MR300 Sec. 1 Warfare- United States - 1942-1945

MR 300, Sec. 1 - UNITED STATES - WARFARE MR 300, Sec. 1 -- UNITED STATES - WARFARE 1942 - - 1945 REGRADED UNCLASSIFIED MAY 21 1973 REGRADED UNCLASSIFIED 1942 - 1945 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE From: DO Military Attache, Ottawa, Canada To: War Department DTG: 0420552 4 April 1945 From Thomas to WDGBI. Frequency of recoveries of balloons in Canada in- creses. At Strathmore 35 miles east of Calgary Alberta a balloon was recovered on 28 March. On next day one was found 12 miles southeast of Medicine Hat Alberta. Also on 29 March balloon recovered at Fort Ware 125 degrees 38 minutes vest 57 degrees 25 minutes north. On 2 April balloon recovered at Baril Lake at 111 degrees 42 minutes west 58 degrees 45 minutes north. On 1 April balloon recovered at Yorkton 110 miles northeast of Regina Sask. On same date one found at Iluna 70 miles northeast of Regina. This latter one covered by snow and apparently vas there for some time. End ACTION: 0-2 INFORMATION: CGAAF; COON: ASF; OPD: G-4; Adm. King; Col. Park: NDD; OS/W (Dr Bowles) CM-IN-3740 (4 Apr 45) DTG 0420552 es DECLASSIFIED E. O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 8(D) or (E) 67 OSD letter. May 1, 1972 By DBS Date MAY 21 1973 300 U.S. COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET OPDIB OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF WASHINGTON D.C (OPD INFORMATION BULLETIN) SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT NO. 1 PUBLISHED BY OPERATIONS DIVISION WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF IN COLLABORATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES 3 APRIL 1945 Recovered Japanese balloon inflated for testing. - JAPANESE BALLOONS - - DETECTION DESTRUCTION [ Reproduction and dissemination of excerpts by higher headquarters is authorized; however, the material herein does not constitute War Department authority for changes in established doctrine and procedures, responsibility for which must be assumed by competent authority within the theaters. ] DECLASSIFIED SEOKET E.O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) 300 U.S. OSD letter, May 1, 1833, By DBS Date MAY 21 1973 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 OPDIB SPECIAL SECRET SUPPLEMENT NO1 JAPANESE BALLOON COUNTERMEASURES The possibility that the increasingly frequent Japanese free-balloon landings may develop into a large-scale strategic attack has led the War Department to initiate a study of all possible methods and equipment for combating this potential threat. Bulletins such as this will be issued from time to time to disseminate information on the development of defensive measures. Basedupon an analysis of normal weather maps for 20,000 ft. and 30,000 ft. above sea lev- el, a recent report (No. 917) by the Weather Division of AAF Headquarters states that the normal trajectories of balloons released in the free air flow over Tokyo and set for the 20,000 ft. level will intersect the western coastline of the United States roughly between Roseburg, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington, in all months except August, September, and October. Still excepting the same three months, trajectories of balloons set for 30,000 feet will intersect the coastline rough- ly between San Francisco, California, and Seattle, Washington. The report points out, however, that the trajectory for any one day is likely to vary greatly from the normal. The 20,000 ft. and 30,000 ft. trajectory maps for each month of the year show that in all months except July and August, the winds are favorable at those altitudes for directing the balloons to our western coast regardless of the location of the launching in Japan. A discussion of current studies of possible defensive measures is presented below for the information of interested commanders. I - - DETECTION Radar Detection and Technique Based on experiments conducted to date, radar in the 200-mc frequency is dependable to a range of 24 miles in detecting the metal parts of the balloon. In tests to determine radar detection ranges of the balloon less the metal parts, an SCR-584 (3,000 mc frequency) tracked a helium-filled repaired Japanese paper balloon having only a small metal valve attachment to a range of 33,000 yards. An SCR-545 (3,000-mc) tracked the same balloon to a range of 24,000 yards. Severalother radar sets with various frequencies were tested, but the results were not so good. The Joint Army-Navy Testing Agencies concluded that the S band equipment will give the greatest range of detection of the paper balloon (less metal parts) and that the maximum expected range in this band is about 40% of the maximum range on a me- dium bomber. Further tests to determine the most effective radar and radar detection technique includ- ing airborne radar are being continued and will be reported. Visual Detection and Identification From the Ground Experience has indicated that scanning in space with high-powered optical instruments is impracticable; scanning with the unaided eye is generally more effective in locating objects in space than scanning with binoculars and telescopes, which are useful only when something has been detected and magnification for identification is needed. Based on the look-out experience of aircraft warning systems and of Naval and land-based AA batteries, the visual detection of a Japanese balloon at 30,000 feet is highly improbable - and yet the naked eye offers the best hope of visual detection of balloons in space. The limit of reso- lution of the eye is about one minute of arc. The balloon at 30,000 feet would intersect about three minutes of arc. It is questionable as to whether the balloons at 30,000 feet could be detected from the ground even if they remained stationary and their general position in the sky were known to Pronce 1 DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 OPDIB SPECIAL SECRET SUPPLEMENT NOT the ground observer. However, as the balloons begin their descent the possibility of visual detec- tion increases rapidly. From the Air It is also true that for visual searching from aircraft the naked eye offers the best hope of detection. The visibility of these balloons would vary greatly according to the background against which they were seen, and in searching for them one might expect to find them any place within two or three thousand feet of 30,000, which means scanning both up and down in a hemi- sphere forward of the plane. In view of the speed of the search aircraft and the neutral color of these balloons, which would offer little contrast with a sky background, adequate search would involve several observers scanning continuously various sections of the hemisphere forward of the plane. From the ground as well as from the air - except at very close ranges - direct vision would be needed, for these would not be big enough targets to be seen with peripheral vision. An illustration of the difficulty of detecting such small objects in space from an aircraft is the in- frequency with which aircraft sight each other. Infra-red Detection Investigation has disclosed that infra-red devices would not be effective in detecting the balloons because of inherent technical limitations. II - DESTRUCTION Attack by Aircraft Ammunition A type of incendiary ammunition under procurement for one Air Force was found by actual test to be the most effective aircraft ammunition for destruction of hydrogen-filled balloons. One hit suffices to destroy the balloon. However, it is effective only up to its tracer limit, which is 500 to 600 yards. Development work is proceeding to achieve an effective tracer range of 1,000 yards. Procurement of this ammunition, known as Cartridge, Headlight, Caliber .50, T1E1, is being increased to provide a strategic reserve. Caution Briefing of attacking aircraft should include consideration of appropriate areas for the attack so that destruction of the balloon and consequent dropping of its possibly lethal load will not be accomplished over densely populated or critical areas. Antiaircraft Weapons 90-mm AA Using VT Fuze Based upon the quantity and arrangement of the metal in the present Jap balloons, it is estimated that the VT fuze is sensitive enough to function within 15 to 25 feet of the balloon and that 100 to 200 rounds of 90-mm AA with VT fuzes would be required to obtain one effective burst on a balloon at an altitude of 15,000 feet. It is not believed practicable to increase the sensitivity of the 90-mm AA VT fuze due to many factors including the loss of damage effectiveness atgreat- er distances of burst and limitations imposed by the projectile length. Navy 5"/38 Gun Using VT Fuze The Navy 5"/38 gun would probably requirefewer rounds per effective hit than the 90-mm SECORT 2 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 OPDIBSPECIAL SECRET SUPPLEMENT NO1 AA because the former's projectile is larger and its VT fuze is more sensitive. However, this advantage is offset by its lower fire rate and less accurate fire control. 120-mm AA Gun The 120-mm AA gun would be more effective than the 90-mm against high-altitude ball- oons. However, VT fuzes will not be available for this gun until late spring. It is estimated that time-fuzed projectiles would require four times the number of rounds that are needed for an ef- fective hit when VT fuzes are used. AA Gun Limitations The wide dispersion of the balloons reported almost precludes the use of antiaircraft guns to cover the front effectively. In addition, falling antiaircraft flak and ground bursts might in some areas cause more damage than the balloon. However, if balloon paths tend to merge into a definite route or routes antiaircraft guns could be set up to cover these routes. Probable Nature of Defense Against Balloons Although studies on all possible defensive means are being continued, at the present time it appears that the most practicable interim defensive system would consist primarily of a spot- ting organization utilizing naval offshore patrols (including air patrols), coastal observation stations at high altitudes, Forest Service patrol planes and lookout stations, and local volunteer spotters in most-threatened inland areas. This system for visual spotting would be complemented by radar coverage of the sea approaches. In view of the wide dispersion of free balloons, their great altitude throughout the major portion of their flight, and their haphazard landings, the most effective means of attack will prob- ably be strafing aircraft. However, the capabilities of antiaircraft artillery for the attack of balloons within range are being studied. SECRET SECRET 3 DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 NAVAL MESSAGE NAVY DEPART NT DRAFTER EXTENSION NUMBER ADDRESSEES PRECEDENCE 1 ASTERISK (*) MAILGRAM ADDRESSEE CG WESTERN DEF COM 2 FROM WAR DEPARTMENT PRIORITY 3 RELEASED BY FOR ACTION 4 ROUTINE 5 4 APRIL 45 DEPERRED 6 DATE 7 1715 8 TOR CODE ROOM 9 PRIORITY 10 DECODED BY TYPED BY ROSS /Land INFORMATION 11 ROUTINE 12 DEFERRED 13 RASH 14 ROUTED BY 15 UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED THIS DISPATCH WILL M TRANSMITTED WITH DEPERRED PRECEDENCE AND AS ADMINISTRATIVE IF OPERATIONAL D C43 16 CHECK BELOW ON-1N-2939 (4 APR 45) 3 APRIL 45 17 NCR 3240 18 19 ORIGINATOR FILL IN DATE AND TIME: DATE TIME GCT 20 ON OUTGOING DISPATCHES PLEASE LEAVE ABOUT ONE INCH CLEAR SPACE BEFORE BEGINNING TEXT ACTION 21 BY HAND FROM ARMY VIA OP-16 22 F-O 23 FROM HAMMOND INFO G-2 WD WASHN, DC. P.00 24 25 F-01 26 F-02 27 SEPARATE RECOVERY BARIL LAKE NEAR FT CHIPEWYAN ALBERTA 28 F-05 29 DATE UNKNOWN. C-3. F-07 30 31 1, A. DAILY REPORT 1700 GCT 3 APRIL. F-1 -1 32 19 F-2 33 B. BALLOON FOUND STRATHMORE ( 25 MILES EAST OF 34 F.20 35 CALGARY, ALBERTA ) 28 MARCH. RECOVERY TEAM ENROUTE. C-3. F-3 36 37 F-30 2. SIGHTINGS 240 WILES NW DUTCH HARBOR 2330 GCT 7 MARCH 38 F-31 39 OBSERVED 20 MINUTES CREW NEMBERS ALLIED MERCHANT VESSEL. 