THAT IN THEIR [REDACTED] OPINION AND FROM THEIR INVESTIGATION THERE IS NO QUESTION OF THE CRASH OF THE B- TWENTYFIVE AT KELSO, WN. [REDACTED] APPROXIMATELY TWO FIFTY A. M., AUGUST ONE LAST HAVING BEEN CAUSED BY ANY SABOTAGE. THEY STATE THEIR INVESTIGATION INDICATES THE LEFT ENGINE BURNED OUT AN EXHAUST STACK WHICH CAUSED THE WING TO BURN AND BREAK OFF. THE LEFT WING AS IT [REDACTED] BROKE OFF TORE OFF THE TAIL AND THE PLANE CRASHED INTO THE GROUND KILLING CAPT. DAVIDSON AND LT. BROWN INTELLIGENCE OFFICERS OF THE FOURTH AIR FORCE WHO WERE RETURNING FROM MCCORD FIELD, WN., TO HAMILTON FIELD, CALIFORNIA. THE CREW CHIEF AND A HITCHHIKER PARACHUTED TO SAFETY FROM THE PLANE. ONLY FOUR MEMBERS WERE ABOARD THE PLANE, DAVIDSON AND BROWN BEING PILOT AND CO- PILOT AND HAD NO CHANCE TO ESCAPE WHEN THE WING BROKE OFF. LT. COL. DONALD L. SPRINGER, A-TWO AMERICANXX Officer FOR the FOURTH AIR FORCE. HAMILTON FIELD, CALIFORNIA, ADVISED THAT CAPTAIN DAVIDSSON AND BROWN WERE SENT FROM HAMILTON FIELD TO INTERVIEW HAROLD A...DAHL AND FRED [HW:]CRISMAN AT TACOMA, WN., REGARDING THEIR REPORT OF SEEING SOME FLYING DISCS OVER MAURY ISLAND, WN., AND THAT THEY OBTAINED SOME OF the DISC FRAGMENTS. CRISMAN and DAHL ARE PARTNERS IN A LUMBER BUSINESS AT TACOMA, WAHINGTON. INDEXED [STAMP: 9/62-83894] 59 COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964
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COMMUNICATIONS SECTION AGE 4 DAYS TRELLIS [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE STAMP: F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY P 15 9 01 AM RECEIVED STAMP: F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY 18 22 10 09 AM RECEIVED
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PAGE TWO CAPTAIN DAVIDSON AND LT. BROWN ON THURSDAY, JULY [REDACTED] THIRTYFIRST LAST INTERVIEWED DAHL, CRISMAN, KENNETH [REDACTED], FROM BOISE, IDAHO, WHO WAS ONE OF THE FIRST THAT REPORTED SEEING FLYING DISCS AND EMIL H. [REDACTED], UNITED AIRLINES PILOT FROM SEATTLE, WN., WHO ALSO REPORTED SEEING FLYING DISCS. THIS INTERVIEW TOOK PLACE AT THE [REDACTED] WINTHROP HOTEL ON THE AFTERNOON OF JULY [REDACTED] THIRTYFIRST LAST. CAPTAIN DAVIDSON AND LT. BROWN WERE RETURNING TO HAMILTON FIELD FOR AIRFORCE DAY AND HAD WITH THEM SOME OF THE DISC FRAGMENTS AS REPORTED BY DAHL AND CRISMAN. [HW: 2] REPORTER PAUL [REDACTED] OF TACOMA TIMES, AND UNITED PRESS WIREMAN TED [REDACTED] MORELLO OF TACOMA, RECEIVED ANONYMOUS PHONE CALLS JULY THIRTYFIRST AND AUGUST FIRST LAST REGARDING THE MEETING AT THE WINTHROP HOTEL OMER THE DISCS FRAGMENTS AND THAT THE B- TWENTYFIVE WHICH CRASHED THE MORNING OF AUGUST ONE WAS SABOTAGED OR SHOT DOWN. INFORMATION AS YET NOT VERIFIED INDICATED THE ENTIRE STORY STARTED BY DAHL AND CRISMAN POSSIBLY TO PROMOTE SALE OF SLAG FOUND IN A GRAVEL PIT ON MAURY ISLAND, WN. NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE AS YET AS TO THE IDENTITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL WHO MADE THE ANONYMOUS PHONE CALL TO THE TACOMA TIMES AND THE UNITED PRESS, DAHL AND CRISMAN WILL BE INTERVIEWED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. INVESTIGATION CONTINUING. WILCOX END 11-33 PM OK FBI WA GH
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RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT AUG 6 11 34 PM *47 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE [REDACTED] [STAMP:] F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY
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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE August 14, 1947 TO: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION. SAC, Seattle URGENT Transmit the following message to: REURTEL AUGUST TWELVE. IT IS NOTED FROM INTERROGATION OF EMIL SMITH, SMITH CLAIMS THAT DURING THE CONFERENCE ON JULY THIRTY ONE THAT DAHL AND CHRISMAN APPARENTLY REPEATED THEIR FALSE STORY ABOUT THE MATERIAL BEING FRAGMENTS OF A FLYING DISC AND ONLY ON SATURDAY NIGHT AUGUST SECOND DID DAHL ADMIT THAT THE STORY WAS A HOAX. IF SUCH IS THE CASE IT WOULD APPEAR EITHER SMITH OR ARNOLD MADE THE ANONYMOUS PHONE CALLS SINCE THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN UNDER THE IMPRESSION AT THAT TIME THAT THE MATERIAL FURNISHED TO CAPTAIN DAVIDSON AND LIEUTENANT BROWN WAS ACTUALLY PARTS OF A FLYING DISC. IT WOULD ALSO APPEAR THAT DAHL AND CHRISMAN DID NOT ADMIT THE HOAX TO THE ARMY INTELLIGENCE OFFICERS BECAUSE IF THEY HAD DONE SO THE OFFICERS PROBABLY WOULD NOT HAVE TAKEN THE ALLEGED FRAGMENTS WITH THEM ON THEIR FATAL FLIGHT. THIS MATTER SHOULD BE CLEARED UP UPON REINTERVIEW WITH DAHL AND CHRISMAN. WHEN THIS POINT CLARIFIED NO FURTHER INVESTIGATION NECESSARY. HOOVER RGF:mjp STAMP: 60-80874-60 STAMP: 1 AUG 15 1947 STAMP: TELETYPE
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F.B.I. Washington, D.C. Dear Sus — I was wondering whether these rockets in which the young students are sending mail or messages from California to Arizona would have any connection with the so called "Flying Saucers" [HW: RECORDED INDEXED] [HW: REFERRED RECORDING] [HW: ANDERSON] Mrs Arthur Douglas Anderson 16 Medbury Road Springhaven Chester PA [STAMP: EX-34] [STAMP: 62-83894-61] July 9/1947.
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[STAMP:] F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY JUL 14 | 36 PM RECEIVED
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August 1, 1947 Mrs. Arthur Douglass Anderson 16 Medbury Road Springhaven, Chester, Pennsylvania Dear Mrs. Anderson: This will acknowledge receipt of your letter dated July 9, 1947. After a careful review of the contents of this letter it was ascertained that the information contained therein would probably be of interest to the War Department, therefore, I have taken the liberty of furnishing this information to that agency. Your interest in writing as you did is indeed appreciated. Sincerely yours, STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION STAMP: MAILED 9 STAMP: AUG 2 1947 P.M. STAMP: WVC:mjp STAMP: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION cc - Philadelphia (There is no identifiable information in the Bureau files concerning the writer of this letter.) This letter referred to "flying saucers." [HW:] EX-34
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STAMP: FBI STAMP: RECEIVED MAIL ROOM STAMP: Mailed Aug 2 1842 PM 27 [HW:] AC P [HW:] AC P
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July 10 Flying Discs Gentlemen: Enclosed you have a clipping which operates for itself. I had nothing better to do so I tried to decode it for a joke. [HW: July Decoded] [STAMP: 62-83894-61X] [STAMP: FBI] [STAMP: 34 JUL 14 1947] Joke - Please dead ones Ack Rec cc wvf 7-21-47
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Tired of human nonsense Don't await Atomic war. Disrupting order solar? system & so sent flying discs and will set up world order under — late this year. Please advise Very sincerely, Mildred Sarbanis ADDRESS Mrs. A.G. SARBANIS 66 NOTRE DAME AVE. HICKSVILLE, L.I., N.Y. TEL. 15281 HICKSVILLE, L.I. (NOT LISTED)
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TECHNICAL INQUIRY SECTION CRYPTOGRAPHIC HISTORY [STAMP:] F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY JUL 16 24 PM '47 RECEIVED [STAMP:] F.B.I. Crytptographic History Section TECHNICAL INQUIRY SECTION JUL 16 456 PM '47 RECEIVED
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- L-48a FEDERAL BUREAU OF wats) x LABORATORY Date 171947 ___Mr. Harbo 7639 ___Mr. Long 7659 ___Mr. Parsons 7639 __Mr. Baughman 7121 ___Mr. Conrad > 7149. ___Mr. Downing 7630 AL yy ___Mr. Sizoo 7601 VY ___ Miss Frawley 7659 ____Miss Keough ff W3B%4 __Miss Mills / ue ____ADMINISTRATI Floo: PERSONNEL REI pees yy "CRYPTANALYSIS SECIZON ROOM 76350
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SECURITY DIVISION - FBI INTERNAL SECURITY SECTION 7/16/47 MR. STRICKLAND MR. DeFORD SUPERVISORS Mr. Ackerman Mr. Baumgardner Mr. Blakesley Mr. Bly Mr. Brown Mr. Casper Mr. Collier Mr. Costello Mr. Donohue Mr. Fletcher Mr. Harvey Mr. Hayden Miss [REDACTED] Room [REDACTED] Mrs. Dorset, 1736 Mrs. Walch, 1736 Miss Arnold, 1742 Miss Niedjelski, 1649 Typists, 1641 Correct Redate [HW: Do you have any comments to make re attached before it is acknowledged?] STAMP: ND-6 File [HW: Strickland] Room 1732
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62-83894 [HW: ENCLOSED] [ILLEGIBLE]
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1 2 3 4 5 1 Y 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 DITER FO NUHMA SOESNENN TWON 325412132451 TIRED OF HUMAN NONSENSE WONT 1 Y3451Y3456.123.1Y34567890.1234 LATWA MOTCIA WRA RUSPIDGNIT DREOR 4'3'6'3'2'1'5'4'1'3' AWAIT ATOMIC WAR DISRUPTING ORDER LASOR STEYSMS SO STEN YLFNIG SKIDS SOLAR SYSTEM SO SENT FLYING DISKS DAN WLIL EST UP WLORD DREOR NERUD AND WILL SET UP WORLD ORDER UNDER TIRMANAS TEAL HIST ARYE MARTIANS LATE THIS YEAR [HW: Ran Zinker] [STAMP: Filmed]
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62-83594-61X
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[REDACTED] pattern which other ight do well to copy, ed here in pictures. stra's president, Dr. costuming by making anikin doll. Her col- special interest in the ely-assorted sources as y studied and histori- l but fashionable lady standing, giving pains- As coiffure was shown shown below, doesn't earranged to the style
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July 21, 1947 RECORDED 63-83894-61X Mrs. A. C. Sarbanis 66 Notre Dame Avenue Hicksville, Long Island, New York Dear Mrs. Sarbanis: I wish to acknowledge receipt of your letter and enclosure dated July 10, 1947. I have instructed the Special Agent in Charge of our New York Office to have a Special Agent call upon you for the purpose of obtaining further information in connection with this matter. Your interest in calling this information to my attention is indeed appreciated. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director cc - New York (With incoming. There is no identifiable information in the files of the Bureau concerning the writer of this letter. The decoding of the message on the newspaper clipping was referred to the Laboratory, who subsequently advised that the writer's decoding was substantially correct. There is being set forth below the results of the Laboratory's decoding: "TIRED OF HUMAN NONSENSE WONT AWAIT ATOMIC WAR DISRUPTING ORDER SOLAR SYSTEM SO SENT FLYING DISKS AND WILL SET UP WORLD ORDER UNDER MARTIANS LATE THIS YEAR". The New York Office should interview the writer of this letter to ascertain from what newspaper the clipping in question was obtained. Thereafter, contact should be made with this newspaper to ascertain the identity of the person who sent in the coded message. This individual must be thoroughly interrogated to obtain all possible information surrounding the alleged receipt of the coded message. The Bureau should be promptly advised of the results of these inquiries.) STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION STAMP: JUL 22 1947 P.M. STAMP: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
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REDACTED [HW: X] STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION STAMP: 5 JUL 25 1943 P.W. STAMP: RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM STAMP: 11 56 AM [ILLEGIBLE]
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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: MR. E. A. TAMM FROM: MR. D. M. LADD DATE: August 15, 1947 The Director advised on August 14, 1947, that the Los Angeles papers were carrying headlines indicating that Soviet espionage agents had been instructed to determine the facts relative to the flying discs. The article carried a Washington date line and indicated that Red espionage agents had been ordered to solve the question of the flying discs, the Russians being of the opinion that this might be some new form of defense prefected by the American Military. The article further recalled that during the recent war pieces of tin foil had been dropped in the air for the purpose of off setting the value of radar being used by the enemy forces and that these aluminum discs might be a new development along this line. The Director inquired as to whether the Bureau had any such information. I informed him that I had never heard of any information indicating that Soviet espionage agents had been instructed to obtain such information. A check with the officials at G-2, ONI and at the Air Corps Intelligence was made and it was found that they had no information relative to such a story. In accordance with the Director's instructions, I advised Mr. Nichols that in the event any inquiries were made concerning such a story, that the story should be flatly denied in so far as the FBI was concerned. DML:FA RECORDED [62-83894-62] FBI 32 AUG 1947 [HW: Fletch] [HW: T] [STAMP:]
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Office of War Information United States Government [REDACTED] [STAMP:] F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY G-27 501 PM
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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: D. M. Ladd FROM: E. G. Fitch DATE: August 18, 1947 Reference is made to your telephonic conversation with the Director on Wednesday of last week, at which time the Director advised that Los Angeles papers carried under a Washington date line an article indicating the Soviet espionage agents in the United States are under instruction to solve the flying discs. Such instructions were believed to be based on the assumption that the flying discs were a secret weapon of the Army or Navy. The article attributed the source of its information to a Federal investigative agency. Pursuant to your instructions, liaison representatives have contacted the Headquarters of Military Intelligence, the Headquarters of the Air Forces Intelligence, Office of Naval Intelligence and CIG. All agencies denied any knowledge of the flying discs, as well as any knowledge of the basis for this article. EGF:OME [STAMP:] 62-83894-63 [STAMP:] 36 AUG 20 1947
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STAMP: 19 9 21 AM '47 STAMP: MR. JONES STAMP: RECEIVED STAMP: F.B.I. STAMP: D.D.T. STAMP: 5 22 PM '47 STAMP: AUG 18 RECEIVED-NICHOOLS RECEIVED-NICHOOLS LIAISON SECTION FBI
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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Mr. D. M. Ladd FROM: Mr. J. P. Coyne SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS There are attached two copies of a blind memorandum setting forth the facts relative to the reported air crash of two AAF officers investigating flying disc complaints. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that a copy of this memorandum be furnished by the Liaison Section to the Air Force Intelligence. Attachment RGF:mjp STAMP: 62-93894-64 15 AUG 1947
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STAMP: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE STAMP: FBI STAMP: Liaison Section STAMP: Received TAMM STAMP: Aug 28 1947 [HW:] Aug 25 1947 [HW:] Aug 28 1947
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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: BUREAU FROM: SAC, PORTLAND DATE: 8-23-47 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS SECURITY MATTER - X The following investigation was conducted at Canyonville and Myrtle Creek, Oregon on August 12, 1947. RAY VIRGIL NATFIELD, Route 1, Box 195, Roseburg, Oregon, operator of the Tri City Airport, Myrtle Creek, Oregon, advised that on 8-6-47 at approximately 6:15 PM while instructing a student in a take off at the airport he noticed an object east of Myrtle Creek which appeared to be from 5,000 to 8,000 feet in the air. The sky was completely clear and visibility was excellent. He stated that the object glistened and appeared to be of aluminium sheeting. Upon noticing it he had immediately taken over the controls of the plane which at that time was at 400 feet and proceeded East in an attempt to further observe the object. He advised that the object appeared to be climbing and traveling East at a high rate of speed which he estimated on a computer in his plane as 1,000 miles per hour. He believed the object to be spherical in shape and recalled noticing a darker object to the right the first time he saw it. He observed no vapor trails nor did he hear any noise from the object. After searching the area for approximately 10 minutes HATFIELD and his student NOBLE ELLISON returned to the airport and made another landing and take off. In practically the same position at 400 feet altitude both ELLISON and HATFIELD saw the object in approximately the same position as seen before. He estimated the sphere to be 30 feet in diameter and stated when they first observed it it appeared to be so near he could fly right to it. However, the object sighted second time disappeared in same manner as first had. It is noted that HATFIELD served as a Lieutenant JG in U.S. Naval Air Corps for about [HW:] years flying constantly on Atlantic submarine patrol. He is reputable citizen Douglas County reported qualified pilot. Mr NOBLE ELLISON Myrtle Creek Oregon verified above information furnished by HATFIELD stating that first object sighted had been called attention when HATFIELD took over controls plane about [HW:] following his take off but they both sighted second take off same time ELLISON described object silver ball or balloon which believed [HW:] east Myrtle Creek traveling East climbing very fast until disappeared approximately [HW:] seconds ELLISON estimated sphere being [HW:] diameter stated opinion second object appeared climb straight up. [STAMP:] [STAMP:] [STAMP:] RECORDED: INDEXED: COPIES DESTROYED
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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT DATE 5-23-54 TO: [REDACTED] FROM: [REDACTED] SUBJECT: [REDACTED] The following is a briefing on the following subject: [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE [STAMP:] P. 31 OF PM F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY
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He advised that he did not observe any evidence of motion such as vapor or trails, etc. and could hear no noise over the noise of his own ship. Investigation in the vicinity of Myrtle Creek, Oregon, has failed to reveal any other person sighting the objects reported by HATFIELD and ELLISON. No further investigation is being conducted. PJMMB 62-1531
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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION 1947 The Director Mr. Tolson Mr. Ladd Mr. Rosen Mr. Clegg Mr. Glavin Mr. Nichols Mr. Tracy Mr. Harbo Records Section Stamp and mail Prepare tickler Call file See Me Call me re this Note and return [HW: Mr. R. Fletcher] Room Miss Gandy Miss Gray Miss Lyon Miss Artley Check with army air force
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RECEIVED STAMP: AUG 21 1101 AM '67 STAMP: INTERNAL SECURITY STAMP: F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FL MAJL FL OTTO LOWE FL LEONARD COU FL KERN S FL DONN FL WOODR [HW:] [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE
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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION AUG 20 1947 TELETEYPE FBI BUTTE 8-20-47 3-22 PM LB DIRECTOR URGENT FLYING DISCS. BETWEEN NINE THIRTY AND NINE FORTY FIVE PM LAST NIGHT, AUGUST NIMETEENTH, MR. AND MRS. H. H. [REDACTED] HEDSTRÖM, THIRD AVENUE NORTH, TWIN FALLS, IDAHO, WHILE SITTING ON THE FRONT PORCH WITH MRS. HENRY SCHULTZ, OBSERVED AN OBJECT RESEMBLING A FLYING SAUCER TRAVELING VERY RAPIDLY FROM THE SOUTHWEST TO THE NORTHEAST SECTION OF THIS CITY. ABOUT TEN MINUTES LATER, ALL OF THESE INDIVIDUALS SAW TEN SIMILAR OBJECTS PROCEEDING RAPIDLY IN THE SAME DIRECTION IN THE FORM OF A TRIANGLE. AS THIS GROUP OF OBJECTS WAS ABOUT TO DISAPPEAR IN THE OVERCAST SKY, THREE OF THE OBJECTS ON THE LEFT FLANK PEELED OFF AND PROCEEDED IN A NORTHERLY DIRECTION. THE REMAINING OBJECTS IN THE TRIANGULAR FORMATION APPEARED TO CLOSE RANKS AND CONTINUE IN A NORTHEASTERLY DIRECTION. THREE TO FIVE MINUTES LATER THESE INDIVIDUALS SAW ANOTHER GROUP CONSISTING OF THREE OBJECTS PROCEEDING IN THE SAME DIRECTION AGAIN IN THE SHAPE OF A TRIANGLE. THREE TO FIVE MINUTES LATER INFORMANTS OBSERVED ANOTHER GROUP CONSISTING OF FROM FIVE TO SIX OBJECTS, AGAIN IN TRIANGULAR FORMATION, PROCEEDING RAPIDLY IN A NORTHEASTERLY DIRECTION. A FEW MINUTES LATER A LARGE GROUP OF OBJECTS ESTIMATED AT BETWEEN THIRTY FIVE AND FIFTY FLEW OVER THE CITY IN A NORTHEASTERLY DIRECTION. [STAMP: 55 OCT 1947] CC: Mr Laad
