PROJECT BLUE BOOK

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USAF Historical Archives
ASI(ASHAF-A)
Maxwell AFB, Ala 36112

EEE ee

e 7

UFO ADVISORY PANEL MEETING
2j July 1959

Te Members Present = Dr. Le Ve Robinson, AFCINe/\ hi, Astronomer
Mre Theodore J. Hieatt, AFCINe\X3, Public Relations
Mre Ve Je Handmacher, RDZSXD, Physicist
Ma jor Leroy De Pigg, WCLDPPM, Psychologist
Captain R, Pritz, EWH, Chaplain
Major Robert J. Friend, AFCIN-/ Fie

II. Introduction. The purpose of this meeting was as follows:

ae Introduce Dr. Hynek, Air Force consultant on the UFO Program,
to the panel.

be. Hear an account of Dr. Hynek's meeting with Aime Michel, French
author of "Flying Saucers and the Straight Line Mystery".

ce Discuss the trends in the program as derived from the statistics
of the six month period 1 January 1959 to 30 June 1959.

d. Discuss the outstanding cases for the month of July 1959.
e. Discuss latest activities of the private UFOites.
III. Discussion:

ae The meeting was opene: by Major Friend, who outlined the objec-
tives of the meeting.

| be Dr. Hynek related the events of his visit with Aime Michel, French
writer on the subject of UFO's, and author of "Flying Saucers and the

\ Straight Line Mystery". It was pointed out that Michel is an engineer

| with the French telephone company, is very harp, very definitely not a
crackpot, but is indeed very biased in his attitude toward UFOs. Aime
Michel's opinion is that scientific investigation was not the province
of the government, but could be done better by private individuals.

In answer to a query as to what should be done, Michel replied that
someone who had access to all the data sit down and think about it.

Dr. Hynek also brought out the following facts resulting from his
meeting with Michel:

=m,

(1) More serious scientists interested in the UFO Subject in
France than in the United States. This group is, however, small.

(2) Report of disceshaped objects began in France in 19)2.

h (3) French general public does not take much interest in UFO's
while in the United States it does.

ce Major Friend pointed out to the panel that the most significant
information gained from the six month statistics 1 January 1959 to >
30 June 1959, was the fact that the slope of the curvewas generally the
same as for the same period in 1958, and that the number of cases was
approximately 50% of the 1958 total for the period.

d. The outstanding cases for the month which were discussed are as
follows:

(1) Airline pilot sighting, area of Hawaii, 11 July 1959. The
panel agreed with the conclusion that the object responsible for this
Sighting was a meteor of the fireball class,

(2) Photograph of an unidentified flying object taken by Mrs.
William F,. Barrett of Great Barrington, Massachusetts while visiting
Norway 2) July 1957. The panel could come to no conclusion on the cause
and recommended that the photograph be sent to Eastman Kodak for possible
analysis.

é. The publicity being given to the UFO sighted by Captain Killian,
American Airlines pilot, his crew and 39 passengers, and other airline
pilots on 25 February 1959, was discussed. The panel, while agreeing
that the probable cause of the sighting was jet refueling, felt that
this case, as do others, indicates incomplete investigation due to the
fact that no Air Force representative ever interrogated the principal
witnesses. The panel recommended that even after this lapse Captain
Killian and his co-pilot be questioned for the record. (See attachment

#1)
IV. Suggested Actions: ‘

ae That a qualified individual representing the ATIC be sent to
question Captain Killian of American Airlines even at this late date,
and a full report be made to the panel at an early date.

b. That in the future the OIC of Project Blue Book be authorized

to instizate similar investigations at the earliest moment when, in his
julgment, 9 case warrants such immediate attention.

‘hile 0
“ jor, ASAP

AF CIN! Ee

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The Aerial Phenomena Advisory Panel, at its rereular meeting on 27 Tulv
1959, reviewed in detail current critical cases of reported serial
Sightings; in the course of their discussion it became apparent that

the current program of UFO investigation remains open to serious potential
criticism by the public and can possibly place the ATIC in an inexcusable
light in the event of close examimation. To wit; it occurs too frequently
that inadequate investigations have been made of cases that could become
(and in many cases have already become) celebrated ceases. In some cases,
indeed, the principals in the case were not interrogated because of lack
of adequate personnel. A case in point is that of Captain Killian, his
crew, and 39 passengers, who on 25 February 1959, witnessed an unexplained
Sighting of three lights that reputedly followed their American Airlines
plane. The case has already become a well-publicized ense and is likely
to remain one of the perplexing “unknowns" in the eyes of the public to
harass ATIC in future years. There is some evidence, however, that this
Sighting may have been the result of a refueling operation.