40 F-32 41 HEIGHT 10,000 FEET (c-3) SE DIRECTION TRAVEL. F-33 42 F-34 43 44 F-4 45 DECLASSIFIED FXO 1 46 16 COG E. O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(1)) or es 47 FX37 OSD letter, May 1972 48 COMINCH ONLY MAY Txto 1973 49 By DBS Date ARMY FILE 50 1G.00 51 C NO F2 Make original only. Deliver to Code Room Watch Officer in person. (See Art. 76 (4) NAVREGS.) OPNACM-d N-2939(4 APR 45) *** 0321342 OFFICE: 1944 16-41649-1 300 U. DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 NAVAI MESSAGE NAVY DEPARTI iT EXTENSION NUMBER ADDRESSEES PRECEDENCE I ASTERISK 10) MAILGRAM ADDRESSEE COM 8 12 PRIORITY n FOR ACTION 4 ROUTINE COMWESSEAFBON 5 1 APRIL 1945 DEFERRED 45 7 0048 8" DIO 12 NAVDIST D KARABINUS INTELLIGENCE OFFICER PRIORITY 10 11 IMRIE/ sdems INFORMATION WESSEAFRON ROUTINE COMGULFSEAFRON 12 DNI DEFERRED 13 THO PSCN 14 socies or 15 INDICATED THIS DISPATCH WITE st 312106 DEFERRED PRECEDENCE AND AS ADMINISTRATIVE IF OPERATIONAL 16 NCR 525 CHECK BELOW 17 18 19 ORPUNATOR PRI IN DATE AND TIME DATE TIME GCI 20 ON OUTGOING DISPATCHES PLEASE LEAVE ABOUT ON! INCH CLEAR SPACE BEFORE BEGINNING TEXT ACTION 21 22 COMMESSEAFRON KEEP ACTION GIVE INFO DIO 12 NAVDIST P.O. AND INTELLIGENCE OFFICER WESSEAFRON. COM 8 SENDS 23 F.00 24 INFO TO COMGULFSEAFRON AND DNI. 25 F.O) 26 P.O2 27 2 SMALL BOMBS REPORTED 4 MILES SOUTH RISING STAR EAST- 28 F-05 29 F-07 30 LAND COUNTY TEXAS AFTERNOON 23RD MARCH RECOVERED BY 31 F1 12 ARMY AND IDENTIFIED AS JAPANESE INCENDIARY. LENGTH 1.2 3 OVERALL 27 INCHES CASE 15 INCHES TAIL PIECE 11 AND 1/D 34 F-20 35 F.3 INCMES DIAMETER CASE 4 INCHES TAIL ASSEMBLY 5 AND 1/2 36 37 F.30 INCHES. BOMBS NUMBERED 8282 AND 6387. 38 F-31 39 CONSIDERED SAME INCIDENT MY 251940. SEVERAL SECTIONS 40 F-32 41 [-33 TREATED PAPER AND PIECES OF SHROUD LINES FOUND 24 MARCH 42 F-34 43 NEAR WOODSON THROCKMORTON COUNTY TEXAS APPROXIMATELY 44 1-4 45 95 MIEES WEST OF DALLAS TEXAS IDENTIFIED JAPANESE AND FXD 46 47 DECLASSIFIED FX37 CONSIDERED SEPARATE INCIDENT. 48 E. O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) (E) 49 16...COG COMINCH OSD letter, May 1, 19720.00 50 By DBS Date MAY 21 1973 61 52 Make original only Deliver to Code Room Watch Office 312106 (See Art. 76 (4) NAVREGS.) OPNAY 300 U.S. 16-41649-1 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT 7 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE From: CG, Westorn Defense Command, Presidio of San Francisco, California To: War Department Nr: B 0351 1 April 1945 From Hammond G-2. To G-2 WD Washington, DC. An investigation being made reported balloon found near Woodson, Texas 24 March. 0-3 evaluation. 1. A. Daily report ending 1700GCT 31 March. B. Balloon reported recovered Lake Athaboska noar Ft Chipewyan, Alberta 20 March. B-2. C. Reported recovered 20 miles from Whitewater (Ft Ware) Peace River District British Columbia 29 March vac balloon. B-2. D. Explosion heard 22 Feb chase BC (Squilax Indian B-2. Reservation). Area search uncovered pieces balloon envelope. E. Partially inflated balloon reported Duchesne, Utah 30 March. C-3. 2. A. Additional info Glendo, Wyoming reference report 5 March. Balloon first sighted between 0115 GCT and 0130 GCT 23 Feb descending carthward. Material recovered valve nbr 4895 in white chalk, same nbr stenciled, flash bag ignitor container, no powder charge, one candle type CM-IN-447 (1 Apr 45) Park ASSIFIED E. 0. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May , 1972 MAY 21 1973 By DBS Date 3000.5. COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 66 DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE Page -2- From: CG, Western Defense Command, Presidio of San Francisco, California Nr: B 0351 1 April 1945 incondiary bomb unexploded. B. Nixon, Nevada reference 30 March report. Material recovered damaged envelope 38 gores, ballast dropping apparatus damaged, shroud lines, valve number 7948 in white paint, one arming wire, 4 sand bags, aneroids, flash bag ignitor container, no powder charge. Blowout plugs unfired: one position number 23, both positions 25 thru 35, and two center blowout plugs. Sand bag suspended position 32, large T hook attached center position. C. Balloon first sighted 2125 GCT 22 Feb Kirby, Wyoming. Reports 26 Feb and 27 Mar references. Recovered aneroids battery demolition block shroud lines envelope ballast dropping apparatur valve number 3468 stenciled number 21 chalk. D. Powell, Wyoming reference report 25 Feb. Between 0045 GCT and 0100' GCT 22 Feb explosion heard. Shortly thereafter flame and smoke with falling objects noted. Explosion hoight not known. Recovered envelope valve number 3468 stenciled number 14 chalk, 1 candle type incendiary bomb unexploded, one candle type incendiary bomb exploded, shroud lines. 3. Sightings. A. Gowen Field, Idaho 2225 GCT 30 March 10,000 feet traveling eastward. Air search negative. C-3. CM-IN-447 (1 Apr 45) DECLASSIFIED E.O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and B(D) or (E) OSD letter. May , 1972 By DBS Date MAY 211973 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 66 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE Page -3- From: CG, Western Defense Command, Presidio of San Francisco, California Nr: B 0351 1 April 1945 feet, air search negative. 0-3. B. 0245GCT 31 March Mountain Home, Idaho, 5,000 4. Bomb incidonts. A. Glen, Montana reports 21 and 23 March reference. Investigation reveals only one explosion occurred night 18 March and preliminary identification candle type incondiary. B. Custer, South Dakota reference summaries 13 and closed. 15 March. Investigation negative evaluation F-0 incident End ACTION: G-2 INFO : CGAAF, CGGN, ASF, OPD, ADM. KING, COL. PARK, NDD, OS/W (Dr Bowles) CM-IN-447 (1 Apr 45) DTG 01/0025Z 8jg DECLASSIFIED E.O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May 1, 1972 By DBS Date MAY 21 1973 COPY No. 66 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE From: CG, US Army Forces in the Pacific Ocean Areas, Fort Shafter TH. To: War Department CG, Alaskan Department Rear Ft Richardson Alaska CG, Western Defense Command Presidio of San Francisco, California Nr: RJ 58381 1 April 1945 For Ingles SPSIG info WDGBI, CG Western Defense Command attn Signal Officer and CG Alaskan Departmentattn Signal Officer RJ 58381. Incident on Japanese balloons follows frequency 8460 Les, pulse rate 145 cycles per minute, bearing taken at 3007392 from Oahu 292 degrees type two bearing. Signal was very very weak. Erd. ACTION: G-2 info : CGAAF, ASF, OPD, COL. PARK, JEIA, NDD CM-IN-528 (1 Apr 45) DTG 01/01512 gjg DECLASSIFIED E. O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (R) OSD letter, May , 1972 MAY 21 1973 By DBS Date, 300 U.S. COPY No. 57 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE is FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE From: CG, Western Defense Command, Presidio of San Francisco, California To: War Department Nr: B 0347 28 March 1945 B 0347. Info G-2 War Dept, Wash, DC. Forwarding information period ending 1700 CGT 28 Merch pertaining balloon incidents. 1. Sightings. A. 2336 GCT 26 March balloon observed west Point Grey, British Colunbia (near Vancouver) air search negative. C-3. B. 1615 GCT 27 March balloon observed 6,000 feet Goldendale, Washington. Air search negative. C-3. C. Over San Miguel Islands (west Los Angeles) 1600 GOT balloon observed then 1000 feet. Air search being conducted. C-3. 2. Balloons recovered. A. Cloverdale, California balloon incidents 23 March Cloverdale and 22 March Guerneville, California reference. Ground search area previously reported findings mado with hegative results. Comparison indicates pieces envelope from same balloon. Believe first landed 18 March. Records will indicate Cloverdale place recovery. A-2. B. Portion balloon envelope found 3 miles north Jervis Inlet on Britain River British Columbia 24 March. CM-IN-30300 (29 Mar 45) DECLASSIFIED E. 0. 11652, Sec. S(E) and or,(R) OSD letter. May MAI 21 1973 By DBS Date 300 U.S. COPY No. 66 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE is FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 ONINS CFV22161ED WE 321EJED WESSYEE ТИЗМТНАЯЗС SIAW WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE Page -2- From: CG, Western Defense Command, Presidio of San Francisco, California Nr: B 0347 28 March 1945 Purther information not available. C-3. C. 23 miles south Fremost, Alberta (east of Lethbridge) scene reported recovery. Further details not available. c-3. D. Reference belloon sighting Ellsvorth, Nebraska reported 18 March. Investigation reveals two farmers observed balloon through binoculars for 25 minutes. Balloon des- cribed as round silver colored with ropes suspended beneath. No undercarriage observed. Balloon last reported Burning emitting black smoke. Future reports will indicate balloon down not recovered. C-2. 3. Additional information pertaining recoveries. A. Ree Heights, South Dakota 24 March report only pieces shroud lines parts balloon envelope recovered. A-1. B. Blowout plugs number 10 A 11 A 20 A and B 22 A and B 24 A and B through 29 A and B 30A and 31 A and B through 35 A and B unexploded lower ring. Two center blowout plugs unfired T hook inserted. See Reno, Nevada report dated 23 March. C. Between Rising Star, Texas and Desdemona, Texas approximately 1900 GCT 23 March 2 bomb explosions reported. Tentative identification reveals both bombs 12 by 12 kilogram incendiary type. Bach bomb penetrated earth approx five feet upon exploding. Bombs were 50 feet apart and approx 27 miles scene balloon recovery. G-2 note first CM-IN-30300 (29 Mar 45) E 0. DECLASSIFIED 11652, Sec. S(E) and 5(D) or (B) OSD jetter, May 4, 1972 Date, MAY 21 1973 By DBS COPY No. 66 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 swine CIVERIBIED wegever MVB WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE Page -3- From: CG, Western Defense Command, Presidio of San Francisco, California Nr: B 0347 28 March 1945 indication that 2, 12 kilogram type bombs have been attached balloon. B-2. D. Material recovered included balloon envelope shroud lines valve (13633 white paint) A-1 reference Osceola, Neb 24 March. E. 33 miles SW Gillette, Wyo, scene of recovery previously reported incident near Gilbert, Wyo, 27 Mar. Evidence indicates materiel in area considerable time due weather beaten and grass stained condition. B-2. Recovered 1/3 balloon envelope. End ACTION: 0-2 INFO : CGAAF, CGON, ASF, OPD, Adm. King, Col. Park, NDD, OS/W (Dr Bowles) CM-IN-30300 (29 Mar 45) DTG 28/22222 gig DECLASSIFIED E.O. 11652 Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May , 1972 MAY 211973 By DBS Date, 66 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 100P SECRET DISPATCH DRAFTER F-02 EXT. 4016 ADDRESSEES PRECEDENCE COMINCH & CNO ASTERISK (*) MAILGRAM ADDRESSEE 1 FROM PRIORITY 2 ADMIRAL KING CINCPOA (ADV & PEARL) ROUTINE 3 RELEASED BY FOR ACTION ROUTINE 4 DEFERRED 17 MARCH 1945 5 DATE WB BASEGRAM 6 1449 7 TOR CODEROOM 8 COMMESSEAFRON PRIORITY 9 DECODED BY INFORMATION COMMES DEFENSE COMMAND ROUTINE 10 PARAPHRASED WOODWARD CHECKED Bown COM 4TH AIR FORCE ROUTINE 11 BY BY DEFERRED 12 DITTORBODYARD ROUTED BY BY BASEGRAM 13 14 UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED TH15 DISPATCH WILL or TRANSMITTIO WITH DEFFRRED PRECIDENCE AND AS ADMINISTRATIVE. IF OPERATIONAL 15 PAGE 1 OF 2 171343 NCR 41034 CHECK BELOW 16 17 18 Originator till in DATE AND TIME GROUP (Use G. C. T.) 19 ON OUTGOING DISPATCHES PLEASE LEAVE ABOUT ONE INCH CLEAR SPACE BEFORE BEGINNING TEXT 20 21 RELATIVE TO MATTER PRESENTED COLMESSEAFROI AND COMGEN WDC SECRET 22 090015 THE FOLLOWING IS DIRECTED: 23 24 (A) CINCPOA FORMULATE PLAN FOR DETECTION AND INTERCEPTION POSSIBLE 25 JAP CARRIER FORCE. 26 27 (B) COMPESSEAFRON IS TASK FORCE COMMANDER PACIFIC FLEET FOR THIS. 28 29 (c) PLAN SHOULD INCLUDE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MID PACIFIC PATHOL 30 BETWEEN THE HAWAIIAN SLANDS AND THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS USING 31 32 SURFACE AND AIR FORCES AVAILABLE IN THE HAWAIIAN AND NORPAR 33 AREAS. 34 35 (D) PLAN NOT TO BECOME EFFECTIVE UNTIL DIRECTED BY COMINCH AND ONC, 36 IT IS NCT EXPECTED SUCH INSTRUCTION WILL BE ISSUED UNLESS 37 38 INTELLIGENCE INDICATES SUCH ACTION on HAJOR UNITS OF JAP 39 FLEET ARE UNLOCATED UNDER SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES. 40 41 PARA. COMMESSEAFRON FURNISH CINCPOA BY AIR COURIER COPIES JOINT 42 WESSEAFRON-MDC-4TH AIR FORCE PLAN PROMULGATED COMM. SSEAFRON SERIAL 43 44 00489 OF 10 MARCH. THIS PLAN HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY AR OR NAVY 45 DEPARTMENTS BUT INDICATES PLANNING REGARDING THIS MATTER PHICH HAS 46 47 ALREADY BEEN DONE. 48 49 No. I ADMIRAL. No. 2 FILE. No. 3F-1 OR CHARTROOM. No. 4 SPECIAL 50 FLANT 51 1652, Sec. 8(E) and 5(D) or (6) OSD letter, May 41878 MAY 21 1973 Handle only in accordance with "Top Secret* Instructions 171343 contained in Article My BBS Date 300 U.S. 3 JPNAV 19.76 DECLASSIFIED I.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 ILR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 1 P SECRET DISPATCH DRAFTER EXT. ADDRESSEES PRECEDENCE ASTERISK (*) MAILGRAM ADDRESSEE 1 FROM PRIORITY :: a RELEASED BY FOR ACTION ROUTINE 4 DEFERRED 5 DATE BASEGRAM 6 7 TOR CODEROOM 8 PRIORITY 9 DECODED BY PARAPHRASED CHECKED BY BY INFORMATION 10 ROUTINE 11 DEFERRED 12 DITTOED ROUTED BY BY BASEGRAM 13 14 UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED THIS DISPATCH WILL If TRANSMITTED with DIFFARED PRECEDENCE AND AS ADMINISTRATIVE. IF OPERATIONAL 15 PAGE 2 OF 2 171343 NOR 41334 CHECK BELOW 16 17 18 Originator till in DATE AND TIME GROUP (Ilse G. C. T.) 19 ON OUTGOING DISPATCHES PLEASE LEAVE ABOUT ONE INCH CLEAR SPACE BEFORE BEGINNING TEXT 20 21 22 23 COMINCH: COPIES #1 TO #8 INCL. 24 25 DELIVERED TO ARMY VIA SCR SCRAMBLER FOR 00 U S. ARMY, CONGE 26 AR DEPT, OPD. TOD ARMY 171725. SCR #50. 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 31 an an 37 38 30 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 No. I ADMIRAL. No. 2 FILE. No. 3F- I I OR CHBECTASSICIED No. 4 SPECIAL. 50 E 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) 51 ay MAY 1 1973 52 By DBS Date Handle only in arrordance with "Top Secret* Instructions contained in Article 76, Navy Regulations. COPT NO. 171343 TENAN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 NAVAL MESSAGE NAVY DEPARTMENT ) DRAFTER EXTENSION NUMBER ADDRESSEES PRECEDENCE :3 WESTERN DEFENSE COM 1 ASTERISK (*) MAILGRAM ADDRESSEE MAND SAN FRANCISCO 2 FROM WAR DEPARTMENT PRIORITY 3 15 MARCH 45 Jos FOR ACTION 4. RELEASED BY ROUTINE M3 5 DEFERRED 6 DATE 7 1510 8 TOR CODE ROOM 9 PRIORITY 10 DECODED HENKE/ FORBES INFORMATION 11 ROUTINE TYPED 12 BY TELSHOW DEFERRED 13 14 ROUTED BY 15 UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED THIS DISPATCH WILL se TRANSMITTED WITH DEFERRED PRECEDENCE AND AS ADMINISTRATIVE. IF OPERATIONAL 16 CM-IN-15494 CM- 15 MAR 45 NCR 6370 CHECK BELOW 17 18 19 ORIGINATOR FILL IN DATE AND TIME: DATE TIME GCT 20 ON OUTGOING DISPATCHES THERE MED BY HAND ARMY TEXT ACTION 21 22 FROM HAMMOND G-2 WESTERN DEFENSE COMMAND, PRESIDIO OF F.O 23 SAN FRANCISCO CALIF TO G-2 WAR DEPT WASHN DC. F-00 24 & 25 P-01 INCIDENTS REGARDING BALLOONS FOR PERIOD ENDING 1700 GCT 26 F-02 27 FOLLOWS FOR 14 MARCH 1945: 28 F-05 29 1. BALLOON SIGHTINGS: F-07 30 31 F-1 32 A. AT 2030 GCT ON 12 MARCH A BALLOON WAS SIGHTED BY A F-2 3 34 F-20 FOREST RANGER 5 MILES NORTH OF NEWCASTLE, WYOMING. 35 F-3 36 EVALUATION C-3. THIS BALLOON WAS TRAVELLING AT A EX- 37 F-30 38 F-31 TREMELY HIGH ALTITUDE IN A NORTHEASTERLY DIRECTION. 39 40 F-32 41 B. FROM 0456 GCT TO 0517 GCT, 13 MARCH, AN AIRPLANE F-33 42 F-34 43 PILOT OBSERVED A FREE BALLOON APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES 44 1-4 45 SOUTH SOUTHWEST OF ATTU, ALASKA. THIS BALLOON WAS FXO 46 47 FX37 48 TRAVELLING ABOUT 35 TO 40 KNOTS PER HOUR AT AN ALTITUDE FX40 49 50 OF 17,000 FEET. EVALUATION OF THIS INCIDENT IS B-2. 10-00 51 VCNO 52 Make original only. Deliver to Code Room Watch Officer in person. (See Art. 76 (4) NAVREGS E.O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (B) OPHAY 0F 5 PAGES 1500012 OFFICE: 1944 16-41649-1 OSD letter, May CM-IN-15494 1,1872 MAY 21 1973 300 By LBS Date DECLASSIFIED O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 MLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 THE PILOT COULD NOT VERTAKE THIS BALLOON AN_ IT WAS LAST OBSERVED AT AN ALTITUDE OF 25,000 FEET ON A SOUTH SOUTHWEST COURSE. C. AT 2213 GCT, 13 MARCH, FARMERS REPORTED THEY HEARD AN EX - PLOSION AND SAW A FLASH IN THE AIR ABOUT 2 MILES SOUTH OF BLAINE, WASHINGTON BLAINE IS 25 MILES NORTHWEST OF BELLINGHAM. IN- CIDENT EVALUATED C-3. THE STATE HIGHWAY PATROL AND IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS ARE SEARCHING THE IMMEDIATE AREA, BUT TO DATE HAVE ACHIEVED NEGATIVE RESULTS. OUR NUMBER B 0326. D. AT 0107 GCT, A WEST BOUND TRANSPACIFIC AIRWAYS PILOT SIGHTED A BALLOON 270 MILES WEST OF MORRO BAY, CALIF. THE PILOT DESCRIBES THE BALLOON AS BEING ABOUT 75 FEET IN DIAMETER WITH A BLACK OBJECT ABOUT 10 FEET IN DIAMETER SUSPENDED BENEATH IT. of A FORWARD WEATHER TRACK HAS BEEN SECURED REGARDING THIS ALLEGED SIGHT,ING, AND IT IS BELIEVED THE BALLOON WILL REACH THIS COAST ABOUT 2100 GCT 14 MARCH. EVALUATION C-3. ALL AGENCIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE ABOVE FORWARD TRACK. E. AT 2230 GCT, 13 MARCH, AN OBJECT RESEMBLING A BALLOON WAS ALLEGEDLY SIGHTED IN THE AREA NEAR PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON, IT iS BELIEVED THAT THIS BALLOON PROBABLY LANDED NEAR CHIMACUM, WHICH IS 10 MILES SOUTH OF PORT TOWNSEND, OR IN THE BAY ADJACENT. B-3 IS EVALUATION. FORT WORDEN HAS DISPATCHED A PARTY TO SEARCH THIS AREA. CG, WESTERN DEFENSE COMMAND 150001Z 6370 2 Originesidio, SANFRAN D/T Group DECLASSIFIED 5 NCR Page Of Pages. E) and 5(D) or (E) OPRAY ASD letter, May 3, 1972 CM- 15494 By DBS Date MAY 21 1973 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 F. AT 1630 GCT, AN OBJECT RESEMBLING A BALLOON WAS SIGHTED ON 13 MARCH TRAVELLING NORTHEAST AT A 5,000 EEET ALTITUDE OVER WENATCHEE, WASHINGTON. LATER AT 1905 GCT, 13 MARCH, THIS BALLOON WAS SIGHTED ABOUT 20 MILES NORTH OF EPHRATA, WASHINGTON, AT AN ALTITUDE OF 10,000 FEET. CURRENT BELIEF IS THAT THIS IS THE SAME BALLOON THAT WAS SIGHTED OVER ELLENSBURG, WASHINGTON. (SEE THIS SUMMARY OF 13 MARCH 1945). INCIDENTS EVALUATED B-2. AN AIR SEARCH WAS CONDUCTED BY EPHRATA ARMY AIR BASE UNTIL 2200 GCT, 13 MARCH, WITHOUT FINDING ANY TRACE OF THE BALLOON. 2. BOMB INCIDENTS. ON 13 MARCH A BOMB WAS RECOVERED APPROXIMATELY 100 MILES EAST OF HELENA, MONTANA, NEAR HARLOWTON. C-3 EVALUATION. 9TH SERVICE + COMMAND HAS DISPATCHED A RECOVERY TEAM TO MAKE A COMPLETE IN- VESTIGATION. REPORTS TO DATE DO NOT STATE WHETHER THE BOMB EX- PLODED OR REMAINED UNEXPLODED, BUT INDICATE THAT IT IS A 4.5 KILOGRAM TYPE BOMB. 3. BALLOONS RECOVERED ON A RANCH NEAR FARMINGTON, WASHINGTON, WHICH IS 35 MILES NORTH OF MOSCOW, IDAHO. EVALUATED B-2. AN ARMY GUARD AND A RECOVERY PARTY HAVE BEEN DISPATCHED BY NORTH- WE STERN SECTOR WDC TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE INVESTIGATION. S. A FARMER NEAR VALE, OREGON, (NEAR IDAHO STATE BORDER, NORTH- WEST OF BOISE), FOUND A BALLOON 10 MARCH. PARTS RECOVERED INC- CLUDED PIECES OF BALLOON ENVELOPE AND SHROUD LINES. B-2 EVALUATION CG, WESTERN DEFENSE COMMAND 1500017 OriginatDRESIDIO SANFRAN D/T Group NCR 637.age sussagor 5 Pages. (E) and 5(D) or (8) May 1972 By DDS Date MAY 21 1973 DECLASSIFIED O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 ALR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 INASMUCH AS THIS FARMER HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION DURING THE MONTH OF JANUARY, IT IS THE BELIEF OF THIS HQS THAT THE BALLOON EXPLODED AT THAT TIME, BUT THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT LOCATED UNTIL THE LATER DATE, NORTHWESTERN SECTOR WDC HAS DISPATCHED A RECOVERY TEAM TO MAKE A COMPLETE INVESTIGATION. C. DURING THE AFTERNOON OF 13 MARCH AN OBJECT RESEMBLING A BALLOON LANDED 20 MILES NORTHWEST OF PENDLETON, OREGON, AT ECHO OREGON. AN ARMY GUARD WAS SENT TO GUARD THE AREA AND A RECOVERY PARTY FROM NORTHWEST SECTOR WDC IS ENROUTE TO MAKE A COMPLETE INVESTIGATION. B-2 IS EVALUATION. D. AN ARMED GUARD WAS DISPATCHED TO THE AREA NEAR PAINE FIELD TO GUARD THE BALLOON WHICH LANDED THERE SOMETIME IN THE AFTERNOON + OF 13 MARCH. PAINE FIELD IS LOCATED NEAR EVERETT, WASHINGTON. EVALUATION B-2. A RECOVERY TEAM FROM NORTHWESTERN SECTOR WDC, IS ENROUTE FOR THE INVESTIGATION. E. LOCAL POLICE OFFICIALS ARE GUARDING THE BALLOON WHICH LANDED 5 1/2 MILES SOUTH OF BENCHLAND, MONTANA, ON THE AFTERNOON OF 13 MARCH. EVALUATED B-2. GORE FIELD ARMY AIR BASE HAS DISPATCHED A RECOVERY TEAM TO MAKE COMPLETE INVESTIGATION OF INCIDENT. BENCHLAND, MONTANA, IS 30 MILES WEST OF LEWISTOWN, MONTANA. F. 13 MARCH IS THE DATE THAN AN EXPLOSION WAS HEARD ABOUT 10 MILES NORTHWEST OF AMERICAN FALLS, IDAHO. COMPLETE INVESTI - GATION WILL BE MADE BY RECOVERY TEAM FROM 9TH SERVICE COMMAND CG WDC PRESIDIO, SANFRAN 150001Z Originator D/T Group NCR 6370 DECLASSIFIED 4 Of 5 Pages. 5(D) or (B) (, 1972 CM-IN-15494 By DBS DaMAY 21 1973 DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 NOW ENROUTE TO THE SCENE OF THE EXPLOSION. INCIDENT EVALUATED B-2. AFTER THE EXPLOSION PARTS OF THE BALLOON WERE SEEN DRIFT- ING EARTHWARD HOWEVER, PARTS OF THE SHROUD LINES WERE THE ONLY ITEMS RECOVERED TO DATE AND THE REST OF THE BALLOON IS PRESUMED TO HAVE DESTROYED ITSELF BY THE EXPLOSION. END & 16..COG COMINCH. .ARMY FILE ... DECLASSIFIED E. O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) er (E) OSD letter, May 3, 1972 By DBS Date MAY 211973 Originator CG, WDC, PRES/ID C SAN FRAN 150001 NCR 5 Of D/T Group Pages. 5 OPNAY-19-53 CM-IN-15494 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY S-EF37(455-HAT) Anncostia Station Washington, DC Serial No. 4679 S-455-42/45 as MAR 10, 1945 To: Officer in Charge Technical Air Intelligence Center U. S. Naval Air Station Anncostia, D. C. Subj: Balloon, Japanese Paper, from Sevastopol, California. - CEE No. 22208 Refs: (a) NRL ltr S-EF37(455-HAT)S-455-8/45 of 15 Jan 1945 to TAIC (b) NRL ltr S-EF37(455-HAT)S-455-9/45 of 20 Jan 1945 to TAIC 1. The subject material was examined at the Naval Air Station, Anacostin on 24 February 1945 by representatives of this Laboratory and was found to consist of the valve and portions of the envelope and rubber shock absorber from a Japanese paper balloon of the type described in reference (a). Other remains from the same balloon were examined at this Laboratory at on carlier date and described in reference (b). ENVELOPE 2. The envelope material was identical with that from other balloons of the same type. Blue tape was used on somo of the seams. A number of figures, in ink and put on with a rubber stamp, were observed. Apparontly the sections of the balloon had been numbered ns an aid to assembly. VALVE 3. The valve was of the type first found on the Estacado balloon and was stamped 4590 on the spring support. There were ropo loops on the valvo for suspension from the envelope. SHOCK ABSORBER L. The shock absorber was of the usual construction consisting of strands of rubber and covered at the two ends with broided cotton and Inshed back to form loops. DECLASSIFIED E O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May 4, 1972 R. H. BULLARD By DBS Date MAY 21 1973 COMDR USNR 300 U.S. BY DIRECTION OF DIRECTOR NAVAL RESE/RCH LABORATORY DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY S-EF37(455-HAT) Anacostia Station Serial No. 4678 Washington, DC S-455-39/45 as MAR 10, 1945 To: Officer in Charge Technical Air Intelligence Center U. S. Naval Air Station Anncostin, D. C. Subj: Balloons, Japanese Paper, from Laurens, Iown and Schuyler, Nebraska, CEE No. 22201, Refs: (a) Visit of Lt(jg) C.L. Miller of TAIC to NRL on 12 Feb 1945 (b) NRL ltr S-EF37(455-HAT)S-455-8/45 of 15 Jan 1945 to TAIC 1. At the request of the Technical Air Intelligence Center, NAS, Anacostin (reference (a)) the Laboratory has examined the subject balloon parts. The material from Schuyler, Nebroska consisted of a single fragment of paper identical with that used for the envelopes of Japanese paper bal- loons of the type described in reference (b). The mterial from Laurens, Iowa consisted of parts of the envelope, the shroud lines, the envelope 1g- balloon. nition charge and the envelope ignition charge fuze from the same type of DISCOVERY 2. The fragment of paper from Schuyler, Nebraska was discovered on 2 date. February 1945. The material from Laurens, Iown was discovered on the same ENVELOPE REMAINS 3. The fragment from Schuyler, Nebraska was a single triangular section about two yards across the base and one yard from base to apex. It appeared to be charred along one odge while the other edges were cut, pre- sumbly after discovery. The paper was no different from that used in previous balloons. 4. The material from Laurens, Iown was in a number of irregular pieces of various sizes. Many appeared to have scorched edges. Possibly the destruction of the balloon by its demolition charge produced the frag- mentation and charring. No colored tape was observed on the senns. The skirt was of the usual construction but contained a lighter rope (3/16 inch diameter) than the 1/4 inch rope used on previous balloons, The loops were knotted and bound with hard cord. DECLASSIFIED E.O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) 030 letter, May & 1972 LCS Date MAY 21 1973 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SHROUDS 5. The shrouds consisted of the usual 19 branched lines terminating in hooks for attaching to the skirt. The splices and end loops were bound with silk cord. The rope was in new condition. SUPPORT ROPES 6. The support ropes were knotted through the usual two sister hooks used for attaching to the shrouds. There was no evidence that a rubber shock absorber was used but the condition of the ropes does not permit a definite conclusion on this point. The support ropes consisted of the customary 8 lengths of 3 strand 3/8 inch diameter rope. The lower end terminated in frayed ends, The rope was weathered in appearance. ENVELOPE IGNITION CHARGE 7. The envelope ignition charge was the customary cylindrical paper container filled with magnesium flash powder. ENVELOPE IGNITION CHARGE FUZE 8. There were three sections of fuze totaling approximately 48 feet. This was the same type of fuze found leading to the envelope ignition charge on previous balloons. About one-third of this fuze was burned. R. H. BULLARD COMDR USNR BY DIRECTION OF DIRECTOR NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY DECLASSIFIED - 2 - E. O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May 4, 1972 By DBS Date MAY 21 1973 DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY (455-HAT) Anacostia Station Washington, D.C. Serial No. 4677 S-455-38/45 as MAR 10, 1945 To: Officer in Charge, Technical Air Intelligence Center, U. S. Naval Air Station, Anacostia, D. C. Subj: Balloon, Japanese Paper, from Hayfork, California - CEE No. 22212. Refs: (a) NRL ltr (455-HAT), s-455-8/45 of 15 Jan 1945 to TAIC (b) CG, G-2 Western Defense Command ltr B0211 to G-2, War Department dated 6 Feb 1945 1. The subject material was examined at the Naval Air Station, Anacostia on 24 February 1945 by representatives of this Laboratory and certain portions were brought to the Laboratory for further study. The material consisted of the ballast release mechanism and six increments of ballast from a Japanese paper balloon of the type described in reference (a). Reference (b) describes four incendiary bombs which were recovered with this ballast release mechanism. The altitude settings on the barometric contactors (aneroids) as measured at this Laboratory do not agree with the settings re- ported in reference (b). The hook-up of the contactors was slightly different than that found on previous balloons. A radio type relay was found with this material. DISCOVERY 2. The subject material is reported to have been recovered at Hayfork, California on 1 February 1945. INVENTORY 3. The material examined at the Naval Air Station included the ballast release mechanism without battery, six sand filled ballast bags, a Japanese radio type relay, and nine molded rubber rings. According to reference (b) four incendiaries were recovered with or near the release mechanism. BALLAST RELEASE MECHANISM 4. The ballast release gear was similar to those previously examined. It was suspended on the customary four doubled ropes and evidently no rubber shock absorber had been used. DECLASSIFIED E. O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May 3, 1972 Date MAY 21 1973 By DBS DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 5. The wood and plastic battery boxes were of the usual size and construction. The battery was not received. A part of the battery connector plug was received. 6. The barometric contactors were mounted in the usual manner but were wired differently. Enclosure (F) of reference (a) shows the customary connections. In this particular case the No. 2 contactor was connected in series with No. 3 and No. 4 which were in parallel. The No. 2 contactor was adjusted to make a contact above a set altitude and to break the contact below that altitude. All other contactors to date have been adjusted to make a con- tact below a set altitude. This series arrangement would keep the ballast re- lease from functioning until the balloon reached the set altitude of No. 2 con- tactor and might conceivably take the place of the starting fuzes. However, there were starting fuzes with the mechanism. The contactor covers were marked as follows: #1 - Underlined V. in chalk #2 - Triangle in white paint #3 - 3 in chalk #4 - 7 in yellow chalk or crayon. 7. The pressure settings of the contactors were as follows: #1 - Makes contact at 2.2 miles descending and breaks contact at 2.2 miles ascending. #2 - Breaks contact at 1.5 miles descending and makes contact at 1.6 miles ascending. #3 - Makes contact at 4.1 miles descending and breaks contact at 4.2 miles ascending. #4 - Makes contact on a pressure increase of 35 mm of mercury from a minimum. This corresponds to a drop of 0.5 miles starting at 4 miles or 0.7 miles starting at 6.0 miles altitude. 8. All of the blow out plugs above the #24 pair were still in place. In addition to the fuzes from the unfired plugs there were 7 other fuzes which did not burn. None of these were in pairs. 9. Three arming wires were attached to the bottom of the mechanism and a fourth was found in the packing case. Reference (b) describes four in- cendiary bombs found attached to or near the mechanism when discovered. They were attached in the number 31, 32, 33 and 34 positions. 10. Reference (b) also reports that seven sand bags weighing 4.75 pounds, 4.375 pounds, 2.5 pounds, 2.25 pounds, 2.375 pounds, 2.5 pounds and 6.75 pounds were attached in positions numbered 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 35 respectively. The sand in the bags consisted of a mixture of orange-yellow, black, and white particles and therefore resembled a mixture of sand from the Marshall and sand from the Holy Cross balloons. - 2 - DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 100 [t=] C R S-EF37 (455-HAT) Serial No. 4677 S-455-38/45 as 11. The cause of malfunction of the ballast release mechanism could not be ascertained. 12. In the packing case with the material was a Japanese relay which is in effect a four pole double throw solenoid operated switch. A relay iden- tical in appearance but wired slightly differently was found in a Japanese radio transmitter type 99 Hill at TAIC. Reference (b) does not mention this item. If it was found with the release mechanism it would indicate that some electronic device had been attached. The electronic device could have been dashed to pieces at some time when the balloon first descended and the relay thrown free and lodged in the release mechanism. 13. Nine molded rubber rings about 5 inches in diameter and having a round 3/32 inch diameter cross section were also found in the packing case. These are not mentioned in reference (b). R. H. BULLARD COMDR USNR BY DIRECTION OF DIRECTOR NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY - 3 - DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 / SECRET SECRET SECRET NAVY DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE CHIKF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS Op=16=V-T WASHINGTON 10 Barch 1945 From: Technical Air Intelligence Centor. To: Distribution List. SUBJECT: Japanese Balloons and Attached Devices. Reference: (a) NRL Sccret Report Serial 4587, dated 2 March 1945. (b) MRL Secret Report Serial 4629, dated 2 March 1945. (c) Secret Memo from Lt. J.W. Hoffren, AAF, dated 1 March 1945, Subj: Incident Concerning Dalloons Reported by an Officer from the Philippinos. (d) Air Intelligence Group Secret Report Serial 00517116, dated 7 March 1945. Enclosure: (A) Copy of Reference (a). (B) Copy of Reference (b). (c) Copy of Reference (c). (D) Copy of Reference (d). 1. The attached reports are submitted for information to distribution list by Technical Air Intelligenco Center (Op-16-V-T). awayle DECLASSIFIED E. 0. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May 1, 1972 By DBS Date MAY 211973 300 U.S. DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET SECRET NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY S-EF37(455-HAT) Anacostia Station Washington, D. C. S-455-29/45 Secret Ser. 4629 2 March 1945 To: Officer in Charge, Technical Air Intelligence Center, U.S. Naval Air Station, Anacostia, D. C. Subj: 22206. Balloon, Japanese Paper, from Alturas, California; CEE No. Refs: (a) Visit of Lt. (Jg) C.L. Miller of TAIC, NAS, Anacostia to NRL on 6 Feb. 1945. (b) NRL ltr. S-EF37 (455-HAT), S-455-8/45 of 15 Jan. 1945 to TAIC. (c) NRL ltr. S-EF37(455-HAT), S-455-30/45 of 16 Feb. 1945 to TAIC. 1, At the request of the Technical Air Intelligence Center, NAS, Anacostia (Ref (a)) the Laboratory has examined the subject balloon na- terial. It was found to consist of the envelope, valve, and shrouds from a Japanese Paper Balloon similar to the one described in Ref. (b). Discovery 2. This balloon was discovered at Alturas, California. It was re- ceived at NRL on 6 February, 1945. Inventory 3. The material received at NRL consisted of the balloon envelope, the relief valve, and part of the shrouds. Envelope 4. The envolope was a paper sphere similar in size and construc- tion to those previously examined (Ref.(b)). Some of the tapo used on the seams has a faint blue-green color. The paper is apparently the samo as in the other balloons. Thore was no ovidence of the uso of an envelopa incendiary however certain parts of the envelope had been removed. Valve 5. The valve was similar to those on the Kalispell and Holy Cross, Alaska balloons. A photograph of this valvo and a discussion of the two kinds of valves will be found in Ref. (c). The valve had a printed 3060 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May , 1972 By LBS Date MAY 21 1973 DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET 6-EF37 (455-HAT) S-455-29/45 Secret Ser. 4629 and 42 in chalk written on it. There were rope loops on this valve. These loops were not present on the Marshall, Alaska balloon valve but have been found on all the other valves. They were not used on this balloon. The purpose is to help support the weight of the valvo by means of light lines running to rope loops around the base of the envelope. Shrouds 6. The shrouds were badly frayed and tangled but apparently the same in arrangement as in previous balloons. with the shrouds was the rope assembly used to hook the ballast release mechanism to the shrouds, consisting of 8 strands of rope knotted to two sister hooks. Probably no rubber shock absorber was employed but the damaged condition of the ropes prevents a definite conclusion on this point. R. H. BULLARD Comdr., USNR By direction of Director Naval Research Laboratory DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET SECRET NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY S-EF37(455-HAT) Anacostia Station Washington, D. C. S-455-28/45 Secret Sor. 4587 2 March 1945 To: Officer in Charge, Technical Air Intelligence Center, U.S. Naval Air Station, Anacostin, D. C. Subj: Balloon, Japaneso Paper, from Holy Cross, Alaska. CEE No. 22196. Ref: (a) Visit of Lt. (jg) C.L. Miller, TAIC, NAS, Anacostia to NRL on 8 Feb. 1945. (b) NRL ltr. S-EF37(455-HAT), S-455-8/45 of 15 Jan. 1945 to TAIC, NAS, Anacostia. (c) NRL ltr S-EF37(455-HAT), S-455-12/45 of 1 Feb. 1945 to TAIC, NAS, Anacostia. (d) Western Defense Command CG, G-2 Conf. ltr. No. B-0211 to War Dept., 0-2, dated 6 Feb. 1945 Forwarded by OPNAV to NRL on 9 Feb. 1945. Sor. 026383. 1. At the request of the Technical Air Intolligence Contor, NAS, Anncostin (Ref. (a)), the Laboratory has examined the subject balloon matorial. The material has been identified as parts of the envolope, valvo, shrouds, and ballast rolease mechanism from a Japanese paper balloon of the type do- scribod in Ref.(b). The principle difference found betwoon this and provious balloons was that the ballast units recovered were lightor in weight and filled with a different kind of sand. The only previous ballast bags ex- amined at this laboratory were from the Marshall, Alaska, balloon (Rof. (c)), and weighed 5.5 pounds each. The ballast bag with the present balloon was smaller in size and weighod 1.5 pounds. Discovery 2. The subject miterial was found at Holy Cross, Alaska. It was received at NRL on 8 Fobruary 1945. Inventory 3. Tho matorial received at NRL consisted of several large sections of the envelope, the rolief valve, the shrouds, a 60 ft. longth of fuze, part of the ballast rolonso mochanism, a bottle of liquid, and one unit of ballast. A rubber shock absorbor was attached to the bellast release mechanism. DECLASSIFIED E. O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May 1, 1972 By D38 Date MAY 21 1973 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET S-EF37(455-HAT) S-455-28/45 Sccrot Sor. 4587 Envelope 4. The envolope was apparently of the same size and construction as in the other balloons of this type. The matorial nlso appoars to be the Jamo. Somo of the tape used on the scams was a light blue-groon color. Bo- cause of the fragmontary condition it was not possible to dotormine whether an envelope ignition charge was used. Since a long fuzo was received with the balloon it is presumable that such an ignition charge was used. Valve 5. The valve was of the typo found on the Kalispell and Alturas balloons. Painted on it was the number 1266. Shrouds 6. The shrouds wore in a very weathered condition but otherwise no different from those on provious balloons. Long Fuze 7. The long fuzo consisted of roughly 60 foot of cord type fuzo idon- tical with that used on provious balloons to sot off the envelope ignition charge. It had burned about half way through and stoppod nt a point where the fuzo whs brokon and hold togother only by some of the outer wrappings. Ballast Rolease Mochanism 8. This mechanism closely resembled that described in Rof. (b). It was supported on a rubber and rope shock absorber assembly similar to those found with the Kalispoll and Estacndo bolloons. The baromotric contactors and the battery were not received. Two pairs of ballast release plugs, #25 and #26, were unfired. One pair carried the usual "T" bracket for attaching ballost. The ballast bag received had a "T" attached and it is presumed that this was removed from the other pair of plugs after discovery. The failure of those two pairs to function was caused by a mistake in fuzo arrangement. One fuzo from the #24 plugs load to a #27 switch instead of 0 #25 switch. The fuze which should have load from the #26 plugs to the #27 switch load instond to a #25 switch. The sccond fuze londing from the #24 plugs to the #25 switches failed to light when the plug blew out. In addition to the fhiluro of one #24 fuzo to light similar failures occured on one #12 fuzo, ono #20 fuze, and one #27 fuzo. One of the #30 fuzos ignited but went out. Both conter plugs apporontly had firod and blown out, The fuzo londing from one was about a foot long and burnod. The fuze from the other contor plug was about two foot long, unburned, and had a cut ond. Possibly the burned fuzo had load to the envelopo ignition charge and the unburned fuzo had load to a domolition chargo. Wrapped about the battery box were the two usual 16 foot starting fuzos. There word no arming wires nor was there any cvidonce that any had been attached. - 2 - DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET S-EF37(455-HAT) S-455-28/45 Secret Sor. 4587 Pallast Bag A single bag of sand ballast was received. This was smiller than those from the previous Alaska balloon and the weight, allowing for spillage, nas about 1.5 pounds. The sand was quito different from that proviously found (Ref. (c)) in that it consisted principally of orange-yellow particles with a few black and transparent particles whereas the Marshall, Alaska sand was a mixture of black and transparent particles resembling a mixture of salt and pepper. 10. The flight characteristics of these balloons and the maximum pay load were calculated in Ref. (c) assuming that all ballast units weighed 5-1/2 pounds each. If the ballast units are lighter the initial operating ceiling or the maximum pay load will be increased. Rof. (d) discloses that a ballast release mechanism from Hayfork, California, carried four bombs weighing re- spoctively 10.5; 10.75; 10.5; and 11.1 pounds and seven sand bags weighing re- spoctively 4.75; 4.375; 2.5; 2.25; 2.375; 2.5; and 6.75 pounds. Possibly undersized ballast bags are used in combination with the incendiary bombs in order to obtain a constant total load. The four bombs found are over a 5.5 pound average by a total of 20.8 pounds and the sand bags recovered are under e 5.5 pound average by 17.2 pounds disregarding the last bag which weighed 6.75 pounds. Based on a 6.75 average the four bombs are over by 15.9 pounds and the sand bags are under by 21.4 pounds. Ref. (c) reports one barometric contactor (aneroid) set at 35,000 feet. This would indicate that a higher initial ceiling was intonded and that the average weight of the ballast bags, or the weight of the pay load, was decreased. It is unfortunate that the barometric contactors on the Holy Cross balloon were not recovered as this would have provided a further clow as to whether the lighter ballast bags were to obtain a higher coiling or to compensate for an increased pay load or the use of incendiaries as part of the ballast. Liquid 11. The liquid was water containing some calcium chloride and was probably from the battery box. The plastic box enclosing the battery which is the container for the calcium chlorido solution was not received. R. H. BULLARD Comdr., USNR By Direction of Director Naval Research Laboratory DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SUCRET SECRET 1 March 1945 FOR RECORD: SUBJECT: Incident Concorning |alloons Reported by an Officer from Who Philippines 1. The information contained in this report was obtained through an interview with 2nd Lt. Jack if Hoffman, 0-2007294, an officer who has boen engaged in guerilla warfare in the Philippines from September 1941 until January 1945. 2. A Japaneso General named Tanakn, while in the company of & Certsan officer on 12 September 1944, commuted to the effect that the Japanese would use (03 transported to the United States by neans of froe belloons relensed from cubmarines. This gas was mentioned as being dendly to humans as well ao to insects and snakes, and would even till vegetation. The use of this goo, however, is to be mado as a last resort when it is certain to the Japanese that they are being beaton by the American forces, 3. The information nontioned above were given to Lt. Poffnan by a Mr. Micholas Pasto, Filipino, who was employed as a foreman and interpreter by the Japanese on Mindenso, and who overheard directly the conversation mentioned. Dr. Paste vais a trusted source of informa- tion for Lt. Hoffman during the greater part of his duty in the Philippines. is. The information contained in paragraph 2 was given to e Mr. Holson, FDI, and Captain Ickes, C-2, on the Island of Morotad on 10 January 191,5. DECLASSIFIED J. W. HOFFIAN E. 0. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 8(D) or (E) 2nd Lieutenant, AAP 03D letter, May , 1972 MAY 211973 By DBS Date DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 Opviav-16-7 JA91 March 1945 SECRET MAYY OFFICE OF THE ChILF or NAVAL JAMES AS WASHINGTON, D.C. Op-16-MA-MvR (ac) 7 Murch 1945 SECRET Sorial 00517116 From: Air Intelligence Group. To, Addressees designated on distribution list. SUBJECT: The Number of Jajanese 'Malloons arriving in Korti, Averica. 1. The attached report, propared by the analysis soction of Op-16-V in forwarded for information. WaisHener, Distribution List TAIC - 25 VIS - 100 DECLASSIRED E. O. 11652, Bec. 8(B) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May 3, 1972 By DBS Date MAY 21 1973 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 ALR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET SECRIT THE NUMBER UP JAMES HALLOW ARRIVING IN KORTH AM RICA This report attempts to cnewer the question: If so lasty balloons have been found, how many arrived in all will land? balloons which dis- integrated completely are, of course, megloced. The "Possible Region" The 38 reliable incidents becreen 4 November, 1944 and 15 February, 1945 were plotted on a large scale m.p. The this area which oncloses all the incidents WP.S then drawn. it comists or a line alon- the Cord parallel from 165° : to 120° . Chonce seadwast to 41° X - n° # thence along the 41at parallel to 120° S. thence to 36° 5 - 116° ; thonce south to 32,° N - 116° L. The western boundary 1a the const. This area is con- sidered the "possible region" in which ballocas my lovernd. (The Aleutings are omitted from this discussion.) "Populated" and "Unpopulated" urons ln populated kruss it is assued - bulloons will be found within G week or two, In unpepulated areas it in useumed that balloons will in general be found only by chance, The definition of "populated" dependa on the size of the area selected. This unit should to small. An area sith utso large Lom my have L Ligh averuge population but Actually most of the area may be unpopulated. Counties mere therefore used es the unit, Counties with логе than five porsone per square mile are considered to be populated. RECEASED E. O. 11652, Sec. S(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter. May 1, 1972 - 1 - By DBS Date MAY 211973 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET SECRET "Balloous in "Populated" Counties The total area of the "possible region" in which the population (by counties) exceeda five persons por square mile is 375,000 aquare miles, The number of balloons reported (balloons or parts found, or bomba cropped) to 15 February is 19. The density is therofore 19/375 per 1000 square miles. Balloons in "Unpopulated" Counties The "unpopulated" counties total 1,628,000 square miles. Assuming balloon density here equal to that in the "populated" counties, 1.0. 19/375 por 1000 square miles, & total of 82 balloons should have arrived in these "unpopulated" counties. Hence an overall total of 101 have arrived. of those 36 are on re- cord. In other words, about three times NO many have arrived as have been recorded. Insofar no other data indicate that such larger numbers than 100 may have been launched by 15 February, two deductions are possible; either most of the balloons launched go into the sea or else the self-destruction system works very completely in the large majority of cases, - 2 - DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 TAIC SIAGNARY WITH COMMENTS BY LTA AND NRL REPORT SERIAL 4590 Distribution List 1 Copy SecNav 1 Asst. SecNav(Air) 1 Op-16 1 OP-16-B 1 Op-16-PT, Rm. 4638 1 BuOrd 1 SOURD, Rn. 0143 1 Op-34B 1 Op-31F 1 LTA Design 1 Naval Aide to The President 1 NRI, NAS Anacostia, D.C. 1 TAIC, RAS Anacostia, D.C. 3 CombestSeaFron 3 Army Ground Forces 1 Airind Section, 0-2 1 MIS, G-2 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT NARA Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER OUTGOING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE OPD WDGS Theater Gp American Theater WDOPD OPD 000.7 (28 Feb 45 Maj Riordan 6623 Subj: Plans for Com- batting Japanese Balloons 28 February 1945 Commanding General Bastern Defense Command Governors Island, New York Number: WAR 54597 From Marshall to Grunert. The following in reverse order are the most dangerous capabili- ties of Japanese balloons as indicated by G-2: 5. AA devices. 5. Transportation of Agents. 4. forces. Psychological efforts to inspire terror and diversion of 3. Experiments for unknown purposes. 2, Transportation of incendiary and anti-personnel bombs. 1. Bacteriological and/or chemical warfare. It is desired that for purposes of advance planning relative to possible increase in Japanese balloon arrivals plans be developed by you for combatting these balloons. Base your plans on present scale of arrival and also with a view to possible increased rate of arrival and with such personnel and equipment as is available to you. Measures for civilian defense should be included out it is not desired that you call in for planning disoussions at this time Office of Civilian Defense authorities. Japanese balloons are under study in VD and new developments concerning these will be furnished you. End ORIGINATOR: OPD INFORMATION: ASF, CG AAF, CGGTI, G-2, Col Park, NDD, 03/M, C of S. E. O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) er (E) CM-OUT-54597 (Mar 45) OSD letter, May 1, 1972 By DBS DTG 171295MAY the 2.1 1973, COPY NO. 49 U.S. THE MAKING OF AN EXAC HIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER OUTGOING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE OPD WDGS Theater Gp American Theater WDOPD OPD 000.7 (28 Feb 45) Maj Riordan 6623 28 February 1945 Commanding General Alaskan Department Rear Fchelon Fort Richardson, Alaska Commanding General Alaskan repartment Advance Command Post Adak, Alaska Number: WARX 54598 From Marshall to Fmmons book to HQs and Advance CP. Subject is possible increase in intensity of Japanese balloon arrivals. G-2 estimates the following capabilities of subject balloons in order of greatest danger: 5. Transportation of agents 6. AA devices. 3. Experiments for unknown purposes. 1. Bacteriological and/or chemical warfare. 4. Psychological efforts to inspire terror and diversion of forces. 2. Transportation of incendiary and anti-personnel bombs. It 1s desired that the measures of advance planning that you concult with COMNORPAC for the purpose of developing joint plans for combatting these balloons. These should be based on possible increased scale of arrival as well as on present scale and should be made with equipment and personnel avail- able to you. Measures for civilian defense should also be included out Office of Civilian Defense authorities should not be called in for planning discussions at this time. You) DECLASSIFIED CM-OUT-54598 (Mar 45) E. O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) (if) OSD letter, May 3, 1972 By DBS Date MAY 21 1973 U.S. COPY No. 49 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 10-80600-1 GPO - DECLASSIFIED I. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 LR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER OUTGOING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE VAR 54598 16 March 1945 Page 2 will be advised by the WD of now developments reference balloons as this subject is now under study here. End ORIGINATOR: OPD INFORMATION: ASF 00 AAF CGGN G-2 Adte King Col Park NDD OS/M C of S CM-OUT-54598 (Mar 45) DTG 1712052 mec DECLASSIFIED E. O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May 1972 By DBS Date MAY 21 1973 COPY No. 49 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 19-39600-1 GPO DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER OUTGOING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE of OPD WDGS Theater Gp American Theater WDOPD OPD 000.7 (28 Feb 45) Maj Riordan 6623 Subj: Plans for Combatting Japanese Balloons 28 February 1945 Commanding General Western Defense Command Presidio of San Francisco California Number: WAR 54599 From Marshall to Pratt. Subject is Japanese balloons. G-2 estimates the most dangerous capabilities of Japanese balloons in order of greatest danger are: 1. Bacteriological and/or chemical warfare. 2. Transporation of incendiary and anti-personnel bombs. 3. Experiments for unknown purposes. 4. Psychological efforts to inspire terror and diversion of forces. 5. Transportation of agents. 6. AA devices. For purposes of advance planning and as a precautionary measure against the possible increase in intensity of balloon arrivals it is desired that you consult with the CG 4th Air Force end the Commender Western S ea Prontier with a view to developing joint plans for combatting these balloons and that your plans be coordinated with the proper Canadian Military authorities. Plans should be based on present scale of arrival and on possible increased CM-OUT-54599 (Mar 45) DECLASSIFIED E.O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) lor spack OSD letter, May 1,1972 By DBS Date MAY 21 1973 49 U.S. COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 16-22609-1 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 ALR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER OUTGOING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE WAR 54599 16 March 1945 Page 2 scale with equipment and personnel available to you. Plans should likevisc include measures for civilian defense. However, it is desired that you not call in Office of Civilian Defense authorities for initial planning discussions at this time. The subject of Japanese belloons is under study in the WD and you will be kept advised of new developments of concern to you. Fnd ORIGINATOR: OPD INFORMATION: ASF CG,AAF CGGN G-2 Admiral King Colonel Park WDD 05/W C of S CM-0UT-54599 (Mar 45) DTG 1700062 mec DECLASSIFIED E O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May 4 1972 By DBS Date COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN GPO DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 0 SECRET , SECRET SECRET By Authority of A. C. of S. G-2 Dated 23 February 1945 ( arth ) Initiale WAR DEPARTMENT MILITARY INTELLIGENCE DIVISION WASHINGTON, D. C. Prepared by Military Intelligence Service GENERAL REPORT NO. 2 OH FREE BALLOONS AND RELATED INCIDENTS Note: Any information on the course, speed, point of landing or effect of the free balloons would be of great value to the Japanese. It 20 therefore essential that the Japanese be prevented from obtaining such information. Neither this re- port nor its contents should be disseminated to any person who does not require it in the performance of his duty. 1. Introduction: This report brings up to date General Report No. 3. on Free Balloons and Rolated Incidents (called GF. (1), dated 29 Jan 45. 2. Chronology: E- Since 4 Nov 44 there have been found 1n the United States, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii thirty balloons or balloon fragments of Japanese origin. Incondiary boloba trore found with two.of the balloons. Nine additional in- cidents of bomb recoveries or explosions have been reported. A number of other incidents and sightings, possibly re- Lated, have been reported. b. A chronoligical list of incidents and nightings is attached as TAB A. A chart showing the number of DECLASSIFIED E.O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (B) 03D letter, May MAY 21 1973 300 0. S, The LGS Date DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET SECRET sightings and positive incidents in each two-week period between 1 Nov 44 and 15 Fab 45 is attached as TAB D. 3. Possible Purposes: The Japanese may be sending out the balloons for one or more of the following purposes: a. Ranging Shots. b. Transportation of Incendiary and anti- personnel bombs. c. Bacteriological and Gas Warfare. d. Transportation of Agents. e. Anti-aircraft devices. 1. Propaganda. Each of the foregoing possibilities, with the exception of Propagenda, was considered in GR #1. The conclusions expressed in that report are still considered sound. They are reviewed below, together with additional evidence the has become available since GR #1 vas prepared. A. Renging Shots: GR #2 stated (1) that the balloon episodes most probably are "ranging shots, If in preparation for 1988 launchings of such balloons and (11) that there is a possibility that the balloons are being used to C.e- termine meteorological conditions in preparation for laurch- ings of some type of projectile. It was pointed out that the only rubberized silk balloon recovered W&B carrying a radio transmitter (range about 1,000 miles) which woul: have enabled the Japanese to plot the balloon's course by taking direction findings from submarines and other receiving stations along the route. No radio equipment has been recovered with any of the paper balloons. During the past month, however, a number of unidentified radio signals have been picked up in the Pacific area. Details of these occurrences are given in paragraph 6, "Radio Signals", p. 4. b. Transportation of Incendiary and Anti-Personnel Bombs: GR #2 stated that the balloons very probably will -2- DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 be used to transport incendiary and anti-personnel bombe, which can be dropped during flight by means of the ballast- release device designed to operate whenever the balloon descends below certain altitudes. Additional bombs and balloons have been found since GR #1 was prepared, and the great majority of those 80 far discovered have landed on heavily forested areas. A map showing all bomb incidents and balloon recoveries, and the heavily forested areas of the western United States, Canada and Alaska, 18 attached as TAB C. Q. Bacteriological and Gas Warfare: Experiments still in progress have disclosed as yet no evidence that the balloons have been used to carry bacteria or disease germs, but as stated in GR #1 the balloons can be used for that purpose. No evidence has been found to indicate that the balloons have been used to conduct gas warfare, and they are not considered practicable for that purpose. d. Transportation of Agents: No evidence has been found that the balloons have been used to transport enemy agents, and such use is still considered only & remote possibility. e. Anti-Aircraft Devices: No evidence has been found that the balloons have been used as anti-aircraft devices, and such use is still considered unlikely. f. Propaganda: Since the publication of GR #1, Japanese propaganda broadcasts have mentioned the ballcons. Such propaganda probably 18 intended to bolster home morale as a counter-measure to B-29 and task force attacks on the Empire, and to impress other countries with the ability of the Japanese to carry out long-range attacks on the United States. Details of the broadcasts are given in paragraph 7, "Propaganda", p. 5. 4. Launching: GR #1 concluded that the balloons probably were launched from or near Japan. Since that report was pub- lished there have been additional reports of high altitude balloon sightings over Japan and Japanese-held territory. The XX and XXI Romber Commands have reported a total of tore than fifty free balloons of varying descriptions signted on missions over Japan and Japanese-oocupied China, oct- -3- DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 MLR 101 y RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET moncing with the mission flown on 20 Aug 44. Most of the descriptions of the balloons 80 far received have not been detailed. The reported altitudes at which the balloons were seen range from 16,000 to 36,000 feet--heights con- sidered impracticable for barrage balloons. 6. Description of Balloons and Apparatus: a. No additional rubberized-silk balloons have been recovered since that found at San Pedro, California, on 4 Nov 44. b. The paper balloons and automatic ballast-release devices recovered since GR #1 was written show no major changes in design and construction. Two types of paper balloons have been recovered. They are both built accord- ing to the same design, but the constructional details are slightly different--the gas release valves vary in design and one type of paper balloon envelope has colored seams while the other does not. It thus appears that the balloons facturers. may have been constructed by at least two manu- C. Although the ballast-release devices do not show any pattern of variation such as the envelopes and valves exhibit, wide variations in the setting of the aneroid- bellows switches have been found. They have been adjusted to operate at altitudes ranging from 15,000 to over 25, 000 feet, Such variations possibly are caused by attempts to utilize the most favorable wind currents at different periods Because of these variations, the self-destructive device of the balloons may operate at different altitudes. Con- sequently, it cannot be assumed that at any given altitude safety. the balloons can be closely approached by aircraft with d. The manner in which the cargo was attached to the balloon found at Hayfork, California, on 2 Feb 45, differed significantly from previous recoveries. The Hayfort balloon had incendiary bombs attached tothe periphery of the rin of the ballast-release apparatus instead of to the center of the dovice. Incendiaries attached to the periphery own be scattered along the route of the balloon, and thus the incendiary effect can be widely dispersed. 6. Radio Signals: a. The San Pedro rubberized-silk talloon was recov ered with a small radio transmitter, the signal character DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 ALR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 istine of which have been carefully analyzed. Ro radio equipment has been recovered with any of the paper balloons The only indication that the paper balloons may carry radio transmitters 18 the fact that & large number of signals have been received from the general direction of the Facific Ocean. Most of these signals have been received by stations on the Weet Coast and the fixes obtained have been inaccurate. b. In one instance a transmitter was tracked by & D/F net during & period of nine hours and over a distance of 1,600 miles. Without allowing for inaccuracies in D/F fixes, the estimated speed was 174 miles per hour. In another instance, two accurate fixes, spaced approximately 1,800 miles apart, were obtained on what appeared to be the same transmitter at an interval of ten hours, indicat- ing that the transmitter had moveá at the rate of approx- imately 180 miles per hour in the meantime. P. D/F net in Hawaii has tracked a radio transmitter over 2 distance of approximately 1, 440 miles in ten hours. 7. Propagenda: a. The first reference to balloons 1n Japanese propa- ganda was made on 17 Feb 45 in a Domei broadcast in English beamed to the United States. The Japanese claimed that 300 casualties had been inflicted in the United States and that numerous fires had been started. The broadcast also announced that the authorities in the United States had found it neo- essary to issue general warnings against attacks by the Japanese balloons and thus had aggravated unrest among the people. It was emphasized that these occurrences had shattered the American feeling of security against attacks by the Japanese Domei said that the Japanese military authorities had refused to comment on the subject. b. The broadcast may be the first of & series designed to conduct a war of nerves against the United States. Sub- sequent Japanese broadcasts beamed to Europe, SE Asia and China have repeated this theme and, in one instance, added that several million airborne troops could be landed in the United States in the near future. R.G.O.Smun R. A., OSMUN a.mrc. Brigadier General Chief, Military Intelligence Service. -5-- DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 CLAIMITER un APPRICE LP 000 - FT. a on, 1 min, - MTTER) PARAPTINE - FULL FRIM FUN - I . BATTERY DEM PLANE - - an - - if FICES - TIME % KDLF ⑉ MITAL POLIS ICE . DIRECT ME MILTI run ALLINOIN - AMOUNT OF sur SECTION (BURD) o o o 010 1700 - am THE is 00000000 ao M FT FISE - TOB - 130 NOTES TIME - INCLEART - Lieu V-90 FL. - - - These - FISS to sur - TIME - et - - TOM - - sex - - - - - - en - - as . - N NO. M. (LP MILM num - MEMB run KIMD - AMERICA fsk ABOVE PICE RATED - THE - , at this - - POURS AT : = UNIVERSITY M.T. SARTCH of INTERNARY-TIPE IN DOM) POUND AT MEDPORD, OREGON Figure 1. Overall sketch of balloon and sketches of equipment carried. (Prepared by WDC) DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 CONFIDENTIAL Figure 2 Alturas, California, balloon inflated for Laboratory tests DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT NARA Date 3/91/ CONFIDENTIAL a 10 1/2 Y A UNE PEINTURE -I-L POUR CH U Figure 3 Incendiary bomb dropped by Minton, Saskatchewan, balloon. UNE PEINTURE C-I-L go POUR a CHAQUE USAGE to El THERE IS A C-I-L PAINT E Figure 4 Bomb dropped by Minton, Saskatchewan, balloon. DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 CONFIDENTIAL --- AINT FOR EVERY PURPOSE UR CHAQUE Figure 5 Automatic ballast-release apparatus, with battery container, found with Fort Simpson, Mackenzie, balloon. Figure 6 Aneroid-bellows switches found with Fort Simpson, Mackenzie balloon. DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 CONFIDENTIAL 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 IL Y JUNE PEINTURE C-I-L POUR Figure 7 Battery in place in Its container -- found with Fort Simpson, Mackenzie balloon. Figure 8 Weight release mechanism found near Hayfork, California. The incendiary bombs are in the same positions as originally found; the sand bags are suspended from the proper plugs but not in the same order as found. Three incendiaries and six sand bags are shown. DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 CONFIDENTIAL Figure 9 Two of four incendiary bombs found near Hayfork, California, Shows general appearance and "I" shaped objects which suspended the bombs from the periphery of the weight release mechanism. Figure 10 Demolition block found near Hayfork, California. Shows tin container and I pound Pierie Acid charge. Holes on side and end are for blasting cap. DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT NARA Date w/ 3/91/ CHRONOLOGY OF FREE BALLOON INCIDENTS 23 February 1945 I. ALL POSITIVE INCIDENTS REPORTED THROUGH 22 FEB 45. 1. San Pedro, 4 Nov 44 Rubber balloon, supporting electronic Calif. devices, retrieved from water 66 miles SW of San Pedro, Calif. 2. Kellua, 14 Nov 44 Paper balloon retrieved from water near Hawe11 Kallua, Hawaii. 3. Halispell, 18 Nov 44 Paper balloon found 11 Deu. Probable date Mont. of landing 16 Nov. 4. Thermopolis, 6 Dec 44 Bomb exploded. Fragments recovered of Wyo. Japanese 15 Kg Anti-personnel HE bomb. 5. Manderson, 19 Dec 44 Piece of Japanese balloon paper measuring Wyo. 3 X 4 feet found. 6. Marshall, 23 Dec 44 Paper balloon found. (Previously reported Alaska. as 8 Jan 45). 7. Holy Cross, 24 Dec 44 Paper balloon found with most of usual Alaska. equipment. 8. Estacada, 31 Dec 44 Paper belloon found; similar to that at Ore. Kalispell. 9. Medford, 4 Jan 43 Bomb, later 1dentified as a Japanese incendi- Ore. ary, fell and exploded in open field. 1.0. Sebastopol, 4 Jan 45 Paper balloon found; similar to those at Calif. Kalispell and Estacada. 11. At sea, B Jan 45 Merchant vessel crew shot down white bal- 52.5° N, loon of 30 ft. diameter. Nothing was ra- 160° W. covered. -1- DECLASSIFIED I. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 MLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET SECRET 12. Alturas, 10 Jan 48 Peper balloon with usual equipment forces Callf. down by airoraft and recovered. 13. Minton, Sask., Can. 12 Jan 45 Balloon desounded 6 miles N of U.S. Canada border, released 20-1b. bomb and two flares or incendiaries. One flare or incendiary exploded; the other and the bomb did not. Balloon then rose and disappeared. 14. Lame Deer, 12 Jan 45 Japanese balloon found. Mont. 15. Ventura, 15 Jan 45 Bomb exploded. Fragments recovered of Calif. Japanese 16 Kg Anti-personnel HE bomb. 16, Moorpark, 15 Jan 45 Paper balloon found about 15 miles sent of Calif. where Ventura bomb (Item 16) exploded. Balloon was similar to others. 17. Simpson, 19 Jan 46 Paper balloon found with usual equipment. Mackenzie, Canada 18. Buldir Island, Balloon was seen at 29,000 ft., and sho's Alaska 24 Jan 45 down. Pilot estimated diemeter at 30 ft. Balloon fell in soa 25 miles 8W from Buldir Island and nothing was recovered. 19. Julian, 31 Jan 45 Paper balloon found with usual equipment. Calif. 20. Red Bluff, 1 Feb 45 Envelope and shroud lines only of paper Calif. balloon found. ?1. Hayfork, 2 Feb 45 Paper balloon with usual equipment found, wit Callf. four unexploded 10-1b. incendiery bombe 22. Laurens, 2 Fob 45 Envelope and shroud lines only of paper Iowa balloon found. 23. Schuyler, 2 Fob 45 Pieoe of balloon paper five by six feet in Nebr. eize found. 24. Provost 7 Feb 45 Paper balloon and a few pieces of control Alberta, equipment found. Canada DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 ALR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 25. Lowenstle, 8 Feb 45 Paper balloon found, similar to others. Wyo. 20. Camp Beele, 8 Feb 45 Paper balloon and damaged weight--dropping Calif. device found. 27. Moose Jaw, 9 Feb 45 Envelope and shrou d lines only of balloon Sank., found. Canada 28. Lodgegrass, 9 Feb 45 Top one-third of paper balloon found. Mont. 29. Hardin, 12 Feb 45 Bomb explosion followed by a ground fire Mont. occurred. 30. Riverdale, 12 Feb 45 Three bombs landed and exploded. Fragments Mont. indicated the bombs wore incendiary. 31. Burwell, 12 Feb 46 Badly torn balloon envelopefound with 2 Nobr. incendiary bombs (Indicated as envelope only on TAB B). 32. Nowlin, 12 Feb 45 Unexplained incendiary bomb explosion 00- S.D. curred. 33. Cascade, 12 Feb 45 Bomb fragments smelling strongly of ammonia Mont. found. 34. Spokane, 12 Feb 45 Two unexploded bombs found 7 miles north of Wash. Spokene. These were believed to have been dropped only 8. short distance as their paint was unmarred. 35. Edin, 13 Feb 45 Paper balloon found, similar to others. Mont. 36. American 13 Feb 45 Envelope only of a Japanese balloon found. Fells, Ida. 37. Prooser, 15 Feb 45 Paper balloon found with some of the usual Wash. apparatus. 33. Flathead Lake, Long strip of paper, believed to be part 08 Mont. 17 Feb 46 a balloon envelope, found. 39. Takla Lake, 19 Feb 43 Partially inflated balloon found. B.C., Canada -3- DECLASSIFIED O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 LR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET SECRET II. BALLOON SIGHTINGS AND POSSIBLY RELATED INCIDENTS FROM 20 JAN THROUGH 22 FEB 44. (See General Report No. 1, 29 Jan 45, for previous sightingo and incidents.) 1. Comp Woltors, Balloon at unknown height was reon passing Texas 26 Jan 45 overhead at high valocity. No appendages were visible. & Long Beach, 26 Jan 46 Gray balloon which had an object attached Callf. was soon descending rapidly by a sergeant and four officers. 3. Aúi Sea, 26 Jan 46 An object, about parachute size, was sighted 15 m. N of at a height of about 1500 ft. An appendage Attu Ieland, was suspended below the object. Alaaka 4. Marshall, 28 Jan 4B Balloon was reported scen in flight by a Alaska civilian pilot. 8. Elmondorf 29 Jan 45 White balloon seen at 5000 Pt. It carried a Field, small black unknown object and was lost to Alaska sight at an ostimated hoight of 31,000 it. 6. Hooper Bey, 30 Jan 45 Natives reported seoing 8. partly filled Alaska balloon on the 100 of the bay. It 18 be. lieved that the balloon was blown into the bay, and nothing was recovored. 7. AS Soa, - 30 Jen 45 A naval vessel picked up a rader target which 01f Queen was later visually determined to be a balloon Charlotte 450 miles west of Queen Charlotte Ialand. Island, B.C., Canada 3. A Sea, en 31 Jan 45 in aircraft pilot sighted a balloon with 33.50 N, a rectangular object susponded below 2.8 at 128. W. 35 N and 1284° W, altitude 10,000 RO. Do At Sea. -- 31 Jan 45 Two balloons sighted by the crow of a Navy Off Point San ship. The balloons were at en ostimated Eugenio, Lower height of 20,000 ft. and exploded while boing Celifornia. watched. 10. Pendleton, 31 Jan 43 Four civilians reported the sighting of a Ore. balloon carrying a suspended object. ...tee DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 ILR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 11. Weed, Calif. 1 Feb 45 Two balloons were reported sighted at 14,500 ft. Objects were seen hanging from the envelopes. 12. Fort Reso- lution, Dist. 1 Feb 45 A balloon carrying & bright red light was reported sighted. of Mack., Canada 13. Duncan, B.C., Canada 4 Feb 45 airborne. A balloon 1s reported as having exploded while 14. Between 7 Feb 45 A floating balloon with ring and metal box Broughton and Polkingborn attached was reported seen. Nothing was recovered. Islands, B.C. 15. At sea, - Off Alexai 8 Feb 45 The pilot of a P-38 reported sighting & large balloon at 40,000 ft. Point, Attu Island, Alaska 16. Hlackfoot, Idaho. 8 Feb 45 Three civibians reported the sighting of EL balloon at a height of about 2,000 ft. The balloon was seen to hit the ground, drop the equipment it was carrying, and rise again, but nothing was recovered. 17. Inyokern, Calif. 9 Feb 45 Naval personnel reported the sighting of five balloons at 10,000 ft. Ten aircraft made an unsuccessful search. 18. Santa Calif. Rosa, 10 Feb 45 A balloon sighting was reported. 19. Port Vancouver Hardy, 11 Feb 46 A balloon was clearly seen by RCAF fighters Island, B.C. at 12,000 ft, but the balloon was too high for closer approach before darkness. Canada 20. Nanaimo, 11 Feb 45 Militia Rangers reported the sighting or Vancouver Island, a balloon. B.C. Canada 21. Big Mont. Fork, 12 Feb 45 A balloon sighting was reported. -B- DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 MLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET SECRET 22 22 Tob 55 Canadian Militia Rangore reported secing :. 3.0. Conada balloon at 8,000 - 10,000 £0, Bearch WEID made by RCAF circraft rithout results. 23. H.lo. 12 Feb 45 A Balloon was sighted by a a Hawaii socut 230 miles southeast of Hilo. 26. Ped Lodge, 32 Fob -15 A Treo balloon was seen passing over Rod. Mons. Lodge, end a bailoon, thought. to be the BEIK Cody Wyc. one, "as Been drifting over Cody B hours laver 25. Cascado, 12 Feb 66 The sighting of three balloons vas reported. Hont. 26. Truckee, 13 Feb 15 A ball of." fire was Boon felling to the groups Call?. by a rancher. 27. Verse, 13 Feb 1.5 Observation of who landing of e. balloon BaD iiyo. reported by civilians. Nothing was found 5.8. are and ground search of the area. 20, Wosverville, Cellf. 3.4 Feb 10 A belloon at a height of €,000 to 10,000 TO. VAS reported eighted by the U.S. Forest Service. 29. Thiler, 34 Feb 15 A State policeman reported secing 2. belloon. Ore. Searching sircraft were unable to find anything. 30. Red Bluff, 15 Feb 45 Calif. Two civilians reported seeing a balloon at E: groat height, but four searching R.33's Tere unable to locate 10. 32. Henford, 16 Feb 45 Wash. Four poliocmen reported scoing an object which reseabled & balloon fall on R monntain north of Hanford. The object arose 15 sinutes later, disappearing beyond the mountain. 32. Cordove, Nacha. 16 Feb 45 A large white balloon was reported DOER by school children &6 10 6x1fted past above the town. 35. Youton, 700- 27 Pob 45 A balloon was reported sighted drifting couver Island northeast. 31, P.O. Cenada B DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 ALR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET SECRET 34. nod Calif. Bluff, 18 Feb 45 Two balloons were reported sighted by the sheriff of Red Bluff. 3B. Courtenay, Vencouver 18 Feb 45 cast. A balloon was reported seen travolling south- Ieland, B.C., Canada. 36. Strait of 18 Feb 45 Georgia, Three separate balloon sightings wore reported Bc C., Canada apparently all of the usme balloon. 37. Usich, Calif. 16 Feb 45 A dairymen reported the sighting of & bal loon. Air search produced no results. 38, HoCloud, 19 Feb Colif. 45 The Forest Service reported a balloon at an estimated al titude of 20,000 ft., 10 miles east of Mount Shasta ... DECLASSIFIED / E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 NUMBER OF BALLOON INCIDENTS BALLOONS 22 20 SIGHTED RECOVERED 18 BALLOONS WITH PAY LOAD PAY LOAD EVIDENCE 16 ONLY RUBBER BALLOONS WITH RADIO EQUIPMENT 14 PAPER BALLOONS WITHOUT PAY LOAD 12 IO 8 6 - 4 2 o 1- 15 16- 30 1-15 16-31 1-15 16 -31 1-15 NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET ALASKA 60°N CANADA 00 LARDS OF VANCOUVER ISLAND FACIFID - RECOVERED AND BOWE INCIDENTS 50m 46 - 22 Feb 65 o OCKAY Jalon Salloon with Bombe Formaled = ME,Z ec 160°W of 140 W 120 SECRET ECLASSIFIED O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 LR 101 10v RT. NARA. Date 4/13/94