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FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED-TAMM AUG 21 8 55 AM '77 RECEIVED AUG 21 11 01 AM '77 F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY
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PAGE TWO TRIANGULAR FORMATION. BETWEEN TWENTY AND TWENTY FIVE MINUTES AFTER THE LAST GROUP WAS OBSERVED, SIMILAR OBJECTS WERE NOTED COMING BACK OVER THE CITY VERY RAPIDLY AND PROCEEDING IN A SOUTHWESTERLY DIRECTION. AT THIS TIME INFORMANTS STATED THE OBJECTS APPEARED IN GROUPS OF THREE, FIVE AND SEVEN. AT THIS POINT MRS. HEDSTROM CALLED DETECTIVE RICHARD FRAZIER OF THE TWIN FALLS PD, A NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR, WHO ACCOMPANIED BY M. E. ROUNDTREE AND RICHARD SCOTT, ALSO MEMBERS OF THE TWIN FALLS PD, PROCEEDED TO THE HEDSTROM HOME WHERE THEY OBSERVED A GROUP OF TWELVE OBJECTS FLYING IN FORMATION OVER THE CITY IN A SOUTHWESTERLY DIRECTION. INFORMANTS, ALL REPUTABLE CITIZENS THIS COMMUNITY, UNABLE TO ESTIMATE HEIGHT OF OBJECTS OR SPEED, BUT CLAIMED THEY RESEMBLED ILLUMINATED FLYING SAUCERS. THESE INDIVIDUALS WERE OF THE OPINION THAT THE OBJECTS OBSERVED WERE NOT THE LANDING LIGHTS OF AIRPLANES NOR SHOOTING STARS. NONE OF THESE OBJECTS WERE SEEN TO COME TO EARTH NEAR TWIN FALLS AND NONE APPEARED TO BE FLYING IN AN ARC. NONE OF THESE OBSERVERS HEARD ANY SOUND AS [REDACTED] ABOVE OBJECTS PASSED OVER THE CITY. INVESTIGATION CONTINUING IN LINE WITH BUREAU INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED BUREAU BULLETIN NO. FORTY TWO, PARAGRAPH B, DATED JULY THIRTY LAST. IN EVENT BUREAU [STAMP:] POSSESSION OF ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING EXPERIMENTAL ACTIVITIES ON
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F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY P 29 3 16 PM RECEIVED ILLEGIBLE ONCE
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PAGE THREE PART OF ARMY AIR FORCES WHICH MAY EXPLAIN THESE PHENOMENA, ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. IT IS BELIEVED CONTINUED APPEARANCE OF SUCH OBJECTS WITHOUT OFFICIAL EXPLANATION MAY RESULT IN HYSTERIA OR PANIC TWIN FALLS, IDAHO. BANISTER ACK AND HOLD PLS 5-31 PM OK FBI WASH DC WJR
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RECEIVED DIRECTOR U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Aug 20 6 11 PM '47 RECEIVED TELETEYPE UNIT Aug 20 5 34 PM '47 [STAMP:] [STAMP:] [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE
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AUGUST 25, 1947 - URGENT SAC BUTTE FLYING DISCS. EXTENSIVE INQUIRIES AT ARMY AIR FORCES REVEAL THAT NO RESEARCH OR EXPERIMENTS WERE BEING CONDUCTED BY AAF IN THE VICINITY OF TWIN FALLS, IDAHO ON OR ABOUT AUGUST NINETEEN. IN THE EVENT YOUR SOURCES IN THE ARMY, NAVY OR AIR FORCES INDICATE OTHERWISE ADVISE BUREAU PROMPTLY. RECORDED 62-83894-67 HOOVER RGF:EW EX-30 [STAMP:] U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION AUG 25 1947 TELE 383 [STAMP:] 55 OCT 1 1941 COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964
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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: D. M. Ladd FROM: E. G. Pitch DATE: August 22, 1947 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS Reference is made the teletype from the Butte Field Division dated August 20, 1947, in the above captioned matter. In accordance with your request, this matter was checked with Army Air Forces. Lieutenant Colonel George D. Garrett, Jr., advised Special Agent F. P. Griffee that extensive inquiries with the Army Air Forces revealed that no research or experiments were being conducted by the AAF in the vicinity of Twin Falls, Idaho on or about August 19, 1947. Colonel Garrett stated that he had no information which would throw any light on the matter reported in the teletype. ACTION It is suggested this memorandum be routed to the Internal Security Section to the attention of Supervisor Fletcher. [HW: K9] [STAMP: EX-30] [STAMP: Recorded 62-83894-67] [STAMP: 37 Aug 18/1947]
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STAMP: AUG 25 9 34 AM '47 STAMP: INTERNAL SECURITY STAMP: F.B.I. STAMP: DEPT OF JUSTICE STOP
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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AUGUST 30, 1947 URGENT TO: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION. Transmit the following message to: SACS SAN FRANCISCO AND PHOENIX REPORT OF FLYING DISCS. RE SANF MEMO AUGUST TWENTY EIGHT LAST CONCERNING INTERVIEW WITH WILLIAM RHODES, PHOENIX, ARIZONA. SANF ADVISE A-TWO AIR FORCE NOT NECESSARY FOR FUGATE TO PROCEED TO PHOENIX, THAT BUREAU WILL HANDLE INTERVIEW IF DESIRED, BUT JOINT INVESTIGATION NOT DEEMED NECESSARY. IF FUGATE PROCEEDS PHOENIX IN SPITE OF ABOVE, ADVISE HIM YOU ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT JOINT INVESTIGATION AND NOT POSSIBLE FOR FUGATE TO SIT IN ON INTERVIEW WITH RHODES. HOOVER STAMP: EX-64 STAMP: INDEXED STAMP: CONFIRMED COMMUNICATIONS SECTION AUG 30 1947 COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964 TELETYPE TELEMETER
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FEDERAL BUREAU OF IN UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT TO: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION Transmit the following message to: [HW: 8] [STAMP: FBI] [STAMP: DEPT OF JUSTICE] RECEIVED COMMUNICATIONS SECTION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FBI DEPT OF JUSTICE
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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Director FROM: SAC, Portland DATE: September 5, 1947 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS SECURITY MATTER - X Reference is made to my teletype dated August 15, 1947 advising that a Mr. JOHN BARTLETT of Agate Beach, Oregon had reported on August 7, 1947 that he sighted what he believed to be a disc. Mr. JOHN BARTL, instead of BARTLETT, now residing in Newport, Oregon was interviewed by Special Agent ROBERT J. PETTYJOHN. Mr. BARTL stated that on August 7, 1947 he was residing at Agate Beach, Oregon and that his house was very near the ocean beach; that at about 12:30 A.M. he was awakened by his son coming in and that while awake he noticed a bright glow of light across the sky out over the ocean. He stated that he immediately thought of flying discs and thought this might be one of the discs. Mr. BARTL went on to say that he had no idea as to the shape or size of this object but that it appeared to be about five miles out over the ocean and that he was able to see it for about 15 to 30 seconds. He further stated that due to the darkness he could tell nothing about the speed of this object but thought it was traveling a great deal faster than any airplane he had ever seen. He informed that this glow of light was somewhat similar to "The Northern Light" which sometimes appears in the sky but of course not nearly as large and that it appeared to be going up and down, that is fluctuating in altitude as it traveled along. He stated it disappeared in the west, either falling into the ocean or disappearing over the horizon. He could give no other information concerning this object of light reported by him as possibly being a flying disc. Mr. BARTL has an Agate and Myrtlewood shop in Newport. RJP/es [HW:] Recorded & Indexed [STAMP:] FBI [STAMP:] Handled by Top Secret [STAMP:] RJP/69
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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Date: September 5, 1947 To: Director SUBJECT: ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION [REDACTED] [STAMP:] FBI INTERNAL SECURITY P 19 | 18 PM RECEIVED LIAISON SECTION SEP 15 | 10 AM '47
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RECORDED 62-83894 -70 September 2, 1947 INDEXED 129 Mrs. W. T. Williams 417 East Stevenson Street Florence, Alabama Dear Mrs. Williams: Your letter of August 18, 1947, has been received, and I am most appreciative of the thoughtfulness which prompted you to communicate with me. For your information, no reward has been offered by any U.S. Government Agency for the location of "flying saucers." I regret that I am unable to be of assistance in this instance. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED 9 PM SEP 2-1947
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FBI RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM STOP 2 4 59 PM *47 STAMP: COMMUNICATION & STORAGE STAMP: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
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8/18/47 Mr. J. Edgar Hoover: F.B. Washington D.C. [HW: 31] Dear Mr. Hoover: I hardly know how to go about trying to tell you what I want you to know. But just in my own simple way I'll do the best I can. I know you are a very busy man although I hope you will take time to read my letter and I'll try to make a long story short. Mr. Hoover Almost five weeks ago, what we are [ILLEGIBLE] a "Flying Saucer" fell in my front yard at a distance of five or six feet from where I was standing. I saw it coming straight down out of the skies. It came down at a terrible speed and exploded. I turned the piece over to Chief Webb Danley [ILLEGIBLE] RECORDED 62-83894-70 STOP ASK HANDLED BY
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Mr. Hoover I don't know What the Police did with What ever We Might Call it That fell in my yard you probably know all about it. But I did what I thought was right. I called the police at once and turned it over to them. Then in Three or Four days later a Neighbor and I found more of it in some tall grasses nearby and I also carried it to the police station. If there is a reward Mr. Hoover I know you are the one to see that I get it. Will you help me please. Very truly yours, Mrs. W. F. Williams, 201 Pk., Florence, Ala. [STAMP:] [ILLEGIBLE]
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the Florence Palietta Which the Said he turned out to the F. B. I. In Washington I haven't heard anymore from the "Flying Saucer" I do know I have heard over the Air many times that a reward was being offered for any one finding a Flying Saucer. I also read it in the Boston News. we have all heard of the Flying Saucer and great numbers have seen them. But the Police have told me so far I am the only one that has ever gained custody of one. And I know if it had struck a person if it had struck a person in the head it probably would have killed or injured them seriously
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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Director, FBI FROM: SAC, Springfield DATE: August 20, 1947 SUBJECT: FLYING DISC Reference is made to Bureau Bulletin No. 42, Series 1947, dated July 30, 1947 re the above. For the Bureau's information a Mrs. JUNE ANDERSON of Saybrook, Illinois reported to this office the finding of a flying disc in her front yard at 6:00 A.M. on July 26, 1947. It appears from investigation conducted by an Agent of this office that the stability of JUNE ANDERSON is questionable. However the alleged flying disc was obtained and it is apparently the concoction of some of the juveniles in the area. It is an old wooden platter, which has assembled on it a silver plate, a spark plug, a timer, and some old brass tubing. Photographs were taken of the same and there are six views enclosed herewith. No doubt this was someone's idea of a prank. The disc is presently being retained by the Springfield Office and will be retained pending receipt of Bureau advice relative to its destruction. The thought in retaining it was that perhaps the Bureau might desire to have it transmitted to Washington for any novel value it might have. JBP:hg 62-0-1445 Enc. (6) [REDACTED] [HW:] [STAMP:] RECORDEL EX-56
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[STAMP: F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY] [HW: 8.45]
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[STAMP: ENCLOSED] [HW: 62-83894-71]
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Enclosure - To Bureau Photographs of "Flying Disc" found at Saybrook, Ill. 7-26-47 SI File 62-0-1445 [HW: 62-838 94-71]
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[REDACTED]
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" Flying Disc" Found Saybrook, Ill. 7-26-47
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[REDACTED]
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" Flying Disc" Found Saybrook, Ill. 7-26-47 [HW: 62-83894-71]
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Russia
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815 " Flying Disc" Found Saybrook, Ill. 7-26-47
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RUSSIA
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" Flying Disc " Found Saybrook, Ill. 7-26-47
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[REDACTED]
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" Flying Disc" Found Saybrook, Ill. 7-26-47
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STOP
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" Flying Disc" Found Saybrook, Ill., 7-26-47
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SAC, Springfield Director, FBI FLYING DISC RECORDED 62-83894-71 EX-56 With reference to your letter, dated August 20, 1947, it is desired that you contact the appropriate Army officials and in the event they are not interested in receiving this alleged flying disc, it may be destroyed. RGF:LH[HW:] COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED 10 SEP 6 - 1947 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE STOP
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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION SEP 4 1947 TELETYPE FBI PORTLAND 9-4-47 3-42 PM PST KAM DIRECTOR URGENT RE FLYING DISCS. A MRS. RAYMOND [REDACTED] DUPUI, OSWEGO, OREGON, REPORTED TO HAVE SEEN TWELVE TO FIFTEEN ROUND SILVER OBJECTS AT A HIGH ALTITUDE AT TWELVE FIFTEEN PM, SEPT. THIRD, FORTYSEVEN, ABOVE OSWEGO, OREGON, WHILE WATCHING A LOCAL PLANE FLYING OVERHEAD. WILL BE INTERVIEWED. BOBBITT END 94HODD PLS STAMP: HANDLED BY STOP DESK [HW: Major Coeling M] [HW: adv 9/8/1947] [HW: R 25] INDEXED RECORDED STAMP: EX-66 STAMP: 62-83894-72 STAMP: FBI 31 SEP 16 1947 oc.: m. Ladd
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RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT SEP 4 7 45 PM '47 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE STAMP: RECEIVED 5 3 39 PM INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I. STAMP: RECEIVED-DIRECTOR SEP 5 6 12 AM '47 U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE STAMP: RECEIVED-LIAISON SECTION SEP 5 9 20 AM '47 FBI STAMP: RECEIVED-TAMMARECEIVED SEP 5 10 22 AM '47
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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: DIRECTOR DATE: 9-13-47 FROM: SAC, PORTLAND SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS SECURITY MATTER - X Reference is made to my teletype dated 9-4-47, advising that Mrs. Raymond Dupuis, Oswego, Oregon, was reported to have seen a number of discs on 9-3-47 above Oswego. Mrs. Dupuis was interviewed and described the object which she has observed as follows: While entertaining her 7 year old son and 10 year old neighbor child on her lawn, at about noon, Mrs. Dupuis and the children noticed approximately two dozen round silver objects high in the sky. Mrs. Dupuis stated she believed these objects to have been platter shaped rather than spherical and to have been considerably larger than an airplane of the cub type which was flying in a different portion of the sky at the same time. She advised that these objects appeared to her to be at a great distance and constructed of some white metallic material. Mrs. Dupuis' attention was first drawn to the objects by an explanation from one of the children to the effect that the airplane was sky-writing. The objects were grouped in approximately an arc about level with the sun and to the left of the sun as viewed by Mrs. Dupuis. They did not change positions during the 3 or 4 minutes which she observed them but some of the larger of the objects appeared to rotate rapidly in the manner of a wheel. One of the objects was separated by considerable distance from the main group and while she was watching Mrs. Dupuis states this object began to fall and floated slowly downward until it was no longer visible because of trees on horizon. Mrs. Dupuis advised that she continued to observe remaining objects until her eyes began to be affected by brightness of sky whereupon she went into her house and is unable to state what became of group. STAMP: FBI STAMP: DATE: 15 SEP 17 1947 STAMP: RECORD & INDEXED STAMP: EX-42
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Office of the President United States Government [REDACTED] [STAMP:] F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY GP 20 3 PM STOP
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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: MR. D. M. IADD FROM: E. G. Fitch SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS Reference is made to my memorandum to you in the above captioned matter dated August 22, 1947, which indicates that Special Agent Griffe of the Liaison Section had contacted Lieutenant Colonel G. D. Garrett, Jr., of the Air Forces Intelligence at which time Colonel Garrett advised that the Army Air Forces were conducting no research or experiments in the vicinity of Twin Falls, Idaho, on or about August 19, 1947. Colonel Garrett at that time indicated to Mr. Griffe that he would check with the Army area in order to ascertain whether or not they were conducting any experiments in this vicinity at that time. Colonel Garrett has subsequently advised Mr. Reynolds that he has been advised by the Army area that no such experiments were being conducted in the area of Twin Falls, Idaho, on or about August 19, 1947, which would in any way throw any light on the matter reported in the teletype. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended this memorandum be forwarded to Mr. Fletcher of the Internal Security Section. STAMP: EX-30 STAMP: FBI STAMP: 63SEP221947
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STAMP: F.B.I STAMP: INTERNAL SECURITY STAMP: 10.9 AM RECEIVED SEP 9 30 PM '47
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September 25, 1947 Mr. A. Courtney Parker Superintendent of Schools South Royalton, Vermont Dear Mr. Parker: I wish to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated September 17, 1947. An Agent of our Albany, New York, Office will call upon you in the near future for any additional information in your possession. Your courtesy and interest in bringing this matter to my attention are indeed appreciated. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director cc - Albany (separate cover letter) RECORDED 62-83894 -75 RGF:cmw EX-41 [STAMP:] COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED 11 SEP 26 1947 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
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SAC, Albany Director, FBI FLYING DISCS A. Courtney Parker, Informant September 25, 1947 Attached hereto are copies of an incoming communication from A. Courtney Parker, Superintendent of Schools, South Royalton, Vermont, and copies of acknowledgment of same. It is requested that an Agent of your Office call on Mr. Parker to obtain any additional information in his possession concerning flying discs. Enclosures RECORDED RGF:mae 63-83894-75 [HW: EX-41] STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED 11 SEP 26 1947 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
