PROJECT BLUE BOOK

i
C
PROJECT 10073 RECORD CARD
41
I. DATE 2. LOCATION 12. CONCLUSIONS
0 Was Balloon
21 Jan 61 Akron, Ohio 0 Probably Balloon
3. DATE-TIME GROUP 4. TYPE OF OBSERVATION 0 Possibly Balloon
Local 2305 Ground-Visual Ground-Rodar Was Aircraft
00 Probably Aircraft
GMT_ 220405z AirVisual Air-Intercept Radar Possibly Aircraft
5. 'PHOTOS 6. SOURCE Was Astronomical MOON
Yes 0 Probably Astronomical
No Civilian Possibly Astronomical
7. LENGTH OF.OBSERVATION 8. NUMBER OF OBJECTS 9. COURSE Other_
000 Insufficient Data for Evaluation
Unknown
15-20 Min 1
10. BRIEF SUMMARY OF SIGHTING Like a circle e or plate 11. COMMENTSIt is concluded by FTD that the
with the top cut off and approx 5 times the object viewed by witnesses was the setting
size of moon. Color reddish-orange. Appeared moon distorted by atmospheric refraction.
12°N of due same position. Weather conditions probably contributed
to misidentification. Conclusion sub-
stantiated by fact that moon was : just N
of W; and all sightings occurred at approx
Slides time of moonset.
See: 7-3745-458
.
1 4

9. It is requested that you pass this information to SAvLL for forwarding Louse Armed Services Sub-Committee.
FOR THE COM
futosg
PHILIP Q. EVANS Colonel, USAF 13k06/
Deputy for Seience and Components
COCRDINATION:AFCIN-4E Eeetoied y ie 2gil. Maj Robert J. Friend
3

ASK ACTIVITY REPORT (Pag
PPT Nr. Cord Nr. .
Item 9 (Cont)
Electric Company, Akron. Inquired if any power line trouble had occurred in the area of
Nesmith Lake on 2l-22 Jan 6l. None was recorded; and if any trouble had occurred, Mr.
s office would have had a record of it. The above contact was made as
reported that there was an odor associated with the sighting as though electric wires
were burning. Also from the reported behavior and location of the UFO it could/
should have come through near an electric high tension line located West of home.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Conducted personal interview with Mr and recorded the
interview on tape.
Conducted a complete photo-recon of the area in which incident of 21
January occurred.
Established a friendly working relationship with Mr Director of
the UFO Research Committee, Akron.
Akron Civilian Defense Office, Mrs.
Became area orientated in case future incidents dictate repeated trips.
PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS:
personal involvement which they actually witnessed but did not, perhaps, could not,
understand. .
whatever his motivations, is very eager and capable of honestly and
Local area fices can and should be utilized while conducting UFO
investigations.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Utilize local area Civilian Defense Organizations during UFo investigations.
Utilize various Civilian UFo Organizations in any/all of the following ways: Utilize various Civilian UFo Organizations in any/all of the following ways: (However (However)
make e it understood that the organizations do not represent it understood that the organizations do not represent the USAF during organizational
activities !!) activities!!)
Perform finished studies of each factually backed up incident. Perform finished studies of each factually backed up incident.
Perform a study of previous unexplained UFo reports. Perform a study of previous unexplained UFO reports.
Remuneration to the various Uro organizations could be secomplished by replacing
poaterial such as blank tepes eplac uipment which is taken from the organization
as evidence.
ATIC DEC 60 FORM 46b
Thls form supersedes ATIC Test Form 46b, whlch is obsolete.

brought out
Mr. was away from Akron on a business trip; both incidents occurred approximately
at the same time of the evening (ll:O5 p.m.) and behaved in a like manner; however, the
November sighting was not reported to the officials and no public record was made of it.
During the interview, Mr showed us the location of the incident both from their
photographs ere made of all points.)
At the termination of the Interview, contact was made with Mr
of the UFO Research and an interview was
established.
Mr brought along to the interview his assistant, Mr
At first the two gentlemen were very unfriendly, due mainly to previous rude treat-
ment (treated him as a seeker of publicity, out for his own gains, a crack pot, a liar,
end in general, the old idiot treatment) by both city officials and a of
the I Dept of Defense.
During some 7 hours of interview Mr. an showed us every
consideration, took us to interview a Mrs. whose home is located
in the general area of Lake Nesmith, at and had also reported to
the sighting of a UFo during the night of 22 Feb 6l. Later during the evening
Mr took us to his residence to review a great deal work he and his
committee has compiled throughout the previous years.
— -
PPT Nr. Card Nr. .
Itom 9 (Cont)
While at home we listened and: recorded taped interviews of other
individual sightings of the incident of 21 Jan 61. The other sightings were
made by Mr at 10:30 p.m., Mrs. and ll year old daughter,
bat l0:40 p.m., Mr. and Mrs at 10:40 p.m., and Mr. and Mr at
10:40 p.m., all on the r night of 21 Jan 61 and none of the people are related or were
known to one another.
The other people did not report their sightings of a ITO
who has his interviews wit recorded on tape.
During our interview with be brought out the very irritating fact of the
eat amount of trouble he and other consciencious citizens have had dealing with various
governmental officials, especially with Lt Colonel Lawrence Tacker, Chief SAFOI-3d,
Washington D. C. Washington D. C. pointed out Tacker's new book has some very pointed out Tacker's new book has some very stupid and elemen- stupid and elemen-
tary errors in it; tary errors in it; and indicated that this official has treated him with childish dis- childish dis-
respect. possesses possesses taped taped telephone conversations with Tacker which pretty pretty
well bare out position.)
We also had an interview with Mr: also had an interview with Mr or or of the City of of the City of
Akron's Civilian Defense Office, She was very
cooperative and has offered to us (usAF representatives) the use of any/all of cooperative and has offered to us (usAF representatives) the use of any/all of the the city's ecity's
services at any time - even the use services at any time - even the use of her offices our headquarters in the area should
the the need anise need arise.
Conbacte Line Service Dept. lison
ATIC FORM
DE O 46b Thls form superseden ATiC Test Form 46b, which ls obsolete.

