65_HS1-834228961_62-HQ-83894_Section_4

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Declassification authority derived from FBI Automatic Declassification Guide, issued May 24, 2007. HQ - HEADQUARTERS FBI - CENTRAL RECORDS CENTER Class / Case # Sub Vol. Serial # 062 83894 4 131 185 FOIPA # [993087] INVESTIGATION [STAMP:] COPIED FOR FOIPA MAR 1 1978 BY R471 [STAMP:] COPIED FOR FOIPA MAY 15 1978 BY R55 USE CARE IN HANDLING THIS FILE Transfer-Call 421

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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: DIRECTOR, FBI FROM: SAC, PORTLAND DATE: October 9, 1947 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS SECURITY MATTER - X. Reference is made to Portland teletype dated September 13, 1947. Records of the Radio Dispatcher, Portland Police Department, reflect that first notice of unidentified objects in flight over the city on September 11, 1947 was received from officers in District 18, which is in the extreme north-east section of the city, at 5:21 P.M. The log further reflects that at 5:23 P.M. the radio requested District 14, which is further south, to attempt to locate and identify the objects and that at 5:24 P.M. a report was received from the car occupied by Chief of Police JENKINS reporting that they had sighted some objects. District 14 at 5:27 P.M. reported seeing nothing unusual in the sky. ROBERT D. ADAIR; 4325 S.E. Madison Ave., Portland advised that he was one of the two officers on duty in District 18 on September 11. The car was in the vicinity of N.E. 25th Avenue and Saratoga Court when ADAIR and his fellow officer noticed a number of people looking upward and pointing. Upon looking at the sky ADAIR observed the very bright reflection of the sun on some object which was apparently made of silvery metal. The object was coming from the east and made a wide turn over the city and disappeared to the south. ADAIR estimated its speed at about 150 miles per hour and its altitude at about five thousand feet. He watched it for a period of about two minutes and during that time it gradually disappeared in such a manner as to appear that the angle was slowly changing so that the sun was no longer reflected into ADAIR's eyes. He says that shape appeared to be round but that glare was so bright that it could have hidden true outline of object There was no oscillation visible only steady flight ADAIR believes it was an ordinary metal airplane reflecting light of afternoon sun. J.R.CALDWELL;7652 S.E Lincoln St., Portland Oregon was ADAIR's partner in District on September J.R.CALDWELL states that object appeared to him take same course as described by ADAIR He pointed out speed height size object were difficult judge because interdependence three factors However believes object when first sighted about three miles away about two miles high He believes traveling much greater speed than conventional airplane and great deal larger It appeared elliptical shape did not bank or tip could not judge thickness It was very bright silver aluminum substance. [HW:] Info [HW:] Major Carlisle [HW:] T.D Army [HW:] Oct/47 [HW:] RECORDED EX-93 [STAMP:] F R [STAMP:] Oct/48 [STAMP:] F R [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE

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[STAMP: FBI] [STAMP: INTERNAL SECURITY] [STAMP: US DEPT OF JUSTICE] [STAMP: 13 408 AM 47] LIAISON SECTION RECEIVED

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PD 62-1531 Chief of Police LEON V. JENKINS advised that he was travelling south on N. Williams Avenue near Russell St., when he and Officer H. S. RANEY, his driver, received a call on the police radio requesting District 14 to attempt to observe an unknown object in the sky reported by officers in District 18. JENKINS observed what appeared to be a round silver object, about 10,000 feet high, travelling northeast to southwest. It was directly to JENKIN's left when observed first. He thought it was a weather balloon. Further observation con- vinced him that it could not be a balloon because of its speed which was extreme- ly great. As JENKINS watched, it turned gradually until it was travelling due south, and as it did so, its shape seemed to change until it appeared to be egg-shaped. It disappeared in about 30 seconds. Patrolman H. S. RANEY stated that when he first observed the object it was straight ahead of him and travelling straight away from his car. RANEY was driving south on N. Williams Avenue. To RANEY it appeared to be just a glare of sun on some object, and he was unable therefore to tell its shape. It appeared to be very high and travelling extremely fast. It was out of sight after he had travelled 4 or 5 city blocks at a speed of about 25 mph. RANEY stated that he has never seen an object at such an extreme height before and that if the sun had not reflected from it he could not have seen it at all. He believes it could possibly have been a reflection from a large airplane at great altitude. ROBERT W. SHAYLOR, 4810 N. Fessenden St., Portland stated that he was on duty in District 14 with Officer DONALD W. COWLING on September 11, 1947 and received the call to watch for the object flying over the city. SHAYLOR and COWLING immediately scanned the sky from a vantage point in open territory where they could see the entire sky. They saw nothing in the sky at that time, SHAYLOR stating that they did not even see any airplanes. A short article in "The Oregonian", Portland daily newspaper, for September 12, 1947, describes the object as seen by Chief of Police JENKINS and also states that "The Oregonian" received several calls from other persons reporting the object. FRED M. WHITE, Assistant City Editor, advised that the paper has no record of the identities of the people making the calls. 62-1531 LHK:tkw

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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Director, FBI FROM: SAC, Anchorage DATE: 10/18/47 SUBJECT: REPORT OF FLYING DISCS This is to advise that we have been able to locate a flyer, JACK PECK, who is employed by the Al Jones Flying Company in Bethel, Alaska. It had been reported to Military Intelligence that Mr. PECK and his co-pilot VINCE DALY had observed some flying object near Bethel, Alaska, in July, 1947. Efforts previously to contact Mr. PECK were negative until the above instance. He related that the occasion of seeing the flying object near Bethel was on a July day when the sky was completely clear of clouds, and it being during the early part, it is daylight the entire night. The time of his sighting this flying object was about 10 PM and the sun had just dropped beyond the horizon. Flying weather was extremely good and he, with Mr. DALY, was coming into the Bethel Airport with a DC-3. He observed the flying object immediately to his left and stated that it apparently was observed at approximately the same time by Mr. DALY and both of them manipulated the controls of the plane making efforts to miss the object inasmuch as they could not tell in which direction it was going. They made a forty-five degree turn in order to get out of the way of the object and then noted that it appeared to be going away from them. He described the object as appearing to be some flying wing and said that it appeared to be about the size of a C-54 without any fuselage. He could not see any propeller or any exhaust from jet propulsion or any vapor trails and could not estimate the size due to his failure to be able to estimate the distance he was away from the object. He was flying at 1,000 feet and stated that he tried to catch up with the object and increased his manifold pressure to approximately 42 inches and was traveling at the rate of 170 miles per hour. He called on his radio to Civil Aeronautics Administration station at Bethel asking what aircraft was in vicinity they had no reports of any aircraft The object he sighted five or ten miles from airport before arrival stated path did not go directly across airport He course could not tell whether object making noise stated it flying thousand foot altitude estimated travel at 300 miles per hour It traveling direction Bethel Nome which is northwesterly direction noted no radio interference unable describe color other than dark but definite concise outline Both he Mr DALY clearly observed this time. [HW:] Info Major Carlin I J Army [STAMP:] Recorded & Indexed [STAMP:] FBI [STAMP:] Oct 25 1947

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- 2 - Anchorage File 100-1406 It may be stated to the Bureau that Mr. PECK is a well known flyer as well as Mr. DALY and both are known to be very reliable and responsible people, and it appears definite that they observed something. The above is being submitted for the information of the Bureau. LOT: LMR 100-1406

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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Director, FBI FROM: SAC, Albany DATE: November 1, 1947 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS A. COURTNEY PARKER, INFORMANT Reurlet dated 9/25/47. An Agent of this office contacted Mr. A. COURTNEY PARKER at his residence in South Royalton, Vermont and he stated that all the information he has concerning the flying discs he saw, is set forth in the letter that he sent to the Bureau dated September 17, 1947. Mr. PARKER advised that as far as he knows, no one else in South Royalton saw these flying discs, and that he believes he saw them inasmuch as he has unusually good eyesight and that he can see bees, etc. further than anyone else. He stated that possibly these flying discs were out of the range of normal vision. Mr. PARKER was asked to furnish any additional information that comes to his attention concerning these flying discs directly to the Air Forces since they now handle matters of this type. No further action is being taken by this office. RCC:mfs 62-689 [STAMP:] Recorded & Indexed [STAMP:] FBI 31 NOV 8 1947

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STAMP: F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY RECEIVED [ILLEGIBLE] 4 58 PM

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From A Paul 70-33-68 Re Glendale L.D. N.Y.C Mr Horw F F.B.J. O Flying Discs Dear Sir. They say that if one one crazy, we are the last to know it. That may be my case, but I hope not. you burn a about 2 months ago, a number of people said they saw flying discs and the paper added was imaginary. I cannot believe hundreds of people could imagine the same thing at the same time especially when separated by thousands of miles. [STAMP:] RECORDED EX 32 [STAMP:] 62-83894-134 [STAMP:] NOV 4 1947

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STAMP: F B I STAMP: RECEIVED STAMP: OCT 30 5 28 PM '47 STAMP: S DEPT OF JUSTICE

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This is just a wild guess. 2 It is not possible that there was something of a new delayed the United starter object. (Please do not laugh) you know about all those little planes looking fear, one time bombs to start fear in ship, and want at possible some new event was a cruel for this sabotage because that is what all the people I need think of those fear and airplane trucks. They are not accidents. We have had day spells be free, but did the whole country burn up at the

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[STAMP: 3] May it would be a good idea to talk the perfe in the named areas if any of them had seen a [ILLEGIBLE] dead how long a gr. I know we have the smartest men in the world in F.B. I and I do not presume to tell you people what to do; but maybe there is some connection. In any event I think you people should start protecting our country the same as you did in War time. Because whatever you people think, we are at war with someone, Only they are lut-g

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Our and we are taking a [REDACTED] and our government does not seem to demand it. But I am sure you will find the guilty ones. Yours for success from an American who is fond of her country, [HW: Shand Ma McPaul]

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RECORDED & INDEXED November 1, 1947 Mrs. A. McCaul 70-33 68th Place Glendale Brooklyn, New York Dear Mrs. McCaul: Your letter postmarked October 28, 1947, has been received and I want to express my appreciation to you for having written as you did. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director NOTE: This woman rambles on and furnishes no specific information about anything. STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED 4 NOV 3 1947 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

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Mrs. Mildred Durand Elizabethan New York Dear Sir: With all these forest fires in main and out west in our country, I was wondering whether the flying discs had anything to do with it. Has that just a myth or did they exist. If so could not they have been incendiary falling to earth then with drought and heat from the sun ignite. Were not the discs seen flying over main Vt. and western states are the western states that have forest fire the same ones reported to have seen the flying discs. I have great respect for your bureau or should I say our. In every way the F.B.I. has been excellent. Visited this Bureau while in Washington some years ago. I do hope I haven't taken up too much time but couldn't stop thinking of it. All Americans must be alert but not overly [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE We have quite a lot of different foreigners settling up here with plenty of money, like the bucks words I guess, Keep to themselves too. [STAMP: HANDLED BY STOP DESK] [STAMP: 62-83894-135] [STAMP: 132] [STAMP: FBI] [STAMP: 27 NOV 15 1947]

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I'm a widow with two young children and feel very anxious to do my share in bringing up honest and loyal Americans. MR. JONES Nov 7 2 49 PM '47 RECEIVED FBI S DEPT OF JUSTICE [HW:] yours truly, Mrs. Mildred Durand Elizabethtown New York P.S. I read that scientist were investigating the way the fires flared up in different parts away from the main fire that is what made me think of the incendiary discs. Thank you again. [STAMP:] 9/11-7/130

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RECORDED INDEXED 58 62-83894-135 November 10, 1947 Mrs. Milo A Durand Elizabethtown, New York Dear Mrs. Durand: Your letter postmarked November 5, 1947, has been received and I do want to thank you for writing as you did. The patriotic motives which prompted your suggestions concerning the subject about which you have written are indeed appreciated. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED 11 STAR NOV 10 1947 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

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6071 69th Avenue Ridgewood #27 Queens New York November 2, 1947 Dear Sir In regards to the "flying saucer" mystery which recently received national publicity, I, as a citizen would like to ask a few questions. If you, as head of the FBI, would be so kind as to answer I would be greatly appreciative. First, has the FBI been and is the FBI still investigating the "flying saucers"? Second, were copies of the July 9th 1947 issue of the Arizona Republic published in Phoenix Arizona confiscated by the FBI? Third, is the FBI investigating the [ILLEGIBLE] Shaver Mystery" in which an author named Richard J. Shaver claims there are people [REDACTED] [STAMP: EXA V25.62-83894-136] [STAMP: NOV 24 1947]

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living [REDACTED] who have been there for centuries? Fourth, has a newsreel, which appeared in a Los Angeles theatre showing Russian scientists examining a crashed flying saucer, been suppressed by the FBI? Fifth, Does the FBI consider knowledge of the "flying saucers" too dangerous for the general public to know? Though the above questions may seem a trifle silly, I would appreciate an answer to them, if at all possible. Thanking you for your courtesy in reading this and hoping for an answer, I am Sincerely yours, Joseph W. O'mahie

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November 8, 1947 Mr. Joseph W. Omiline 6071 69th Avenue Ridgewood Brooklyn 27, New York Dear Mr. Omiline: Your letter dated November 2, 1947, has been received. The information contained in the files of this Bureau has been declared confidential and available for official use only, and I am unable to be of any assistance to you. I am sure you will draw no inference from my inability to comply with your request. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director NOTE: This individual asked questions concerning flying saucers and the Bureau's investigation of Russians. Postal Guide reflects Ridgewood is a branch of the Brooklyn Station. STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION STAMP: VWP:mj1 STAMP: MAILED 12 NOV 8 1947 P.M. STAMP: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

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Port Allegany, Pa. November 18, 1947. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pittsburgh, Pa. Gentlemen: Following the appearance in this town on November 6, 1947, of a Mr. Joe Lippincott, Director of the Eastern Area, Red Cross, Pittsburgh, Pa., as "speaker of the evening", at the annual local Red Cross dinner, I was told by Dr. H. E. Cromwell, local practicing dentist, that in a personal conversation, following the dinner, Mr. Lippincott told him that the "saucers" reported as seen in various parts of the country were actually from Spain. He said that Mr. Lippincott said that this had been ascertained by the Government in Washington but that it was not being made known. He said that Mr. Lippincott had been in Europe and inferred that he had been in Spain and knew conditions over there. Dr. Cromwell is a man active in the Methodist Church and the local Protestant Mens Club, and it is easy to see how far this report can be spread. The fact that the Federal Government indorses the Red Cross makes a statement of an official representative of that organization almost indisputable. As a representative [REDACTED] of the Federal Government and as a citizen interested in truth and World peace and racial and religious harmony in our own country, I question the advisability of an accredited representative of the Red Cross giving out this information even "off [REDACTED]. I thought you might be able to check with Mr. Lippincott or his organization. Yours very truly, Mrs. Mary C Teater [STAMP: HANDLED BY STOP DESK] [STAMP: 62-83894-137] [STAMP: 19 NOV 28 1947] HW: Road women are only way to our Pk office will be [ILLEGIBLE]

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January 5, 1948 J. Edgar Hoover, Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: On January 2nd I received a letter. It is postmarked Cincinnati, Ohio, and it bears no return address. Following is an exact copy of it. I will keep the original if it is needed at a future date. [HW: Marion Beuscher] In as much as all of you insist on talking and of telling of what you are supposed to be seeing, all of you must be warned. No - not warned in the true sense of the word, but these things are decidedly not supposed to be seen. Please to not mention anymore. [STAMP: HANDED BY TOP DESK] [STAMP: F B T] [STAMP: 15 JAN 22 1948] Recorded & Indexed Government Rainbow City Antarctica

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[HW: Journal 1948] [STAMP: JAN 6 4:37 PM '48] [STAMP: JAN 13 10:49 AM '48] 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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In the January, 1948, copy of "amazing Stories" magazine; published by Ziff-Davis Pub. Co. (one office in Washington, D.C.); my letter was printed under the heading of "Flying Saucer Witness" (page 167). Here is a copy of it: Sir: I have just finished reading the October issue of "Amazing Stories", in which you ask for "flying saucer" information. Here is what I know: On June 28, 1947, at 3:43 P.M. my brother saw the flying saucers - about seven or ten of them - which flew directly over our house. He said they went like "blue blazes" - didn't make any noise and were heading approximately South. (Rockfield, where my brother's farm is, is just 16 miles northwest of Milwaukee.) But what is really strange is that same afternoon the discs were seen over Illinois (they must have been the same ones). This information was given on June 29th - Sunday - over WGN- "The Latest News" at 8 to 8:15 A.M. with Charles Sebastian. He reported that the discs had been sighted over Illinois the preceding afternoon. Perhaps the information is valueless to you. At any rate please keep this confidential. Our neighbors think we're slightly "queer" to have seen the discs. (I didn't see them but I believe my brother.) I have been following the Shaver

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stories and [REDACTED] hope you have many (3 more of them. marion Beuecher menomonee Falls, Wisc. (Ed. note) The flying saucers are real, and you can be sure of that! Let your neighbor. think what they will, in a few months you will be able to prove how good your brother's eyesight is! Thanks for your. report, and we hope many more readers send them in. Rough drawings would also be helpful.- Ed. The editor had asked for letters from readers who saw the flying discs, mentioned so much in the news. Several times the editor (Ray A. Palmer) has mentioned in "Amazing Stories" that he has been threatened. In the same issue (Jan. 1948) on page 162, is a letter from W. C. Hefferlin, following: yes, We Remember! Svis: Enclosed is a newspaper clipping, just one of many items showing up of like nature. Thumb nail sketches. Remember the article "Circle-winged Plane" as printed by you in "Amazing Stories" magazine, September 1946, page 157? You have desired facts and confirmation. Now re-read that article again, please. The planes seen at Joliet, Ill., Kansas

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City, Oklahoma, Seattle, etc., were not the same group of planes but other groups of the same type, all on a world-wide "mapping expedition". They are only a few of the many belonging to a world government consisting of all the oppressed peoples and dominated nations of the earth, of all colors, races, and creeds. This government is directed and advised by an organization headed by "The Ancient Three, who were, who are, who will be." They who at one time over a year ago sent a message to you by way [ILLEGIBLE] us. Their headquarters is "Rainbow City", antarctica. Permission is given to print this letter if desired. W. C. Nefferlin Ray-Dby mfg Co. Livingston Montana (Ed.note) We print your letter because it is interesting. We don't know if it is true naturally. We do know however that the "flying saucers" are no mirage. As for Rainbow City if it's what you say it is we'd sure like to pay it a visit. That sort of thing which is the utopia all science-fiction writers have dreamed about is just not visible anywhere in the civilized world. If it exists at the South pole near that warm spot Byrd found and it has what you intimate we'll be waiting for the saucers to come back and bring peace to this nasty-minded old planet Only we wonder how it

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could be done - peace doesn't come by force. Per [REDACTED] the way it will ever be done is to wipe the slate clean and just start off as verible cavemen shocked to sanity by utter destruction. In that case, maybe the "last" war is our "last" hope? A peculiar viewpoint, but it has amazing logic. We never met the man who could learn how a kick in the pants feels without getting a kick in the pants. as for the saucers - maybe you're shoot- ing in the dark - because your editor knows what he's talking about there! But even if you are, we'll forgive you, because your motive are so obviously of the good kind. Thank you for your letter. cat wasn't really necessary. Our readers have not forgotten your article - and how they wrote us about it!-Ed. Please notice where Hefferlin says - "govern- ment of ... all oppressed peoples ..." They want all rights and privileges that there are yet want to deny them to others, especially the freedom of free speech, as witness from "Rainbow City" telling me to "keep quiet". And why did they number? their letter to me "! "- are they intending to write more? as my letter is a warning letter with a threat, and coming through the U.S. mail, I am sending it to you personally so that it can be investigated. Please keep this confidential, since under the circumstances, I do not feel entirely safe. Thanking you, Very truly yours, (Miss) Marion Senoscher 604 West main st. menomonee Falls, Wisc.

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January 14, 1948 62-83894-138 Miss Marion Beuscher 604 West Main Street Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin Dear Miss Beuscher: Your letter of January 5, 1948, has been received and I want to thank you for forwarding information to me relating to the subject you mentioned. The facts you related, however, do not reflect any violation of a Federal statute within the investigative jurisdiction of the FBI. The thoughts prompting your communication are indeed appreciated. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director WN:cm cm NOTE: Correspondent reports correspondence she has had with the Ziff-Davis Publishing Company in connection with the "flying saucers" which were observed by her brother. She is of the opinion that this publication may be trying to conceal information related to our Nation's security and she mentions a threat that does not refer injury to person or property. [STAMP:] COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED 8 JAN 15 1948 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

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Covington Ohio Jan 29. 1948. F. B. J. Washington D.C. Dear Sirs: I have done a lot of thinking about those flying discs ever since your operators called at our home. I have fig- ured out a possible solution that I am passing on to you. If you can see the picture as I see it. If self propelled bombs were made to travel 3000 miles a few years ago, there is no reason in believe they could not be made to go 3000 miles today. [REDACTED] FEB 13 1948 EX-93

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[31] up and off a ways, its course looked like an ellipse to me: The discs were seen in Texas probably dropped in the gulf. As their sight improved they no doubt dropped some in various places. The one that was seen down Texas ways was no doubt aimed at some lake close to Fort Knox. Maybe something went wrong with that one, is the reason it was so plainly visible. Owing to the fact that your operators called at our remote home at 8:00 P.M on a Sunday evening and also cautioned us to keep mum. I know that the F.B.I. is doing what they can to get a line on these discs. This may help a little. A few nights ago there was a very bright ring around the moon, when I looked at it thru the same glasses I could barely see the ring, so this proves that what

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If they were to drop a bomb line and lit it explode, it would [HW:] cause a lot of excitement, and if they dropped one that didn't explode and someone found it then there would be excitement. So to avoid this, they pick some point in Lake Erie, lit their agents over here, know at what place and time to look for it. If the projectile plunged in the lake, the range finders wouldn't have any way to tell where it dropped, so the projectile must have some sort of trace. So at a certain distance from the earth some sort of trace is released, probably something like a pin-wheel fire cracker. It must remain in the sky a while, to give the range finders a fix or what ever you call it, but in order to remain in the sky it must be in motion, So this tracer is made to fly in a circle. Because it was

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we saw was something definite. I think this is serious busi- ness. So if this letter helps you in any way, I will be well paid. [HW: Respectfully yours, N. J. MARSHALL] [HW: N. J. Marshall] [HW: Covington, Ohio] [HW: R.R.] STAMP: 3 11 11 30 AM INTERNAL SECURITY F.B.I. STAMP: S DEPT OF ILLEGIBLE 4

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February 5, 1948 62-83894-139 RECORDED EX-93 Mr. N. J. Marshall Rural Route One Covington, Ohio Dear Mr. Marshall: Your letter dated January 29, 1948, has been received, and I want to express my appreciation to you for having made known your views concerning the matter you mentioned. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director [STAMP:] COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED 10 FEB 6 1948 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

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[STAMP: F.B.I. RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM] [STAMP: F.B.I. COMMUNICATIONS SECTION] [STAMP: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE] FEB 6 11 42 AM *40 FEB 9 5 33 PM *40 RECEIVED-LAB RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM

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Federal Bureau of Investigation United States Department of Justice San Francisco 2, California February 12, 1948 AIR MAIL PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL [REDACTED] Director, FBI - Attention: Assistant Director D. M. LADD Re: FLYING DISCS Security Matter - X Dear Sir: I am transmitting herewith for the information of the Bureau copies of an enclosure dated February 4, 1948 received from Lieutenant Colonel DONALD SPRINGER, A-2, United States Air Force, Hamilton Air Force Base, California. This enclosure is a confidential letter addressed to the Commanding Generals of the First, Second, Fourth, Tenth, Eleventh, and Fourteenth Air Forces, Air Defense Command, from Headquarters, Air Defense Command, Mitchel Air Force Base New York by command of Lieutenant General STRATEMEYER. It concerns the investigation of flying discs by Air Force personnel. Your attention is particularly called to Paragraph 2 which indicates that certain reports concerning the investigation of flying discs by Air Force Intelligence will be reported to the FBI office concerned. Your attention is further called to Paragraph 2-B which indicates that "investigations will be coordinated with the FBI Office concerned........" Inasmuch as these recent instructions of the Headquarters Air Defense Command Mitchell Air Force Base New York are contrary to the instructions contained in Bureau Bulletin No. 57 Series 1947 dated October 1 1947 in which it is indicated that all future reports connected with flying discs should be referred to the Air Force and no investigative action taken by Bureau agents the Bureau requested to advise this office as well as other interested Bureau offices as whether there has been a change in Bureau policy with reference to handling such matters or whether Bureau Bulletin No. 57 dated October 1 1947 is still in effect. Very truly yours, HARRY M. KIMBALL