The panel therefore recommends that even after the lapse of six months,
it is urgent that the principals in this case be interrogated by a
competent individual or individuals representing ATIC, and that a full
report be made to the panel at an early date. It further recommends that
Major Friend be authorized to instigate similar investigations at the
earliest possible moment when, in his judgment, a case warrants such
immediate attention in view with its nuisance or scientific value.

Dr. Le V. Robinson, AFCIN-/.E), Astronomer

Mr. Theodore J. Hieatt, AFCIN#9i:X3, Public Relations
Mr. Ve. J. Handmacher, RDZSXD, Physicist

Major Leroy D. Pigg, WCLDPPM, Psychologist

Captain R. Pritz, EWH, Chaplain

Major Robert J. Friemi, AFCINel Ele, Aerial Phenomena

Dre Je Allen Hynek, Air Force Consultant

AFCINelEhe Weekly Activity Report

SUBJECT: UFO Progran 2/7 May 1959

1. An UFO Advisory Panel meeting was held in the office of the
Aerial Phenomena Group on Monday, 25 May 1959. Possible approaches
which would possibly make an extension of Special Report /1) more
meaningful were discussed. It was concluled thet the Aerial Phenomens
Group would domeciately give consideration to makime © tine line
analysis of particular events todetermine their possible effect on
the number of UFO reports. A talk by Frank Bawards on 6 Tune 1959,

at Akron, Ohio was decided to be used as an initial event for this

study on UFO's,

(PPT°5771, Maje ke J. Friend, 69216)

(UNCLASSIFIED)

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U¥O ADVISONY PANY M)ETING
25 May 1959

Members - Dr. Le. V. Robinson, APUINehi, Astronomer
bre Theodore J. Hicatt, AVGINe\A3, Public Nelations
Mere Ve Je Handomcher, RDLIXD, Physicist
Major Leroy De Pigg, WOLDPPM, Paychologist
Captain A. Pritz, Iwi, Chaplain
Major Robert Je Yriend, ArCINel ike

Introductions

The purpose of this meeting was to determine the type of infor-
mation which should be used for correlation in bringing Special Repart
wilh up to date.

All members of the panel were present.

Discussion:

Major Friend opened the meeting with general beckground information
on the program and specifically Special Report /1l,. It was explained
to the panel that the information contained in the report was almost
& pure statistical stuly and that far the most part the information
gained was negetive in mature. The meeting was then opened to the
members as to am approach which would possibly make an extension of
this atudy more meaningful. After discussion, it was decided that
further examination of this srea would be continued at the next meetin
after the meubers were able to make a more thorough study of the report
(Special Report (1). However, the following tentative suggestions were
made and discussed by the panel:

Major Pigg - Time line analysis after some major event which could
possibly effect the number of UFO sightings. rank
Edwards is to give a presentation on Unidentified
Flying Objects on 6 June 1959, at Akron, Ohio, and
this was selected as our first event. If a consistent
lag oceurs after such an event before there is an
increase in the number of UFO reports, it would allow
the Air Force to anticipate these surges end possibly
take preventive action.

Dre Robinson - Suggested that predictable astronomical events (i.e.
meteor showers) be correlated with the UFO sightings.
In conjunction with this it was also suggested that
the annual weather cycle be correlated, since during
periods of extreme cloudiness these astronomical
events would probably not be observed.

| pn SR Pe SSS 2x ye Ee —

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i

Captain Pritz - Suggested thet periois of extreme public anxieties
be Correlated with UFO sightings. These periods of
anxieties may be political, economic, religious, ete.
Gapt. Pritz further pointed out that people are

generally gullible, especially sincerely religious
people, and are ensily taken in,

Mire Handmacher - Sugested that the sighting may be an extension of
the "*eold wax". He also indileate: that the AVRO
(dise shaped aircraft) was to start flying soon and
that this could cause an increase in reports. Mr.

jdandmacher to supply us with a date and location,
if possible.

mm, |

Swamary!

