PROJECT BLUE BOOK

| Ae ee PROJECT 10073 RECORD
1. DATE - TIME GROUP 2. LOCATION bh 7
5° Sep 49 5/20002 Lebec, California
10, CONCLUSION
- -- 1, BALLOON
4. NUMBER OF OBJECTS 2, Misinterpretation of conventional objects,
: One
{ -
: S. LENGTH OF OBSERVATION /11, BRIEF SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS
2 Minutes Observers sighted object which rapidly gained altitude and
_ turned in a sharp left bank, then headed due south. No sign
6 TYPE OF OBSERVATION of exhaust or trails. No sound, Photos were taked of the grounc
Air visual in that area which disclosed unidentified objects on the grou,
7. COURSE Sandberg WX station launched a balloon at 1230, The balloon
i South and rising. would have been in the Lebec area during the time of the sigt-
ing. The yikes alleged unidentified objects on the ground |
6. PHOTOS which showed up on photos were found to be a corral and shed

used to feed’ and shelter cattle, a building with an incompleta
second story, and a hunting lodge,

Ye
O Ne
9. PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

O Yes

jt No

FORM
FTD sep 63 0-329 (TDE) Previous editions of this form may be used,

OSI Case #24=30

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF INF

TION (Cont'd)

8. Object was noticed accidentally and attention was not drawn to
it by any specifio occurrence, but because of daily association with aircraft.

9o Witnesses.
Be SCT gE
be 3538th Maintenance Squadron, Mather AFB, California
Ce Airman, United States Air Force
de Agency checks; neighbor and fellow employee checks; reveal no
derogatory informatione Observer is considered truthful and
reliable.
10. SGT Send RE actions and comments during discussion
of incident would indicate persons of above average intelligence. It was

apparent that MMMMBMPwns extremely sincere in his report and that 4g was
inclined to be influenced a SEN observations, All persons interviewed

regarding SGT Sam and tated that their cheracter, integrity and
dependability are of the highest caliber.
GENERAL

le Local Weather Conditions, Sandberg Weather Station, California,
5 September 1949

&e 1250 PST; no cloud cover; visibility 50 miles; wind SE at
16 kmotts; temperatures 81°F; Dewpoint 22°F

2e Winds aloft, Sandberg, California, 1200 hours, 5 September 1949
7,000 feet ~ 250° at 15 knotts

Se Aircraft in vicinity of Lebec, California, 1200 to 1500 hours,
5 September 1949

ae L135 type aircraft, AF #47-302, enroute to Ontario, Calif.
be LI13 type aircraft, AF #47-300, enroute to March AFB, Calife

Oe No commercial or civilian airoraft reported in this aroa
between the hours of 1200 and 1500, 5 September 1949,
3

weperee ne arty Ae t2 OF

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OSI Case #24-30

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF I ION (Cont'd)
4. Weather reports from Mather Air Force Base, California, indicate
that a pilot balloon for winds aloft testing purposes was released at Sandberg,
California, shortly prior to 1500 hours, 5 September 1949. Pilot balloons are
approximately twenty=slx (26) inches in diameter, with an ascension rate of
two hundred (200) to two hundred and sixty (260) yards per minute, and the
type generally used on a clear day,such as reported on 5S September at Sandberg,
ig white in colere Acoording to the Sandberg Winds Aloft Report, at this tins
the balloon would have drifted northwest towards Lebeoc during the first two
thousand (2,000) feet of ascension, and then veered northeast towards Mojave,
California.

5. Not applicable
6. Not applicable

Te Photostatic copies of sketches submitted by SGT 0M and Sp
inclosed as Exhibits E and F respectively. Original copies of sketches on file
at DO #19, Fairfield-Suisun AFB, Californias

a@e Object appeared oval in shape

be Surrounding terrain is hilly with hills ranging to 8,000
feet.

Oe Not applicable

de Object rapidly gained altitude, seamed to pause, then sped
away in level flight.