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[STAMP: F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY 16 3:59 PM] [STAMP: RECEIVED 11 AM] [STAMP: F.B.I. INTERNAL SECURITY 2 15] Director, FBI - Attention: Assistant Director D. W. TAD PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL Dear Sir: I am transmitting herewith for information to the Bureau copies of the following letters received from the Air Force concerning the investigation of flying disc cases: Letter No. 4, dated January 4, 1948, from Lieutenant Colonel Donald Donald SHERMAN, Chief of Staff, Air Force Intelligence Division. Letter No. 5, dated January 20, 1948, from Major General Donald DONALD STANTENBERG. If you desire further information on this subject please advise. AIR FORCE COMMANDING OFFICER Your attention is respectfully called to the following letter received from the Office of Investigative Services: Letter No. [REDACTED], dated October [REDACTED], from Major General Donald DONALD STANTENBERG. If you desire further information on this subject please advise. AIR FORCE COMMANDING OFFICER The above letter is respectfully referred to as document No. H-70-203 of the Headquarters Air Defense Information Center and is one of a series of reports on investigations into flying disc cases submitted by the Office of Investigative Services to Headquarters Air Defense Information Center and will be forwarded to you upon request. AIR DEFENSE INFORMATION CENTER The above letter is respectfully referred to as document No. H-70-203 of the Headquarters Air Defense Information Center and is one of a series of reports on investigations into flying disc cases submitted by the Office of Investigative Services to Headquarters Air Defense Information Center and will be forwarded to you upon request. AIR DEFENSE INFORMATION CENTER [HW:] Harry M KIMBALL [HW:] Vero County House [HW:] F B I [HW:] Received -16 III 18 AM '48

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CONFIDENTIAL Headquarters Air Defense Command Mitchel Air Force Base, New York 4 February 1948 D 333.5 (CIB) SUBJECT: Investigation and Reporting of "Flying Disc" Incidents TO: Commanding Generals, First, Second, Fourth, Tenth, Eleventh, and Fourteenth Air Forces, Air Defense Command ATTN: AC of S, A-2 1. The numbered air forces of this command are responsible for the prompt investigation and reporting of incidents relating to "flying discs" which occur within their respective areas. Numbered air force A-2s, after evaluating disc incidents, will determine the extent of investigation. Futile expenditure of military funds and manpower must be avoided. 2. "Flying discs" will be investigated as provided for in Counter Intelligence Incident Cases, taking cognizance of the USAF Operating Intelligence Echelon structure. Where it is evident that witnesses who were together at the time of incident but who are widely separated at the time of investigation would corroborate each other's story, only one witness need be interrogated. If there is a reasonable indication that a reported incident is a hoax or the fabrication of a publicity seeking individual, no further investigative effort will be expended. However, a report of such circumstances will be submitted to the FBI office concerned. a. CIC personnel attached to the numbered air forces of this command may be utilized to prosecute the investigation of subject incidents. b. Investigations will be coordinated with the FBI Office concerned in accordance with instructions contained in letter this headquarters D 333.3 EX subject Cooperation of FBI with AAF on Investigation of 'Flying Disc' Incidents 3 September 1947. 3. Reports will be narrative in style and will cover only those facts pertinent to the subject. Where source credibility cannot be established or when an incident lacks foundation the report will merely state same Two types of report will be submitted on all incidents. a Spot Reports (fragmentary reports) will be submitted on all incidents and will be followed by a Letter Report. b Letter Reports will be submitted to report the completed investigation of all "flying disc" incidents. 4 Reports will be submitted in duplicate promptly usually by regular mail However Spot reports on incidents substantial character i e those in which patent credibility witness is beyond challenge and whose technical [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE

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background is compatible with his observations of an occurrence obviously not atmospheric or celestial phenomena, may be transmitted by TWX. Reports will be submitted directly to Headquarters, USAF, ATTN: Directorate of Intelligence, Air Intelligence Requirements Branch. One informational copy of each report submitted will be forwarded to this command, ATTN: AC of S, Intelligence. Reports will be classified at least CONFIDENTIAL. BY COMMAND OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL STRATEMEYER: RICHARD W. GEUSS Captain, USAF Actg Asst Adj Gen

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SAC, San Francisco Director, FBI 62-83894-140 RECORDED FLYING DISCS SECURITY MATTER - X EX-116 Reference is made to your letter in the captioned matter dated February 12, 1948. You are advised that Bureau Bulletin No. 57 dated October 1, 1947, still applies with respect to flying discs. The Bureau is conducting no investigations concerning flying discs. We will, however, give the Air Forces any information which comes to our attention and will receive any information which the Air Forces volunteer. The Headquarters of the Air Forces in Washington are being contacted by the Bureau in order to insure that there is no misunderstanding as to the Bureau's position in this matter. RGF:rb [STAMP:] COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED 2 FEB 21 1948 P.M. [STAMP:] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

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STAMP: FEB 21 2 44 PM '48 STAMP: MAR 2 1948 U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE FBI RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM

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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Mr. Ladd FROM: V. P. Keay DATE: 3/1/48 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS SECURITY MATTER - X Reference is made to a memorandum to you from Mr. J. P. Coyne in the above-captioned matter dated February 19, 1948. The memorandum indicated that the San Francisco Field Division had received a letter from the headquarters of the Air Defense Command, Mitchel Air Force Base, New York, dated February 4, 1948, entitled "Investigation and Reporting of 'Flying Disc' Incidents." This communication indicated that investigations should be coordinated with the FBI. The Agent in Charge of the San Francisco Field Division inquired as to a change in policy regarding the investigation of flying discs. A letter was forwarded to San Francisco advising them that there had been no change in the Bureau's policy. This matter has been discussed by Special Agent S. W. Reynolds of the Liaison Section with Lieutenant Colonel C. P. Martin of the Intelligence Division of the Air Force. Colonel Martin advised Mr. Reynolds that apparently the Air Defense Command at Mitchel Field was not aware of the fact that the Bureau was no longer conducting investigations regarding flying discs. He stated that he would take necessary action and straighten out the Air Defense Command as to the present policy regarding incidents of flying discs. RECORDED | [62-A3A9K-14] op 29 MAR 9 1948

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STAMP: F B I STAMP: RECEIVED-LABO STAMP: MAR 1 115 AM '48 STAMP: F B I STAMP: INTERNAL SECURITY

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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Mr. D. M. Ladd FROM: J. P. Coyne DATE: February 19, 1948 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS SECURITY MATTER - X The attached letter from the San Francisco Field Division dated February 12, 1948, raises the question as to whether there has been a change in policy concerning the investigation of flying discs. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the information contained in the attached letter be discussed by the Liaison Section with the Air Forces. ACTION: A letter is attached to San Francisco advising them that there has been no change in Bureau policy. RGF:rb (STAMP:) EX-39 (STAMP:) FBI (STAMP:) 29 MAR 9 1948

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Office of the Secretary United States Government [REDACTED] U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI RECEIVED-LA00 FEB 20 138 PM 48

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STYLES BRIDGES, N. H., CHAIRMAN CHAN GURNEY, E. DAK. C. WAYLAND BROOKS, ILL. CLYDE M. REED, KANS. JOSEPH H. BALL, MINN. HOMER FERGUSON, MICH., KENNETH S. WHERRY, NEBR. GUY CORDON, OREG. LEVERETT SALTONSTALL, MASS. MILTON R. YOUNG, N. DAK. WILLIAM F. KNOWLAND, CALIF. HENRY C. DWORSHAK, IDAHO KENDRICK MCKELLAR, TENN. CARL HAYDEN, ARIZ, ELMER THOMAS, OKLA, MILLARD E. TYDINGS MD, RICHARD B RUSSELL GA, PAT MCCARRAN NEV JOHN H OVERTON LA JOSEPH C O'MAHONEY WYO THEODORE FRANCIS GREEN RI EVERARD H SMITH CLERK CECIL H TOLBERT ASST CLERK United States Senate Committee on Appropriations March 22 1948 Honorable J Edgar Hoover Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Department of Justice Washington 25 D C. Dear Mr Hoover: Attached you will find letter which may or may not be of interest to your office However I felt it should be passed on to you for whatever the information is worth. Kindly return my constituent's letter although if you wish you make a copy of it. Cordially yours, [REDACTED] KSW emn-3 Enc. Recorded & Indexed 109 FBI 31 MAR 27 1948

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Benkelman, Nebraska March 14, 1948 Mr. Kenneth Wherry United States Senate Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Wherry: On March 13 at 2:30, M.S.T. o'clock in the afternoon I witnessed a strange sight in the sky traveling at a very high rate of speed at a very high altitude. I was first attracted to this sight by a noise of motor or whatever it was. It sounded to me like that of a train rumbling in the distance of from 10 to 12 miles on a still day. At first glance it looked like it might be a vapor trail left by a high flying plane. But the white streak that was in the sky never changed its shape or did it change in the direction of travel. It traveled much faster than any plane I have seen traveling in sky high enough to leave vapor trail. As near as I can describe this sight was that it might appear to be a stream lined train traveling at a very high altitude at very high rate of speed. This rocket or whatever it might have been was high enough to disappear from sight while it was yet very far above the horizon. I am not writing this so that it might seem to be another disc, fan or whatever you might call them. I just saw this and it has been on my mind and I thought if there was anything that I could be of help to solve this thing I would write this to you and you can forward this to the proper Dept. if it is necessary. Thanking you kindly Yours Truly /s/ Kenneth L Frasier P.S. This object was traveling from east to west. It looked like it might have traveled over Denver, [STAMP:]

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CO PY KENNETH L. FRAZIER Colo. or a little to the south. I live almost due east about 180 mi. by air and I looked to the south a little to be able to get sight of object. This object was also witnessed by my son who was with me at the time. I saw the smoke cloud left by so called meteor which exploded over at Norton-Kans. This object was not a bright ball of fire like it was. The silver streak in the sky traveled as if it were a long connected streak. This did not resemble a line of smoke left by a train traveling along it moved altogether as a unit. If it is not against any regulation and if possible would like to have answer to this object.

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March 24, 1948 RECORDED 109 62-83894-143 Honorable Kenneth S. Wherry United States Senate Washington, D. C. My dear Senator: Your letter of March 22, 1948, with enclosure, has been received. Since the subject matter mentioned in your con- stituent's letter is not within the scope of authority of this Bureau, I have taken the liberty of forwarding a copy of his letter and yours to the Secretary of the Army, National Defense Building, Washing- ton, D. C., for his information. Your thoughtfulness in bringing this to my attention is indeed appreciated. I am enclosing a copy of my letter to Mr. Frasier which I thought you might like to have for your files, together with his letter. With expressions of my highest esteem and best regards, Sincerely yours, J. Edgar Hoover Enclosure Incoming from Frasier and copy of our letter to him. VWP:jec STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED 3 MAR 25 1948 P.M. STAMP: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

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RECEIVED MAIL ROOM U.S. DEPT. OF FBI STICE ILLEGIBLE ILLEGIBLE [HW: Rules of the road] [HW: Handwritten annotations] REDACTED

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March 24, 1948 RECORDED 62-83894-143 Mr. Kenneth L. Frasier Benkelman, Nebraska Dear Mr. Frasier: Your letter dated March 14, 1948, to the Honorable Kenneth S. Wherry, United States Senator, has been referred to me for attention. Since the matter you mentioned is not within the scope of authority of this Bureau, I have taken the liberty of furnishing a copy of your communication to the Secretary of the Army, National Defense Building, Washington D.C., and in the event you have any additional information, it is suggested you may desire to communicate with him. Sincerely yours, J. Edgar Hoover John Edgar Hoover Director CC: Senator Wherry - Under separate cover. Name of town per Postal Guide VWP:jec STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION STAMP: MAILED 3 STAMP: MAR 25 1948 P.M. STAMP: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

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[REDACTED] [HW: 5. HOURS HOLOGRAM] [STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION FBI] [STAMP: RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM] [STAMP: WATLED] WAR 25 JUNE 1948 WAR 25 JUNE 1948 ILLEGIBLE ONCE

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STYLES BRIDGES, N. H., CHAIR CHAN GURNEY, S. DAK. C. WAYLAND BROOKS, ILL. CLYDE M. REED, KANS. JOSEPH H. BALL, MINN. HOMER FERGUSON, MICH. KENNETH S. WHERRY, NEBR. PAT MCCARRA., NEV. GUY CORDON, OREG. JOHN H. OVERTON, LA, LEVERETT SALTONSTALL, MASS. MILLARD R. YOUNG, N. DAK. WILLIAM F. KNOWLAND, CALIF, HENRY C. DWORSHAK, IDAHO KENNETH MC CARL HAYDER ELMER THOM MILLARD E., T RICHARD B., RI KENTH S., WHERRY, NEBR., PAT MCCARRA., NEV., JOHN H. OVERTON, LA, JOSEPH C. O'MAHONEY, WYO., THEODORE FRANCIS GREEN, R.I. United States Senate COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS April 1, 1948 The Honorable J. Edgar Hoover Federal Bureau of Investigation United States Department of Justice Washington 25, D.C. Dear Mr. Hoover: Thank you very much for forwarding Mr. Kenneth L Frasier's letter to the proper authorities Your cooperation in this instance was deeply appreciated. Cordially yours [KENNETH S WHERRY] KSW:f* [STAMP:] RECORDED & INDEXED 62-83894-144 FBI EX-103 47 34 APR 9 1948

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General Bureau of Investigation United States Department of Justice Post Office Box 1850 Atlanta 1, Georgia August 10, 1948 AIRMAIL SPECIAL DELIVERY Director, FBI RE: MRS. MADELINE GWYNN [HW: M] MERCHANT; INFORMATION CONCERNING [Flying Discs] Dear Sir: Transmitted herewith for the Bureau's information are copies of a letter, together with enclosure, from the above captioned individual. Inasmuch as there is no record in this office concerning captioned person, no reply has been made to instant letter, with the thought the Bureau may desire to acknowledge instant communication or communicate further concerning the matter with the Dallas Office. For the information of the Bureau and the Dallas and San Antonio Offices, the clippings referred to are transmitted herewith to the Bureau, Dallas and San Antonio Offices, it being noted that Wichita Falls is covered by Dallas and Fort Sam Houston is covered by the San Antonio Office. Very truly yours, EDWIN J. FOLTZ SAC Enclosures - 5 cc-Dallas (Enc-3) AMSD cc-San Antonio (Enc-3) AMSD EJF:SL [STAMP: RECORDED - 6] [STAMP: ONFILE - 6] [STAMP: I83] [STAMP: I83] [STAMP: I83] [STAMP: I83] [FOLK]

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[STAMP: 17 AUG 13 10:28 AM] [STAMP: FBI] [STAMP: U.S DEPT OF JUSTICE] [STAMP: INTERNAL SECURITY SN] RECEIVED AUG 17 9 30 AM *DP [HW:] [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE [HW:] [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE [HW:] [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE [HW:] [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE [HW:] [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE AIRMAIL ENVELOPE DELIVERED Dear Sir: The Department of the Army, in implementing the Women's Information and Education Act, has requested that a letter to be sent to all women who are employed by the Department of the Army, and who are not married or widowed, be sent to them. The letter will be sent to all women who are employed by the Department of the Army, and who are not married or widowed. The letter will be sent to all women who are employed by the Department of the Army, and who are not married or widowed. The letter will be sent to all women who are employed by the Department of the Army, and who are not married or widowed. The letter will be sent to all women who are employed by the Department of the Army, and who are not married or widowed. The letter will be sent to all women who are employed by the Department of the Army, and who are not married or widowed. The letter will be sent to all women who are employed by the Department of the Army, and who are not married or widowed. The letter will be sent to all women who are employed by the Department of the Army, and who are not married or widowed. The letter will be sent to all women who are employed by the Department of the Army, and who are not married or widowed. The letter will be sent to all women who are employed by the Department of the Army, and who are not married or widowed. The letter will be sent to all women who are employed by the Department of the Army, and谁 is not married or widow

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[REDACTED] [STAMP:] 11-18-64 #70 EMPTY

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C Form-No. 10-513 (Rev 1 Aug 46) STAMP: SAVE STAMP: HEADQUARTERS AIR MATERIEL COMMAND MCLAXO-3/FWA/aw Wright-Patterson AF Base 9 September 1948 IN REPLY ADDRESS BOTH COMMUNICATION AND EN- VELOPE TO COMMANDING GENERAL, AIR MATERIEL COMMAND, ATTENTION FOLLOWING OFFICE SYMBOL: MCLAXO-3 Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Department of Justice Washington, D. C. ATTN: FBI Laboratory SUBJECT: Project "SIGN" Gentlemen: Accompanying this letter is a small sample of soil. This soil was taken from a depression reputed to have been caused by a "flying saucer" described as being approximately two feet in diameter and one foot thick which supposedly settled gently to the ground, rebounded to a height of about twenty feet and then continued on its journey. Although the declivity was immediately covered by a large washtub a heavy rain subsequently filled the depression about one-third full of water before any sample of dirt could be taken. In an effort to approach this incident objectively to determine every possible clue, it has been deemed advisable to have this soil sample analyzed and tested. Upon inquiry, your Dayton representative stated that the FBI Laboratory would accomplish the required tests. It is the desire of this Headquarters to ascertain, in particular, if there are traces of unusual elements or alloys adhering to the surface of the particles, or if any abnormality in structure exists showing that the soil was subjected to intense heat, gases or radio-active substances, etc. Unfortunately, in this regard, no one thought to forward a sample of the soil surrounding the depression so no comparison of soils can be made at this time. Should the subsequent test show anything unusual some arrangement could be made to procure some of the surrounding soil so that a comparative analysis could be made. The accompanying sample has not been tested by any other agency, nor will it be. [HW:] Copies destroyed 270 Nov 18 1964

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Project "SIGN" Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation 9 Sept 1948 In the event the tests show nothing warranting further investigation you may dispose of the sample. The report should be addressed to this Command marked for the attention of MCLAXO-3. This Division will appreciate your cooperation in this matter. Very truly yours, [HW: James J Hausman] W. R. CLINGERMAN Lt Col USAF Colonel, USAF Chief, Technical Intelligence Division Intelligence Department Incl

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REPORT of the FBI LABORATORY FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION WASHINGTON D. C. To: Commanding General Air Materiel Command Wright-Patterson AF Base Dayton, Ohio Attention: MCIA XO-3 October 7, 1948 There follows the report of the FBI Laboratory on the examination of evidence received from your office on September 27, 1948. Re: Examination requested by: Examination of Soil Reference: Examination requested: RECORDED - 98 62-83894 -146 PC-23142 CO Specimens: Addressee Letter dated September 9, 1948 Microscopic (Petrographic-Geologic) Q1 Sample of soil. Results of Examinations: The sample of soil designated as specimen Q1 consisted of various sized pebbles, sand and dirt. This material was examined for the presence of unusual elements or alloys adhering to the surface of the particles, evidence of intense heat and radioactive substances. Nothing unusual was noted on the pebbles or in the sand and dirt that would indicate a metallic object had rubbed or scraped against this sample. No abnormality was noted in the structure of the various pebbles and rocks, nor was there any indication of extreme heat or the presence of radioactive substances. The specimen designated as Q1 will be returned to your office under separate cover by registered mail. OCT 7 1948 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

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@ FEDERAL BUREAU OF on UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Laboratory Work Sheet We Re: project "SIGN" File #¢ 8% 62-83894-146 Examination of Soil. Lab. # PC-23142 CO Commanding General, Air Materiel Con Examination requested by: Kxx AF Base, Dayton, Ohio Attent Date of reference communication: letter 9/9 Date received: 9/17 Z Evid. 9/14 Reg.1171535 Examination requested: Micro (Petrographic-Geologic) JEVONS Specimens submitted for examination Ql, Sample of soil.

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REDACTED 9/22/48 kag Re: Project "SIGN" Examination of Soil. File # Lab. # 62-33894-146 PC-23142 60 Examination requested by: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson AF Base, Dayton, Ohio Attention: MCIA XO-3 Date of reference communication: letter 9/9 Date received: 9/17 Evid. 9/14 Reg.1171535 Examination requested: Micro (Petrographic-Geologic) Result of Examination: [HW: Returned 10/18/48 Reg mail.] Specimens submitted for examination Q1, Sample of soil. STAMP: 52NOV2 1948

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609 Courthouse Valley City, N.D. Oct. 15, 1948 713 I. Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: I trust that whoever reads this will do more than just toss it in a waste basket! [HW: FIVE] RECORDED - 51 [STAMP: FBI] 23 OCT 22 1948

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RECEIVED Nov 23 3 19 PM '48 INTERNAL SECURITY SN FBI U S DEPT OF JUSTICE

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RECORDED - 51 INDEXED - 51 EX-49 Mrs. R. B. Holiday 609 Conkling Valley City, North Dakota Dear Mrs. Holiday: Your letter dated October 15, 1948, has been received and I do want to thank you for the patriotic motives which prompted you to make available your thoughts concerning the subject you mentioned. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION STAMP: MAILED 13 STAMP: OCT 20 1948 P.M. STAMP: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION STAMP: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

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STAMP: FBI STAMP: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE STAMP: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION STAMP: WAILED 13 STAMP: OCT 30 1948 P.M. STAMP: RECEIVED-LANDO [REDACTED]

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Office of Contents from BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION WASHINGTON, D. C. Date October 7, 1948 Case References 62-83894 Project "SIGN" Consigned to: Commanding General Air Materiel Command Examination of Soil Wright-Patterson AF Base Dayton, Ohio Attention: MCIA XO-3 Communications Section MAILED 1 OCT 01 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE REGISTERED 497699 62-83894 List of Contents PC-23142 CO Mr. Harbo, 7641 Mr. Conrad, 7142 Mr. Downing, 6228 IB Mr. Sizoo, 7601 Mr. Baughman, 7121 [STAMP:] [HW:]

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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION DEC 28 1948 Telemeter RBI, LOS ANGELES 12-28-48 DIRECTOR AND SACS HOUSTON, CINCINNATI URGENT ATTENTION INSPECTOR HOWARD FLETCHER FLYING DISK, LONNIE EDWARD NOACK COMPLAINT. RE HOUSTON TELETEYPE DEC. TWENTY EIGHT. MR. R.C. PERSONS, VASCO [REDACTED] ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LA, PRESENTLY IN ARIZONA, EXACT WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN TO HIS OFFICE, EXPECTED TO CALL MORNING OF DEC. TWENTY NINE. MR. NATHAN SMITH, SMITH MANUFACTURING COMPANY, SOUTH PASADENA, CALIF. ADVISED HE AND PERSONS PURCHASED AIRPORT IN MOJAVE DESERT NEAR HELENDALE, CALIF. STATED THAT IN EARLY PART OF DEC. EXACT DATE UNKNOWN, PERSONS ADVISED HIM HE HAD FOUND A FLYING DISK ON THEIR AIRPORT. MR. AND MRS. SMITH, PERSONS, AND LONNIE NOACK PROCEEDED TO AIRPORT WHERE THEY LOCATED DISK, TOOK PICTURES OF IT AND REMOVED [REDACTED] PORTIONS OF DISK, NOACK RETAINING SOME PARTS AND SMITH KEEPING SOME PORTIONS WHICH ARE STILL IN HIS POSSESSION. SMITH ADVISED THAT DAY AFTER LOCATING THE DISK AN EMPLOYEE OBSERVED PARTS RETAINED BY SMITH, AND STATED HE BELIEVED THE OBJECT HAD BEEN MANUFACTURED BY OLSEN AND RICE MANUFACTURING COMPANY, TOY MANUFACTURERS LA. SMITH STATED HE THEN CONTACTED OLSEN AND RICE WHO STATED THEY WERE FINANCING CLAUDE LEROY WOLFERT LA IN DEVELOPING A KITE FOR [REDACTED] SALE ON OPEN MARKET AS A TOY. SMITH STATED HE HAD PREVIOUSLY GIVEN OLSEN AND RICE PERMISSION TO USE HIS PRIVATE AIRPORT AT ANY TIME. OLSEN AND RICE TOLD SMITH THEY HAD TAKEN EXPERIMENTAL KITES TO SMITH'S END PAGE ONE Recorded 68 Indexed 68 | 62-03894-148 | Dec 30 1948

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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION TELEGRAM DEC 28 1948 RECEIVED - FLETCHER DEC 28 9:43 PM '48