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STATE OF VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ORANGE - WINDSOR - DISTRICT A. COURTNEY PARKER, Superintendent SOUTH ROYALTON September 17, 1947 Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington, D. C. Dear Sirs: At 3:40 P.M. to-day I observed a so-called flying saucer. This occurred while I was half way up Rix Ledges north of Lebanon, N. H. As I was intently watching the honey bees circling in a patch of sky after leaving my bee box my attention was called to a floating object that appeared to be as large as a tennis ball and as white as cotton batting. This object approached rapidly and noiselessly from the East and was followed closely by another object that appeared in size and shape like a saucer which maintained a constant angle of inclination to the ball and followed it at a constant distance. The two objects made an angle with my eye of approximately five degrees. They were in my vision for more than a minute when I lost them in the glare of the sun. If I had seen this in the night sky with my six inch telescope I would have thought that the planets Venus and Saturn had suddenly gotten together and were traveling at great speed much nearer the earth. [STAMP:] [HW: A.C.PARKER] [HW: A.C.PARKER] [HW: A.C.PARKER] [HW: A.C.PARKER] Very truly yours, A. Courtney Parker Superintendent of Schools
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[REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [HW: F.B.I. 505 PM INTERNAL SECURITY] STAMP: 20 5 05 PM STAMP: RECEIVED
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Office of Director Federal Bureau of Investigation United States Department of Justice September 8, 1947 The attached was sent to the Director by Walter Winchell. The notations appearing thereon read: "Ack & F.B.I." "Please excuse haste - Trying to make airmail west." Attachment mt REDACTED 62-83894-76 Bureau files fail to reflect any record on a Mrs. Madeline Gwynne Merchant, the writer of the attached letter. STAMP: 15 SEP 16 1947
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STAMP: SEP 9 8 58 AM '47 STAMP: SEP 9 9 45 AM '47 STAMP: SEP 0 5 08 PM '47 RECEIVED-TAMM U.S. DEPT. FBI TAMM U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
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Mrs. Madeline Gwynne Merchant Box 263, Santa Fe, New Mexico July 13, 1947 Mr. Walter Winchell, % Postmaster, Los Angeles, Calif. Dear Mr. Winchell: The enclosed letter deals with what are being called "discs." You are not to mention the contents of this letter over the air, nor to any individual other than officials of the War Dep't., members of the FBI, or an American whose patriotism would rank with your own, and who might donate $10,000 or more for the purpose of my continuing the collection of field data concerning "discs," while time may remain in which to do so. I have had respectful attention from the following persons: (But no checks, nor expense accounts even.) Col. Herbert C. Gee, Comm. Officer, Los Alamos Atomic Project, Los Alamos, N.M. Maj. Bidney Newburger, Security Official, Los Alamos Atomic Project, Los Alamos, N.M. Mr. Willard Zimmer, Military Intelligence, P.O. Box 681, Santa Fe, N.M. [HW: Please excuse trying haste - trying to make airmail] [STAMP: 62-83894-76] ENCLOSURE
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F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY DEP 9 3 16 PM *17 RECEIVED
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Francis Finley, Agent-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, (Phone 1366) Santa Fe, N.M. Gen. S.R. Brennault, Ass't to Lt. Gen. Nathan F. Twining, AAF Materiel Command, Washington, D.C. Col. Zumwalt, Ass't to Colonel Bunker, Comm. Off. Kirtland Field, Albuquerque, N.M. Gen. Patrick Hurley, (Former Ambassador to China,) 1210 Shoreham Bld'g. (Also Santa Fe, N.M.) Washington D.C. And through the courtesy of Gen. Patrick Hurley, a letter from Sec. of War Robert Patterson, War Dep't, Washington D.C. All were highly interested, appreciative, with the general trend of contacts being, "This is fine. Go right ahead." My point in writing you is to raise some money to proceed with. No budgets seemed to allow for the unexpected, elusive "discs." Sen. Carl Hatch, D-N.M., U.S. Senate, Washington D.C. has been contacted by mail for an appropriationX but even if this only requires one more week it may be too late. You may contact any of the above listed persons to verify my contacts (excuse repetition word contact) during the past four months In other words I began reporting directly to Dr Norris Bradbury Scientific Head of Los Alamos and Colonel Gee et al some time ago that this type aerial "disc" was a reality
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This material was considered confidential, and still is. I have been asked by Colonel Gee not to speak any further than material which has been published in the press. And I have chosen simply not to speak at all, except to a source which I consider might further my own work. If you ask of the above persons, to ascertain whether or not I have made serious, materially valuable contributions, which may indicate much scientifically... and which, if action can be continued soon enough, may a little later save our nation much... Please make inquiries quietly, and as promptly as convenient. Do not mention in any manner, until release by the War Dept., even the receipt of this letter, except to the above persons or proper government officials there. Or, to one whom you know will make a donation. Perhaps your savest bet would be simply to telephone the FBI there, and let them telephone Francis Finley here for verification. I promise you an exclusive behind the scenes story when your action now may save your own life, and that of others who may and if the War Dept releases the material nationally. Meanwhile, I have wondered what a "disc" is. Rest assured I have all the proper scientific and governmental contacts needed.... All I need is the werewhitall. I have the
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Again, I must ask you not to mention even the town from which this Letter comes, as you may be endangering lives to so so. Simply ascertain my contributions, get some money to me, and wait. (Francis Finley himself would give me a gas budget, if he were not so close himself.) Am 39, but dress and feel some younger. P.S. Am a former newspaper person, and very proud of it. Mrs. Madeline awning merchant HW: Frankly [REDACTED] Houseman Most respectfully, I have met before with the mental reaction, "What? A woman handling this type material?" And my signature will probably evoke the same response from you. So I assure you, yes, gone out to seek. And doing the proper thing about it. I regret that I cannot be more specific now, but duty to country rests above. STAMP: 64
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M907 7407 REDACTED To B & S Dear Sirs, I am [HW: sorry] to inform you that my wife and I are leaving for China on [HW: Aug. 1st] Decided to go [STAMP: See Outgoing 9-1-47] INDEXED 32 SEP 181947 RECORDED X 46 T B I 52OCT221947 28 X Mixed ntr
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STAMP: F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY STAMP: UG 19 9 32 AM '41 STAMP: DEPT OF JUSTICE STAMP: F.B.I. RECEIVER RECEIVED
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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Mr. R. T. Harbo FROM: T. F. Baughman DATE: August 28, 1947 SUBJECT: Letter and material received from Mrs. J. H. Mixon Estill, South Carolina Route 1, Box 30 The attached letter dated August 14, 1947 from Mrs. Mixon together with the material which she reports to be part of a flying saucer was received in the Laboratory on August 19, 1947. The material which was submitted with Mrs. Mixon's letter has been identified as powdered soap stones. Inasmuch as the Investigative and Security Divisions might possibly be interested in this matter, I request that you advise me as to the final disposition of the submitted material as well as the type of reply which should be made to Mrs. Mixon's letter. JWM:PVH [HW:] memo filed R-344 [HW:] memo filed R-344 [HW:] memo filed R-344 RECORDED & INDEXED STAMP: FBI 62-83894-78 STAMP: SEP 18 1947 EX-83
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STAMP: F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY STAMP: AUG 29 10 23 AM '47 STAMP: RECEIVED LABORATORY DIVISION RECEIVED-HARBO AUG 28 5 30 PM '47
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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: D. M. Ladd FROM: J. P. Coyne SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCER DATE: September 4, 1947 Reference is made to the memorandum from Mr. Baughman to Mr. Harbo, dated August 28, 1947, requesting advice as to the final disposition of material submitted by Mrs. J. H. Mixon, Estill, South Carolina. It is noted that this material, which Mrs. Mixon reported to be a part of a flying saucer, has been identified as powdered soap stones. It is recommended that the material be returned to Mrs. Mixon along with a letter advising that such has been identified as powdered soap stones. RGF:LH [HW: Letter Out] [HW: 9-8-47] [HW: Jwm] RECORDED & INDEXED EX-46 [STAMP: 77] [STAMP: 62-83894-79] [STAMP: FBI] [STAMP: 32 SEP 18 1947] [HW: Letter] [HW: Jw-m-mad] [ILLEGIBLE]
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U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE FBI TECHNICAL LABORATORY RECEIVED-LABO SEP 5 2 27 PM '47 SEP 5 08 PM '47 LABORATORY DIVISION FBI
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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Director, FBI FROM: SAC, Phoenix DATE: September 4, 1947 SUBJECT: REPORTS OF FLYING DISCS ATTENTION: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR D. M. LADD Reference is made to San Francisco letter dated August 28, 1947, and to Bureau teletype to Phoenix dated August 30, 1947. With reference to the above matter, I desire to point out that the letter of reference from San Francisco did not reach Phoenix until September 2, 1947. On August 29, 1947, a Mr. GEORGE FUGATE, JR. called at the Phoenix office and exhibited credentials reflecting that he is a representative of A-2, Fourth Air Force, Hamilton Field, California. He also exhibited orders emanating from the office of Colonel DONALD SPRINGER, A-2, Fourth Air Force, Hamilton Field, California, instructing him to proceed to Phoenix immediately and contact the FBI office at which time a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation would be designated to accompany him to interview WILLIAM RHODES who had previously reported the photographing of a flying disc. The orders further indicated that the San Francisco office of the FBI was transmitting further information relating to Mr. FUGATE'S mission. ASAC HEBER M. CLEGG telephonically communicated with SAC HARRY KIMBALL of the San Francisco office and Mr. KIMBALL verified the above information and stated that a letter had been directed to the Phoenix office suggesting that the Phoenix office assist any representative who called from A-2 in the interrogation of RHODES. SAC KIMBALL stated that in connection with flying discs he had maintained close contact with Colonel SPRINGER and that close cooperation existed. He further advised that many reports of flying discs had been received at San Francisco and that a full discussion concerning results of inquiries had been held with Colonel SPRINGER. In connection with flying disc investigations Mr KIMBALL advised he had maintained close touch with Bureau and apparently handled these matters in accordance with Bureau policy. In view of the above Special Agent J BAILEY BROWER of the Phoenix office was permitted to work with Mr FUGATE in interview William Albert RHODES The results inquiry are set out hereunder.
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STAMP: F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY STAMP: F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY STAMP: F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY STAMP: F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY RECEIVED 10 8 58 AM Liaison Section RECEIVED SEP 15 10 50 AM '47 RECEIVED SEP 23 10 11 AM '47 RECEIVED SEP 9 14 PM '47
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Phoenix file 62-213 WILLIAM ALBERT RHODES, 4333 N. 14th Street, Phoenix, Arizona, owns and maintains the Panoramic Research Laboratory and Hobby Shop at this address, and he related the following as occurring on the afternoon of July 7, 1947: A storm had occurred in Phoenix on the afternoon of July 7, 1947, and the clouds were at approximately 5000 feet, the color of which was grey and they resembled dense cumulus. A fifteen mile per hour wind was blowing. At approximately 5 p.m. on that date, Mr. RHODES was walking from his home to the Hobby Shop and he heard a noise resembling a P-80 aircraft, apparently coming in a westerly direction. Upon searching the skies he observed to the northeast what appeared to be an odd shaped ship. He described this ship as being possibly 20 to 30 feet in diameter, traveling at an estimated speed of 100 miles per hour. It appeared to be making a spiral in a small radius of possibly one-half to three quarters of a mile. RHODES stated the sound which he first heard was no longer audible; that he hurriedly procured a 120 Brownie Box Camera from his shop, and as the aircraft completed the first circle he obtained a photograph. As the ship started on the second turn, it was in a northwesterly direction from his place and he again snapped a photograph, which more closely resembled the shape of the ship than photograph #1, this being designated as Exhibit II, as submitted to the Bureau with letter dated August 4, 1947 by the Office of Assistant Chief of Staff A-2 Intelligence Hamilton Field California RHODES further described the direction of the ship by stating that instead of completing lefthand downward spiral ship banked right and disappeared into clouds He stated that just as it banked he had snapped second photograph Exhibit II. At last point which was at time ship made this turn Mr RHODES estimated it between high He further described appearance this ship closely resembling picture appeared front cover May issue Mechanics Illustrated Magazine only difference noted by Mr RHODES being that ship appeared flying backward. Mr RHODES also related that did not associate appearance this ship with numerous reports flying discs He related however after three minute interview newspaper reporters story local papers blown up extent barely recognized information furnished him Mr RHODES explained that aforementioned dimensions distances were only estimated pointing out previous experience probably assisted him making fairly close estimates He related that had been doing experimental work for past ten years He also stated employed Naval Ordnance Laboratory Washington D C during early part World War left there beginning year Upon return Phoenix employed Falcon Field near Phoenix leased British Government training purposes instructed instrument training aircraft identification gunnery practice explained hobbies have do science physics radio electronics astronomy produced model which had made radio controlled airplane He related most work consists building transformers necessary for him depend upon music ability for livlihood
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Phoenix file 62-213 In explaining the results of photographing the ship, Mr. RHODES stated that he was surprised that the object appeared dark on a light background; that he fully expected that the object would be light on a dark background. He described the light spot which appears in the center of the object (Exhibit II) as being a green house. RHODES insisted that the ship made no noise that was audible to his ear and he was unable to detect the presence of any propeller. He also related that after the newspaper release over Radio Station KTAR, wherein statements were made that he, RHODES, had stated Army officials were studying the photographs, and that it was a top secret, he attempted to determine the source of this release and the Radio station finally told him that it was a United Press release from Washington, D. C. The following description of RHODES was obtained from observation and interrogation: Age Date birth Place birth Height Weight Eyes Hair Education Marital status 30 12-29-16 Garden City, Kansas 6' 3" 155 pounds Blue Brown Phoenix Union High School Married- one son It should be stated that at the time of interview with RHODES, Mr. BROWER identified himself as an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and exhibited his credentials. However, pursuant to a request from Mr. FUGATE, he was introduced only as a representative of the United States government. His exact official connection was not made known to Mr. RHODES. Agent BROWER advised that he felt it was a peculiar procedure, but it was not his business. However, at the conclusion of the interview, Mr. FUGATE requested Mr. RHODES to furnish him with the negatives and RHODES stated he would be glad to do so, but they were not in his immediate possession, and he would deliver them to the FBI the following morning. Mr. RHODES requested that the negatives be returned to him. Agent BROWER states that to this request, Mr. FUGATE made no reply. Agent BROWER states that after leaving Mr. RHODES he asked FUGATE if [ILLEGIBLE] negatives would be returned to [ILLEGIBLE] Rhodes and FUGATE stated [ILLEGIBLE] doubted very much [ILLEGIBLE] negatives. Mr. BROWER then advised [ILLEGIBLE] before [ILLEGIBLE] must be advised of [ILLEGIBLE]'s identity and also advised [ILLEGIBLE] negatives if turned over to [ILLEGIBLE], would not be returned
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Phoenix file 62-213 In view of which, on the morning on August 30, 1947, when Mr. RHODES called at the Phoenix office to deliver the negatives, they were accepted only after he was advised that they were being given to Mr. FUGATE, a representative of the Army Air Force Intelligence, United States Army, and that there was little, if any, chance of his getting the negatives back. Mr. RHODES turned the negatives over to this office with the full understanding that they were being given to the Army and that he would not get them back. The Phoenix office did not receive the Bureau teletype of reference instructing that no joint investigation should be conducted until after the matter had been handled. Inasmuch as military authorities have complete knowledge of the results of the interview with Mr. RHODES no copy of this report is being designated for A-2. JBB-kb cc-San Francisco 62-213
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FBI PORTLAND 9-13-47 8-08 PM HHS DIRECTOR URGENT FLYING DISCS. LEON V. [REDACTED] JENKINS, CHIEF OF POLICE, PORTLAND, STATES HE OBSERVED AT ABOUT FIVE FIFTEEN PM ELEVENTH INSTANT, AN OBJECT SIMILAR IN SIZE TO A WEATHER BALLOON, WHICH APPEARED TO BE MADE OF ALUMINUM OR SOME OTHER BRIGHT METAL, TRAVELING RAPIDLY NORTHWEST TO SOUTHEAST OVER PORTLAND AT AN ESTIMATED TEN THOUSAND FEET. OBJECT VEERED TO SOUTH AND DISAPPEARAD IN THE DISTANCE IN APPROXIMATELY ONE MINUTE. ALSO OBSERVED BY PATROLMAN H. [REDACTED] RANEY, DRIVER OF JENKINS CAR, AND POSSIBLY BY OTHER PORTLAND POLICE OFFICERS. SMALL ARTICLE APPEARED IN PORTLAND NEWSPAPER, THE OREGONIAN, CONCERNING THIS ON TWELFTH INSTANT. INVESTIGATION BEING CONDUCTED. END STAMP: FBI 23 SEP 1947 RECORDED & INDEXED BOBBITT 62-83894-81 [HW:] info to mi 9/14/47 STAMP: GEUDAM OK FBI 1210AM OK FBI WA R-344
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RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT SEP 14 12 10 AM '47 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE [STAMP:] RECEIVED [STAMP:] RECEIVED [STAMP:] RECEIVED
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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION SEP 13 1947 301201 96 31 TELETEYPE FBI NORFOLK 9-13-47 4-15 PM CLC DIRECTOR URGENT FLYING DISCS. MRS. G. H[REDACTED] STOCKTON, ONE SIX NINE A VIEW AVENUE, OCEAN VIEW, VA., REPORTED SIGHTING FLYING DISC AT SHOUNS, TENN., SEPTEMBER SIXTY LAST. SON-IN-LAW, HUGH[REDACTED] JENNINGS, ONE ONE ONE BELLGRAVE, OCEAN VIEW XX XX VIEW, CONFIRMS SIGHTING OF THIS OBJECT WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS BEING SHAPED LIKE FOOTBALL, MOVING IN A SOUTHERLY DIRECTION AT CONSTANT ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY TWO THOUSAND FEET, AND TURNING END OVER END IN THE AIR. RATE OF SPEED COMPARABLE TO CUB PLANE. JENNINGS STATES OBJECT VISIBLE FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES AGAINST OVERCAST SKY. NO DETAILS DISCRERNIBLE. JENNINGS DOES NOT BELIEVE OBJECT WAS DISC BUT THAT IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A LOOSE METEROXX METEOROLOGICAL BALLOON. RUC. ROBEY END 5-17 PM OK FBI WA BW [HW: Rec'd June m/19] [HW: 9/12/47] [STAMP: RUC] [STAMP: RUC] EX-30