It was concluded that the Aerial Phenomena Group would imme-
diately give consideration to Major Pigg's suggestion of a time line
analysis using tie "“Vrank Kdwards* talk as an initial event.

The other suggestions would be shelved until the next meeting
of the panel when 411 members would be more familiar with Gpecial
Report #1h.

Mare Hieatt is to show the moving pictures of the UFO show which
was on the Armstrong Circle Theater TV program.

ROBERT J. FRILND
Major, USA?
AFC IN|) Ekg

A¥CINelEhge Weekly Activity Report

SUBJECT: UFO Progrem 3 May 1959

le On Wednesday, 5 May 15959, the newiy formed UFO Advisory
Panel hed its first mecting.. The purpose of this meeting was to

brief the members on the UFO Program and the purpose of the pane’.

2. The Pevel consists of men qualified in diversified fields:

Lt. Gol. Richard M. Graham, Cheplaia, Fwii
Mr. Theodore J. Hieatt, Public Relationa, 4X3
Maje Leroy D. Pigg, Psychology, “GLDrP!

Mr. Ve 7. Handmacher, Physicist, RDZSxD

Dr. Le Ye Robinson, Astronomer, FL

The organizations to which these men belong graciously allowed

their services on 4 voluntary basis.

~*~

3- The purpose of the panel is +o. review the more troublesome
cases, spot trends in the progrem, and mike suggestions as to the
future outlook. The regular meeting time of this panel is tentatively
the last Monday of each month.

(PPT-5771, Ma je Re Je Friend, 69216)
( UNCLASSIFIED)

ER e nak ELDER BONN Teton Re rE Emam.

' :

CYS SENT TO: WCLDPPM, Maj Pigg
RDZSXD, Mr. Handmacher

UFO Advisory Panel Meeting, 6 May 1959
Ew ATIC 3 May 1959
ATTN: Chaplain Graham LF CINe Fhe /! mi Ne Je Triend/ac/692if

1. A copy of the wriefing given at the initial meeting of the UFO Advisory
Panel, and a folder containing som general statistical information are inclosed
for your information and retention.

2. The intention of AFCINelEe is to schedule the meeting of the panel on
the last Monday of each month.

3. The next scheduled meeting of the panel is O900, Area "A", Bldg. 263,
Hangar “A"* South, Hoom ur. je

he The main topic of discussion will be "Procedure For A Statistical Study
of the UFO Program".

OR I(t v9

2 Inclas VINC EinT
le Uy of Briefing COlonel, USAF
2 . Fo lde of JItate Ad > ] ely di

yer 7, -
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CYS TO: 2WH ~ Chaplain Graham
WCLDPFM - Maj Pigg
RDZSXD « Mr. Hanimacher
APOIESQER = DF RORERSON sine of UFO Advisory Panel

ABCINE),X3 APC Iivleh Eh, 29 Apr 59

ATIN:« Mr. lHieatt Avhe/Maj Friend/ae/69216/Bid& 263

1. The first meetire of the UFO Advisary Panel is to be held on Wednesday,
6 May 1959. at 0900, in Room “3, Manger "A" South, Bldg. 263, Area "A",

2e The purpose of Wiis moeting is to brief the members of the pane) on the
program, our method of operation, and the purposes of the panel.

3e The information to be discussel wil) not exceed a classification of

he This OF is a igliow-up te the telephone notice of this swetinge
Se If umable to attenmi, notify APCD-hikg by telephone, Ext. 69216.

6e We still plen to hold these meetings on the last Monday of each month.
However, we are deviating at this time in an effart to get the Advisary Panel
umior Waye

VINGLIG C. RETHMAR
Golonel, UsAr
AS Olive) LA

i
DISPOSITION FORM

SUBJECT
Unidentified Flying Objects Advisory Panel

SECURITY C pf Fartion Cf eng)

TO wCLDY FROM = =ATIC p,-/7OMTE = 16 Mar 59 COMMENT NO. 1
ATTN: Lt/Col Farris AFC IN-4 Ey /Ma j Féiend /ac/69216/Blde 828

l. The Air Technical Intelligence Center is responsible for the Air Force's
Unidentified Flying Objects Program. The interest in this area is threefold, to
determine if UFO's constitute a threat to national security or are a danger in any

way, to determine if there are any areas of scientific interest and the public
relations aspects.