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PAGE TWO AIRPORT AND UPON DETERMINING KITES NOT PRACTICAL HAD ABANDONED THE PROJECT. SMITH STATED HE HAD TAKEN SIXTEEN MM PICTURES WHICH ARE PRESENTLY BEING DEVELOPED. STATED WOULD MAKE PICTURES AND PARTS FROM OBJECT AVAILABLE TO THIS OFFICE. SMITH DESCRIBED OBJECT AS APPROXIMATELY SIX FEET IN DI- METER, CONSISTING OF DISK MOUNTED ON AXEL WITH BEARINGS, WINGS ON EITHER SIDE, TAIL SURFACE SUPPORTED ON BOOMS, CUP MOUNTED ON EACH WING TIP RESEMBLING ROCKET POWER CONTAINERS. SMITH STATED DID NOT OBSERVE ANY CHEMICAL OR OTHER MATERIAL IN CONTAINERS WHICH COULD BE USED AS SELF PROPELLING FORCE. MR. HENRY T[REDACTED] RICE OF OLSEN AND RICE MAN- UFACTURING COMPANY ADVISED CLAUDE LEROY WOLFERT FINANCED BY THEIR COMPANY IN DEVELOPING TOY KITE, THAT WOLFERT HAD PROACHED IDEA OF MAKING LARGE MODEL TO BE USED AS TOW TARGET FOR AIRPLANES BUT RICE DECIDED THAT HE MAKE ONLY KITE SUITABLE FOR SALE AS TOYS. [HW:] HOWEVER, WOLFERT MADE LARGE MODEL APPROXIMATELY SIX FEET IN DIAMETER, WEIGHING FIFTY POUNDS, WHICH TOGETHER WITH OTHER MODEL HAD BEEN FLOWN IN DC THREE OWNED BY OLSEN AND RICE TO PRIVATE AIRPORT OF [REDACTED] PERSONS AND SMITH. RICE COULD NOT RECALL EXACT DATE, BUT [STAMP:] STATED IT WAS IN EARLY PART OF DEC. RICE STATED DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED IN FLIGHT OF KITE, AND THAT IN VIEW OF SIZE OF LARGE MODEL IT WAS NECESSARY TO TOW IT BEHIND PLANE TO OBSERVE FLIGHT. STATED MODEL CRASHED AND OLSEN AND RICE ABANDONED EXPERIMENT LEAVING AIRPORT WITH WOLFERT REMAINING BE- HIND TO CONDUCT FURTHER EXPERIMENTS. RICE STATED DID NOT KNOW THAT WOL- FERT HAD LEFT THE LARGE MODEL AT THIS AIRPORT UNTIL ADVISED BY SMITH END PAGE TWO

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[REDACTED] [STAMP: DEC 28 8 43 PM '48] RECEIVED - FLETCHER

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PAGE THREE THAT THEY HAD FOUND THE OBJECT. CONTACT WILL BE MADE WITH SMITH, RICE, AND WOLFERT, TO SECURE PHOTOGRAPHS AND SAMPLES. BUREAU WILL BE ADVISED. HOOD END A IN ORDER PLS A 7-45 PM OK FBI WASH DC WJR HMEVMVVMVGH HOMR OK FBI HO UICF CI OK FBI CI JW CISC

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RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT DEC 28 7 47 PM '48 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED - FLETCHER DEC 28 9 43 PM '48

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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: MR. D. M. LADD FROM: H. B. FLETCHER SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS At 10:00 a.m. today, SAC Willis, Houston, called in and stated that Fuller Blackwell, a business man in Houston, Texas, had furnished certain pictures taken by a friend of his, Lonnie Noack of the Humboldt Oil Company, Houston, Texas, and had related that Noack had been flying with a friend in a private plane from California to Houston and that at a point about 30 miles east of Lone Pine, California, some object lying on the ground made a very strong reflection and they made a check to determine what would cause this bright reflection. They finally landed the plane and found an object which could be described as being 8' in diameter with wings about 4' long. The object is about 1' in thickness and in the center there appears to be some type of gyroscope. The wings apparently are fitted with some type of jet propulsion. An examination was made by Noack and his friend and they could find no identifying marks and took photographs of the object they observed. SAC Willis stated he had informed Lieutenant Robert Fleming of the AAF, Ellington Field, and Captain Bush, the Army representative in Houston, of this object and that Noack would be interviewed that morning in the Houston Office with Lieutenant Fleming being present. Lieutenant Fleming wanted the statements of Noack taken down by a stenographer and he will furnish the stenographer for that purpose. I instructed SAC Willis to furnish complete details of this matter by air mail special delivery including a copy of the photograph. I further instructed that he furnish the same details to the proper field office because unquestionably the Bureau would want to run this thing out. After talking with you I phoned SAC Willis back and told him to insure the presence of a Bureau Agent at the time this object was examined by Army Air Forces and that he should make proper arrangements with office in California to see that an Agent was present I also told him to advise me of developments. HBF:cmw STAMP: Recorded - 137 STAMP: Received - 137 STAMP: FBI STAMP: Received - 137

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[REDACTED] [REDACTED] STAMP: FBI STAMP: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE STAMP: Dec 20 3 55 PM '48 STAMP: Jan 6 2 54 PM '48 STAMP: RECEIVED-LAND

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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION DEC 28 1948 TELETYPE FBI HOUSTON 12-28-48 1-12 PM CST EP DIRECTOR, SACS CINCINNATI AND LOS ANGELES URGENT ATTENTION INSPECTOR HOWARD FLETCHER FLYING DISK. LONNIE EDWARD NOACK, COMPLAINANT. COMPLAINANT RESIDING TWO NINE TWO ONE CHICAGO STREET, HOUSTON, CONTACTED THIS OFFICE DECEMBER TWENTY SEVENTH ON CAPTIONED MATTER AND IN SIGNED STATEMENT TODAY SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING. NOACK, EMPLOYED AS A MACHINIST BY HUMBLE OIL COMPANY, HOUSTON, LEFT HOUSTON BY COMMERCIAL AIRLINE DECEMBER FIFTH LAST ON BUSINESS FOR HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. ON MONDAY, DECEMBER SIXTH, CONTACTED R.C. PERSON, FOUR ONE ONE SIX AVALON BLVD., LA., AN ACQUAINTANCE, WHO REMARKED OF HAVING SEEN ON THAT DATE, SOME DISTANCE FROM HOLLYWOOD IN A DESERT AREA, WHAT APPEARED TO BE A FLYING DISK. PERSON OPERATES VASCO ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURING CO., LA., ADAMS FIVE TWO EIGHT ONE. ON DECEMBER SEVENTH, NOACK, PERSON, AND MR. AND MRS. NATHAN SMITH, ONE NAUGHT FIVE SOUTH PASADENA AVE., SOUTH PASADENA, CALIF., DEPARTED BY PRIVATELY OWNED AUTOMOBILE IN SEARCH OF DISK. SAME LOCATED APPROXIMATELY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY MILES NORTHEAST OF PASADENA AND ABOUT TWENTY MILES NORTHEAST OF LONE PINE, CALIF. PERSON, SMITH, AND NOACK TOOK PHOTOGRAPHS OF DISK WITH MOVIE AND SPEEDGRAPHIC CAMERAS. THE NOACK FILM WAS EIGHT MILLIMETERS IN SIZE AND CAMERA MADE BY REVERE. DISK LOCATED DESERT AREA NEAR NINE HUNDRED ACRES OF LAND OWNED BY PERSON AS PRIVATE AIRFIELD. NOACK HAD HIS FILM DEVELOPED BY EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY AT UNKNOWN ADDRESS LOS PALMAS ST.,LA. STAMP: 53 JAN 7 1949 END PAGE ONE

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FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED-LAUNO DEC 28 3 55 PM '48 FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED-DIRECT DEC 20 2 55 PM '48 FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION DEC 28 JAN8

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PAGE TWO THESE FILMS RECEIVED NOACK, HOUSTON, BY MAIL DECEMBER TWENTY THIRD LAST. [REDACTED] FILM SHOWS DISK TO BE APPROXIMATELY SEVEN FEET IN DIAMETER AND APPROXIMATELY TWO FEET THICK IN MIDDLE WITH FEATHER EDGE ON RIM. ABUTTING SAUCER IN MIDDLE AND ON BOTH SIDES ARE FOUR FOOT WINGS RESEMBLING CONVENTIONAL AIRPLANE TYPE. NO MARKINGS, NO RADIO, AND APPEARED TO HAVE LANDED AT GREAT SPEED. DISK IN COMPARATIVELY GOOD CONDITION. THE ENDS OF BOTH WINGS HAD ATTACHED A SMALL ALUMINUM CYLINDER APPARENTLY FOR JET PROPULSION. ONE OF THESE CYLINDERS OBTAINED BY NOACK AS SOUVENIR AND CURRENTLY IN POSSESSION OF THIS OFFICE [HW: FILM SIMILARLY MAINTAINED.] SA ROBERT FLEMING, OSI REPRESENTATIVE, ELLINGTON FIELD, TEXAS, NOTIFIED DECEMBER TWENTY SEVENTH. NOACK FILM EXHIBITED THIS OFFICE INSTANT DATE AND SHOWS DISK IN ALL POSITIONS AND ARE AUTHENTIC. MR. FLEMING, OSI, ON DECEMBER TWENTY EIGHTH NOTIFIED DISTRICT COMMANDER, FIFTH OSI DISTRICT, WRIGHT FIELD, DAYTON, OHIO. SAC R. B. HOOD, LA., NOTIFIED TELEPHONICALLY OF ABOVE INFORMATION WITH REQUEST THAT HE MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH R.C PERSON IN ORDER THAT BUREAU AGENTS MAY ASSIST OR ACCOMPANY OSI REPRESENTATIVES IN ACTUALLY OBSERVING AND RETRIEVING FLYING DISK. THIS ACTION TAKEN PER BUREAU INSTRUCTIONS. NO FACILITIES AVAILABLE HOUSTON FOR REPRODUCING MOVIE FILM OF NOACK; HOWEVER; STILL SHOTS CAN BE DEVELOPED BY COMPETENT [STAMP: 12/28/50 2:32 PM] END PAGE TWO

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U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI RECEIVED-LAND DEC 28 3 55 PM '48 JAN 6 2 55 PM '48 STAMP:

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PAGE THREE COMMERCIAL REPRESENTATIVES. ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY OSI, DAYTON, OHIO, NOT KNOWN AT THIS MOMENT AND IT IS POSSIBLE THEY MAY DESIRE FILM FOR REPRODUCTION THEIR FACILITIES THERE. IF BUREAU DESIRES LA OFFICE TO OBTAIN FROM PERSON AND SMITH THEIR FILM AND NEGATIVES, THIS MIGHT BE CONSIDERED. PICTURES TAKEN BY PERSON WITH FOUR BY FIVE SPEEDGRAPHIC CAMERA AND THZSE PICTURES SHOULD BE READILY AVAILABLE. NOACK FILM AND PART OF JET PROPULSION WING TIP BEING MAINTAINED HOUSTON AWAITING SUGGESTED DISPOSITION AND HANDLING BY EITHER BUREAU OR OSI. CINCINNATI OFFICE BEING MADE COGNIZANT TO COVER POSSIBILITY THAT BUREAU MAY DIRECT LIAISON WITH OSI, DAYTON. AMSD LETTER FOLLOWS TO BUREAU AND INTERESTED OFFICES ENCLOSING SIGNED STATEMENT OF NOACK. WILLIS END A IN O PLS WA 225PM OK FBI WA LS CI OK FBI CI JCL LA OK FBI LA EDS DISCM

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RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT DEC 28 2 29 PM '48 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE STAMP: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE STAMP: FBI RECEIVER-LANDO RECEIVED

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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION DEC 29 1948 TELEMETER WASH 10 FROM LOS ANGELES 29 9-07 PM DIRECTOR ROUTINE FLYING DISK, LONNIE EDWARD [REDACTED] NOACK, [REDACTED] COMPLAINANT. RE TELETYPES FROM HOUSTON AND LA TWENTY-EIGHTH INSTANT. THREE [REDACTED] THREE PARTS OF SUBJECT DESCRIBED BY NOACK SECURED FROM NATHAN [REDACTED] SMITH, LA AND EXHIBITED TO HENRY T. RICE, OHLSON AND RICE MANUFACTURING COMPANY, THREE THREE FOUR ZERO [REDACTED] EMERY STREET, LA. RICE POSITIVELY IDENTIFIED THESE PARTS AS COMING FROM A MODEL TOW TARGET CONSTRUCTED BY CLAUDE L. WOLFORD, FIVE FOUR FIVE FOUR CHESLEY AVE., LA. ONE PART BEING STAMPED WOLFORD [REDACTED] PLASTICS MOLDING CO., LA. TOW TARGET WAS TESTED BY RICE AND WOLFORD USING RICE'S AIRPLANE OVER NATHAN SMITH'S AIRFIELD NEAR HELENDALE, CALIF. THE TEST WAS A FAILURE, THE TARGET CRASHED AND WAS ABANDONED AT THE AIRFIELD. NO FURTHER INVESTIGATION BEING CONDUCTED AND THE THREE ITEMS SECURED FROM SMITH WILL BE RETURNED TO HIM UNLESS BUREAU ADVISES TO CONTRA[REDACTED]. REPORT WILL BE SUBMITTED. HOOD RECORDED - 42 | 62-83894-151 INDEXED - 42 | FBI | CINCINNATI AND HOUSTON ADV. SEP. ACK PLS/12/30/48 | EX-1

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RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT DEC 29 11 18 PM '48 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE ROUTINE DIRECTOR [STAMP: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION] [STAMP: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE] [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE

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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: MR. D. M. LADD FROM: H. B. FLETCHER DATE: December 28, 1948 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS Reference is made to the teletype of December 28, 1948, from the Houston Office. At 3:30 p.m., I called SAC Hood of the Los Angeles Office and instructed that he attempt to locate Mr. Person and Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Smith, secure photographs and film in their possession and also secure from them the location of the described flying disc. I also instructed that Mr. Hood send out sufficient Agents to find the disc and guard it until it could be properly handled by the appropriate Government authority. I also telephoned the Houston Office and told them to send in the photographs or film in their possession, together with the part which had been recovered from the machine by the Informant Noack. At 5:00 p.m., SAC Hood called back and stated that all work on this matter should be immediately discontinued. They had managed to reach Mr. Nathan Smith and he stated that he knew all about this matter; that it was not a flying disc, but an object which had been identified as a tow kite, which has a disc center and wings. This kite is actually made in Los Angeles by the Olson and Rice Manufacturing Company. A call was made to Olson and Rice, who admitted making a kite along the lines described by Mr. Smith and they explained that they had tried to fly it and it had failed and they had abandoned it. Mr. Hood stated he did not have full details at the time of his call, but he did have this report from the Agents. Therefore, I instructed that he call Mr. Willis of the Houston Office immediately in order that the film and the part available to the Houston Office will not be forwarded for Laboratory examination. HBF:esb RECORDED - 42 | INDEXED - 42 | EX-1 | STAMP:

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[STAMP: FBI] [STAMP: FBI] [STAMP: FBI] U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE INTERNAL SECURITY - SN RECEIVED-LAND DEC 29 4 07 PM '48 DEC 29 9 14 AM '48 DEC 30 2 27 AM '48 RECEIVED

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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: DIRECTOR FBI FROM: SAC KNOXVILLE DATE: January 10, 1949 SUBJECT: "FLYING SAUCERS" OBSERVED OVER OAK RIDGE AREA INTERNAL SECURITY - X There are being submitted herewith two photographs of reputedly "flying saucers" which were seen at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, sometime during July of 1947. All of the information contained in this letter was received from Mr. GEORGE RATHMAN, Chief Investigator, Security Division, Atomic Energy Commission, and Colonel C. D. GASSER, Resident Engineer, Air Material Command, United States Army, who is the principal army technician at the Nuclear Energy for the Propulsion of Aircraft Research Center at Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Mr. RATHMAN advised that the attached photographs were taken by W. R. PRESLEY in July of 1947. He stated that interview with PRESLEY revealed that he had been snapping photographs of his family in front of his residence at 218 Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, late in the afternoon when he looked into the sky and observed the vapor trail as exhibited by the photograph numbered "1." PRESLEY stated that he took a snap of this trail was winding the film to the next number when he looked into the sky and observed the ball of fire as shown in photograph 2. Upon observing unusual phenomena he used his last film in taking photograph #2. PRESLEY made these photographs available to reporters of the Knoxville News-Sentinel and a story concerning them was run in that paper; however as shown by photostatic copy of newspaper clipping which is also being submitted herewith to Bureau print was very indistinct; news story did not contain any factual information; and it was regarded generally by public at time as possible trick. ENCLOSURE BEHIND FILE Later it was learned by Mr RATHMAN and Colonel GASSER that PRESLEY had made several copies this photograph and had distributed them among his acquaintances at Oak Ridge Tennessee Upon Colonel GASSER's finding that photographs had received some distribution he requested Mr RATHMAN as Head Compliance Investigations Division to recover as many possible photographs advise persons whose possession they were found to say nothing anyone concerning them return said photographs him for transmission United States Air Force Intelligence Service Mr RATHMAN advises succeeded rounding twenty four copies these photographs according statements PRESLEY no more copies made or distributed further stated GASSER appeared extremely concerned matter should be given no more publicity than absolutely necessary RATHMAN also advised studied negatives reproductions made they appeared authentic trick photography should have been apparent but from RECORDED - 121 |62-83894-| F B I | INDEXED - 121 |31 JAN 12 1949| STOP

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[STAMP: 140 PH 49] [STAMP: 140 PH 49] [STAMP: 140 PH 49] RECEIVED RECEIVED RECEIVED LIAISON SECTION ATOMIC ENERGY U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JAN 11 | 26 PM | JAN 13 | 26 PM | JAN 17 | 31 AM | JAN 25 | 48 PM [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE

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negatives certainly did not appear to be the case. It was Mr. RATHMAN's observation that had the negative been "doped" with some sort of chemical, it would have removed the emulsion from the face of the film in such a way that the negative would have been thin at the point which is supposedly a ball of fire, whereas, in fact, both the vapor trail and the corona of fire are dark on the negative, indicating that it was an actual exposure. It was the opinion of Mr. RATHMAN that the photographs were, without doubt, authentic. In accordance with Bureau instructions, no active investigation of this matter was made, but it was deemed advisable to interview Colonel GASSER prior to submitting the photographs to the Bureau. Colonel GASSER predicated his remarks concerning the "flying saucers" or "mystery missiles" by stating that he knew nothing of an official nature concerning them, other than the fact that they were believed by air force intelligence officials to be man-made missiles, rather than some natural phenomena. It was his further belief that a great deal of information had been compiled concerning these missiles by air force intelligence, and that research on the matter was being extensively done at Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio. He also expressed the opinion that information at the disposal of the United States Army Air Force Intelligence had, in all probability, been made available to Bureau at Washington D.C. Colonel GASSER then continued with his own ideas as to what might be the nature of these discs which ideas he had formulated through review of those known facts and theoretical conjectures of himself and other scientists concerning nature flying discs and methods propulsion for such type of aerial mechanism According him flying discs have long been theoretical possibility and in fact possibility which would indicate one best means by which break through barriers supersonic area Scientists have for many years attempting develop this type aircraft Some experimentation has been done even United States but insofar as known United States present time there have never practical developments As second factor consideration Colonel GASSER stated insofar known U S scientists this time there is no known chemical fuel which would make possible tremendous range flight such as is ascribed reported flying saucers There is only one possible fuel which could be utilized which is accord present theory and utilization atomic energy As further evidence possible means propulsion Colonel GASSER called attention vapor trail gaseous corona described ball fire which states might give evidence radioactive field present He explained corona exhaust appears layers intensity circular rather than elongated have no tendency trail extremities would case normal type exhaust combustion engine being utilized propulsion these aircraft He continued vapor trail left missile appears single line uniform intensity extremely slow dissipating It pointed out him case normal

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vapor trail being left by an aircraft moving at extremely high speeds or extremely high altitudes, the vapor trail usually will be from the wing tips and/or the exhaust of the engines, thus presenting several lines. But, in any event, even though only one line were visible, it would be rather quick to dissipate. This indicated to him that the vapor trail represents some atmospheric change along the path of the missile, which would not be the case were it any presently known type of aircraft. He continued that information furnished by him should be treated with the utmost confidence, in that he was not speaking officially, but as a personal matter of cooperation. He stated that the matter was being given absolutely no dissemination by the air force or other military personnel, and that they had not deemed it advisable to advise him of all information pertaining to the missile. He continued, however, that in his conversation with representatives at Wright Field and in reading reports returned to this country by foreign agents, he had gathered together certain information which might be of assistance in determining whether or not these so-called missiles were authentic, usable and of danger to the United States. First, he pointed out that knowledge of such a possible aircraft is not by any means new, it having been known as early as four years ago that some type of flying disc was being experimented with by the Russians. In addition thereto, he stated that more recent reports have been received from representatives of the Central Intelligence Agency in Southern Europe and Southern Asia to the effect that the Russians were experimenting with some type of radical aircraft or guided missile which could be dispatched for great distances out over the sea, made to turn in flight and return to the base from which it was launched. This fact was extremely worthy of notice as experiments in this country have so far only developed to the point where we are concerned with delivering a missile to the required point of impact, and no consideration has been given to imparting to that missile the ability to return. Secondly, he stated that it is a known fact that the Russians are attempting to develop some type of nuclear energy; [ILLEGIBLE] concerning nuclear energy at [ILLEGIBLE] time their occupation in Germany; and [ILLEGIBLE] at their disposal [ILLEGIBLE] supply necessary fissionable materials. He stated [ILLEGIBLE] opinion as whether or not they have ability and scientific knowledge create such nuclear-propelled missile is strictly matter conjecture; hesitated make definite statement. He pointed out however Russians have very capable scientists field atomic energy; thereto they took custody most advanced capable scientists German Nation. He also stated peculiar fact concerning missiles exists from reports he has received which is worthy notice; from all appearances they usually approach United States northerly direction reported returning northerly direction None ever been known crash collide disintegrate American soil but would appear come United States cruise around go back over North Pole He states insofar known him there never

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been any piece of one recovered from any source whatever in order that analytical study of its nature could be made. Insofar as was known to him, the only actual material which would be of any value in determining its nature are telephoto photographs which are now in the possession of engineers at Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio. How detailed and how clear these photographs are, he was unable to state. He stated that one report has been received concerning a collision of these missiles with another type of aircraft. This report, according to him, took place a short time prior to the report of numerous discs over the United States, and the report emanated from Czechoslovakia. This report was that a Czechoslovakian transport had collided with some unidentified missile while in mid-air over the ocean, and that said missile and said transport had been completely disintegrated without recovery of parts or survivors from either. It was the belief of Colonel GASSER that this undescribed missile was perhaps the same type of thing as the flying saucer. Another factor of notice, according to Colonel GASSER, and as is portrayed by the photographs, it would appear that the missiles can be maintained at a certain altitude above the contour of the ground. This could be done by means of some type of radio altimeter or radio control. Naturally, the path of the missile is not in exact parallel to the contour, as its purported great speed would create considerable lag in its flight. Another factor which is worthy of note, according to Colonel GASSER, is that it is normally reported as being seen at tremendously high altitudes and always traveling in a straight line. He stated that he himself observed on one occasion a single vapor trail coming from some type of aircraft at unbelievably high altitudes which vapor trail extended from horizon to horizon in a perfectly straight line. He observed the vapor trail while it was in the process of formation and states that it was completely unlike any vapor trail he had ever observed before in all his experience with air force. It was his judgment that whatever created the vapor trail was traveling at an unbelievably tremendous speed. This together with reports that when close to ground missiles travel at speeds which make possible visual observation of their actions would reflect that there is some ability to control speed these missiles as well as altitude. Colonel GASSER concluded that this matter while still purely matter guesswork is nevertheless source great concern military establishment country Great efforts have been expended by service determine just what nature these missiles might be upon so determining decide whether or not adequate defense can established He also stated impetus research being done air force program nuclear energy for propulsion aircraft develop guided missiles He also advised inssofar known absolutely no connection between these missiles fact they were observed close Oak Ridge Tennessee He stated this perhaps probably matter coincidence they were seen this area merely they were seen forty six forty eight states United States during Month July when so many reports were being received. This information being submitted Bureau for whatever value may be no further action matter contemplated office unless advised contrary. CCM:bk 65-11 Enclosures - 3

