PROJECT BLUE BOOK

= UNCLASSIFIED =
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION

SUBJECT CODE FOR USE IN INDIVIDUAL PARAGRAPH EVALUATION
SBJECT SIGHTED OVER OAK RIDGE, TENN. OF SOURCE: OF INFORMATION:

COMPLETELY RELIABLE . ».» . « A CONFIRMED BY OTHER SOURCES . . 1

USUALLY RELIABLE. . . . s « + a PROBABLY TRUE. . . swe 2

PAIMLY RELIABLE 2. .. 4 + + € Uk | ee 5

NWOT USUALLY RELIAGLE ....s ie] DOUBTFULLY TRUE... . .., ‘4

co) ee ee ee t IMPROBABLE .. oeceunw®

RELIABILITY UNKNOWN . . . . . TRUTH CANNOT BE JUDGED . .

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION

The night of 12 and 13 October 1950, after 2325 hours on 12 October 1950,
objects were sighted in the radar scope of the Knoxville, McGee-Tyson, Airport,
radar scopeg. The first objects were cigited at 2325 hours E.S.T., traveling at
approximately 190 degrees, 1500 - 3000 fcet altitude, at 100 to 125 miles per
hour, The radar station immediately called atomic Energy Commission to inform
them that there was no report of any aircraft flying in the vicinity, at 2330
hours a fighter of the 5th All Weather Fighter Sad., 52nd. all Weather Fighter
Wing, stationed at McGee-Tyson Airport, Knoxville, Tennessee, "scrambled" to
intercept these unidentified objects, at the same time Knoxville Civil Acronautical
authorities were contacted and they advised that no aircraft were knom to be
flying in the vicinity. The "scrambled" fighter was airborn at 2339 and shortly
thereafter, according to the radar scope, was scen to intercept the hostile objects,
The fighter pilot advised that no object was visible so the control vectored him
80 as to intercept this object two more times, all three occasions neither the
pilot nor the observor saw any object visually and no object was sighted in the
fighter aircraft's radar scope, At O01, hours on 13 October 1950 the fighter made
a "complete sweep of the control area" in an attempt to locate any of the targets
(approximately 5) shown on the control radar screen,

—-. Control Officer at the Knoxville Radar Station, stated that
the 8 were approximately the size of a small aircraft and that the

"pips" would <1. a: intensity making the target resemble, alternately,

a L-5 and a C-47, dered the fighter to land and did not recall the
fighter at a later hour, 0100 ~ 13 October 1950, when more targets of the same
intensity, at approximately the same altitude, and flying in the similar magni-
tude were sighted, however, Capt. Su-mers of the air Defense Command, Control
Center, Sulfridge Field, Detroit, Michigan, was notified, Capt. Summers advised
that there were no practice missions scheduled in that area. At 0210 hours, the
Eastern Air Defense Command Headquarters, Stewart Air Force Base, Newburgh, N. Y.
were advised of the existing conditions and they stated that investigators would
be sent that day.

At approximately 100 hours, 13 October 1950, investigators from the Eastern
Air Defense Command; Office of Special Investigations; Security Division, Atomic
Energy Commission, Ouk Ridge, Tennessee; and Agents of this headquarters, met at
the radar site in Knoxville to discuss these radar sightings. Several theories
were advanced, some of which were technical in nature, and others which were
rejected due to improbability.

It was not believed that unidentified aircraft were responsible for these
radar sightings because before the second group appeared on the screen the Security
Patrol of the atomic Energy Conmission, Ouk Ridge, Tennessee, had been advised and

DISTRIBUTION ; to Commanding General, Third army

to O51, Knoxville, Tennessee
1 to FBI, Knoxville, Te

WD an as 568 ». —— wants 16—63306-1 Rr fe CONFIDENTIAR

CODE FOR USE IN INDIVIDUAL PARAGRAPH EVALUATION

OF SOURCE: OF INFORMATION:
COMPLETELY RELIABLE... . . A CONFIRMED BY OTHER SOURCES . . 1

OBJECTS SIGHTED OVER OAK RIDGE, THYN. | = usuuvrcme....... PROBABLY TRUE

* 6+ 6 &© © BB ; .4£Srsy wie s SWI «© £ © © © & ©

ese « «© © © © © BB £CWORWWRE «© 6s se tlh hlUlUh hUlUh hl

were on the alert for any unusual occurrences. Atomic Energy Commission officials
advise that the Security Patrol heard only the one aircraft identified as the Air
Force fighter, Further, the idea of ballons, flocks of birds, flying objects from

AIC, and light aircraft from Sulphur Springs Airport, were rejected with good
reason, .

An officer at the Knoxville radar site and an officer from the Easterm air
Defense Command stated that they have seon such a pattern on radar scopes in the
past for which there was never an adequate explanation. They hazarded the opinion

that this pattern could have been caused by atmospheric or technical interferences,
however, the exact cause has not been determined.

SOURCE: Major R. C. Care, Capt. W. Akin, Lt. Clevenger, (Knoxville Radar Site),
Lt. Wolf (Pilot of fighter aircraft), Eastern Air Defense Command Representatives,

Special Agent OSI, and an official of the Security Division, Atomic Energy
Commission, Oak Ridge, Tennessee,

DISTRIBUTICN: 3 to C General, Third Arny
> to OSI, Knoxville, Tennessee
to

FBI, Knoxville, Tennessee

BWDiws 568

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AFOTY.V/TC
lt 1 Willis/aws/71095

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UNCLA SC SiTiED

1. To inform the Air Staff of action being taken to investigate
operational difficulties encountered in the operation of the early
warning radar of the Continental Air Command at Knoxville, Tennessee,

FACTS AND DISCUSSION

2. On 1 Dec 50, the Aircraft Section, AFOIN-V/TC, conferred with
three officers connected with the Atomic Energy Plant, Oak Ridge,
Tonnessee. These officers were: Lt B. #. O. Dickinson, II, AFIT, Oak
Ridge, Tennessee; Maj J. L. Steele, AF Plant Representative, Oak Ridge,
Tennessee; and Maj B. E. Robertson, AMC, Engineering Field Office, Oak
Ridge, Tennessee, They were accompanied by Maj F. W. Hess, AFOAT,

3. A letter from Hq Third Army, subject: "Unconventional Aircraft,"
was discussed with them. These officers furnished additional information
on events occuring since 13 Oct 50. It appears that some form of
unexplained radar phenomena has occurred at Oak Kidge which gives false
targets on the screen. The discussion indicated that the false returns
were not due to weather, as was stated in the lst Ind prepared by
Intelligence Department, AMC, It appears that the radar difficulties
are due either to: .

a. Chemical impurities in the air
b. Radioactive particles
c. Some form of radar phenomena,

4. The above-mentioned officers from Oak Ridge did not consider it
necessary to inform the Department of the Army of the radar difficulties
now being encountered until they could follow suggestions given to them
during the discussion,

5. On Saturday, 2 Dec 50, approximately 1500 hours, Lt Col Willis
was contacted by the USAF D/I Duty Officer concerning this problem,
Maj B. P. Robertson and Senator-olect Monroney had been referred to the
Duty Officer by General Bradley's office for a further discussion of the
reports. Lt Col Willis talked to Maj B. P. Robertson again to determine
what additional information could be furnished. Maj Robertson had no
additional information, In view of the lack of technical information,
Lt Col Willis recommended to the Directorate Duty Officer that the
most practical thing to do at the moment, if it were of a serious nature,
would be to request the Army to furnish a mobile radar wit capable of

UNCLASZIMIED

OF»
ePabes - If
* ae

Uy). MMARY OF INFORMATION | 1

(& SU 21 October 1950

SUBJECT CODE FOR USE IN INDIVIDUAL PARAGRAPH EVALUATION
OF SOURCE; OF INFORMATION:

CBJTCTS SIGHT'D OVER OAK RIDO COMPLETELY RELIABLE 2... A CONFIRMED BY OTHCR SOURCES . . 1
st » BE, USUALLY RELIABLE. 2... 0 PROBABLYTRUE. 32... , :
TENN SEE FAIRLY RELIABLE 2 sw . POSSIBLYTRUE 2 ww. ’
WOT USUALLY RELIABLE. |... o DOUBTFULLY TRUE. 2... , ‘
UNRELIABLE 5 . IMPROBABLE . Py

ea his a TRUTH CANNOT BE JUDGED

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION 4S. QE

October 1950)

attached to this Summary is eleven (11) inclosurss which tend to clurify
information contained in the former two (2) cunmarrics of Information on UbJ CT,
These inclosures are composed of witness statements; background information conce
previous sightings of peculiar objects over Oak Kidzes and radar reports, The most
reliable sources availuble were utilized in the compilation of this repat. The
employment records and the Federal bureau of Investi:ation reports concerning the
witnesses were inspected to ascertain their reliability, integrity, and loyalty to
the United States Covernment.

The opinions of the officials of the Security Division, «EC, Oak tidge;
Security Branch, NPa Tivision, Ouk Ridges ANC Security Patrol, “ak tidges iBI,
Knoxville; Air Force Radar and Fighter Squacrons, Knoxvilles and the OuI, Knaxville,
Tennessee, fail to evolve an ade.uate exnlanation for SUBJiLT, hovievor the possib.
Llitios of practical jokers, mise hysteria, ballons of any description, flights of
birds (with or without cobwebs or other objects attached), falling loaves, insect
swarms, peculiar weather conditions, reflections, flying kites, objects throw
from the ground, windblow objects, "snsanity, and muny other natural hunpenings
have been rejected because of the simltaneous witnessing of the objects with the
reported radar siriitingss because of the reliability of the witnesses; because of
the detailed, similar description of the objects sem by different persons; and
because of impossibility,

The trend of opinicns seem to follow three patterns of thought. The
first is that the objects are a physical phenomenon which have a scientific explan-
ations the second is that the objects are experimental objects (fran an undetermimd
source) guided by electronics; and the third is similar to the second except that
an intended demoralization or harrassment is involved. The fantastic is generally
rejected,

These objects have apparently followed only two patterns. The first is
that they were sicghted at the came hour on two consecutive days and the second is
that the line of flight is either to or from the Northeast and Southwest, which
directions parallel the terrain ridges in this locality.

attention is invited to the 1947 photograph of a flying object (inclosure
#8). Atomic Energy Commission officials advise that the air Forve Labaatory at
Wright Field, Ghio, indicate that the object is a water spot on the photograph.
Because this object does not resemble other water spote of the photograph, und
because the object in the second photograph is following the dim trail left by the
first object, some officials at atamic Energy Commission question the veracity of

Xi co FBI, Kina » Tennessee

Ka jor Lartin, G-2 Section, Third army rt os e OF Knoxville, Tennessee
1G, Gak Ridre, Tennessee 8

WDa7568 CLASSIFIEDS Gms 1 e907
| TY

rig” a <a
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION UNCLASo ir)

PREPARING OFFICE
FAO # &, P. 0. Box 379, Knoxville, Tennessee

CODE FOR USE IN INDIVIDUAL PARAGRAPH EVALUATION

OF SOURCE: OF INFORMATION:

COMPLETELY RELIABLE... . . A CONFIRMED BY OTHER SOURCES . . 1
USUALLY RELIABLE. . 2. 1 i PROBABLYTRUE. 8 ......, 2
FAIRLY RELIABLE 2 ww, POSSIBLY TRUE

Pit ee 4 © €

»_ «© © © + @ ; ;°°8 + +; ;°»°»+4EC SST mes SOW 46 «+ + © © *

2). 7)" a? 8. ive ee

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION

this statement, They also believe it significant that the sir Force did not
return the negative of this print.

Following is a chronological summary of the reported events which
have occurred at Oak Ridge, Tennessee,

June 1947 = cd photographed a flying object at Oak Ridge, Tenn,
The oreground has been identified as Illinois Avenue,
Oak Ridge, Tennessee, (Inclosure # &)

20 June 1949 = At 1900 hours lr. and irs. and \irs. Jee
' gighted three objects at Ouk Ridge, Tennessee, similar to SUBJKCT.
(Inelosure # 9) :

1, 2, 35 4, 5, 6, March 1950 — Mr. Agee reported peculiar readings on
his "Ham" Radar Scope. These objects reappeared at approximately the
sume time of day which is similar to SUBJECT, (Refer: Summary of Infor-
mation, Subjects; Unidentified Objects Over Oak Ridge Vicinity, dated
6 March 1950.) ;

12 October 1950 ~ 2325 hours ~ Knoxville Alrport Radar Unit indicated a series of
unidentified targets over the "Restricted Zone" at Oak Ridge. (Incl.#1)

12 October 1950 ~ 234? Fighter aircraft was at the position of the radar target
and made three perfect interceptions but could see nothing. (Incl, #1)

13 October 1950-0000 to 0100 hours, Additional Radar plots as before, (Incl, #1)

13 October 1950 hours. ia jor AT, accompanied by his duughter, heard
intermittent noises. losure # 7)

15 October 1950-1517 hours, Fighter plane made unsuccessful passes at a good
oe —— ag (4) miles from the East Boundary (Kerr Hollow Gate),
osure

15 Octcber 1950-1520 hours, mili seen at Kerr Hollow Gate by Troopers Gm»
, and Mr, (Inclosures #3, 10, 11)

15 October 1950-1520 hours, Radar scopes at MoGhee-Tysam Airport indicate
unidentified targets. (Inclosure # 4)

i PERDUE | oo.

> « fh atVe oh Bet: ¥ ° . iy Te ve SelevaisS H rigtetcisyrycs

cc Maj. Martin, G2 Sec., 3rd Army 1 cc osI, Knoxville, Tennessee

CC Sec. Div. aC, Quk Ridge, Tennessee 1 co File

WD iit 568 Se Se
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~

CODE FOR USE IN INDIVIDUAL PARAGRAPH EVALUATION

OF SOURCE: OF INFORMATION:
CONFIRMED BY OTHER SOURCES .

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION

16 October 19 to 1530 hours,
. ant a (Inclosures #5 and #6)

16 October 1950-1520 hours. Radar scopes at NoGhee-Tyson Aspens
: Unintelligible readings. (Inclosure # 4) _—

16 October 1950-1956 to 2004 hours, NEPA Guards SEES, 1 rt
- peculiar sounds, (Inclosure # 7) : oar

Attached te the original only are two Knoxville OSI reports concerning SUBJECT.

CORTON on second page of the 5/1, Subject as above, dated 13 October 1950,
replace the word Oliver Springs for "Sulphur Springs",

boa peangaunsat eS

be Air Defense Command Representativos;
Special Agent OSI; Officials of Security Division, atomic mnergy Commission,
Ouk Ridge, Tennessee; Atomic Energy Commission S

DISTRIBUTION oe C paptie ner cc ree Loman LT Tenn.
aje ki cc exvill e
1 co Sec, Div. all, Oak i eG Fils oe

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FIELD AREA OFFICE #8
P.O. Box 379
Knoxville, Tenn.

UNCLASSIFiED
19 October 1950

The following accounts of activity at the Radar Operations Section, of
Detachment 4 2, 662nd AC & W Squadron, Mc(hee-Tyson Airvort, Knoxville,
' Tennessee, is extracted from their official report dated 135 “ctober 195).
Other pertinent information was submitted in a previous Summary of Information,
Subject; Objects Sighted Over Oak Ridge, Tennessee, dated 13 October 1959.

"The first target, H-+\7 at 2325 E.S.T., 12 October 1950,
appeared as per diagram (Inclosure #2). Then in rapid
succession, we had H-4S, H-49, and H-51 appear.

"Called AEC; they had no report of an Aircraft at this
time = 2325.

"Called Atlanta; they had no flicht plans on anything
coming from the North.

"Arrow (Fighter Aircraft) airborne ot 2339 E.S.T. and
vectored on 290 degrees, Angels (altitude) 2500. There were
three perfect intercepts on the scope on H-48, but no joy
(Fighter aircraft made no contact). Height Finder gave
approximate angels of target at 3000. These angels varied
from 1500 to 5000 feet on various targets throughout the
evening. (ne intercept of H-48 was 1) miles at 279 degrees and
from a stern approach; no joy.

"Pulled fighter off this target and sent him back into area
at angels 5000. He made complete sweep of area and saw nothing.

"Notified Radar Naintenance, who checked the operation of
the Radar and switched channels.

"By this time all targets had faded and area was clear. ‘‘e
steered Arrow back to base nd he pancaked (landed) at O01),
E.S.T., 13 Nctober 1950.

"Very shortly after pancake, various targets again appeared
through the area. They gave good paints (images) on the Radar Scope
but faded comoletely at times and then would reappear.

"AEC still had no report for us, but had alerted all guards
and were beginning to zet searchlights out in case they were
needed.

"We did not revort these additional plots to Nobody (Call
tf sign for Air Defense Command Control Center, Selfridge Field,
Ala.) until 0100, Called Captain Summers at this tine and

gern that the same Rat Race (activity on the radar scope) ED
aX d started again. He knew of no pract, ice mi sion by higher R ci Aso
headquarters but said he gyn Air Defeng§
(Page # 1 of Inclosure# lj | 508-111807~-/

ea a Por) —

Guiry —
J id

19 October 1959

=
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UNCLASSIFIED

Command, Stewart Air Field, Newburgh, New York). He called back and
said their only instructions was to keep fighters on Alert Status.
Told him we could have both off the ground in , (four) minutes.

—“— were appearing with some regularity and proceeding
South.

“They 211 traveled at a speed of between 100 and 125 miles
per hour. Fading and reappearing at various intervals. All but
one originated in the area. One did appear at 10 milcs North of
Clinton and faded right at the area line. Reappearance of this
target or at least one on the same course 180 degrees was & (eirht)
miles inside area. This target faded after three sweeps (Revolutions
of the indicator on the Radar Scope which makes four revolutions per

minute) .

"The tracks varied at time from one avplicahble to very light
‘/¢ (aircraft) up to //C of the C-47 variety (Meaning the reflected
intensity of Radar waves made the tarret avpear at first like a

emall aircraft and then like a large one).

"We operated both on High and Low Beam and picked up the same
tracks.

"All traveled at the same approximate speed and general
course. During the night this course spread from 170 degrees to
230 degrees (magnetic compass heading). ,

"At 0210 E.S.T., called Ca»tain Summers at Nobody; he called
EADF, Captain Hutchinson, and received permission to release
fighters to normal status." ,

AGENTS NOTES: This document was signed tage , the Radar
Controller on duty at the time of these occurrences.

THIS IS A CIRTIFIED TRUE EXTRACT COPY:

PA?
 _LLASSIFIED Hap
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These objects appeared to be A/C small, traveling between 100 - 125 mph.

ABC was notified but their guards didn't sce a thing. 2339 E.S.T. our fighter
was airborned to intercept H-4S. Pars directly over one target. Pilot couldn't
spot a thing. These targets appearing along the N.W. corner. One at a tive
Sone were very strong echoes. Tracked from 15 to 20 minutes.

Boundary of Restricted Flying
Zone over Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Page One (1) to Inclosure #2 UNC) sccirien

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FIXLD ANZA OFFICE #5
P. 0. Boz 379
Enorville, Tenn

UNCLASSIFIED 16 Oetder 1950

ion of object seen by Atomic fnergy Commission Security Patrol Trooper

who approached the object us close as Fifty (50) feet, at about
1 ours on 15 Cotober 1950, is substantially as follows: tihen first seen at
an estimated altitude of twelve (12) to fifteon (15) thousand feet, the object
appeared to be an aircraft starting to "skyrrite",. The "streamer" left behind is
estimated to be approximately one-fourth (::) of a mile long. The object then
started a controlled descent, almost vertical, at a slower speed than an aircraft
would dive, and the "tail" followed the object. "It" then appeared to take the
shape of a lurge bullet with a streamer, or ribbon, as thick as the bullet, trail-
ing in the path of the object but connected to it. The object then levelled off
parallel to the horizon, decreased its speed, and passed within seventy (70) yurde
of Rymer and snother observer whom da top oda” cae had
reported via telephone that this object was a "falling object". «8s the object
decreased ite specd to less than a mans norm] walk attempted to approach
the object, but when he got within fifty (50) feet of it, the object moved toward
the Southeast at about six feet altitude above the terrain; made almost a
mechanical maneuver to go over a nine (9) foot cyclone chain link fence; then

another similar maneuver to pass over a willow tree and a telephone lines and
finally gained altitude and speed and went over a hill about one mile distance,

When was within fifty (50) feet of the object it appeared to be a two
(2) by five card (similar to the ones issued to vehicles entering the "Control
Zone" at Ouk Ridge) with a twenty (20) foot ribbon tail, the first two feet of which
were easily visible and the last eighteen (18) feot of which was almost transparent
and divided into several sections. The sections of the tail would pulsate a dim
“glow” alternately. Through the entire length of the tail, was a black line which
might be described as a "wire", The entire color was bluish-gray sinilar to the
color of the top of a "wood cooking range". The "body" of the object was gently
moving up and down, and the tail waved in the breeze like a ribbon or a worm and
followed the path of the "body" of the object. There was no breeze at the tine!
(Knoxville Airport reports a high breese of eight (8) miles per hour). Further,
from fifty (50) fect away, the object looked no bigger than it did from two
hundred and ten (210) foet away, and when it disappeared over the hill, one (1)
mile away, it still looked the same sise thut it had appeared.at only fifty (50)
feet, but the "body" was then "bladder" or "pear-shaped",

When questioned further, QM stated that the object had to change size
from the time they first observed it until it came near the grounds and it had to
get larger as it went over the hill or they would not have been able to see it at
such distances,

The object appeared two more times within the next ten (10) minutes and
Qeiiens able to get two other observers to verify that they could sce the same

"thing".

The three observers, other than @giiiavecre F
Construction Corpora:ion, Badge No. 66333 caretaker of small
animals at the University of Tennessee ral Research Farm, Ouwk Ridges

UNCLASSIFIED

‘
UPuka aed F

P. 0. Box 379
KnoxvillQJN@LASSIFIED 18 Osteber 1950

SAAS. tha treeie Part, 0 nae, teeees, 10 me

AG“NTS NUTESs i aI 0 Security Division, stated that all these
persons’ description @ ect was substantially the same when questioned
separately, except that Rymer had been the closest and was the only porson to
report the transparent portion of the “tuil"., Moneymaker stuted substantially

the same except that he did not see the transparent portion of the "tail".

wearing his glasses at the time and his vision, with
glasses, is 20/20 in the right eye, and 20/30 in the left eye. Qupeme.vision
is 20/20 in both eyes without glasses, :

qeeer® record indicates that he is one of the "better" and most respected
troopers on the AC Security Patrol. Nothing in his record indicates any
weaknesses or peculiar inclinations,

ted that he not have reported this incident if there had
not been a witness, reluctant to give information because of the

fantastic nature of t ident.
Captain saw the object for only a moment on its third appearance
and stated that ject appeared to be round as it crossed the sky at a high
rate of speed,

NOTES: The above information was obtained on 16 October 1950 from interviews
with Trooper culture Section, University
of Tennesses y Division, atomic Energy Commission;
ergy Commission Security Patrol; and

In addition, the atomic Energy Commission Security Division took Geiger
counters to the scene of the incident but could get no reading.

UNCLASSIFIED

a4

UNCLASSIFIED

18 Octed er 1950

The following accounts of activity at the Radar Operations Section of
Detachment # 2, 662nd aC & W Squadron, McGhee-Tyson Airport, Maryville, Tennessee,
‘is extracted from their official report, dated 15 October 1950. (Refer: Summary
of Informition, Subject; Objects Sighted Over Oak Ridge, Tennessee, dated
13 October 1950):

"Prior to thie report, (report by AEC patrolmarSeP we had a
reccurance of targets like Thursday night (Midnirpht 12 - 13 Octder 1950), We
had sent one scramble (flicht of aircraft) out and made several food passes
at one target which painted (imaged on Radar Scope) very well. It was on a
heading of 160 degrees (Magnetic compass heading)und approximately 4 (four)
miles inside the Fastern boundary of the area (Restricted flying space where
other aircraft are not supposed to fly). Our fighter worked from 2500 to 5000
feet but saw nothing. The speed of these targets varied from 40 to 100 miles per
~ dl Every characteristic was the same as before except that the speed was

s

There was nothing on the scope (Radar Scope) at the location of this strange
object (the location was called in by telephone from ground observors at Ouk Ridge).

The strange visitor was reported to Captain Cole at Notedy (Call sign for
Air Defense Command Control Center, Selfridge Field, ala.) who carried through
to EaDF (Eastern Air Defense, Cammand). Their orders were to put a patrol over
the area, which wos done.

It. Gutherie, operating under my control and later Captain Duffy's, saw
nothing in the area except one large flock of birds, which were painting (giving
images on the Radar Scope). He estimated their number between 200 and 300. This
was at 7000 feet. His patrol up until 1730 1.S.T., when I left duty, ranged from
@ low level pass over the gates to 7000 feet.

He was vectored after several well painted targets, but saw nothing

FADF sent a list of questions to be answered by the observers, These answers
were forwarded, They concerned speed, time, sky, and torrain conditions, altitude,
when smoke disappeared, etc. “

This report was signed Controller at the Radar
Site, at the time of these occurrences,

pea orga
on xe
Ah lev S.3
a
UNCLASSIFIED

(Page 1 of Inclosure # 4) SET pp JOS~ Ys ap, rs

FCRI’ O%514 Incident ep .
(april 1950) aEC PaTROL

CAUTION o
This document contsuins inforrution affecting YNCLASSIFIED
Nationul Tefense of the. United States,
Its tr.nsmission or the disclosure of its contents in
uny manner to un unauthorized person is prohibited
and muy result in severe criminul penalties under
apnlicable Federal Laws, Incident Report No. 1424-50

Closed:

Date: ‘ Date 10-16-50

By:

WeRet Time 1:30 p.em

N.Ret

Cl aSSIFICATION T:00P7R LOC. TIN

Flying Object ae eee ae Blair Gute |
PMSON INVOLVED BalGi NO. |
Troope 212

Trooper 156

REMARKS ¢

at approximately 1:30 P.\!., October 16, 1950, while working at Blair Gate, I saw

an object in the air over K-25 travel ing in a northeast cirection from the southwest,
It was traveling in a straight line and going very fast. The object was white or
silvery in color and round like a ball and wus about the size of a baseball aus seen
at the distance it was from m2, It seemed to be very high.

at exactly 2:55 P. M., October 16, 1950, this object reanneared from the northeust at
a considerably lower altitude and "travel ing & lot slower than before, I stopped a car
that was coming in the gate in order to have witnesses to whut I sav. The occupants
of the car were Troopers and Han going in to work. I pointed
out the object to 70° we watched the object for several
minutes, This object wus slowly circling in a wide circle and sninning very fust, thet
is, the object itself was spinning around and around. The object drifted tovard the
southvest and in just a fev minutes it reappeared at a very high altitude going back

into the northeast and going very fast. ‘“'e watched the object disuppear into the
northeast,

This informution wus phoned in to Headquarters imnedciutely by the undersisned. about
fifteen rinutes after the object disappeared into the northeast, an F-8&2 Fishter plane
showed up in the area where the object was last seen but a-peured to be thousunds of
feet lower th.n the object which Troopers Qi ggg, and the uncersigned saw and
reported,

Oak Ridge Futrol Force

Distribution:
1 = Cullaughan ;
2- Chief Duvis' File
3 - Kail & Nec. File | UNCLASSIFIED
703- 1; lean

C RTI KIND ‘tin LOOPY: GL. 2— 50—=5 yO00— 151752 :
a Se e - _ a . oa D>) 4a ers

ate Kon <— Lae 7

1 an

radar tracking, both in asimuth and altitude, With this additional unit,
the Oak Ridge plant could be covered from a different direction and a
crose check could be made of the operation of the radar at Knoxville
Air Base. In addition, Lt Col Willis requested of Air Weather Service
that they furnish meteorological data on 3 Oct 50 and 28 through 30 Nov
50. This information is not yet one:
(Alo duly rer)

6. On 3 Dec 50, Lt Col J. W. Brewersdiscussed the problem with
Col L. S. Harris, who recommended that her investigation of the
problem be given to the Department of Intelligence, AI, which is
charged with this responsibility. Lt Col Seashore, AMC, and Col Dunn,
AMG, were contacted by telephone and advised of the problem as it
appeared at the moment,

7. On 4 Dec 50, Col Harris and Lt Col Willis conferred with Brig
Gen Agee concerning action taken. Brig Gen Agee directed that the
Intelligence Department, AMC, be contacted by telephone and instructed
to proceed immediately with the technical investigation and render
whatever assistance was necessary to the CONAC and Atomic Energy
Commission.

8. Gol Harris called Col Dunn, AMC, and advised him that the
investigation was primarily a radar problem and stated that it appeared
necessary that qualified electronic experts be dispatched immediately
to secure technical information and to advise the Radar Unit at Oak

Ridge,

9. Col Dunn stated that the Department of Intelligence, AMC, would
keep D/I USAF advised of progress in the investigation. The Technical
Capabilities Branch will assist in the coordination of the results of
the investigation with other government agencies.

ACTION RECOMMENDED
10. Approval of action taken instructing the Intelligence Department,

AMC to dispatch electronic personnel to Oak Ridge plant of the Atomic
Energy Commission.

eee eee

tS AT

FORM OR=51, Incident Rep
(april 1950) ant Put eIONCLASSIF IED
CAUTION
This document contuins informetion affecting the
National Pefense of thie United states
Its trunsmission or the disclosure of its contents in
any manner to an uneuthorized porson is prohibited
and may resujt in sevors criminal penulties uncer
apolicable Federal laws,
Suppl eaent
Closed Incident Report No. 1424-50
Date -
By Date: 10-16-50
Wore
Ne te Time: 2:55 Pe hie
CLaSSIFICsTION TROOP ':R LOCaTICN
Flying Object REE ATR Blair Gate
P@RSON INVOLVED alTRESS BaDG™ NO,
Tro ope aif aaa 212
PERSON INVCL VSD ADPRSS BADGE No.
Troop: eg 156
RIVARKS: |

On October 16, 1950, at approximately 2:55 P. !., Trooper MMM 51-0001 us at this
Insta}latjon and showed us an object in the north thut was traveling tovurd the nathwest,
It locked to be about 2,000 feet in the air and a white-silverish looking color, rotating
in a counter clockwise manner, It wus round in shape and going in a rather fast motion.
This object was at a high altitude and scemed to come in sight and then cisappeur, It
looked about the size of a bill and round at every angle we looked st it.

Te...
s

NISTRIEV TION:
1 - Callaghan
2 - Chief lavis' Pile |
3 - Mail & Rec. File

CRTIFITD TE COPY:

V4 FP } UNCLASSIFIED
WIIG = WIHOY12/ aM, Cak Ridge, Tenn,, 4-12-50-5000-417622

P, Of. soz 379

Knozville, ten NCLASSIFIED

19 October 1950

The "Contract Guards" who guard the building at the NFPA project were
warned by the WPA Security Section to report any peculiarity, regardless
of how silly or fantastic it might seem, These guards were unaware of the
previous events concerning objects seen over Oak Ridge, but some of the
guards had reported peculiar sounds during the evening of 16 October 1950,

Section Ridge. These reports were submitted by Guards
They all stated substant
and described hearing an intermittant noise resembling the blast of a Jet
Fighter aircraft. Each noise lasted for about three and one half (33) seconds
and would recur frequently between 1956 hours and 2004 hours on 16 Octcber
1950. Each noise would sound like a jet plane which had increased its thrust
tremendously, The sounds seemed to leave the vicinity making an ascent
almost vertical. None of the guards could see an object in the sky.

On 17 October 1950, Major L. FE. Ronniger, Sr. Instructor, ORC Group,
Oak Ridge, Tennessee, returned from Nashville, Tennessee, and visited an
official of the Security Division, atomic nergy Commission, Ouk Kidge,
Tennessee, Major Ronniger was amused when informed of the fantastic sights
that some of the persons at Oak Ridge had seen but then he recalled an
incident which he thought was not connected to the "Objects Sighted over
Oak Ridge." after having been away from Oak Ridge during Monday and Tuesday,
the 16th and 17th of October 1950, and without knowledge of the occurrences —
which had taken place except for the item about which he was being told
(which had to do with visual sightings of the object), Major Ronniger stated
that he had heard a noise at about 1400 hours on 15 October 1950 which he
described exactly as the guards who heard the noise on the night of 16
October 1950. Major Ronniger, accompanied by his daughter, attampted to
locate a jet fighter in the sky but could see nothing whatever.

The Radar crew of Detachment #2, 662nd AC and W Squadron, icChee-Tyson
Airport, Knoxville, Tennessee, did not get an image on their scope during
either of these occurrences, according to Major R. C. Care.

Independent reporte from different guards were received by the Securit
alte eae

HOTES: The above information was obtained on 17 October 1950 fraa
Major L. EF. Ronnigers Mr. George Rathman, Security Division, atonic
Energy Commission, and Ur. Gene Gaedjon, NEPA, Ouk Ridge, Tennessee,
and John S. Davis, Atomic Energy Security Patrol,

UNCLASSIFIED

(Page # 2 of Enclosurelp-), oodianen.-..jaombeal 05427 Jan?

Knorvillse. te»

UNCLASSiFigp 20 October 1950

Reached photographs were taken in June 1947 by CNR

Oak Ridge, Tennessee, of what he th was a
antastic ject. The first photograph, in which only the smoke

trail is visible, was taken a few minutes before the second photograph

where the flying object is in view.

On 19 October 1950 RSE stated that this object was
traveling in the same line of flight as the first object, and its distance

appeared to be approximately over the hills in the background.

NOTE: Only one set of photographs is available.

UNCLASS!>"~~

(Page # 1 of Inclesure f Fe leisisiitinss.uphittiidanEomtnaac “Us 977 Dy
| edi iT lt lt ts see ee wi ti : —-

PTase? Givicdk 0.
P. O. Bo 79

wor  WNCRASS = ¢p
20 October 1950

The following is extracted from the files of the Security Patrol,
et Energy Commission, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, This report was originally
an report:

"3, At 1900 hours, 20 June 1949, Mr. and <iq
r Tennessee, stated that at approximately
6* 1200 hours, ¢ 1949, they siphted three unidentified objects
|, . flying from the southeast, over Oak Ridge, Tennessee, ei, meal
first sighted the objects and called inggmatten
| them, They watched the objects until they came into closer view,
They described two of the objects as being rectangular in shape,
and identical, The third object was described as circular in shape,
and flying either in between or slightly above the two rectangular
objects. The two rectangular objects uppeared to be flat and
flexible. The third object was flat but did not have a flexible
appearance. The rectangular objects in traveling, followed a wave-
like course, and appeared to be dark in color underneath, and of
bright metal finish on top. Their movements were coordinated, and
their reflectia in traveling was light and dark. The rectangular
objects seemed to have an area of from four to ten square feet,
The circular object was described as being the color of frosted
glass, This third object did not follow the wave-like movement
of the rectangular objects, but maintained a level flight. There
was no noise to indicate how these objects were being propelled,
They remained in view from 10 to 15 minutes after being sighted,
and when last seen were traveling in a northwest direction.
this time the objects did not appeur to either gain or loose
altitude. The weather was clear with the exception of hich scattered
cumilus clouds, and the wind which was from an easterly cirection was

very slight.

"he At 2000 hours, 20 June 1949, Mrs. Jgiteiiii iret

Ridge, Tennessee, stated that Mrs. qui, her
neighbor, called her attention to the three flying objects sighted

by the Andersons at approximately 1200 hours, 19 J and that
she watched them for approximately 10 minutes. description
and details regarding the objects were the same as Kr. and irs.

CELE OO I

"5. The witnesses of these objects are reputable people, and their
statements are considered reliable, Urqgita—imeesds a biologist
with the Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Mrogg@iiiiiiieds a school
teacher, and irs. 4S is the wife of one of the members of
the Security Division, Atomic Energy Commission, Ouk Ridge, Tennessee,"

)

CERTIFIED TRUE EXTRACT COPY: ee
j Ps

Pd

NCLASSIFIED

‘UNCLASSIFIED

16 October 1950
The files

A. L. Rydsewski, acting assistant Chief, Security Division
REPORT GF MYSTERIOUS FLYING OBJECT

SYXBOL: S:ALR

Pursuant to receipt of a report from QUE, Oak Ridge
Patrol, indicating that a mysterious f sorved in

the vicinit the Kerr Hollow Pt enc, Siiiiliadeleliertataaaees
interviewed by F. P. Callaghan, acting Chief,
Security Division, » ORO, in the presence of A. L. Rydzewski,

Security Division, ORO, and Charles Jones, Security Agent, Maxon
Construction Company, at approximately 10:15 pem., October 15, 1950,
Hightower is an electrician employed by the Edenfield Flectric Company,
which is under subcontract with the Naxon Construction Company, per-
forming work at the K-29 Plant. He was born June 24, 1596, and at
present. resides at the Edgemore (Grocery along the fdgemore Road,
Hightower gave the following account of his observations. He was
driving to work at approximately 3:15 p.m., October 15, 1950, and upon
nearing the’Kerr Hollow entrance to the Quk Ridge Controlled area, he
was requested by the guard on duty to stop and observe an object which
the guard and another civilian were looking at. He got out of the car
and noticed a white spot in the sky. He said it was "awful high" ond
moved from a position southeast of @EM@@@Mbentrance in a westorly
direction toward the Plant areas, He noted that the sky was clear and
the object was merely white, not shiny and emitted no trail of smoke
and appeared to have no appendages. lie observed the object for about
5 minutes and continued on his way to work before the white object
disuppeared from sight.

When asked what he thought of the object, Pee related that his
first impression was that it might be a t allon, because it looked

quite similar to a toy ballon which one of the neighbor-hood girls

had released in his presence several weeks ago. was not

sure of the size or shape of the object, however he indicated by hand
gesture that it might have been about 9 inches in diameter and probably
was in the shape of a disc or ball.

said that the guard and civilian appeared to be excited and
told him that when they first saw it, the object was "Quite big" and
that it moved along the road at very low altitude and that it suddenly
ascended at an angle to the point where they were cbserving it at

the time. He stated that the guard originally asked him to look at
the object, just to make sure that he wasn't merely imagining he was

seeing things.

UNCLASSIFIEn
7 ree, | Cheng, ee

(mae #3 ot Sehenet RTy L

ty,

The files 16 October 1950

UNCLASSIFIED

GREG stated that as far as he knows his eye-sight is good and
that he only had to use glusses for reading purposes. He had his
eyes tested about 4 yoars ago by Dr. Grubb in Knoxville, at which tine -
the reading glasses were prescribed. He also had taken a pre-drivers
license eye test about 3 weeks ago at the Maxon Pirst aid Station,

ted that the only other person to whom he mentioned

eg the object was a guard stationed at Gate Two to the K-29

Note; The Maxon Guard was later identified as being Jack Laxton,
who was interviewed at approximately 11:15 p.m. Laxton
stated that a man was driving through the portal shortly after
3:00 p.m. and stopped to chat with him for about 5 minutes.
The man stated that he had a headache and that
he had been observing an object in the sky which was called
to his attention @ guard at the Kerr Hollow entrance,
According to e man further related that the
object was 80 he didn't | ee but it looked
more or less like a toy ballon. ated that he
was not excited by this report; however he did mention
Something about flying objects to a fellow guard about two
hours later when they observed aircraft which they believed
were P.38's flying over the plant areas.

Hote; Other individuals who had observed the object were identified as
AEC Patrolman EQQQE und Jchpeineeeeee, employee
of the UT-ALC Farn.

noxville, Tenn

Incident Report UNCLACE!PIED

— ae tT

AEC PATROL
Incident report No. 142.50
Date: October 15, 1950
Time: 3:25 P. Ue
Classification Trooper  eeabcon isis
Unidentified Flying Object Ee. D. Rymer Kerr Hollow
erson Involved A @ No. Company
Trooper qgsiemngaee> ERIE "D" Troop
erson Address Badge No. Company
Capt
J UT Farm 1817
. Maxon 66
aa stopped at Kerr Hollow gate where I was on duty October 15, 1950,
s eM. He and I observed what appeared to be a skywriter in the air, lle was one-

3
quarter of the way through a letter "0", The object appeared to be 12,000 to 15,000
feet high and east by north of the gate, approximately one mile distance from the gate,
At this time, the size appeured to be about the size of a four or five passenger plane,
The object had a smoke trail the same crossectional size of its body and about one-
quarter of a mile long. The smoke was grayish in color, The color of the body of the
object was silver metallic. The object gave off no reflection, It was dull in appear
ance. When first observed, it was describing an aro toward the ground. tihen the
object failed to complete the outside loop, I went into the gate house to report its
appearance, Up till this time I thought it to be a plane doing some skynriting. While
I was making the phone callag@UNUMEENE watched the object continuo downward to
1,500 fest. At that altitude, a second cbject was noticed alongside the smoke trail,
The second object was the same size and shape and was about 50 feet behind the first
object. The second object appeared to be attached to the first object's smoke trail
with about an 80 degree forward thrust, yet the second object was moving in the same
direction of the firat object and not drawing away from the emoke trail of the first
object the way it should have been doing according to its angle and direction. At
this altitude, both objects changed from a bullet shupe to a bladder Shape. also, at
1500 feet both objects began pulling out of the vertical dive. During the entire
descent, both objects diminished in size. From 1,500 feet, the angle of descent was
about 45 degrees, At about 500 feet, the second or trailing object disappeared. The
object continued downward to a point north of the perimeter fonce over the roadway
about 60 yards from the gatehouse toward Solway bridge, This wus where the object was
jae I came out of the gatehouse, At this time, the object had diminished to about 2x5
ches.

De acini tired “2 «, 0 et
PN ot

(page # 1 of Inclosure #

LJ
—

. ; —— ’ “YNCLALS 12D
Incident Report No. 1422.50 <a i“) =

The emoke trail had discontinued but there was a tail that had the appearance of a ribbon
about 5 or 6 feet long. at times the tail lengthened to almost 20 feet. While hovering,
4t had a burnt or dark brown appearance, The tail had an opalescent grayish appearance
with a dark line running dom through the center of it. The main object was still grayist
metallic in color. The object wus hovering about 5 or 6 feet above the road in a
completely stationary position. I went toward the object and the object started moving
southward as I moved toward it. When I got to within 50 feet of it, the min object was
about 4 to 6 feet from the chain link fence on the south side of the road. It moved
straight up to about 12 feet then described a horisontal movement southward across the
fence, then it again moved straight up to about sixty feet where it again moved south
over a light pole and a willow tree, After it passed over the willow tree, it changed
ite direction to the southeast. At this time, ERE PE TAS of

Maxon Construction Company, came along and I stopped him and asked nim to observe it.

He was unable to see the object at first und I returned to the gatehouse to make another
report. GP continued his observation of the object and soon after I went into
the gatehouse, Hightower sighted the object. The object was now ascending at an angle of
about 45 degrees in a southeast direction. As it moved away, it got larger in size and
again asswned a pear or bladder shape. The object continued in this manner until it had
- passed over the ridge south of Solway road and disappeared. :

About five minutes later, Capt. (MM drove up and as he came dom the road I remarked
that I wished it would show up again so he could see it. We looked toward the ridge

and saw it again. The object was moving from west to east about 6 or 9 feet above the
field south of the fence, Its speed was about 15 to 20 miles per hour. I motioned for
Capt. hurry out of his car. He came over to where we were standing on the
first island from the gatehouse. Capt. GREED Looked to where I pointed and saw the
object immediately, at this time, the object was about 200 feet high and ascending

at about 45 degrees in a southeast direction. We saw it for-about 60 seconds before it
disappeared at about 1,500 to 2,000 feet. It had a bladder or pear shape at this tine,

In about five more minutes, Moneymaker and I saw it again about 20 degrees above the
center island house, It had peur shape again and appeared to be about the same size
as a small pear. The object was moving west at about 20 miles per hour. It continued
west about 50 feet above the road until we lost it in the glare of the sun. This was
the last time it appeared, None of us noticed any odor at any time,

When I first saw the object diving, ite speed was very slow. It was much slower than
@ plane could dive. On the 45 degree downward slant, it slowed even more, ‘hon it
moved across the road, the speed was about 15 miles per hour, During the upward slant,
the speed was much faster than the downward slant and it must have been increasing in
size because as it drew away, we could see it just as plainly and about the same size
as when observed up close,

The wind direction was north-northwest and 6 MPH, according to the Knoxville Weather
Station,

UNCLASSIFIED

(M60 #2 of netonre #12) SRL =

e :
ow

HEADQUARTERS THIRD ARMY
FORT MCPHERSON, GEORGIA

UNCLASSIFIED

AJACI<-3 360.33 27 October 1950
SUBJECT: Unconventional Aircraft

TOs Commanding General
Air Materiel Command

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Dayton, Ohio

Attention: MCI (Control No. A-1917)

Inclosed herewith‘is newspaper clipping re objects sighted over
Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:

JOHN LEADE
Colonel, GSC
AC of S, G-2
1 Inols

Clipping from KNOXVILLE JOURNAL, Knoxville,

Tenn., dtd 26 Oct 50 4?
fos)
© = {:

U.S CLASSIFIED

~~ — ote. ©

Saucers Bob Up—

Ridge Informants Insist Object
Seen There Was ‘Big As A ‘House’

By BILL ANDERSON

ce pony beg 25—Reports that an object like a flying saucer
A pralen € top-secret Nuclear Energy for the Propulsion of

ere grew stronger today. aims

But they are all second hand reports like so many of the other stories

Siew NEPA project is a joint effort by the Air Force, the Atomic
Energy Commission, and several

aircraft companies to make a study

| Of the application of atomic energy
to a Propulsion of aircraft.

reports, all unofficial and

Private sources, described
the object as “silver—like an air-

liner, and apparen
eubitrubtion = tly of aluminum

“When in the air it was accom-

panied by the ”
| said, wOUne Ot 0s,” thay

FIRST RIDGE REPORT

It was the first detailed report

of such an object
the atomic city °° “PPear in

AEC officials told The J
that they have “no saebaaet on
such reports.” The commission
recently passed out forms for
guards at the Los Alamos plant
ine po olhec gy my they saw fly-
cers. The { were
distributed here. — Boer
.__ The reports started to filter into

rt Oak Ridge Bureau

ago. They were at

ret discounted, due to the fact

_ on the same day the reports

- yo po 7 of the AEC que
amos

| The Journal. =

Yesterday two reports were re-
Continued on Page 9, Col. 1

—_—

=_— ee Uh

a

UNCLASSIFIED

—-
wh

J eee «CO

(Clipping from Knoxville Journal, dated 26 Oct 1950)

9 THE KNOXVILLE JOURNAL
Vhersday, October 26, 1950 ———

Again In Reports Saucer Reports Bob Up

Again In Ridge Reports

Informants Say Aluminum Object Rose Near
Secret Project, Was ‘Big As A House’

CONTINURD FROM PAGE ONE
ceived, both from usually reliable
sources,

The saucer-looking object was
geen late Thursday, Oct. 12—a
few hours before the form story
appeared.

The following description was
given of the object: “It was round
and big as a four-room house. The
color was silver—like an airliner,
and it was of aluminum construc:
tion, or an element looking like
aluminum. There was a “blister”
at the top of the saucer, and it
had windows.

ROSE—AND SWOOSH!

“The object rose, very slowly,
for about 100 feet, and then moved
slightly forward. The Journal in-
formant said, “Again it rose, about
the same distance up and forward
and then—swoosh! It was gone
at a fast rate of speed.”

The person added that the ob
ject, during its fast flight away
from the vicinity, seemed to “flat-
ten out.”

None of the sources questioned
by The Journal had seen the ob-
ject; they had just talked to some-
one who said they had seen it.
And it was obvious that the per-
gons who said they saw it did
not realize what they were tell-
ing might fall under the head of
classified or secret information.
Strict security rules cover all

SE

classified material,

While the official AEC state
ment was “no comment,” checks
with several other sources indi-
cate a rumor of the same object
has made its rounds of the gov-
ernment buildings here.

In a routine check with various
officials connected with the proj-
ect here, the following informa-
tion was given to them, and then
a series of questions asked:
“Several persons working near
and around the NEPA project and,
the K-25 plant have stated an
object, termed by them as a ‘fly-.
ing saucer,’ was seen early Oct.
13 or late Oct. 12 in the K-25
area.

“Have you heard similar reports
of the same type objects near that
area or the NEPA project either
at those times or at an earlier
or later date?”

NO AEC COMMENT

Gordon Molesworth, assistant to
the manager for Public Informa-
tion here, said, “no comment” tc
the questions.

Will Cole, public relations at
NEPA said “no.”

Both offices said flatly that
there had been no “official” in
formation passed on to them,

The latest quarterly report is
sued by the Office of Public In¢
formation for the AEC has a lo’;
to say about the atomic propul
sion project, but no recent in
formation as to progress at the
{ plant.

Last week, one woman reported?
to The Journal that her neighbor?
had spotted what she had de}
scribed as a flying saucer. Her;
| description placed the object fly-f
ing in circles over the area for
some length of time. Earlier in
the same day, a fighter plane,
stationed In Knoxville for protec:
tional purposes here, had been
flying over the area.

Previous reports during the past
year came from the usual run of)
reporting flying saucers. One scare
turned out to be a weather bal:
loon that had broken its ties wit!
the local weather station. Severa’
persons saw the balloon, which
accompanied by air pockets anc
directional winds, plus a light fo
\the weather observers, actualls
appeared to be a saucer.

Another case was two jet plane,

MCGHEE TYSON AIRPORT
BOx 202, MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE

UNCLASSIFIED 26 October 1950

SUBJECT; Report on Unconventional Aircraft or Flying Cbject

TOs Commanding General
Air materiel Command
Wright Patterson Air Force ase
Ghio
Attn; NGIS

1. In compliance with paragraph 2, Department of the Air force
letter, file AM0-CG-1, date 8 September 1950, Subjects Same as above,
the following report on unconventional aircraft or flying objects
is hereby submitted.

_2e In compliance with paragraph 2d cited letter the following
detailed information is furnished:

a. The objects appeared to be about the size of 4 or 5
passenger plane when first observed. The color was silver metallic,
with no reflection and dull in appearance. The object had a smoke
trail approximately one fourth mile long. (for varing sizes and appear-
ances see Incl #1). Object was bullet shaped when first observed,
changing to bladder shape and diminishing in size as it descended and
arc forward to the earth. The propulsion system could not be deter-
mined except the remote possibility of propulsion expansion and con~
traction through the use of unknown gases. The speed of the object
was very slow, at times during the observation the speed was as low
as 15 miles per hour. The air maneuvers was the increase and de-
crease in altitude which was at an angle of about 45°, The first
observed altitude was estimated at 12,000 to 15,000 feet. The ob-
ject emitted no sound.

a) b. Time sighteds 1520 hours EST, length of time observed;
‘) . approximately twenty (20) minutes.

\
7 Cc. Manner of observations Visual only
y

\ d. Location of observers Kerr Hollow Gate, Oak Ridge, Tenn.

@. Observers reliability; Trooper is an AEC patrol-
man and as such receives training as an aircraft ground observer.
He was on duty at the of the observation and the attached incl #1.

jeameek IED Wh.

DOWNGRADED AT 3 YMAR INTERVATBp- Phase Mine unas
DECLASSIFINI) AFTER 12 YEAIS Sea P eh naa “te age
DQV DIK 5200.10 :

ow Rtdinesse,. ssa ue Siheds, cogs

ES.

NOVEMBER 1950 SIGHTINGS

!

~

EVALUATION

Astro (Meteor)
Balloon
UNIDENTIFIED
Insufficient Data
Balloon

Other (WX Returns)

- Balloon
‘Insufficient Data

A/c

Insufficient Data
Birds

A/c

Other joe Return)

Meteor)
(eke. Cowent )

(Ye Corky

Astro

A/c

UNIDENTIFIED

A/c

A/c

UNIDENTIFIED

Other (Ice Fall)

UNIDENTIFIED

Astro (Meteor)
Other (Unrel Rpt)

Other(Random Noise)

Astro (Meteor)

Astro (Meteor)

A/c

MultiAstro (Meteor)
TWA a le

\ '
DATE LOCATION OBSERVER
a SE Canada, N England States,N Y Air & Gd Visual
3 . San Francisco ms Calif
5 -Oakridge,
5 ~ Jonesville, e-
7 “Lakehurst, N Jersey
10 - Ruislip, England GD (RADAR)
11 (Info)(Balloon Recovery)
13 - Meridian, Miss RES a)
14 - Rome, Ga Malti
14 —Key West, Fla Ga (RADAR)& Air Vis
23 ~ Okinawa
23 ~ Maxwell AFB, Ala
27 ‘ Bakersfield, Calif
29-30 -Knoxville, Tenn Ga (RADAR)
30 ‘Alaska Multi, Air & Gd
12 CAL] Fo nRwia ( Lato yal cers By
Gor) DECEMBER 1950 SIGHTINGS
Info Mid Dec San Diego, Calif (Vallee)
1 Charleston, S Carolina
2 -Nenyika, Kenya, Africa
5 - Oakridge, Tenn
6 ~ Westover AFB, Mass
6 -Ft Meyers, Fla eae
DR9 “London, England Newspaper
11 ~ Alaska Air Vis Mil & Civ
13 “Lake Champlain, Vt
14 -Bliss, Idahoa
18 ~Oakridge, Tenn Vi , Ga (RADAR) A/C
21 “Los Alamos, N Mexico
2k ~Los Alamos, N Mexico
2h Hickam AFB, Hawaii Air Vis, Bowl
27 (Info) Bradford, Tl
27 ~-Lakehurst, N Jersey
28 ~ Los Alamos, N Mexico
“ 28 _Jaaw

Astro (Meteor)
Merson

eae :

Pe ale ode Gade

ee
ts agai pie tg

‘eee ‘@uceres- .

Subject; Report on gaockeentiona) Aircraft or Flying Object, Det #1, 30th AD

3. This report not submitted on AF form 112 due to non-availability
of subject form.

‘i Bets

Report of Incident Major, USAF
by Trooper Rymer Commanding

Info cyss
CG, EADF
Attn; Intelligence Off
CG, ConAC
Attn; Intelligence Off

UNCLASSIFIED

A Sst GE A Bae ratio
, eee Sot 2.

oe = . : S.. 5

et  . beh? ce aL * Sr iat" te eae
Gi: shea ge SO Poe See
sks

he
5 ;
ay 4

eg, ME
STAT SRR tT -

UNCLASSIF I

GE stopped at Kerr Hollow gate where I was on duty
October 15, 1950, 3:20 FP... He and I observed what anpeared to be a

skywriter in the air. He was one quarter of the way throurch a letter "0",
The object appeared to be 12,000 to 15,000 feet high and eest by north of
the gate, appro-ximately one mile distant from the sate. at this tine,

the size appeare:! to be about the size of a four or five passenrer plane.
The object had a smoke trail the same cross sectional size of its bod; and
about one cuarter of a mile long. The smoke was grayish in color, The
color of the body of the object was silver metallic. The object cave off no
reflection, It was dull in appearance. “hen first observed it wes des-
cribing an are toward the sround. ‘hen the object failed to complete the
outside loop, I went into the sate house to report its appearence, Up

till this tire I thought it te be a crlane doing some skywriting. “hile =
was making the chone call, @MMMB watch-d the object continue
dovmward to 1,500 feet. At that eltitude, a second object was noticed clong-
side the smoke trail. The second object was the some size and shase and vas
about 50 feet behind the first object. The second object azrecred to be
attached to the first object's smoke trail with ebout an €O decree forverd
thrust, yet the second object was moving in the same direction of the first
object end not drawing away from the smol:e trail of the first object the

way it should have been doing according to its angle and direction. At this
altitude, both objects changed from a bullet shave to a bladder shace. al-
so, 1,500 feet both' objects besan pullins. out of the vertical dive. During
the entire descent, both dbjects diminished in size. From 1,500 feet, the
ancle of descent was about 45 degrees. At about 500 feet, the second or
trailing o»oject diseppesred. The object cortinued dovmward to a soint north
of the perimeter fence over the roadway ebout 60 yards from the catehouse
toward solwey bridge. This vas where the object vas vhen I came out: of the
gatehouse, at this tine, the object had diminished to about 2 x 5 inches.
The smoke trail had discontinued but there was a tail that had the appear-
ance of a ribbon about 5 or 6 feet lonc. At times the sail lencthened %o
almost 20 feet. ‘hile hovering, it had a burnt or dark brovn appearance.
The tail had an opalescent, sravish appearance with e dark line running dovn
through the center of it. The main obfect was still crayish metallic in
color. The object was hovering about 5 or 6 feet above the roac in a com-
pletely stationary position. I went toward the object end the object started
moving southward as I moved toward it. “hen I got to within 50 feet of it,
the main object wes about 4 to 6 feet from the chain link fence on the south
side of the road, It moved straisht up to about 12 feet and then descrined
& horizontal movement southwerd across the fence, then it arsin moved strei cht
up to about sixty feet where it asain moved south over a light pole and 4

willow tree. After it passed over the willov tree, it changed its direction
to the southeast. At this time, eT of Maxon
Construction company, came aloncs and I sto_ped him and asked him to observe it,

.

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UNCLASSIFIED
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Statement (Continued) UNCLASSIFIED —

He was unable to see the object at first cand I returned to the "etehouse

to make another report, ntinued to observed the object and soon
after I went into the gatehouse, sighted the object. The object
was now ascending at an angle of shout 45 decrees in a southeast direction.
As it noved away, it got larger in size and acain assured a pear or bladder

shape. The object continued in this manner until it had passed over the
ridge south of Solway road and disappeared.

About five minutes later, Captain Qygggmmigb drove up and as he cme down the
road I remarked that I wished it would show up again so he could see it. ie
looked toward the ridse and aaw it again. The object was moving from weat
to east about 8 or 9 feet above the field south of the fence. Its speed
was about 15 to 50 miles per hour. I motioned for Captain SM to hurry
out of his car. He came over to where we vere statding on the first island
from the satehouse, Captein QM loolied to where I pointed ans saw the
object imuediately. At this time, the object was about 200 feet high and
axcending at sebout 45 degrees in a southeast direction. ‘“‘e sew it for about
60 seconds before it disappeared at about 1,500 to 2,000 feet. It had a
bladder or pear shase at this time.

In about five ~ore minutes, iggqggglMBre end I saw it asain avout 20
degrees above the center island house. It had a pear shave arain and ajpeared to
be about the same size as a small pear. The object was moving west at avout
20 miles per hour. It continued west about 50 feet above the roed until
we lost it in the glere of the sun. This wes the last time it appeardd.
None of us noticed any odor at any time.

“hen I first sew the boject diving, its sreed was very slow, It was much
siower than a plane could dive. Cn the 45 degree dowvmward slant, it slowed
even more. “.hen it moved across the poad, the sgeed was about 15 miles ver
hour. During the upward slant, the speed was much faster than the dovnvard
slant and it must heve been increasing in size because as it drew avay, we
could see it just as plainly and ebout the same size as when observed up
close.

The wind direction was north-northwest and 8 :7H, according to the
Knoxville “eather Station.

Trooper
AEC Patrol

UNCLASSIFIED
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Aq Third Army ltr to CO AMC, td 10-24-50, subj: ” ional Acft"
let Ind MCIAKA~1a/JIR/eps
Headquartera (C, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Onio

THW: Director of Intelligence, ATTN: CB, Headquarters, Ui\?,
Weahington 25, D. C. |

TO: Assistant for Atamic Energy, ATTN: AFOATel, Heacquarters, UiaAr,
Washington 25, D. Co |

i. In view of the nature of the vork being carrie’ out eat Oak Rico,
Tennessee, plus the fact that reports on individual sightings vere eccom
panied by radar observations, it was decided that the investigation of
this particular case warrants your attention.

2. The type of radar cet used in detecting the unknown radar echoos
Gescribei in Inclosure 1 is not given. However, based on tvo remarks
contained therein, it is believed to have been an AN/CPs-1 radar operate
ing at a frequency of approximately 3,000 mcs. ‘he frequency of operation,
Crfe, iG’, Vi", UT, Sil’, has considerable bearing on possible explanations
of spurious radar echoes,

3. Moterolorical information is an almost absolute necessity in
explaining gpurious racar echoes. This data is lacking in Inclosure l,
The shape or signal characteristics of spurious echoes are also of cone
sicerable assistance in analyzing the situation. For instance, the
signal returning from an aircraft would occupy, in range, a space on the
scope equal to the pulse lenrth in seconds multiplied by the exceed of
electrical impulses through air. ‘Thus, a pulse of one microsecond length
mltiplied by 156,000 (the speed of electromagnetic waves throuch air)
would paint a targot on the scope vhich vould cecupy 0.145 niles rance.
Spurious signals due to weather conditions always occupy more ranre than
that frou a single target and have a more rapid beating ani/or clianging
of signal strength than that obtained from adjacent aircraft terpets,

4, The echoes briefly cescribed in Inclosure 1 are considered to be

very similar to those obtained on the scope of the SCH-504 at Wrichte

Patterson AF Base on © March 1950. Fichter aircraft wore vectored towards
the spurious echoes at wrirht-Patterson AP Ease, but no tarpets were seen
by the fighter pilots. However, the pllota reported the formation cf
iceeladen clouds et 10,000 feet altitiwe. Tho ice conditions o7 these
Cloucs vere coasicered to be recyonsible for the spirious echoes ani the
changing ice conditions of the cloids to have caused the signal streagth
te fluctuate end to appear to be moving at various speeds.

5. The spurious racar echoes described in Inclosure 1 are believed
to have been caused by atmospheric conditions. Atmospherie conlitions

UNCLASSIFIED

50S— (11507

= ~~

Hq Third Army ltr to CO AMD, dtd 10-2450, subj: "Uneoaventional Aeft”

causing spurious microwave refar echoes usually consist of rain, heavily
water-laden clouds, and iceela“en clouds, Abnormal temperature chanses
with altitude are usually acsociated vith these atmospheric conditions
and my be responsible to some extent for the spurious echces.

6. While it te impossible to definitely explain the phenomena cb-
served visually by people in the area, many of the details reported
follow the pattern of reports on other incidents on which conclusions
were drawn to the effect that people saw veather balloons, peculiar
clouds or smoke formations, sircraft through an overcast, etc. Evidence
ie Sie Givads teak Gea Biadhhees Were wats by wanmees yeeple welir
breaks down since, in most cases, @ vould be object is first reportet by

one individual and the mmber of subsequent reports is usually ceternined
by the publicity surrounding the incident.

Te In the event any photographs ere available on recent sightings
at Osk Pidqe, Aly Materiel Command is desirous of securing copies for
evaluation,

POR THE COMMANDIING GETIERAL:

2 Inels HAROLD BE, WATSOS
Chief, Intelligence Department

UNCLA.SSIFIED

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