2e In an effort to improve our method of handling this program the ATIC pro-

poses the formation of an advisory panel composed of persons qualified in the
following areas:

Psychology
Physics
Astronomy
Religion

Public Relations.

The personnel for this panel to be provided on a voluntary basis by Wright-Patterson
Air Force Base and the tenant organizations.

3- This panel to meet one day each month for the purpose of detecting possible
trends in the program and to make recommendations for possible improvements in the
method of operation. Tentatively the panel will meet on the last Monday of each

month. Members of the panel wil] be notified by phone and/or D.F. when a meeting
is scheduled.

kh. It is requested that WCLDT support this effort with the service of a
Psychologist to be utilized as stipulated above.

5. It is further requested that this office be notified if the requested

support is to be granted, and the name and telephone number of the individual
assigned, if in the affirmative.

/ /\ Y / bu
He K. GILBERT
Colonel, USAF
Deputy for Sciencé and Components
Air Technical Intelligence Center

T) D , coon 6 REPLACES NME FORM 96, | OCT 48. WHICH MAY BE USED DD, QOERESNT STING OPPS + 1088 OC - CURES

2
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ADVISORY PANEL
AERIAL PHENOMENA GROUP

CHAPLAIN

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Chaplain (Lt/Col) Richard M. Graham
EWH, Phone 60317

Chaplain (Capt) Mervin R. Johnson
EWH, Phone 60317

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Mr. Theodore J. Hieatt
AFCIN-l.X3, Phone 55266

Mre Spencer Whedon
AFCIN#X3, Phone 57136

PSYCHOLOGY al

Major Leroy D. Pigg
WCLDPPM, Phone 38278

PHYSICIST

Mire Ve Je Handmacher

“aodsxb, Phone 3300 WW/ IP PO

ASTRONOMER

Dr. Le V. Robinson sv 37“
AFCIN=\E), Phone #@226

OL NYNLad

i 2geoot

SECURITY C FICATION (if any)

DISPOSITION FORM

SUBJECT
a ei Unidentified Flying Objects Advisory Panel

TO TIC FROM = §=pNZSxD DATE, Apr 59 COMMENT NO. 1
ATTN: AFCIN-UE Mr. R. D. Hodge/ jem
Maj. Friend 31324/B14/Rm1 2h

le Mr. V. Je Handmacher, Space Systems Office, (RDZSXD), will be available

to participate on Subject panel.

RALPH D. HODGE

Chief, Space Systems

Office of the Deputy for
Advanced Systems

Directorate of Systems Management

D -D Le 2) 6 REPLACES NME FORM 96. | OCT 48. WHICH MAY BE USED U. 8. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1952 © - 986875

? .

SUBJECT: Unidentified Flying Objects Advisory Panel

TO: ATI E+ FROM: WCLDPP DATE: 27 March 1959 COMMENT NO. 2

22228/B28/R200<C
\
le The Behavioral Sciences Division of the Aero Medical Laboratory nominates
Major leroy D. Pigg, 272A, to serve as a member of the subject panel. Major Pigg

is a trained psychologist and is rated a Command Pilote He has a clearance for
Secret granted 2); March 1951.

2e It is understood that participation in the activities of the advisory

panel is voluntary and subject to linitation by priority obligations on the time of
the nominee e

3e Major Pigg, symbol: WCLDPPM, extension 38278, should be advised directly
of the details of the first meeting.

Howard £.Pavr

ROWARD L. PARRIS

‘ol. USAF _
Lt. ool sehavioral Sciences Div jsion
Aero Medical Laboratory

ATIC, Subject: Unidentified Flying Objects Advisory Panel, 16 Mar 59
TO: ATIC FROM: EWH DATE: 20 Mar 59 COMMENT NR. 2
AFCIN-4E4¢
f] Ch (Lt Col) Graham/60317/ac

i

1. The Chaplains Section is very much interested in basic communica-
tions.

2. Chaplain (Captain) Mervin 8. Johnson or the undersigned will be
responsible for attending all called meetings of the proposed panel. The
telephone extension for both is 6-0317.