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RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT SEP 13 5 19 PM '47 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE STAMP: F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY EP 15 12 54 PM '47 STAMP: F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY RECEIVED SEP 15 8 54 AM '47 STAMP: F.B.I. LAISON SECTION U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED SEP 13 5 29 PM '47
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CONFIDENTIAL HEADQUARTERS, ARMY AIR FORCES WASHINGTON IN REPLY REFER TO: AFBIR-CO 5 SEP 1947 Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Department of Justice Washington 25, D. C. Dear Sir: Attention: Liaison Section In answer to a verbal request of your Mr. S. W. Reynolds, a complete survey of research activities discloses that the Army Air Forces has no project with the characteristics similar to those which have been associated with the Flying Discs. Yours sincerely, [HW: GEO. F. SCHULGEN] Brigadier General, U.S.A. Deputy, Ass't. Chief of Air Staff-2 STAMP: 63SEP30/1947 [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE STAMP: 62-83894-83 [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 90986
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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: D. M. LADD FROM: E. G. Fitch DATE: 9/16/47 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS Special Agent S. W. Reynolds of the Liaison Section has discussed with Lieutenant Colonel George Garrett of the Intelligence Division of the Air Forces the possibility that the flying discs or saucers are in fact a project of the Army Air Forces. It should be noted that Colonel Garrett agreed with this possibility. At that time Mr. Reynolds pointed out to Colonel Garrett the possible embarrassing position of the Intelligence Division of the Air Forces if it was subsequently ascertained that this was the truth, especially since they had requested the assistance of the Bureau in the captioned matter. Colonel Garrett advised Mr. Reynolds that he would institute a further search, and he has now advised that a letter was addressed by Major General McDonald, Director of the Intelligence Division of the Air Forces, to Research and Development Section of the Air Forces. There is attached hereto a letter addressed to the Director, dated September 5, 1947, from Brigadier General George F. Schulgen, which states that a complete survey of research activities discloses that Army Air Forces have no project with characteristics similar to those which have been associated with flying discs. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that this memorandum be forwarded to Internal Security Section for their information. Attachment SWR:AJB [STAMP:] [STAMP:] [STAMP:] [HW:]
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STAMP: F.B.I DEPT OF JUSTICE RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION RECEIVED SEP 16 406 PM '47 P 17 9 11 AM '47 RECEIVED SEP 23 9 48 AM '47 P 18 9 12 AM '47 HW: DEPARTMENT
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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Director, FBI FROM: SAC, Portland DATE: 9-17-47 SUBJECT: REPORTS OF FLYING DISCS SECURITY MATTER - X Refer San Francisco letter dated September 4, 1947. FRED M. JOHNSON, Globe Hotel, 106 NW. First Avenue, Portland, reported without consulting any records that on June 24, 1947, while prospecting at a point in the Cascade Mountains approximately five thousand feet from sea level, during the afternoon he noticed a reflection, looked up, and saw a disc proceeding in a southeasterly direction. Immediately upon sighting this object he placed his telescope to his eye and observed the disc for approximately forty-five to sixty seconds. He remarked that it is possible for him to pick up an object at a distance of ten miles with his telescope. At the time the disc was sighted by Mr. JOHNSON it was banking in the sun, and he observed five or six similar objects but only concentrated on one. He related that they did not fly in any particular formation and that he would estimate their height to be about one thousand feet from where he was standing. He said the object was about thirty feet in diameter and appeared to have a tail. It made no noise. According to JOHNSON he remained in the vicinity of the Cascades for several days and then returned to Portland and noted an article in the local paper which stated in effect that a man in Boise, Idaho, had sighted a similar object but that authorities had disclaimed any knowledge of such an object. He said he communicated with the Army for the sole purpose of attempting to add credence to the story furnished by the man in Boise. JOHNSON also related that on the occasion of his sighting the objects on June 24, 1947 he had in his possession a combination compass and watch. He noted particularly that immediately before he sighted the disc the compass acted very peculiarly; [HW:] hand waving from one side to another; but that this condition corrected itself immediately after [HW:] discs had passed out of sight. Informant appeared to be a very reliable individual who advised that he had been a prospector in states of Montana Washington Oregon for past forty years. FJS:KAM 62-1531 2 cc: San Francisco (62-2938) RECORDED INDEXED [STAMP:] SEP 30 1947
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Office of the Vice President United States Government Date: 1941 To: Director From: F.B.I. Subject: Rules for the Vice President [REDACTED] [HW:] [STAMP:] EP 24 208 PM RECEIVED
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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: D. M. LADD FROM: E. G. FITCH SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS Special Agent S. W. Reynolds of the Liaison Section, while discussing the above captioned phenomena with Lieutenant Colonel Garrett of the Air Forces Intelligence, expressed the possibility that flying discs were, in fact, a very highly classified experiment of the Army or Navy. Mr. Reynolds was very much surprised when Colonel Garrett not only agreed that this was a possibility, but confidentially stated it was his personal opinion that such was a probability. Colonel Garrett indicated confidentially that a Mr.[REDACTED], who is a scientist attached to the Air Forces Intelligence, was of the same opinion. Colonel Garrett stated that he based his assumption on the following: He pointed out that when flying objects were reported seen over Sweden, the "high brass" of the War Department exerted tremendous pressure on the Air Forces Intelligence to conduct research and collect information in an effort to identify these sightings. Colonel Garrett stated that, in contrast to this, we have reported sightings of unknown objects over the United States, and the "high brass" appeared to be totally unconcerned. He indicated this led him to believe that they knew enough about these objects to express no concern. Colonel Garrett pointed out further that the objects in question have been seen by many individuals who are what he terms "trained observers," such as airplane pilots. He indicated also that several of the individuals are reliable members of the community. He stated it is his conclusion that these individuals saw something. He stated the above has led him to come to the conclusion that there were objects seen which somebody in the Government knows all about. Mr. Reynolds pointed out to Colonel Garrett that if it is a fact experimentations are being conducted by the United States Government, then it does not appear reasonable to request the FBI to spend money and precious time conducting inquiries with respect to this matter. Colonel Garrett stated that he agreed with Mr. Reynolds in this regard and indicated that it would be extremely embarrassing to the Air Forces Intelligence if it later is learned that these flying discs are, in fact, an experiment of the United States Government. Mr. Reynolds subsequently discussed this matter with Colonel L R Forney of the Intelligence Division of War Department. Colonel Forney stated he had discussed matter previously with General Chamberlin. Colonel Forney indicated Mr. Reynolds has assurance General STAMP: 51SEP291947 SWR LL 252 EX-64 RECORDED INDEXED 19 62-83894-86 F B T 34 SEP 23 1947
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Office Washington - United States Government FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED-LABOE 10 35 AM '47 RECEIVED-TAMM FBI INTERNAL SECURITY STAMP: F.B.I. STAMP: INTERNAL SECURITY STAMP: 26 456 PN
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MEMORANDUM FOR MR. LADD Chamberlin and General Todd that the Army is conducting no experimentations with anything which could possibly be mistaken for a flying disc. Colonel Garrett of the Air Forces Intelligence subsequently contacted Mr. Reynolds and indicated that he had discussed this matter with General Schulgen of the Army Air Forces. General Schulgen had previously assured both Mr. Reynolds and Colonel Garrett that to the best of his knowledge and information no experiments were being undertaken by the Government which could be mistaken for flying discs. Colonel Garrett indicated to Mr. Reynolds that he had pointed out his beliefs to General Schulgen and had mentioned the possibility of an embarrassing situation arising between the Air Forces Intelligence and the FBI. General Schulgen agreed with Colonel Garrett that a memorandum would be prepared for the signature of General McDonald, A2, to General LeMay, who is in charge of Research and Development in the Air Corps. Colonel Garrett indicated that this memorandum will set forth the characteristics of the objects seen by various reliable individuals. The memorandum will then request General LeMay to indicate whether or not any experiments are being undertaken by the Air Forces which could possibly be connected with any of the observed phenomena. Colonel Garrett stated that when a reply is received from General LeMay, a communication will be addressed to the Bureau. Mr. Reynolds will follow this matter closely with Colonel Garrett and General Schulgen so that the Bureau will be promptly advised of all information regarding the flying discs, especially any information indicating that they are, in fact, an experiment of some Governmental agency.
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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: D. M. LADD FROM: J. P. COYNE DATE: 8-8-47 SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS AND FLYING DISCS Reference is made to the memorandum to you from the Liaison Section dated July 21, 1947, setting forth a request from Colonel Golbranson of the Intelligence Division of the War Department for the Bureau to conduct investigation to determine the origin of the flying discs. OBSERVATIONS: It is felt that the situation regarding these flying saucers and flying discs is very similar to the situation which was previously encountered by the Bureau during the past war in handling complaints arising out of the sighting of Japanese balloons. You will recall that at the inception of these complaints, the Bureau conducted considerable investigation and located numerous balloons as a cooperative measure for the Army and that after considerable work had been done, the Army then informed that these were military weapons and that they would take over the handling of these completely. This they did and in an extremely short time issued a big press release as to splendid work of Army in locating these Japanese balloons. From information available thus far, it does not appear that these discs should be treated other than as a military weapon. Certainly Bureau has no way to determine what experiments Army and Navy are conducting and whether such might be arising out of experiments being conducted by them nor do we have any way determining how far Russians have progressed in certain experiments and whether such might be results of experiments by Russian Army. It short, it would certainly appear that this is military situation and should be handled strictly by military authorities. In this connection it might be pointed out that our present Portland case arose out fact two Army Intelligence officers were returning from interview two individuals who reportedly had seen flying discs. If Army Intelligence officers are handling some interviews, it is believed they should handle all interviews, and it is not believed Bureau should expend its precious manpower on complaints which thus far have no connection with our Russian espionage program. The military authorities certainly are better equipped know what they are looking for than we are and have more facilities for handling any material which it necessary examine as result its being reported remnant flying disc. It is believed Bureau merely playing bird-dog for Army by using our manpower run out complaints on flying discs. ACTION: EX-34 RECORDED 162-83 894-87 In view recent Bureau Bulletin #42 dated July 30, 1947 however there attached letter Chicago Office asking they conduct requested investigation. Attachment RG#P291947
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D . 045 F . B . CONAS [REDACTED] ONCE [REDACTED] ONCE [REDACTED] ONCE [STAMP:] F . B . L. INTERNAL SECURITY P 25 2 57 PM* STOP
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62-83894-88 October 3, 1947 RECORDED EX-89 Mrs. Joseph H. Ryan Bieber, California Dear Mrs. Ryans: Receipt is acknowledged of your letter dated September 19, 1947, requesting information concerning the origin of the "Flying Saucer Mystery". In this connection, you are advised that in view of a long established policy I am unable to furnish the results of investigations by this Bureau to other than Governmental sources. For this reason I regret that I am unable to answer your question, but I appreciate your interest in writing to me in this regard. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director RGF:vj:cmw COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED 12 OCT 4 1947 P.M. STAMP:
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[STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION] [STAMP: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE] [STAMP: F.B.T] [STAMP: RECEIVED-HALL ROOM] [STAMP: OCT 4 1943 PM 103] [HW: 88] [HW: Department of Justice] Dear Mr. [REDACTED], Receipt of letter dated [REDACTED] from [REDACTED] regarding paragraph 22, "1943" and paragraph 21, "F.B.I." Please be advised that the rights of the INTERNAL SECURITY Department are not to be construed as a license to publish or broadcast any matter pertaining to internal security matters. In this connection, I am enclosing a copy of the letter from Mr. A to only so far as it relates to matters of internal security and relating to old and new matters of internal security. I am glad that you have brought this matter to my attention and I want you to know that I consider your statement very important and appreciate your interest in this matter. Very truly yours, Jewell Brooman Director
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The Ryan Funeral Home Bieber, California Sept 19, 1947 To The F. B. A. Washington D. C. Dear Sir: Recently a little paper was handed [X KINGDOM VOICE - THE MARCH] to me called Kingdom Voice - The March [AHEAD OF TIME] ahead of time Printed in Los angeles cal. Bay 6450 Metropolitan Station Office 1204 S. Olive St h.a. This is official Publication of the Temple of Jehovah. Now there is an article Called The Flying Disc Mystery It states the discs are sent by the Russians with the existence of Germany, Japan and others Sent from the North Pole They are ugly planes flying very high The Pilots are [ILLEGIBLE] strong sedatives etc etc. REDACTED
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Some of Pilates, and I also gather things which look off color to me. Of course P.A. is a hat bed of cuetâ etc., for the's to be read by the Public is rather startling. I just think that I would ask about this. I do not believe it myself. How could Germany and Japan do anything now they way they are policed and guarded? Sincerely, Mrs Joseph H Ryan. [HW: MRS JOSEPH HRYAN] World War Nurse overseas for three years and member of our local Post A Legion here. [STAMP: F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY] [STAMP: 26 454 PM] [REDACTED]
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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION AUG 7 1947 TELETEYPE FBI, SEATTLE 8-747 5-20 PM PST RH DIRECTOR AND SAC, CHICAGO AND BUTTE URGENT FLYING DISKS SIGHTED BY FRED [REDACTED] CHRISMAN AND HARLD [REDACTED] DAHL, TACOMA, W. SM DASH X. REMYTEL AUGUST SIX, LAST CAPTIONED FLYING DISKS. HAROLD A. DAHL AND FRED CHRISMAN, TACOMA, IN SIGNED STATEMENT INSTANT DATE STATE THAT IN EARLY PART OF JUNE, LAST, THE [ILLEGIBLE] PICKED UP SOME STRANGE ROCK FORMATIONS FROM A GRAVEL PIT, MAURI ISLAND, WASHINGTON. THEY STATE A CIGAR BOX OF THESE ROCK FORMATIONS THEY SENT TO RAY [REDACTED], EDITOR OF VENTURE MAGAZINE IN EVANSTON, ILLINOIS. THEY STATE PALMER IS ALSO EDITOR OF FANTASY MAGAZINE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. THEY STATE THEY REQUESTED PALMER ONLY TO MAKE A CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ROCK FORMATION. DAHL AND CHRISMAN STATE PALMER LATER WROTE ASKING FOR ADDITIONAL SAMPLES STATING HE HAD BEEN UNABLE TO ANALYZE THE MATERIAL. DAHL AND CHRISMAN STATE PALMER, A FEW DAYS AFTER THE FLYING DISK STORIES STARTED THE LATTER PART OF JUNE, LAST CONTACTED THEM BY PHONE AT TACOMA, WASHINGTON SAYING HE WOULD PAY FOR AN EXCLUSIVE STORY IF THE MATERIAL WHICH THEY HAD SENT HIM WAS FRAGMENTS OF A FLYING DISK. DAHL STATES HE WROTE PALMER A LETTER IN WHICH HE STATED THE MATERIAL WAS PART OF A FLYING DISK. DAHL AND CHRISMAN ADMIT THIS STATEMENT WAS ENTIREY FALSE. DAHL AND CHRISMAN STATE THEY WERE CALLED BY KENNETH ARNOLD OF BOISE IDAHO TO MEET WITH HIM AT THE WHITHROP HOTEL, TACOMA, WASHINGTON ON JULY THIRTYFIRST, LAST. THEY STATE ARNOLD CALLED IN ARMY INTELLIGENCE OFFICERS FROM
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STAMP: AUG 8 11 17 AM '47 STAMP: AUG 8 9 56 AM '47 STAMP: RECEIVED-TAMM P27 236 PM STAMP: FBI INTERNAL SECURITY U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
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PAGE TWO HAMILTON FIELD, CALIFORNIA, AND CAPTAIN EMIL H. SMITH OF UNITED AIR LINES, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON TO ATTEND THE MEETING. DAHL AND CHRISMAN CLAIM THEY TOLD THE INTELLIGENCE OFFICERS, CAPTAIN DAVIDSON AND LIEUTENANT BROWN, AS WELL AS KENNETH ARNOLD AND EMIL SMITH EXACTLY HOW THEY GOT THE ROCK FORMATIONS AND THAT THEY HAD NO CONNECTION WITH ANY FLYING DISK. DAHL AND CHRISMAN STATE THEY FURNISHED SOME OF THE ROCK FORMATION TO THE INTELLIGENT OFFICERS AS SAMPLES. CAPTAIN DAVIDSON AND LIEUTEANT BROWN LEFT TACOMA, WASHINGTON IN A B TWENTY FIVE TO RETURN TO HAMILTON FIELD, CALIFORNIA ABOUT TWO THIRTY A. M. AUGUST ONE, LAST, AND WERE KILLED WHEN THEIR PLANE CRASHED AT KELSO, WASHINGTON, AFTER THE LEFT ENGINE BURNED OUT AN EXHAUST STACK WHICH IN TURN CAUGHT THE LEFT WING ON FIRE AND IT BROKE OFF. THE CREW CHIEF AND EACH OFFICER PARACHUTED TO SAFETY. ERNIE VOTEL, ASSOCIATED PRESS WIREMAN, TACOMA, ADVISED THAT TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER THE FLYING DISK STORIES STARTED, HE CONTACTED DAHL TO CHECK A STORY THE SEATTLE POST INTELLIGENCER HAD GOTTEN FROM THE FIRE CHIEF AT HARBOUR,WASHINGTON ,TO THE EFFECT THAT DAHL HAD SOME FLYING DISK FRAGMENTS. AT THIS TIME DAHL ADMITTED TO VOGEL THE ENTIRE STORE WAS FALSE. DAHL AND CHRISMAN STATE ARNOLD WAS PAID BY RAY PALMER OF THE FANTASY MAGAZINE AND POSSIBLYTHE BOISE STATEMAN- [HW:NEWSPAER],TO COME TO TACOMA,WASHINGTONAND OBTAIN A STORY FROM THEM REGARDINGTHE FLYING DISK FRAGMENTS. THEY FURTHER STATE THAT EMIL H.SMITH HAD A