way now unoer Cunsuacmon. une cost.
Len Dyer Neamith Lake
Won't A On Protest
Slap Police Aititude
Flying Object Quiz
On Flying Object
AKroN BeAcoN Rejected By Council
A nervestattering experience an Akion famiy had
(n an unirdentified flying object (UFO) was described today City Council decided today not to launch its own invest
() Akron Councilmen by the UrO Akron Area Research gaton into the mysterious area of Unidentifted Flying Ob
Ciuninittee. 1 jects. better known as UFOs.
'n a letter to Council. t two I "The Puiliams were greet. Council. 9 to 3. voted to file
ommuttee offirinis toid of ther ed with light taik and a laugh- a letter from two meinbers of
ect sigtred b. the James ing response." Popowich and the UFo Akron Area Re.
Bamn famiiv 6.52 W. Water. search Committee protesting
rd. last Saturday over a Moyers chargod. "This family the attitude of the Police De-
smith Lake cove was exposed to a soulsearch. JOURNAL partment last week when a
... ing phenomon which should "U'FO sighting" was reported
AN UNIDENTIFIED fly- have been handied (by police) over a Nesmith Lake cove.
wotect. 3 or more feet i with interest and investiga-' COU'NC IL'S vote followed a.
imeter, hovered. tilted and tion." Iide mottog by Joseph Wheeler
iminated a smali cove in The UFO leaders asked 1 D4 who said he feit the
lake" wrote Chairman Councilmen to "guide police- police- wno
urge Popouich and Slght- nrge Popouich and Slght- matier hai bern "adequately matier had bern "adequately
men to a more alert recep- more alert recep- discus.ed."
Chairman Laurence Moy. tivity" to such reports. The vote came after Joseph The vote came after Joseph
The letter will be read at The letter will be read at Denholr Denhoir D.i. sàid that. D.l. sàid that.
The object generally paced Tuesday's City Council meet- The object generally paced Tuesday's City Council meet- Since the letter referred to a
area at 40 feet altitude and ing fiying objed. perhaps it
quently within 3oe fret of should be referred to the Air. should be referred to the Air.
Puiliam: home," the let.. Puiliam: home," the let-. port and Aviation Committee." port and Aviation Committee."
continued 31.8N61 31.T0N61 Voting against filing were
. Saucer Laws Needed Saucer Laws Needed Edward Davis (D 3), J. P. Rid.
THE COMMITTEE sENT the die (R.at large) and Denholm.
er to formally protest the er to formally protest the The UFO Akron Area Research The UFO Akron·Area Research DAVIS declared that "UFOs dodaret that"LiE
rude of the Police Depart. Committee has written to City Coun- a. no laughing matter. Nine-
hi when the Puljtamns cail. cil to complain about the treatment ty eight per cent of the reports
o repor: what they had an Akron family y received from the prove false, but it's the other
police department when it telephoned 2 paer cent that bother offi.
to report the sighting of an unidienti- cials...
The UFO reportedly was
fled flying object hovering over Nes- cited by the James Puilam
mith Lake. family, 652 W. Waterloo rd.
The flying saucer group says some- The UFOCommittee had
body at the police station received the asked Council to "gulde police.
news "with light talk and a laughing men to a more alert receptiv.
ity to such reports."
response." The letter asks Council to
ceptivity" to reports of this kind.
Our first reaction was to wonder
why the saucer spotters didn't com-
pain to the Mayor, who is ex officio
safety director and boss of the police
department, Instead of taking the
matter to Council. But then it dawned
op us that admonishing the police to opus that admonishing the police to
take UFO reports take UFO reports seriously is only seriously is only
part of what is involved here.
In the absence of In the of any laws gov. anv 'laws gov.
erning the cor erning the conduc ters 3 from from
cuter space, the police e police
have done about it if they HAD taken have done about ey HAD taken
the Nesmith Lake report seriously the Nesmith Lak t seriously
and gone out and lassoed the saucer? aind gone out and lass
The police need guidance, all right,
but not just in being polite to the puib-
Ho-- the earth public. that is. They
need oriinances wnien at least woukd
give hem authority ny take saucer
crews into custody. fixr questioning.
Othwnrvise we're llable d have an in-
terplanstary incident anrend here.
K
1

ASK ACTIVITY REPORT (Page
PPT Nr.. Cord Nr.
Item 9 (Cont)
We believe that by utilizing
readily realized:
1. Gain any/all available information that may contribute to the solutions of UFO
reports via the most economical means availa ble to responsi
2. Realize a very amicable and responsible relationship between offices of the DOD
and the American Public which during the past years become increasingly more antago-
nistic in many areas to include congressional intervention.
ROBERT T. SMITH EARL J. WOLF JR.
Captain, USAF Captain, USAF
AFCIN-4E AFCIN-4E
-
PPT Nr. .... Card Nr..
Item 9 (Cont)
1-19
ATIC FORM 46b
DEC 60 Thls form superseden ATIC Test Form 46b, which Is obsolete.