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ty by Ca LSC-_U"*
RICHARD To

Chaplain (Lt Colonel), USAF
Installation Chaplain

SubJecT: Uniaentified Flying Objects Advisory Panel, 16 Mar 59

TO: AFCIN-4iy FROM: AFCIN-443 LATE: 19 Mar 59 COMMENT NR 2
Mr Hieatt/dmt/55266/Bldg 263

APCiN-4A3 enthusiastically indorses this proposal and concurs in appointment
of Mr. dHieatt to the panel. m4 that Mr. shedon be listeu as an alternate,

le A. raed”

iH, STRAHL
Deputy Chief
Ag

t
DISPOSITION FORM

SUBJECT
Unidentified Flying Objects Advisory Panel

FROM = ATIC ATE 16 Mar 59 COMMENT NO. |
-— Lt/Col R. M. Graham AFCIN-)E\/Maj Priend/ac/69216/Bldg 828

: | SECURITY Cu. BIFICATION (Uy eng)

1. The Air Technical Intelligence Center is responsible for the Air Force's
Unidentified Flying Objects Program. The interest in this area is threefold, to
determine if UFO's constitute a threat to national security or are a danger in any

way, to determine if there are any areas of scientific interest and the public
relations aspects.

2e in an effort to improve our method of handling this program the ATIC
proposes the formation of an advisory panel composed of persons qualified in the
following areas:

Religion
Psychology

Physics
Astronomy

Public Relations

The personnel for this panel to be provided on a voluntary basis by Wright-Patterson
Air Force Base and the tenant organizations.

3- This panel to meet one day each month for the purpose of detecting possible
trends in the program and to make recommendations for possible improvements in the
method of operation. Tentatively the panel will meet on the last Monday of each

monthe Members of the panel will be notified by phone and/or D. F. when a meeting
is scheduled.

ue Many of the cases reported to tne ATIC have as a basis religious belief
or at least strong religious overtones. It is requested that EWH support the
ATIC with the services of a Chaplain to be utilized as stipulated above.

5-e It is further requested that this office be notified if the requested

Support is to be granted, and the name and telephone number of the individual
assigned, if in the affirmative.

/.| J 4 | /

\ i

He Ke GILBERT
‘Colbhel, USAF
Deputy for Science and Components
Air Technical Intelligence Center

FEB ! U, 8. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1952 © - 908875
DD 1 FEB 50 36 REPLACES NME FORM 96, | OCT 48. WHICH MAY BE USED

é
DISPOSITION FORM

SUBJECT
Unidentified Flying Objects Advisory Panel

TO §3=AFCIN#4X3 FROM 8 AFCIN]/ Ei Gy DATE 16 Mar 59 COMMENT NO. |
EY /Ma j Feiend/ac/69216/Bld¢ 828

SSEUNTTT c. QRFTCATION WW cee

1. The Air Technical Intelligence Center is responsible for the Air Force's
Unidentified Flying Objects Program. The interest in this area is threefold, to
determine if UFO's constitute a threat to national security or are a danger in any
way, to determine if there are any areas of scientific interest and the public
relations aspects.

2e In an effort to improve our method of handling this program the ATIC pro-
poses the formation of an advisory panel composed of persons qualified in the
following areas:

Public Relations
Psychology
Physics
Astronomy
Religion

The personnel for this panel to be provided on a voluntary basis by Wright-Patterson
° Air Force Base and the tenant organizations.

3- This panel to meet one day each month for the purpose of detecting possible
trends in the program and to make recommendations for possible improvements in the
method of operation. Tentatively the panel will meet on the last Monday of each
month. Members of the pane] will be notified by phone and/or D.F. when a meeting
is scheduled.

4. It is requested that AFCIN-4X3 support AFCIN-4H4 with the services of Mr.
Hieatt. Mr. Hieatt will serve as the Public Relations expert on the panel described
above.

5- it is further requested that AFCIN=-/,E) be notified if 4X3 is unable to

support this effort.

Znaoe GLASER

Colonel, USAF
AFCIN-LE)

D >) 1 freee 5S REPLACES NME FORM 96, | OCT 48, WHICH MAY BE USED ee ee ee ee ee ea

Unidentified Flying Objects Advisory Panel

XX THRU: RDZSX ATIC 16 Mar 59
ATTN: Col Holm ANCINeyRh/Maj Friend/ac/69216/Bldg 826
TOs RbDS3xD

ATTN: Mr. Helph Hodge

1. The Air Technics] Intel licence Center is responsible for the Air lorce's
Unidentified Flying Objects Proerem. The interest in this arse is threefold, te
determine if Ul0's constitute ea threet to nations] security or are a danger in any

way, to determine if there are any sress of scientific interest and the public
relations uspects.

é- In an effort to improve our method of handling this progrem the ATIv

proposes the formation of an advisory cane] composed of persons qualified in the
following areas:

Poysics
Religion
Psychology
Astronony

Pablic helations

The personnel for this panel to be provided on s yoluntery basic by Wriehterattorson
Air Force Rese ani the tenant orreanizations.

3. This panel to meet ome dey enen month for the nurpoce of detestine noccibdle
trerisa in the vrorrem «*4 to mike racommenistions for posaibie imrrovemerts ir th:
mothod of operation. Tfeitatively the pane] will meet on the Jest Monday of each

month. Members of the pancli will te notified by phone ani/or “. F. when a meeting
is scheduled.

ye. It is requeste’ thet HD2UXD support the Air Tgehnical Totelligence Center
with the services of a Fhysicist to be utilized as stipulated above.

S. It is further requested that this office be notified if the recquertec

Support ie to he grertes, and the meme end telephone number cf the indfvidusl
assigne, if in the affirwaritee

vi

Ale a CILS} RI

Colonel, Vor

beputy far Science and Camponents
Air Technics] Intelligence Center

Chk CTA + £2 $=

oF Mint FILE COPY

AFC IN-kE2x/Maj Friend/69216

imidentified Aerial Phenomena Panel

WWH Cys sent to: 4X3, WCLDPPM, ADZSXD

1. The next meeting of the UFU panel will be held during the month
of September 1960. You will be informed of the exact date by telephone.

TT a eae

2. All during the life of the Air Force program to investigate and
evaluate sightings of unidentified phenomena or objects, it has been
recognised that the names "Unidentified Aerial Phenomena” or "Unidenti-
fied Flying Ubjects" were not appropriate. in many instances nothing
associated with the sighting indicated aerial or flying and reports

have been made of both objects and phenomena. Aeports which are pure
figments are, of course, excluded. Further, these names tend to stimu-
late the public to the natural extension of associating the term "flying
saucer" to a greater degree.

ae
*

a —<_ —

3. You are requested to consider as an official name for the program
"Unidentified Phenomena/Objects" or “Unidentified Phenomena or Ubjects".
As for the alphabetized name, this would result in "UPO," not too
different from the present "UFo",.

i. You are not restricted to the names mentioned above, and at the
meeting you should suggest any which you feel to be more appropriate.

S. Our sincere appreciation is offered to you and your organization for
the aid which you gave to this panel during the past year. Such a
hearty attitude toward cooperation between organizations can only

result in successful completion of our assigned mission.

}

ri f 4 A Mea ff
PHILIP? G. EVANS
Colonel, USAF
APCIN=Ui ¢

COORDINATION:

AFCIN B2%

AFC IN#hi2

2

20 June 1960

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD
SUBJECT: UFO Panel Meeting, 16 June 1960

1. On 16 June 1960, a FO Panel Meeting was held at ATIC. The following
members of the panel were present:

Mr Theodore Hieatt, ATIC

Dr Je Allen Hynek, Consultant

Mr V Handmacher, WADD

Chaplain William Thorensen, WPAIs
Major Robert J. Friend, ATIC

2. The following subjects were on the agenda for this meeting:
a. Dalton, Massachusetts ice fall, 25 March 1960.
b. Redmond, Oregon UFO sighting, 2) September 1959.
c. lLaCamp, Louisiana UFO sighting, le April 1960.
d. Proposed study by the Aerial Phenomena Group.

3- as. The Dalton, Massachusetts case (ice fall), 25 March 1960. A
30 pound chunk of ice dug a deep hole in the yard of Mr Larry Roche of
Dalton, Massachusetts. When the case was reported Mr Roche was
requested to put a large piece of the ice in his freezer, to save it
for analysis. The recovered ice was shaved off its outer cover in order
to insure that only its original composition was analyzed and it was
forwarded to ATIC in a sealed container for this purpose. The sample
was analyzed at the physics laboratory of WADD to determine its com-
position. A copy of the report of this analysis is attachment #1 to
this document. The analysis has not contributed any information or
clues as to the origin of the ice. A report of this case and the
laboratory report is to be forwarded to government agencies who may
have interest in this area. NASA and Army Engineers, Ft Belvoir, Va.

b. On 2h September 1959, a UFO was sighted at Redmond, Oregon by
a policeman and an employee of the FAA facility. The FAA installation
at Seattle, upon receiving a report from FAA, Redmond, contacted the
Air Force GCI sight at Keno AFB near Klamath Falls, Oregon to determine
if a target was observed near Redmond. The observer on duty at Keno
replied in the affirmative to FAA, Seattle. USAF interceptors and
civilian aircraft were scrambled, but were unsuccessful in their attenpts
at interception. Subsequent to 2); September 1959, the GCI site has had
Similar returns from the Redmond area. The GCI site did not consider
there was a relationship between the visual and radar signting, but the
FAA logs carried them as one report. No report of this case was made

to ATIC. However, Major Keyhoe, NICAP, obtained a copy of the FAA
logs and has since used this case against the Air Force. A telephone
investigation by ATIC revealed that the radar sighting was probably
caused by a gap filler antenna and that the visual sighting was
probably due to a refraction of the planet Venus which was ina
position that coincided with that reported by the witnesses. SAFLL
briefed the Space and Aeronatuics Committee on this case and used the

finding determined by A1IC. The panel concurs on the probable cause
of this sighting.

c. On 12 April 1960, an object struck the ground at LaCamp,
Louisiana causing a loud explosion, a flash of bright Light and leaving
several deep holes in the ground. The light was observed by one wite-
ness but the explosion was heard by many. ‘The Air Force investigators
took samples from the ruptured ground and forwarded tnem to ATIC along
with the report. Analysis of the sanples is complete and the report is
being forwarded to ATIC by a contractor. A telephoned brief of the
report indicates that the residue in the holes was metal and increases
the mystery in this case. Stereoscopic photographs of the rmyptured
ground are presently being processed. [t is hoped that these photo-
graphs coupled with the analysis report will sned some light on the

cause for this case. No conclusion was reached or suggested by the
panel,

d. The panel was unamimous in the opinion that a comprehensive
study of the year 1957 would be more beneficial than a cursory examina-
tion of the period January, 1953 to the present. The information to
be charted on the IBM cards used for the study was discussed. Dr Hynek
is reviewing the information for discussion at the next panel meeting.

4. The panel unanimously reaffirmed a previous recommendation by

Dr Hynek that adequate investigators be made available to the Aerial
Phenomena Group. It continues to be apparent that the investigation
problem requires individuals who are familiar with the special nature
of the UFO problem. Investigators should have background in atmos-
pheric optics, astronomical techniques, and general information con-
cerning astronomy and physics as well as in good investigative tech-
niques. These investigators would be used on those cases which five
indication of having greatest promise of intelligence or scientific
value; i.¢., LaCamp, Louisiana sighting.

OBEY & FRIEN
Majo¥, USAF
AFCIN-4E2

REPLY To

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UNITED STATES AIR FORCE | Xz
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15 April 1960

sussect: Meeting of UFO Panel, 7 April 1960

ro: AFCIN-482 (Colonel Shoop)

Major Friend

I find your UFO Panel, 7 April 1960 report most interesting. I
share your concern about "scientific potential" of sightings. I have
the following guidance:

a. My policy is still to divest 48 of responsibility as
rapidly as possible.

b. Reference I-B investigations must be within the current
limited TDY funds available to 4&2.

c. Reference I-C determine with 4D if this is within current
equipment and manpower resources available to them, if not see me before

commitment.

PHILIP ANS 1 Atch
Colonel, USAF Memo for Record 4/12/60
AFCIN-4E Subj: Meeting of UFO Panel

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MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD 12 April 1960

SUBJECT: Meeting of UFO Panel, 7 April 1960

I. Discussions

A. The following topics were discussed: Redirection of program
with emphasis toward possible scientific value, filing system, and 4
case of falling ice which took place at Dalton, Massachusetts.

B. For the past 13 years ATIC has coped with the intelligence and
public relations problems presented by reports of so-called UFO's. In
the latter days of the 19)0's there was some reason surely to fulfill
the defense obligations or to determine whether the reported phenomena
would in any way affect national defense. This was, and has continued
to be, the primary concern of ATIC in this respect. During the dozen
or more years in which ATIC has been the recipient of a total of over
8000 reports, there has been at no time any evidence that those residual
reports that could not easily be ascribed to the misidentification of
common objects such as aircraft, balloons, etc., showed any hostile intent
or were devices of a military character.

C. The conviction has grown on the part of the people directly con-
cerned, and of the panel on UFO's, that it has become pointless to con-
tinue the type of "score-keeping" and monitoring of UFO sightings on the
basis of hostile intent. This is not held to mean that our first look
at UFO reports should not be to determine if they give evidence of possible
threat to national security, for this is a primary concern; but rather
that this should not be the final step in cases which give further indi-
cation of having some greater value because of their scientific potential.
Further, the cases should not be considered individually only, but their
collective value should be given equal consideration; i.e., frequency
and numbers of fireballs. One might ask why any attention wnatever should
be paid to this small but steady flow of UFO sightings. To cease all
attention would first be deliberately to close an important Air Force
function of monitoring aerial phenomena. One can never tell when a newly
launched enemy device might first come to our attention as an UFO report;
secondly, the public fully expects the Air Force, as the defense service
that has obvious cognizance of aerospace, to monitor and be aware of evi-
dence in the upper atmosphere. A great loss in public confidence in the
Air Force mignt result from complete abrogation of the UFO program.

D. Furthermore, it is now clear to the panel that UFO activities are
not confined to the United States, but considerable such activity has
occurred in France, Italy, Brazil, and of late, we understand through
private sources, even Russia is not without similar activities. Indeed,
the panel understands that there are some Russian scientists who are
giving careful attention to aerial phenomena, broader in general scope
than UFO's, but nonetheless including what we normally hear called UFO
phenomena. It would be most embarrassing if, in view of the many years
already spent by the United States Air Force on this subject, some other

group should, in their relatively short attention to this subject, find
or discover any Scientific Potential. It is the panel's firm belief,
based on examined evidence, that the so-called unknown sightings are the
result of insufficient and inadequate reporting of natural but unusual
physical phenomena, often perhaps of a meteorological or astronomical
character.

Bh. The panel further recognizes that in the next decade sky surveyors,
electronic and optical, will of necessity increase many fold. New detec-
tion devices, such as the Baker Nunn Camera and large telescopes and radio
telescopes are already in operation, and in particular new electronic
devices; e.f., image conversion devices are in the process of development.
It follows, therefore, that in the next few years surveillance groups will
have to contend with many of the pehnomena wiich heretofore have been
reported to ATIC. ‘the development of this equipment will of necessity be
influenced by its ability to discriminate between natural occurring pheno-
mena and space probe objects (rockets and missiles). While these~surveil-
lance devices will be used for possible scientific progress, it must be
realistically recognized that they are also, possibly with refinements,
the equipment upon which we will depend for the first steps in defense-
detection; and it does not call for much imagination, in view of recent
developments in the space age, to realize that our ever decreasing time
allowance for effective reaction in event of an attack will depend upon
the reliability and speed of these detecting devices. It is equally
dangerous to think of taking aggressive action due to misidentification
of an object such as a meteor for an enemy missile as it is not to take
action if our detection devices dismiss an enemy missile as a meteor.

In order to realize such delicate differences, the physical and chemical
characteristics of various phenomena which have missile-like qualities
must be exactly determined. Other important patterns such as frequency
of occurrence must also be determined, for this is an indication of how
often our detecting device would be called upon to eliminate such pheno-
mena. It is difficult to imagine a device which would be able to detect
missiles or other such objects and not be disturbed by a bright meteor.
The differentiating factors would be small; therefore, the numbers of
characteristics and those which are at greater variance should be con-
sidered to help increase reliability of such a detector. ‘This, of course,
necessitates greater knowledge of the characteristics of both these
phenomena and missiles, etc. There is a wealth of material already

in the ATIC files, but it requires further processing for its scientific
value.

Il. Recommendationss

A. The panel hereby recommends a review of past material in light
of accrued experience, and a thorough scientific analysis be made of
those cases which are determined to be the more outstanding and having
a high scientific potential.

B. It is recommended that in future, after consideration has been
given to the threat possibilities, that those cases which give indication

UFO Advieory Perel O September 1959

wii

l. Attached for yow informtion is eae folder canteining an agenda and

a proposed progren for bringing Special Report /1) (Project Blue Book)
up to date.

2. Please be rewinded that the WO Advisory Panel meeting day has been
changed to the last Dhuraday of each month, which will make the next
scheduled date 24 Septenber 259.

RICHARD R, SHOO?P 1 Ateh:
Colonel, UaAr a/s
AFCINe ih