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F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY RECEIVED P 27 236 PM
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PAGE THREE FRIEND ON THE CHICAGO TIMES AND WAS POSSIBLY SELLING THE STORY TO TE CHICAGO TIMES THROUGH THIS FRIEND. A CHECK OF THE RCORDS AT THE WITHROP HOTEL, TACOMA WHERE ARNOLD HAD HIS ROOM, REFLECT THAT ON JULY THIRTY FIRST, LAST, ARNOLD CALLED PALMER AT A. N. FIVE TWO NAUGHT NAUGT, EVANSTON, ILLINOIS, COLLECT, AND ALSO CALLED NAUGHT ONE NAUGHT NINE J AT BOISE, IDAHO, COLLECT. ON AUGUST ONE, LAST, ARNOLD CALLED PALMER AT DEARBORN FIVE TWO NAUGHT NAUGHT CHICAGO, COLLECT, AND EMIL SMITH CALLED BLANK [HW:RODDY] AT DEARBORN TWO THREE TWO THREE. ON JULY THIRTY FIRST AND AUGUST ONE, LAST, A TOTAL OF FIVE ANONYMOUS CALLS WERE RECEIVED BY A TACOMA TIMES REPORTER AND THE UNITED PRESS WIRE MAN AT TACMA GIVING IN- FORMATION REGARDING THE MEETING AT THE WINTHROP HOTEL OVER THE DISK FRAGMENTS AND STATING THAT THE B TWENTY FIVE HAD BEEN SHOT DOWN OR SABOTAGED WHICH KILLED CAPTAIN DAVIDSON AND LIEUTENANT BROWN INFERRING THAT THIS WAS DONE BECAUSE THE INTELLIGENE OFFICERS WERE CARRYING DISK FRAGMENTS IN THEIR PLANE. DAHL AND CHRISMAN STATE THESE CALLS COULD ONLY HAVE COME FROM THEMSELVES SMITH OR ARNOD AND DENY THAT THEY MADE THE CALLS. NO RECORD OF THE CALLS AS HAVING BEEN MADE FROM ARNOLD-S ROOM IN THE WINTHROP HOTEL CAN BE LOCATED. DAHL AND CHRISMAN ARE EVASIVE AS TO JUST WHAT INFORMATION THEY DID FURNISH BY PHONE OR LETTER TO RAY PALMER. ERNIE VOGEL UNITED PRESS WIRE MAN TACOMA WASHINGTON STATE IT APPEARS THE BOISE STATEMAN-S PAPER AND KENNETH ARNOLD HAVE
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F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY SECRET OF JUSTICE P 27 236 PH RECEIVED
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PAGE FOUR BEEN PUSHING THE PUBLICITY ON THE FLYING DISK STORIES. VOGEL STATES THAT ARNOLD WAS EIGHER THE FIRST OR ONE OF THE FIRST TO CLAIM HE HAD SEEN FLYING DISKS. DAHL AND CHRISMAN STATE THAT ARNOLD ADMITTED RE- CEIVING MONEY FROM RAY PALMER TO COME TO TACOMA TO CHECK THE DISK STORY. UNLESS ADVISED TO THE CONTRARY BY THE BUREAU, THE BUTTE OFFICE AT BOISE, IDAHO, WILL OBTAIN ALL INFORMATION REGARDING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE BOISE STATEMAN-S PAPER AND KENNETH ARNOLD. WILL INTERVIEW KENNETH ARNOLD, ROUTE ONE, MOUNTAIN VIEW DRIVE, BOISE FOR WHAT INFORMATION HE HAS AS TO THE ABOVE FACTS AND WHAT INFORMATION HE FURNISHED RAY PALMER AND THE BOISE STATEMAN REGARDING THE TACOMA MEETING AND THE SABOTAGE OF THE B TWENTYFIVE. THE CHICAGO OFFICE AT CHICAGO WILL INTERVIEW RAY PALMER, EDITOR OF FRANTASY MAGAZINE, REGARDING HIS CONNECTIONS WITH DAHL AND CHRISMAN AND ARNOLD AND WHAT INFORMATION EACH FURNISHED TO HIM. WILL ALSO ATTEMPT TO ASCERTAIN WHAT INFORMATION CAPTAIN EMIL H. SMITH FURNISHED THE CHICAGO TIMES. THE SEATTLE OFFICE AT SEATTLE WILL INTERVIEW EMIL H. SMITH, THREE NAUGHT TWO SEVEN WEST LAURELHURST DRIVE ALONG THESE SAME LINES. WILL ALSO ASCERTAIN WHAT INFORMATION [REDACTED] HARBOR XXX HARBOUR, WASHINGTON OTAINED FROM DAHL AND WILCOX ACK IN ORD PLS WA 9-39 PM OK FBI WASH DC VH CG OK FBI CG MDG BT OK FBI BT VGW DISC PLS
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RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Aug 7 9 39 PM '47 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Aug 8 5 27 PM '47 RECENT DIRECTOR
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STAMP: AUG 12 1947 TELETYPE FBI SEATTLE 8-12-47 KLS DIRECTOR AND SACS CHICAGO AND BUTTE URGENT FLYING DISCS SIGHTED BY FRED [REDACTED] CHRISMAN AND HAROLD A. [REDACTED] DAHL, TACOMA, WN., SM DASH X. REMYTEL AUGUST SEVEN LAST. EMIL J. [REDACTED] SMITH, UNITED AIRLINES PILOT, INTERVIEWED RE ASSOCIATIONS WITH HAROLD A. DAHL, FRED CHRISMAN AND KENNETH ARNOLD IN TACOMA, WN., FROM JULY THIRTYONE TO AUGUST THIRD LAST. SMITH HAS RECEIVED PREVIOUS PUBLICITY FOR HAVING SEEN FLYING DISCS OR SIMILAR OBJECTS ON JULY FOURTH LAST IN COMPANY WITH HIS CO-PILOT, RALPH [REDACTED] STEVENS, DURING ROUTINE UNITED AIRLINES FLIGHT OUT OF BOISE, IDAHO. SMITH RELATES THAT HE WENT TO TACOMA, WN., FROM SEATTLE ON THURSDAY, JULY THIRTYONE LAST IN RESPONSE TO TELEPHONE CALL FROM KENNETH ARNOLD AT TACOMA. SMITH CLAIMS HE HAD PREVIOUSLY MET ARNOLD ON TWO OCCASIONS, THE FIRST TIME ON JULY FIFTH LAST IN OFFICES OF SEATTLE POST- INTELLIGENCER WHERE BOTH WERE INTERVIEWED RE FLYING DISCS THEY HAD SEEN, AND ON SECOND OCCASION IN BOISE, IDAHO, ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO WHILE HE, SMITH WAS PASSING THROUGH ON ROUTINE FLIGHT. ON THIS LATTER OCCASION ARNOLD WAS IN COMPANY OF CAPTAIN [REDACTED] DAVIDSON AND LIEUTENANT [REDACTED] BROWN ARMY INTELLIGENCE OFFICERS AND A REPORTER JOHNSON OF THE IDAHO STATESMAN NEWSPAPER. SMITH CLAIMS NO PREVIOUS ACQUAIANCE WITH DAHL OR CHRISMAN. SMITH RELATES THAT ON NIGHT OF JULY THIRTY ONE LAST IN TACOMA WN THE DAHL AND CHRISMAN STORY WHICH BOTH HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY ADMITTED TO BE FALSE WAS TOLD TO SMITH ARNOLD CAPTAIN DAVIDSON AND LIEUTENANT BROWN BY CHRISMAN AND DAHL SUBSEQUENT TO THIS INTERVIEW CHRISSMAN GAVE CAPTAIN DAVIDSON AND BROWN A BOX OF THE ALLEGED FRAGMENTS WHICH THEY APPARENTLY TOOK WITH THEM ON THEIR FATAL FLIGHT SMITH STATES THAT ON SATURDAY AUGUST FIRST LAST AFTER LEARNING OF THE CRASH AND DEATH OF DAVIDSON AND BROWN ARNOLD CALLED RAYMOND PALMER EDITOR OF THE VENTURE PRESS IN EVANSTON ILLINOIS AND WAS TOLD BY PALMER TO DISCONTINUE HIS INVESTIGATION OF THE DAHLCHRISMAN STORY AND KEEP THE TWO WEIRD POLICE EXPENSE MONEY WHICH
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STAMP: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE STAMP: FBI STAMP: INTERNAL SECURITY STAMP: F.B.I. RECEIVED-TAMM Aug 13 9 39 AM 47 P 25 3 53 PM RECEIVED-LABO F B I
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PAGE TWO SMITH RELATES THAT HE AND ARNOLD MADE SUBSEQUENT ATTEMPTS TO GO OUT TO MAURI ISLAND WITH CRISMAN AND DAHL ON FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, AUGUST FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD, BUT WERE PUT OFF BY CRISMAN AND DAHL FOR VARIOUS REASONS, SMITH STATES THAT REPORTER [REDACTED] OF TACOMA TIMES AND [REDACTED] OF UNITED PRESS OFFICE TACOMA INFORMED HIM AND ARNOLD OF THE ANONYMOUS PHONE CALLS, AND FROM ACCURACY OF THE INFO TRANSMITTED BY THESE ANONYMOUS CALLS, SMITH BELIEVES THEY WERE MADE BY EITHER DAHL OR CRISMAN. SMITH ADMITS CALLING HIS PERSONAL FRIEND MAURICE [REDACTED], AVIATION EDITOR OF CHICAGO TIMES, ON FRIDAY, AUGUST FIRST LAST, TO INFORM HIM OR THE TACOMA INCIDENT AS PER A PREVIOUS AGREEMENT BETWEEN THEM THAT SMITH WOULD LET RODDY IN ON ANY FLYING DISC STORIES WHICH HE MIGHT RUN INTO. SMITH ALSO ADMITS THAT HE TOLD REPORTER JOHNSON OF IDAHO STATESMAN IN TELEPHONE CONVERSATION SATURDAY NIGHT, AUGUST SECOND LAST, THAT CAPTAIN DAVIDSON AND LIEUTENANT BROWN WERE CARRYING FRAGMENTS WITH THEM ON THEIR FATAL FLIGHT. SMITH SAYS THAT DAHL TOLD HIM ON SATURDAY NITE AUGUST SECOND LAST THAT HE, DAHL, IF CONTACTED BY THE ARMY OR OTHER AUTHORITIES WAS GOING TO SAY THAT THE ENTIRE STORY WAS A HOAX. SMITH STATES THAT HE TOLD HIS COMPLETE STORY TO MAJOR SANDERS OF MCCORD FIELD, TACOMA, ON SUNDAY MORNING , AUGUST THIRD LAST, AND THAT ARNOLD LEFT TACOMA. UNLESS ADVISED TO CONTRARY LANTZ AND MORELLO WHO ARE BOTH TACOMA NEWSPAPERMEN MENTIONED ABOVE WILL NOT BE CONTACTED FOR VERIFICATION OF [REDACTED] SMITH'S STORY ABOVE. UNABLE TO LOCATE FIRE CHIEF OF HARBOR WN. TO VERIFY INFORMATION [REDACTED] RECEIVED BY HIM FROM DAHL AND CRISMAN. SINCE THIS STORY ORIGINATED IN SEATTLE POST- INTELLIGENCER NEWS-PAPER THIS LEAD IS BEING DISCONTINUED UNLESS ADVISED TO CONTRARY. LETTER CONTAINING COMPLETER INTERVIEWS WITH [REDACTED] DAHL AND CRISMAN AS OUTLINED ABOVE WILL BE FORWARDED TO BUREAU. WILCOX END ACK IN ORDER PLS WA 10-30 PM OK FBI WA BW OK FBI CG DBR BT O OK FBI BT HEW [HW: teletype Seattle Director memo] [HW: Blurred memo] [HW: Ladd oo: Mr. Ladd] [STAMP: R.H.F. 8/14/17]
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RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT AUG 12 10 33 PM '47 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE [REDACTED] [STAMP:] U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Aug 13 5 50 AM '47
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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION AUG 6 1947 TELEMETER WASHINGON FROM SFRAN S5 8-6-47 12-09 PM RN [REDACTED] DIRECTOR URGENT FLYING DISCS, SM - X. RE PORTLAND TELETYPE REFERENCING PHONE CALL FROM MR. LADD AT BUREAU ONE PM AUGUST FIFTH LAST. A-TWO SAN FRANCISCO UNABLE TO VERIFY. LT. COL. DONALD SPRINGER A-TWO HAMILTON FIELD, IN CHARGE OF INVESTIGATION BY A-TWO IS THOUGHT BY A-TWO TO BE RETURNING FROM KELSO, WASHINGTON AREA HAVING GONE TO KELSO UPON LEARNING OF DEATHS OF AAF INVESTIGATORS MENTIONED IN REFERENCE TELETYPE. HE PLANNED, UPON DEPARTURE, TO OBTAIN RESULTS OF AAF INVESTIGATORS OR REINTERVIEW PERSONS MENTIONED IN REFERENCED TELETYPE. SPRINGER WILL BE CONTACTED UPON HIS RETURN AND [REDACTED] BUREAU ADVISED. STAMP: 630CT2 1947 STAMP: EX-56 STAMP: FBI 29 SEP 24 1947
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RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT AUG 6 4 22 PM '47 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE TELETYPE [ILLEGIBLE] FROM WASHINGTON DC [ILLEGIBLE] FROM SHERMAN OAKS [ILLEGIBLE] FROM SHERMAN OAKS [ILLEGIBLE] FROM SHERMAN OAKS [ILLEGIBLE] FROM SHERMAN OAKS [HW: F.B.I.] IN CHARGE OF INVESTIGATION BY AUTO IS THOUGHT TO BE FIELD IN CHARGE OF INVESTIGATION BY AUTO IS THOUGHT TO BE FIELD [STAMP: INTERNAL SECURITY] AUG 7 10 26 AM '47
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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION SEP 10 1947 TELETYPE FBI SALT LAKE CITY 9" 9-10-47 9-55 AM MST MMH M........URGENT..... FLYING DISCS. NEWS ITEM IN SALT LAKE TRIBUNE OF TENTH INSTANT REFLECTS THAT EIGHT DIFFERENT PEOPLE AT LOGAN, UTAH REPORTED SEEING THREE DIFFERENT FLIGHTS OF FLYING DISCS BETWEEN TEN FORTY AND ELEVEN TEN PM MONDAY, EIGHTH INSTANT. INVESTIGATION BEING CONDUCTED AND BUREAU WILL BE ADVISED. RECORDED 162-83894-92 END 12-55 PM OK FBI WASH DC GAR STAMP: SE 13 EX 25 F B I 29 SEP 1947
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RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT SEP 10 12 56 PM '47 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE STAMP: F.B.I. STAMP: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE STAMP: INTERNAL SECURITY STAMP: F.B.I. STAMP: DEPT. OF INCOME RECEIVED SEP 10 9 14 AM '47 RECEIVED-TAMM U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI RECEIVED-LAADO U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI RECEIVED-TOE RECEIVED-TOE RECEIVED-TOE RECEIVED-TOE RECEIVED-TOE
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Federal Bureau of Investigation United States Department of Justice New York, N. Y. IN REPLY, PLEASE REFER TO FILE NO. September 4, 1947 Director, FBI Attention: FBI Laboratory Re: Mrs. A. G. SARBANIS, Informant Dear Sir: Reference is made to Bureau letter dated July 21, 1947, addressed to Mrs. A. G. SARBANIS, 66 Notre Dame Avenue, Hicksville, Long Island, New York, a copy of which was sent to the New York Office. Mrs. SARBANIS was interviewed by Special Agent William A. Johnson on August 12, 1947, at which time she advised that this coded message had appeared in "Newsday," the local newspaper of Nassau and Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. She stated that the message had appeared in the "County Irritant," a feature of this paper, and had been signed "Radio Ham." Mr. JACK ALTSCHUL, City Editor of "Newsday," Hempstead, New York, was interviewed and advised that this article had been sent to the newspaper by letter which was signed "Radio Ham," and explained that he had no way of determining the identity of the writer. Mr. ALTSCHUL stated that it was his opinion that the code had been made up by some local "screwball" who had been affected by all of the newspaper publicity that had been given at that time to the story about flying discs. There is enclosed an article appearing in the July 12th issue of "Newsday" concerning this coded message, which might be of interest in this matter. Unless advised to the contrary, no further effort is being made to establish the identity of the person who signed himself "Radio Ham." Very truly yours, Edward Scheidt SAC Enc. WAJ:ja 62-9227 [HW: memo to Jorge] [HW: w/pt 9/17/47] [HW: w/pt] [HW: w/pt] STAMP: RECORDED INDEXED FBI I [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE
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[STAMP: FBI] [STAMP: FBI] [STAMP: FBI] LABORATORY DIVISION GS-255J RECEIVED SEP 8 5 27 PM '47 RECEIVED-HARBO SEP 10 12 AM '47 INTERAL SECURITY FBI
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7/12/47 [HW: Thursday] COUNTY IRRITANT from our Mail Box Coming His Way Merrick—Out all day yesterday looking for a house to rent, but no luck. I got so disgusted I ended up in a tavern and got lit. When I got home and went in the house I SAW FLYING SAUCERS IN AIR! —No Foolin. Garbles Westbury—Bellmore Radio Ham's message seems to be from some gentleman occupying an Olympian height. As with many of these erudite souls, the sender cannot resist including a few "garbles" in his code. Or is our Ham guilty? Here is your message: TIRED OF H-U-M A N NONSENSE WONT AWAIT ATOMIC WAR DISTURB-ING SOLAR SYSTEM SO SENT FLYING DISKS AND WILL SET UP WORLD UNDER MARTIANS LATE THIS YEAR. —Simple transposition. Hope all your readers are appropriately warned. —Stephen M. Schuster. (Other ungarblers got "outlaw" (ATLAW) instead of "await," "disrupting" instead of "disturbing." Miss Rita Flood of Port Washington expects the world order to be set up under "minister." Is Radio Ham satisfied? Ed.) RECORDED 15 SEP 6
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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Mr. J. P. Coyne FROM: W. V. Cleveland DATE: 9/17/47 SUBJECT: Mrs. A. & Sarbanis Informant You will recall that a letter was received from the above captioned individual dated July 10, 1947, in which she inclosed a newspaper clipping signed "Radio Ham." This newspaper clipping contained a coded message which Mrs. Sarbanis decoded. The FBI Laboratory checked Mrs. Sarbanis' decoding of this message and advised that it was substantially correct. The Laboratory's decoding of the message is being set forth below: "TIRED OF HUMAN NONSENSE WONT AWAIT ATOMIC WAR DISRUPTING ORDER SOLAR SYSTEM SO SENT FLYING DISKS AND WILL SET UP WORLD ORDER UNDER MARTIANS LATE THIS YEAR." The New York Office was asked to interview Mrs. Sarbanis to determine from what newspaper the clipping in question was obtained. They were further instructed to contact this newspaper in an effort to ascertain the identity of the person who sent in the coded message, in order that the person might be interviewed for information concerning the alleged receipt of the coded message. By letter dated September 4, 1947, the New York Office advised that they had ascertained from Mrs. Sarbanis that the coded message had appeared in "Newsday," the local newspaper of Nassau and Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. The City Editor of this newspaper stated that the original had been signed only "Radio Ham" and knew of no way of determining the identity of the writer. It was the City Editor's opinion that the code had been made up by some local "screwball" who had been affected by all of the newspaper publicity that had been given to stories concerning "flying discs." The FBI Laboratory has now advised that the FCC maintains their amateur records by a geographical breakdown as well as by call letters and that the Laboratory could possibly get names of all amateurs in Bellmore, Long Island, New York Section in event it is desired another attempt be made to identify person who sent this coded message to Newsday. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended no further action be taken in connection with this matter in view opinion expressed by City Editor Newsday letter received signed Radio Ham was from some local screwball. WVC:tgh 505-2271947176 STAMP: RECORDED 62-83894-94 INDEX: BAP
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Office of Microphotography UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT DATE: JOB NO: TOWN: [STAMP:] F.B.I. DEPT OF JUSTICE [STAMP:] F.B.I. DEPT OF JUSTICE [STAMP:] F.B.I. DEPT OF JUSTICE [STAMP:] F.B.I. DEPT OF JUSTICE [STAMP:] F.B.I. DEPT OF JUSTICE [STAMP:] F.B.I. DEPT OF JUSTICE [HW:] 12 04 PM P 18 INTERNAL SECURITY RECEIVED SEP 26 11 05 AM RECEIVED
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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Director, FBI - Attention: Assistant Director D. M. LADD FROM: SAC, San Francisco DATE: July 28, 1947 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS There is transmitted herewith for the information of the Bureau a report received from Lieutenant Colonel DONALD L. SPRINGER, A-2, Hamilton Field, California, containing the results of an investigation by his office concerning the reported sighting of flying discs. In addition to containing the detailed descriptions of what was allegedly seen by several persons, the Bureau's attention is particularly called to the first memorandum setting forth the notes of Agent FRANK M. BROWN, CIC, Fourth Air Force, concerning an interview he had with Mr. KENNETH ARNOLD, Box 387, Boise, Idaho, who reported that on July 12, 1947 he had seen nine strange objects flying over the Cascade Mountain Range of Washington State. It will be noted that CIC Agent BROWN reports that "Mr. ARNOLD is very outspoken and somewhat bitter in his opinions of the leaders of the United States Army Air Forces and the FBI for not having made an investigation of this matter sooner." The thought has occurred to me that the Bureau might desire to have an agent of the Butte Office contact Mr. ARNOLD and explain to him our lack of jurisdiction in such matters. HMK;emb Enclosure STAMP: RECORDED RECORDING [HW:] Fletcher DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 90986
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CONFIDENTIAL FOURTH AIR FORCE Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2. Hamilton Field, California Title Flying Discs. Investigation made at Palm Springs, Calif., Boise, Idaho, and Hamilton Field, California. Controlling Office: Air Defense Command Period covered From 10 Jul 47 to 18 Jul 47 Case classification Incident Date 18 July 1947 Status of case Pending REASON FOR INVESTIGATION: Investigation initiated at the request of Headquarters Air Defense Command reference letter Headquarters Air Defense Command, dated 7 July 47, File D333.5 ID, subject: Investigation of Flying Discs. SYNOPSIS: Flying Discs first reported in this area 24 June 1947 near Mt. Rainier, Wash., by Kenneth M. Arnold (Incl 1, Exhibit A) Unidentified object reported 9 July 1947 at approximately 1277 near Boise, Idaho, by David N. Johnson, Aviation Editor, Idaho Daily Statesman. (Incl 2, Exhibit B) Unidentified objects reported by Capt. E. J. Smith, United Air Lines Pilot, 4 July 1947, eight minutes out of Boise, Idaho. (Incl MOIC, Incl News Clippings dated July 5th) Record check of law enforcement agencies, public utilities, and local residences revealed no record of Richard Rankin in Palm Springs. (Incl) Unidentified objects reported over Grand Canyon, Arizona, 0910 MST by Lt. W. G. McGinty, USN (Incl) and in vicinity of Lake Mead by Lt. E. B. Armstrong, Hq Tenth Air Force, Brooks Field, Texas. (Incl). Extent of publicity in local area indicated by press clippings. (Incl) DISTRIBUTION COPIES APPROVED: AAF ADC 4AF Files STAMP: JULY-24-1947