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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Director, FBI FROM: SAC, Houston DATE: 12/28/48 SUBJECT: FLYING DISC; LONNIE EDWARD NOACK, Complainant Attention: Assistant Director D.M. Ladd Remytel 12/28/48 in the above captioned matter. For the Bureau's information, on 12/27/48 Mr. FULLER BLACKWELL, an attorney with offices 410 Kress Building, Houston, Texas, telephonically contacted the Houston Office to advise that he had a friend, LONNIE NOACK, who had some information on an object which might be a flying disc. Mr. BLACKWELL stated he was calling in response to Mr. NOACK's suggestion and as a means of determining what authorities would have an interest in this matter. He said Mr. NOACK was a machinist employed by the Humble Oil and Refining Company, Houston. Mr. BLACKWELL, in calling, advised that the disc, or object, was approximately eight feet in diameter, had a tail and wings, and apparently was equipped for jet propulsion. He stated NOACK had observed this object at a desert location near Las Vegas, Nevada; further that Mr. NOACK had taken some movie film of the disc and that this film was currently in his possession. Immediately upon receipt of the above information, Mr. Robert B. Fleming, Special Agent, O.S.I., Ellington Field, Texas, was notified as was true of Captain Harold Bush, MID representative, also Houston. As a result of these referrals, arrangements were effected with Mr. NOACK to bring his film to the Houston Office for a showing at 8 P.M., 12/27/48. This was done with Messrs. Bush, Fleming, Noack, and Special Agent Graham W. Kitchel and the writer observing. Arrangements were then made for Mr. NOACK to again appear at the Houston Office on the morning of 12/28/48 in order that his information might be reduced to writing. Mr. NOACK in making his initial appearance at the office surrendered his movie film which consisted of one 50 foot roll of 8 mm movie film. Approximately fifteen feet of this roll relates exclusively to the pictures of the flying disc. [STAMP:] ENCL ATTACH EX-49 ENCL EX-49 ENCL EX-49 [STAMP:] RECORDED - 43 INDEXED - 4334 JAN 14 1949

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U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI RECEIVED-LAIDO DEC 30 248 PM 48 Office of the President United States Government [HW: 1961] [HW: 1961] [STAMP: FBI] [STAMP: FBI]

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Director Re: Flying Disc HO 12/28/48 While observing the object, Mr. NOACK noted an aluminum cylinder which had become detached from one of the wing tips and he brought this back with him as a souvenir. This cylinder conceivably could act as a rudder, a rocket housing, or fuel tank attachment. Mr. NOACK initialled the cylinder and surrendered it also. There are attached hereto for the Bureau two copies of a signed statement taken from Mr. NOACK dated Houston, Texas, 12/28/48. Two copies of the statement are attached for the Los Angeles Office, and one informational copy is being designated for the Cincinnati Division. The original is being retained in the Houston file. One copy of the statement is attached to the copy of this letter for the FBI Laboratory. During the interview with Mr. NOACK, Mrs. ROSE C. ROTSEL, a stenographer for O.S.I., Ellington Field, recorded the statement for O.S.I. use. Initial information obtained concerning this flying disc was furnished telephonically to Inspector Howard Fletcher at the Bureau, 9 A.M., 12/28/48. Mr. Fletcher requested the Bureau be given a summary of the information by teletype, with interested offices being similarly notified, and that the signed statement of NOACK be submitted AMSD. He further instructed that he did not want the Bureau "side tracked" in the handling of this matter, but that FBI representatives should assume an active interest in the investigation throughout, cooperating, of course, with O.S.I. representatives. Mr. Fleming's headquarters are the District Commander, 5th O.S.I. District, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio. On the morning of 12/28/48 Mr. Fleming sent a telegram to his District Commander giving a general summary of the original complaint. Mr. Fleming was unable to advise how the 5th O.S.I. District would handle their inquiry in this matter. He stated this could either be handled by Wright Field dispatching a special plane to California or by having their District Commander, 18D, O.S.I., San Bernardino, California handle it. He stated in any event it would be necessary for O.S.I. representatives to first confer with Mr. R.C. PERSON, named in this statement, as being the individual who initially discovered the flying disc and would know also its present whereabouts. -2-

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Director Re: Flying Disc HO 12/28/48 Mr. PERSON, as indicated, maintains a business at 4116 Avalon Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, telephone Adams 5281. To insure the Bureau's participation in this matter, SAC R.B. Hood, of the Los Angeles Office, was contacted telephonically at approximately 11:30 A.M. (CST) 12/28/48 with the suggestion he maintain contact with Mr. PERSON. Also in keeping with Bureau instructions, the roll of film received from Mr. NOACK, together with the aluminum portion of the fuselage, is being forwarded separately to the Bureau, attention FBI Laboratory. GNW:NK Encl.(2) AIR MAIL SPECIAL DELIVERY CC: Los Angeles (Encl.) AMSD Cincinnati (Encl.) AMSD FBI, Laboratory (Encl.) Package [HW:] See letter dated 1/25/49

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STOP

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COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964 ENCLOSURE [STAMP:] [HW:62-83894-154]

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Houston, Texas Dec. 28, 1948 I, LONNIE EDWARD NOACK, residing 2921 Chicago Street, Houston 17, Texas, make the following statement to Special Agent Robert B. Fleming and Christopher R. Bradley, representatives of the Office of Special Investigation, Ellington OSI Detachment, Ellington Field, Texas, and Special Agents Graham W. Kitchel and Galen N. Willis who I know to be Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On Monday afternoon December 6, 1948, at about 6 P.M., Mr. R.C. PERSON, Mr. NATHAN SMITH, Mr. C.A. TOCE, Mr. ROBERT BROUSSARD and another man, name not recalled, and I had dinner at the Old Virginia Inn Los Angeles, California. After dinner we went back to Mr. Smith's electrical manufacturing company which he owns and operates in Los Angeles California. Mr PERSON told us about seeing a flying disc and we made an appointment to leave early the next morning by car with our cameras to go to the location of the disc. Mr PERSON was detained at some private air field so we did not leave until about 2 P.M. on December 7 1948. We arrived at the scene of the flying disc and took pictures of the disc which was still lying around. Mr SMITH took about 10 feet of 16 mm film and Mr PERSON took five or six shots with a Speed Graphic Camera. He noticed that the first three shots were taken when the adapter on his lens was closed too much and I don't know if they turned out all right. Mr SMITH suggested I hold the flying disc up and rotate it around and he would take my picture with my camera. After taking the pictures we patched the fence of Mr PERSON's property where people had been cutting the wire to get to a road. We left then drove back and had dinner at Eaton's Inn and they took me back home to Hollywood California. I would like to recite that I left Houston Texas ll:30 A.M on Sunday December 5 1948 for California by plane and flew to Hollywood California on a commercial plane on business matters On arriving in Hollywood I met Mr PERSON in Hollywood on Monday December 6 1948 at that time he told me about flying disc he had located He stated he had gone Las Vegas by his personal plane saw disc from air on his way back

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On December 7, 1948 we went out in Mr. NATHAN SMITH's car and picked up his wife and left his home in South Pasadena about 11 A.M. We drove out to an airport where his plane was about forty miles from Pasadena were he was having the plane repaired. He wanted to be sure the plane was on a truck before we left for the destination where the disc was. In making this trip, we proceeded out by a race track and passed one of the Kaiser steel works and the Virginia Dare Wine Orchard. I would say we went directly north or northeast from Pasadena, California. We drove through a town called Matonia (phonetic) and followed a road through some mountains and through a small desert. I would estimate the distance from Pasadena to where the disc was found to be about 150 miles. The terrain in which the disc was found could be described as flat, desert, and desolate. I would like to explain that Mr. PERSON has private property (an airport which he purchased from the government) right by the location of the disc. Mr. PERSON thought the disc might have been launched from his airport, but whether that was it or not - we don't know. Mr. PERSON said he usually flew at an altitude of about 8,000 feet and, of course, he flew lower in some spaced. He did not mention his altitude at the time he first saw the disc. The disc was located practically just outside his property and we were going north, so it would be east of his property. He has about 900 acres. When we arrived at Mr. PERSON's property, we saw the disc, or flying wing, and it was on the ground in a semi-vertical position, approximately a 45 degree angle, with the left wing imbedded in the ground. In looking at the ground, it appeared that the object had hit the earth with considerable force and had slid 300 to 400 feet. It was dented but was generally intact. I think the pictures I took with a Revere 8 mm camera quite well show the form, shape and size of the "wing." I am 5'7" tall and in standing next to the object when it was in an upright position, it was slightly higher than my height. I would say it was roughly seven feet in diameter, before crashing. On each side of the object there were wings approximately four feet by twenty inches and three inches thick with an axle that protruded through the disc and into the wings. It was mounted on ball bearings which the disc rotated on.

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The disc itself was approximately two feet thick in the center, tapering to a feather edge at the rim. On the outside of the disc, near the rim, there were funnel shaped cups bradded on and these were spaced all around on both sides, each cup being approximately twenty inches apart. The openings of these cups were to the rear. The disc itself was natural aluminum with no paint on it except of the type of aluminum which was 24 S.T. and it bore this stamp. The wings were painted a yellow-green camouflage color. The wing has a leading edge similar to that of an airplane and tapers to the rear to a feather edge. The wing was ribbed throughout with aluminum ribs for substantial strength. Each wing had a similar rocket cartridge on each tip fastened by two bolts. I had one of the wings in my possession and have turned it over to the proper authorities. The cartridge on the one I had was apparently knocked off in the crash. There were two strut bars attached approximately twenty inches from the disc leading to the rear with an elevator. Also, the two struts protruded toward the front with something attached, a weight or some tow system, which was during the crash anchored into the ground and bent and we could not exactly determine how it was weighted or controlled. I would say the elevator was approximately twenty-two inches long and about 5/8 inch thick with a slight taper to the rear and probably ten inches wide. The struts extending from the trailing edge of the wing to the elevator were made of 5/8 inch steel tubing. The disc, in being lifted, I would judge to weigh from 80 to 100 pounds. With respect to pictures taken, I took approximately 15 feet of colored 8 mm film. The disc was built where they had proper equipment to do necessary work because they had to have a spot welder and building equipment to make different angles. I might add that I am an instrument maker for Humble Oil and Refining Company and have generally good knowledge of machine metal work workmanship etc., that it probably was American made.

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After we finished taking our pictures and discussing the object among ourselves, Mr. PERSON expressed an intention of obtaining a truck and hauling the object to his shop. I cannot say at this time whether he did this or not or where the object may be at this particular date. We finished our observation and picture taking at approximately 5:30 or 6 P.M. on December 7. In response to Mr. Fleming's inquiry, there was no radio equipment noted on the object in any fashion or form. We returned to Pasadena, California, that evening arriving in Hollywood about 9 or 9:30 P.M. I took some more pictures that night along Hollywood Boulevard on the unfinished roll of film and then went over the Chinese Theatre and took a picture of the signature of George Raft and finished the roll. I bought another roll of film, and took them to the Eastman Kodak Company the following Monday which would be December 13, 1948. As I recall, this Eastman shop was on Los Palmas Street in Los Angeles, California. They informed me they would develop the film and that it would be ready on Thursday. I left California on Wednesday so they mailed the film to me at my business address, Humble Oil Building, Room 159, Houston, Texas. I received these films on December 23, 1948. After my return from California I mentioned to several of my business and social acquaintances that I had seen this object, a disc or saucer or whatever you might call it, and told them that I had taken pictures and would be glad to show them when the pictures arrived. As stated; I received the film on December 23 and at 1:30 P.M. on the same date I showed the film in the projection room at Humble Oil to the following: D.W. BLAIR; J.HATTAWAY; B.A.PETerson; JAMES S.Olivier; WILLIAM RIED,JR.; A.E.MELETon; WAYNE CRAWFORD; D.A.BATTLE and two other men whose names I do not recall. All of these men work in the instrument shop with me at Humble Oil & Refining Company. I also showed the film to my brother-in-law,E.KULAK ,of Pasadena,Texas ,at home on the following night. On Christmas Day I met some friends and one of the girls was with a young boy who was interested in photography.I do not know his name but he works at Southern Pacific.I told himI had some pictures ofthe flying disc butI did not show himthe pictures but explainedthe disc.I thinkthis boy isthe person who had his friendatthepaper contactme.

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I got home about 10:30 A.M. and FRANK REED, of the City Desk at the "Houston Post" called me and wanted to know about the disc. I told him I could not give him any information on it. He begged me for the story, but I told him I would let him know and that I had friends I had to contact before I could give him any information. I then got in touch with Mr. Blackwood, my lawyer, the following morning and asked him if he knew anyone in the FBI. He stated all the FBI personnel he knew were no longer stationed here. I then contacted the FBI and turned the material over to them. Although I can't describe where this object is located, I believe I could go back to it and I am sure Mr. PERSON and Mr. SMITH could go back to it. Mr. NATHAN SMITH's business address is Nathan Smith Electrical Company, 105 South Pasadena Avenue, South Pasadena, California. Mr. R.C., PERSON is president of the Vasco Electrical Manufacturing Company, 4116 Avalon Boulevard, Los Angeles, California. For record purposes, in taking the pictures above referred to, I did so using exposure of 16 frames per second at a diaphragm opening of f6.3. I used Cine-Kodak Kodachrome film. [HW: ATTENTION] The above statement, made voluntarily and for the retention of proper authorities, is made to my best knowledge and belief. LONNIE EDWARD NOACK Witnesses: Representatives OSI Ellington Field Texas FBI Houston Texas

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ENCLOSURE TO THE BUREAU RE: FLYING DISC; LONNIE EDWARD NOACK, Complainant

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SAC, Houston Director, FBI FLYING DISCS LONNIE EDWARD NOACK, Complainant Reference is made to Los Angeles teletype dated 12/29/48 and to Houston teletype dated 12/28/48, and the subsequent transmittal of an 8mm movie film taken by Mr. LONNIE NOACK, along with several parts of the supposed flying disc to the laboratory for examination. Since prior to receipt of the above items by the laboratory the information was obtained which identified the supposed flying disc as a tow target and later a toy kite, no examination was conducted here. Accordingly, these items are being returned to you via registered mail. STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION STAMP: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION STAMP: DEPT. OF JUSTICE 33-83894 cc: SAC, Los Angeles RECORDED - 60 INDEXED - 60 51 JAN 31 1949 EX-59

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STAMP: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE STAMP: FBI STAMP: RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM STAMP: JAN 25 4:25 PM '49 STAMP: LABORATORY DIVISION STAMP: JAN 26 3:32 PM '49 REDACTED

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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: The Director FROM: D. M. Ladd SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS I thought you might be interested in the following information concerning "Flying Discs" which has been furnished to the Bureau on a confidential basis by Colonel C. D. Gasser, Resident Engineer, Air Material Command, U. S. Army, who is the principal army technician at the Nuclear Energy for the Propulsion of Aircraft Research Center at Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Colonel Gasser stated that he knew nothing of an official nature concerning "Flying Discs" other than the fact that they are believed by Air Force Intelligence officials to be man-made missiles, rather than some natural phenomena. It was his further belief that a great deal of information has been compiled concerning these missiles by air force intelligence, and that research on the matter was being extensively done at Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio. Colonel Gasser then continued with his own ideas as to what might be the nature of these discs which ideas he had formulated through review of those known facts and theoretical conjectures of himself and other scientists concerning the nature of flying discs and methods of propulsion for such type of aerial mechanism. According to him, flying discs have long been a theoretical possibility, and in fact, a possibility which would indicate one of the best means by which to break through the barriers of the supersonic area. He stated that scientists have for many years been attempting to develop this type of aircraft. Some experimentation has been done even in the United States but insofar as is known in the United States at the present time there have never been any practical developments. As a second factor of consideration Colonel Gasser stated that insofar as is known to U.S. scientists at this time there is no known chemical fuel which would make possible tremendous range of flight such as is ascribed to the reported "flying discs." According to Gasser there is only one possible fuel which could be utilized which is in accord with present theory and that is utilization of atomic energy. He stated that this subject matter was being given absolutely no dissemination by air force or other military personnel and that they had not deemed it advisable to advise him all information pertaining to this type missile He continued however that in his conversation with representatives at Wright Field and in reading reports returned to this country by foreign agents he had gathered together certain information which might be assistance in determining whether or not these so-called missiles were authentic usable and danger United States. STAMP: 50 FEB 8 1949 STAMP: EX-109

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[STAMP: JAN 24 4:35 PM '49] [STAMP: FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE] [STAMP: RECEIVED-LADD] RECEIVED-NICHOLS RECEIVED-NICHOLS RECEIVED-NICHOLS RECEIVED-NICHOLS [STAMP: FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE] [STAMP: FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE] [STAMP: FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE] RECEIVED-TOLSON JAN 25 5 30 PM '49 RECEIVED-TOLSON JAN 25 5 30 PM '49 RECEIVED-TOLSON JAN 25 5 30 PM '49 [STAMP: FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE] [STAMP: FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE] [STAMP: FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE] RECEIVED-TOLEMAN JAN 26 10 20 AM '49 RECEIVED-TOLEMAN JAN 26 10 20 AM '49 RECEIVED-TOLEMAN JAN 26 10 20 AM '49 [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE

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He pointed out that knowledge of such a possible aircraft is not by any means new and that it was known as early as four years ago that some type of flying disc was being experimented with by the Russians. In addition he said that more recent reports have been received from representatives of the Central Intelligence Agency in Southern Europe and Southern Asia to the effect that the Russians were experimenting with some type of radical aircraft or guided missile which could be dispatched for great distances out over the sea, made to turn in flight and return to the base from which it was launched. He related that this information was extremely worthy of notice as experiments in this country have so far only developed to the point where we are concerned with delivering a missile to the required point of impact, and no consideration has been given to imparting to that missile the ability to return. He also advised that it is a known fact that the Russians are attempting to develop some type of nuclear energy, that they received a wealth of information concerning nuclear energy at the time of their occupation in Germany, and that they have at their disposal a limited supply of fissionable materials. He pointed out that the Russians have some very capable scientists in the field of atomic energy and that, in addition thereto, they took into their custody some of the most advanced and capable scientists of the German Nation. Colonel Gasser stated that a peculiar fact concerning these missiles is found in reports he has received,that from all appearances the missiles usually approach the United States from a northerly direction and have been reported as returning in a northerly direction. He advised that none have ever been known to crash, collide or disintegrate over American soil, but it would appear that they come to the United States, cruise around, and go back over the North Pole. He stated that insofar as is known to him there has never been any part of a missile of this type recovered from any source whatever in order that an analytical study of its nature could be made. He stated that one report has been received concerning a collision of these missiles with another type of aircraft. This report, according to him, emanated from Czechoslovakia and took place a short time prior to the report of numerous discs over the United States. According to Colonel Gasser a Czechoslovakian transport had reportedly collided with some unidentified missile while in mid-air over the ocean, and that the missile and transport were completely disintegrated without recovery of parts or survivors from either. Colonel Gasser concluded that this matter, while still purely a matter of guesswork, is nevertheless a source of great concern to the military establishment of this country. He advised that great efforts have been expended by the military service to determine the nature of these missiles ACTION: None. The above is for your information.

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DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 90986 CONFIDENTIAL DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY STAFF MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CONFIDENTIAL PRIORITY From: CO Kirtland AFB New Mexico To: Chief of Staff USAF attn Dir of Special Investigations Officer of the Inspector General Nr: OSI-1-9C 31 January 1949 Reference previous reports, subject; unknown, aerial phenomena, file number 24-8. Sighting of identical object reported at 2255Z 30 Jan 49 by aprx 30 people. Estimate at least 100 total sightings. AEC, AFSPWP, 4th Army, local commanders perturbed by implications of phenomena. Sighting reported from El Paso, Albuquerque, Alamogordo, Roswell, Socorro, and other locations. All appear to be same object at different points in trajectory. Unless instructed to contrary this office will make all out investigation with view to location of impact point if any. Request reply. [HW: Pago - 2-4-48] [HW: See ext OSI] [HW: OKio] [HW: G.I.R.-7] ACTION: AF INFO: ID, PO RECORDED - 143 [STAMP: FEB] [STAMP: FEB] [STAMP: FEB] [STAMP: FEB] CM IN 321 (2 Feb 49) DTG: 312145Z RC 5/1 EX-16 COPY [ILLEGIBLE]

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Room 5744 342.3 1949 a8 SSR CERT a 10: “pirector yee} Wet ——Mr. Clegg taal ——Mr. Glavin 07 ——Mr. Harbo . Nichol ——Mr. Ladd . Rosen ——Mr, Nichols - Rosen . Tracy ——Mr. Fletcher ——WMr. Mohr —__—Mr. Carlson Mr. Nease ———_Miss Gandy ___Personnel Fil ___Records Pere ace eae Mrs. Skillman . Pennington - Quinn Tamm See Me For Appropriate Action Send File Note and Return Clyde Tolson

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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Director, FBI FROM: SAC, Knoxville SUBJECT: "FLYING SAUCERS" OBSERVED OVER OAK RIDGE AREA INTERNAL SECURITY - X DATE: February 18, 1949 [CONFIDENTIAL] [ILLEGIBLE] Reference is made to Knoxville letter to the Director dated January 10, 1949, entitled as above. There is being forwarded for the Bureau's information a copy of a letter from Colonel C. D. GASSER, USAF, AMC Engineering Field Officer, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to Mr. G. J. RATHMAN, Security Division, U. S. Atomic Energy Commission, Oak Ridge. This letter is self explanatory and reveals that the photographs forwarded with referenced letter are the result of accident or purposeful hoax and are not actually photographs of a "flying saucer". Colonel GASSER personally advised that while the photographs are not real, his statements made concerning the existence of flying saucers and the opinions expressed by him nevertheless stand as previously stated. CCMcS: jjc 65-11 ENCLOSURE ATTACHED Enclosure RECORDED - 137 EX-16 BT 4 FEB 23 1949 STAMP:

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U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI BLOCK ESPIONAGE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE FEB 24 12 OF PM 39 AM 49 RECEIVED

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ENCLOSURE 3894-158 [HW: 134/2-1]

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NEPA Project, P. O. Box E Oak Ridge, Tennessee 10 February 1949 Mr. G. J. Rathman Chief, Investigation Section Security Division U. S. Atomic Energy Commission P. O. Box E Oak Ridge, Tennessee Dear Mr. Rathman This is in response to your letter dated 16 December 1948, subject "Photographs", with inclosures, addressed to Major D. J. Grant at this site, concerning photographs taken during the month of July 1947 by Mr. William Presley of 218 Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, of an unidentified object that appeared to be flying over Oak Ridge. Since receipt by Major Grant of the above material, this office has taken steps to secure an evaluation of same by the Air Force office of the Chief, Technical Intelligence Division, Intelligence Department, Air Materiel Command, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio. As a result, the following information has been revealed: "When the negative, containing the sphere, is examined by strong incident light, it is noted that the emulsion is raised at that point above the normal level of the remaining emulsion. This indicates that either a drop of warm water or a drop of developer struck the film at this point and rolled down this negative and the succeeding negative." "To further substantiate this, it will be noted that when the two (2) negatives are placed side by side with the edges of the film aligned, the so-called "trail" is continuous, that is the two sections match, indicating the drop rolled on from one negative to the next." "Sill further proof is shown on the fogged edge of the negative containing only the trail. This is proven by the fact that the trail extends beyond the normal format" COPY

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CO PY Ltr. to Mr. G. J. Rathman, Chief, Investigation Section, U. S. AEC, dated 10 February 1949, Re Photographs of the negative. In other words, there is a trail of that section of the negative which was not exposed in the camera. This effect shows up in one negative and not in the other because the negative in question is fogged; therefore, this irregularity was developed. "Still further proof of these defects lies in the number of unevenly developed sections of the negative." In view of the above, it is recommended that this entire matter be declassified and that Mr. Presley be advised of the nature of the images, if and when the negatives are returned to him by your office. For your information, this office is taking the liberty of furnishing- ing a copy of this communication to Mr. C. C. McSwain, Special Agent, FBI, because of official interest evidenced by his office in the matter. Your cooperation in furnishing photographs and negatives, together with information contained in your letter of 16 December 1948 to Major Grant, is sincerely appreciated. Very truly yours, C. D. GASSER Colonel, USAF AMC Engineering Field Officer 3 Incls. 2 Negatives 1 Photostat cc - Mr. C. C. McSwain CO PY

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L-26 voice of Contents from FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION WASHINGTON, D. C. Date 1/25/49 Case References FLYING DISCS Consigned to: SAC, HOUSTON LONNIE EDWARD NOACK, Complainant List of Contents Mr. Harbo, 7641 Mr. Conrad, 7142 Mr. Downing, 6228 IB Mr. Sizoo, 7601 Mr. Baughman, 7121 STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED 16 FEB 8- 1949 P.M. STAMP: REGISTERED MAIL FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE REGISTERED 497382 [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE

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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: DIRECTOR, FBI FROM: SAC, SAN ANTONIO DATE: January 31, 1949 SUBJECT: PROTECTION OF VITAL INSTALLATIONS BUREAU FILE # 65-58300 [CONFIDENTIAL] [HW: 2060] [HW: 8/31/77] [HW: JH] At recent Weekly Intelligence Conferences of G-2, ONI, OSI, and F.B.I., in the Fourth Army Area, Officers of G-2, Fourth Army have discussed the matter of "Unidentified Aircraft" or "Unidentified Aerial Phenomena" otherwise known as "Flying Discs", "Flying Saucers", and "Balls of Fire". This matter is considered top secret by Intelligence Officers of both the Army and the Air Forces. It is well known that there have been during the past two years reports from the various parts of the country of the sighting of unidentified aerial objects which have been called in newspaper parlance "flying discs" and "flying saucers". The first such sightings were reported from Sweden, and it was thought that the objects, the nature of which was unknown, might have originated in Russia. In July 1948 an unidentified aircraft was "seen" by an Eastern Airlines Pilot and Co-Pilot and one or more passengers of the Eastern Airlines Plane over Montgomery, Alabama. This aircraft was reported to be of an unconventional type without wings and resembled generally a "rocket ship" of the type depicted in comic strips. It was reported to have windows; to have been larger than the Eastern Airlines plane; and to have been traveling at an estimated speed of 2700 miles an hour. It appeared out of a thunderhead ahead of the Eastern Airlines plane and immediately disappeared in another cloud narrowly missing a collision with the Eastern Airlines plane. No sound or air disturbance was noted in connection with this appearance. During the past two months various sightings of unexplained phenomena have been reported in vicinity Los Alamos Security Inspectors; Airline Pilots; Military Pilots; Los Alamos Security Inspectors; and private citizens. On January 6, 1949 another similar object was sighted in same area. Dr. LINCOLN L.P.Z., a Meteorologist of some note has been generally in charge observations near Los Alamos attempting to learn characteristics unexplained phenomena. Up to this time little concrete information has been obtained. JEJ:md SA-100-7545 cc: El Paso (2) Dallas (2) Houston (2) Little Rock (2) Oklahoma City (2) RECORDED - 133 [STAMP: F B I] [STAMP: F B I] [STAMP: F B I]

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DIRECTOR, FBI 1/31/49 There have been day time sightings which are tentatively considered to possibly resemble the exhaust of some type of jet propelled object. Night-time sightings have taken the form of lights usually described as brilliant green, similar to a green traffic signal or green neon light. Some reports indicated that the light began and ended with a red or orange flash. Other reports have given the color as red, white, blu-white, and yellowish green. Trailing lights sometimes observed are said to be red. The spectrum analysis of one light indicates that it may be a copper compound of the type known to be used in rocket experiments and which completely disintegrates upon explosion, leaving no debris. It is noted that no debris has ever been known to be located anywhere resulting from the unexplained phenomena. Recent observations have indicated that the unidentified phenomena travel at a rate of speed estimated at a minimum of three miles per second and a maximum of twelve miles per second, or a mean calculated speed of seven and one-half miles a second, or 27,000 miles an hour. Their reported course indicates that they travel on an East - West line with probability that they approach from the Northern Quadrant, which would be the last stage of the great circle route if they originated in Russia. When observed they seem to be in level flight at a height of six to ten miles and thus traveling on a tangent to the earth's surface. They occasionally dip at the end of the path and on two occasions definite vertical change in path was indicated. These phenomena have not been known to have been sighted, however, at any intermediate point between Russia and Los Alamos, but only at the end of the flight toward the apparent "target", namely, Los Alamos. In every case but one the shape of the objects has been reported as round in a point of light with a definite area to the light's source. One report gives a diamond shape; another indicates that trailing lights are elongated. The size is usually compared to one-fourth the diameter of the full moon, and they have also been compared in size to a basketball with trailing lights [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE baseball. On no occasion has sound been associated directly with the phenomena but unexplained sounds have been reported from Los Alamos. On two occasions reports have been received [STAMP:] sighting multiple units. Some nine scientific reasons are stated to exist which indicated that phenomena observed are not due meteorites The only conclusions reached thus far arc that they arc either hitherto unobserved natural phenomena or that they arc man made No scientific experiments are known [STAMP:] give rise such phenomenc

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DIRECTOR, FBI 1/31/49 Mrs. MADELINE GWINNE MERCHANT was the subject of a letter from the Atlanta office to the Bureau dated August 10, 1948, entitled, "MADELINE GWINNE MERCHANT; INFORMATION CONCERNING." She has written many letters to Military Authorities concerning her theories regarding Atomic Energy. She has generally been considered unreliable and possibly mentally unbalanced. She, however, has submitted to Military authorities the only theory thus far known that has any credibility at all, namely, that the lights are manifestations of cosmic rays which are directed toward a specific point. She further theorizes that such rays may interfere with the ignition of motors and may account for various unexplained air crashes. The above is submitted for the confidential information of the Bureau and offices to which copies of this letter are directed so that these offices may evaluate any such reports they may have received or may receive in the future. It is noted that the Fourth Army has the responsibility of protecting vital installations at Los Alamos, New Mexico, Sandia Base, New Mexico, and Camp Hood, Texas. Any information developed should be expeditiously transmitted to C-2, Fourth Army. It is further noted that C-2 and O.S.I. are actively engaged in investigating this matter. No investigation is being conducted by this office.

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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Mr. Ladd FROM: Mr. Fletcher SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS PURPOSE The approval of the Executives Conference is requested for the attached SAC letter furnishing to the field the type of information desired by the Intelligence Division of the Air Force in connection with the captioned matter. BACKGROUND You will recall that by Bureau Bulletin #57, Series 1947, dated October 1, 1947, the field was advised that effective as of that date the Bureau had discontinued its investigative activities in connection with flying discs. The field was advised that all future reports concerning this matter received in the field should be referred to the Air Forces. Colonel C. D. Gasser, Resident Engineer, Air Materiel Command, Nuclear Energy for the Propulsion of Aircraft Research, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, has recently and confidentially advised the Bureau that flying discs are believed by the Air Force to be man-made missiles rather than some natural phenomenon and that as much as four years ago it was learned that some type of flying discs were being experimented upon by the Russians. It was further determined from Colonel Gasser that most all of the flying discs seen by persons in the United States approached this country from a northerly direction and returned in the same direction, indicating the strong possibility that they are coming from Russia. The Department of the Air Force has furnished to the Bureau a sufficient number of copies of a memorandum dated February 15, 1949 captioned "Unconventional Aircraft" which can be furnished to our field offices. STATUS RECORDED - 76 [STAMP: FEB] At this present time this Bureau is conducting no investigation of information received in the field relating to this captioned matter. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that attached SAC letter and enclosure be forwarded to field to advise them of type questions to be asked persons who voluntarily submit information relative to "flying discs." Although no active investigation will be conducted by Bureau it is believed that captioned matter is sufficient importance internal security country our field offices should secure as much information possible from complainants in order assist Department Air Force. EHM:EHW Attachment

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RECEIVED-LANDON U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI STAMP: MAR 23 9 18 AM '49 STAMP: MAR 24 12 56 PM '49 STAMP: MAR 16 9 19 AM '49 STAMP: MAR 15 9 59 AM '49 RECEIVED-DIRECTOR U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI RECEIVED-FLETCHER U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE

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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: DIRECTOR, FBI FROM: SAC, SAN ANTONIO DATE: March 22, 1949 SUBJECT: PROTECTION OF VITAL INSTALLATIONS BUREAU FILE 65-58300 [CONFIDENTIAL] [HW: 2040] [HW: 8/3/77] Re San Antonio letter to the Director dated January 31, 1949, which outlined discussion had at recent weekly Intelligence Conferences of G-2, ONI, OSI and FBI in the Fourth Army Area concerning "Unidentified Aircraft" or "Unidentified Areal Phenomena" otherwise known as "flying discs", "Flying saucers" and "balls of fire". It is repeated that this matter is considered secret by Intelligence Officers of both the Army and the Air Force. G-2, 4th Army, has now advised that the above matter is now termed "Unconventional Aircraft" and investigations concerning such matters have been given the name "Project Grudge". G-2, 4th Army, advised on February 16, 1949, a conference was held at Los Alamos, New Mexico to consider the so-called "Green fire ball phenomena" which began about December 5, 1948. It was brought out this question has been classified "secret" and that investigation is now the primary responsibility of the U.S. Air Force Air Materiel Command T-2. Dr. LINCOLN LA PAZ of the University of New Mexico discussed one siting which he himself had made which was termed the "Starvation peak incident" and described the following characteristics which indicated that the phenomenon could not be classified as a normal meteorite fall. 1. There was an initial bright light (no period of intensity increase) and constant intensity during the duration of the phenomenon. 2. Yellow green color about 5200 Angstroms. 3. Essentially horizontal path. 4. Trajectory traversed at constant angular velocity. 5. Duration about two seconds. 6. No accompanying noise. RECORDED -40 STAMP: Apr. -1949 JEJ:md cc: El Pas (100-4562) cc: Dallas cc: Houston cc Little Rock Oklahoma City

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DIRECTOR, FBI March 22, 1949 It was brought out that since December 5, 1948 there have been more than ten incidents analogous to the "green fireball" above described and some twenty others with minor deviations from the above. It is also pointed out that the only sitings which had occurred seemed to have been confined to the Los Alamos, Las Vegas, and West Texas triangle. G-2 also advised that as of November 1, 1948, information had been received from higher Military authorities that the Air Force had advised that such sitings occur periodically and that another period of sitings was then imminent. Further, on February 14, 1949, higher Military authorities advised that it was believed that ultimately it would be found that the phenomena in question have a natural explanation. It is further noted that about 7:30 p.m., March 6, 1949, what was at first thought to be a flare was seen approximately one-half mile north of Killeen Base in the area of the Vital Installation at Camp Hood, Texas, and a second flare was noticed at 1:45 a.m., March 7, 1949, approximately three miles from Killeen Base. It has since been concluded that the flares seen near Killeen are probably similar to the phenomena previously noted in the Los Alamos Sandia Base Area although these are the first sitings of such phenomena near Camp Hood. There appears to be reason to believe that the above-mentioned phenomena may be connected with secret experiments being conducted by some U.S. Government Agency as it is believed that the United States is farther advanced in guided missile development than any foreign power. Although the primary responsibility for investigating such matters is now with the U.S. A.F. Air Materiel Command G-2.

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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Form No. 1 THIS CASE ORIGINATED AT HOUSTON FILE NO. 105-445 REPORT MADE AT LOS ANGELES DATE WHEN MADE 3/30/49 PERIOD FOR WHICH MADE 12/28,29;1/7/9 REPORT MADE BY W. NATHAN PROVINSE DPZ TITLE FLYING DISCS: LONNIE EDWARD NOACK, complainant; Houston, Texas, December 27, 1948 CHARACTER OF CASE INTERNAL SECURITY M SYNOPSIS OF FACTS: Object described by complainant as possible flying disc determined to be a model tow target or kite which had been abandoned after unsuccessful tests. Portions of target positively identified by HENRY T. RICE, L.A. manufacturer and erstwhile financial backer as being part of the model target or kite. RUC REFERENCE: Teletype from Houston to Director dated 12/28/48. Teletype from Los Angeles to Director dated 12/28/48. Teletype from Los Angeles to Director dated 12/29/48. DETAILS: This investigation is predicated upon the receipt of referenced teletype from the Houston Office advising that LONNIE EDWARD NOACK had located an object in the desert near Helendale, California, resembling a flying disc. This object, described as a flying disc, had been located by NOACK, R. C. PERSON and Mr. and Mrs. NATHAN SMITH of South Pasadena, California, approximately one hundred and fifty miles northeast of Pasadena or about twenty miles from Lone Pine, California. Special Agent EDWARD OLSEN determined that R. C. PERSON, Vasco Manufacturing Company, was traveling in Arizona and not available for interview. APPROVED AND FORWARDED: [HW: Signature] SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE: [HW: Signature] DO NOT WRITE IN THESE SPACES 62-8339/- [HW: Redacted] RECORDED -59 [STAMP:] F B I [STAMP:] INDEXED -59 COPIES OF THIS REPORT Bureau [HW: Redacted] Copies Destroyed 270 Nov 23 1964 [ILLEGIBLE] APR 13 1949 U.S GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Form No. 1 THIS CASE ORIGINATED AT HOUSTON FILE NO. 105-445 REPORT MADE AT LOS ANGELES DATE WHEN MADE 3/30/49 PERIOD FOR WHICH MADE 12/28,29;1/7/49 REPORT MADE BY W. NATHAN PROVINSE DPZ TITLE FLYING DISCS; LONNIE EDWARD NOACK, complainant; Houston, Texas, December 27, 1948 CHARACTER OF CASE INTERNAL SECURITY M SYNOPSIS OF FACTS: Object described by complainant as possible flying disc determined to be a model tow target or kite which had been abandoned after unsuccessful tests. Portions of target positively identified by HENRY T. RICE, L.A. manufacturer and erstwhile financial backer as being part of the model target or kite. RUC REFERENCE: Teletype from Houston to Director dated 12/28/48. Teletype from Los Angeles to Director dated 12/28/48. Teletype from Los Angeles to Director dated 12/29/48. DETAILS: This investigation is predicated upon the receipt of referenced teletype from the Houston Office advising that LONNIE EDWARD NOACK had located an object in the desert near Helendale, California, resembling a flying disc. This object, described as a flying disc, had been located by NOACK, R. C. PERSON and Mr. and Mrs. NATHAN SMITH of South Pasadena, California, approximately one hundred and fifty miles northeast of Pasadena or about twenty miles from Lone Pine, California. Special Agent EDWARD OLSEN determined that R. C. PERSON, Vasco Manufacturing Company, was traveling in Arizona and not available for interview. APPROVED AND FORWARDED: SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE: [REDACTED] DO NOT WRITE IN THESE SPACES: [REDACTED] COPIES OF THIS REPORT: 5 - Bureau 2 - Houston 1 - IFO #2 Fort MacArthur 2 - Los Angeles

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L. A. 105-445 Mr. N. SMITH, SMITH MANUFACTURING COMPANY, 105 Pasadena Avenue, South Pasadena, California, who was with NOACK at the time the object was discovered, advised Special Agent EDWARD OLSEN on December 28, 1948, that he was present at the time the object was located on his, SMITH's, landing field near Helendale, California. SMITH advised that they had taken some pieces off the object and that subsequently, upon returning to Los Angeles, he had learned that the object was actually a model kite or tow target which had been built by the [HW: OHLSON AND RICE MANUFACTURING COMPANY] of Los Angeles. Mr. SMITH stated that he had talked to both OHLSON and RICE and that they had admitted to him having experimented with the object over his, SMITH's airfield. Mr. SMITH made available three of the parts of the target which he had secured while at the airfield. The information furnished by Mr. SMITH was verified by Special Agent EDWARD OLSEN in an interview with Mr. HENRY T.[HW: RICE], OHLSON AND RICE MANUFACTURING COMPANY, 3340 Emery Street, Los Angeles. The parts made available by Mr. SMITH were exhibited to Mr. RICE and he advised that the model tow target or kite had been taken to the airfield for flight tests by himself and CLAUDE LEROY[HW: WOLFORD], 5454 Chesley Avenue, Los Angeles 43 , California . Mr .RICE stated that WOLFORD is the inventor of the object and OHLSON AND RICE had originally agreed to finance him to develop the tow target or kite as a toy .Mr .RICE explained that they were primarily interested in developing the contraption as a toy kite to be sold in a much smaller model; however ,the inventor ,against their wishes ,had developed a much larger model which he had hoped to sell as a tow target to be used behind airplanes .Mr .RICE stated that since he had gone that far they felt that they should give the project a test and thereupon they took it out to the desert as a precautionary measure .Mr .RICE stated that the flight test was a failure ;the model crashed soon after it was airborne and was thereafter abandoned on the field. In the absence of her husband ,Mrs.CLAUDE LEROY WOLFORD ,5454 Chesley Avenue ,was interviewed and exhibited three parts of kite made available by Mr.Smith She readily identified three items as part of a kite her husband had built for RICE MANUFACTURING COMPANY She advised she also accompanied her husband to desert at time tests were made She explained kite crashed manufacturing company did not want put any more cash in it so it was abandoned on desert. The three parts of kite were returned NATHAN SMITH on January 7 ,1949 The Sub-District Office I.G.(USAF)1206 Santee Street Terminal Annex Los Angeles California apprised information contained herein immediately upon its receipt. REFERRED UPON COMPLETION TO THE OFFICE OF ORIGIN

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United States Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington 25, D. C. SAC LETTER NO. 38 Series 1949 MEMO FOR MR. HOOVER TOLSON CLEGG CONNELLEY GLAVIN HARBO LADD NICHOLS ROSEN TRACY BAUMGARDNER BOSWELL CALLAHAN CALLAN CARLSON CARTWRIGHT CONRAD DOWNING EDWARDS, H. L. EGAN FEENey FLETCHER, H. B. GURNEA MOHR HINCE JONES, M. A. KEAY LAUGHLIN LEONARD LONG McCabe, E. J. McCabe, N. H. McGUIRE McIntire MOBLEY MOHR NANNA NAUGHTEN NEASE PARSONS PENNINGTON RENNEBERGER ROGERS SIZOO TAMM, Q. WAIKART WALL WHITSON [STAMP: DECLASSIFIED BY SP8 BTS / dec90] RE: FLYING DISCS Your attention is directed to Bureau Bulletin #57, Series 1947, dated October 1, 1947, relating to the discontinuance of investigation by this Bureau in matters concerning flying discs. For your confidential information, a reliable and confidential source has advised the Bureau that flying discs are believed to be man-made missiles rather than natural phenomenon. It has also been determined that for approximately the past four years the USSR has been engaged in experimentation on an unknown type of flying disc. The Department of the Air Force has furnished to the Bureau the attached memorandum classified "restricted" dated February 15, 1949, entitled "Unconventional Aircraft." This memorandum is being furnished to you in order that all agents assigned to your office can be informed of the type of information desired by the Air Force in this matter. As set forth in Bureau Bulletin #57, referred to above, no investigation should be conducted by your office relative to flying discs; however, the attached memorandum should be referred to in securing data from persons who desire to voluntarily furnish information to your office relating to flying discs. Very truly yours, John Edgar Hoover Director

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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION APR 5-1949 TELETEYPE FBI SALT LAKE CITY 4-5-49 12-25 PM HTG DIRECTOR URGENT FLYING DISCS. INFORMATION RECEIVED AT LOGAN, UTAH ELEVEN AM TODAY THAT AT NINE AM A GUARD AT THE ARMY GENERAL SUPPLY DEPOT, OGDEN, UTAH, OBSERVED WHAT APPEARED TO BE AN EXPLOSION IN THE AIR ACCOMPANIED BY A FLASH OF LIGHT FOLLOWED BY THE FALLING OF SILVER COLORED OBJECT. THIS WAS SEEN AT HIGH ALTITUDE WEST OF OGDEN NEAR THE TOWN OF TAYLOR, UTAH. ABOUT THE SAME TIME LT. RON HATFIELD OF LOGAN, UTAH PD SAW TWO PUFFS OF SMOKE HIGH IN THE AIR WEST OF LOGAN FOLLOWED BY FALLING OF SILVER COLORED OBJECT. ALSO AT ABOUT SAME TIME UTAH HIGHWAY PATROLMAN L. N. JEPPSON AT MANTUA, UTAH, SAW A SILVER COLORED OBJECT HIGH UP APPROACHING THE MOUNTAINS AT SARDBINE CANYON BETWEEN LOGAN AND BRIGHAM CITY, UTAH AND AS OBJECT NEARED THE MOUNTAIN IT APPEARED TO EXPLODE IN A FLASH OF FIRE. SEVERAL RESIDENTS AT TRENTON, UTAH, WHICH IS WEST OF LOGAN HAVE REPORTED TO SO, LOGAN SEEING WHAT APPEARED TO BE TWO AERIAL EXPLOSIONS FOLLOWED BY FALLING OBJECT WEST OF TRENTON AT ABOUT NINE TWENTY AM TODAY. ABOVE INFORMATION IMMEDIATELY FURNISHED TO OSI HILL FIELD UTAH ANY FURTHER PERTINENT DEVELOPMENTS WILL BE FURNISHED BUREAU FOR INFORMATION OSI HILL FIELD HAS JUST NOW ADVISED ABOVE PHENOMENA PROBABLY CAUSED BY TWO B TWENTYNINES FROM WENDOVER FIELD WHICH ARE PRACTICE-BOMBING IN THE DESERT WEST OF LOGAN FROM EXTREMELY HIGH ALTITUDES WHICH WOULD CAUSE VAPOR TRAILS OSI CHECKING FURTHER AND WILL ADVISE THIS OFFICE RESULTS. RECORDED - 142 EX-133 ACK AND HOLD 51 APR 15 1949 203 PM OK FBI WASH DC GAR

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RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT APR 5 239 PM '49 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE STAMP: RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT APR 5 239 PM '49 STAMP: RECEIVED F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE

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RESTRICTED HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ROUTING SLIP TO: 1. OFFICE AFCSI ATTENTION Col Martin - Rm4E1075 2. OFFICE ATTENTION 3. OFFICE ATTENTION DATE 4 march 49 FOR: FOLLOWING ACTION(S) AS CHECKED COORDINATION NOTE AND RETURN INFORMATION NECESSARY ACTION RECOMMENDATION FILE SEE OR PHONE ME APPROVAL SIGNATURE COMMENT As per your recent request, 50 copies of air Intelligence Requirements No 4 are forwarded herewith for transmittal to the F.B.I. FROM: RESTRICTED OFFICE AFOIR-CO ROOM NO. SE203 INDIVIDUAL OwMcKinney PHONE 71067 STAMP: AF HQ Form 12 10 Nov 47 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

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U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI RECEIVED APR 21 | 14 PM '49 U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI RECEIVED ESPIONAGE APR 21 | 14 PM '49 U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI RECEIVED ESPIONAGE APR 4 | 50 PM '49

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RECORDED - 34 May 4, 1949 STAMP: 63 MAY 111949 TO: Legal Attache Mexico City, D.F. FROM: Director, FBI SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS Reference is made to your letter dated April 5, 1949 captioned as above in which you request a copy of the Air Force memorandum mentioned in SAC Letter #38, Series 1949 dated March 25, 1949. In response thereto there is enclosed herewith the pamphlet captioned, "Unconventional Aircraft" issued by the Department of the Air Force under date of February 15, 1949 to which reference was made in the above-mentioned SAC Letter. STAMP: [HW: Confidential] [HW: Air Pouch] [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE

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OFFICE OF THE LEGAL ATTACHE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA MEXICO CITY Date: April 5, 1949 To: Director, FBI From: John N. Speakes, Legal Attache Subject: FLYING DISCS Reference is made to SAC Letter #38, Series 1949, dated March 25, 1949, advising that a copy of a memorandum from the Department of the Air Force, dated February 15, 1949, and entitled "Unconventional Aircraft," as furnished to the Bureau, was being forwarded to this office in order that all agents assigned to the Mexico City Office might be informed of the type of information desired by the Air Force in this matter. This is to advise that the above-mentioned enclosure was not received by this office and it is respectfully requested that a copy of this memorandum be forwarded to Mexico City. JNS:ml [HW:] Let MexicoCity [HW:] Wpencl [HW:] 5-4-49 [HW:] mlf RECORDED - 59 [STAMP:] 62-83894-165 [STAMP:] FBI [STAMP:] 12 APR 15 1949

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STAMP: APR 19 9 14 AM '49 U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F.B.I. RECEIVED ATOMIC ENERGY LIAISON SECTION

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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: 4-22-49 FROM SAC, LITTLE ROCK SUBJECT: UNKNOWN SUBJECTS; WADE H. HARRISON - INFORMANT FLYING DISCS FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS (4-16-49) WADE H. HARRISON, residence address Route 1, Box 293, Fort Smith, Arkansas, is employed as a Special Delivery messenger by the Fort Smith Post Office Department. HARRISON stated that at 5:25 p.m., Saturday, April 16, 1949, while delivering special delivery mail in Fort Smith, he stopped his automobile at a signal light located at the intersection of North Eleventh Street and Grand Avenue. He glanced up at the stop light and observed a brilliant object moving in a southeastern direction. He presumed the object was approximately 2 miles high. He got out of his automobile and pointed up with the suggestion that other automobile drivers, stopped for the signal light, could see the object. He does not know who any of the other people are or what they saw. He was obliged to move on after the light changed and the drivers began honking their horns. He watched the object until it was obscured by the line of trees in that section. He estimated he watched it travel some 3 or 4 miles before he lost sight of it. He stated the weather was clear, visibility was good, and there were no clouds near the object. The object made no noise perceptible to HARRISON. However, he commented that he was stopped at an intersection where the traffic was heavy and there was considerable noise. He first thought possibly he had seen some type of a reflector on an airplane, but could not locate or hear a plane anywhere. HARRISON drove to the 1400 Block of North "C" Street, where he observed an Army officer, wearing insignia of a major or lieutenant colonel, standing back of the officer's automobile. He stopped and asked the officer if he had observed flying objects. The officer name unknown to informant answered negatively and then remarked, "I am glad other people are also reporting seeing flying objects." The officer then related that on previous Friday April 15, 1949 while traveling out Oklahoma City toward Fort Smith his wife observed flying object in sky very similar to that described by HARRISON. The officer stated he saw object too but furnished no more information. DOS:crc Enc.AMSD RECORDED - 119 EX-118 STAMP: EX-118 STAMP: EX-118 STAMP: EX-118

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Office Messagegrams UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT DATE: 1-25-49 FROM: X-60 LITTLE ROCK TO: DIRECTOR FBI SUBJECT: HARRISON - HARBOUR - TINOCO [STAMP:] RECEIVED MAY 2 11 AM '49

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LET TO DIRECTOR FLYING DISCS 4-22-49 HARRISON described the object as appearing some 3 or 4 inches in diameter from the distance he saw it. It was very bright and reflected a light in a manner similar to a mirror. He reported the incident to the local press at Fort Smith and inquired if anyone had made a similar report. He received a negative reply. In this connection, please find attached an article from the front page of the Southwest-Times Record newspaper published at Fort Smith, Arkansas, Sunday, April 17, 1949. The interview with HARRISON developed he is 52 years of age. He has had considerable college training and attended the seminary at Westminster, Maryland 2½ years. He stated that his eyesight is very good for a man of his age and that he has worn reading glasses only for the past few years. He was positive he had observed the object as related above. He was unable of course to state just what the object was or furnish any additional information concerning it. No information was available at Fort Smith indicating the object had fallen in that section or that it was observed by others. The Little Rock Office is making no further inquiries concerning the subject matter. The offices of OSI and MID have been notified of the information set out above.