DATA PROCESSING DIVISION
CLIMATIC CENTER, USAF
Air Weather Service (MATS)
Asheville, North Carolina
REPLY TO
ATTN OF: CCDPD/HHOE
SUBJECT: Data Akron, Ohio 27 Mar 1961
TO: Aerospace Technical 1 Intelligence Center
ATTN: AFCIN 4E 2X
Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
1.I Reference: Your telephone requests on 17 March 196l and 24 March
1961, and our letter ,subjeci Data fo Akron, Ohio and
Vicinity.
2. We are inclosing photographic copies of hourly surface observations
for Akron-Cantcn Airport, Ohio for the period 16 through 26 January 1961
which is the balance of data requested by your first telephone conver-
sation. Included also is the period for Akron requested in your second
prepared as listed below:
a. Surface hourly observations for 21 through 25 from
Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Toledo.
b. Winds aloft observations through 25 Nov 1960
Toledo, Ohio.
c. Radiosonde from
Pittsburgh.
4Copies of these data will be
FOR THE DIRECTOR 1
Atch Atch
Captain, USAF Captain, USAF Data f/Akron, Ohio
10. 1P.

DATA PROCESSING DIVISION
CLIMATIC CENTER, USAF
Air Weather Service (MATS)
Asheville, North Carolina
REPLY TO
ATTN OF: CCDPD/HHOO
SUBJECT: Copy Surface and Upper Air Data 29 Mar 1961
TO: Aerospace Technical Intelligence Center
Attn: AFCIN 4E2X
1.I 1. Reference: feference: Your telephone request Your telephone request 24 March 1961 and our 24 March 19o1 an letter letter
27 March 196l, subject: Data f 27 March 196l, subject: r Akron, Ohio.
2. We are forwardir photo owing data:
a. Surface hourly observations for 2l through a. Surface hourly observations for 2l through Nov 1960
from Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Toledo U. S oledo U. r Bureau stations. ureau stations.
b. b. Winds aloft observations for 22 through 25 Nov 1960 from
Toledo, Ohio. No observations were taken on the 2l Nov 1960.
c. Radiosonde adiabatic charts for 25 Nov 1960
from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
3. Surface data for hio were forwarded the shipment
on 24 Mar 1961.
FOR THE DIRECTOR
Pallas t
PALLAS L. TYE, JR. 1 Atch
Capt., USAF Sfc & U/A data
Administrative Officer
YLIC
10 10 10 10
/

DATA PROCESSING DIVISION
CLIMATIC CENTER, USAF
VIA AIRMAIL Air Weather Service (MATS)
Asheville, North Carolina
REPLY TO
ATTN OF: CCDPD/HHOO
SUBJECT: WBAN-3l Adiabatic Charts for Pittsburgh 4 Apr 1961
TO: Aerospace Technical Intelligence Center
ATTN: AFCIN 4E2X
Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
1. I Reference: Your telephone call 3l Mar 196l.
2. We are inclosing 2. We are inclosing photocopies of photocopies of adiabatic adiabatic charts from charts from
Pittsburgh for 2l through 25 Nov 1960. We regret the oversight Pittsburgh for through 25 Nov 1960. We regret the oversight
in our shipment 27 Mar 1961. in our shipment 27 7 Mar 1961.
FOR THE DIRECTOR FOR THE D RECTOR
JAMES R. DECOSTER 1 Atch
Chief, Data Processing Div. WBAN-31 f/Pittsburgh
IC
COC
..

.
U.S. AIR FORCE TECHNICAL INFORMATION SHEET
This questionnaire has been prepared :so that you can give the U.S. Air Force as much
information.as possible :concerning the unidentified .aerial phenomenon that you have observed.
Please try to answer.as many questions.as you possibly cdn. The information that you give will
be used for research purposes, and will be regarded as confidential material. Your name will not
be used in connection.with any statements, conclusions, or publications without your permission.
We request. this personal information :so that, if it is deemed necessary, we may contact you for
further details.
8
1. When did you see the object? When did you see the object? 03-
Minutes
$2\a$ 1i1 1.1
Month Yoor Yoar (Circle One): A.M. or P.M or P.M,
(Circle One): a. Eastern Eastern (Circle One): a. (Circle One): a. Daylight Saving
b. Central Centro b. Standard
c. Mountain
d. Pacific
e. Other
4. Where were you when you saw the object?
Nearost Postal Address AKRON 1 Din SpmariI Le.
State or Country
Additional remarks:
How long was object in sight?
Hours Minutes Seconds
5.1 How was time in sight determined?
a. Certain c. Not very sure ,
b. Fairly certain d. Just a guess
6.What was the condition of the sky? 6.What was the condition of the:sky?
DAY NIGHT
a. Bright a. Bright
b. Cloudy b. Cloudy frrtly C/oudy b. Cloudy fartly c/oudy
7.IF you saw the object during 7. IF you saw the object during HT, where was the SUN located as you looked at the object? T, where was the SUN located as you looked at the object?
(Circle One): a. In front of you (Circle One): a. In front of you d. To your left d. To your left
b. In back of you e. Overhead
c. To your right f. Don't remember
ATIC FEORS 164 This form supersedes ATIC 164, 13 Oct 54.

Pago 2
1F you saw.the objeat at NIGHT, what did you notice concerning the STARS and MOON?
8.1 STARS (Circle One): 8.2 MOON (Circle .One):
a. None Bright moonlight
(b. A few) b. Dull moonlight
c. Many c. No moonlight.— pitch dark
d. Don't remember d.Don't remember
The object appeared:
(Circle.One): (Circle.One): a. As a light As a light b. Shiny . Shiny c. Dark c. Dark Don't remember d. Don't remember
If it appeared as a light, was it bri
(Reddish Oranpe) (Reddisk Oranpe)
1.Did the object: .Did the object: (Circle One for each question) (Circle One for each question)
a. Appear to stand still at any time? Yos No Don't Know
b. Suddenly speed. up and rush.away at any time? Yos No Don't Know
c. Break up into parts or explode? Yes (No Don't Know
d. Give off smoke? Yes No Don't Know
. Change brightness? Yes No Don't Know
f. Change shape? Yos No Don't Know
g.F Flash or flicker? Yes No Don't Know
h.Disappear.and reappear? Y No Don't Know
12. Did the object move bel ehind something at any time, particularly a cloud?
(Circle One): Yes NO Don't Know. IF you answered YES, then tell what
it moved behind:
Did the object move in front of something at any time, particularly.a cloud? le, panculurry:a croud?
(Circle One): (Circle One): Yes No No Don't Know. IF you answered YES, then tell what IF you answered YES, then tell what
in front of:
.Did the object appear: 14. Did the object appear: (Circle One): (Circle One): a. Solid a. Solid b. Transparent b. Transparent c. Vapor d. Don't Know
Did you observe the object through any of the following?
a. . Eyeglasses Yes No e. Binoculars Yos No
b. Sun glasses Yes No f. Telescope Yes No
c. Windshield Yes No g. Theodolite Yes No
d. Window glass Yos No h. Other DutSide Eye Kiow.
01

:
:
Akron Ohio
21 January 1961
On 2l Jan 6l, several witnesses in the Akron, Ohio area reported seeing an
unidentified mhjert flying object. The information from the witnesses was
generally consistent; the object being sighted between 2230 and 2300; appearing
as a red-orange object just north of west and on the horizon. The object was
further described by the witnesses as appearing as a circle or plate with the
top cit off and appeared to be e larger than the moon. T The sighting was eported
to have lasted 10 to 15 minutes.
On 2l Jan 61 official moonset at Akron was 2304. This time, of course, will
deviate due to topographical conditions, manmade structures and t the vantage
point of the observer. However these deviations will be small. The moon was
approaching approaching the first que the first quarter and only 23% of the surface visible from the visible from the
earth was illuminated.
When the moon is just rising or setting, it often assumes When the moon is just rising or setting, it often assumes an elliptical shape an elliptical shape
with the longer diameter parallel to the horizon. This is caused by atmospheric to the horizon. This is caused by atmospheric
refraction raising the lower edge refraction raising the lower edge more than the upper and more than the upper and therefor apparently therefor apparently
shortening the diameter shortening the liameter erpendicular to the horizon. If pendicular to the horizon. If there are several
layers of discontinuity in the atmosphere, the distortion will be even more layers of discontinuity in the atmosphere, the distortion will be even more
pronouniced. 'In the Akron sighting the fact that the moon already was pronouniced. 'In the Akron sighting the fact that the moon already was irregularly rregularly
shaped, due to the approach of shaped. due to the approach of the first auarter. added to th
the refraction. This is probably the resaon the witnesses did not recognize
the object for what it was and reported the top as flat o
On 2l Jan 6l at 2258 the weather at Akron-Canton Airport a 2,000 foot
overcast composed of s stratiform clouds, the visibili miles, and the
temperature was 7 degrees Ferenheit.
It is the Air Force conclusion that the xiznexxex object viewed t by the witnesses
in Akron, Ohio on 2l Jan 6l was the setting moon distorted by atmospheric
refraction. This conclusion is substantiated by the facts that the moon was
located just north of west at the time of the sighting on 2l Jan 6l, the
direction reported for the UFo by the witnesses. The sightings occured at the
approximate time of moonset with none occuring after 230s which is only ONE
minute after the official.moonset time for Akron,Ohio on 2l January l96l.
1
.
-

(
Page 3
16. Tell in a few words the following things about the object.
a. Sound_ Noe
b. Color- Reltel Orange (Bril Whitiurtl
cnoljects)
rpcuthat wilohaaninclu sk a
ofthe object.that you.saw.such.as wings, protrusions, eand especially.exhaust trails or vapor trails.
Place an arrow. beside the drawing to show. the direction the object was.moving.
18. The edges of the object were:
(Circle One): a. Fuzzy or blurred . Other
a b. Like a bright star
Sharply outlinedmeau~ leas
d. Don't remember
19. IF there was MORE THAN ONE object, then how many were there?
Onlgone

Reddish The Bright
Orange park, Portions would Becone
(wosmoving) Brigh
fonwandt N ongiteni sfen) closesttelony)
bachwaed!) anunle
( 3snin changig altenaty (7or8min)blnlemg
How large did the objectappear:to.you.as compared to an object. with which you are familiar?
30 on4nFT. 30 on4nFT.
We wish to know.theangularsizHolda match stickatarm's length in line with a known object.andnot We wish to know.the angularsizHold a match stickat arm's length in line with a known object.and note
how.much of the object is covered by the head of the match. If you had performed this experiment at the time
of the sighting, how. much of the object would have been covered. by the match head? of the sighting, how.much of the object would have been covered by the match head?
23. Did the object.disappear:while you were watching it? If so, how? Yc.5
IT Cane Forward Thev just Reversed,tvanished.our ot sight.
In order that you can give.as cleara picture as possible of what you saw, describe in your own words a
common object or objects which, when placed up in the sky, would givs the same appear arance as the object
which you saw.

Page 5
Where were you located when you saw the object? 2 Were you (Circle One)
(Circle One):
a. In the business section of a city?
a.Inside a building b. In the residential section of a city?
b. In a car c. In open countryside?
c. Outdoors d. Near an airfield?
d. In an.airplane (type) . Flying over a city?
. At sea f. Flying over open country?
f. Other
27. What were you doing at the time you saw the object, and how did you happen. to notice: it?
watching T.V. My Wite Told ne.
IF you were MOVING IN AN AUTOMOBILE or other vehicle at the time, then complete.the following questions:
28.1 What direction were you moving? (Circle One)
a. North. a. North . c. East Fast e. South South g. West
b. Northeast d. Southeast f. Southwest h. Northwest
28.2 How fast were you moving?_ miles per hour.
28.3 Did you stop.at any time while you were looking at the object?
(Circle One) Yes No
29.What direction were you oking when you first saw the object? (Circle One)
g. West
a. North c. East . South h. Northwest
b. Northeast d. Southeast f. Southwest i. Overhead
3 What direction were you looking when you last saw the object? (Circle One)
g. West
a. North c. East South (h. Northwest)
. Northeast b. Northeast d. Southeast d. Southeast f. Southwest f. Southwest i. Overhead
If you are familiar with bearing terms (angular direction), try to estimate the number of degrees the object was
from true North (thru east) and also the number of degrees it was upward from the horizon (elevation). from true North (thru east) and clso the number of degrees it was upward from the horizon (elevation).
31.1 When it first appeared: 31.1 When it first appeared:
a.From true North_ a. From true North_ degrees. 1deies Noth  Whet i depies Northof dui Whent
b. From horizon__. degrees. degrees.
31.2 When it disappeared: 212 WL
a. From true North degress. Sc
b. From horizon_ degrees.

Page 7
34. What were the weather conditions.at the time you saw the object?
CLOUDS (Circle One) WEATHER (Circle One) /
a. Clear sky 6. Dry
b. Hazy b. Fog, mist, or light rain
E. Scattered:clouds c. Moderate or heavy rain
d. Thick or heavy'clouds d. Snow
e. Don't remember
When and to whom did you report that you had:seen the object? (Wille Weie
21 / C1 George Popwich.
Day Month Year 11:0.55 1i25
36. Was anyone olse with you at the time you saw the object?
(Circle One) Yos No
did they see the object too?
(Circle One) (Yos) No
36.2 Please list their names and addrei
--
Was this the first time that you had seen an object or objects like this?
(Circle One) Yes (No)
37.1 IF you answered NO, then when, where, and under what circumstances did you see other ones?
Same as abave.
In your opinion what do you think the object was and what might have caused it?
Have Idea.

Pag• 6
32. In the following sketch, imagine that you are at the point shown. Place an "A" on the curved line to show how
high the object was above the horizon (skyline) when you first saw it. Place a "B on the same curved line to
show how high the object was above the horizon (skyline) when you last saw it.
33. In the following larger sketch place an "A" at the position the object was when you first saw it, and a "B" at its
position when you last saw It. Refer to smaller skotch as an example of how to complete the larger sketch.
*
↑

I .,
Page 9
U.S. AIR FORCE TECHNICAL INFORMATION SHEET
(SUMMARY DATA)
In order that your information may be filed and coded as accurately as possible, please use
the following space to write out a short description of the event that you observed. You may re-
statements, or sketches that you believe are important. Try to present the details of the observa-
tion in the order in which they occurred. Additional pages of the same size paper may be attached
if they are needed.
(Do Not Write in This Space)
(Ploass Pint) CODE: CODE:
SIGNATURE
DATE
8

( Page 8
3 Do you think you can estimate the speed of the object?
(Circle One) Yes No
7
IF you answered YES, then what speed would you estimate?
S
(Circle One) Yes No
Please give the following information.about yourself: 2
NAME ast Namo st Name First Name Name Middlo Name
ADDRI ADDRE AKR14o AKRO14o OHio. OHio.
State
TELEPHONE NUMBER TELEPHONE NUMBER
Ago 4h SoxMale
Indicate any additional information about yourself, including any education, which might be pertinent.
~
42. Date you completed this questionnaire: 23 3 61
Witwessed Day Month Yoar
I
by

0Ho
2TRAHD TADAIOA
SLIDES
JAN.21,196/ NAW: 4 61
AKeon, thio
DbServer: PulliAH DbServeR: PulliAM
FiIE#1003573 FiIE#1003573
Retained in file.
1925

AKRON, OHIO
21 Jan 61
CASE INCLUDES
18 ADIABATIC CHARTS
25 25 color color SLIDES (in (iN
separate separate folder folder)
,
*

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE.
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
MEMORANDUM
MEMORANDUM:
Forwarded a copy of this ATIC evaluation to Forwarded a copy of this ATIC evaluation to
SAFLL (L/C Poe) 21 SAFLL (L/C Poe) 21 --- -
WTC
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CA

AEROSPACE TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE CENTER
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE *
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE
OHIO
REPLY TO AFCIN-4E
ATTN OF:
SUBJECT: ghting (Akron, Ohio, 21 January 1961) 13 APR 1961
TO: SAFOI-3a (Major Coleman)
1. During March 1961 your office forwarded a tape recording to ATIC
which was prepared by Mr of Akron, Ohio, concerning
the subject of Unidentified Flying Objects. The tape contained spe-
cific information about a sighting which occurred in Akron, Ohio, on
the night of 2l January l96l. Mr. forwarded a copy of this
tape to the President of the United States and also to several members
of Congress. This case was not brought to the attention of the Air
Force except through Mr tape recording which reached ATIC
on 14 March 1961.
2. On 21 March On 21 March 196l two officers were dispatched from ATIC to Akron 1961 two officers were dispatched from ATIc to Akron
for the e purpose purpose of investigating the 2l January 196l UF0 sighting.
From the data collected by the investigators it was determined that th
the UFO sighting resulted from the misidentification of the setting
moon due to atmospheric refraction.
3. The Air Force investigators interviewed Mr.
whose account of the sighting is on the tape recording. Mr.
was contacted and his taped accounts of the sighting by Mr. and
Mrs. , Mrs and her eleven years old daugh-
ter, Mr. and Mrs. and Mr. and Mrs were run off
for the investigators. The information from the witnesses was generally
consistent; the object being sighted between 2230 appearing as
a red-orange object just to the north of on the horizon.
The object was further described by all like a
circle or plate with the top cut ff and approximately y five times the
size of the moon. The sighting was reported have lasted appr
fifteen minutes.
4. 4. On 2l Jandary iyol at 2z)o the weatner at tne Akron-Cantod Alrport On 2l January 1961 at 2258 the weather at the Akron-Canton Airport
was a 2ooo foot overcast composed of stratocumulus clouds, the visibility was a 2000 foot overcast composed of stratocumulus clouds, the visibility
was 7 miles, and the temperature was 7°F. The witnesses stated that in yas 7F. The witnesses stated that in
Akron it was partly cloudy rather than overcast; however, the most cloudy rather than overcast; however, the most
significant point significant point is the presence is the presence of stratiform clouds which are in- of stratiform clouds which are in-
dicative of stable conditions (inversions). dicative of stable conditions (inversions). Inversions Inversions increase the increase the
index of refraction of the atmosphere.
5. On 21 January 1961 official moonset at Akron was 2304. moonset at Akron was 2304. This time, This time,
of course, can deviate due to topographical of course, can deviate due to topographical conditions, manmade structures nditions, manmade structures
and the vantage point or the observer; these deviations are

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6. When a ray of light consisting of vibrations of the same wave length
(monochromatic light) passes from a rarer medium such as air to a denser
medium such as glass, the ray is bent toward the perpendicular to the
surface separating them. When the ray passes from a denser to a rarer
medium, it is bent away from a similar perpendicular. This bending of
the ray is called refraction. Light of differen lengths is refracted
differently under the same conditions, the shorter the wave length the
greater the refraction. since red light has a longer wave length
than yellow, it is refracted less; and yellow light is refracted less than
blue light should, therefor e composed of
each of these colors (polychromatic), the effect of passing from a denser
to a rarer medium would be to distribute the light into the various colors.
This decomposition of a ray of light into its constituent colors is This decomposition of a ray of light into its constituent colors is called called
dispersion. In the instance of the atmosphere we do not have different dispersion. In the instance of the atmosphere we do not have different
mediums but different densities of the same medium occurring in an infinite
number number of layers of layer resulting in a curved path rather resulting in curved path rather than one bend as when
the one separating surface is clearly defined. As surface is clearly defined. As we increase our altitude we increase our altitude
the atmosphere becomes less dense, and as a result we have refraction. the atmosphere becomes less dense, and as a result we have refraction.
However, on certa However, on certs occasions we have an increase in temperature occasions we have an increase in temperature with al-
titude (inversion) which increases the rate of change of density titude (inversion) which increases the rate density with
altitude and therefore increases the index of refraction.
7. When the moon is just rising g or setting it often assumes an elliptical
shape with the longer diameter parallel to the horizon. This is caused by
the refraction raising the lower edge more than the upper and therefore
apparently shortening the diameter perpendicular to the horizon. In the
Akron sighting the fact that the moon already was rregularly shaped, due
to the approach of the first quarter, created by the
refraction. This probably what caused the witnesses to eport that the
top of the object a appeared flat or cut off on top. I s not unusual to
experience the illusion that the moon is larger when it is rising or setting.
This illusion results from being able to compare i ob,jects of known
size when it is near th ehorizon.
8. It is concluded by ATIC that the object viewed by the witnesses in
Akron, Ohio, on 2l January 1961 was the setting moon distorted by atmos-
pheric refraction. The apparently irregular shape, apparently greater
size, and possibly weather conditions probably contributed to the misiden- size, and possibly weather conditions probably contributed to the misiden-
tification. This conclusion is substantiated by the facts that the moon tification. This conclusion is substantiated by the facts that the moon
was located just north of west on 2l January l96l the direction was located just north of west on 2l January 196l the direction reported a reported
for the Ufo and all or the sightings occurred at the for the Uro and all or the sightings occurred at the approximate time or approximate time of
moonset with none occurring after 2305 which is only moonset with none occurring after 2305 which is only one minute after the
official moonset time for Akron, Ohio, on January January 1961. 1961.
2

2 27

SURF/ACE WE/THER OBSERV/ATIONS
STATIOMAKRON, OHIO LAKRON CANTON ARPORT PATRIAN 20 1061 FRIPAL
brakeMAl
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WBL UOEEO USOTCCOMEC.AERLUREU
rolm/WB.or.1lso.on6 RFACE-WEATHERDBSERVATIO -
TRUELSD IRUELSS STATIONAURON, OHIO" AKBON RCANTOUFAIRPORILOATIAN.GLBAL.SAT/RDAD
YOTEULING SSCRATEN RATHEN SINO HARC LiEr
TEKME OBSTRUCTION BSTRUCTC BIRES OPA MEAND OPRACD
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12810042510A94077024330002607

AKRON, OHIO AKRON  CANTON"A SURR/ACE WEATHER OBSERYATIONS
ARPORDATEJAN 21 1961 SAT4RPAL
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572890621921891070501 & 2
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A

9. It is requested that you pass this information to SAFLL for forwarding
toMr. House Armed Services Sub-Committee.
FOR THE MANDER:
furt.
PHILIP G.EVANS
Colonel, USAF
Deputy for Science and Components
T
4
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UFFI LECOCY
4E
AFCIN-4E/Maj Friend/vw/69216
UFO Sighting (Akron, Ohio, 21 Jamary 1961) 13 APR 1961
SAFOR-3a (Major Coleman)
1.
which was prepared by Mr. of Akron, Ohio, concerning
the subject of Unidentified Flying Ob.jects. The tape contained spe-
cirie information about a sighting clrlcbaioxlbd a0ayeolBua which occurred in Akron, curred in Akron, Odio, On Chio, on
the night of 2l Jamuary l96l. Mr. the night of 2l Jamuary 1961. Mr ferwarded a copy of this Porwarded a copy of this
tape to the President of the United States and also to several members
of Congress. This case was not brought to the atteution of the Air of Congress.. This case was not brought to the atteution of the Air
Force except through tape recording which reached ATIC
on 14 March 1961.
2. On 2l Mareh 196l two officers were diapatched from ATIc to Akron 2. On 21 March 196l two officers were dispatched from ATIc to Akron
for the purpose of investigating the 2l January lgél Uro sighting. for the purpose of investigating the 2l January l96l UF0 sighting.
From the data collected by the investigators it From the data collected by the iavestigators it was determined that
the UFO sighting resulted from the misidentification of the setting
moon due to atmospberie ; action.
3. The Air Force inrveatigators i interviewed Mr.
whose account of the sighting is on the tape reccrding. Mr.
was coutacted and his taped accounts of the sighting by Hr. and
Mrs. and her eleven years old daugh-
tery ir. and and Mr. and were run ofr
for the imvestigators. The information from the itnesses vas generally
consistent; the object being sighted between 2230 appearing as
a red-orange object just to the north ,of west on the horizon.
The object was further described by all vitne like &
circle or plate with the top cut off and approximately five times the
size of the moon. The sighting reported to have lasted approximately
fifteen aimutes.
4. On 21 Jamary l96l at 2258 the weatber at the Akron-Canton Airport
was a 2000 foot was a 2000 Ioot overcest overcast composed of stratocumulus clouds, the visibility comoosed ar stratocumallus clouds, the visibility
wae 7 miles, and the temperature was 7*7. The witnesses stated that in wae 7 miles, and the temperature was 7'7. The witnesses stated that in
Akron it vas partly cloudy rather than overcast; however, the nost rather than overcast; however, the nost
significant point is the significant point is the presence or stratirorm clouds presence or stratirorm clouds which are which are in- in-
dicative of stable conditions dicative of stable conditions (imversions). (inversions). Irversions increase the increase the
index of refraction of the atmosphere.
5. On 21 Jamuary 1961 offieial moonset at Akron was 230h. This time, This time,
of course, can deviate due to topographical conditions, manmade of course, can deviate due to topographical conditions, manmade structures
and tbe vantage point or the observer; however, these deviations are and the vantage point of the observer; howey ever, these deyiations , are

6.
(monochromatie light) passes from a rerer medium such as air to a denser
medium such as glass, the ray is bent toward the perpendicular to the
suriace separating them. When the ray passes from a denser to a rarer
medium, it is bent away frcm a similar perpendicular. This bending of
the ray is called refraction. Light of different wave lengths is refracted
dirferently under the same cocditions, the shorter the wave length the
greater the refraction. Tinus, since red light has a longer vave length
than yellow, it is refracted less; and yellow light is re efracted less than
blue light and so on. If a: of light should, therefore e comosed of
each of these colors ( (polychromatic), the effect of passing fram a denser
to a rarer medium would be to distribute the light into the varicus colcrs. to a rarer medium would be to distribute the light into the varicus colcrs.
This decommosition This deccemosition of a ray of light into its consiituent colors is called of a ray of light into its consiituent colcrs is called
dispersion. In tbe instance of the atmosphere we do not have different dispersion. In tbe instance of the atmosphere we do not have diaferent
mediums but different densities of the same medium occurring in an infinite
mumber or layers resulting or Layers resulting 3 in a curved path rather than one bend as when in a curved path rather than one bend as when
the cne separating the one separating surface is clearly defined. As ve increase our altitude
the atmosphere becomes lees dense, and as a result we have refraction. the atmosphere becomes lees dense, and as a result we have refraction.
However, on certain occasions we have an increase in temperature vith al- Hovever, on certain occasions we have an increase in temperature vith al-
titude (inversion) vhich increases the rate of change of density with (inveraion) vhich increases the rate of change of density with
altitude and therefore increases the index of refraction.
7. When the moon is just rising or setting it often assumes an elliptical
sbape with the longer diameter parallel to the horizon. This is caused by
the rerraction raising the lower edge more than the upper and tharefors
apparently shortening the diameter perpendicular to the horizon. In the
Akron sighting the fact that the moon already vas irregularly shaped, due
to the approach of irat quarter, added to the ef ffects created by the
rerraction. This is probably what caused the witnesses to report that the
top of object peared rlat or r cut off on top. It t is not umusual to
experience the illusion that the mocn is larger when it is rising or setting.
This illusion results from being able to compare it with objects of known
size when it is near the horizon.
8. It is concluded by ATIC that the object viewed by the witnesses in
Akron, Ohio, on 21 January 1961 was the setting moon distorted by atmos-
pheric refraction. The apparently irregular shape, apparently greater
size, Slze, aod possloly seatder coxiltlods and possibly weather conditions prooably Concrlouted to Cae msided- probably contributed to the misiden-
tification. tirication. This conclusion is substantiated This conclusion is substantiated by the facts that the moon by the facts that the moon
was located just north of vest on 21 was located just north of vest on 21 January 196l the direction January 196l the direction reparted reported
for the Uro and all ot the sightings occurred at the approximate for the Uro and all oi e sightings oceu at the approximate time of time of
moonset with none occurring after 2305 which moonset with none occurring after 2305 wh is only is only one mimute after the yone mimute after the
orricial moonset time for Akron, orficial moonset time for Akr Chio, on 21 1 January 1961. January 1961.
2

1. PPT Nr. TASK ACTIVITY REPORT
2. Sublect 3. Initiator Capts R. T. Smith 6. Cord Nr.
UFO Sighting 4. Symbol 4E2x E..J. Wolf 5. Phono
7. Doto 4 Apr 61
8.NATURE OF REQUEST OR ACTION:  Product Coordination (4E)  Schedul Chang(4X7):  Program Chong (4X6);
— ACTION INFORMATION. REPORTED REQUESTED
Comment: On 2l March 6l, Captains Robert T. Smith and Earl traveled to
Akron, Ohio, to check on reported Uro sighting.
The first task upon arrival in Akron was to locate the Pulliam family who had
reported a Phenomena Sighting the night of 2l January 6l. The information was obtained
by going to the city's newspaper, the Akron Beacon Journal, which specializes in the
reporting of spectacular controversial incidents, and then researching the desired
reports in the paper's ile library.
The newspaper issues of 26 and 31 January 61 carried articles relative to the
"Pulliam Sighting" of 21 Jan 6l. Two of "Pulliam Sighting" of 21 Jan 61. Two of the articles reported the reaction of city
(Akron) (Akron)officials officials relative to the report relative to the report
The family reporting the The family reporting the incident was identified as incident was identified as the
family, located on the North edge of Lake Nesmith, a very small located on the North edge of Lake Nesmith, a very small
lake (pond) situated in the South industrial the city
Before making contact with the Family, we inspected the whole area of Lake
Nesmith pond) thoroughly, making complete photo verage while doing so. Also, we
secured lodging in a motel, located the South side of Lake Nesmith, almost directly
PPT Nr. Cord Nr.
across from the res nce.
Iram 9 (Cont)
Established contact with the jon 22 March and arranged for an interview later
on in the day. Mr. and his oldest son l7 years old, were quite coopera
tive but a little a apprehensive during the interview due to the fact that Mr.
of the Unidentified Flying Objects Research Committee of Akron, Ohio,
was not present. We assured Mr that before we departed the city we would get in
touch with Mr after that, the interview went somewhat more smoothly.
The interview was recorded on tape and in general, went along with a previous tape
recording of the recording of the Incident" made by Mr. Incident made by Mr. and sent and sent thru channels to
ATIc. However, one major ATIC. However, one major discrepancy was that during the interview Mr. r discrepancy was that during the interview Mr. stated
that he and his entire family went outside of the house together and observed The The Object" Object"
The previously received tape stated that he The previously received tape stated that hel stayed inside the house and other
IO. NEXT COURSE OF ACTION OR REFERENCES:
Caotk saith
Capt E. tltias1f Maj R. Friend Col R. R. Shoop Col P. G. Evans
FORM 46a
ATIC DEC 60 This form supersedes ATIC Teat Form 46m, Jun 60, which is obsolete.