6. Not applicable

8. Statements secured. On file at 19th District Office of Special
Investigations, Fairfield-Suisun AFB, California

9e Not applicable

10, No projections of any kind were observed

. P ee aa

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE 50-081 /oML/fmn
WASHINGTON

THE (INSPECTOR GENERAL wba
STH DISTRICT OFFICE OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS
VHT PATTEHSON AIR FORCE Gaur DAYTON ono

IN REPLY REFER TO 5D 2-21 26 October 1949
SUBJECT: PROJECT GRUDGE (Incident near Camp Oak Flat, California)
SPECIAL INQUIRY

TOs Commanding Gemral
Air Materiel Command
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

Dayton, Ohio
ATTN: MCIAXS

le. The inclosed report of investigation by Special Agent BERL
E. PENNINGTON, DO #19, Fairfield-Suisun AFB, California, dated 17
October 1949, is forwarded as a mttor pertaining to your Command,

2. This investigation was not requested by or through this office,

1 Inol JAMES Fe. X. J Misael.

R/I dtd 17 Oot lo Lt Colonel, USAF
District Commander

WE-0-5 OCT 48 15M Di licindiine ol

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HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE FILE NO. DATE
THE INSPECTOR GENERAL 24-30 Sis ; | vs |
OFFICE OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATION®® A Fy ++ eevant MADE 8y ;
REPORT OF INVESTIGATION@™ _BERL E, PENNINGTON
TITLE REPORT MADE AT so or
UNCONVENTIONAL TYPE AIRCRAFT DO #19, Fairfield-Suisun AFB, California _
(Sighted 5 September 1949 near PERIOD
Camp Oak Flat, California) _6,7,15,14,15,21,22,28 Sep, 5=8 Oot 1949
OFFICE OF ORIGIN
_DO #19, Fairfield-Suisun AFB, Califernia _
STATUS
, CLOSED
CHARACTER
SPECIAL INQUIRY
REFERENCE
Nor t is an initial report
SYNOPSIS
t CR 3

s Auths C/S USAF
& Aix i
s KWK Cos. USAF 3
s

Investigation requested by CAPT GORDON T, COLLEY, Base Seourity Officer, Mather Air
Ferce Base, California. SGT ROCUNREMIUUNEENR ani SOT MMe stated that
while flying in a private aircraft in the vicinity of lebec, California, they had
observed an unconventional types aircrafte Aircraft was described as ovular in shapo
and constructed of a dull, grey metalic substance, approximately thirty-five (35)
feet in diameter. Objeot rapidly gained altitude te approximately seven thousand
(7,000) feet, turned in a sharp left bank, and headed in a southernly direction,
Glimbing gradually, and straight out in the direction of the ocean, approxizately
over Santa Paula and Venturase No sign of exhaust or vaper trail, and no sounds
were noticeable. Object in sight approximately two (2) minutes before disappearing
in the distance, Investigation revealed no other witnesses, aerial photerraphs
taken of area disclesed unidentifiable objects on the ground. aA trip was made to
Lebec, Calif., to investigate unidentifiable objects, as illustrated in aerial
photographs, at which time these objects were determined not te be cennected with
unconventional aircraft. Interview with SUBJECTS indicated them to be truthful

‘and dependable and not addicted to narcetics or alcehnol. last physical examinaticns
completed on SUBJECTS indicated no abnormalities; no other physical examinations
available. Record and Agency checks revealed no derogatory information concerning

SUBJECTS.
CLOSED
\ DISTRIBUTION ACTION COPY FORWARDED TO FILE STAMP
we it5 (Action Copy) 2 | Commanding General

p Hq, OSI 2) Air Material Command ae

CG, Mather AFB 2 | Wright-Patterson AF Base

File 2 | Dayton, Chic | '

| ATITNs MCIAXO=@3 | ~

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OSI Case #24-30
DETAILS:

le This investiz "was requested by CAPT GORDON T. COLLEY, 105524,
Base Security Officer, Mather Air Force Base, California, and was predicated
upon a report to the effect that scr $538th