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SOUTHWEST - TIMES RECORD Ft. Smith, Arkansas April 17, 1949 Local Man Reports Seeing What He Believes Was "Flying Disc" Wade Harrison, Fort Smith post office employee, reported Saturday he had observed what he believed was a "flying disc." Harrison saw what he believed was a "flying disc" as he was driving east on Grand avenue at Eleventh street. He said the object was small and was moving southeastward at a rapid rate of speed. He said the object resembled a tiny mirror. There were no other reports of "flying discs" in the area Saturday. ENCLOSURE 42-83894-166

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DO-6 OFFICE OF DIRECTOR FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE April 20, 1949 The attached was sent to the Director by Walter Winchell. Attachment mt Mr. Tolson [CHECKMARK] Mr. Clegg [CHECKMARK] Mr. Glavin [CHECKMARK] Mr. Ladd [CHECKMARK] Mr. Nichols [CHECKMARK] Mr. Rosen [CHECKMARK] Mr. Tracy [CHECKMARK] Mr. Egan [CHECKMARK] Mr. Gurnea [CHECKMARK] Mr. Harbo [CHECKMARK] Mr. Jones [CHECKMARK] Mr. Mohr [CHECKMARK] Mr. Pennington [CHECKMARK] Tele Room [HW: Hatchis] [HW: Mottburg] [STAMP: VAB SD 3 00 BN N2]

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RECEIVED - DIRECTOR U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI RECEIVED - FLETCHER APR 20 3:50 PM '49 [STAMP:] RECEIVED-LATER FBI APR 21 4:51 PM '49 [STAMP:] RECEIVED-LATER FBI APR 20 4:33 PM '49

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62-83894-167 CONFIDENTIAL BY SPECIAL MESSENGER RECORDED - 128 Date: May 2, 1949 To: Director of Special Investigations (I.G.) Department of the Air Force The Pentagon Washington 25, D. C. From: John Edgar Hoover, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation Re: FLYING DISCS A reliable and confidential source has recently advised this Bureau that during the first part of April, 1949, Mr. C. A. Atkins, 4312 Los Feliz, Hollywood 27, California, had informed him that three employees of the Department of Recreation in Parks in the city of Los Angeles, California, had noticed objects in the sky which appeared to be flying discs. The above information is being furnished to you for whatever action you desire and no investigation is being conducted relative thereto by this Bureau. STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION BY SPECIAL MESSENGER U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI REVIEWED DIRECTOR

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REDACTED STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION STAMP: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE STAMP: FBI STAMP: RECEIVED-M'LL ROOM STAMP: MAY 2 6 46 PM '45 STAMP: MAY 3 - 1945 MESSAGE-DEVIL

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CITY OF LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA COMMISSIONERS MAURIE LUXFORD PRESIDENT MRS. ROLLIN BROWN VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. WILLIAM J. WILSON C. TONY PEREIRA ROBERT L. BURNS J. J. HASSETT SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS: 308 CITY HALL LOS ANGELES 12 MICHIGAN 5211 GEO. HJELTE GENERAL MANAGER GILBERT L. SKUTT SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS FLETCHER BOWRON. MAYOR Hollywood, Calif.April 10, 1949. Mr.Walter Winchell New York City,N.Y. My Dear Winchell. With reference to flying Disc's or other flying objects, thought you would be interested in the following. It in a measure substantiates your statements. Friday of last week, three of our department employees were working in Griffith Park (the nations largest pak) when one of them, De Jarnett by name noticed an object sailing through the sky and took a good look to try and distinguish it from planes that frequently fly over. About the same time two of his men working about a half mile away saw the object. They checked with each other and arrived at the same conclusion. It was a Disc and they ran to a telephone to report the incident. In the meantime DeJarnett started to the location where his men were working to check and see if they had seen the object. They had both seen it which proves beyond a question of a doubt that something of the Disc type was in the air and when the third man stated he also saw it, I am satisfied you are very much right in your statements and I am inclined to call a person a liar that says (there are no dis'c). RECORDED: 1 |62-83894-|67| INDEXED: |3 MAY 62|1949| C.A Atkins. 4312 Los Feliz [HW: Hollywood 27 Ref.] STAMP:

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STAMP: APR 21 9 36 AM '49 RECEIVED-NOTICE STAMP: JUN 21 9 36 AM '49 RECEIVED-NOTICE STAMP: FEB 1 RECEIVED-NOTICE STAMP: MAY 19 5 24 PM '49 RECORDO-S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE

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SAC - San Antonio Director - FBI FLYING DISKS INTERNAL SECURITY - R RECEIVED READING ROOM FBI DIRECTOR U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE April 26, 1949 Reference is made to your letter dated April 4, 1949, captioned "Protection of Vital Installations." You are instructed in the future to report information relating to flying disks under the above caption. In regard to your request for information that would substantiate or discredit the statements made by Walter Winchell on his broadcast of April 3, 1949, your attention is directed to SAC Letter No. 38 dated March 25, 1949, captioned "Flying Disks." For your strictly confidential information, the data contained in SAC Letter No. 38 was obtained in confidence from a colonel in the United States Air Materiel Command, who obtained his information from persons actively engaged in the investigation of this subject. No interview with Walter Winchell will be made by the Bureau concerning the source of his statements referred to in your referenced letter. STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED APRIL 27, 1949 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

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STAMP: FEB 10 1930-2:0 STAMP: APR 27 7 18 PM*45 RECEIVED-KVL ROOM STAMP: APR 27 2 35 PM*4 STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION STAMP: WAIVED @ FORM LABEL: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FORM LABEL: CB I

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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Director, FBI FROM: SAC, San Antonio DATE: April 4, 1949 AIR MAIL SPECIAL DELIVERY SUBJECT: PROTECTION OF VITAL INSTALLATIONS (Bureau file 65-48300) Reference is made to San Antonio letter to the Bureau dated March 22, 1949 which submitted information related by military authorities concerning unconventional aircraft. The Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2, 4th Army, has advised that at 11:50 P.M. March 31, 1949 a lighted object about the size of a basketball reddish white in color, followed by a fire trail was observed southwest of Killeen Base adjacent to Camp Hood Texas. The observation was made by Lt. FREDERICK W. DAVIS who was in charge of a platoon Company C, 12th Armored Infantry Battalion which is assigned as a part of an alert force (called force Abel) from Camp Hood whose function is to protect the installation at Killeen Base. Lt. DAVIS advised that the object was at an altitude estimated at 6000 ft., was traveling parallel to the ground and passed directly over him at a rapid rate of speed. It was in view 10 to 15 seconds and suddenly disappeared high in the sky without having descended No sound or odor was detected The night was clear and visibility good The object passed almost directly over the air strip at Killeen Base. When Lt. DAVIS attempted to advise his headquarters by telephone immediately after the sighting he heard static or electrical interference on the telephone line which he stated might be possible radio interference. G-2 has advised that other lights of unknown origin were observed on March 6,78 and 17,1949 by military personnel of the alert force stationed approximately yards east of the fences which surround Killeen Base. The object sighted on March 31, 1949 was reported as being different nature from lights seen earlier in month. It is noted that Mr. WALTER WINCHELL on his Sunday evening broadcast April3 ,1949 stated that "flying discs" seen in this country definitely emanated from Russia. On April G-2 , fourth Army contacted this office inquiring as whether we had any information that would substantiate or discredit statements made by WALTER WINCHELL.

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U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F.B.I. RECEIPT APR 5 4:03 PM '49 STAMP: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F.B.I. LIAISON SECTION ATOMIC ENERGY RECEIVED APR 5 2:17 PM '49

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Letter to Director SA-100-7545 April 4, 1949 In view of the interest and concern of 4th Army military authorities who have the duty of protecting the vital installations at Los Alamos, N. M., Sandia Base, N. M. in the El Paso Division, and the Camp Hood area in the San Antonio Division, it is suggested that the Bureau may desire to arrange to have Mr. WINCHELL interviewed concerning the source of his information that "flying discs" emanate from Russia. It would be appreciated if the Bureau can supply any information that can be transmitted to military authorities which would clarify this matter.

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RECORDED - 104 INDEXED - 104 62-83894-169 May 3, 1949 Mr. Carey L. Davis 141 Claire Drive, Southeast Atlanta, Georgia EX-43 Dear Mr. Davis: Your letter of April 27, 1949, has been received, and I want to thank you for sending me the newspaper clipping which you enclosed together with your observations concerning the designs you submitted to the federal government in 1942. Although I would like to be of service, checks of the type you desire are not within the scope of this Bureau's activities. It was very thoughtful of you to contact me in that regard. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director WN:rlc Rje STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION F B I F B I F B I F B I F B I F B I F B I F B I RECEIVED REA NG ROOM MAILED MAY 7th WD CO P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

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AIR COOLED 75 ROOMS MODERN OUR FOOD IS UNEXCELD HOTEL LAWRENCE Walnut Ridge, Ark. April 27th 1949 [HW: Flying Saucers] Having read the enclosed clipping you will find with this letter [HW: propomate me to send it to a few and ask you to check The Notional Inventor Council jobs in the 2 types of engineer The Flying Saucer Design that I submitted to Mr. Eleanor Roosevelt in 1942 while Henry Wallace was Secretary of Commerce who was in charge of The Notional Inventor Council. I mean just this. See how easy it would have been for Wallace to have conveyed these designs to Russia and with held them from our own Engineering Dept. You can make The biggest find here of your life. If you look ILLEGIBLE ONCE I will appreciate a reply. [STAMP: EX-43] [STAMP: RECORDED 104] [STAMP: R.B.I.] [STAMP: 6 MAY 10 1949] Coily L Davis, 1410 Claire Dr S E. Atlanta, Ga

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New Data, Ideas About Flying Saucers And Death of Pilot Who Chased One By United Press DAYTON, Ohio, April 27. The only airman who ever got near a flying saucer crashed and died before he could describe it, the Dayton Journal-Herald said today. The newspaper printed a lengthy dispatch on the mysterious flying discs, based, it said, on hitherto unpublished reports assembled at the Wright-Patterson Air Force base. The Air Force investigation has proved that the flying saucers "are not a joke." Neither "are they a cause for alarm to the population," the newspaper said. The closest any airman came to the mystery discs was on Jan. 7, 1948, when one was sighted over Fort Knox, Ky., the dispatch said. Four fighter planes were sent aloft to intercept it, but only Capt. Thomas F. Mantell was able to get close. "I'm closing in to take a good look," the newspaper quoted him as reporting by radio. "It looks metallic and of tremendous size. It's going up now as fast as I am. That's 360 miles an hour. I'm going up after it. At 20,000 feet, if I'm no closer, I'll abandon chase." Mantell's plane crashed a few minutes later and he was killed. The paper said a report now on file at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base lists 240 domestic and 30 foreign accounts of flying discs as having been investigated. Of these, [ILLEGIBLE] per cent seem to have been weather balloons and the like and [ILLEGIBLE] per cent more are perhaps explainable conventionally—leaving [ILLEGIBLE] per cent unexplained. The Air Force recently said there was no evidence that the discs were guided missiles fired from some other country, but that on the other hand it was not impossible that they were. Later the Air Force announced it was not making any further comments on the discs. The Dayton paper says the report on which its story is based said "evaluation teams" stated: "We can't prove or disprove the existence of some of the remaining unidentified objects as real aircraft of unconventional design." "The possibility that the saucers

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May 10, 1949 RECORDED - 135 INDEXED - 135 62-83894-170 To: Director of Special Investigations, (I. G.) Department of the Air Force The Pentagon Washington 25, D. C. From: John Edgar Hoover - Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation Subject: INFORMATION CONCERNING FLYING SAUCERS MRS. FRANK GARDNER - INFORMANT Enclosed is a photostatic copy of a letter dated April 29, 1949, received by this Bureau from Mrs. Frank Gardner concerning flying saucers. The correspondent has been advised that a copy of her letter has been forwarded to the United States Air Force. This letter is being forwarded to you for any action you may deem advisable. Enclosure FRW:jmf [HW:] STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION BY SPECIAL MESSENGER MAY 11 1949 FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

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[HW: 132] INDEXED - 132 RECEIVED - 132 STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION STAMP: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION STAMP: U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE STAMP: RECEIVED MAIN ROOM MAY 11, 1940 MAY 27, 20 PM +4h MAY 10, 5 PM +4h

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2310 W. Harvey El Monte, Cal. X-29-49 Edgar J. Hoover F.B.I. Dear Sir: I write this for what you think its worth, But I keep thinking I may be able to throw a light on the so called Flying Saucers, I do not know how true this is, but as our own Army says it has nothing to do concerning these Saucers appearing in the States, I aim to tell you what a certain woman told me of a supposed secret aircraft hide out and factory there is in or under mountains near Mexico City Mexico... This young woman is married to a Mexican radio musician. Who seems to be one of a special few who were allowed to visit this place in the mountains. She said that these aircraft was made of some metallic material that could not be recognized in the air only as an almost invisible form. That the passengers or pilot rather, could see out, but lookers on could not see inside. That close up they (the craft) looks a sort of glass. And that they were preparing them for special reason against the U.S. [REDACTED] 135 [STAMP: 12 MAY 13 1949] [HW: B]

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STAMP: FBI STAMP: FBI STAMP: FBI RECEIVED MAY 4 20 PM '49 INTERNAL SECURITY RECEIVED MAY 3 9 AM '49 MR JONES

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That there were thousands of them, they were supposed to be the rocket type. Now Mr. Hoover this was told me in 1944 or 43. at the time I wrote it all down and never thought any more of it until lately, and maybe I am foolish but I thought maybe this had something to do with the flying Saucers, if true. I am a true American and love my country and if I can do any service for my country I am glad of it. The flying Saucers could be more dangerous than we think. Respectfully yours, Mrs. Frank Gardner P.S. I lived with in a few mile of Mexican border when this was told me. in Texas.

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FEDERAL BUREAU OF i Qpicarion TO: Director ——Mr. Ladd __Mr. Clegg Mr. Glavin . Harbo - Nichols . Rosen - Tracy . Fletcher] . Mohr - Carlson |TM . Nease re __Miss Gandy i Personnel Files Section —Records Section ——_4 ——Mrs. Skillman See Me For Appropriate Action Send File Note and Return

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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Director, FBI DATE: May 13, 1949 FROM: SAC, Los Angeles SUBJECT: "FLYING DISK" REPORT INFORMATION CONCERNING On May 5, 1949 Mr. MEL HODELL, a reporter for the Sun-Star newspaper, Merced, California, advised Special Agent MARLIN W. JOHNSON that his paper had been contacted by Lt. Col. STANLEY JACOBS, Intelligence Officer, Castle Air Force Base, Merced, California, relative to any reports that the newspaper might have received concerning "flying disks" in the Merced vicinity. Mr. HODELL stated a close friend of his, one WILLIAM H. PARROTT, 12-A Langdon Villa, Merced, had advised him that he had observed a strange object, and as he is in the Air Corps Reserve, he reported same to the Intelligence Officer at Castle Field. On the same date Mr. GEORGE BREMER Detachment Commander Office of Special Investigations Castle Air Force Base Merced California advised SA MARLIN W JOHNSON that he had heard that an individual had reported seeing a "flying disk" to the Intelligence Office at the Base but that the Intelligence Officer had not furnished the information to him. Mr BREMER later on the same date contacted SA JOHNSON and exhibited a letter written by STANLEY F JACOBS Lt Col USAF Adjutant (Intelligence Officer) to Commanding General Air Material Command Wright Patterson AFB Wright Field Ohio This letter contained a statement given by Mr WILLIAM H PARROTT which read as follows I had occasion to step from my home located approximately one mile west of the town of Merced on the night of April 4 1949 at approximately 2220 My attention was diverted to a clicking noise of considerable intensity I stepped on the sidewalk about 20 feet from the front steps and recognized the source of this clicking to be in sky in an area about 40 degrees from surface of earth in an easterly direction The sky condition was thin broken with miles visibility and surface winds were reported as north nine M P H at Castle Air Force weather station My home is approximately seven miles south of Castle Air Force Base and in an area somewhat sheltered from surface winds and no appreciable surface wind was apparent at time auroral observation was made After about ten seconds looking into area described previously as being source this sound an object was observed blanking out stars describing flight path west or northwesterly direction Only one object was apparent its shape can be described as only solid mass Its size can be estimated as four or five feet in diameter keeping with estimated altitude considerably less than one thousand feet Color was shown by reflection ground lights on only two occasions and appeared to be REDACTED INDEXED - 110 REDACTED REDACTED

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Office Westmoreland United States Government DATE: May 13, 1965 TO: Director, FBI FROM: AO, AO Refugee SUBJECT: "AUTO-DEUX" ON THE CHINESE-LINE COMMUNICATING On May 2, 1964 the JEL HOUI a member of the Sun-Sex NOMINATI, SPOCAL YEHATC, foO. VI ya becoined Hou had been and had cased of avision (auto-deux) becoul send about mentl sent about "auto-deux" avision becoul send about mentl sent about "auto-deux" avision becoul send about mentl sent about "auto-deux" [HW:] TITCA. I WILLW are aid to inair satio's before LIEHON. am a boviseo bad ad jand wit benivbs bad Second LIEIV honi A-1S case branged an evres equa dia ad ni el ad as has jandre esavie blief de velito somefilion out od [HW:] casebrong bad ad jand wit benivbs bad Second LIEIV honi A-1S case branged an evres equa dia ad ni el ad as has jandre esavie blief de velito somefilion out od [HW:] casebrong bad ad jand wit benivbs bad Second LIEIV honi A-1S case branged an evres equa dia ad ni el ad as has jandre esavie blief de velito somefilion out od [STAMP:] U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE FBI AUTO ESPIONAGE MAY 20 5 08 PM '65

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LA 100-2442 dull surfacted, light colored metal. The only ground lights of intensity were a row of street lights behind me one half block which leads me to believe the under surface of this object to be curved in shape. "This object when first sighted, was moving very slowly in a west or northwesterly direction. I would estimate that I had it in my range of vision for 35 seconds, after having heard it about ten seconds before locating it. It passed on beyond the house and maneuvered through an arc of turn to the left of about ninety degrees. The clicking sound was continuous throughout this turn, however, it became louder as it returned on its new heading of south or southwest. On its return the clicking sound became louder, but I was unable to see it at this time. The clicking stopped when it was at its greatest intensity and appeared to come from a position directly over head. I was unable to see the object after the sound stopped. "This clicking sound, retained the same pitch and speed throughout the entire course observed, but intensity varied. There was not whistle or roar, but only the clicking noise which might be compared to beaters of a home mixer that were not properly meshed. No lights or flame were observed during the entire course with exception of the previous described reflections twice. No exhaust trail was distinguishable. "My dog was with me and directed her attention in the general direction of this object's flight throughout its course. She had been romping with me on coming out of the house but without spoken word stopped and directed her attention on to the previously described area. The clicking sound might not have been unusual to the dog, but there is a possibility of sounds on wave lengths discernable only to the dog being emitted." It is to be noted that Mr. PARROTT is a member of the Active USAF Reserve with rank of Major. He attained rating of pilot in August 1941 and has approximately 2200 hours flying time. During his active duty period in WW2 he stated that he had considerable night flying experience in connection with his military assignment. The Intelligence Officer in the above mentioned letter made the following statement, "An attempt to locate other witnesses in the area or through local newspaper proved unsuccessful". Mr. BREMER advised that he is planning to clear with his headquarters office and will probably conduct an investigation. The above is being furnished for information Bureau.

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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: MR. FLETCHER FROM: V. P. KEAY SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS BACKGROUND: Walter Winchell forwarded to the Director a Western Union telegram he had received from Robert Ripley which stated that he, Ripley, had the only authentic Japanese flying saucer ever recovered in this country. Mr. Winchell noted on the telegram, "To J. Edgar Hoover - True?" DETAILS: This matter was discussed by Special Agent Reynolds with the Intelligence Division of the Army, who advised that they had no information concerning any Japanese flying saucer ever having been recovered in the United States. This matter was discussed with Colonel William E. Carpenter, OSI-USAF, who advised on April 27, 1949 that he had interested himself in the flying saucers and related subjects and that in so far as could be determined by him through his sources in the Air Force, which are excellent, there is no authentic information available concerning the phenomenon of the flying saucers. He advised he would check with the authorities at Wright Field to determine if any information is available concerning the recovery of a Japanese flying saucer. Colonel Carpenter has now advised that there is no information available in any arm of the Air Force to the effect that any flying saucers of any kind have been recovered in the United States. Colonel Carpenter stated delay had been encountered in determining this fact inasmuch as inquiries had been directed through individuals known to him and trusted by him and not through the usual channels from which he possibly would receive a stock answer. The details of this case were not discussed by either Special Agents Reynolds or Sanders with the Army or Air Force and they are not aware of the telegram sent by Mr. Ripley to Mr. Winchell. RECOMMENDATION: The foregoing is for your information and any disposition being desirable.