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CCENTIAL COPY Incident 4AF 1208 I 16 July 1947 MEMORANDUM FOR THE OFFICER IN CHARGE: 1. On 12 July 1947, Mr. Kenneth Arnold, Box 387, Boise, Idaho, was interviewed in regard to the report by Mr. Arnold that he saw 9 strange objects flying over the Cascade Mountain Range of Washington State on July 25th. Mr. Arnold voluntarily agreed to give the interviewer a written report of exactly what he had seen on the above mentioned date. The written report of Mr. Arnold is attached to this report as Exhibit A, AGENT'S NOTES: Mr. Arnold is a man of 32 years of age, being married and the father of two children. He is well thought of in the community in which he lives, being very much the family man and from all appearances a very good provider for his family. Mr. Arnold has recently purchased a home on the outskirts of Boise, recently purchased a $5,000 airplane in which to conduct his business to the extent of which is explained in the attached exhibit. It is the personal opinion of the interviewer that Mr. Arnold actually saw what he stated that he saw. It is difficult to believe that a man of Mr. Arnold's character and apparent integrity would state that he saw objects and write up a report to the extent that he did if he did not see them. To go further, if Mr. Arnold can write a report of the character that he did while not having seen the objects that he claimed he saw, it is the opinion of the interviewer that Mr. Arnold is in the wrong business, that he should be writing Buck Rogers fiction. Mr.Arnold is very outspoken and somewhat bitter in his opinions of leaders [REDACTED] U.S Army Air Forces and [REDACTED] for not having made an investigation of this matter sooner. To put all of statements made by Mr.Arnold in this report would make it voluminous volume However after having checked an aeromautical map [REDACTED] over which [REDACTED] claims that [REDACTED] objects it was determined that all statements made by [REDACTED] object could very possibly be facts The distances mentioned by [REDACTED] are within short distance actual distances on aeromautical charts this area although[ILLEGIBLE] Mr.Arnold stated his business had suffered greatly since his report on July 25 due fact every stop on his business routes large groups people were waiting question him just what had seen Mr.Arnold stated further if at any time future saw anything sky quote directly "if I saw ten story building
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STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL STAMP: COPY Incident 4AF 1208 I flying through the air I would never say a word about it", due to the fact that he has been ridiculed by the press to such an extent that he is practically a moron in the eyes of the majority of the population of the United States. 1 Incl: Exhibit "A" FRANK M. BROWN, S/A, CIC 4th AF
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CONFIDENTIAL SOME LIFE DATA ON KENNETH ARNOLD I was born March 29, 1915 in Subeka, Minnesota. My father's name was Edward Erb Arnold; my mother's maiden name was Bertha E. Barden. I was a resident of Minnesota until I was six years old when my family moved to Scobey, Montana, where they homesteaded. My grandfather, Roland C. Arnold also homesteaded in Scobey, Montana, and became quite prominent in political circles along with Burton K. Wheeler, the famous Montana senator. I went to grade school and high school at Minot, North Dakota. I entered scouting at twelve years of age and achieved the rank of Eagle scout before I was fourteen. My former scout executive was H. H. Prescott, now a regional commissioner for the Boy Scouts in Kansas City, Kansas. As a boy, I was interested in athletics and was selected as an all-state end in 1932 and 1933 in the state of North Dakota. I entered the U.S. Olympic trials in fancy diving in 1932; I was a Red Cross Life Saving Examiner during the years of '32, '33 and '34. I taught swimming and diving at scout camps and the municipal pool in Minot, North Dakota. I went to the University of Minnesota, where I swam and did fancy diving under Neils Thorpe, and also played football under Bernie Bierman; but upon entering college I was unable to continue my football career because of an injured knee. My high school football coach was Glenn L. Jarrett who is now the head football coach of the University of North Dakota. I had little or no finances; and my ambition in furthering my education in college was through my athletics. As a boy in Minot, North Dakota, I did a good deal of dog sled racing; placed first with my dog in 1930 in the Lions Club Dog Derby. In 1938 I went to work for Red Comet Inc., Inc., Inc., Inc., Inc., Inc., Inc., Inc., Inc., Inc., Inc., Inc., Inc., Inc., Inc.; In 1938 In 1938 In 1938 In 1938 In 1938 In 1938 In 1938 In 1938 In 1938 In 1938 In 1938 In 1938 [REDACTED] Colorado; a manufacturer of automatic fire fighting apparatuses [STAMP: CONFIDENTIAL]. [HW:62-8] [HW: ] [HW: ] [HW: ] [HW: ] [HW: ] [HW: ] [HW: ] My flying experience started as a boy in Minot North Dakota where took first flying lesson from Earl T Vance who originally from Great Falls Montana Due to high cost at that time unable continue flying did not fly any great consequence until January this year purchased new Callair airplane which is an airplane designed for high altitude take-offs short rough field use. In type flying do it takes great deal practice judgment be able land most any cow pasture get out without injuring your airplane runways are very limited altitude is very high some fields places have go work To date have landed cow pastures mountain meadows over thousand hours flat tire been greatest mishap.
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CONFIDENTIAL BY KENNETH ARNOLD The following story of what I observed over the Cascade mountains, as impossible as it may seem, is positively true. I never asked nor wanted any notoriety for just accidentally being in the right spot at the right time to observe what I did. I reported something that I know any pilot would have reported. I don't think that in any way my observation was due to any sensivity of eye sight or judgment than what is considered normal for any pilot. On June 24th, Tuesday, 1947, I had finished my work for the Central Air Service at Chehalis, Washington, and at about two o'clock I took off from Chehalis, Washington airport with the intention of going to Yakima, Wash. My trip was delayed for an hour to search for a large marine transport that supposedly went down near or around the southwest side of Mt. Rainier in the state of Washington and to date has never been found. I flew directly toward Mt. Rainier after reaching an altitude of about 9,500 feet, which is the approximate elevation of the high plateau from which Mt. Rainier rises. I had made one sweep of this high plateau to the westward, searching all of the various ridges for this marine ship and flew to the west down and near the ridge side of the canyon where Ashford, Washington is located. Unable to see anything that looked like the lost ship, I made a 360 degree turn to the right and above the little city of Mineral starting again toward Mt. Rainier. I climbed back up to an altitude of approximately 9,200 feet. The air was so smooth that day that it was a real pleasure flying and as most pilots do when the air is smooth and they are flying at a higher altitude; I trimmed out my airplane in the direction of Yakima Washington which was almost directly east of my position and simply sat in my plane observing sky and terrain. There was a DC-4 to left and rear approximately fifteen miles distance; should judge at 1400 foot elevation. The sky air was as clear as crystal; hadn't flown more than two or three minutes on course when bright flash reflected on my airplane It startled me as thought too close some other aircraft; looked every place in sky couldn't find where reflection had come from until looked left north Mt Rainier where observed chain nine peculiar looking aircraft flying north south at approximately 9500 feet elevation going seemingly definite direction about 170 degrees. They were approaching Mt Rainier very rapidly; merely assumed they were jet planes Anyhow discovered this where reflection had come from two three them every few seconds would dip change their course slightly just enough sun strike them angle that reflected brightly on my plane. These objects being quite far away unable few seconds make out their shape or formation Very shortly they approached Mt Rainier observed outline against snow quite plainly Thought it was very peculiar couldn't find their tails but assumed they were some type jet plane Determined clock their speed as had two definite points could clock them by air clear easy see objects determine approximate shape size almost fifty miles day Remember distinctly sweep second hand eight day clock which is located on instrument panel read one minute P.M first object formation passed southern edge Mt Rainier watched these objects with great interest never before observed
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CONFIDENTIAL COPY airplanes flying so close to the mountain tops, flying directly south to southeast down the hog's back of a mountain range. I would estimate their elevation could have varied a thousand feet one way or another up or down, but they were pretty much on the horizon to me which would indicate they were near the same elevation as I was. They flew like many times I have observed geese to fly in a rather diagonal chain-like line as if they were linked together. They seemed to hold a definite direction but rather swerved in and out of the high mountain peaks. Their speed at the time did not impress me particularly, because I knew that our army and air forces had planes that went very fast. What kept bothering me as I watched them flip and flash in the sun right along their path was the fact that I couldn't make out any tail on them, and I am sure that any pilot would justify more than a second look at such a plane. I observed them quite plainly, and I estimate my distance from them, which was almost at right angles, to be between twenty to twenty-five miles. I knew they must be very large to observe their shape at that distance, even on as clear a day as it was that Tuesday. In fact I compared a zeus fastener or cowling tool I had in my pocket with - holding it up on them and holding it up on the DC-4 - that I could observe at quite a distance to my left, and they seemed smaller than the DC-4; but, I should judge their span would have been as wide as the furtherest engines on each side of the fuselage of the DC-4. The more I observed these objects, the more upset I became, as I am accustomed and familiar with most all objects flying whether I am close to the ground or at higher altitudes. I observed the chain of these objects passing another high snow-covered ridge in between Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams, and as the first one was passing the south crest of this ridge the last object was entering the northern crest of this ridge. As I was flying in the direction of this particular ridge, I measured it and found it to be approximately five miles so i could safely assume that chain of these saucer like objects were at least five miles long. i could quite accurately determine their pathway due to fact there were several high peaks that were little this side of them well higher peaks on other side their pathway. As last unit formation passed southern most high snow-covered crest Mt Adams looked sweep second hand showed they had travelled distance minute forty-two seconds Even time timing did not upset me felt confident after i would land there would be some explanation what saw A number news men experts suggested might have been seeing reflections or even mirage This know absolutely false As observed these objects not only through glass airplane turned airplane sideways where i could open window observe things completely unobstructed view Without sun glasses Even though two minutes seems like very short time ground air two minutes pilot can observe great things anything within his sight probably sixty times I continued search for marine plane for another twenty minutes while searching for this marine plane observed kept going through mind became more disturbed taking last look Tieton Reservoir headed Yakima
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CONFIDENTIAL COPY I might add that my complete observation of these objects, which I could even follow by their flashes as they passed Mt. Adams, was around two and one-half or three minutes -- although, by the time they reached Mt. Adams they were out of my range of vision as far as determining shape or form. Of course, when the sun reflected from one or two or three of these units, they appeared to be completely round; but, I am kaing a drawing to the best of my ability, which I am including, as to the shape I observed these objects to be as they passed the snow covered ridges as well as Mt. Rainier. When these objects were flying approximately straight and level, they were just a black thin line and when they flipped was the only time I could get a judgment as to their size. These objects were holding an almost constant elevation; they did not seem to be going up or to be coming down, such as would be the case of rockets or artillery shells. I am convinced in my own mind that they were some type of airplane, even though they didn't conform with the many aspects of the conventional type of planes that I know. Although these objects have been reported by many other observers throughout the United States, there have been six or seven other accounts written by some of these observers that I can truthfully say must have observed the same thing that I did; particularly, the descriptions of the three Western Air Lines employees, the gentleman from Oklahoma City and the locomotive engineer in Illinois plus Capt Smith and Co-Pilot Stevens of United Air Lines. Some descriptions could not be very accurate taken from the ground unless these saucer-like disks were at quite a great height and there is a possibility that all of the people who observed peculiar objects could have seen the same thing I did; but it would have been very difficult from the ground to observe these for more than four or five seconds and there is always possibility atmospheric moisture and dust near ground which could distort one's vision. I have in my possession letters from all over United States and people who profess that these objects have been observed over other portions world principally Sweden Bermuda California I would have given almost anything that day to have had a movie camera with telephoto lens and from now on will never be without one -- but continue further with story When landed at Yakima Wash airport described what had seen very good friend Al Baxter who listened patiently was very courteous but in joking way didn't believe me I did not accurately measure distance between two mountains until landed Pendleton Oregon same day where told number pilot friends mine what had observed did not scoff laugh suggested might guided missiles something new In fact several former Army pilots informed me had been briefed before going into combat overseas might see objects similar shape design described assured me wasn't dreaming going crazy I quote Sonny Robinson former Army Air Forces pilot now operating dusting operations Pendleton Oregon What you observed convinced is some type jet rocket propelled ship process being tested our government even possibly foreign government Anyhow news had observed spread rapidly before night was over receiving telephone calls parts world date received telephone call letter scoffing disbelief only disbelief known printed papers look at whole ordeal not something funny some people made out it To me it is mighty serious since evidently did
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CONFIDENTIAL COPY observe something that at least Mr. John Doe on the street corner or Pete Andrews on the ranch has never heard about, is no reason that it does not exist. Even though I openly invited an investigation by the Army and the FBI as to the authenticity of my story or a mental or a physical examination as to my capabilities, I have received no interest from these two important protective forces of our country; I will go so far as to assume that any report I gave to the United and Associated Press and over the radio on two different occasions which apparently set the nation buzzing, if our Military Intelligence was not aware of what I observed, they would be the very first people that I could expect as visitors. I have received lots of requests from people who told me to make a lot of wild guesses. I have based what I have written here in this article on positive facts and as far as guessing what it was I observed, it is just as much a mystery to me as it is to the rest of the world. My pilot's license is 333487. I fly a Callair airplane; it is a three-place single engine land ship that is designed and manufactured at Afton, Wyoming as an extremely high performance, high altitude airplane that was made for mountain work. The national certificate of my plane is 33355. /s/ Kenneth Arnold Box 587 Boise, Idaho [HW: traveling this way] [HW: Top] [HW: side view] [HW: Mirror Bright] They seemed longer than wide, their thickness was about 1/20th of their width They did not appear to me to whirl or spin but seemed in fixed position, traveling as I have made drawing. /s/ Kenneth Arnold CONFIDENTIAL
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CONFIDENTIAL COPY Incident 4AF 1208 I 16 July 1947 MEMORANDUM FOR THE OFFICER IN CHARGE: 1. On 12 July 1947, a call was made at the newspaper office of the "Idaho Daily Statesman", Boise, Idaho. The aviation editor of the paper, Mr. David N. Johnson, was interviewed in regard to how well he knew Mr. Kenneth Arnold of Boise, Idaho, and as to the credibility of any statement made by Mr. Arnold. The purpose of this interview was an attempt to verify statements made by Mr. Kenneth Arnold on 26 June 1947, to various national news services to the effect that he, Mr. Arnold, had seen 9 objects flying in the air above the Cascade Mountain Range of Washington. These objects were subsequently referred to as flying saucers or flying disks and will here-in-after be referred to as such in this report. Mr. Johnson stated that he had known Mr. Arnold for quite a period of time, having had relations with Mr. Arnold on various occasions, due to the fact that both he, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Arnold were private fliers and frequently got together to talk shop. Mr. Johnson stated that as far as he was concerned anything Mr. Arnold said could be taken very seriously and that he, Mr. Johnson, actually believed that Mr. Arnold had seen the aforementioned flying disks. Mr. Johnson stated that after Mr. Arnold reported having seen the flying disks, that the editor of the paper had assigned him, Mr. Johnson, the assignment of taking the airplane belonging to the newspaper and exhausting all efforts to prove or disprove the probability of flying disks having been seen in the northwest area. The results of this assignment to Mr. Johnson and what he subsequently saw is put forth in a sworn statement signed by Mr. Johnson attached to this report as Exhibit B. AGENT'S NOTES: Mr. Johnson is a man of approximately 33 to 35 years of age. From all appearances he is a very reserved type of person. Mr. Johnson has logged 2800 hours of flying time in various types of airplanes up to and including multi-engine aircraft. During part of the war years, Mr. Johnson was the first pilot of a B-29 type aircraft being assigned to the Twentieth USAAF and stationed on Tinian Island, in the Pacific. It is the personal opinion of the interviewer that Mr. Johnson actually saw what he states that he saw in the attached report. It is also opinion of the interviewer that Mr. Johnson would have much more than gain and would have be very strongly convinced that he actually saw something before he would report such an incident and open himself for ridicule that would accompany such a report. Incl: Exhibit "B" FRANK M.BROWN S/A CIC 4th AF