Maintenance Squadron, Mather Air Force Base, California, and SG7 MET ATER
RUE TaER AER 0 tenance Squadron, Mather Air Force Base, Calif-
ornia, had observed an unconventional type aircraft in flight in the vicinity

of lebeo, California, on 5 September 1949, Llebec, California, is approximately
seventeen (17) miles north of Camp Oak Flat on UsSe Highway 99, Sandberg Weather
Station, thirteen (13) miles to the southeast of Lebec, forms a rough equalateral
triangle with Lebeo and the small hamlet know as Camp Oak Flat, which is ten (10)
miles southwest of Sandberges

2e Special Agents LEE Be NOLTON and LAWRENCE W. BROUSSARD assisted the
writer in this investigations

AT MATHER AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA

Se On 6 September 1949, SGTS SMMMNind MMF reported to the Office
of Special Investigations, Mather Air Force Base, California, that they had
observed an unconventional type aircraft in flizht in the vicinity of lebec,
California, while flying in a Piper Cub aircraft operated by SGT Mim.

4. SGT @ilmBexceuted the following statement on 6 September 1949.
Orizinal signed, witnessed statement and carbon copies on file at 19th District
Office of Special Investigations, Fairfield-Suisun AFB, Californias

Mather Air Force Base
Mather Field, California
6 September 1949

I, SOT ue, INI 2s si -n04 to the 3538th Maintenance
Squadron, Mather Air Force Base, California, voluntarily make the following
statement to BERL Ee PENNINGTON, who has identified himself to me as a Snecial
Agent, OSI, USAF.

On 5 September 1949, at approximately 1200 hours, while flying at approxi-~
mately 7,000 feet enroute from Los Angeles to Sacramento, California, I sishted
an object over Camp Oak Flat which was several thousand feet below us comiaz up
with a terrific ascent headed approximately due south as if to go over Los Anzoltese.e
We were just rounding an 8,000 foot mountain and took him by surprise. ie was
coming up at about an 85° angle and coming up from some small foothills to the
right of the large mountain, When he reached our altitude he seemed to hover for
a time and changed course as if coing out to sea over Santa Paula. I followed
him with my eyes until he was out of sight. I could not detect any sign of
power or controls as the shadows underneath prevented ite It looked mtal with
@ canopy on top with approximately 55 feet of span. There was no way to determines
speed but the rate of olimb was terrific.

I have read this statement consisting of one (1) page and have initialed
each page thereof and all cerrections thereon. This statement is given freely

OSI Case 24-30
DETAILS (Cont'd )s

and is the truth to the best of my knowledge or belief.

$555th Bomb Irnge Wing
Mather Air Force Base
WITNESSED: 8/ Gordon T, Colley, Mather Field, California
GORDON T. COLLEY, Capte, USAF
S/ Berl E~. Pennington,
BERL E. PENNINGTON, S/A OSI

5. SGT PALMER executed the following statement on 6 September
1949-4 Original signed, witnessed statement and carbon copies on fils at

19th District Office of Special Investigations, Fairfield-Suisun AF5,

Californias
Mather Air Force Base
Mather Field, California
6 September 1949
I, SGT , Me, assigned to the 3558th Maintenance
Squadron, r Air Force Base, California, voluntarily make the following

statement to BERL Es PENNINGTON, who has identified himself to me as a

Qn 5 September 1949, Set MMMMBand I left San Fernande at approximately
1200 hours, headed in a northernly direction straight over Grapevine Passe
Just before we reached the highest point of the pass, with an 8,000 foot
mountain to our left and on the right other lower mountains, we sighted an
object ascending from the foothills at about an 80 or 65° angle. It was
about 5,000 feet below us when we spotted it and came right up approximately
even with us, about 1,000 feet off our right wing tip. Our elevation at this
time was approximately 6,500 feet above sea level. It seemed to rise from
the floor of the hills but we didn't actually see it leave the ground. ihon
it reached our altitude, it seemed to hover for a moment and then it shot off
almost directly south. It was traveling at a terrific speed, slirhtly ascend-
ing at about a 5° angle, It headed south over the ocean disappearing from
our wiew, This object appeared to be like a sphere, slightly oval in shape,
appearing a little longer than wide. This object did not appear to have any
support of any kind, no exhaust or control surfaces whatsoever, and was of
a dull metalic substance, similar to aluminum, It appeared to he about 50
er 55 feet in diameter.

EIS rs
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OSI Case #24-30 ran Arricret a 4!
DETAILS (Cont'd)s ee

I have read this statement consisting of one (1) page and have
initialed each page thereof and all corrections thereon. This statement
is given freely and is the truth to the best of my knowledge or belief,

ie —
Sete, AL
$555th Bomb [rnge iiing
Mather Air Force base
WITNESSEDs S/ Gordon Te Colley Mather Field, California
GOKDUN T. COLLEY, Capte, USaF
S/ Berl Ee Pennington
BERL Ee PENNINGTON, S/a OSI

6. Review of MMMM Sorvice Record and 201 File maintained at
5638th Maintenance Syuudron, Mather Air Force Buse, California, revealed
that een tis ts in the Air Force on 50 Jume 1948 and has an efficiency
rating of excellent and is considered a conscientious hard worxer, and was
recently promoted for his works MMP ompleted one (1) year of pach
school and has an AGCT score of 115. Last physical examination was civen
on 30 June 1948, at that time no physical abnormalities were notecde Vicicn
test revealed vision to be 20/20. No evidence of the use of narcotics or
alcoholic beverages were notede

7e 1ST SGT Smeets, 3538th Maintenance Scuadron,
Mather Air Force Base, California; om ETS | 6538th laintenance

Squadron, Hanger Chief; and Mm » Civilian Foreman, Frepeller
Shop, stated that MMMM is dependable and trustworthy, and an exceptionally
good worker, and to their knowledge, does not drink or use narcotics.

Be Review of MMMMMMMeecervice Record and Military 201 File main-
tained at 5558th Maintenance Squadron, Wather Air Force Base, Californie,
revealed that MMMM enlisted in the Air Foroe on 10 November 1947 end has
an efficiency rating of excellent and is considered an excellent worker.
Wim completed three-fourths (3/4) year of high sohool and has an AGCT

soore of 108. Last physical examination was given on 10 November 1947.
At thet time, no physical abnormalities were noted. Visicn test revealed
vision to be 20/206 No evidence of the use of narcotios or alcoholic
. beverages was noted.
|

¥

9. 1STOUUpee, 3536th Maintenance Squadron, Mather Air
Force Base, California; M/SCT a. $538th Maintenance Scuadron, Hanrar

Chief; and Xx GMM, Civilian Foreman, Electrical Shop, stated that

. S@emg@iliiens « steady good worker and exercised good judgement, and to their
knowledge, does net drink er use narcotics.

mee

OSI CASE #24=<30
DETAILS (Cont'd)s

AT SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

10. Review of the files at the Office of the Sheriff and the Police
Department at Sacramento, California, failed to reveal any record or informa~
tion pertaining to either @amirour

AT LZBEC, CALIFORNIA

ape On 7 September 1949, Special Acont snmiiiiuRS av 4
flew to Lebeo, Califcrnia, to take aerial photographs of the

area to determine if there were any indications on the ground of unusual
activities in the area. Photographs were taken to CAPT ROBERT J. SCOTT, JR.,
12905A, Hq & Hq Squadron, S556th Bomb Irnge Group, Mather Air Force Base,
California, for phote interpretation. Photograph nurmber 9R=-26<1-VV=-35355TW~

7 Sep 49-6 3/8"=7500—3450N 11847%-CORRAL, indicated a well traveled road in
the back country and unicentified dark spots on the grounds Fhotegraph number
OR<2582=-VV=3S535E 1-7 Sep 49-6 3/8"—7500-345CN11847N—LLDGS, revealed well
traveled road in back country and indication of unusual activity around ccnst-
ructionse Fhotograph number 9R=25<8VV=35355RTW=7 Sep 4986 3/8"=5500-5450N11847i%~
CONSTRUCTION, revealed an unfinished structure with piles of lunber and const-
ruction materials and metal drum containers in the vioinitye Fhotograch runber
GR<25e68VV=S5S5BTie7 Sep 49=6 5/6"=5500011847i-DLDGeSILVERTOP revealed the
presence of a newly constructed Nissen type building with metal top partially
concealed in the wooded areae Fhotographs included as Exhibits A, B, C & D
respectively.

12. On 15 September 1949, Special Agents BERL E. PENNINGTON and
LAWRENCE We. BROUSSARD, acoompanied by CAPT COLLEY, proceeded by automobile
te lebec, California, to investigate questionable area as indicated by aerial
photographse Area as illustrated by photograph number 9R-25<l-VV=-353555Ti~
7 Sep 49-6 3/8"=7500=3450N 11847W-CORRAL, revealed no unusual markings or
indentations in the ground. Area as illustrated by photograph number 9R-25-2-
VVW~S535BIW=7 Sep 496 3/8"~7500-3450N11847i7—DLDGS, revealed the presence of a
cattle corral and shed used to house feed for cattle. Area as illustrated by
photo number 9R=#25<5-VV-3535B1W=7 Sep 49-6 3/6"=5500-3450N11647W—CONSTRUCTION,
revealed a permanent type structure with the seoond story inocomlete, with
metel drum containers and building material in the immediate area that is te
be a Bell Telephone Company, Micro~i¥ay Relay Station upon completions. Aroa
as illustrated in photograph number 9R=2586«VV-3555BIN-7 Sep 4986 3/8"=5500N
11647W-BLDG-SILVERTOP, revealed a newly completed Nissen type structure that
is being used as a hunting lodge by the owners of the Tejon Ranch, lebec,
California.

lSe Discreet investigation in the area of lebeo, California, revealed

no one who had observed the presence of unusual aircraft in the vicinity of
Lebece

OSI Case #2450 . sae asl
DETAILS (Cont'd): er Se

AT MATHER AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA

l4e On 6 October 1949 at 1115 hours, Special Agent LEE B, NOLTON
contacted CAPT CLARENCE P. TALBOT, JRe, AO-S81275, Station Weather Officer,
Mather Air Force Sase, California, relative to weather conditions in the
vicinity of Lebeo, California. After reviewing weather reports, CAPT TALBOT
stated that Sandberg weather Station, California, reported the sky conditicn
clear with visibility of fifty (50) miles, wind from Southeast at 15 knotts,
temperature 61°, dew point 22°, in the weather report of 5 September 1949, at
1230 hours. Sandberg Weather Station is located approximately thirteen (13)
miles Southeast, in line of sight, from lebec, California. The weather reports
further revealed that a pilot balloon, for winds aloft purposes, was released
at Sandberg on 6 September shortly prior to 1500 hourse Pilot balloons are
approximately twenty-six (26) inches in diameter, with an ascension rete of
two hundred (200) to two hundred and sixty (260) yards per minute, and the
type generally used on a ciear dey, such as reported on 5 September at Sandberg,
is white in color, CAPT TALBOT stated that, according to the Sandberg idinds
Aloft Report at this time, the balloon would have drifted northwest, towards
Lebec, during the first two thousand (2,000) foot ascension, and then veered
Northeast towards Mojave, California.

15. Review of the records at Base Operations, Mather Air Force Base,
California, revealed that no aircraft had either arrived or departed that

station which could have been in the vicinity of lebec, aie. 2 at the
time of the sighting of the unconventional aircraft by ‘Ease.

AT MCCLELLAN AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA

16. On 5 October 1949, perusal by Special Agent LEE B. NOLTON of the
Report of Aircraft Departures, maintained by the Base Operations Office,
McClellan Air Force Base, California, revealed that an i-15 type aircraft,
#47-300, piloted by CAPT Ge Me LIVERS, 2600 AcPoU., Pope Air Force ase,
Fort Bragg, North Carolina, departed bMicClellan Air Force Base on 5 September
1949 at 0932, estimated true air speed one hundred and ten (110) miles per
hour, with arrival at larch Air Force Base, California, at 1554; L-15 type
airoraft, #47-302, piloted by 1ST LT W. Ke ALLEN, 2600 AoBeUs, Fope Air Frerce
Base, Fort Bragg, liorth Carolina, departed McClellan Air Force Base at 1C04,
estimated true air speed one hundred and ten (110) miles per hour, and
arrived at Ontario Airport, Ontario, California, at 1402. As it is two
hundred and seventy (270) air miles from McClellan Air Force Base to levec,
California, with a climb to six thousand (6,000) feet required, eichty-five
(85) air miles from Lebeo to Ontario, California, and one hundred and five
(105) air miles from Lebec to March Air Force Base, it is estimated that
CAPT LIVERS was over Lebec at approximately 1230 and LT ALLEN was in the
same vicinity at approximately 1500 hours.

«» CLOSED «
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; Se ee
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OSI Case #24-30 RAR ASML

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF INFORMATION
le le Date of sighting ~ 5 September 1949,
2e 2e Time of sighting - Approximately 1200 PST.
S. Sighted from air.

ae SUBJECT was in the air about 7,000 feet above sea level, flying
approximately northeast coming around a mountain which wes about

8,000 feet when unconventional aircraft was sizchtede Unccnven-

' tional aircraft was headed approximately due south as if zoing

right through Los Angeles. Object was approximately 3,000 feet
' below SUBJECT when sighted. This occurred east of Camp Oak Flat,

4e One (1) object.

Se Not applicable as it was approximately 1200 hours and objeot was
below observer’.

6- Distance of object from observer

&e Appoximately 5,000 feet below.

be Altitude 5,000 feet rising to approximately 7,000 feet.
7e In sight about forty-five (45) seconds.
8 Appearance of object
ae Metal painted silver or just plain metal.
; be Oval shape, lixe-a teardrop from side view.
Oe Metal painted silver or just plain metal,
de Approximately 55 feet in diameter.
| 9e Direction of flight - South veering to Southwest.

10. Object came up at an 85° angle, seemed to stop as if he saw SUBJECT,
then broke off his climb, and then shot off in direct line of flight.

lle Evidence of exhaust = none visible
12e Effect on clouds = cloudless sky
13. Lights - none visible

~~

OSI Case #24-30

*¢- ‘2 @ a =

err re ae sl **

-

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF INFORMATION (Cont'd)

14,
156
166
176

18.

19.

206

le

Ze

4e

Se
be

Te

Support ~ none visible

Propulsion = none visible

Control and stability = nene visible

Air ducts =~ none visible

Speed = No way of determining miles per hour rate of speed,
although rate of olimb was terrific and by the time SUBJECT cculd bank his
plane the aircraft had almost vanished from sighte

Sound = none heard

Manner of disappearance.

Maintained straight level flight until it disappeared from
view in the distance.

RELATIVE TO THE OBSERVER

ST HS RI.

5538th Maintenance Squadron, Mather AFB, California.

Airman, United States Air Force

Mather Air Force Base, California

Hobbies = Flying

Ability to determine

De

Color = no abnormalities in perception of color.
Speed = Average estimation of speed.

Size = Estimation of size at distance based on comparison
of known aircraft.

Reliability of observer

Agency checks; neighbor and fellow employee checks; reveal
no derogatory information, Observer is considered truthful
and reliable.

carn or @

=

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