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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT [REDACTED] of [REDACTED] DATE: May 26, 1949 [HW: MAY 26 7 41 PM '49] [HW: MAY 26 3 50 PM '49] [HW: MAY 26 6 13 PM '49] [HW: MAY 26 3 26 PM '49] STAMP: RECEIVED - FLETCHER STAMP: RECEIVED - TOLSON STAMP: RECEIVED - FBI

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WESTERN UNION A. N. WILLIAMS PRESIDENT CLASS OF SERVICE This is a full-rate Telegram or Cablegram unless its deferred character is indicated by a suitable symbol above or preceding the address. SYMBOLS DL = Day Letter NL = Night Letter LC = Deferred Cable NLT = Cable Night Letter The filing time shown in the date line on telegrams and day letters is STANDARD TIME at point of origin. Time of receipt is STANDARD TIME at point of destination 1 CDU1016 LONG NL PD=NEWYORK NY 13= WALTER WINCHELL=RONEY PLAZA HOTEL MIAMI BEACH FLO= HW: J Elgin Hoos? HW: Time? HAVE THE ONLY AUTHENTIC JAPANESE FLYING SAUCER EVER RECOVERED IN THIS COUNTRY. BECAUSE OF YOUR INTEREST IN THE PRESENT DAY FLYING DISCS OF THE RUSSIANS WOULD LIKE VERY MUCH TO HAVE YOU JOIN ME ON THE BELIEVE IT OR NOT TELEVISION SHOW NEXT TUESDAY APRIL 19TH NBC NETWORK 930 TO 10PM AND GIVE YOUR COMMENTS ON FLYING DISC AND YOUR EXCLUSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF THIS LATEST RUSSIAN MENACE. REGARDS BELIEVE IT OR NOT =RIPLEY= STAMP: FBI 4 MAY 27 1949

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U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F.B.I. APR 76 2 05 PM '49 RECEIVED - FLETCHER ATOMIC ENERGY LIASON SECTION MAY 26 7 41 PM '49

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May 10, 1949 Mrs. Frank Gardner 2310 W. Garvey El Monte, California Dear Mrs. Gardner: I wish to acknowledge your letter dated April 29, 1949, and to express my appreciation for your thoughtfulness in writing to me. In view of the contents of your letter, I have taken the liberty of sending a copy to the United States Air Force. In the future, if you have information which may be of interest to this Bureau, you may find it more convenient to communicate with Mr. R. B. Hood, Special Agent in Charge of our Los Angeles Office, 900 Security Building, Los Angeles 13, California. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director ct Los Angeles with copies of incoming. The correspondent communicated with the Bureau on one previous occasion enclosing a clipping from a Spanish language newspaper in Texas. She was apparently dissatisfied with the manner in which the Latin Americans were being treated in Texas. A cordial letter of acknowledgement was sent to her. (100-33339) FRW:jmf RECORDED - 101 [62-83874-174] INDEXED - 101 [STAMP: FBI] [STAMP: EX-127] Communications Section MAILED 1 * MAY 10 1949 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

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DO-6 OFFICE OF DIRECTOR FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE April 25, 1949 The attached was forwarded to the Director by Walter Winchell. The notation thereon reads: "To J. Edgar Hoover. True?" Attachment mt Mr. Tolson [CHECKMARK] Mr. Clegg [REDACTED] Mr. Glavin [REDACTED] Mr. Ladd [CHECKMARK] Mr. Nicholas [CHECKMARK] Mr. Rosen [REDACTED] Mr. Tracy [REDACTED] Mr. Egan [REDACTED] Mr. Gurnea [REDACTED] Mr. Harbo [REDACTED] Mr. Jones [REDACTED] Mr. Mohr [REDACTED] Mr. Pennington Tele Room [HW: To J Edgar Hoover True?] STAMP: 60 JUN101949

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U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI RECEIVED - DIRECTOR APR 25 11 21 AM '49 U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI RECEIVED - FLETCHER APR 26 10 18 AM '49 STAMP: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI APR 25 5 00 PM '49 STAMP: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI APR 26 7 41 PM '49

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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Mr. H. B. Fletcher FROM: F. J. Baumgardner DATE: May 23, 1949 SUBJECT: KAYE LOCHRIE MISCELLANEOUS On the afternoon of May 20, 1949, Miss Kaye Lochrie, 4900 N. Harding Avenue, Chicago 25, Illinois, was referred to my office from the Director's Office. Miss Lochrie stated she was going to be in Washington for a few days and that she was staying at the Ambassador Hotel. She stated that Roy Palmer, Managing Editor of the Jeff Davis Publishing Company in Chicago, had some information regarding flying discs. Miss Lochrie said that Palmer's theory was to the effect that when people died their souls entered a space on this earth which is, of course, invisible to human eyes. He said that in this soul world there are good and bad people and that they have become involved in a war. According to Miss Lochrie, Palmer's theory is that the flying discs which have been seen are the explosives being used in the warfare between the good and bad souls. Miss Lochrie stated that the real purpose of her visit to the Bureau was to get her own name cleared. She said that the FBI has been conducting investigation regarding her and that she wanted to know the results of the investigation. I asked her what kind of an investigation the FBI had been making regarding her and she stated she was under suspicion of espionage activities. I informed her that I could not furnish her with any information which is contained in the Bureau's files inasmuch as our files have been designated as confidential by the Attorney General. Miss Lochrie accepted this explanation and stated regarding her present activities that she had been in the Wacs as a private and had received an honorable discharge in 1945. She said at the present time she is working as a model in Chicago. She impressed me as being somewhat mentally unbalanced. A check of the files failed to reveal that we have conducted any investigation relative to this individual.

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STAMP: JUN 6 10 32 AM '49 STAMP: MAY 24 11 13 AM '49 STAMP: MAY 23 4 42 PM '49 STAMP: MAY 25 11 03 AM '49 STAMP: MAY 24 2 49 PM '49 RECEIVED - LAMON RECEIVED - FLETCHER RECEIVED - DIRECTOR OF JUSTICE [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE

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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Director, FBI FROM: SAC, New Orleans DATE: June 2, 1949 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS Re SAC Letter 38, dated March 25, 1949 entitled as above. The Bureau is advised that through the Office of Naval Intelligence, New Orleans, Louisiana, this office has been advised that within the past ten days three sightings of flying discs have been reported in the City of New Orleans. The information seems to be that the single discs were in straight flight and traveling in a general direction of North, in late afternoon, about the size of an observation plane, but the shape of a saucer. The Navy stated that two witnesses have advised that the object was traveling end over end; that weather conditions were good; that sightings were made outdoors by persons who did not wear glasses; that the dates were May 18, 19 and 23, 1949. The Navy states that it was possible these objects were weather balloons, but that these are used from only one airport, released over an hour before the times of sighting and would generally be out of sight in a few minutes. The above is being furnished the Bureau for future reference since the Navy has informed that all three instances were investigated by the Army Intelligence. PW/mmd [STAMP:] RECORDED - EX-138

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Office: Washington, D.C. UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Date: [REDACTED] To: [REDACTED] From: [REDACTED] [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE STAMP: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F.B.I. LIAISON SECTION ATOMIC ENERGY RECEIVED JUN 8 4 50 PM '49

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Office of Director Federal Bureau of Investigation United States Department of Justice May 23, 1949 The attached was sent to the Director by Walter Winchell. The handwritten notation there- on reads: "To Hoover! Ha!" Attachment mt Mr. Tolson [HW: ] Mr. Clegg [HW: ] Mr. Glavin [HW: ] Mr. Ladd [HW: ] Mr. Nichols [HW: ] Mr. Rosen [HW: ] Mr. Tracy [HW: ] Mr. Egan [HW: ] Mr. Gurnea [HW: ] Mr. Harbo [HW: ] Mr. Jones [HW: ] Mr. Mohr [HW: ] Mr. Pennington Tele. Room [STAMP:] [STAMP:] For Angeles No 4200 recetionary ENCL!

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[REDACTED] U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI [STAMP:] U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI [STAMP:] U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI [STAMP:] U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI [STAMP:] U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI

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San Luis Obispo, California May 15, 1949 Walter Winchell New York, New York Dear Sir: Under attached cover you will find a sample of our item. Should you do no more than take our FLYIN' SAUCER out, carefully read the instructions, and fly it; I will have accomplished a portion of my expectations. For the past few weeks I have listened with more than an indifferent attitude, to your various Sunday evening broadcasts and comments concerning Flying Saucers. From the start, much as many another individual who has tried to get ahead by his own initiative, I have visualized what the right type of publicity would do for my interests. To state my actions in any other manner, would belittle your intelligence, and the weeks of forethought and sincerity in which this is submitted. Your comment this evening, concerning the Gyroscopic Theories, sparkplugged my actions. Along with the phases of merchandising mentioned in the attached articles, I should like to mention that one troop of Boy Scouts in Los Angeles are purchasing and enthusiastically include them as a major portion of their recreation program. By these facts, it is apparent that our FLYIN' SAUCER is worthy of every effort we are able to summons in making it another American pastime of Yo-Yo proportions. Trusting that we are justified of your consideration from a newsworthy standpoint, I remain Very Sincerely Yours, Warren R. Franscioni 1767 Conejo Drive San Luis Obispo, California RECORDED - 58 STAMP: 62-8394-177 INDEXED - 58 STAMP: 17 JUN 1949

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270 NOV 18 1964 COPIES DESTROYED ENCLOSURE

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62-83894-177 [HW:]

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develop your skill in flying it. A novel way to play catch. You will think of many games to play. Adaptable to almost any game. HOW TO FLY Launch your FLYIN-SAUCER straight ahead with a snap of your wrist making it spin as fast as possible, DON'T THROW TOO HARD... It's + the spinning that gives it lift. Begin by flying about 10 feet. When windy, throw across the wind. You will quickly learn how to bank to the left or right. “FLYVIN-SAUECER (A Gyroscopic Airfoil) PRECISELY ENGINEERED » AERODYNAMICALLY CORRECT MADE TOUGH TO RESIST ROUGH HANDLING Pa We SN RSee ae ee Seeay

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FLIGHT INSTRUCTIONS FLYIN' SAUCERS have flight characteristics very similar to airplanes. The SAUCER IS launched in identically the same manner as sailing your hat onto a hook--by spinning and forward motion. In order to fly In a straight line, the SAUCER must leave the hand in a level position. To curve the SAUCER, It must leave the hand banked or tlited in direction of desired curve--for example: for left curve--the left side of the SAUCER must be tilted down. FOR BEST RESULTS — The spinning of the SAUCER is most Important and most difficult to mas— ter. Because the spin creates a gyroscopic action which controlé the attitude of the SAUCER in flight, a smooth, fast spinning delivery should be developed, Do not hold the SAUCER too tight. Analyze your mistakes and make corrections by tilting or banking SAUCER. The correction must be applied to the SAUCER as it leaves the hand. SAIL 'EM BACK AND FORTH - PLAY CATCH ! by flying your saucer about 10 feet. The distance you are able to fly it will quickly increase with practice. a) MAKE ‘EM TURN ! MAKE ‘EM COME BACK Us a yi a3 / By releasing the SAUCER Zr in a tilted manner, you 2 can make it turn to the iy steel Jepeciiaste left or right. Bank it turns, you'll be able to : make your SAUCER return to you the way you want it to By ealiing ite into. the bresee turn. It is agvisable to at_a sharp angle. The harder a ; = wind blows, the flatter an an— learn to fly straightbe gle you-cah fly it to make it fore starting to make Feturn. Spin SAUCER as much as. Meee possibie. MAKE ‘EM SKIP ! Right-handers launch SAUCER so that left side strikes hard surface. Right side for left-handers. _- ago SUBEACE. THE GAME OF HECKLE THE GAME OF HECKLE provides a means of utilizing the unique manner in which the FLYIN! SAUCER can ve guided. Rules and regulations are provided, forming the basis for skill and competition PLAYERS -- Four — with two on each team. OBJECT — To fly SAUCER around HECKLERS into your partner's circle. circle circle circle A att B C ALL CIRCLES ARE 6 FEET IN DIAMETER ++ CENTER SPACE MAY VARY WITH ABILITY. All players must remain in their circle until SAUCER Is airborne. The game begins with the Flier (A) attempting to sail the SAUCER around the HECKLERS in the circles (B) and (C) so that his partner in the Receiver's circle (0) can catch it. Flier (A) must remain in his circle when serving the SAUCER. HECKLER (B) must remain in his circle at all times while team is defensive. He may attempt to stop the flight of the SAUCER, or distract the Flier in any manner. Should he step or fall out of his circle, his team forfeits | point and the offensive team retains serve. HECKLER (C) remains in his circle until SAUCER is airborne. He may then leave his circle to heckle the Receiver (.0) in any manner so long as he doesn't interfere with flight of SAUCER or touch the Receiver, or step into the Receiver's circle. Hecklers forfeit 2 points for each infraction. Receiver (D) attempts to catch the SAUCER in his circle. Should he do so, then his team receives 2 points. Should it be necessary for the Receiver to leave his circle to catch the SAUCER, then his team scores but | point. Should he drop or miss the SAUCER, no points are scored, and the teams change positions. (A) changes with (8) and (C) changes with (0). (C) Is now the Flier, and (8) the Receiver. HECKLER (0) must remain in his circle, and the HECKLER (A) becomes the roving HECKLER. Teams change positions when the Receiver fails to catch the SAUCER. In the event that no Referee is available, disputes will be settled by mutual agreement, or the flip of a coin. First team to score 25 points wins the game. KEEP 'EM FLYIN! This is a PIPCO PRODUCT - San Luis Obispo, Calif.

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Flying Saucers Come from Southern California DO YOU HAVE spots before your eyes? Do vari-colored discs flutter and sail in the air in front of you? Do you see flying saucers in the skies? If you do, don't call the doctor nor jump on the wagon. And don't worry. Other persons are seeing flying saucers too—seeing them fly through the air—and seeing them on the sales counters of the stores. You can even pick them up and feel them, and, preferably, buy them to play with. It all started many years ago—long before the recent flurry of flying saucers—when a little boy named Freddie used to play with his mother's pie tins. If he threw them with just the right twist of the wrist, they spun and turned in fascinating curves. Freddie grew up into a man called Fred Morrison, who always remembered what fun he had had playing with the pie tins. As a grown-up, he applied his knowledge of aerodynamics to the problem of developing a disc which could be thrown and tossed and its flight controlled by the thrower. He evolved a metal model that sailed through the air in a most satisfactory manner. The curved disc was 9 in. in diameter and a scant 2 in. deep, with radiating arc-shaped fins and a heavy outside rim. A snap of the wrist when throwing gives a centrifugal motion to the disc which in turn gives guidance in flight. The radial fins create a vacuum on top of the whirling disc, and stability from beneath is provided by the heavy rim. The metal model sailed through the air beautifully—but also, being metal, it sailed through windows and hedges and other obstacles, somewhat after the manner of a miniature cyclone. A material other than metal seemed a wise idea if the disc—or flying saucer—were to become a commercial product. A lightweight, slightly flexible plastics looked like the answer, and Morrison brought his metal model to Southern California Plastic Co., Glendale, Calif., to see what might be done in plastics. Stanley J. Gray and Edward L. Kennedy, president and secretary of the firm, took the metal disc out on the lawn to "demonstrate" its possibilities and were soon breathlessly convinced that a great deal of fun could be had by young and old alike. A plastics model of the disc was carved from a solid block of material, and then a mold made in shop Southern California Engravers Los Angeles. Then came problem right material search was made throughout range thermoplastic molding compounds find proper material that combined flexibility impact strength stability while motion (discs achieve considerable speed-and strain-when flight) Cellulose acetate provided best combination properties job Acetate discs will not break glass windows nor shatter falling height nor scar finish automobiles nor injure players. That's real Flyin' Saucer this young man has just thrown into air-molded tough lightweight cellulose acetate by Southern California Plastic Co., Glendale Designed accordance aerodynamic principles Flyin' Saucer spins through air greatest ease Note radial fins on disc boy's left hand. Reprinted from PACIFIC PLASTICS August 1948

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'Sky Devil-Ship' Scares Pilots; Air Chief Wishes He Had One Plane Makers Dubious About Alabama 'Thing' By WILLIAM KEY What was that Thing that scared the daylights out of two Atlanta Eastern Air Line pilots in the spooky hours Saturday morning? Is there some stratospheric Loch Ness fire-breathing monster on the Milky Way run between At- lanta and New Orleans? The pilots, Capt. C. S. Chiles, of Atlanta, and Co-Pilot J. B. Whitted, of Hapeville, would like to know. The Army Strategic Air Command would like to know. Big airplane manufacturers also are curious, but slightly dubious. Pilots Chiles and Whitted told their thrilling story upon arriving at municipal airport here Saturday on the Houston-Atlanta, Boston run. Here is what they say they saw, near Montgomery: A gigantic plane without wings, black against the night sky, streaking through the heavens at 5,000 feet altitude with a fiery comet's tail 25 to 50 feet in length. It had a 100-foot fuselage about four times the circumference of a B-29's, and two rows of brilliantly lighted square windows. Creepiest of all, it was a veritable Flying Dutchman of the Skies. Nary a living soul was seen aboard! EAL FLIERS DESCRIBE WINGLESS AIRCRAFT Copilot John Whitted and Capt. C. S. Chiles (right). ATLANTA JOURNAL SUNDAY, 7/25/48

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Continuous Light The pilots admitted they had goose pimples riding pick-a-back on goose pimples. What's more, they said one of their 20 passengers—C. L. McKelvie, of Columbus, Ohio—was awake and saw the same thing. Reporters nailed Mr. McKelvie at Kennett Square, Pa. How about it, they asked him—had he seen what the Atlanta pilots said he saw? Well, now, said Mr. McKelvie—not exactly. He said he saw "no form of ship" whatever. He saw a "continuous light speed past" his window. "But," added Mr. McK., "I'm not very well versed in aeronautics, and certainly I wasn't looking for any Buck Rogers space ship." Out at Santa Monica, Cal., the famous Gen. George C. Kenney, chief of the Strategic Air Command, was bearded in his den. His eyes twinkled. No, he said, cautiously, it wasn't one of his planes. The Army as yet hasn't got anything like the Thing seen over Montgomery. Not Boeing Plane "I wish we did," the general said wistfully. "I sure would have liked to see that Thing." So said William M. Allen, president of the Boeing Aircraft Co., up at Seattle. "I'm pretty sure it wasn't one of our planes," said Mr. Allen, modestly. Almost identical statements issued by the Army Air Forces at Washington and the United States Weather Bureau at Montgomery tended to throw some light on this fantasy. Both sources suggested that the Atlanta pilots had flown past an air radar weather observation balloon. Those things, they explained, are 10 feet in diameter and have square tin foil boxes fastened to them. The boxes reflect light and "give strange illusions" as they twist and turn. Maxwell Field said they send 'em up at six-hour intervals. And Maxwell Field is at Montgomery. ATLANTA JOURNAL SUNDAY, 7/25/48

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'Flying Floor Lamp' Again Sighted Here BY CHARLES POU That "flying floor lamp" is at it again! An illuminated cantaloupe rolled over the city! And a newspaperman saw "great balls of fire!" What's more, two Richmond Va., schoolteachers say they saw the same "flame-spurtting" sky monster which was spotted by Eastern Air Lines pilots near Montgomery. Like Red Floor Lamp "I saw Halley's comet—and it was nothing like what I saw last night," declared Mrs. W. R. Delk, of 914 Hemphill ave., N. W. Breathlessly, Mrs. Delk continued: "The front end of it looked like a flying floor lamp—a fiery-red floor lamp. Then it trailed off in little square sections. "Oh, Halley's comet was nothing like that." And Mrs. Delk was joined by at least 15 other Atlantians who saw a Thing which banked and rolled and breathed fire over the city Monday night between 8 p. m. and 9:45 p. m. In the downtown section, Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Sellers were minding their own business when a "reddish-white ball of fire about the size of a cantaloupe with a tail on it" darted over buildings. Mrs. A. C. Kirby, of Carey Park, has never seen a purple cow but [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE

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'LIKE BIG FLOOR LAMP FLYING 'ALONG' Everybody's Seeing 'Things' Whizzing Through Night Sky By CHARLES POU Is that Thing no more than a wayward floor lamp? Mrs. Noah Atkinson, of Brook- haven, saw it. And what did that Thing look like? "A great big floor lamp, all lit up. Oh, it was beautiful!" And C. M. Bowles, an Exposi- tion Mills painter who lives near the Municipal airport, Sunday night saw a "huge, brilliantly lighted object" streaking over At- lanta skies at maybe 30,000 feet. Mr. Bowles thinks the Thing was straight from Moscow. Two air line pilots first were startled by the newest astronomi- cal "what-is-it" near Montgomery early Saturday. To them, it was "a wingless craft, spouting flame like a Buck Rogers rocket ship." Else- where, all over the country, that Thing was variously identified as: 1. An aluminum covered bal- loon. 2. A ball of fire. 3. An unusually bright light. 4. A red and blue flame that burst in mid-air. 5. A flash of cherry red fire. 6. A meteor. Mrs. Atkinson kept her Flying Floorlamp secret three weeks. But she knew she wasn't seeing things when she saw the Thing. She and her husband, who also saw it, kept mum. The story really sounded a little silly until the two air line pilots saw their Thing gambling and fire-breath- ing through air-line skies early Saturday morning. After that, she decided her tale could be told: "My husband and I were sit- ting on our front porch the night of July 5, and at a quarter to 9 o'clock we saw this Thing. Our front porch doesn't have a screen, and we were sitting near the edge where we could see good. "I saw it first. It was not high up—about 200 feet, I guess, but it looked like it was right above the treetops.'Looka there', I yelled to my husband, and he saw it too. "It looked like the top part of a floor lamp, and it was the prettiest thing I ever saw. It came and passed so quick—I guess it must have been 500 miles an hour or faster." And how about the two air- line pilots C.S Chiles and John B Whitted of Atlanta? Well they took off today armed with a camera And they hope to bring back a picture of that Thing. Beach Thongs Crane At 'Silver Cylinder' ASBURY PARK N.J., July 26 (P)—Boardwalk throngs at this resort city craned their necks Monday at a "silver cylinder" they reported flying high overhead. They described it as "way up in the air," and like a blimp "only blunt at both ends." Officials recalling "flying sau- cers," asked Fort Monmouth per- sonnel to see if they could identify it. ATLANTA JOURNAL 7/26/48

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COPY COPY COPY 1515 - 9th St. Wichita Falls, Texas Aug. 5, 1948 Publisher, Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia. Dear Sir: On July 25, 1948, I mailed a letter enclosing .35 cents in coin and an airmail self-addressed envelop to your circulation department, asking for tear sheets of the Atlanta Journal containing the stories on a "strange" or "mysterious" aircraft seen near Montgomery, Alabama, July 24, 1948, by two pilots, Cap't C. S. Chiles and John B. Whitted, of the Eastern Air Lines. These have not arrived. I asked for two copies each of the stories. Enclosed is an additional .35 cents, and another stamped self-adressed envelop. Will you kindly see that your circulation department complies with this simple request? I assure you that my interest in the above stories is prompted by interest in the defense of our country, and you are hereby given my fullest permission to turn this letter requesting the copies of the stories over to the FBI, should you wish. Thanking you very kindly, Sincerely, /s/ Mrs. Madeline Gwynne Merchant Mrs. Madeline Gwynne Merchant cc/Agent-In-Charge Federal Bureau of Investigation Atlanta, Georgia

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The incident was, I believe, an important one. And though I have already made reports to Maj. Sidney Newburger of Los Alamos and to General Handy, I would appreciate the fuller newspaper stories appearing in the press there. Thanking you kindly, I am, Sincerely, /s/ Mrs. Madeline Gwynne Merchant Mrs. Madeline Gwynne Merchant

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COPY COPY COPY 1515 - 9th St. Wichita Falls, Texas Aug. 5, 1948 Agent-In-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Atlanta, Georgia. Dear Sir: Enclosed is a carbon of a letter requesting tear sheets of the unusual aircraft seen near Montgomery, Alabama, July 24, 1948, stories concerning which were carried by AP and UP, originating in Atlanta. It may have been oversight by someone in the circulation dep't of the Atlanta Journal, or it may have been "alarm" that a woman would be requesting this type of information, even though it was published, and thereby open information. Even though I cannot identify myself to the Atlanta Journal publisher or staff, I can to you. I have worked independently on the problem of aerial missiles, of which I believe this was an example, with all my data going directly to officials and members of the security office of the Atomic Energy Comm., Los Alamos Atomic Project, Los Alamos, N.M., and to high members of the War Department including Gen. Thomas T. Handy, Fourth U. S. Army Commander Ft. Sam Houston Tex., head of this U. S. Army district.