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CONFIDENTIAL COPY Statement of David N. Johnson at Boise, Idaho, July 12, 1947 To Whom It May Concern: On the sixth day of July, 1947, I received from James L. Brown, general manager of the Statesman Newspapers, incorporated in Idaho as The Statesman Printing company, an assignment which was in substance: "Conduct an aerial search of the northwest states in an effort to see and photograph a flying disc. Conduct this patrol for so long a time as you believe reasonable, or until you see a flying disc." In accordance to these instructions, I took the Statesman's airplane, and with Kenneth Arnold as passenger, flew a seven and one-half hour mission on the seventh day of July, 1947. This mission was without result. It covered an area embracing the confines of the Hanford plant in Washington, and territory between and around Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams, where Arnold first reported seeing objects henceforth described as saucers or discs. On the eighth day of July, 1947, I took an AT-6 of the 190th Fighter squadron, Idaho National Guard, of which I am a member, and flew to northern Idaho into northwestern Montana briefly to Spokane Washington and back to Boise by way of Walla Walla Washington and Pendleton Oregon. This search also was negative. On the ninth day of July 1947 I continued the search again using a national guard AT-6 this time centering my efforts over the Owyhee mountains west and southwest of Boise a portion of Mountain Home desert on a track southeast of Mountain Home army air base thence into Sawtooth mountains and back in general direction of Boise on line carrying me well to north Shafter butte forest service lookout station into Horseshoe Bend area thence back in southwesterly direction to point between Boise and village Meridian west of Boise few miles. During this search which lasted approximately two one-half hours I flew under around rapidly forming cumulus clouds over that area known Camas Prairie east Boise The clouds were near village Fairfield that valley Fairfield is 75 miles airline distance east Boise at that time saw nothing vicinity these clouds. At time reached point between Boise Meridian was flying altitude mean sea level which would be mean average feet above earth in this area not considering errors altimeter induced either barometric changes since takeoff or by temperature at that altitude. I turned aircraft on easterly heading pointing toward Gowen Field had flown on that course for perhaps minute when there suddenly appeared left hand portion field vision object which black round. I immediately centered gaze on object At that time due erratic movement thought seeing weather balloon called CAA's communication station at Boise asked weather station recently released balloon reply communicator Albertson bureau had not do not remember exact words under impression he said "not for several hours" gave exact time previous release which was around 0830 that day. STOP
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Upon hearing this response, I turned the aircraft broadside to the object, pulled back the plexiglass covering to avoid any distortion, took my camera from the map case, and exposed about 10 seconds' duration of eight millimeter motion picture film. During the time the camera was at eye level, I could not see the object because of minuteness of scope introduced by the optical view finder with which the camera, an f.1.9 Eastman, was equipped. Taking the camera away and once again centering my gaze on the object, I observed it to roll so that its edge was presented to me. At this time it flashed once in the sunlight. It then appeared as a thin black line. It then performed a maneuver which looked as if it had begun a slow roll, or a barrel roll, which instead of being completed, was broken off at about the 180-degree point. The object rolled out of the top of the maneuver at this point, and I lost sight of it. This entire performance was observed against the background of clouds previously forming over the Camas Prairie. The object appeared to me, relatively, as the size of a twenty-five cent piece. I do not know how far away it was. I do not know nor can I truthfully estimate its speed. I can only say it was not an airplane, and if it was at a very great distance from me its speed was great taking into consideration that apparent speed is reduced to viewer if an object is a very great distance away. I forgot to look at my clock to determine exact time I saw object The CAA's log of radio contacts shows my first contact to have been made at 12:17 hours But few seconds elapsed between time first saw object and time called CAA's station I subsequently related over radio description what saw communicator Albertson may remember recording conversation control tower may have recording conversation have checked determine The purpose relating over air what saw enable rapid transmission report newspaper for that time assignment energies thenceforth devoted transmitting information conducting further search which did after landing for fuel make some telephone calls The next search begun within half hour landing from first one consumed another two hours but negative explored thoroughly region where saw object Immediately after sighting object asked there were other aircraft in area There P-51 squadron practicing maneuvers vicinity Kuna but that behind me C-82 passed over Boise but saw aircraft go beneath me by some 2000 feet P-51 vicinity Kuna proceeded area where saw object requested conducted search negative afternoon flights P-5ls sent out cover area some flew high altitude missions oxygen These searches were negative I subsequently informed personnel on both United Air Lines side Gowen field national guard side observed glack object maneuvering front same cloud formation which now had grown so that clouds reached probable height 19000 or 20000 feet from mean base 13500 or 14000 feet mean sea level Three men were national guard personnel talked them
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CONFIDENTIAL COPY This statement is made voluntarily and freely, in response to the request of Mr. Brown and Captain Davidson, who called on me this morning. /s/ David N. Johnson Subscribed and sworn to before me, a notary public, this 12th day of July, 1947. /s/ Geo. L. Flaherty Notary public for Ada county Idaho. My commission expires Jan 2, 1949.
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CONFIDENTIAL COPY Chart to which reference is made on page six, statement of David N. Johnson This design portrays the movements of the object to which reference is made in the attached statement. At all times the object appeared as black. Positions (1), (2) and (3) show the jerky, rising motion. Position (4) is where the object rolled, presenting its edge to me. It then followed the dotted line, rolling over the top of the maneuver and disappearing at position (5). STOP
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This image contains all the information on the document. CONFIDENTIAL COPY asking them to describe what they saw, before telling them my story, in order to avoid suggestion or inference of a leading nature. They saw the object (from the ground) while I was on my second search. They believed the time to have been 14:00 hours. The object performed in the same erratic manner, they said, as I observed. The above is the extent of the story, and information concerning myself is now in order. I have approximately 2800 hours of flying time in equipment ranging from primary trainers to B-29s. Of course, that does not increase my powers of observation except as to those practiced daily by an airman. It does not make my eyesight any sharper except again as to the incidental demands upon the eyes of a pilot. At the time of the experience related above, I had flown fourteen and one-half hours on an assignment to find a disc and if possible, to photograph it. In all frankness, I was tired. I may have been suffering, although slightly, from want of oxygen. Prior to sighting the object, I had concluded there was no point in pressing the search; that I probably would never see the disc-like objects referred to by Arnold and by Captain Smith of United Air Lines. At all times during the search, both on that day and the two preceding days (particularly when I was with Arnold), I had literally talked to myself to keep beating into my head that I would not fall victim to the power of suggestion or self-hypnosis arising from a naturally very intent desire to find a disc and bring success to the assignment given me. I therefore do not believe that I was victim of suggestion or hypnosis. I am familiar with optical illusion of a fixed object beginning to move after it is watched a sufficient length of time. I know what tricks eyes will play as moving bodies and have learned this particularly during night formation flying. I saw object appear suddenly. If it had moved in jerky fashion (as it did at first) for full length time observed it; would not be so strong in saying that saw something not an aircraft; not balloon; and not corpuscle moving across retina either eye. Maneuver described by object when its edge presented convinces me that saw an object actually performing erratic flight path. The question remains whether saw it? Motion picture film developed processed R.W.Stohr Eastman laboratories at 241 Battery Street San Francisco showed no trace any object Stohr says if more than mile distant size described object would not registered sufficiently film shown He said probably too far away be apparent even through great enlargement negative enlargement limited because size film fact did not have telescopic equipment lens Exposure f16 stop set infinity speed 16 frames per second I have worried over this matter great deal since seeing it took myself aside said come now Johnson don't be stupid But cannot bring myself point thinking did see thing Impression moment vivid realistic knew air when saw partial slow roll barrel knew that was not victim illusion Trust this matter will help those investigating flying disc phenomena which reported Chart attached depicting movements object
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CONFIDENTIAL COPY Incident 4AF 1208 I 16 July 1947 MEMORANDUM FOR THE OFFICER IN CHARGE: 1. On 12 July 1947, Captain Smith, of the United Airlines, was interviewed at the Boise Municipal Airport, Boise, Idaho. Captain Smith was passing through Boise on a schedule flight at the time and had a 20 minute stop-over. Captain Smith reiterated the statements originally made by him to the press as to what he had seen in the late evening of July 4th, when 8 minutes out of Boise on the route to Seattle, Washington. It is the opinion of the interviewer that due to the position Captain Smith occupies, that he, Captain Smith, would have to be very strongly convinced that he actually saw flying disks before he would open himself for ridicule attached to a report of this type. FRANK M. BROWN,S/A, CIC 4TH AF [HW:62-83894-95]
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CONFIDENTIAL COPY Incident 4AF 1208 I 14 July 1947 MEMORANDUM FOR THE OFFICER IN CHARGE: 1. On 10 July 1947, a check was made at the following locations in Palm Springs, California for the purpose of trying to locate Mr. Richard Rankin: Palm Springs Police Department, Palm Springs Newspaper, "The Desert Sun", Palm Springs Water Company, Southern California Gas Company, Palm Springs Telephone Company, Palm Springs Employment Office, Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, Royal Palms Hotel, 5 Palm Springs real estate offices, and the City Offices of Palm Springs including waste disposal, water rights, tax records and etc. No record of Mr. Rankin existed in any of the above mentioned offices. 2. On 11 July 1947, Mr. Ryland M. Gorham, Postmaster of Palm Springs, California for the past 14 years was interviewed. Mr. Gorham stated that he had lived in Palm Springs for the past 24 years and that he was unaware if a person named Richard Rankin had ever lived in Palm Springs. Mr. Gorham stated that due to the fact that Palm Springs is a resort area and due to the fact that in the summer months only 3 to 5 thousand people resided in Palm Springs whereas in the winter months 10 to 12 thousand resided in Palm Springs it was very possible that Mr. Rankin could have lived in Palm Springs more or less on a non-permanent status and he Mr. Gorham not being aware of it. A check of General Delivery records revealed a letter addressed to Mr. Richard Rankin, Palm Springs mailed from Cicero Indiana postmarked at Cicero Indiana July 1947 at 5 P.M The return address on the envelope was listed as the Gospel Tract Worker Route I Cicero Indiana Mr Gorham permitted the contents of the envelope to be examined insasmuch as the contents was third Class material and the envelope not sealed The records were of a religious nature concerning sad plight American non church goers second coming Christ etc Superintendent Mails contacted by Mr Gorham stated there was a Mr Richard Rankin who had received mail through general delivery office of palm springs post office but that last mail other than letter mentioned above came through Post Office approximately two years ago The Superintendent Mails seemed to have very uncanny memory and recalled where mail coming for Rankin had been addressed to This mail was addressed to Mr Richard Rankin care trailer camp located palm springs On calling trailer camp office it was found that Richard Rankin had lived camp but departed approximately two years ago left no forwarding address Investigation is continuing effort locate rankin obtain statement from him FRANK M BROWN S/A CIC 4th AF 62-83894-95
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CONFIDENTIAL FLYING DISCS 4AF-1208-I 15 July 1947 MEMORANDUM FOR THE OFFICER IN CHARGE: On 15 July 1947, S/Sgt Edward R. Baker, ASN RA 39576378, 467th AAF BU (ORD), Squadron A, Hamilton Field, California, was interviewed and stated as follows: S/Sgt Baker has been in the Army ten years and two months, twenty-six months overseas duty in the ETO, and has been in the Air Corps for about ten months. S/Sgt Baker stated that on 8 July 1947, he was going to Base Cleaners from his office and was passing along the sidewalk near the barracks of the ORD when he saw five or six men pointing toward the sky, but as he was use to this around an Army Air Base, he paid no further attention to it until a lieutenant and a captain ahead of him stopped and pointed in the same direction. He stated that on glancing up he saw three objects traveling northeast across the sky. Two seemed to be traveling faster than an ordinary flight of P-80s and he estimated the altitude between 8-10,000 feet and approximately 7-10 miles away. S/Sgt Baker stated that the two objects in the lead appeared to be round and of a very light gray color, while the object in the rear seemed to be either rotating or rolling behind the other two. S/Sgt Baker stated that from a distance he could not tell exactly the shape of the one which was rolling as it appeared to be turning over and he couldn't tell whether the object was flat. The only means he had of identifying it was the fact that it seemed to get brighter and darker as it appeared to roll. The objects were in sight approximately four seconds. As he was in a hurry, he did not stop to talk to the other men but he heard one of them remark that the one in rear was certainly rolling fast. S/Sgt Baker was unable to identify any of the other men in the group who were reported to have seen object. Baker stated that it was unlike anything he had ever seen and that he has been trying to convince himself that it was an optical illusion, and yet at same time is certain that saw objects described (See Exhibit I). NOTE: S/Sgt Baker appears to be intelligent and is reserved sort person. He very reluctant discuss subject at first appeared hesitant prompted by possibility might ridiculed He seemed honest sincere what stated said frankly puzzled matter signed statement attached. Incl: Exhibit I. WILLIAM L. DAVIDSON Capt AC OIC CI 4AF [STAMP:]
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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT 65-481 TO: Director FBI FROM: SAC Butte DATE: September 2, 1947 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS Remytel August 20, 1947. With reference to the above-described teletype, Mr. H. H. HEDSTROM, 322 Third Avenue North, Twin Falls, Idaho, was the principal source of information. Mr. HEDSTROM, who is the Executive Director of the Twin Falls Housing Authority, explained that he and his wife and Mrs. HENRY SHULTZ, a neighbor, were sitting on their front porch at approximately 9:30 P.M., August 19, 1947. He said that Mrs. HEDSTROM suddenly shouted and pointed to the sky and thereafter stated that she had seen an object traveling at a terrific rate of speed in a northeasterly direction. The object was out of sight before Mr. HEDSTROM and Mrs. SHULTZ could see anything. While they were discussing what Mrs. HEDSTROM had seen approximately ten minutes later all three saw ten similar objects proceeding rapidly in the same direction in the form of a triangle. As the group of objects was disappearing three of the objects on the left flank peeled off and proceeded in a more northerly direction The remaining objects appeared to close ranks and proceeded in a northeasterly direction. From three to five minutes later these same individuals saw another group of three objects proceeding in the same direction and again in the shape of a triangle From three to five minutes later all three observed another group in a triangular formation consisting of five or six objects They were proceeding in the same direction. A few minutes later the three persons saw a large group of objects estimated at from thirty-five to fifty flying in a triangular formation in the same direction Approximately twenty or twenty-five minutes after the large group of objects was observed similar objects were noted coming back over the city in a southwesterly direction These objects were generally in groups of three five and seven and followed each other at approximately five minute intervals. Mrs. HEDSTROM called Detective RICHARD A FRAZIER of the Twin Falls Police Department next door neighbor who was then accompanied by M E ROUNTREE and RICHARD SCOTT also members of Twin Falls Police Department The three officers watched for a few minutes and observed a group about twelve objects flying formation over city southwesterly direction The members Police Department did not continue watching although Mr FRAZIER later saw other groups which were also seen by Hedstroms Mrs SHULTZ had also called her husband who saw some object [REDACTED] EX-23 [REDACTED] [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE
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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Director FBI FROM: FBI Director REDACTED SUBJECT: FBI [ILLEGIBLE] 2014 [HW:] Received [STAMP:] F.B.I. [STAMP:] INTERNAL SECURITY
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BT 65-481 On the night in question the sky was overcast and the objects could not be seen closely; however, they were distinct enough so that all persons could observe what they described as a glow going through the air. They said that the objects appeared to be lighted from the inside and were of a color similar to regular electric lights. Detective FRAZIER and Mr. HEDSTROM both stated that they could not be meteors or comets, that they flew on a level line and did not appear to drop. They flew at a terrific rate of speed and were visible for only a few minutes at a time. Both persons interviewed said that the objects could not have been geese or ducks and that the lights were not a reflection of the city lights on some object or objects. None of the persons interviewed noticed any flames or anything except the glow of lights. None of the persons who claimed to have seen these objects were drinking at the time. No other persons in Twin Falls reported seeing the objects mentioned herein; however, Mr. HEDSTROM and Mr. FRAZIER stated that it was purely by accident that they had seen the objects and that they would not have seen them unless they were looking for them, because of the speed at which they traveled. On account of the overcast sky they were unable to estimate the size of the objects or the height at which they flew. No further investigation is being conducted by the Butte Office, and the case is being closed. RJG:FO'S
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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Director, FBI FROM: SAC, San Francisco DATE: September 4, 1947 AIRMAIL SPECIAL DELIVERY SUBJECT: REPORTS OF FLYING DISCS Enclosed is a copy of a letter dated August 28, 1947, from Lt. Col. DONALD L. SPRINGER of A-2, Hamilton Field, Calif., with an attachment referring to the sighting of a flying object by Captain JACK PECK and his co-pilot, VINCE DALY, near Bethel, Alaska. Photostatic copies of this letter and attachment are being forwarded to the Anchorage Field Office. In accordance with Bureau Bulletin #42, dated July 30, 1947, Anchorage is requested to interview Captain JACK PECK and his co-pilot, VINCE DALY, preferably separately, in order to obtain all details of their reported sighting of a flying object on August 4, 1947. The San Francisco Field Office should be furnished two copies of the results of these interviews for distribution to the Sixth Army Intelligence. DWK:MR 62-2938 Encls. cc Anchorage (Encls.) AMSD RECORDED & INDEXED STAMP:62-83894-97
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OFFICE OF MISINFORMATIONS UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: FBI DATE: September 1, 1943 FROM: SAC San Francisco AIRMAIL SPECIAL DELIVERY SUBJECT: HEROES OF FLYING DECESS [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE [HW:] Air mail letter to [HW:] Air mail letter to [HW:] Air mail letter to [HW:] Air mail letter to [HW:] Air mail letter to [HW:] Air mail letter to [HW:] Air mail letter to [HW:] Air mail letter to [HW:] Air mail letter to [HW:] Air mail letter to [HW:] Air mail letter to [HW:] Air mail letter to [HW:] [STAMP:] F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE INTERNAL SECURITY
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CONFIDENTIAL SIGAK 000 ALASKA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, SIGNAL CORPS ACSAD Seattle 4, Washington 19 August 1947 Subject: Matters of National Interest To: Commanding General Fourth Air Force San Francisco, California The attached letter has been received from the NCOIC of the Alaska Communication System station at Bethel, Alaska. It is submitted for your information. For the Commanding Officer: /s/ Svend C. Hansen SVEND C. HANSEN Captain, Signal Corps Acting Executive 1 Incl Cy ltr fr NCOIC at Bethel to Hq, ACS, Seattle 333.5/1208-I 1st Ind 4AFDA HQ FOURTH AIR FORCE, Hamilton Field, California, 23 August 1947. TO: Special Agent In Charge, FBI, U.S. Department of Justice, Room 422, Federal Office Building, San Francisco, California. Forwarded for your information. DONALD L. SPRINGER Lt. Colonel GSC AC of S A-2 STAMP: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE SEP 2 1947 SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA FILE
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CONFIDENTIAL COPY BETHEL, ALASKA 5 August 1947 Subject: Matters of National Interest To: Commanding Officer, Alaska Communication System 550 Federal Office Building, Seattle 4, Washington 1. Per AGAO-S 319.1 the following report is submitted on a matter which may become of National Interest. Captain Jack Peck and his CoPilot Vince Daly have stated that on August 4, 1947 they sighted and followed a flying saucer Northwest of Bethel Alaska. This object was bigger than the Douglas DC-3 they were flying, crossed their course at right angles to them. It was flying at an Altitude of one thousand feet. They swung in behind it and followed it at an air speed of one hundred seventy miles per hour but it was out of sight in four minutes. They state the object was smooth surfaced and streamlined with no visible means of propulsion whatever. 2. It is realized that the Fourth Air Force claims there are no such things but Captain Peck is Chief Pilot for Al Jones flying service and is not a man given to exaggeration. In view of the excellent reputation of Captain Peck and the fact that no one here doubts in the least but that he actually saw this object, this report is turned in for any action deemed necessary by your office. /s/ Harold D. Johnston T/4 Signal Corps Operator in Charge [STAMP:] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE SEP 2 1947 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA. FILE
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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Director, FBI FROM: SAC, San Francisco DATE: August 27, 1947 SUBJECT: REPORTS OF FLYING DISCS Attention: Assistant Director D. M. LADD Reference is made to my letter of August 8, 1947, with which there were transmitted photostatic copies of three letters dated August 4, 1947, entitled "Investigation of Flying Discs". In order to keep the Bureau fully informed concerning this matter, I am enclosing a letter dated July 28, 1947, entitled "Unidentifiable Objects" furnished to me by Lt. Colonel DONALD L. SPRINGER, GSC, A C of S A-2. Enclosed with this letter was a memorandum for the officer in charge written by LAWRENCE R. KING, JR., Special Agent CIC AdC dated July 15, 1947. Lt. Colonel DONALD L. SPRINGER furnished me in person with a memorandum entitled "Incident for AF 1208-I" dated August 5, 1947 and prepared by JAMES A. NELSON Special Agent CIC 4AF. The Bureau will be kept currently advised of any future information obtained in this matter. STAMP: DWK : VL 62-2938 Enclosures [HW:] [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE
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[STAMP: F.B.I. 4 36 PM '47] [STAMP: F.B.I. 5 3 50 PM '47] [STAMP: F.B.I. 10 07 AM '47] [STAMP: F.B.I. 241 PM '47] RECEIVED LIAISON SECTION SEP 4 RECEIVED LIAISON SECTION SEP 5 RECEIVED LIAISON SECTION SEP 10
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CONFIDENTIAL COPY Incident 4AF 1208-I 5 August 1947 MEMORANDUM FOR THE OFFICER IN CHARGE: On 5 August 1947, this agent interviewed Captain William H. Ryherd, ASN O-66356, the assistant operations officer in the 415th AAF BU, Building 95, Hamilton Field, California, regarding flying objects in the air. Captain Ryherd stated in substance: He is an instructor pilot in the 415th Training Unit. On 29 July at 1450, Captain Ryherd and a student, lst Lt. Ward L. Stewart, 1242 Milvia Street, Berkeley, California, landed and parked an AT-6 near the hangar, building 59 of the 415th AAF BU. Walking from the aircraft toward reserve operations and looking westward just over the hangar, Captain Ryherd saw a P-80 flying southward toward Oakland. Above this P-80 at approximately 8,000 to 10,000 feet in altitude, Captain Ryherd saw two flying objects traveling the same direction as the P-80. He judged these solid white somewhat shiny objects were approximately 15 to 25 feet in diameter. Ryherd stated that he didn't call them discs due to publicity these objects have been given but in shape they were circular like a ball on the bottom but not completely round; and Ryherd specifically stated that these objects were not airplanes. The first flying object was traveling straight and level; whereas the second was close behind the first same altitude only it seemed to be going from left to right and right to left more or less like a guard in an aircraft formation. Captain Ryherd further stated that speed of these two objects made a P-80 look as if it was motionless in air. The sky was clear consequently Captain Ryherd and Lt Stewart watched these two objects until they disappeared in flight supposedly over Oakland headed toward ocean. Due to noise of P-80 no sound of any kind could be heard from these flying objects. These objects did not leave any vapor smoke or any visible trails along their flight path. Captain Ryherd informed this agent he had never told anyone about these flying objects fearing that people would think he was crazy. AGENT'S NOTES: Captain Ryherd showed extreme sincerity throughout interview answering all questions with caution and assurance. JAMES A. NELSON Spec Agt CIC 4AF STAMP: FEDERAL BUREAU U.S DEP IGATION ICE AUGUST - - - - - - SAN FRANCISCO ONWARDED TO [HW:] CONFIDENTIAL [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE
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62-83844-98 [HW: ENCLOSURE] 1
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HEADQUARTERS FOURTH AIR FORCE Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2 Intelligence Hamilton Field, California 28 July 1947 4AFDC-1 4AF-1208-I SUBJECT: "Unidentifiable Objects". TO: Special Agent In Charge, FBI, 111 Sutter Street, San Francisco, California. Inclosed herewith is information copy of MOIC, subject as above, dated 15 July 1947. DONALD L. SPRINGER Lt Col., GSC A C of S, A-2 [HW:] 7-30-V7 [HW:] V/AB [STAMP:] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE JUL 30 1947
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UNIDENTIFIABLE OBJECTS Williams Fld., Chandler, Ariz. 15 July 1947 MEMORANDUM FOR THE OFFICER IN CHARGE: 1. On 14 July 1947, 1st Lt Eric B. Armstrong, O-2059709, 170th AAF Base Unit, Ferry Division, Brooks Field, San Antonio, Texas was interviewed and the following information was obtained: Lt. Armstrong departed Williams Field, Arizona at 1400 CST on 28 June 1947 in a P-51 for Portland, Oregon, by the way of Medford, Oregon. At approximately 1515 CST on a course of 300 degrees, and ground speed of 285, altitude 10,000 feet, approximately thirty miles northwest of Lake Meade, Nevada Lt. Armstrong sighted five or six white circular objects at four o'clock, altitude approximately 6,000 feet course approximately 120 degrees and an estimated speed of 285 MPH. Lt. Armstrong said the objects were flying very smoothly and in a close formation. The estimated size of the white objects were approximately 36 inches in diameter. Lt. Armstrong stated that he is sure the white objects were not birds since the rate of closure was very fast. Lt. Armstrong was certain that the white objects were not jets or conventional type aircraft since he has flown both types. AGENT'S NOTES: Lt. Armstrong was very sincere in the explanation and was not the exaggerating type He merely stated that he saw and has drawn no conclusions as to what the white objects were. Lawrence R King Jr Special Agent CIC ADC CERTIFIED A TRUE COPY: R D Stephens Major Air Corps [STAMP:] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S DEPT OF JUSTICE JULY 3O I947 SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA ROUTED TO
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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: August 27, 1947 FROM: SAC, SAN FRANCISCO SUBJECT: REPORTS OF FLYING DISCS ATTENTION: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR D. M. LADD Colonel SPRINGER, Fourth Air Force, Hamilton Field, California, telephonically advised Special Agent MICHAEL J. CASSIDY of the San Francisco Office at 10:40 AM on August 27, 1947, that a personal letter had been received by his organization from HENRY McLEOD, city editor of the Seattle Times, which stated in effect that because there were so many stories going around relative to flying discs and related matters, and that his staff of reporters had been attempting to get reliable information concerning such stories, he was writing to inquire whether any governmental agency was going to make an official statement relative to the situation pertaining to the flying discs; that Mr. McLEOD also asked whether it would be permissible for his reporters to interview ARNOLD, DAHL and SMITH relative to this situation. Colonel SPRINGER stated that the above-mentioned letter was answered personally by General HALE on August 25, 1947 and advised Mr. McLEOD that as far as the Army Air Force was concerned they had no information which would definitely clear up the situation; that as far as interviewing persons Mr. McLEOD could feel free to interview whomsoever he desired in that there was no censorship at the present time; that in the interest of economy the Fourth Air Force Headquarters would not run out every lead or report of flying discs but that if well-founded and apparently reliable information were received such information would be given attention. A copy of this letter is being forwarded to the Seattle Field Division for any action deemed advisable. 62-2938 DWK/jo 2 cc Seattle AIRMAIL SPECIAL DELIVERY [STAMP:] [STAMP:] [STAMP:] [HW:]
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UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Office of Intelligence [REDACTED] 450 PM F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY RECEIVED-LAUSD [STAMP:] F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY P 2 11 04 AM RECEIVED [HW: Date] [HW: Location] [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE
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The attached newspaper clipping appeared in the "Morning News" of Delaware, July 8, 1947. It reports that a former WENYON, 123 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, an aircraft pilot, had disclosed that in a past ten months he had twice seen flying discs which he was reported to have described as "flying mayonnaise jars." He was reported to have seen the first flying disc during September, 1946, and to have noted another such object on June 2, 1947. Mr. WENYON was quoted as having called the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was advised that the Bureau was not interested, whereupon he notified the Eastern Airlines and the Civil Aeronautic Authority of the objects he had seen. Both agencies are reported to have accepted the information stating they would investigate. The clipping further stated that Mr. WENYON had received no answer to date from either agency. This clipping was submitted to me by the resident agents' office at Wilmington together with the advice that no agent in Wilmington had been contacted by Mr. WENYON. I directed Mr. WENYON be interviewed to determine the full facts. Mr. WENYON was interviewed and it was determined that his correct name is HORACE P.WENYON. Mr. WENYON advised that he had been an airplane pilot approximately thirty years. He stated that in September of 1946, while flying at an altitude of 1,000 feet, two or three miles south of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, he noticed a projectile approximately fifteen inches in diameter which crossed his course at right angles and was moving in a west-to-east direction. According to Mr. WENYON, several jets of flame were spurting from the object and it was traveling at a very high rate of speed, 1,000 to 1200 miles per hour. He stated that in October of 1946, he observed a similar projectile while flying over Rehoboth Beach at 1400 feet. This was also traveling from west to east. Mr. WENYON stated that there is little question in his mind but that what he saw was some sort of rocket being tested. He stated that he wished to call the matter to the attention of the appropriate authority inasmuch as he thought that the series of airplane crashes that have occurred might in part be explained by what he had observed. He stated [HW:] reported [HW:]the information [HW:]to [HW:]the Civil Aeronautics Authority & telephonically interviewed by a reporter from [HW:]the Wilmington [STAMP: EX-89]
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L/Dir., FBI 9/4/47 Flying Discs Miscellaneous Mr. WENYON stated that what he had seen traveled at such a high rate of speed that it was very difficult to describe it, but the description "flying mayonnaise jars" was concocted by the newspaper reporter. This information has not been brought to the attention of any Army sources in view of the fact that only a preliminary inquiry was conducted on the basis of a news article which sets forth essentially the facts obtained from Mr. WENYON. No further action in this matter is contemplated by this office unless advised otherwise by the Bureau. SB:arf 62-0 Attachment
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DATE: 9/4/47 Director, I Baltimore SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS LLANEIOUS Mayonnaise Jars reported by Rehoboth Pilot Wenyon Believes Mystery Discs, Jet-Propelled, May Have Caused Big Plane Crash on Memorial Day Veteran Delaware pilot, Forrest Wenyon of 123 Rehoboth Avenue, th Beach, disclosed last night that in the past 10 months he has seen objects now being loosely described as "flying saucers" but he calls "flying mayonnaise jars." The particular difference between the mysterious objects of Mr. Wenyon's report and those which have now been observed in some 40 states in that the former, according to the pilot, held a true course until they disappeared from sight. This would indicate an aimed missile while the course of the "saucers" has been described by observers as erratic. Mr. Wenyon said last night that he first saw what loosely resembled a "flying mayonnaise jar" one afternoon last September while flying at about 1,000 feet. It was late in the afternoon and the pilot was flying north. Suddenly, at an estimated distance of 2,000 feet in front of his plane and traveling from west to east, Mr. Wenyon saw the "jar." It was going at tremendous speed but the pilot was able to note several things. The most important of these observations is that the "jar" appeared to have some sort of rocket combustion. Mr. Wenyon said that sprouts of silver flame from the tail seemed to provide propulsion. Carrying out the description of the "flying mayonnaise jar," Mr. Wenyon said that tall appeared to be a lid which had been perforated and that from these perforations flames escaped. In a matter of two or three seconds, the object had disappeared over and past Fort Miles. The pilot did not see it land and doesn't know whether it did or not. Then on June 2 while flying at 1,400 feet in a Stinson four-passenger ship Mr. Wenyon, pilot of 30 years' experience, saw another "jar." He didn't say much about it to Rehoboth Airport attaches although he did mention it. Mr. Wenyon with a theory in mind called called Federal Bureau Investigation They were not interested and told him so he said He then called Eastern Airlines and Civil Aeronautical Authority both which gave him a sympathetic hearing thanked him and said they investigate To date he has received no answer from either. Mr.Wenon's theory is that one of these "jars" was responsible for crash Eastern Airlines plane Port Deposit Md on Memorial which killed persons He believes now that accident mid-air number witnesses Commission said they had no connection with mystery. The West which originated saucer reports continued produce observers who claimed to have seen whirling discs also brought forth one deflationary explanation them. Bob Johnson operator flying service Missoula Mont re reported he had captured one discs found it be milkweed seeds Charles Odom years old former B-17 navigator theorized at Houston Tex theory objects might be version radio controlled crystal balls used Nazis war These balls flew to altitude bomber apparently magnetized fly along planes sent back data on bomb [STAMP:] [HW:] Mystery Discs Continued From First Page ranged from theory they were radio controlled flying missiles sent aloft U S military scientists suggestion might merely sun light reflected wing tanks jet propelled planes A B Cross Chattanooga Tenn a year old watchmaker announced invented flying saucer submitted War Department in but his idea rejected practical present time Later convinced department elaborated plan model powdered rubber band Cross said believed atomic power now is being used Spokane Wash woman insisted objects she saw were size together would take up space five room house if landed Clearwater Fla woman disks observed resembled pie pans Rutland Vt woman reported she her husband witnessed brilliant object night sky assumed flying saucer although stationary But Cambridge Mass housewife saw group white flying saucers whirling around going tremendous speed Massachusetts Vermont reports brought states objects have been observed With New England getting game Harvard University astronomical observatory took note reports but said luck photographing discs mysterious saucers first reported June Washington Charlie T Hamlet superintendent Kingport Tenn Times News compositor room yesterday he had see discs two years ago They were bright aluminum color going terrific speed Hamlet explaining kept quiet about them because Oak Ridge atomic bomb plant then war secret Lester Barlow Stamford Conn international known explosives inventor advanced theory objects were radio controlled flying missiles Reports persisted Army looking into phenomena Gen Carl Spaatz Army Air Forces commandant knew no AAF plans search for saucers Navy Atomic Energy