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Ex-Army Air Force Fliers Invent Novel, New Game 'Flying Saucers' Catch Fancy of Daytona Beach Visitors and Residents By JACK TROY Times-Union Staff Writer DAYTONA BEACH, Feb. 14—The ingenuity of two former Army Air Force fliers from California is "paying off" at this Florida Beach resort where, nowadays, the air is full of "flying saucers." When Major Warren Franscioni and Lieut. Fred Morrison of San Louis Obispo completed their war experiences in the China-Burma- India and the Italian theatres of operation, they returned home and joined forces in a novel industry. Morrison had always been intrigued by the idea of sailing pie pans on the beach, and so he put their heads and talents together and came up with a plastic version with fins. They then had invented a new game, a novel way of playing catch with flying saucers, a gyroscopic airfoil aerodynamically correct, precisely engineered and a pleasant way to take exercise. Grid Coach Uses It The football coach at Hemet, Calif., High School was intrigued with the idea of using the saucers to condition his players, teach them balance and to reach out to make catches of the discs which, by certain methods of spinning, boomerang and also sail away from the intended receiver. A player has to be on his toes to catch them, especially if the wind is blowing. It may be just coincidence. Franscioni and Morrison said today, but the Hemet coach last season turned out his first championship team. The boys were on their toes. Although they had their discs made in Glendale and had planned on extensive West Coast promotion, snow flakes unexpectedly fell and so they headed for Daytona Beach, where, according to the tourists, "summer spends the winter." No snow flakes fall here; only flying saucers which are so durable that they are not injured by cars passing over them. Morrison was shot down in his fifty-eighth mission in Italy but escaped serious injury. The two ex-Army officers refer to themselves as the world's champion Flying Saucer pilots, and certainly their novel invention — conceived in California and promoted in Florida — has caught on with beach lovers. They were

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Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: DIRECTOR, FBI FROM: SAC, RICHMOND DATE: 5-17-49 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS SIGHTED AT RADFORD, VIRGINIA MAY 12, 1949 There are enclosed two clippings concerning what has been described as a flying disc sighted at Radford, Virginia on May 12, 1949. The Bureau may desire to refer this to the Department of the Air Force. This office has no information other than that appearing in the news items which appear to cover the best information available. The matter was not reported directly to this office and, therefore, no investigation or inquiries are being made and none of the individuals who allegedly saw the thing have been interviewed. ELB:GTC Enclosures (2) INDEXED - 78 STAMP: FBI 31 MAY 25 1949 RECORDED - 78 EX-42

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STAMP: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE STAMP: FBI STAMP: RECEIVED STAMP: MAY 19 10 31 AM '49 STAMP: INTERNAL SECURITY SERVICE [REDACTED]

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RECORDED - 62 May 25, 1949 62-83894-179 Mrs. Henry Beston Chimney Farm Nobleboro, Maine Dear Mrs. Beston: Your letter postmarked May 16, 1949, has been received and I want to thank you for sending me information concerning the matter you mentioned. It was indeed very thoughtful of you to report that data to this organization. Sincerely yours, G I R - 8 John Edgar Hoover Director NOTE: Correspondent saw a small object in the sky near the end of the day which took various shapes and through glasses appeared like a double bloom trailing something below it. She believes it might be a flying disk. In view of her nebulous information and as it was very possibly a weather balloon no further action is deemed necessary. WN smj [HW:] STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED 13 MAY 26 1949 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

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STAMP: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION STAMP: RECEIVED - FLETCHER STAMP: JUN 2 1124PM '49 STAMP: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE STAMP: RECEIVED - FLETCHER STAMP: JUN 2 538PM '49 STOP

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Lynchburg Advance 5/13/49 These Flying Discs Are at It Again, Virginians Report Zounds! Here we go again! Inter- planetary space-ship? Visitor from Mars? A new Russian rocket ship? Airgoing submarine? Just take your choice, your guess is every bit as good as the next one according to reports from various sections of Vir- ginia and Tennessee on last night's strange phenomenon. What it was, where it came from and where it was going, no one knows, but even Civil Aeronautics Administration officials were puzzled and had no answer. Whatever the thing was, it re- sembled a long cigar, with a bright red nose and trailing smoke. Re- ports coinciding with that descrip- tion came from localities along an almost direct line through Tennessee and Virginia and seemed sufficient to convince even the most skeptical that what the callers said they had seen was no figment of imagination. The descriptions generally in- dicated the object came over the southwest horizon and resembled a streak of fire. There seemed to be red lights or a powerful red glow in the nose of the object. Far back at the tail there was fire and smoke. The first report came from Roa- noke about 8 o'clock when J. S. Mays and W. F. Mullins, both of that city, said they noticed the object. "It looked like a streak of fire," said Mays, "and appeared to be going almost straight up and was stepping on it." Suddenly, he said, it appeared to level off and head eastward, resembling "a snake wiggling on water." Other reports followed from Kingsport, Tenn., Bristol Pulaski, Christiansburg and points west of Roanoke. William C. Flanik chief aircraft communicator CAA at Preston Glenn airport said none of Lynchburg tower men had sighted any unusual objects in the sky. [STAMP:] FBI - RICHMOND MAY 14 1949 [HW:]62-83894-178 ENCLOSURE

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IN REPLY, PLEASE REFER TO FILE NO. Federal Bureau of Investigation United States Department of Justice [HW: Radford News Journal] [HW: Radford Va.] [HW: 5/13/49] Did You See It? Well, What Was It? By WELLS CALDWELL The strange object seen traveling across the heavens just after sundown last night has caused widespread speculation here in Radford as well as in other sections of Southwestern Virginia and Eastern Tennessee. Exactly what the mysterious traveler was, no one here seems to know, and the number of conflicting reports have only added to the confusion. This much seems to be certain: the object appeared over the Southwest horizon shortly before 8 p.m. and was moving eastward. Also, it was black, or at least part of it was. A Radford man, living in the east end section, asked that his name not be used, but give this version: "I was working in the yard when I glanced up and saw a long black thing flying across the sky. It came from the direction of Pulaski. It looked a great deal like a rounded stick of wood which was burning in front. The object was trailed by either vapor or smoke and faded from view when it seemed to be directly overhead." Mrs. Alfred Tolley, of 1702 Seventh Street, west reported her 12-year-old son, Albert, was playing next door and noticed the object. She said her son had been studying comets in school and called her attention to the phenomenon, thinking that it was either a comet or a meteor. "The strange looking object", she said "was long and black with a light on the front end. It seemed to follow the air route from the director of Pulaski later turning and heading toward Blacksburg. There was a light on the front end and great long streaks of fire. We saw it for about 10 minutes." Miss Joe Stewart, of the Radford College biology department said she saw the object and assumed it was exhaust from an airplane. She added that she was "in no way alarmed." Fred W. Hurt, of Fourth and Harvey Streets gave this version: "At first appearance it looked like a comet. I recall Halley's comet and it resembled that there at first a bright spot ahead of stream fire but trail didn't look so bright when object reached its zenith. "It appeared to be moving slowly at first later very fast which indicates that it quite distance away when first saw it The object seemed follow straight path however veered little once - sort arc - then straighted out again I heard no noise" Mrs James D Heinline 60 Jackson Street Monroe Terrace said she husband watched with some neighbors "It looked like long black cigar which on fire" she stated "We heard faint sound which might have been small motor At times looked like airplane way way off thought at first might be comet or meteor but seemed to be traveling too slowly for that It appeared southwest traveled east There kind reddish looking smoke about" Miss Dody Jones Harvey Street reported watching phenomenon group children neighborhood She said looked like what think comet would look like "It red flare" continued "which light front moved slowly from Southwest traveled straight up curved toward east fire streaks trailing got longer as they began fade out" L B Graybeal Christiansburg former Air Force pilot estimated altitude object feet He said there light passed over roaring sound Other reports received West Kingsport Tenn East Bedford

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Remember Flying Saucers? Well Looks Like Flying Seegars Now Flying saucers are passe. Now people in Bristol are seeing "long, cigar-shaped object" flashing across the sky. But Bristolians were not the only spectators of the strange craft yesterday evening. The flaming object was reported sighted at Kingsport, Christiansburg and Roanoke and three at Pulaski. Rex Rainey, 1805 State Street, reported that he saw a "whitish, glistening mass, long and cylindrical like a big cigar," flying from east to west about 7:15 yesterday. He said he sighted the "cigar" flying very rapidly over Virginia Heights and got out his binoculars to look at it. An unidentified caller informed the Herald Courier last night that she had sighted something that "looked like white smoke with a blue flame that traveled to the north and east" about the same time. "It didn't look like an airplane," she said, "only like white smoke. It was just a streak and almost out of sight it was so high." Another local woman reported that she had seen a "silver streak that looked like it was about 100 feet long" flash across the sky shortly after seven o'clock. She estimated the speed at about 200 miles per hour. A traffic controlman at Tri-Cities Airport, who asked that his name be withheld, said that the strange craft had not been seen at the airport although they had inquiries on the "cigar-streak." He said he had checked with the Atlanta Air Route traffic control center after receiving inquiries but they reported no knowledge of any jet aircraft in this vicinity. He speculated that the streaks may have been caused by a jet-propelled plane or planes. "The objects were reported flying at an altitude of 30,000 feet," he said. "If a jet plane were flying that high, it would be moving so fast the vapor trail would be about all a person on the ground could see." The controlman said that [HW:] BRISTOL HERALD COURIER [HW:] BRISTOL, VA [STAMP:] MAY 17 1949 [HW:] ENCLOSURE [HW:] FBI - RICHMOND

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Chimney Farm NOBLEBORO, MAINE Dear sus: We live in Maine in the town of Nobleboro, about a mile northwest of route no 1, on Damais Colta Pond. Yesterday May 14, there was a high light fog and a shower in the afternoon but it cleared for sunset. There was a moderate southwest breeze at 7:45 P.M. and the streaks of clouds on the horizon, especially to the east were rosy. and I happened at that time [HW: FIVE] [STAMP: JUN 28 1949]

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to glance [REDACTED] Its zenith [REDACTED] which was clear and was surprised to see a small object bright in the sunset. It might have been half of its smallest of clouds but its shape was angular, more like a piece of torn paper. This shape changed as the object floated north easterly before the wind; sometimes it appeared to have a bite fallen out of it, several times it reminded me of a hand. I called my husband and sister and later our housekeeper and a friend of hers. As the object grew smaller it seemed to be on fire, an

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at their ends so that it whole presented the appearance of an airliner marionette, constantly wailing. To me, with the gloves, the middle appeared sometimes beam shaped but that may well be a defect in my eyesight, as its object was then very distant. At last it disappeared from sight entirely. As we had no gun at its altitude we could not gun its size although I would hazard its statement that it seemed set about its usual altitude of passing planes and seemed to fade away much as a plane would, but far more slowly. We must have seen it for ten

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Chimney Farm Nobleboro, Maine effect we supposed of its sunset; it seemed to keep the same altitude but became small and dark, a line, perpendicular to its earth, always revolving but never losing its perpendicular position. With bird glasses it appeared in shape like a double balloon, trailing something below it. The lower balloon or body seemed a little larger. My sister whose eyesight is remarkably good, said that both balloons appeared to her pear-shaped and the trailing object below seemed separated into two "legs" with heavier "feet"

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Chimney Farm Nobleboro, Maine minutes, though we did not look at our watches until it was gone. It was then a few minutes before eight. There was no audible sound. We of course call it our flying saucer, but it was never oval, and never fast-moving and never appeared to be about to come down anywhere. We suppose it to have been some sort of weather balloon, but as we understand that you wish reports on them, here is this. Yours sincerely, [HW: Eli]zobette [HW: C]oston (Mrs. Henry Boston)

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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Form No. 1 THIS CASE ORIGINATED AT PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA FILE NO. 62-2542 VFH REPORT MADE AT PHILADELPHIA, PA. DATE WHEN MADE 6-15-49 PERIOD FOR WHICH MADE 5-20-49 REPORT MADE BY JAMES L. KIRKLAND TITLE UNKNOWN SUBJECT; FIRE, SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA, UNKNOWN DATE GEORGE KINGTON, COMPLAINANT CHARACTER OF CASE MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION CONCERNING SYNOPSIS OF FACTS: FREDERIC MARQUARDT submitted ash residue to Fire Marshal's Office, Philadelphia, Pa., which made chemical analysis. MARQUARDT of opinion that fire may have been caused by military flare or "flying saucer". DETAILS: This investigation is predicated upon a letter received from the office of the Fire Marshal, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated May 19, 1949, advising that ashes had been received from one F. MARQUARDT, purportedly from a fire which had continued to burn for twelve hours. A chemical analysis of the ashes had been requested. The Fire Marshal's Office noted that MARQUARDT had at one time worked for the Atomic Energy Commission. Captain MICHAEL HANNAN, Fire Marshal's Office, advised that there had been received through the mail on April 21, 1949, an ash sample with a request for analysis. In the letter of transmittal, MARQUARDT had pointed out that the fire had continued to burn twelve hours after water had first been applied. The original letter of transmittal was examined and reflected that an object had entered the roof of the building caused an explosion and threw people out of bed. Captain HANNAN said he attempted to locate MARQUARDT at his residence, 127 South 16th Street but had been unsuccessful. He added that at the time the building manager had commented that MARQUARDT had been employed by the Atomic Energy Commission. MARQUARDT was then requested by letter to appear at the Fire Marshal's Office. APPROVED AND FORWARDED: [HW: L.V.Bordman] SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE DO NOT WRITE IN THESE SPACES [STAMP: JUN 18] [STAMP: JULY] COPIES OF THIS REPORT [HW: Bureau] [HW: Philadelphia] COPY IN FILE

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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION FILE NO. 53-5243 NRH POINT NO. 1 THE CASE ORIGINATED AT PHILADELPHIA, PA. [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] SYNOPSIS OF FACTS: [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE DETAILED REPORT: [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE STAMP: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE STAMP: FBI STAMP: FBI

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PH 62-2542 Acting Chief GEORGE KINGTON advised that he had interviewed MARQUARDT at the time he came to the office since Captain HANNAN was absent at the time. He said that he then learned for the first time that the fire in question had taken place near Scranton, Pennsylvania, and had occurred about six months previously. This caused the Marshal's Office to withdraw from the case on a question of jurisdiction and MARQUARDT was advised that any further action on his part should be referred to the State Police authorities. At the same time, KINGTON furnished MARQUARDT with the results of the analysis which had been made of the ash submitted, and which analysis had been made by Dr. EDWARD BURKE, City Chemist, Chemical Laboratory, Room 875, City Hall. This report reflected that the ash contained Magnesium, Aluminum, Iron, and Calcium in the form of silicates, sulphur and carbonates. FREDERIC MARQUARDT was interviewed at his place of business, the H. A. KULJIAN COMPANY, Broad Street and Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At this time he advised that he had received the sample of ash from a friend [HW: WOODY SHAEFFER], Lake Ariel R.D., Wayne County Pennsylvania through mail [ILLEGIBLE]. He said that Lake Ariel is about one mile south of South Canaan near Scranton Pennsylvania. He stated that SHAEFFER's house had burned about six months ago that fire had occurred at night during a storm and that a large object had struck roof and ignited house which had burned to ground in less than an hour. He said that he had not been present during fire but these details furnished by letter from SHAEFFER at time sample ash forwarded for analysis. He said that he was personal opinion ash might be part military flare or flying saucer. He pointed out has been advised associates engineering field characteristics some types flares fact they burn considerable period stated mass ash residue remained ignited period twelve hours also stated did not think there explosion loud noise probably caused vacuum created missile or object struck roof added remains quantity ash amounting one bushel SHAEFFER's premises Lake Ariel

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PH 62-2542 MARQUARDT advised that he had been employed by the Atomic Energy Commission at Oak Ridge until 1943. He was entirely rational. He discounted the theory that a portion of a meteor had struck the house on the basis of the chemical analysis made by the City Chemical Laboratory. MARQUARDT advised that at the suggestion of the City authorities, he had written to SHAFFER and suggested that any further inquiries be directed to the State Police. The file of the Philadelphia Office reflect that the records of Immigration and Naturalization Service were negative to an inquiry concerning FREDERIC S. MARQUARDT, OEM (Bureau File 77-30297). The files of this office likewise reflect that MARQUARDT by letter received August 14, 1947, requested of this office the identity of a powder or dust used to catch thieves. Inasmuch as there is no violation indicated within the Bureau's jurisdiction, there is no further investigation being conducted in this matter. However, the ash residue obtained from the Fire Marshal's Office is being forwarded to the Bureau Laboratory for any interest or study the Laboratory may desire to conduct relative to flares or in connection with the possibility of the presence of "flying saucers". -CLOSED-

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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION TELETYPE FBI MAHA 7-14-49 4-55 PM CST DIRECTOR URGENT FLYING DISCS, INFORMATION CONCERNING. WHILE ON VACATION RECENTLY AT LAKE OF THE WOODS, NEAR KENORA, ONTARIO, CANADA, SA CLIVE G. MATTHEWS OBSERVED UNCONVENTIONAL AIRCRAFT RESEMBLING FLYING DISC. HE HAS FURNISHED FULL INFORMATION CONCERNING SAME TO U.S. AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE, FORT CROOK, NEBRASKA, AND SAME WILL NOT BE REPORTED TO THE BUREAU UNLESS ADVISED TO THE CONTRARY. END ACK 3$ PLS STAMP: EX-94 STAMP: 62-88894- STAMP: FBI STAMP: 31 JUL 1949 [HW:] Mr Tolson... [HW:] Mr Ladd... [HW:] Mr Clegg... [HW:] Mr Glavin... [HW:] Mr Nichols... [HW:] Mr Rosen... [HW:] Mr Tracy... [HW:] Mr Harbo... [HW:] Mr Mohr... [HW:] Tele Room... [HW:] Mr Nease... [ILLEGIBLE] Miss Gandy... STAMP: OK FBI WASH DC EJC

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RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Jul 14 6 59 PM '49 RECEIVED - FLETCHER RECEIVED Jul 14 8 15 PM '49 RECEIVED Jul 15 1 22 PM '49 U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE RECEIVED - FLETCHER RECEIVED Jul 17 10 AM WABE STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION

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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: DIRECTOR, FBI FROM: SAC, NEW ORLEANS DATE: July 21, 1949 SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS AND SAUCERS MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION CONCERNING For the Bureau's information, several citizens in the community of Alexandria, Louisiana, have recently reportedly seen flying discs. The Alexandria, Louisiana daily paper has carried numerous articles concerning this. At a recent meeting of the Young Mens Business Club in Alexandria, a member suggested that since Alexandria, Louisiana is known as a convention city, the club should try promoting a convention of flying saucer seers. This particular comment appeared in the Alexandria paper and was picked up by the AP lines. Mr. A. M. DeANGELO, a member of the Young Mens Business Club, advised Special Agent WALTER E. MOEHLE that since the AP release, they have received a large number of requests regarding the convention of flying saucer seers from many parts of the United States. Mr. DeANGELO states that the interest of the people is evidenced by their inquiries about convention particulars, stating they are flying saucer seers and want to attend such a convention. This gentleman further advised that in view of the volume of inquiries coming in, it appears that the YMBC will have to hire an employee to handle all correspondence. It might be noted that he advised a representative of the Air Force from Barksdale Field, Louisiana has inquired as to plans of a flying saucer convention stating that they are interested in furnishing an observer if such a convention were held. This information is being furnished the Bureau as it is possible such an enterprise may cause people to falsify that they have seen flying discs or flying saucers. Such falsifications might be made so that they might attend such a convention or become official delegates thereto. WEM:gp 62-0 REDACTED REDACTED RECORDED - 63 INDEXED - 63 [STAMP:] [STAMP:] [STAMP:] [HW:] [HW:]

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Office of the President United States Government [REDACTED] TO [REDACTED] FROM [REDACTED] SUBJECT: [REDACTED] SUBJECT: [REDACTED] To winnow out all sensitive information, we are in the process of converting to a new system. The old system was very complex and difficult to use. The new system is much simpler and easier to use. It also has a built-in security feature that prevents unauthorized access. The old system had many problems, including slow response times, frequent errors, and difficulty in maintaining. The new system is designed to be more efficient and user-friendly. We are currently working on converting all existing data from the old system to the new one. This process will take some time, but it will be worth it in the end. We are also working on developing a training program for our staff to ensure that they can use the new system effectively. We appreciate your patience as we make this transition. STAMP: FBI STAMP: FBI

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SAC, Phoenix Director, FBI WILLIAM ALBERT RHODES INFORMATION CONCERNING FLYING DISCS Reurlct June 8, 1949, captioned "Flying Discs." It is believed that the reference appearing in the first line of your referenced letter to the Bureau is incorrect. Complete details concerning the matter referred to in your referenced communication appear in a letter from your office dated September 4, 1947, and not September 9, 1947. Pursuant to your request, you are granted authority to furnish the attached blind memorandum, which was forwarded to the Bureau with your referenced letter for approval, to Mr. Lynn C. Aldrich, OSI representative, Phoenix, Arizona. Attachment EHM:EFF STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION STAMP: MAILED 15 STAMP: JUL 1 1949 P.M. STAMP: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

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STAMP: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION STAMP: WAILED 12 STAMP: JUL 1 1943 P.M. STAMP: [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE

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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO: Mr. H. B. Fletcher FROM: Lish Whitson DATE: June 30, 1949 SUBJECT: WILLIAM ALBERT RHODES INFORMATION CONCERNING FLYING DISCS Purpose Your approval is requested in order that the attached letter and memorandum can be forwarded to the Phoenix Office, authorizing that office to furnish the attached memorandum to Mr. Lynn C. Aldrich, OSI representative, Phoenix, Arizona. Background In July 1947, William Albert Rhodes was jointly interviewed by Special Agent J. Bailey Brower (Bureau Agent) and George Fugate, Jr., A-2 representative from Hamilton Field, California. The purpose of the interview was to secure from Mr. Rhodes information and photographs of a flying disc, which had been sighted and photographed by Rhodes. The complete results of the interview and subsequent events are contained in the attached memorandum submitted by the Phoenix Office. Mr. Lynn C. Aldrich, OSI representative at Phoenix, Arizona, has requested the Phoenix Office to furnish him complete facts relating to this interview, which are to be subsequently forwarded to the OSI Office at San Francisco. According to Aldrich, Mr. Fugate referred to above has been questioned concerning this matter by his superiors and he has advised them that his recollection is "hazy" on the matter. According to Aldrich, Mr. Rhodes has apparently now requested the Air Force to return the photographs which were previously obtained from him. Recommendation It is recommended that the Phoenix Office be advised that the memorandum attached may be forwarded by them to Mr. Aldrich, OSI representative, Phoenix Arizona. Attachments RECORDED - 134 EHM:EFF INDEXED - 156 EX-68 [STAMP:] [STAMP:] [STAMP:] [STAMP:]

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UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Office of the President DATE: June 30, 1945 To: H. Fletcher From: [REDACTED] SUBJECT: MILITARY COMMISSION [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE Your letter of today is received and the case for appeal has been filed in the court of appeals. The case is now in the hands of the judge and will be heard on July 10th. The judge will then decide whether to grant or deny your request. The judge's decision will be final and cannot be appealed further. If you are dissatisfied with the judge's decision, you may file a motion for rehearing with the court. However, this motion must be filed within 30 days from the date of judgment. If you do not file a motion for rehearing within this time period, your case will be considered final and cannot be appealed further. STAMP: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUN 30 11 53 AM '45

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[STAMP:] [STAMP:] [STAMP:] Federal Bureau of Investigation United States Department of Justice Phoenix, Arizona June 8, 1949 Director, FBI RE: FLYING DISCS Dear Sir: Refer Phoenix letter to Bureau, dated September 9, 1947, captioned, REPORTS OF FLYING DISCS, for the attention of Assistant Director D. M. LADD, setting forth the result of an interview con- ducted by GEORGE FUGATE, JR., then a representative of the Air Force Intelligence, from Hamilton Field, California, and Special Agent J. BAILEY BROWER with one WILLIAM ALBERT RHODES, 4333 N. 14th Street, Phoenix, Arizona, concerning his observation and photographing of an object which was considered by the Air Force of significance from a security standpoint. On June 7, 1949, Mr. LYNN C. ALDRICH, OSI representative, Phoenix, Arizona called at this office advising that he had been requested by his superiors in San Francisco to obtain detailed in- formation concerning this interview since RHODES apparently has requested the Air Force to return the photographs. FUGATE when questioned by his superiors concerning the matter, stated his recollection was "hazy" on the matter. OSI is anxious to secure the substance of information in the Phoenix file concerning this matter. Mr. ALDRICH was furnished the substance of the interview as set forth in letter of reference and he has now requested that he be furnished with a blind memorandum setting forth this information in detail in order that he may make it available to the OSI at San Francisco. A memorandum setting forth this information has been prepared by this office and is attached hereto The Bureau is requested to advise if such memorandum should be made available to OSI. Attachment: memo dated 6/30/1949 WAM-kb 62-213 AIR MAIL

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[STAMP: 1943-03-22] [STAMP: 1943-03-22] [STAMP: 1943-03-22] U.S. DEPT. OF WASTE RECEIVED JUN 1d 10 27 AM '43 Dear Sir: Beter gheenix feller, po fluenz, dat de September 6, 1943 Beter gheenix feller, po fluenz, dat de September 6, 1943 [HW:] [HW:] STOP

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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Mem [REDACTED] • UNITED ST [REDACTED] GOVERNMENT TO: THE DIRECTOR FROM: D. M. LADD SUBJECT: You will recall that Mr. Ernest Cuneo advised the Bureau of a letter which Walter Winchell had received from an individual in Los Angeles indicating that he had seen a flying saucer leave the ground within his view and in which letter he theorized that this might have been a landing from another planet. The Los Angeles Office was requested to locate and interview the writer of this letter, Peter Cameron Jones, 164 West 37th Street, Los Angeles 7, California. The Los Angeles Office has now advised that the present owner and former manager at this address have no knowledge of any Peter Cameron Jones and that other investigation to locate Jones was unproductive. It would appear, therefore, that this may have been a prank. You may desire to advise Mr. Cuneo that there is no such person at the address given inasmuch as he indicated that Mr. Winchell intended to do a column on this letter. [HW: This letter was by chance] [HW: V] [STAMP: JULY 20 1949] RECORDED - 5 INDEXED - 5 62-83894-185

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[STAMP: JUL 22 10 15 AM '49] [STAMP: JUL 20 11 59 AM '49] [STAMP: FBI] [STAMP: U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE] [STAMP: RECEIVED-NICHOLAS] JUL 22 3 5 PM '49 JUL 20 [ILLEGIBLE] PM '49 JUL [ILLEGIBLE] AM '49 FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE