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1965-66: (16) HR866 - Unidentified Flying Objects (1)
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1965-66: (16) HR866 - Unidentified Flying Objects (1)
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The original documents are located in Box 107, folder "1965-66: (16) HR866 - Unidentified
Flying Objects (1)" of the Edward Hutchinson Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential
Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Edward Hutchinson donated to the
University of Michigan his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives
collections. Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in
the public domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are
presumed to remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject
to a valid copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Some items in this folder were not digitized because it contains copyrighted
materials. Please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library for access to
these materials.
dismissal of the charge. Brown
Hillsdale Daily News
7/15/66
UFO Probes
Prepared For
WASHINGTON (/P) - The Air
Force intends to contract with
a few selected universities to
investigate promptly and in
dopth certain sightings of uni-
89TH CONGRESS
2D
H. RES. 866
16
тобиш Белегі VUTTE Unidentified Flying Objects
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MAY 24, 1966
8
Mr. HUTCHINSON submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
Committee on Rules
ort)
-ni ati to
RESOLUTION
him
ai Resolved, That the Committee on Armed Services, acting
2 as a whole or by subcommittee, is authorized and directed
3 to conduct a full and complete investigation and study of
4 reports, and present methods of investigation, in Michigan
5 and elsewhere, of unidentified flying objects.
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Mr. HUTCHINSON submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
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ai Resolved, That the Committee on Armed Services, acting
2 as a whole or by subcommittee, is authorized and directed
3 to conduct a full and complete investigation and study of
4 reports, and present methods of investigation, in Michigan
5 and elsewhere, of unidentified flying objects.
6
For the purpose of carrying out this resolution the
7 committee or subcommittee is authorized to sit and act
8 during the present Congress at such times and places within
9 the United States, whether the House is in session, has
10 recessed, or has adjourned, to hold such hearings, and to
11 require, by subpena or otherwise, the attendance and testi-
12 mony of such witnesses and the production of such books,
V
2
1 records, correspondence, memorandums, papers, and docu-
2 ments, as it deems necessary; except that neither the com-
3 mittee nor any subcommittee thereof may sit while the
4 House is meeting unless special leave to sit shall have been
5 obtained from the House. Subpenas may be issued under
6 the signature of the chairman of the committee or any
7 member of the committee designated by him, and may be
8 served by any person designated by such chairman or
doidw
2018
9 member.
10
The committee shall report to the House as soon as prac-
11 ticable during the present Congress the results of its in-
12
vestigation and study, together with such recommendations
13 as it deems advisable. Any such report which is made
14 when the House is not in session shall be filed with the
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V
89TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. RES. 866
RESOLUTION
the
To authorize the Committee on Armed Services
to conduct an investigation and study of re-
ports of unidentified flying objects.
By Mr. HUTCHINSON
MAY 24, 1966
Referred to the Committee on Rules
- 6 - THE LITCHFIELD GAZETTE, Wednesday, May 25, 1966
Two Opinions Of U.F.O.'s
CONGRESSMAN HUTCHINSON'S
Congressman Edward Hutch-
questions which should be
sighting. According to Van
inson of Michigan's Fourth
answered."
Horn, wind velocity and temper-
District today said he was draft-
"Mr. Van Horn raised another
ature were not conducive to
ing a resolution urging the House
serious issue when he charged
producing the marsh gas
Armed Services Committee to
that the Air Force's attitude in
phenomena.
DR. LEVITT'S
"I am not satisfied with the
Earth is merely a grain of sand
level of civilization to accomp-
Air Force explanation of
in a measureless universe.
lish this. If we were to compare
U.F.O.'s, "said Dr. I. M.
Genetic material, said Dr.
the existence of earth to the
Levitt, Director of the Fels
Levitt, is plentiful in the uni-
Empire State Building and place
Planetarium in Philadelphia, in
verse but life like ours is
a paper back book on top,
I
5/19/66
From the office of
Congressman Edward Hutchinson
FOR RELEASE ON DELIVERY
4th District / Michigan
WASHINGTON Congressman Edward Hutchinson of Michigan's Fourth District today
said he was drafting a resolution urging the House Armed Services Committee to
study methods used by the Air Force in investigating reports of "unidentified flying
objects."
"It seems to me that the Air Force is much too quick to close the books on
these investigations," Hutchinson charged.
Rep. Hutchinson said his decision to offer the resolution in the House was
prompted by an exhaustive investigation into the March 21 UFO sighting at Hillsdale,
Michigan, by William E. Van Horn, director of the Hillsdale County Civil Defense
organization.
"The Air Force reportedly closed out its investigation of the sighting after
three and a half hours," Hutchinson said. "Mr. Van Horn's study took seven weeks and,
in refuting the Air Force investigator's 'swamp gas' theory, left several important
questions which should be answered."
"Mr. Van Horn raised another serious issue when he charged that the Air Force's
attitude in such cases may well have induced reliable witnesses in other sightings to
withhold the information for fear they would be ridiculed," he said.
"The obvious danger in allowing a situation like this to continue," Hutchinson
said, "is that the day may come when information of a very important nature might be
withheld for the same reason, with serious consequences to our country."
May 12 Van Horn sent a 24-page report on the results of his investigation to
Rep. Hutchinson, whose seven-county district includes Hillsdale. Using U.S. Weather
Bureau records, Van Horn apparently refuted the "marsh gas theory" with which the
Air Force investigator, Dr. J. A. Hynek, of Northwestern University, explained the
UFO sighting. According to Van Horn, wind velocity and temperature were not
conducive to producing the marsh gas phenomena.
A major portion of the report was devoted to the results of tests conducted at
the scene the day after the sighting by two young amateur scientists. They reported
an unusually high level of radiation in the area, but subsequent checks with geiger
counters showed radiation to be decreasing at a rapid rate. Chemical analysis also
revealed quantities of the element Boron in both water and soil. Boron is not found
in Michigan. Boron compounds are commonly used in the manufacture of glass and
cleaning agents, but the element also is being used as a solid and liquid fuel for
rocket igniters, experimental rocket motors, in nuclear experiments, and by the Air
Force as a laminate for experimental plastics.
#######
Hutchineon Bices- 71. Res. 866
6/3/66
11:am
EH -
Phone call from -
Professor J. E. McDonald
University of Arizona -
is in town - would like to come by for a minute or two to talk with you
about your bill on the UFO --
He has been concerned with this problem, he says, for a dozen years -
has done a lot of interviewing of people - and had been set up to do
a sudy this summer but the AF decision based on the Advisory Committee's
recommendations to set up some kind of investigatory procedure quashed that --
He would like a copy of the bill and release -- and expects to be up
here sometime thismorning -
ags
saw Est today
SDALE DAILY NEWS
HILLSDALE, MICHIGAN, MONDAY, MAY 16, 1966
12 PAGES
PRICE 10 CENTS
Van Horn Challenges Professor's
Marsh Gas Explanation Of UFOs
William (Bud) Van Horn,
2-Hynek: "Certain young
Hillsdale County Civil Defense
men have played pranks with
Director today challenged Dr.
Allen J. Hynek's theory that
fiares." Van Horn: "Dr. Hynek
the unidentified Flying Objects
was well aware that the flare
reported in Hillsdale were noth-
incident occured on Wednesday,
ing more than marsh gas.
March 23 and not on the eve-
Hynek, a Northwestern Uni-
ning of March 21."
versity astrophysicist, serving
as a scientific consultant to the
3-Hynek said he sifted
U.S. Air Force's Project Blue
out "inconsistent state-
Book, spent part of a day in
ments." Van Horn com-
Hillsdale investigating a sight-
ments: "The only state-
ing reported by Van Horn and
ments that Dr. Hynek was
a number of students at Hills-
interested in were the in-
dale College. Several days la-
consistent ones and it is my
ter, Hynek held a news con-
belief and knowledge from
ference and said it was his
questioning people that the
opinion the sighting in Hillsdale
inconsistent statements
was nothing more than marsh
were very few."
gas.
4-Hynek: "The majority of
Van Horn, in challenging
observers in both cases report-
the marsh gas theory points
ed only lights-red, yellow, and
out that the conditions un-
green, silent glowing lights,
der which marsh gas is
near the ground. They have not
most likely to form were
described an object." Van
not present on March 21,
Horn: "We did not describe the
the night the UFO was re-
outline of an object but Dr.
ported by the college stu-
Hynek was not interested when
dents. He also says Hynek
we attempted to describe to
ignored any reports of
him the ascending and descend-
movement and according to
ing in a uniform manner of
Van Horn pursued a line of
two separate color lights to a
questioning apparently de-
height of approximately 100-150
signed to substantiate the
feet. He was informed by my-
marsh gas theory, an ex-
self that at one time I could
planation Van Horn thinks
make out a convex surface be-
Hynek had decided upon
tween the two lights which I
even before coming to Hills-
estimated 25 feet between."
dale.
5-Hynek: "Witnesses have
In support of his criticism of
described glowing lights-lights
Hynek, Van Horn has distrib-
that seemed to move but never
uted a four-part report: an
far from a definite locale, or
analysis of Dr. Hynek's new
which suddenly disappeared
release, a report and photo
and popped up at another
made by two high school stu-
place." Van Horn: "This was
dents from Bay City, discus-
by no means the description
sion of a letter written to Van
that was given Dr. Hynek with
Horn by Dr. Hynek March 29
regards to the lights in the
and a photo which Van Horn
Authinson bills
REC'D JUL 5 1966
NATIONAL INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE
ON AERIAL PHENOMENA
TELEPHONE: NORTH 7-9434
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20036
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES:
CABLE ADDRESS:
1536 CONNECTICUT AVE.. N. W.
SKYLIGHT
PITTSBURGH SUBCOMMITTEE
MAJOR DONALD E. KEYHOE
5709 Woodmont St.
USMC (RET.) DIRECTOR
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15217
July 2, 1966
Honorable Edward Hutchinson
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Hutchinson:
Richard Hall, Acting Director of NICAP, suggested that you might
be interested in a document I am sending you under separate cover: a
summary report of my investigation of an unidentified flying object "chased"
from Ohio into Pennsylvania last April 17. I am chairman of NICAP's local
subcommittee, and personally handled the investigation of this case and of
the Air Force's treatment of it. Mr. Hall's suggestion was based on his
knowledge of your interest in the way Project Blue Book treats the UFO problem.
This report, while concentrating on the UFO sighting and testimony
from witnesses, is also substantially concerned with Project Blue Book's,
specifically Major Hector Quintanilla's, handling of the event. Two Deputy
Sheriffs and two other police officers were chiefly involved, but several
other law enforcement officers also saw what may have been the same object.
In no way is it possible that the Air Force's official explanation of this
event is correct. The official explanation is that the deputies became
hysterical when they observed an Echo satellite moving overhead, then chased
the planet Venus for over seventy miles across several counties, at top speed.
I have corresponded with Congressman William Stanton about this;
that correspondence is also included in the report. He was concerned over
the adverse reflection on the professional integrity of the deputies, whose
base is in his district. In that Blue Book's performance in this instance
seems to be typical, you may find these details illuminating.
Sincerely yours,
William B. Weitzel
William B. Weitzel, Chairman
Pittsburgh NICAP Subcommittee
A privately-supported fact-finding body serving the national public interest
[No. 55]
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS
HEARING
BY
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
OF THE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
EIGHTY-NINTH CONGRESS
SECOND SESSION
APRIL 5, 1966
[Pages of all documents printed in behalf of the activities of the House
Committee on Armed Services are numbered cumulatively to
permit a comprehensive index at the end of the Con-
gress. Page numbers lower than those in
this document refer to other
subjects.]
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
50-066 0
WASHINGTON : 1966
[No. 55]
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS
2D SESSION, 89TH CONGRESS
L. MENDEL RIVERS, South Carolina, Chairman
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES,
PHILIP J. PHILBIN, Massachusetts
WILLIAM H. BATES, Massachusetts
LESLIE C. ARENDS. Illinois
Washington, D.C., Tuesday, April5, 1966.
F. EDWARD HÉBERT, Louisiana
MELVIN PRICE, Illinois
ALVIN E. O'KONSKI, Wisconsin
The committee met, pursuant to call, at 10 :35 a.m., the Honorable L.
O. C. FISHER, Texas
WILLIAM G. BRAY, Indiana
Mendel Rivers (chairman of the committee), presiding.
PORTER HARDY, JR., Virginia
BOB WILSON, California
The CHAIRMAN. Let the committee come to order.
CHARLES E. BENNETT, Florida
CHARLES S. GUBSER, California
JAMES A. BYRNE, Pennsylvania
CHARLES E. CHAMBERLAIN, Michigan
Members of the committee, Secretary Brown and General McCon-
SAMUEL S. STRATTON, New York
ALEXANDER PIRNIE, New York
nell are back this morning for the purpose of responding to questions.
OTIS G. PIKE, New York
DURWARD G. HALL, Missouri
At the end of our last hearing I asked that Secretary Brown give us
RICHARD (DICK) ICHORD, Missouri
DONALD D. CLANCY, Ohio
LUCIEN N. NEDZI, Michigan
ROBERT T. STAFFORD, Vermont
some information with respect to unidentified flying objects. I under-
ALTON LENNON, North Carolina
RICHARD S. SCHWEIKER, Pennsylvania
stand that he is prepared to do that this morning and I also understand
WILLIAM J. RANDALL, Missouri
that he has with him Dr. J. Allen Hynek, consultant to Project Blue
G. ELLIOTT HAGAN, Georgia
Book, which is the group charged with responsibility with respect to
CHARLES H. WILSON, California
UFO's. Also present this morning is Maj. Hector Quintanilla, Jr.,
ROBERT L. LEGGETT, California
DONALD J. IRWIN, Connecticut
UFO project officer.
JED JOHNSON, JR., Oklahoma
I think it would be well to get the UFO business out of the way first.
FRANK E. EVANS, Colorado
So I will ask Dr. Brown to give us his report at this time.
RODNEY M. LOVE, Ohio
Mr. Secretary, see if you can shed some light on these highly illumi-
FLOYD V. HICKS, Washington
HERVEY G. MACHEN, Maryland
nated objects.
SPEEDY O. LONG, Louisiana
We can't just write them off. There are too many responsible people
E. S. JOHNNY WALKER, New Mexico
who are concerned.
SANTIAGO POLANCO-ABREU, Puerto Rico, Resident Commissioner
Mr. Ford has come out, he has a pretty good size stature in the Con-
gress, and SO tell me what you know, Mr. Secretary, and let's see if we
can have some answers.
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Go ahead, Mr. Secretary.
JOHN R. BLANDFORD, Chief Counsel
Secretary BROWN. Mr. Chairman, I have a letter here which is ad-
PHILIP W. KELLEHER, Counsel
FRANK M. SLATINSHEK, Counsel
dressed to you, and I signed it. Let me run through it quickly, because
WILLIAM H. COOK, Counsel
it summarizes pretty well what our views are on unidentified flying
EARL J. MORGAN, Professional Staff Member
objects.
RALPH MARSHALL, Professional Staff Member
Following that, if there are some questions, I can try to answer them,
JOHN FORD, Professional Staff Member
or the Chief, or Dr. Hynek, or Major Quintanilla.
II
The CHAIRMAN. Why don't we have the doctor come up to the table
now, because when we start asking questions we will have him there,
and we will just go all over the board.
Sit at the end of the table, Doctor.
Go ahead, sir.
STATEMENT OF HON. HAROLD BROWN, SECRETARY OF AIR FORCE
Secretary BROWN. This is in response of your recent request for
information concerning Air Force activities in the area of reported
unidentified flying objects.
Within the Department of Defense the Air Force has the respon-
sibility of investigating reports on unidentified flying objects and of
(5991)
5992
5993
evaluating any possible threat to our national security that such ob-
(The information referred to is as follows:)
jects might pose. In carrying out this responsibility let me assure
you that the Air Force is both objective and thorough in its treat-
Sightings of unidentified flying objects
ment of all reports of unusual aerial objects over the United States.
Under the name "Project Blue Book," the Air Force carries out a
Year
Total
Unidentified
Year
Total
Unidentified
three-phase program. We (1) make an initial investigation of each
sightings
sightings
report received; (2) make a more detailed analysis of reports not
1947
122
12
1958
627
10
explained; and (3) disseminate information on sightings, findings,
1948
156
7
1959
390
12
and statistics.
1949
186
22
1960
557
14
1950
210
27
1961
591
13
In order to evaluate this subject as thoroughly as possible, the
1951
169
22
1962
474
15
1952
1,501
303
1963
399
14
capabilities of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board have recently
1953
509
42
1964
562
19
been focused upon the subject of UFO's. This Board has just com-
1954
487
46
1965
886
16
1955
545
24
pleted a detailed review of this subject and concluded that the UFO
1956
670
14
Total
10,147
646
1957
phenomena presents no threat to the security of the United States,
1,006
14
and that the present Air Force program dealing with UFO sightings
has been well organized. Recommendations by the Board are pre-
AIR FORCE STATEMENT REGARDING THE UFO SIGHTINGS AT DEXTER, MICH., ON
sently under study and are expected to lead to even stronger emphasis
MARCH 20, 1966, AND HILLSDALE, MICH., ON MARCH 21, 1966
on the scientific aspects of investigating the sightings that warrant
The investigation of these two sightings was conducted by Dr. J. Allen Hynek,
extensive analysis.
scientific consultant to Project Blue Book; personnel from Selfridge Air Force
Based upon 10,147 reported sightings from 1947 through 1965, a
Base, Mich.; and personnel from the Project Blue Book office at Wright-Patter-
son Air Force Base, Ohio.
summary of which is attached, I believe it significant that the Air Force
In addition to these two specific cases, there has been a flood of reports from
has succeeded in identifying 9,501 of these objects. Virtually all of
this area both before and after March 20 and 21. The investigating personnel
these sightings were derived from subjective human observations and
have not had the time to investigate all of these. It has been determined, how-
interpretations. The most common of these were astronomical sight-
ever, that in Hillsdale, over and above the sincere and honest reporting by the
young ladies at Hillsdale College, certain young men have played pranks with
ings that included such things as bright stars and planets, comets and
flares. It has also been determined that the photographs released yesterday
meteors, and fireballs and auroral streamers.
through the press was taken on March 17 just before sunrise near Milan, Mich.,
Other major sources of reported sightings include such objects as
and have nothing to do with the cases in question. The photograph clearly
satellites, mirages, and spurious radar indications. The remaining
shows trails made as a result of a time exposure of the rising crescent moon and
646 reported sightings are those in which the information available
the planet Venus.
The majority of observers in both the Dexter and Hillsdale cases have reported
does not provide an adequate basis for analysis, or for which the in-
only silent glowing lights near the ground--red, yellow, and blue-green. They
formation suggests an hypothesis but the object or phenomenon ex-
have not described an object. The only two observers who did describe an
plaining it cannot be proven to have been here or taken place at that
object have stated that they were no closer than 500 yards-better than a
quarter of a mile away-a distance which does not allow details to be determined.
time.
Witnesses have described glowing lights-lights that seem to move but
In evaluating these sightings, the Air Force has used carefully
never far from a definite place or lights which suddenly disappeared and popped
selected and highly qualified scientists, engineers, technicians, and
up at another place. The locale in both cases was a swamp. In both cases, the
consultants. These personnel have utilized the finest Air Force labo-
location of the glow was pinpointed-in Dexter it was seen between two distant
ratories, test centers, scientific instrumentation, and technical equip-
groups of people and at Hillsdale it was seen in a swampy depression between
the girls and the distant trees. It was in both cases a very localized phenomena.
ment for this purpose.
The swampy location is most significant.
Although the past 18 years of investigating unidentified flying ob-
A swamp is a place of rotting vegetation and decomposition. Swamps are not
jects have not identified any threat to our national security, or evidence
a province of astronomers. Yet, the famous Dutch astronomer, Minnaert, in his
that the unidentified objects represent developments or principles
book, "Light and Colour in the Open Air," describes lights that have been seen
in swamps by the astronomer, Bessel, and other excellent observers. The lights
beyond present-day scientific knowledge, or any evidence of extra-
resemble tiny flames sometimes seen right on the ground and sometimes rising
terrestrial vehicles, the Air Force will continue to investigate such
and floating above it. The flames go out in one place and suddenly appear in
phenomena with an open mind and with the finest technical equip-
another, giving the illusion of motion. The colors are sometimes yellow, some-
times red, and sometimes blue-green. No heat is felt, and the lights do not burn
ment available.
or char the ground. They can appear for hours at a stretch and sometimes for
I am attaching a special report of the USAF Scientific Advisory
a whole night. Generally, there is no smell and no sound except for the popping
Board Ad Hoc Committee To Review Project "Blue Book," the latest
sound of little explosions such as when a gas burner ignites.
edition of Project Blue Book, dated February 1, 1966, and an Air
The rotting vegetation produces marsh gas which can be trapped during the
Force statement regarding the UFO sightings at Dexter, Mich., on
winter by ice. When the spring thaw occurs, the gas may be released in some
quantity. The flame, Minnaert says, is a form of chemical luminescence, and its
March 20, 1966, and at Hillsdale, Mich., on March 21, 1966.
low temperature is one of its peculiar features. Exactly how it occurs is not
I trust that the above information will be of assistance to you. If I
known and could well be the subject of further investigation.
can help you further in any way, please do not hesitate to let me know.
The glowing lights over the swamps near Dexter and Hillsdale were observed
for 2 or 3 hours, and they were red, green, and yellow. They appeared to move
sideways and to rise a short distance. No sound was heard except a popping
sound.
5994
5995
It seems entirely likely that as the present spring thaw came, the trapped
of the UFO problem. Unavoidably these are also related to Air Force public
gases, CH4, H2S, and PH₃, resulting from decomposition of organic material,
relations, a subject on which the committee is not expert. Thus the recom-
were released. The chemistry book by Sienko and Plane has this to say: "In
mendations which follow are made simply from the scientific point of view.
air, Phosphine PH₃ usually bursts into flame apparently because it is ignited by
a spontaneous oxidation of the impure P₂H₄. The will-of-the-wisp, sometimes
III. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
observed in marshes, may be due to spontaneous ignition of impure PH₃ which
might be formed by reduction of naturally occurring phosporus compound."
It is the opinion of the committee that the present Air Force program dealing
It has been pointed out to the investigating personnel by other scientists in
with UFO sightings has been well organized, although the resources assigned
this area that in swamps the formation of H2S and CH4 from rotting vegetation
to it (only one officer, a sergeant, and secretary) have been quite limited. In 19
is common. These could be ignited by the spontaneous burning of PH₂.
years and more than 10,000 sightings recorded and classified, there appears to be
The association of the sightings with swamps in this particular instance is
no verified and fully satisfactory evidence of any case that is clearly outside
more than coincidence. No group of witnesses observed any craft coming to or
the framework of presently known science and technology. Nevertheless, there
going away from the swamp. The glow was localized, and Deputy Fitzpatrick
is always the possibility that analysis of new sightings may provide some
additions to scientific knowledge of value to the Air Force. Moreover, some of
described the glow from beyond a rise adjacent to the swamp as visible through
the case records which the committee looked that were listed as "identified" were
the trees. He stated that the light brightened and dimmed such as stage do-
smoothly and slowly-and this description exactly fits the Hillsdale sighting
sightings where the evidence collected was too meager or too indefinite to permit
also. The brightening and dimming could have been due to the release of vari-
positive listing in the identified category. Because of this the committee recom-
able quantities of marsh gas.
mends that the present program be strengthened to provide opportunity for scien-
The disappearance of the lights when people got close with flashlights or car-
tific investigation of selected sightings in more detail and depth than has been
lights would indicate that the glow seemed bright to dark-adapted eyes. The
possible to date.
night was dark and there was no moon. The Hillsdale girls kept their rooms
To accomplish this it is recommended that-
(a) Contracts be negotiated with a few selected universities to provide
dark in order to see the swamp lights.
scientific teams to investigate promptly and in depth certain selected sight-
It appears very likely that the combination of the conditions of this particular
ings of UFO's. Each team should include at least one psychologist, pref-
winter (an unusually mild one in that area) and the particular weather condi-
erably one interested in clinical psychology, and at least one physical scien-
tions of that night-it was clear and there was little wind at either location-
tist, preferably an astronomer or geophysicist familiar with atmospheric
were such as to have produced this unusual and puzzling display.
physics. The universities should be chosen to provide good geographical
distribution, and should be within convenient distance of a base of the Air
Force Systems Command (AFSC).
SPECIAL REPORT OF THE USAF SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD AD Hoc COMMITTEE
(b) At each AFSC base an officer skilled in investigation (but not neces-
To REVIEW PROJECT BLUE BOOK
sarily with scientific training) should be designated to work with the cor-
responding university team for that geographical section. The local repre-
I. INTRODUCTION
sentative of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) might be
a logical choice for this.
As requested in a memorandum from Maj. Gen. E. B. LeBailly, Secretary of
(c) One university or one not-for-profit organization should be selected
the Air Force Officer of Information, dated September 28, 1965 (tab A), a
to coordinate the work of the teams mentioned under (a) above, and also to
Scientific Advisory Board Ad Hoc Committee met on February 3, 1966, to review
make certain of very close communication and coordination with the Office
Project Blue Book. The objectives of the committee are to review the resources
of Project Blue Book.
and methods of investigation prescribed by Project Blue Book and to advise the
It is thought that perhaps 100 sightings a year might be subjected to this
Air Force of any improvements that can be made in the program to enhance
close study, and that possibly an average of 10 man-days might be required per
the Air Force's capability in carrying out its responsibility.
sighting SO studied. The information provided by such a program might bring
In order to bring themselves up to date, the members of the committee initially
to light new facts of scientific value, and would almost certainly provide a far
reviewed the findings of previous scientific panels charged with looking into the
better basis than we have today for decision on a long-term UFO program.
UFO problem. Particular attention was given to the report of the Robertson
The scientific reports on these selected sightings, supplementing the present
panel which was rendered in January 1953. The committee next heard briefings
program of the Project Blue Book office, should strengthen the public position
from the AFSC Foreign Technology Division, which is the cognizant Air Force
of the Air Force on UFO's. It is, therefore, recommended that-
agency that collates information on UFO sightings and monitors investigations
(a) These reports be printed in full and be available on request.
of individual cases. Finally, the committee reviewed selected case histories of
(b) Suitable abstracts or condensed versions be printed and included in,
UFO sightings with particular emphasis on those that have not been identified.
or as supplements to, the published reports of Project Blue Book.
(c) The form of report (as typified by Project Blue Book dated Feb-
II. DISCUSSION
ruary 1, 1966) be expanded, and anything which might suggest that informa-
tion is being withheld (such as the wording on page 5 of the above cited
Although about 6 percent (646) of all sightings (10,147) in the years 1947
reference) be deleted. The form of this report can be of great importance
through 1965 are listed by the Air Force as "Unidentified," it appears to the
in securing public understanding and should be given detailed study by an
committee that most of the cases SO listed are simply those in which the infor-
appropriate Air Force office.
mation available does not provide an adequate basis for analysis. In this con-
(d) The reports Project Blue Book should be given wide unsolicited
nection it is important also to note that no unidentified objects other than those
circulation among prominent Members of the Congress and other public
of an astronomical nature have ever been observed during routine astronomical
persons as a further aid to public understanding of the scientific approach
studies, in spite of the large number of observing hours which have been devoted
being taken by the Air Force in attacking the UFO problem.
to the sky. As examples of this the Palomar Observatory Sky Atlas contains
some 5,000 plates made with large instruments with wide field of view; the
Harvard meteor project of 1954-58 provided some 3,300 hours of observation
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE,
the Smithsonian visual prairie network provided 2,500 observing hours. Not
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY,
a single unidentified object has been reported as appearing on any of these
Washington, D.C., September 28, 1965.
plates or been sighted visually in all these observations.
The committee concluded that in the 19 years since the first UFO was sighted
Memorandum for military director, scientific advisory board
there has been no evidence that unidentified flying objects are a threat to our
Subject: Unidentified flying objects (UFO's)
national security. Having arrived at this conclusion the committee then turned
In keeping with its air defense role, the Air Force has the responsibility for
its attention to considering how the Air Force should handle the scientific aspects
the investigation of unidentified flying objects reported over the United States.
5996
5997
The name of this project is Blue Book (attachment 1). Procedures for con-
ducting this program are established by Air Force regulation 200-2 (attach-
tions and material reviewed and discussed, are available in the SAB secretariat
ment 2).
offices for review by authorized persons or agencies.
The Air Force has conducted Project Blue Book since 1948. As of June 30,
Approved by
1965, a total of 9,267 reports had been investigated by the Air Force. Of these
HAROLD A. STEINER,
9,267 reports, 663 cannot be explained.
Lieutenant Colonel, USAF,
It has been determined by the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff/Plans and
Assistant Secretary, USAF Scientific Advisory Board.
Operations that Project Blue Book is a worthwhile program which deserves the
support of all staff agencies and major commands and that the Air Force should
continue to investigate and analyze all UFO reports in order to assure that
such objects do not present a threat to our national security. The Assistant
PROJECT BLUE Book
Deputy Chief of Staff/Plans and Operations has determined also that the
Foreign Technology Division (FTD) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base should
The U.S. Air Force has the responsibility under the Department of Defense
continue to exercise its presently assigned responsibilities concerning UFO's.
for the investigation of unidentified flying objects (UFO's). The name of this
To date, the Air Force has found no evidence that any of the UFO reports
program, which has been in operation since 1948, is Project Blue Book. It has
reflects a threat to our national security. However, many of the reports that
been identified in the past as Project Sign and Project Grudge.
cannot be explained have come from intelligent and technically well qualified
Air Force interest in unidentified flying objects is related directly to the Air
individuals whose integrity cannot be doubted. In addition, the reports received
Force responsibility for the air defense of the United States. Procedures for
officially by the Air Force include only a fraction of the spectacular reports
conducting this program are established by Air Force Regulation 200-2.
which are publicized by any private UFO organizations.
The objectives of the Project Blue Book are twofold: first, to determine
Accordingly, it is requested that a working scientific panel composed of both
whether UFO's pose a threat to the security of the United States; and, second, to
physical and social scientists be organized to review Project Blue Book-its re-.
determine whether UFO's exhibit any unique scientific information or advanced
sources, methods, and findings-and to advise the Air Force as to any improve-
technology which could contribute to scientific or technical research. In the
ments that should be made in the program in order to carry out the Air Force's
course of accomplishing these objectives, Project Blue Book strives to identify
assigned responsibiltiy.
and explain all UFO sightings reported to the Air Force.
Dr. J. Allen Hynek who is the chairman of the Dearborn Observatory at
Northwestern University is the scientific consultant to Project Blue Book. He
HOW THE PROGRAM IS CONDUCTED
has indicated a willingness to work with such a panel in order to place this
The program is conducted in three phases. The first phase includes receipt
problem in its proper perspective.
of UFO reports and initial investigation of the reports. The Air Force base
Dr. Hynek has discussed this problem with Dr. Winston R. Markey, the
nearest the location of a reported sighting is charged with the responsibility of
former Air Force Chief Scientist.
investigating the sighting and forwarding the information to the Project Blue
E. B. LEBAILLY,
Book Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
Major General, USAF, Director of Information.
If the initial investigation does not reveal a positive identification or explana-
tion, a second phase of more intensive analysis is conducted by the Project Blue
AD Hoc COMMITTEE ON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS (UFO's)
Book Office. Each case is objectively and scientifically analyzed and, if neces-
sary, all of the scientific facilities available to the Air Force can be used to assist
AGENDA
in arriving at an identification or explanation. All personnel associated with the
Thursday, 3 February 1966
investigation, analysis, and evaluation efforts of the project view each report
0800 Welcoming remarks Commander or vice commander, FTD.
with a scientific approach and an open mind.
0805 Introduction Dr. O'Brien, SAB.
The third phase of the program is dissemination of information concerning
0810 The Air Force problem Lieutenant Colonel Spaulding, SAFOI.
UFO sightings, evaluations, and statistics. This is accomplished by the Secre-
0830 Briefing on Project Blue Book Major Quintanilla, FTD.
tary of the Air Force, Office of Information.
1000 Break.
The Air Force defines an unidentified flying object as any aerial object which
1015 Review of selected case histories FTD Staff.
the observer is unable to identify.
1145 Lunch.
Reports of unfamiliar objects in the sky are submitted to the Air Force from
1315 Executive and writing session.
many sources. These sources include military and civilian pilots, weather ob-
servers, amateur astronomers, business and professional men and women, and
SPECIAL REPORT OF THE USAF SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD AD HOC COMMITTEE
housewives, etc.
TO REVIEW PROJECT BLUE BOOK
Frequently such objects as missiles, balloons, birds, kites, searchlights, aircraft
navigation and anticollision beacons, jet engine exhaust, condensation trails,
Distribution
astronomical bodies and meteorological phenomena are mistakenly reported as
unidentified flying objects.
Symbol
Copies
The Air Force groups its evaluations of UFO reports under three general head-
ings: (1) identified, (2) insufficient data, and (3) unidentified.
Identified reports are those for which sufficient specific information has been
Secretary of the Air Force Office of Information
SAFOI
25
Military Director, DCS/R. & D
AFRDC
1
accumulated and evaluated to permit a positive identification or explanation of
Committee members (1 each): Dr. Brian O'Brien (chairman), Dr. Launor
the object.
F. Carter, Mr. Jesse Orlansky, Dr. Richard Porter, Dr. Carl Sagan, Dr.
Reports categorized as "Insufficient Data" are those for which one or more ele-
Willis H. Ware
6
Commander, Foreign Technology Division
5
ments of information essential for evaluation are missing. Some examples are
DCS/Foreign Technology (AFSC)
SCF
2
the omission of the duration of the sighting, date, time, location, position in the
Chairman, SAB
AFBSA
1
SAB secretariat
sky, weather conditions, and the manner of appearance or disappearance. If the
AFBSA
1
element is missing and there is an indication that the sighting may be of a
security, scientific, technical, or public interest value, the Project Blue Book Office
Meeting statistics bearing on this report including all times, dates, places, a
conducts an additional investigation and every attempt is made to obtain the in-
listing of persons in attendance and purposes therefor, together with their affilia-
formation necessary for identification. However, in some instances, essential in-
formation cannot be obtained, and no further action can be taken.
50-066 0-66-No. 55-2
5998
5999
The third and by far the smallest group of evaluations is categorized as
given any indication of threat to our national security; (2) there has been no
"Unidentified." A sighting is considered unidentified when a report apparently
evidence submitted to or discovered by the Air Force that sightings categorized
contains all pertinent data necessary to suggest a valid hypothesis concerning the
as unidentified represent technological developments or principles beyond the
cause or explanation of the report but the description of the object or its motion
range of present-day scientific knowledge; and (3) there has been no evidence
cannot be correlated with any known object or phenomena.
indicating that sightings categorized as unidentified are extra terrestrial vehicles.
The Air Force will continue to investigate all reports of unusual aerial phe-
TYPES OF UFO IDENTIFICATIONS AND EVALUATIONS
nomena over the United States. The services of qualified scientists and tech-
nicians will continue to be used to investigate and analyze these reports, and
There are various types of UFO sightings. Most common are reports of
astronomical sightings, which include bright stars, planets, comets, fireballs,
periodic reports on the subject will be made.
The former chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Mr. Carl Vin-
meteors, auroral streamers, and other celestial bodies. When observed through
haze, light fog, moving clouds, or other obscurations or unusual conditions, the
son, recently commented on the conduct of the UFO program by the Air Force
planets, including Venus, Jupiter, and Mars have been reported as unidentified
and stated that congressional hearings on this subject are unnecessary.
The Air Force does not deny the possibility that some form of life may exist
flying objects. Stellar mirages are also a source of reports.
Satellites are another major source of UFO reports. An increase in satellites
on other planets in the universe. However, to date, the Air Force has neither
received nor discovered any evidence which proves the existence and intraspace
reported as UFO's has come about because of two factors. The first is the in-
crease of interest on the part of the public; the second is the increasing number
mobility of extra terrestrial life. The Air Force continues to extend an open
invitation to anyone who feels that he possesses any evidence of extra terrestrial
of satellites in the skies. Positive knowledge of the location of all satellites at
all times enables rapid identification of satellite sightings. Keeping track of
vehicles operating within the earth's near space envelope to submit his evidence
manmade objects in orbit about the earth is the responsibility of the North
for analysis. Initial contact for this purpose is through the following address:
American Air Defense Command space detection and tracking system. This
Project Blue Book Information Office, SAFOI, Washington, D.C.
sophisticated electronic system gathers complex space traffic data instantly from
Anyone observing what he considers to be an unidentified flying object should
tracking stations all over the world.
report it to the nearest Air Force base. Persons submitting a UFO report to
Other space surveillance activities include the use of ballistic tracking and
the Air Force are free to discuss any aspect of the report with anyone. The
large telescopic cameras. ECHO schedules are prepared by the NASA Goddard
Air Force does not seek to limit discussion on such reports and does not withhold
Space Flight Center at Greenbelt, Md., and schedules of the south-north Equator
or censor any information pertaining to this unclassified program.
crossings are prepared by the Smithsonian Institution at Cambridge, Mass. From
NONAVAILABILITY OF MATERIALS
the data produced by these agencies, satellites mistakenly reported as UFO's
can be quickly identified. Some of these are visible, to the naked eye.
The following items are for internal use only and are not available for dis-
Aircraft account for another major source of UFO reports, particularly during
tribution to the public. These concern internal management and procedures
adverse weather conditions. When observed at high altitudes and at some dis-
for forwarding UFO reports to the appropriate agency:
tance, aircraft can have appearances ranging from disc to rocket shapes due to
1. Air Force Regulation 200-2.
the reflection of the sun on their bright surfaces. Vapor or condensation trails
2. JANAP 146.
from jet aircraft will sometimes appear to glow fiery red or orange when reflect-
The Air Force has no films, photographs, maps, charts, or graphs of un-
ing sunlight. Afterburners from jet aircraft are often reported as UFO's since
identified flying objects. Photographs that have been submitted for evaluation
they can be seen from great distances when the aircraft cannot be seen.
in conjunction with UFO reports have been determined to be a misinterpretation
The Project Blue Book Office has direct contact with all elements of the Air
of natural or conventional objects. These objects have a positive identification.
Force and the Federal Aviation Agency civil air control centers. All aerial
The Air Force no longer possesses, and thus does not have for distribution,
refueling operations and special training flights can be checked immediately. Air
outdated reports on Project Sign, Project Grudge, Blue Book Special Report No.
traffic of commercial airlines and flights of military aircraft are checked with the
14, and outdated Project Blue Book press releases. Nonmilitary UFO publica-
nearest control center, enabling an immediate evaluation of aircraft mistakenly
tions should be requested from the publisher, not the Air Force.
reported as UFO's. However, since many local flights are not carried, these
flights are probable causes of some reports.
SUGGESTED READING MATERIAL
Balloons continue to be reported as UFO's. Several thousand balloons are
released each day from military and civilian airports, weather stations, and re-
Books listed below deal with facts and theories about our solar universe, the
search activities. There are several types of balloons-weather balloons,
sun, planets, comets, meteorites, the universe, stars, constellations, and galaxies;
rawinsondes, radiosondes, and the large research balloons which have diameters
telescopes, the computation of time as it relates to astronomy, star maps and
up to 300 feet. At night, balloons carry running lights which cause an unusual
charts, and the history of astronomy.
appearance when observed. Reflection of the sun on balloons at dawn and sunset
sometimes produce strange effects. This usually occurs when the balloon, because
"Sky and Telescope," by Sky Publishing Corp., Harvard College Observatory,
of its altitudes, is exposed to the sun. Large balloons can move at speeds of over
Cambridge, Mass. Monthly magazine, 60 cents per copy.
"Weather Elements," by Blair, published Prentice Hall. Has an excellent
100 miles per hour when moving in high altitude jet windstreams. These balloons
sometimes appear to be flattened on top. At other times, they appear to be saucer-
chapter on often misidentified weather phenomena.
shaped and to have lights mounted inside the bag itself due to the sun's rays
"Planets, Stars, and Space," by Chamberlain, Joseph M., and Nicholson, Thomas
reflecting through the material of the balloon. The Balloon Control Center at
D. An illustrated, untechnical explanation of the earth, planets, stars, and the
Holloman Air Force Base, N. Mex., maintains a plot on all military upper air re-
universe. Prepared in cooperation with the American Museum of Natural
search balloons.
"Junior History. Science Book of Stars," by Crosby, Phoebe. An easy to read, exciting
Another category of UFO evaluations labeled "Other" includes missiles, reflec-
tions, mirages, searchlights, birds, kites, spurious radar indications, hoaxes, fire-
story of what scientists know about the stars, planets, the Moon, and the
works, and flares.
Milky Way.
Aircraft, satellites, balloons, and the like should not be reported since they
"Challenge of the Universe," by Hynek, J. Allen and Anderson, Norman. Dis-
do not fall within the definition of an unidentified flying object.
cusses the nature of the universe; astronomy and cosmology, published by
Scholastic Press.
CONCLUSIONS
"The Story of the Stars," by Maloney, Terry.' An introduction to the universe;
our solar system, our galaxy, and other galaxies. Many interesting illustrated
To date, the firm conclusions of Project Blue Book are: (1) no unidentified
analogies help build concepts of size and distance. Includes reference to the
flying object reported, investigated, and evaluated by the Air Force has ever
Van Allen radiation belts and zodiacal light observation of 1960.
6000
6001
"The World of Flying Saucers," by Menzel and Roy. A scientific examination of
2, 167 2,167
167
665
1,240
916
417
237
6,817
1,295
805
67
2,167
226
83
54
59
37
T8
47
27
34
87
40
70
23
48
916
the classic UFO reports.
Total
"Tht Moon. Meteorites, and Comets," Dated 1963, by Middlehurst and Kuiper,
Continuous analysis of Soviet moon photos. Chapter on Siberian meteorite
1964
123
71
20
99
88
143
19
562
61
55
7
123
34
6
0
2
9
3
9
38
and photos or comets computation of various comet orbital photos.
"The Nature of Light and color in the Open Air," by Minnaert, Dover Publica-
tions. This is an excellent paperback written in understandable lay language.
73
23
59
50
82
14
57
23
5
85
16
13
0
3
0
2
5
2
2
3
3
"Meteors," by Oliver. Standard text by foremost authority on meteors.
399
58
1963
"Photographic History of Mars," 1905-61, by Slipher, E. C., published by Lowell
Observatory.
68
19
94
65
77
15
474
95
36
5
136
6
3
3
3
3
4
5
2
0
2
15
3
2
136
65
"Anatomy of a Phenomenon," by Valle, Jacques.
"First Man to the Moon," by Von Braun, Wernher.
1962
Total UFO (object) sightings¹
203
77
37
115
77
69
13
591
119
78
9
203
17
13
3
4
6
5
3
2
6
3
4
77
1961
Year
Total
Unidentified
Source
sightings
66
22
105
94
21
14
557
187
45
3
235
13
12
6
7
5
9
3
9
6
7
0
3
94
1960
235
1947
122
12
Case files.
1948
156
7
Do.
63
31
65
75
0
12
1959
390
100
40
4
144
14
14
11
5
5
3
0
8
4
3
0
3
144
75
1949
186
22
Blue book, page 108.
1950
210
27
Case files.
1951
169
22
Do.
1952
1,501
303
Blue book, page 108.
6
7
5
221
104
50
111
93
13
10
509
Case files.
827
168
56
7
231
29
6
7
3
2
8
5
3
10
1
93
1953
42
1954
487
46
Do.
1958
1955
545
24
Do.
1956
670
14
Do.
1957
1,006
14
Do.
1957
341
210
114
191
120
9
14
1,006
179
144
18
341
37
12
:
27
15
0
6
120
1958
627
10
Do.
1959
390
12
Do.
1960
557
14
Do.
1961
591
13
Do.
222
148
93
132
19
0
14
670
88
3
222
16
3
6
6
1962
474
1956
131
19
15
Do.
1963
399
14
Do.
1964
562
19
Do.
1965
886
16
Do.
Statistical data for years 1953-64
135
124
102
95
65
0
24
545
79
52
4
1955
135
--
1
1
65
Total
10,147
646
137
80
69
102
58
0
1 Compiled Jan. 17, 1966.
46
437
92
44
I
137
6
3
6
3
3
7
9
0
7
59
1954
3
8
6
0
4
175
73
78
79
83
0
42
505
70
101
4
175
15
2
4
15
1
0
1
62
1953
TOTAL CASES BY CATEGORY
ASTRONOMICAL SIGHTINGS
OTHER CASES
Hoaxes, hallucinations, unreliable reports and psychological causes
Astronomical
Aircraft
Balloon
Insufficient data
Unidentified
Total
Satellite
Stars and planets
Total
Meteors.
Missiles and rockets
Reflections.
Flares and fireworks.
Mirages and inversions
Search and groundlights.
Clouds and contrails
Other
Other
Chaff
Birds
Radar analysis.
Photo analysis
Physical specimens.
Satellite decay
Total
Compiled Nov. 1, 1965.
Other.
6002
6003
246
210
33
66
122
152
16
17
667
101
135
6
245
10
5
3
11
3
6
12
8
126
FIREBALL REPORT
Total
Persons observing a fireball or meteor should report the information to the
American Meteor Society. The information desired is contained below.
5
2
1
3
3
0
2
28
0110
12
0
1
0
1
1
Decem-
25 Chemical trails from research rocket.
A very brilliant meteor or fireball is reported to have passed in your vicinity
3
ber
on
at the hour of Will you please answer as fully as possible the
following questions, which are asked on behalf of the American Meteor Society
in order that permanent records of such phenomena may be obtained. When
0
3
11
0
55
9
13
0
22
THEO
2
1
0
3
these reports are published each contributor whose report is fairly complete
Novem-
11
26
ber
will be mentioned, if possible, and due credit given. It is only by the help of
25
24
5
6
3
Debris in wind.
23 Man on ground.
26 Missile launch.
those who can give personal information that data can be secured for the
computation of the orbits of meteors. These data are of great scientific value
7
9
October
70
20
27
3
0
1
1
1
6
Kites.
Lighting.
and all reasonable efforts should be made to obtain them. You will be unable
13
22
probably to answer all questions below, but answer those you can, as they may
24
be of the greatest importance.
(1) Give your name and address.
20
2
7
2
0
1
0
7
Septem-
15
24
104
16
30
(2) Where were you when you saw the meteor? (If the town is small please
ber
10
17
give county as well.)
(3) Give the date, hour, and minute when the meteor appeared; also kind
of time used.
61
24
42
41
2
262
55
82
3
2
1
3
3
3
1
3
8
2
August
42
20 Misinterpretation of conventional ob-
(4) In what direction did it appear (or in what direction was it first seen) ?
17
23
13
20
This is not asking in what direction it was going.
12
(5) In what direction did it disappear (or in what direction was it last seen)
For questions (4) and (5), simply N, E, S, or W is not accurate enough, unless
32
7
16
9
2
0
135
14
10
3
27
2
1
1
2
2
0
6
those were the exact directions. If compass is used, state it; also if magnetic
July
18
17
correction has been applied to compass reading.
ormaowoo
5
33
10
1
0
6
June
22
15 Developer smear.
16 Free falling object.
18 No image on film.
(6) At what height did it appear? (Use degrees in answering.)
19 Tracer bullets.
(7) At what height did it disappear? (Use degrees in answering.)
1
(8) Did it pass directly overhead (i.e., through the zenith)
17
17 Poor photo process.
(9) If not, to which side of the zenith did it go, and how far from it? (Use
Statistics for 1965
2
5
41
2
1
1
0
5
jects (3).
degrees in answering.)
(10) Did it appear to reach the horizon? What sort of a horizon have you?
0
4
15
NOO
0
15
(11) What angle did the path of the meteor make with the horizon and in
May
which direction was it then going?
(12) If you are familiar with constellations describe the path of the meteor
through the sky with reference to stars.
3
8
5
1
36
NNO
4
1
1
2
I
2
8
April
11
21
(13) Did the meteor appear to explode?
20
(14) What was the duration of its flight in seconds?
(15) Describe the train if one was left. If it lasted long enough to show
2
7
5
2
drift, most carefully tell in what direction train drifted. Give sketch, if possible,
43
03:00
11
4
0
7
March
showing this with regard to horizon.
15
11 Anomalous propagation.
12 Electronic countermeasures.
(16) What was the duration of the train in seconds?
(17) Did you hear any sound?
0
35
THO
8
3
13 False targets.
14 Weather returns.
How long after seeing the meteor was it before you heard this sound?
I
2
1
8
Febru-
ary
Did you hear an actual explosion?
11
3
1
45
&
Metal ball.
Plastic bags.
How long after seeing the explosion was it before you heard it?
10
5
11
10
5
1
2
10 Gourd.
(18) Of what color was the meteor?
4
}
0
(19) What was the size of the meteor? (Compare it with the moon or with
January
11
20
a planet or star.)
(20) Was more than one body seen before the explosion (if any)
(21) What was condition of sky at time?
(22) Give names and addresses of others who saw the meteor.
(23) Please mail this reply to: Charles P. Oliver, American Meteor Society,
521 North Wynnewood Avenue, Narberth, Pa., 19072.
ASTRONOMICAL CASES
Hoaxes, hallucinations, unreliable re-
ports, and psychological causes
Reflected moonlight, parbelia, moon.
The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Secretary, let me ask you this. Should this
be an executive session?
OTHER CATEGORY
Secretary BROWN. No, nothing I have said so far has been classified,
and nothing I will say.
Astronomical
Insufficient data
Satellite
Unidentified
Total
Stars and planets
Total
Aircraft
Balloon
Pending
Meteors.
Missiles and rockets.
Reflections
Flares and fireworks
Mirages and inversions
Search and ground lights
Clouds and contrails
Physical specimens
Radar analysis
Photo analysis
Satellite decay
Miscellaneous
Total
Compiled Jan. 18, 1966.
Solar image.
Reflected moonlight.
Comet Ibeya-Seki.
The CHAIRMAN. Is there any reason to keep this executive? I think
we have a lot of people outside of the door. Let them come in.
Mr. PRICE. In yiew of the reason you are having it, I see no ob-
Other
Chaff
Birds
Moon.
jection.
Other
Sun.
The CHAIRMAN. I don't either. Why not open the door?
Mr. BRAY. I would like 'to make this observation off the record.
6004
6005
(Discussion off the record.)
Secretary BROWN. To the best of my knowledge, no one in the Air
The CHAIRMAN. We are going to decide what the future is going
Force, and no one in the executive branch has expressed such a be-
to be. I am talking about this testimony now. If there is no reason
lief. Nor have I ever heard a Member of Congress make such a state-
for them not being here, let them in here.
ment. I know of no one of scientific standing or executive standing,
Secretary BROWN. This letter is unclassified. Some of the ques-
or with a detailed knowledge of this, in our organization who believes
tions you ask may lead to classified material.
Mr. Schweiker. Are all the files unclassified?
that they come from extraterrestrial sources.
The CHAIRMAN. But you have found parts of meteors and things
The CHAIRMAN. Let them come in and listen to the testimony.
of this character that have been continuing to hit the earth forever?
When we get into the questions we will decide.
Secretary BROWN. Meteors, of course, are of extraterrestrial origin.
Open the doors.
Mr. Secretary, we will let you start.
I am talking about extraterrestrial flying craft.
The CHAIRMAN. Objects that are made for the purpose of coming
You gentlemen who have come in, the Secretary is explaining a letter
to earth?
he is sending to the committee.
You gentlemen of the press, TV, and radio, whatever you represent,
Secretary BROWN. That is right.
The CHAIRMAN. That is what I have in mind.
listen. That is the best way to find out.
Go ahead.
Secretary BROWN. That is right.
The CHAIRMAN. So then your testimony, or your answer in re-
(Secretary Brown repeats his statement previously read to the com-
mittee.)
sponse to my letter in effect is that there are things caused by various
The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Secretary, I have before me some pages from
phenomena, reflection of radar waves, the northern lights, somebody
Life magazine. I don't know what the date is, but it is recent.
has said marsh gases.
Mr. KELLEHER. Two weeks ago, I think.
Secretary BROWN. Yes; that is another explanation of some of the
The CHAIRMAN. Two weeks ago.
phenomena.
The CHAIRMAN. As well as meteors?
It mentioned 10,000-odd sightings of these mysterious objects. I
note it has a picture.
Secretary BROWN. Yes, sir.
The CHAIRMAN. What else?
Have you seen this? I will pass it on to you.
Secretary BROWN. Yes, I have seen the picture.
Secretary BROWN. Some of them turn out to be balloons. Some of
them turn out to be aircraft seen under peculiar circumstances, and
The CHAIRMAN. Here are two pictures. One taken in Oregon in
1950 and the other taken 4 years later in France. They both look very
SO on.
much alike. Actually it looks something like a battleship.
And we can explain 95 percent of them this way. This does not
Then here is something on another page here that is alleged to have
imply that a large part of the remaining 5 percent, the unexplained
been seen in Michigan, and it is even sketched here with an antenna
ones, are not also of this character, but we simply have not been able
and all that goes with it.
to confirm this because we don't have enough information about these
Here is my question: Responsible, well-trained people, like pilots-
sightings.
I think some B-52 people, Mr. Kelleher?
It may also be that there are phenomena, the details of which we
Mr. KELLEHER. I don't recall that. I do remember sightings by
don't understand, which are natural phenomena, and which account
commercial pilots.
for some of the sightings we have not identified. In certain instances,
The CHAIRMAN. Certainly commercial pilots have reported all kinds
I think a further scientific explanation is a possibility. Therefore, we
of things.
will continue to develop this approach.
The CHAIRMAN. Now, we have here Dr. Hynek, and Major
How do you explain away these clearly defined mysterious things
that these responsible people allege having seen.
Quintanilla.
How do your experts reconcile this?
We have these two gentlemen who are authorities on the Blue Book.
Secretary BROWN. I will turn this over to my experts in a moment,
One is a scientist, the other is the UFO project officer.
Mr. Chairman.
Now, we have asked that you gentlemen come. Dr. Hynek, is there
However, I should like to say this: We haven't explained all of the
anything you would like to say to us?
reported sightings which we have investigated. We have explained
Dr. HYNEK. Mr. Chairman, the press has recently treated me rather
95 percent of them, but are not sure about the other 5 percent. There
unkindly.
The CHAIRMAN. You ought to be chairman of this committee.
are possible explanations for the other 5 percent in most cases. How-
ever, since we can't prove that our findings are the correct explana-
Dr. HYNEK. The press has described me as "a puppet of the Air
tions they are regarded as sightings which have not been completely
Force," and has stated that I say only what the Air Force tells me to
accounted for.
say. I would like to do something which may be a little daring, and
read to the committee a statement I have prepared which has cer-
The CHAIRMAN. Well, now, does anybody, in authority or of stature,
allege that these things, whatever they may be, have come from other
tainly not been dictated by the Air Force.
planets or from somewhere outside of this universe?
The CHAIRMAN. At this point, I want you to turn the loud speaker
up.
50-066
0-66-No.
6006
6007
Now, Doctor, before you give us this, would you give your back-
many of us firmly believed that, like some fad or craze, it would
ground for the record ?
subside in a matter of months. Yet in the last 5 years, more reports
Dr. HYNEK. Yes, sir. This information is included in my state-
were submitted to the Air Force than in the first 5 years.
ment.
Despite the seeming inanity of the subject, I felt that I would be
derelict in my scientific responsibility to the Air Force if I did not
STATEMENT OF DR. J. ALLEN HYNEK, SCIENTIFIC CONSULTANT
point out that the whole UFO phenomenon might have aspects to it
TO THE AIR FORCE
worthy of scientific attention. What we have here is a signal-to-noise
ratio problem: There is indeed a fantastic amount of noise, represented
Dr. HYNEK. My name is J. Allen Hynek, and I reside at 2623 Ridge
by the many misidentifications of familiar objects seen under unusual
Avenue, Evanston, Ill. I am director of the Dearborn Observatory
or surprising circumstances-balloons, birds, satellites, meteors, air-
and of the Lindheimer Astronomical Research Center, and Chairman
craft, stars-yet, in all scientific honesty, one is led to ask whether there
of the Department of Astronomy at Northwestern University. Since
might not indeed be a signal somewhere in the noise.
1948 I have acted as a frequent scientific consultant to the Air Force
As a scientist, I must be mindful of the lessons of the past; all too
on phenomenon. the problem of the UFO (Unidentified Flying Objects)
often it has happened that matters of great value to science were over-
looked because the new phenomenon simply did not fit the accepted
The UFO phenomenon might be defined as (1) the persistent re-
scientific outlook of the time. Thus, the evidence of fossiles for biologi-
porting by a wide cross section of the public, in this and in other
cal evolution was overlooked; X-rays were overlooked, meteorites were
countries, of alleged aerial objects which, to the observer, seem to defy
overlooked as astronomers steadfastly refused to accept stories of
explanation because of their appearance and behavior, and (2) the
stones which fell from the sky.
widespread and growing interest in these matters by segments of the
Therefore, I have set aside for further study some 20 particularly
public which, in some cases, has led to the formation of civilian orga-
well-reported UFO cases which, despite the character, technical com-
nizations dedicated to the investigation of the said, reports, often ac-
petence and number of the witnesses, I have not been able to explain.
companied by vilification of the Air Force for their handling of the
I have done this to illustrate that neither I nor the Air Force hide
problem, a matter not beneficial to the Air Force image. Such people
the fact there are unexplained reports, and to illustrate also that the
generally charge either (a) that UFO's are in reality secret devices
Air Force does not maintain, contrary to some public opinion, that re-
of the Air Force, whose existence is kept from the public, or (b)
porters of UFO's are lacking in intelligence or are objects fit only for
that the Air Force knows all about visitors from space and is de-
ridicule.
liberately withholding information to prevent panic.
For of these reports, 10 are from scientists and highly trained indi-
A third aspect of the UFO phenomenon has been the association
viduals, 5 are from members of the Armed Forces, and members of
of the terms UFO or "flying saucer" with the idea of visitation of
the police force, and 5 are reports made by reliable American civilians.
intelligences from outer space, an association which is not warranted
In my view, the reliability of the observers was above average in all
either by the data on hand, or by logical inference. It is entirely con-
20 cases. The recent cases in Michigan have not been included in this
ceivable that there might be unidentified aerial phenomena about us
particular collection since I feel that they are subject to simple, albeit
which have no connection with extraterrestrial visitation.
somewhat unusual, explanation.
Thus, the phenomenon should essentially be viewed in its entirety
I cannot prove beyond doubt that this is the case, but these two now
The fact that the recent sightings in Michigan caused a reaction far
famous reports illustrate the method the Air Force has used with
out of proportion to the original sightings, the fact that my press con-
great success in finding logical explanations for the great majority of
ference in Detroit the week before last was the largest in the history
the reports.
of the Detroit Press Club, the fact that I receive many letters from
We have used as a working hypothesis, when first confronted with
schoolchildren who are writing class reports on UFO's and indeed the
a report, that a conventional explanation existed, either as a misiden-
fact that I am speaking here before you, are all parts of the UFO
tification or an otherwise well-known object or phenomenon, a hallu-
phenomenon.
cination, or a hoax. This has been a very successful and productive
In this context, the kind of activity that the press has reported in
hypothetsis. One must be aware, however, that complete adherence
Michigan is not unusual. It only happened that the Dexter and Hills-
to one hypothesis may turn out to be a roadblock in the pursuit of
dale incidents, although of little sicentific significance, have attracted
research endeavors.
national interest. Now, similar incidents, and some considerably
As the saying goes, "If one digs too intently for coal he is apt to
more intriguing, have been occurring for many years, without such
miss diamonds." Scientists should never be guilty of poverty of
treatment on the part of the news media. While such glamorous at-
hypotheses. And in dealing with the truly puzzling cases, we have
tention is quick to wane, the underlying concern about UFO's, fed by
tended either to say that, if an investigation had been pursued long
a continuous trickle of reports, is indeed growing in the mind and sight
enough, the misidentified object would have been recognized, or that
of the public.
the sighting had no validity to begin with.
During this entire period of nearly 20 years I have attempted to
The UFO public, on the other hand, is equally prone to poverty of
remain as openminded on this subject as circumstances permitted, this
hypotheses: Either UFO's mean utter bilge and nonsense, or they
despite the fact that the whole subject seemed utterly ridiculous, and
6008
6009
jump to the far-out conclusion that the earth is host to space visitors.
The CHAIRMAN. What you have recommended is being done now?
Surely, in scientific fairness, we must examine other hypotheses.
Dr. HYNEK. It is about to be done, I believe.
As early as 1952, in a paper written for the journal of the Optical
The CHAIRMAN. Is about to be done?
Society of America, I called for scientific attention to the problem,
Dr. HYNEK. Yes. I should like to make one comment:
pointing out that "ridicule is not a part of the scientific method and
The puzzling thing is that one would think many more people would
the public should not be taught that it is."
see these flying objects than do. There should be many more wit-
In 1953, I had further recommendations to make, when I wrote in
nesses. We should see a craft, if it actually exists as a tangible thing,
a report to the Air Force:
and we should see it go from point to point. This doesn't seem to
It occurs to me that the public interest in "flying saucers" may be dormant,
happen. Also, there should be far more radar sightings. During the
but can be excited with small provocation. I would recommend that: (1) se
international geophysical year, I was in charge of the optical satellite
lected "unknowns" continue to be worked upon and due publicity be given them
when a satisfactory solution is reached; (2) an announcement be made that
tracking program, and you would think with the surveillance that the
the Air Force is interested in the phenomena which cause reports on a scientific
astronomers placed on the sky, if these objects existed as tangible
basis; (3) use of a small civilian scientific panel to examine a few selected
objects, surely these astronomers would have seen more than they did.
"unknowns."
It is a dilemma. It is a puzzle, as you say, as to how responsible people
And this, I repeat, was my recommendation in 1953. In 1965, in
can report such objects, and that they are not obvious to scientists.
my capacity as scientific consultant, I again advised that the reports
The CHAIRMAN. And then they see them and they disappear and
be studied by a civilian scientific group, in a letter to the Office of the
they don't know where they go, and they land in these remote places
Secretary of the Air Force:
where there is no intelligence to procure?
If there be any potential scientific value in the fragmentary UFO reports, as
Dr. HYNEK. I would say so, yes, sir.
scientific consultant it is clearly my duty to point this out. I have done so, in
The CHAIRMAN. We don't know where they go, who they have on
the past on a less formal basis, in private conservation with, and informal reports
board, we see them a few moments, and then they are gone. This is
to, Air Force officials-I feel it is my responsibility to point out that enough
the end of that.
puzzling sightings have been reported by intelligent and often technically com-
This is what puzzles me. I am not going to ask further questions,
petent people, to warrant closer attention than Project Blue Book can possibly
encompass at the present time. *** If the preliminary survey of the problem
because I am not knowledgeable with respect to the varying reports
should bear me out; namely, that there exists the possibility of new scientific
that have been made.
information in the UFO phenomenon, then definitely let the recommendation be
So I will turn it over to some of the experts, and I will start with
made to have the National Academy of Sciences, or some other civilian group of
recognized stature, undertake a longer study of the reported phenomena.
Mr. Bates.
Mr. BATES. Mr. Chairman, I don't know-if I have to qualitfy on
I am happy that my appearance before this committee affords me a
that basis.
chance to once again reiterate my recommendations.
But, Secretary Brown, you indicated no one of scientific knowledge
Specifically, it is my opinion that the body of data accumulated since
in your organization has concluded these phenomena come from extra-
1948 through the Air Force investigations deserves close scrutiny by a
terrestrial sources?
civilian panel of physical and social scientists, and that this panel
Secretary BROWN. That is correct. We know of no phenomena or
should be asked to examine the UFO problem critically for the express
vehicles, intelligently guided, which have come from extraterrestrial
purpose of determining whether a major problem really exists.
sources. I excluded meteors, which do come from extraterrestrial
I would, of course, be willing to assist such a panel in whatever way
sources.
I might and would even be willing to take a short leave of absence
Mr. BATES. Is this your conclusion, Doctor?
from my university if it would help place this problem in its proper
Dr. HYNEK. This is also my conclusion. I know of no competent
perspective.
scientist today who would argue the sightings which do puzzle intel-
Thank you.
ligent people. Puzzling cases exist, but I know of no competent scien-
The CHAIRMAN. You say you can't write these reports off. You
tist who would say that there objects come from outer space.
can't ridicule those who have made them. They are highly responsible
Mr. BATES. Then what you are looking for is an explanation in nat-
people, in various walks of life, that have reported them. And that
ural phenomena, thus far you have not determined the factors involved
sometime in the past you recommended that a panel be set up to clear
in it?
these things, a civilian panel, to obviate the accusation that the Air
Dr. HYNEK. Yes.
Force is or has been hiding their reports.
Mr. BATES. But the interesting thing, of course, is we have SO many
Now, are you saying to us this morning that there should be a panel
prominent people in the scientific world here who have taken a position,
set up of scientists authorized by the Air Force before whom these
a rather strong position-I have here a letter from a constituent of
things may be brought, and from whom a report could come?
mine. He is a project administrator or engineer in the MINUTEMAN
Dr. HYNEK. Yes, sir. I am saying that. This would be the gist of
program. That is a responsible position, would we say
my statement.
General McCoNNELL. Yes.
However, I have been scooped by Secretary Brown who has men-
Mr. BATES. On the basis of scientific ability he has been given a
tioned that the Scientific Advisory Board has recommended the same
rather important position toward the security of this country; is that
thing.
correct?
6010
6011
Secretary BROWN. I would like to know who he is and what his
be inaugurated that presents facts. I am urging you to support a full con-
responsibilities are before I comment on this, Mr. Bates. Certainly,
gressional open inquiry on the UFO problem.
Sincerely,
from the information contained in the letter that you quote, he appears
RAYMOND E. FOWLER,
to occupy a position of some responsibility.
Chairman NICAP Massachusetts Subcommittee.
Mr. BATES. It does seem to be. And as I read the letter which he has
(The attachments to the previous letter are as follows:)
written to me, it is certainly written by a well-educated person. And of
course, we here all kinds of comments on the other side of the issue
[Excerpt from Manchester (N.H.) Union Leader, Sept. 6, 1965]
now, with this Lunar II excursion around the moon, people say I sup-
POLICE, CIVILIANS SIGHT UFO IN EXETER AREA
pose the people up there are making the same kind of reports as the
doctor has just made to us. They are making these kinds of state-
EXETER.-At least five people here, including two police officers, have reported
ments.
seeing a flying saucer in this area.
Doctor, to be more specific, the paper which I have-Mr. Chairman,
The incidents occurred early Friday morning. According to those who saw
the unidentified flying object, it was about the size of a house and had a red
Il would like to get unanimous consent to insert in the record the in-
glow around it, and moved silently through the night.
formation which has been provided to me.
When Exeter police investigated a parked car on the Exeter-Hampton bypass
The CHAIRMAN. Without objection.
at about 12:30 investigating officer Eugene Bertrand. who approach the car and
(The letter to Congressman Bates is as follows:)
found two women in a state of near shock. They told that they had been chased
along Route 101 all the way from Epping, about 12 miles, by flying object which
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES,
WENHAM, MASS., April 1, 1966.
glowed with a brilliant halo of red. According to the women, the "thing" fol-
lowed their car until they stopped.
House of Representatives,
As the one woman told their story one of them sighted the object once more,
Washington, D.C.
about 2 miles away, which Bertrand thought was a star low on the horizon.
(Attention, Speaker John W. McCormack).
DEAR SIR: My name is Raymond E. Fowler. I am employed as a project
REPORTS CHASE
administrative engineer in the Minuteman Program Office for Sylvania Electric
At 12 a.m., Norman J. Muscarello, 18, of 2051/2 Front Street, Exeter, came into
Products, Waltham, Mass. I am presently serving as chairman of a Technical
the police station with a hair-raising report of having been chased by a flying
Investigating Subcommittee for the National Investigations Committee on Aerial
Phenomena, Wash., D.C.
object as he was hitchhiking toward Exeter on Route 150 in Kensington.
Muscarello told Desk Officer Reginald Toland that as he walked along the
The reasons for my writing are twofold, firstly-I have been asked by NICAP
highway, a large, brilliant object began making passes on an adjacent field and
to submit to you our subcommittee's complete file covering our investigation of
house and along the highway. Not knowing what it was and being understand-
the Exeter, New Hampshire UFO sighting witnessed at close range by local
ably shaken, he crouched in a ditch along the road as the object, SO brilliantly
citizens and police officers on September 3, 1965. I am sure that you are aware
red that its shape could not be determined in the glow, made what seemed to
of this sighting as it gained nationwide publicity recently through NICAP-backed
him to be searching passes at him.
articles in the Saturday Review and Look magazines. Secondly, I do want
to put myself on record as supporting the claims and views of NICAP and
Shortly thereafter the "thing" disappeared silently, as quickly as it had ap-
peared. Muscarello then hitched a ride to the police station and related what
others which indicate that congressional hearings on the matter of UFO's are
long overdue.
he had seen.
Athlough Muscarello's story was extraordinary, Patrolman Bertrand drove him
I feel that the American people are capable of understanding the problems and
implications that will arise if the true facts about UFO's are made known
back to the scene of the incident in the police cruiser. When they arrived,
offically. The USAF public information program and policy, as directed by the
nothing was there.
POLICE SEE UFO
Pentagon, of underrating the significance of UFO's and not releasing true, perti-
nent facts about UFO's, is not only a disservice to the American people now but
Officer Bertrand suggested that they walk into the field where the flying object
in the long run could prove to have been a foolish policy to follow. After years
was last seen, and they were joined there by Exeter Patrolman David Hunt,
of study, I am certain that there is more than ample high-quality observational
who also drove to the scene. Bertrand was talking reassuringly when Muscarello
evidence from highly trained and reliable witnesses to indicate that there are
shouted "Look, there it is, rising up from behind those trees." The officers spun
machinelike solid objects under intelligent control operating in our atmosphere.
around and looked.
The aerodynamic performance and characteristics of the true UFO rule out
From behind a stand of trees in the black of the night, a huge blinding glow
manmade or natural phenomena. Such observational evidence has been well
of brilliant red light surrounding it, the object rose, not fast but waveringly.
supported in many instances by reliable instruments such as cameras, radar,
It traveled slowly and yawed slightly from side to side. They were stunned
geiger-counters, variometers, electrical interference, physical indentations in soil
by the blinding red light as it moved toward them across the field. The object
and scorched areas at landing sites, etc.
seemed to be coming toward them and Bertrand made a move toward his police
I am reasonably sure that if qualified civilian scientists and investigators are
service revolver but thought better of it. Then the three men ran to the police
able to come to this conclusion, that the USAF, supported by the tremendous
cruisers. When questioned on the size of the object, Officer Bertrand estimated
facilities at its disposal, have come to the same conclusion long ago. However,
it to be "about the size of a house."
present official policy deliberately attempts to discredit the validity of UFO's
Usually, when incidents such as this are reported, the sightings take place
and a wealth of data and facts are not being released to the public.
over a period of a few seconds, but in this instance, the men observed the object
I trust that you will examine the attached UFO report and related corre-
for 15 or 20 minutes at what appeared to be a relatively short distance.
spondence in detail. Sightings such as the Exeter, N.H., sighting have and are
One of the most amazing points which Officer Bertrand made while being in-
occurring throughout the world at night and in the daytime. It is high time that
terviewed was the complete absence of sound as the flying object hovered over
the real facts about UFO's are released. A public information program should
6012
6013
a nearby farm building, casting a brilliant glow over the dwelling, while the
farm animals in the barn caused a tremendous commotion. Horses whinnied
ADDENDUNTI
DURACTOR/SKCONDS
and kicked the walls of their stalls. Then the object disappeared rapidly in the
distance.
UFO RPC-9/3/65 - KENSINGTON,
ANOTHER SIGHTING
0,221
(bellional information obtained from
Officer Eugene Bertrand's report on the trio's sighting of the strange object was
notob of caso who personally interviewed
Normania Phocerallo on 6 September 1965)
made to Officer Toland, desk man at the Exeter police station, at 2:55 a.m.
Then at 3:30 p.m. Officer Hunt reported from his cruiser that he had again
sighted the UFO, while he was at the intersection of the Route 101 bypass in
Exeter and Route 87 to Newfields from Exeter.
Topping the strange activities, Exeter police reported that a telephone call
from an unidentified pay station in Hampton had been made by a hysterical man,
but that the line had gone dead before the call could be completed or the pay
phone station identified. The man had dialed the operator and cried "Get me
the police" and said he had been chased by a flying saucer.
Hampton police were notified, but nothing was determined about the point from
SHAPE
which the call was made, what had frightened the man-or why the call was SO"
abruptly broken off.
Imot chaped by gloro of
finching vod lights Botwood and
during finnhes Officer Dertrond
the improssion that the object
NATIONAL INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE
UCC with no protruniend
ON AERIAL PHENOMENA,
"lilib and 901° but this is just an
Washington, D.C., September 15, 1965.
chicated gueno.,
RAYMOND FOWLER,
Wenham, Mass.
PULSED IIII A SMOOTH
DEAR RAY: Your excellent report on the September 3 New Hampshire sight-
1-2-3-4-5-4-3-2-1
ings has been received. You certainly are to be commended for a prompt and
TAKING SECONDS TO
FULL CYCLE.
thorough investigation. The information is most interesting and will be of
great value. We are very fortunate to have people of your ability donating their
services to us.
All ultnesson observed
Mr. John Fuller of Saturday Review may be getting in touch with you about
the object rock bault and
these sightings. He is doing a straightforward column (he writes "Trade
forth unveral times during
Winds") on the recent wave of sightings, and has long had a sincere interest in
its flight.
the subject. We are cooperating fully, and I have given him a lot of specific
information.
Each light sconed
Our New York No. 2 Subcommittee in Chautauqua County (western New
round in shipo,
York.) and an intelligent young member have been investigating a landing report
B
near Buffalo (Cherry Creek) August 19. It appears to be a solid case, and
caused several E-M effects.
On the same night as the New Hampshire sightings, two police officers near
C
Angleton, Tex. (Between Houston and gulf coast) saw a reddish UFO on the
ground in a field, started to investigate until the object moved toward them—
whereupon they fled in panic. Sounds very similar to New Hampshire, but
00
16
ontio
adress
the
we may not be able to get much details.
toward
Unitial
Thanks again for your hard work on our behalf.
maintained
this
position
Sincerely,
Villa
WAY
Ruscell
rosidence
Also
DICK HALL.
approached
Physond E. Fewler
RIGAP Investigator
ADDENDUM II
(UFO Report, September 3, 1965, Kensington, N.H. (Bertrand-Hunt-Muscarello)
Subject Weather, September 3, 1965, a.m.
To: NICAP, Washington, D.C.
From: Raymond E. Fowler, chairman: NICAP Massachusetts Investigating
Subcommittee.
U.S. Weather Forecast Skies: Clear. Wind direction: Northwest, Wind
velocity 5 miles per hour. Temperature: Lower fifties.
Respectfully submitted.
RAYMOND E. FOWLER,
NICAP Investigator.
50-066 0-66-No. 55-4
6015
6014
"He was right. It was coming up over a row of trees. There was no noise
[From the Saturday Review, Oct. 2, 1965]
at all. It was about 100 feet in the air, and about 200 feet away from us. I
could see five bright red lights in a straight row. They dimmed from right to
ADDENDUM IIA (UFO RPT, SEPTEMBER 3, 1965, KENSINGTON, N.H. (BERTRAND-
left, and then from left to right-just like an advertising sign does. It lit up
HUNT-MUSCARELLo))
everything around us. But it was silent. The horses started kicking and making
TRADE WINDS
an awful fuss, and the dogs in the farm started barking. The kid froze in his
tracks, and I grabbed him and pulled him toward the police car. I reached for
(By John G. Fuller)
my revolver and then thought better of it. Then Officer David Hunt arrived in
another patrol car.
When the tidal wave of reports about unidentified flying objects hit even the
"We sat there and looked at it for at least 10 minutes. My brain kept telling
august pages of the New York Times last summer, we made a mental note to
me that this doesn't happen-but it was. right in front of my eyes. There was
follow the story through to see just what conclusions might eventually be drawn.
no tail, no wings, and again no sound. It hovered there, still about 100 feet
State police in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and New Mexico had risked their jobs
away, sort of floated and wobbled. I don't know what it was. All I can say is
and reputations for sanity in reporting a wide number of observations, corrobo-
that it was there, and three of us saw it together."
rated by radar trackings from the Tinker and Carswell Air Force Bases. Later,
Nobody else can tell you exactly what it was, either. Lieutenant Cottrell will
however, the Air Force made it a point to release a statement that the radar
tell you that the whole story is on the police blotter, and that you can't find two
trackings did not correspond to the visual findings of the Oklahoma Department
better officers than Hunt and Bertrand. "If I didn't believe these guys, I'd put
of Public Safety, and the story disappeared from the pages of the press.
'em in a locked room and give 'em some blocks to play with," he says. The
Skepticism is a healthy thing, especially when you get involved with whirling
Hampton police will tell you that too many reliable people have reported these
saucers that defy the laws of aerodynamics. But curiosity is also a powerful
sightings to doubt them. The editors at the Manchester Union Leader and the
force, and it was for this reason that we decided to track down at least one
Exeter News-Letter will tell you that the reports are from too many reliable
specific case of UFO chasing.
sources to doubt.
A phone call to the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomenon
Moreover, officials suspect other local UFO landings have gone unreported.
in Washington, D.C., put us in touch with Richard H. Hall, its acting director.
As Lieutenant Cottrell said, "If I had seen that thing-and I was all alone,
We learned from Mr. Hall that the Oklahoma State Police had released a nine-
nobody else would have ever heard about it."
page report through its department of public safety, contradicting the Air Force
statement and indicating that without question the Carswell Air Force Base
[From the Haverhill Gazette, Oct. 27, 1965]
radar trackings and the State police visual reports were identical. What's more,
PENTAGON DOESN'T BELIEVE UFO EXETER SIGHTINGS
a steady stream of new findings had been received by NICAP. Most interesting
was a report that the NICAP representative in New England, Mr. Raymond
WASHINGTON, D.C.-The Pentagon believes that, after intensive investigation,
Fowler, was just completing a survey on an alleged landing of a UFO in Exeter,
it has come up with a natural explanation of the UFO sightings in Exeter, N.H.,
N.H., witnessed by not just one but two police officers.
on September 3.
We talked successively and at length to Mr. Fowler; Lieutenant Cottrell of
A spokesman said the several reports stemmed from "multiple objects in the
the Exeter police; the Hampton, N.H., police desk; James R. Bucknam, managing
area," by which they mean a high-altitude Strategic Air Command exercise out
editor of the Manchester (N.H.) Union Leader; Officer Bertrand, of the Exeter
of Westover, Mass., was going on at the time in the area.
police force; and the Pease Air Force Base in nearby Portsmouth, N.H.
A second important factor was what is called a weather inversion wherein a
Understandably, the Air Force is extremely wary about the matter of UFO's,
layer of cold air is trapped between warm layers.
and the Pease base could only confirm that a large number of sightings had been
The Pentagon spokesman said this natural phenomena causes "stars and
reported locally.
planets to dance and twinkle."
Beyond that, however, we were able to piece together the following story:
The spokesman said "We believe what the people saw that night was stars
Shortly after midnight, on September 3, Officer Eugene Bertrand of the Exeter
and planets in unusual formations."
police force was on routine duty cruising along an overpass on Route 101 near
(This is the official Air Force "explanation" for the September 3, 1965, UFO
the town. He pulled up besides a parked car and found in it two women who
sightings in the Kensington-Exeter, N.H. area. I have asked the USAF public
were visibly disturbed. They reported to him that an airborne object, bright
information officer at the Pentagon for a copy of their official evaluation for the
red and flashing, had been trailing them for nearly 12 miles, all the way from
subcommittee and NICAP files.¹)
the town of Epping. Bertrand, an Air Force veteran of the Korean war, was
RAYMOND E. FOWLER,
skeptical, made a routine radio report, and went on with his cruising.
Chairman, NICAP Massachusetts Subcommittee.
Within that same hour, Norman Muscarello, an 18-year-old resident of Exeter,
was hitchhiking home from Amesbury, Mass., and had reached a point 2 miles
out of town along Route 150, near Kensington. According to his statement to
the police, he looked up into the sky and saw a similar object approaching him
NICAP MASSACHUSETTS INVESTIGATING SUBCOMMITTEE,
with a yawing, kitelike motion. He threw himself against a stone wall while
Wenham, Mass.
the object hovered over a nearby farmhouse, lighting up the entire area. He
finally made a run for the farmhouse as the object sailed out of sight. Unable
Subject: Addendum IV, UFO report, September 3, 1965 (Kensington, N.H.)
to make sense of his hysterical story, the farmer took no further action and the
(Bertraund-Hunt-Muscarello).
boy hitchhiked into town. Here he reported the story to the police, even though
Date: October 10, 1965.
he was in a state bordering on shock.
From: Raymond E. Fowler, chairman, NICAP Massachusetts Subcommittee.
It was now about 2 a.m., Officer Bertrand was called on his car radio and
To: NICAP.
instructed to take the boy back to the farm area to investigate.
This newsclip identifying UFO reports in the southern New Hampshire area
"I was sure that these women and this kid had seen a helicopter, or something
is misleading. At the time of the September 3, 1965 UFO sighting I checked
like that," Officer Bertrand told us. "But we went out to the spot, and I parked
with the manager of "Sky-Lite Aerial Advertising Co." and its aircraft was not
the cruiser. It was a clear night. No wind. No fog. We walked about a hundred
flying on this night. On October 9 I went over the advertising plane's flight
yards out on the field, near a barn where a lot of horses were kept. Then, the
paths between August and October 8. The plane was not even airborne between
kid yelled, "There it is
August 21 and September 10.
1 See later USAF letter in file which reverses their position.
6016
6017
Joseph Rodina also informed me that his aircraft rarely flies into southern
New Hampshire and when it does it is usually in the Salem and Manchester
Hunt who filled out and signed an eight-page UFO questionnaire and later gave
area, miles away from the Exeter area. He told me that he had told the
permission to use his name in connection with the report. I preceded to the
Amesbury News that perhaps some UFO's reported in New Hampshire could
residence of Norman Muscarello and discovered that he was out of State until
have been his aircraft. Unfortunately, this newspaper used his statement to
September 14. Arrangements have been made for a personal interview upon
explain the sightings in the Seabrook area which borders Kensington, N.H.
his return. I then drove out to the sighting area of sightings two and three,
The "Sky-Lite" aircraft* does not carry red flashing lights. It carries a rec-
and interviewed residents in the general area. Next, I went to the home of
tangular sign carrying white flashing lights. It was not airborne during the
Officer Bertrand and drove him back to the area of sighting two and three where
southeast New Hampshire UFO flap. I have notified the Amesbury News of
he filled out a UFO questionnaire, signed it and gave NICAP permission to use
the true facts and have asked them to set the record straight. I am issuing this
his name in connection with his sighting. While at the sighting area he gave
addendum to avoid further confusion.
me a detailed description of the sightings and related information. I inter-
RAYMOND E. FOWLER,
viewed others in the area who had related information and arrived back home
Chairman, NICAP Massachusetts Subcommittee.
at 2:45 p.m. My brother, Richard A. Fowler, and I returned to the area and
took photographs. We walked several miles along some powerlines near the
sighting area examining this area for any signs of a UFO landing. We feel that
[From the Amesbury (Mass.) News, Oct. 6, 1965]
the UFO might have been attracted to the area by these powerlines. We found
nothing.
UFO IDENTIFIED AS AD GIMMICK
SIGHTING ACCOUNT NO. 1
The unidentified flying object spotted in this area by many residents has finally
At approximately 12:30 a.m., e.d.t., Officer Bertrand came upon one woman
been identified.
(not two as reported by newspapers) parked in an automobile on route 101 just
It's a flying billboard which contains 500 high-intensity lights that spell out an
outside Exeter. When asked if she needed help she said excitedly that she had
advertising message.
been chased along Route 101 between Epping and Exeter for 12 miles by a flying
The electronic billboard is towed by a specially rigged light aircraft owned by
object which was encircled with a brilliant red glow. She stated that the
Sky-Lite Aerial Advertising Agency of Boston and piloted by Daniel C. Vale of
object dived at her moving automobile several times. When Bertrand asked
Londonderry, N.H.
where the object was, she pointed to what he thought was a bright star on the
Recently the rig has been flown over the Amesbury, Seabrook, and southern
horizon. He dismissed the incident and after watching the light source for a few
New Hampshire area carrying the advertising message, "Put a Tiger in Your
minutes to reassure the woman he proceeded on in the cruiser. He dismissed
Tank-See Your Esso Dealer."
the incident and did not attach enough importance to the woman's account to
However, when spotted from an angle not directly below the aircraft, it gives
warrant obtaining her name.
the appearance of a flying saucer, quite like the "UFO's" described by the area
residents.
SIGHTING ACCOUNT NO. 2 (MORE DETAILS FORTHCOMING PENDING
A spokesman for the firm said the sign is 10 feet wide and 40 feet long. "The
PERSONAL +INTERVIEW)
plane can turn on a dime, and when it turns, it gives the appearance of being
At approximately 1 a.m., e.d.t., Norman Muscarello was walking along Route
stationary,' the spokesman said.
150 in Kensington, N.H., about 2 miles from Exeter. He had been visiting in
Earlier flights of the night-flying billboard south of Boston also prompted a
Amesbury, Mass., and had been thumbing rides home to Exeter. As he ap-
flash to UFO reports before the "secret" was discovered.
proached the Clyde Russell residence he was alarmed to see an object carrying
at least four extremely bright red pulsating lights emerge from nearby woods
and maneuver over the field adjoining the road which belongs to Carl Dining.
UFO SUMMARY SHEET
It moved over the Clyde Russell home and hovered there. The house was only
20 to 30 feet from where Muscarello stood and the object appeared to be just a
UFO reports-Sept. 3, 1966
matter of several feet from the roof. Frightened thoroughly he crouched down
beside the stonewall which runs along the field. Several times it seemed to move
closer to him. Its lights were SO bright that the Russell home was bathed
Number
Witness-Name and address
Age
Location of UFO sighting
Time e.d.t.
with a red glow. The size of the object seemed to be much larger than the
Russell home and Muscarello later told the police it was 80 to 90 feet long. The
1
Unidentified woman motorist
(1)
Route 10L, Epping to Exeter,
-12:30 a.m.
object was completely silent. Then it moved back over the Carl Dining field
N.H.
2 and 3
Norman J. Muscarelle, 2051/2 Front
18
Route 150, Kensington, N.H.
±1:00 a.m.
and disappeared over the trees. Muscarello pounded on the door of the Clyde
St., Exeter, N.H.
Russell and Dining proper-
±2:25 a.m.
Russell home shouting that he had seen a "flying saucer." The Russells woke
ties.
up but refused to answer the door thinking that the boy was drunk or some-
3
Officer Eugene F. Bertrand (Exeter
32
do
Do.
Police Department) Pickpocket
thing. Muscarello finally gave up and started down the road toward Exeter.
Road, Exeter, N.H.
He flagged down a passing automobile and received a ride to the Exeter police
3
Officer David R. Hunt, 11 Charles
26
do
±2:35 a.m.
station.
St., Exeter, N.H. (Exeter Police
Department)
(The above account is based upon information received from Officers Hunt and
4
Officer David R. Hunt
Route 85/101 Bypass, Exeter,
3:30 a.m.
Bertrand. I hope to receive more detailed information from Norman Muscarello
N.H.
personally as soon as he returns from Rhode Island.)
5
Unidentified man
Hampton, N.H
Early a.m.
SIGHTING ACCOUNT NO. 3
i Not available.
BACKGROUND
Muscarello reported the incident to Desk Officer Reginald Towland at about
1:45 a.m., e.d.t. He was white with fear and hardly able to talk. A radio call
I received news of the sighting through newsclips and from a friend whose
was made to Officer Bertrand asking him to return to the station, pick up
niece is a policewoman for the Exeter, N.H., Police Department. I arrived at
Muscarello and investigate at the scene of the sighting which he did. Upon
the Exeter police station at :40 a.m., on September 11, and interviewed Officer
arriving at the Carl Dining field the object was nowhere to be seen. After wait-
ing and looking from the cruiser for several minutes, Bertrand radioed head-
*NOTE.-This aircraft flies out of Beverly Airport, Beverly, Mass. Usually the aircraft
quarters that there was nothing there and that the boy must have been
flies along the coast to Boston and back. It rarely is airborne after 11 p.m.
imagining things. It was then suggested that he examine the field before
6019
6018
to west flight pattern in a straight line with an elevation of about 10° above the
returning, SO Bertrand and Muscarello advanced into the field. As the police
tree-line. Both officers had read a little an UFO's. Neither would venture an
officer played his flashlight beam back and forth over the field, Muscarello
opinion as to what the object was but Officer Bertrand stated that it was definitely
sighted the object rising slowly from behind some nearby trees and shouted.
not an airplane or helicopter and that in his opinion that it was an intelligently
Bertrand swung around and saw a large dark object carrying a straight row of
constructed and operated vehicle. No sound was heard by the witnesses, even at
four extraordinarily bright red pulsating lights coming into the field at tree
close range but apparently the animals in the nearby barn of Carl Dining could
top level. It swung around toward them just clearing a 60- to 70-foot tree and
hear or sense something that frightened them as during sighting No. 2 and No. 3
seemingly only 100 feet away from them. Instinctively Officer Bertrand drew
they whinnied and kicked their stalls. The dog which belonged to people acros"
his service revolver. (He stated that Muscarello said that he shouted "I'll shoot
the road was barking furiously. No interference was noticed on the police radi
it!") but thinking this unwise replaced it and yelled to Muscarello to take cover
nor were the lights and ignition of the cruiser affected. Neither officer would
in the cruiser. He told me that he was afraid that they both would be burned
estimate the object's speed but stated it was very slow. No scorched marks or
by the blinding lights closing in on them. They ran to the cruiser where
indentations were found in the field. Both officers agreed that their signed state-
Bertrand immediately put in a radio call to headquarters for assistance. Officer
ments and names could be used by NICAP in connection with the report.
Hunt arrived within minutes and the trio observed the object move away over
and below the tree line.
SIGHTING ACCOUNT NO. 4
Data (sighting No. 3)-Based on signed questionnaires and interviews with
At :30 a.m. e.d.t., Officer Hunt sighted what appeared to be the same object
Officers Bertrand and Hunt.
hovering in the distance while at the Route 85-100 bypass in Exeter. He radioed
There is confusion concerning the exact times of the sighting. The police
Officer Bertrand who told him it was probably a star. Shortly after this he looked
stated that the newspaper account stated that Muscarello arrived at the station
for it again but it had disappeared. Since there was little detail in this sighting
at 12 a.m. is incorrect and that it was probably close to 2 a.m., e.d.t. I have
I did not bother to probe for details.
arbitrarily assigned the time as being 1:45 a.m., e.d.t., after taking every-
thing into consideration. Muscarello's mother also thought it was closer to 2
SIGHTING ACCOUNT NO. 5
a.m. Perhaps after my interview with Muscarello, I will be able to pinpoint the
time more exactly. Based upon the 1:45 a.m. time and the fact that when the
To add to the excitement the police and others told me that an unidentified
trio returned to headquarters and reported the sighting No. 3 to Desk Officer
hysterical man tried to call the police during these early morning hours to re-
Towland at exactly 2:55 a.m., I figure that sighting No. 3 took place approxi-
port a UFO. He dialed the operator from a pay station in Hampton, N.H., and
mately between 2:25 and 2:40 a.m.
excitedly asked the operator to connect him with the police as he had been chased
Sighting No. 3 took place over the field of Carl Dining in Kensington, N.H., on
by a "flying saucer." Before the call could be put through to the police, the tele-
Route 150 about 3 miles south of Exeter, N.H. The duration of the observation
phone connection went dead. Neither the man or the particular Hampton pay
was about 10 minutes by Officer Bertrand and Norman Muscarello and about 5
station could be traced.
minutes by Officer Hunt when he joined the pair at the field. There was no
MILITARY INVESTIGATION
trace of daylight at the sighting time. The weather was dry and cool with a
slight breeze. Observing conditions were excellent. The moon had set at 11:15
Officer Bertrand informed me that soon after they made their report of sight-
p.m., e.d.t., and the sky was studded with stars. The exact shape of the object
ing No. 3 to Desk Officer Towland they notified Pease AFB, Portsmouth, N.H.,
could not be seen by either police officer although Bertrand told me that it
of the sighting by phone. Later Pease AFB phoned back and arranged for
seemed compressed as if it were round or egg-shaped with definitely no pro-
the police officers to be interviewed. At around 9 a.m. that same morning,
trusions like wings, rudder or stabilizer. I hope to obtain more details from
a USAF major and lieutenant in uniforms arrived, questioned them and drove
Muscarello concerning the shape, size, and SO forth of the object.
both Bertrand and Hunt out to the Carl Dining field where they had sighted
The object carried at least four extremely brilliant pulsating red lights which
the UFO. They asked more questions and returned with the police officers
appeared to flash in a steady sequence. They were arranged in a fixed straight
to the station. The USAF officers asked the police to try to keep the sighting
line position. Officer Bertrand said that they were brighter than any light he
from the press SO as to avoid alarming the local people. The police told the
had ever seen and at close range he found that he could not look directly at them.
USAF officers that it was too late for this as several reporters already had
He had the impression that he and Muscarello might have been burned if they did
the story. (One had driven from Manchester on a motorcycle complete with
not run from the object as it approached then. He compared their brightness to
black jacket, helmet, and goggles. I heard privately that he gave the police
that of automobile headlights shining directly in one's face at less than several
quite a start when he came into the station looking like a man from outer
yards away. The manner in which they pulsated gave Bertrand the distinct im-
space.)
pression that this was an intelligently constructed vehicle and definitely not
Bertrand told me that most of the questions asked were the same as I had
some natural phenomenon. The lights were definitely seen to be part of a large
asked. The USAF team were particularly interested in the size and shape
dark solid object. The reflection off the object's body caused a halo effect around
of the object. One question that stuck in Bertrand's mind was that they
it. Both officers had eyeglasses on when viewing the object. Neither officer
wanted to know if the chickens on the Carl Russell residence next to the field
would give an estimate of how large the object itself was although Bertrand was
were awakened and alarmed during the sighting. (Apparently they were not
quoted to have said that it was as "big as a house." Bertrand told me that it was
disturbed as they were not heard during the sighting although they may have
very large but the lights obscured it preventing him from seeing enough of it to
and just were not heard as the chicken house is probably 300-400 yards, at
know how large. When Officer Hunt arrived the object had moved off SO what he
least from where Muscarello and Bertrand were standing in the field.)
thinks he only saw two of the lights. I was, however, able to obtain a statement
Three interesting items told to the police were that (1) that a USAF check
from Bertrand concerning the apparent size of the object. He stated that when
had revealed no aircraft in the area during the time sighting No. 3 occurred:
the object was at its closest that it was almost the apparent size of a "grapefruit"
(2) that Pease AFB had been receiving other UFO reports in the New Hamp-
held at arm's length. When he first sighted it the size seemed to be that of a
shire area almost nightly during the previous week: (3) they mentioned a
"baseball" held at arm's length. He estimated that it was 200 yards away when
sighting which took place in late July concerning an automobile coming upon
he first spotted it after Muscarello shouted. He said that at its closest approach
a UFO hovering over the road in front of them. I have the details and hope
it just cleared a nearby 60- to 70-foot tree. He said the object was very close and
to look into it.
that it appeared to be about 100 feet away. While viewing it from the cruiser it
After returning Officers Bertrand and Hunt to headquarters, both the major
manuvered over the field at about 500 yards away before moving out over the
and lieutenant returned to the sighting area and questioned residents living
tree line. As it moved the object seemed to tilt back and forth from side to side.
near the field. Mrs. Muscarello told me that two USAF officers had questioned
The sighting area was open countryside with farms, fields, and woods. The
her son at length and that a U.S. Navy officer also came to the house and asked
object was first seen in the northeast and last seen in the north moving in an east
several questions about the sighting.
6020
6021
INTERESTING SIDELIGHTS
exhibited by the object the other correlated UFO reports and the military's
1. Mr. and Mrs. Chase of Kensington who live a few miles down Route 150
interest and actions concerning the UFO reports, rate these as first-class UFO
told me that:
sightings by this investigator.
(a) An Air Force officer had gone around to all the stores selling news-
Sighting No. 4: Insufficient information but interesting.
papers in Exeter and purchased all copies of the Manchester, N.H., Union
Sighting No. 5: Again, the chances are astronomical that several people
Leader newspaper which carried a detailed account of these sightings and
entirely independent of one another should report that they were "chased by
a posed photo of Herman Muscarello and Officers Bertrand, Hunt, and
a flying saucer" in the same general area. It is possible concerning sighting No. 5
Towland. The police had not heard of this and I did not check further.
that someone could have been monitoring the police radio conversations about
(a) Mrs. Chase, a nurse, was on duty at the Exeter Hospital during the
the UFO reports and decided to play a little joke but this seems unlikely. Not
sightings and told me that the Hampton, N.H. police phoned the hospital
many people, other than responsible law enforcement officers are up tuning the
to see if a man was brought into the hospital suffering a heart attack or
police radio and at these wee hours of the morning. Thus, the report is probably
shock. This was in relation to the hysterical man who tried to reach the
genuine. Why the unidentified man did not or could not complete his call to
police by phone about being chased by a UFO. Reference sighting No. 5.
the police will have to remain on open question unless he steps forward and
(c) Mrs. Chase also told me that a friend of hers, a Mrs. Parker Blodgett,
relates what happened.
works as a correspondent for the "Haverhill (Mass.) Gazette" newspaper
I was able to talk to many people during my investigation. The great majority
and was asked by the USAF not to publish UFO reports. (However, she
did not appear to be frightened about the incident. This is contrary to what the
did, as I have a copy of her article dated September 7, 1965.)
USAF team thought would occur if the story got in the newspapers. Instead of
2. A Mrs. St. Laurente of Kingston Road, Kensington, N.H. told a church
fear, I found a tremendous curiosity on the part of people to know more about
minister friend of mine that her brother, who usually cuts the hay on the
UFO's. Strangely enough many openly voiced the interplanetary origin theory
Carl Dining field, refuses to do SO because he has heard that the hay has been
without any encouragement from me. Several years ago very few people other
contaminated by radiation.
than those who have read widely about UFO's would talk like this. Slowly but
3. The police told me that for the past few weeks previous to the sightings
surely over the years the public has been becoming UFO-conscious: Reports like
they have received reports from people, some of them personal friends, of their
this one coupled with wide publication will help much in informing the public-
whole house suddenly being momentarily illuminated by a bright reddish glow
at-large of the reality and problem of UFO's.
after they had gone to bed. No objects were seen.
4. Mr. and Mrs. DeMarco, N. Hampton Road (Route 88), Hampton, N.H.,
observed a star-like object blinking red which alternately hovered and moved
in the western sky between 9 and 9 :30 p.m. on September 5, 1965. Since Venus
had set and Mr. DeMarco was a former USAF control tower operator who
assured me that it was not an aircraft, I thought the report was worth
mentioning.
5. A Mr. Rice, who owns a CB radio told me that he was talking over his
radio with a Portsmouth, N.H., police cruiser on September 7, 1965, about 8:00
p.m. e.d.t. The officer told him that he was out investigating a UFO report and
asked Mr. Rice to give him a call if he spotted it. He said the UFO was supposed
to be over the Hampton Falls area near where Mr. Rice lives on Route 88. No
UFO was seen by Mr. Rice. The cruiser used call letters KMA-8616 and used
both channel No. 2 and No. 6.
6. Since the UFO sighting at the Carl Dining field, many cars pull up and
watch for the object at night. Mr. Dining had to rope off the entrance to his
field and post it as people were littering his property.
7. Mrs. Muscarello thinks the USAF Lieutenant's name was Brant.
8. On my first two visits to the Carl Dining field on the morning of September
11, 1965, I saw a low-flying C-119 Flying Boxcar pass over the area on both
occasions.
9. Other civilian UFO Investigators were given the brushoff by the police. I
was very fortunate to have received such a good response from them.
EVALUATION
Characters of witnesses
Muscarello: Comes from twice-broken home-has had problems with police
and is well-known by them-usually a cool, calm boy. Until my personal inter-
view with him I can say no more.
Bertrand and Hunt: Credible witnesses, good observers with a keen desire to
relate only facts-I could not even persuade them to guess at estimates of the
object's real size and speed.
The sightings
Sighting No. 1: There is enough similarity between the unidentified woman's
report and the detailed sightings No. 2 and No. 3 to warrant its probable au-
thenticity. The chances of a similar report occurring the same morning, unless
it were authentic, is astronomical. It is possible that the object she pointed out
to Officer Bertrand was Jupiter and not the object that had chased her.
Sightings No. 2 and No. 3: The credibility of the witnessing police officers
coupled with the sightings of Muscarello; the many typical UFO characteristics
50-066 0-66-No. 55-5
6022
6023
U. 0 DATA SHEET
Page one
2021 2102-09
This questionnaire has been prepared so that you can give as much
information as possible concerning the "Unidentified Flying Object"
that you have observed. Please try to answer as many questions as
NOTE-- OFFICIALS RECORDED EAST -WEST MOVEMENT OF UPO
CORALL
you possibly can. The information that you give will be used for
research purposes. Your name will not be used in connection with
any statements, conclusions, or publications without your permission.
ACTUALLY $ BY BY THE COMPASS.
CARL DINING NFO FIELD
RT# 150
Tha k you very much for your cooperation in this matter.
STONE WALL
TREE LINE
POLICESSER
CRUISER
Respectfully submitted,
Chairman: NICAP Mass. Subcemmitee
Investigator: National Investigation Committee on Aerial Phenomena
Raymond E. Fowler
Time he reported sighting
13 Friend Court
Wenham, Massachusetts
Desk officer. 1225AM
WAS SIGHTINATIME
1. when did you see the ob ect?
2. Time of day:
2
BERTRANO !copf
3
9
1965
HOUR
MINUTES
SIGHTING 3
DAY
MONTH
YEAR
(Circle One) :
A.M
or
P.M.
3. Time zone: (Circle One):
Eastern
(Circle One) :
Daylight
Raymond E. Fowler
b. Central
Saving Time
C. Mountain
b. Standard
d. Pacific
or
Time
e. Other
of 07061 SOAVA 009
4. Where were you when you saw the object?
KENSINSTON RFD
KENSINGTON
N.H.
Nearest Postal Address
City or Town
State or Country
Additional remarks:
5. Estimate how long you saw the object.
10
HOURS
MINUTES
SECONDS
00 000000000
5.1 Circle one of the following to indicate how certain you are of
your answer to Question 5.
TONE WALL
MUSCARELLO
a. Certain
C. Not very sure
b.
Fairly certain
d. Just a guess
6. What was the condition of the sky?
(Circle One):
a. Bright daylight
d. Just a trace of daylight
b. Dull daylight
e.
No
trace of daylight
C. Bright twilight
f. Don't remember
TARE LINE
YPE HOVERING PENCE RUSSELL
the
SIGHTING 2
7. If you saw the object during DAYLIGHT, TWILIGHT, or DAWN, where was the
SUN located as you looked at the object?
a. In front of you
C. To your right
e. Overhead
150
N/A
b. In ba
a. To your it
f. Don't remember
6024
6025
Page 2
8. If you saw the object at NIGHT, TWILIGHT, or DAWN, what did you notice
16. Tell in a few words the
Page 3
concerning the STARS and MOON?
things about the object.
8.1 STARS (circle one): a. None
8.2 MOON (circle one):
a. SOUND
NONE
b. A few
: C. Many
a. Bright moonlight
b. COLOR
BED
d. Don't remember
b. Dull moonlight
c. No moonlight- dark
d. Don't remember
9. was the object brighter tha.: the background of the sky?
17. Draw a picture that will show the shape of the object or objects. Label
(Circle one):
a
YES
b. NO
C. DON'T REMEMBER
and include in your sketch any details of the object that you saw such as
wings, protrusions, etc., and especially exhaust trails or vapour trails.
10.If it was BRIGHTER THAN the sky background, was the brightness like that
moving. Place a., arrow beside the drawing to show the direction the object was
of a.. automobile headlight appearing to be? (CIRCLE ONE BLOW):
a. A n.ile or more away?(a distant car)
-WEST- FFAST -WEST- -EAST-
b. Several blocks away?
C. A block away?
a. Several yards away?
e. Other? BRIGHTEN Than HEADLIGHTAT
Close RANGE
11/11/11
1999
11. Did the object:
(Circle One for each question)
a. Appear to stand still at any time?
YES
NO
DON'T KNOW
b. sudde.ly speed up and rush away at any time?
YES
NO
DON'T KNOW
C. Break up into parts or explode?
YES
NO
DON'T KNOW
RED LigHTS
RED LigHTs
d. Give off smoke?
YES
NO
DON'T KNOW
e. Change brightness?
NO
DON'T KNOW
FLHSHING
f. Change shape?
YES
NO
DON'T KNOW
FLASHING
g. Flicker, throb, or pulsate?
NO DON'T KNOW
18. The edges of the object were:
12. Did the object move behind something at any time, particularly a cloud?
(Circle One) a. Fuzzy or blurred
e. Other LigHTs WERE
b. Like a bright star
(Circle One):
YES
NO
DON'T KNOW
If you a.\swered yes, then
so BRigHT ThEY
C. Sharply outlined
tell what it moved behind:
CREATED A HALO
19. If there was MORE THAN ONE object, then how many were there?
Draw a picture of how they were arranged, and put an arrow to show
13. Did the object move in front of something at any time, particularly
the direction that they were travelling.
a cloud?
YES NO DON'T KNOW (Circle One)
If you answered yes, then tell what it moved in front of:
N/A
11. Did the object appear (Circle One): SOLID ? TRANSPARENT? DON'T KNOW
15. Did you observe the object
through any of the following?
a. Eyeglasses
YES
NO
d. window glass YES NO g. Other
b. Sun glasses
YES
NO
e. Binoculars
y
NO
C. WindshAeld
YES NO
f. Telecome
NO
6026
6027
Page 4
Page 5
20. Draw a picture that will show the motion that the object or
25. where were you located when you
26. Were you (Circle One):
objects made. Place a.: "A" at the beginning of the path,
saw the object? (Circle One):
a "8" at the end of the path, and, show a y cha ges in
direction during the course.
a. Inside a building
a. In the business section of city?
b. In a car
b. In the residential section of
c, Outdoors
a city?
a. In an airplane
cy
In open countryside?
e. At sea
a. Flying near a. airfield?
B
£. Other
e. Flying over a city?
f. Flying over open country?
g. Other
27. What were you doing at the time you saw the object, and how did you
21. IF POSSIBLE, try to guess or estimate what the real size of the object
happen to notice it?
was in its longest dimension.
N/A
Feet.
WeNT To AssisT 18 year old boy
22. How large did the object or objects appear as compared with one of the
following objects "held" 1.: the ha d at about arm's length?
28. If you were MOVING IN AN AUTOMOBILE or other vehicle at the time, then
complete the Following questions:
(Circle One): a. Head of a p1.,
g. Silver dollar
see
question
41
b. Pea
Baseball
28.1 what direction were you moving? (Circle One):
C. Dime
Grapefruit
d. Nickel
N/A
a. North
C. East
e. South
g. West
1. Basketball
b. Northeast d. Southeast f. Southwest h. Northwest
Quarter
k. Other
£. Half-dollar
28.2 How fast were you moving?
miles per hour
22.1 CIRCLE ONE of the following to indicate how certain you are of
28.3 Did you stop at a.y time while observing object?
your a swer to Question 22.
(Circle One):
YES
NO
over
field
when
ist
sun
a. Certain
c.
Not very sure
while while field over tree
29. what direction were you looking when you FIRST SAW the object? (Circle
b. Fairly certain
a. Uncertai
One):
a. North
C. East
e. South
g. West
bordering
200yards*
Northeast d. Southeast f. Southwest h. Northwest
500 youds **
23. How did the object or objects disappear from view?
30. what direction were you looking whe., you LAST SAW the object? (Circle One)
DROPPED BE Low TRee LINE
North
C. dast
e. South
g. West
b. Northeast d. Southeast f. Southwest h. Northwest
31. If you are familiar with bearing terms(angular direction), try to
24. In order that you ca.. give as clear a picture as possible of what you
estimate the number of degrees the object was from true North and
saw, we would like for you to imagi.ne that you could construct the
also the the number of degreees it was upward from the horizon (elevatio.)
object that you saw. Of what type MATERIAL would you make it? How
LARGE would it be, a d what SHAPE would it have? Describe 1.1 your
31.1 When it first appeared:
OWN words a common object or objects which when placed up 1. the
N/A
a. From true North
degrees
sky would give the same appearanc as the object which you saw.
b. From horizo.
degrees
N/A
31.2 When it disappeared:
a. From true North
degrees
b. From horizon
degrees
6028
6029
Page 6
Page 7
Lowing sketch, imagine that you are at the point shown.
34. What were the weather CO ditions at the time you saw the object?
O.. the curved line to show how high the object was above
34.1 CLOUDS (Circle One)
34.2 VIND(Circle One)
(skyli.e when you FIRST saw it. Place a "B" on the same
R
Clear sky
a. No wind
to show how high the object was above the horizo.. (skyline)
b. Hazy
b
Slight breeze
saw
it.
c.Scattered clouds
C. Strong wind
d. Thick or heavy clouds
d. Don't remember
e. Do..'t remember
34.3 WEATHER(Circle One)
34.4 TEMPERATURE (Circle One)
a Dry
a. Cold
S. Fog, mist, or light rain
5
Cool
c. Moderate or heavy rain
C. Warm
d. Snow
d. Hot
e. Don't remember
e. Don't remember
35. whe. did you report to some official that you had seen the object?
B TA
Official or Organizatio. Name (s)
Day
Month
Year
DESK OFFICER EXETER P.D. 3
9
65
OFFICER TOLAND
lowing larger sketch place a.. "A" at the position the object
FIRST saw it, and a "B" at its position whe.. you LAST
Refer to smaller sketch as a. example of "how" to complete
36. Have you read literature pertai i.g to Unide. tified Flying Objects?
sketch.)
(Circle One)
YES
NO
If YES, how much? (Circle One) A LITTLE?
MODERATELY? extensively?
37. was a yo..e else with you at the time you saw the object?
(Circle One)
YES
NO
37.1 IF you answered Yes, did they see the object too?
(Circle One)
Yes
NO
B
37.2 Please list their ames a d addresses if you circled YES:
(Attach separate sheet for above)
38. Was this the first time that you had seen an object (s) like this?
(Circle One)
YES
NO
38.1 If you a wered NO, then when, where, a d under what circumsta ces
did you see the other o..e(s)?
a y KNOWN aircraft in the sky duri.g your sighting?
YES
NO
wered YES, was it following or attempti. to tercept
39. I.) your opi do:, what do YOU thi k the object(s) was a d what might
tified Flying Object? (Circle One): YES
NO
have caused it?
wered YES, please circle TYPE of aircraft:
Do NOT KNOW?
COMMERCIAL PRIVATE? JET! PROPELLER
ingines did the aircraft have?
50-066-66-No. 55-6
6030
6031
Do lyou thi k you ca estimate the speed of the object?
Page 8
UFO DATA SHEET
(Circle One)
YES
NO
This questionnaire has been prepared SO that you can give as mu
If you swered YES, the what speed would you estimate?
MPH
information as possible concerning the "Unidentified Flying obje
that you have observed. Please try to answer as many questions
Do you think you ca estimate how far away from you the object was?
you possibly can. The information that you give will be used fo
research purposes. Your name will not be' used in connection wit
(Circle One)
Yes
NO
any statements, conclusions, or publications without your permis
If you a swered YES, the how far away would you say it was? 100 FEET
Thank you very much for your cooperation in this matter.
Investigator: National Investigation Committee on Aerial Phe
Did the Object (s) cause any 1 terference with the operation of:
Raymond E. Fowler
Time he 7
13 Friend Court
(Circle where applicable) RADIO? TV? LIGHTS? OTHER? NONE
Wenham, Massachusetts
to Desk office
IF you underli ed a y of above, explai.: the interference below:
1. when did you see the object?
2. Time of day:
2
3
9
1965
HOUR
DAY
MONTH
YEAR
(Circle One):
A.M.
or
Was a photo takes: of the object (s) (Circle One)
YES
NO
3. Time zone: (Circle One):
a.
Eastern
(Circle One):
a.
t1
Would you be willi g to submit a copy? (Circle One) YES
NO
b. Central
S
C. Mountain
Vf you circled YES, please send copy indicating monetary rei burseme
b. S
d. Pacific
T
e. Other
Do you belong to a y Organizatio. which vestigates Unide:tified
4. Where were you when you saw the object?
Flyi..g Objects?
(Circle One)
YES
NO
If YES, list them below:
Kensington RFD
Kewsington
N.H.
Nearest Postal Address
City or Town
State or
Additional remarks:
May we blish your report if you :ai is kepto CO fide. tial? YES
NO
May we publish your report a a use your :ame?
YES
NO
5. Estimate how long you saw the object.
5-5
(Circle One)
HOURS MINUTES SECO
5.1 Circle one of the following to indicate how certain you a
Please give the followi. information about yourself: EUGENE
NAME BERTRAND 20
your answer to Question 5.
a. Certain
c. Not very sure
Last Name
First Na:
Middle Name
PiCKPOCKET RP EXETER
N.H.
b.
Fairly certai.)
d. Just a guess
ADDRESS
Street
City
State
6. What was the condition of the sky?
TELEPHONE NUMBER 772-4973
(Circle
One):
a. Bright daylight
d. Just a trace o
What is your present job? POLICE OFFICER
b. Dull daylight
e.
No trace of da
AGE
32
SEX
C. Bright twilight
f. Don't remember
Please indicate a y educatio. traini you have had: (Number of years
a. Grade school
8
e. Technical school
b. High school
4
7
If you saw the object during DAYLIGHT, TWILIGHT, or DAWN, wher
C. College
(Type of)
SUN located as you looked at the object?
d. Post graduate
f. Other special traini g?
A
a. In front of you
C. To your right
e. Overhe
2
)
back of you
a. To your left
£. Don't
Signature: Engine F Date: 9/11/65
6032
6033
signtly!
Page 3
16. Tell in a few words the following things about the object.
Page 2
a. SOUND
None
8. If you saw the object at NIGHT. TWILIGHT, or DAWN, what did you notice
concerning the STARS and MOON?
b. COLOR Red
8.1 STARS (circle one): a. None
8.2 MOON (circle one):
b. A few
a
:
Bright moonlight
C
Many
d.
Don't remember
b. Dull moonlight
C. No moonlight- dark
17. Draw a picture that will. show the shape of the object or objects. Label
d, Don't remember
and include in your sketch any details of the object that you saw such as
9. was the object brighter than the background of the sky?
wings, protrusions, etc., and especially exhaust trails or vapour trails.
Place a.. arrow beside the drawing to show the direction the object was
(Circle one):
a.
YES
b. NO
C. DON'T REMEMBER
moving.
-WEST-
-EAST-
10. If it was BRIGHTER THAN the sky background, was the brightness like that
of a. automobile headlight appearing to be? (CIRCLE ONE BELOW):
a. A mile or more away?(a dista..t car)
(Two OR The
b. Several blocks away?
O
C. A block away?
Red Liahts FLASHING
a. Several yards away?
Thee Line
Other? BRighten than headLights at
2)
chose RANge
11. Did the object:
(Circle One for each question)
a. Appear to stand still at a.y time?
YES
NO
DON'T KNOW
b. suddenly speed up and rush away at any time?
YES
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
e. Change brightness?
NO
DON'T KNOW
f. Change shape?
YES
NO
DON'T KNOW
g. Flicker, throb, or pulsate?
YES
NO
DON'T KNOW
18. The edges of the object were:
(Circle One) : a. Fuzzy or blurred
e.
Other LiGhts were so
b. Like a bright star
brioht they createda
12. Did the object move behind something at a.y time, particularly a cloud?
c. Sharply outlined
Halo effect ,
(Circle One):
YES
NO
DON'T KNOW
If you answered yes, then
19. If there was MORE THAN ONE object, then how many were there?
tell what it moved behind:
Draw a picture of how they were arranged, and put an arrow to show
the direction that they were travelling.
Two or three Red pLAshiNg
13. Did the object move in front of something at any time, particularly
a cloud?
YES
NO
DON'T
KNOW
(Circle
One)
LiGhts moving ON Hozizen EAST To west
If you answered yes, then tell what it moved in front of:
AT About 60 ANgLes 0
TO eAch other.
14. Did the object appear (Circle One): SOLID? TRANSPARENT? DON'T KNOW
15. Did you observe the object
through any of the following?
a. dyeglasses YES NO d. Window glass YES NO g. Other
b. Sun glasses
YES
NO
e. Binoculars
YES NO
C.
Windshield
YES NO
f. Telescope
YES NO
6034
6035
Page 4
Page 5
show the motion that the object or
"A" at the beginning of the path,
25. Where were you located when you
26. Were you (Circle One):
path, a d, show a y cha .ges 1n
saw the object? (Circle One):
No. change IN direction
a. Inside a building
a. In the business section of city
b. In a car
b. In the residential section of
C
Outdoors
a city?
d. In a.1 airpla. e
C
In open countryside?
A
e. At sea
d. Flying near as airfield?
£. Other
e. Flying over a city?
f. Flying over open country?
g. Other
27. What were you doing at the time you saw the object, and how did you
or estimate what the real size of the object
happen to notice it?
N/A
Feet.
CAlled to scence to Assist other
cnviser.
or objects appear as compared with one of the
1.: the ha d at about arm's leagth?
28.
If you were MOVING IN AN AUTOMOBILE or other vehicle at the time, then
of
a
p1.,
g. Silver dollar
N/A
complete the following questions:
h. Baseball
28.1 What direction were you moving? (Circle One):
I. Grapefruit
1. Basketball
a. North
C. East
e. South
g. West
k. Other
b. Northeast d. Southeast f. Southwest h. Northwest
:-dollar
28.2 How fast were you moving?
miles per hour
following to indicate how certain you are of
28.3 Did you stop at a.y time while observing object?
22.
(Circle One):
YES
NO
C.
Not very sure
certain
d. Uncertai.
29. What direction were you looking when you FIRST SAW the object? (Circle One):
Probable distance OF 2½- 4miles.
a. North
C. East
e. South
g. West
b. Northeast d. Southeast f. Southwest h. Northwest
jects disappear from view? Dropped be-
30. what direction were you looking when you LAST SAW the object? (Circle Or
horizen Line
a
North
C. cast
e. South
g. West
b. Northeast d. Southeast f. Southwest h. Northwest
31.
If you are familiar with bearing terms (angular direction), try to
as clear a picture as possible of what you
estimate the number of degrees the object was from true North and
to imagine that you could construct the
also the the number of degreees it was upward from the horizon (elevation
what type MATERIAL would you make it? How
hat SHAPE would it have? Describe 1.1 your
N/A
31.1 When it first appeared:
or objects which when placed up 1n the
a. From true North
degrees
appeara. as the object which you saw.
b. From horizo.1
degrees
31.2 When it disappeared:
a. From true North
degrees
b. From horizon
degrees
6036
6037
Page 6
llowing sketch, imagine that you are at the point shown.
Page 7
"A" O.. the curved line to show how high the object wàs above
34. What were the weather 8 ditio..s at the time you saw the object?
(skyli a) when you FIRST saw it. Place a "B" on the same
34.1 CLOUDS (Circle One)
34.2 WIND(Circle One)
.e to show how high the object was above the horizo., (skyline)
a
Clear sky
2. No wind
LAST
saw
it.
5. Hazy
b Slight breeze
c.Scattered clouds
c. Strong w1.:d
d. Thick or heavy clouds
d. Don't remember
e. Do..'t remember
34.3 WEATHER (Circle One)
34.4 TEMPERATURE (Circle One)
a Dry
a. Cold
b. Fog, nist, or light rain
b Cool
C. Moderate or heavy rain
C. Narm
d. Snow
d. Hot
e. Don't remember
e. Don't remember
35. whe.. did you report to some official that you had seen the object?
B.
Official or Organizatio.. Name(s)
Day
Month
Year
Desk officen Exeten P.D.
3
9
65
Officen TOLANd.
-
|
llowing larger sketch place a.. "A" at the position the object
you FIRST saw it, and a "B" at its position when you LAST
-
(Refer to smaller sketch as a., example of "how" to complete
sketch.)
36. Have you read literature pertai dug to Unide.tified Flying Objects?
(Circle One)
YES
NO
If YES, how much? (Circle One)
A
LITTLE?
MODERATELY? extensively?
37. was anyone else with you at the time you saw the object?
(Circle One)
YES
NO
37.1 IF you answered YES, did they see the object too?
(Circle One)
YES
NO
A
37.2 Please list their names a d addresses if you circled YES:
(Attach separate sheet for above)
38. Was this the first time that you had seen an object(s) like this?
(Circle One)
YES
NO
38.1 If you a swered NO, the: when, where, a d under what circumsta ces
did you see the other o..e(s)?
a y KNOWN aircraft 1: the sky duri.g your sighting?
One):
YES
NO
swered YES, was it following or attempti g to i..tercept
tified Flying Object? (Circle One): YES NO
39. I.: your opinio.:, what do YOU think the object(s) was a a what might
swered YES, please circle TYPE of aircraft:
have caused it? Do Not KNOW,
COMMERCIAL PRIVATE? JET? PROPELLER
engines did the aircraft have?
6038
6039
WENHAM, MASS., October 29, 1965.
MASTON M. JACKS,
Major, U.S. Air Force, Chief, Pictorial Branch,
Public Information Division, Office of Information.
SAF-OIPB
40. Do /you thi k you ca estimate the speed of the object?
Page 8
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE,
(Circle One)
YES
NO
Office of the Secretary, U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
If you a swered YES, then what speed would you estimate?
MPH
DEAR MAJOR JACKS: This is a formal inquiry concerning the official U.S. Ai
Force evaluation of the detailed UFO report submitted to AFSC-FTD/Projec
41. Do you thi you ca estimate how far away from you the object was?
Blue Book last month. My investigation and subsquent report took place shortly
(Circle One)
YES
NO
after the official U.S. Air Force investigating team from Pease AFB made thei
If you a :swered YES, the how far away would you say it was? 9000 FEAT,
investigation.
at chosest, Saw at about 2-3miLes ON Honizen,
The UFO sighting took place between the Clyde Russell and Carl Dining prop
42. Did the Object (s) cause any 1 terference with the operation of:
erties along Route 150 in Kensington, N.H., on September 3, 1965, in the earl
(Circle where applicable) RADIO? TV? LIGHTS? OTHER? NoNe
hours of the morning. The witnesses were Norman Muscarello and Officers Bei
trand and Hunt of the Exeter, N.H., police force.
IF you underlined a y of above, explain the interference below:
In 1964 I customarily received correspondence from your office in response t
UFO reports submitted to the U.S. Air Force for evaluation. This was appre
ciated. I have submitted many reports since but have not received any response
This is understandable due to the many reports received by the U.S. Air Forc
43. Nas a photo taken of the Object (s)? (Circle One)
YES
NO
and I do not expect such a service on your part normally, but, I did spend a grea
N/A
Would you be willi g to submit a copy? (Circle One) YES
NO
deal of time and thought on the Kensington, N.H., report and would appreciat
If you circled YES, please send copy indicating monetary rei :bursement:
your sending the official U.S. Air Force evaluation of the same as soon as possible
I understand the evaluation has been made.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. I look forward to hearing from
your office soon.
44. Do you belong to a y Organizatio.: which vestigates Unidectified
Flying Objects?
(Circle One)
YES
NO
If YES, list them below:
Sincerely,
RAYMOND E. FOWLER.
15. May we publish your report if you name is keft CO fide tial?
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE,
NO
May we publish your report a d use your name?
Charged
YES
NO
Washington, January 25, 1966.
(Circle
One)
DEAR MR. FOWLER: This is in reply to your request for information on th
Exeter, N.H., UFO sightings.
17. Please give the following information about yourself:
NAME
Russell
The initial investigation from Pease Air Force Base was submitted to our offic
Hunt
David
on September 15, 1965, and contained statements from the principal witnesse
Last Name
First Nar e
Middle Name
This data indicated that a refueling operation might have been the cause of th
ADDRESS 11 ChARLes St.
Exeter
N.H.
sighting. Refueling area "Fur Trapper" and refueling area "Down Date" ai
Street
City
State
controlled through Loring Air Force Base and located over the area of the sigh
TELEPHONE NUMBER 712-3615
ing. A call was made to the controller of this refueling area, and we were il
What is your present job? Police Officer.
formed that they were closed from 03/0500Z to 03/600Z for an 8th Air For
operation, "Big Blast." A call was placed to the 99th Bomb Wing at Westove
AGE-
26
SEX- MALE
Air Force Base for information on this operation.
Please indicate a y educational training you have had: (Number of years
The initial impression was that aircraft from an 8th Air Force operation, "Bi
a. Grade school
8
e. Technical school
Blast," was the cause of the lights observed during this incident. Informatio
b. High school
4
received from the 8th Air Force indicates that 10 B-47 aircraft from Pease A
C. College
(Type of)
Force Base involved in Operation Big Blast "Coco" were in the traffic patter
d. Post graduate
f. Other special training?
over Exeter, N.H., between 03/444Z and 03/535Z. A copy of this letter is enclose
)
Since this information conflicted with the time of the sighting and eliminate
these aircraft as a possible evaluation of this incident, a letter was forwarded
48. Signature David Hurt Date: 9/11/65
Mr. Eugene Bertrand and Mr. Dave Hunt of the Exeter Police Department r
questing clarification of the time of the sighting. A copy of our letter to the
gentlemen and a copy of their reply is attached.
The early sightings by two unnamed women and Mr. Muscarello are attribute
to aircraft from operation Big Blast "Coco." The subsequent observation by Of
cers Bertrand and Hunt occurring after 2 a.m. are regarded as unidentified.
Sincerely,
JOHN P. SPAULDING,
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, Chief, Civil Branch, Community Rela-
tions Division, Office of Information
DECEMBER 2, 1965.
HECTOR QUINTANILLA, Jr.,
Major, U.S. Air Force,
Chief, Project Blue Book,
Wright Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio.
DEAR SIR: We were very glad to get your letter during the third week
November, because as you might imagine we have been the subject of consider
ble ridicule since the Pentagon released its "final evaluation" of our sightir
6040
6041
of September 3, 1965. In other words, both Patrolman Hunt and myself saw
Mr. EUGENE F. BERTRAND, Jr.,
this object at close range, checked it out with each other, confirmed and re-
Mr. DAVID R. HUNT,
confirmed the fact that this was not any kind of conventional aircraft, that it
Exeter Police Department, Exeter, N.H.
was at an altutude of not more than a couple of hundred feet, and went to con-
GENTLEMEN : The sighting of various unidentified objects by you and Mr. Nor-
siderable trouble to confirm that the weather was clear, there was no wind, no
man Mascarello was investigated by officials from Pease Air Force Base, N.H.,
chance of weather inversion, and that what we were seeing was no illusion or
and their report has been forwarded to our office at Wright-Patterson Air Force
military or civilian craft. We entered this in a complete official police report
Base. This sighting at Exeter, N.H., on the night of September 2 has been given
as a supplement to the blotter of the morning of September 3 (not September
considerable publicity through various news releases and in magazine articles
2, as your letter indicates). Since our job depends on accuracy and an ability
similar to that from the Saturday Review of October 2, 1965. A portion of this
to tell the difference between fact and fiction, we were naturally disturbed by
article is attached for your information. This information was released by the
the Pentagon report which attributed the sighting to "multiple high-altitude
National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena, a private organization
objects" in the area and "weather inversion." What is a little difficult to under-
which has no connection with the Government. As a result of these articles, the
stand is the fact that your letter (undated) arrived considerably after the
Air Force has received inquiry as to the cause of this report.
Pentagon release. Since your letter says that you are still in the process of
Our investigation and evaluation of this sighting indicates a possible associa-
making a final evaluation, it seems that there is an inconsistency here. Ordi-
tion with an 8th Air Force operation, "Big Blast." In addition to aircraft from
narily, this wouldn't be too important except for the fact that in a situation
this operation, there were five B-47 type aircraft flying in the area during this
like this we are naturally very reluctant to be considered irresponsible in our
period. Before a final evaluation of your sighting can be made, it is essential for
official report to the police station.
us to know if either of you witnessed any aircraft in the area during this time
Since one of us (Patrolman Bertrand) was in the Air Force for 4 years en-
period either independently or in connection with the objects observed. Since
gaged in refueling operations with all kinds of military aircraft, it was im-
there were many aircraft in the area, at that time, and there were no reports of
possible to mistake what we saw for any kind of military operation, regardless
unidentified objects from personnel engaged in this air operation, we might then
of altitude. It was also definitely not a helicopter or balloon. Immediately after
assume that the objects observed between midnight and 2 a.m. might be asso-
the object disappeared, we did see what probably was a B-47 at high altitude,
ciated with this military air operation. If, however, these aircraft were noted by
but it bore no relation at all to the object we saw.
either of you, then this would tend to eliminate this air operation as a plausible
Another fact is that the time of our observation was nearly an hour after
explanation for the objects observed.
2 a.m., which would eliminate the 8th Air Force operation, Big Blast, since
Sincerely,
as you say this took place between midnight and 2 a.m. Norman Muscarello,
HECTOR QUINTANILLA, Jr.,
who first reported this object before we went to the sight saw it somewhere in
Major, USAF, Chief, Project Blue Book.
the vicinity of 2 a.m., but nearly an hour had passed before he got into the
police station, and we went out to the location with him.
We would both appreciate it very much if you would help us eliminate the
NOVEMBER 16, 1965.
possible conclusion that some people have made in that we might have (a)
Memo: TDEW/UFO.
made up the story, or (b) were incompetent observers. Anything you could
Subject: UFO sighting.
do along this line would be very much appreciated, and I'm sure you can under-
To: Hq 8th Air Force.
stand the position we're in.
1. A report of an unidentified flying object was submitted to our office at
We appreciate the problems the Air Force must have with a lot of irresponsible
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base by the 817 Combat Support Group, Pease
reports on this subject, and don't want to cause you any unnecessary trouble.
Air Force Base. This report was submitted to Wright-Patterson Air Force
On the other hand, we think you probably understand our position.
Base in accordance with AFR 200-2. Evaluation of information submitted
Thanks very much for your interest.
indicates that the observation may be associated with the military operation,
Sincerely,
Big Blast. The location of the observation was the New Hampshire area, in
EUGENE BERTRAND, Patrolman.
and around the town of Exeter. Time of the reported UFO was the night of
DAVID HUNT, Patrolman.
August 2-3, 1965, and specifically 03/0500 to 0600 Zebra. This UFO report has
received considerable publicity in newspaper and magazine articles, and the
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE,
Air Force has received numerous queries regarding the cause of this sighting.
HEADQUARTERS, 8TH AIR FORCE (SAC),
2. We would like to know the specific types of aircraft used in this operation
Westover Air Force Base, Mass., Novembr 24, 1965.
and possible location of these aircraft at the time of the report.
Memorondum DOOTO.
For the commander.
Subject: UFO sighting.
ERIC T. DE JONCKMZERE,
To: AFSC (TDEW/UFO.)
Colonel, U.S. Air Force,
Deputy for Technology and Subsystems.
1. In reply to your letter, same subject, November 16, 1965, and telephone con-
versation between Specialist Master Sergeant Heffley, 8th Air Force, and Sergant
furnished. Moody, Headquarters, AFSC, on November 19, 1965, the following information is
NICAP MASSACHUSETTS INVESTIGATING SUBCOMMITTEE,
2. Big Blast "Coco," a SAC/NORAD training mission, was flown on September
Wenham, Mass., February 10, 1966.
2-3, 1965, By 03/0430Z, the operational portion of the mission was complete, and
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE,
participating aircraft were en route to their home stations.
Office of the Secretary,
3. Ten B-47 aircraft from Pease AFB were involved in Big Blast "Coco" and
U.S. Air Force,
were estimated to arrive at their initial approach fix (Pease TACAN 320° radial,
Washington, D.C.
10 DME fix), between 03/0444Z and 03/0535Z. The town of Exeter is within the
(Attention John P. Spaulding, lieutenant colonel, U.S. Air Force, Chief, Civil
traffic pattern utilized by air traffic control in the recovery of these aircraft at
Branch, Community Relations Division, Office of Information).
Pease AFB, N.H. During their approach the recovering aircraft would have
DEAR COLONEL SPAULDING: Thank you for your correspondence of January 25,
been displaying standard position lights, anticollision lights, and possibly over
wing and landing lights.
1966, in response to my letter of November 24, 1965, regarding my inquiry con-
For the commander.
cerning the September 3, 1965, UFO sightings in Exeter, N.H. I appreciate
your letter and the attached backup information concerning which I would make
WILLIAM A. MCGILPIN, Jr.,
the following comments.
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force.,
Directorate of Operations.
6042
6043
The UFO sighted by Norman Muscarello was identical to the UFO sighted
Dr. HYNEK. It is, I believe, to the best of my knowledge, listed as
later by Muscarello Bertrand, and Hunt. Norman observed the UFO at close
range during his initial sighting. There is no question in my mind that the
unidentified.
same or similar object was involved in both of these particular sightings. The
Mr. BATES. This one is still unidentified?
number of pulsating lights, the yawing motion, the same location, etc., make
Dr. HYNEK. Yes, sir.
this SO very apparent. Since I did not interview the "unnamed women" I am
The CHAIRMAN. In other words, you make no bones about it, you
not certain of the details of their sighting but according to Officer Bertrand, the
object they described was very similar to the UFO they sighted later. I might
cannot explain it?
add that another witness, a male motorist, also sighted a similar object. He
Dr. HYNEK. That is correct.
tried to phone the police from a pay station at nearby Hampton, N.H., but was
The CHAIRMAN. Yes.
cut off. Later he reported the incident to U.S. Air Force authorities at Pease
Mr. BATES. I wonder if you would give us some idea of these 20
AFB. The chances are astronomical that six people, entirely independent of
each other, should report the identical description of a UFO within the span of
cases that you have cited, and tell us a little something about the
several hours in the same general area. I am aware of the many UFO sight-
nature of these cases, and what the problems are, generally
ings in New Hampshire especially in September. It may be more than
Dr. HYNEK. Well, I do not have the case files with me. I should
coincidence that many of these sightings were near powerlines.
be happy to prepare them for submission. But in broad description,
Although I do not agree completely with the way Washington is handling the
UFO problem I am sympathetic with the official attitude. I have enough faith
they vary quite a bit. They are either daytime sightings or night-
in the Government to realize that although official releases on UFO's would
time sightings. I will describe one, which may not be necessarily
indicate that UFO's present no problem regarding national security and that
typical. But it is an example of a sighting that puzzled some very
the U.S. Air Force treats the subject lightly, the converse is true, that is, that
solid citizens. These individuals happened to be-and I will with-
a full-scale military and scientific research program is being carried out on
UFO's because they are a threat to our national security. It is because of this
hold names, of course-two students of anthropology at the University
belief that I will continue to send the better UFO reports our subcommittee in-
of Wisconsin. They were with two other people in a car, returning
vestigates to Project Bluebook and will continue to urge the public to report
home one evening from shopping, about 9 p.m. In the distance they
all UFO sightings to the nearest Air Force base at my lectures, personal con-
saw what they first took to be rotating blinker lights on a police car,
tacts, etc. I might add that I encourage reporting such UFO's to NICAP con-
currently with any report to the U.S. Air Force.
and they thought there had been an accident down the road some
It is heartening to see that the U.S. Air Force regards the UFO sighted by
place. They then decided that this couldn't be the case because the
Officers Bertrand and Hunt as an unknown. I am sure this will help a little in
lights were a little too high. This illustrates the sort of thing we
reducing the ridicule they experienced because of the U.S. Air Force initial
refer to as escalation of explanation.
explanation of their sightings. I feel certain that if it were not for the fact
When someone writes in or calls in that they have seen a space ship
that their sighting is being carried nationally in the pages of Saturday Review,
Look, etc.; and if they had not personally complained publicly and to your
patrolling the earth, and this is not a fact, this is an interpretation
office, that their sighting would have been lumped into the same category as the
of a fact, usually, what they have actually seen was a light, I am
UFO Muscarello and the other sighted. However, my rambling on will not make
much more interested in the sincere individuals who report some-
a bit of difference to present official policy and in a real sense I am wasting
your time in even replying as I'm sure your office is very busy but I felt that I
thing, who say "I thought at first it was this, then I decided it couldn't
would express my feelings on the subject at hand just for the record.
be that, it had to be something else." In this escalation hypothesis,
Thanks SO much again. I look forward to the time that Government policy
the incident I have described, these people said it could not have been
will become more relaxed on the UFO subject and in the meantime will continue
blinker lights on a police car because they were too high. The next
my meager research and efforts in this field for NICAP and the U.S. Air Force.
Sincerely,
hypothesis was that it was an aircraft about to crash. As the object
RAYMOND E. FOWLER,
came closer all they could see were four huge red lights and an even
Chairman, NICAP Massachusetts Subcommittee.
larger brighter single white light. As it came closer to the car-the
Mr. BATES. In reference to the so-called sighting in New Hampshire,
little 12-year-old girl in the back seat, became SO frightened that she
Doctor, you are familiar with that case?
just tumbled over and hid her eyes.
Dr. HYNEK. Yes, sir; I am familiar with the case.
I questioned these people for some 2 hours. They were very intelli-
Mr. BATES. You have examined it?
gent people and were truly puzzled. They did not for a moment think
Dr. HYNEK. No, I have not been there to examine it. Much of my
they were being visited by a vehicle from outer space. They were
information is based upon the rather excellent account that Mr. John
just puzzled. They simply wanted an explanation of what they had
Fuller has given of it in Look magazine. I cannot vouch for the
authenticity of his statements, but I have talked with Mr. Fuller, and
seen. The object apparently extended upward at an angle of about 30
he apparently has tried to do a very thorough job in talking with
degrees, SO that part of it could be seen above the telephone wires and
people in New Hampshire.
part below. It hovered around the car for awhile. The man drove
Mr. BATES. Are you familiar with Mr. Raymond E. Fowler?
into a farmer's driveway, turned his lights out and listened, but could
Dr. HYNEK. I have had some correspondence with him, but I have
hear no noise. He backed out and as the object began to move away,
never met him.
he gave chase but could not catch up with it.
Mr. BATES. Is this Portsmouth case one of the 5 percent that have
This was a case of four intelligent people seeing this strange object
not been identified, or within the 95 percent on which you have
and reporting it. But no one else did. Why not? Was this some
reached a decision?
sort of a strange phychic projection, or something these people were
particularly prone to? Why did this take place in an area which was
6044
6045
not overly populated but certainly not completely sparse. Why would
Dr. HYNEK. Well, sir, scientists have a somewhat different way
they be the only four people to see this? This is a problem we are
of working. They gather data quietly without fanfare, without the
faced with on many reported sightings. Therefore, I find it most
press looking over their shoulder. They may work for several years.
difficult to ascribe a physical tangibility that there was an actual craft
The CHAIRMAN. What would you suggest that I do, Doctor, as
here. I would rather seek some other scientific explanation.
chairman of this committee?
Mr. BATES. With respect to your response on that particular case.
Dr. HYNEK. You are in a totally different category, sir.
In the New Hampshire situation, two women apparently saw this
The CHAIRMAN. Thank you.
object which they said was the size of a house. They reported it at
Since this thing began in Michigan, we have two members of the
the police station. And then the officer came out. He saw it when
Michigan delegation, and I am going to start off with Mr. Nedzi and
he got there. So there is someone who did see it in addition to the
ask him if he has any questions.
people who reported it originally.
Mr. NEDZI. Mr. Chairman, you are very kind. I don't have any
Dr. HYNEK. Yes.
questions directly pertaining to Michigan, although I have recent-
Mr. BATES. You have no decision with respect to the New Hamp-
ly been advised my district is about 150 miles from the sightings.
shire case?
The sightings are moving eastward toward my district. [Laughter.]
Dr. HYNEK. I would not offer or venture any conclusion to some-
One question, Doctor, as to these statistics. Are they statistics
thing I had not personally investigated.
only from the United States, the investigations made by you and the
Mr. BATES. This particular case has been referred to a study group,
Air Force?
the New Hampshire case, or has it not, or is it a dead issue?
Dr. HYNEK. Yes, sir. The Air Force would have no jurisdiction
Dr. HYNEK. No case in the Air Force files that is unidentified is a
over cases in other countries. But there are, I understand, reports
dead issue.
from other countries, also.
into it?
Mr. BATES. Is it just in limbo now, or is somebody still looking
Mr. NEDZI. Is any effort made to coordinate information with
some of the sightings that are made abroad?
Dr. HYNEK. I would say at the moment, considering the recent re-
Dr. HYNEK. No, sir. Up to now we have made no concerted effort
ported sightings in Michigan, that it is in limbo.
to do this.
Mr. BATES. Do you expect to investigate this further? Would this
Mr. NEDZI. Do you think it might be a good idea to do it?
be one that you would prefer to the panel
Dr. HYNEK. Well, I think we should attend to the situation here
Dr. HYNEK. Yes, sir. I think this is one they should take a look at.
in the United States first. Then, if our efforts are successful and if
The CHAIRMAN. Do you think they should be examined further?
we strike scientific paydirt and find something of value, then perhaps
Dr. HYNEK. I am sorry, sir?
the other step you suggest would be advisable.
The CHAIRMAN. Do you think this panel, about whom the Secre-
Mr. NEDZI. Do you know whether any studies are going on over-
tary has spoken, should go into this further and make a report?
seas, with respect to UFO's!
Dr. HYNEK. Yes, sir; I do.
Dr. HYNEK. I know of no formal studies. Actually, the rest of the
The CHAIRMAN. There are five such cases, or four, of some unex-
world seems to be guided by, and shows a tremendous respect for, the
plained phenomena; is this a fact?
U.S. Air Force, and they feel, I understand, that the Air Force has
Dr. HYNEK. Yes, sir; there are at least that many.
done a fine job.
The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Secretary, do you plan to have this board look
Mr. NEDZI. Perhaps the question should be directed to the Air Force,
into these?
but it seemed to me there should be some kind of exchange of ideas
Secretary BROWN. We will continue our investigations of all of
among the scientists who might be interested in it in other countries
these, Mr. Chairman.
where these sightings have taken place. It might contribute toward
I have this recommendation to establish a civilian panel from the
an exposé of the problem.
Scientific Advisory Board, and I believe I may act favorably on
Let me clarify for the record, I do not believe in flying saucers, but
it, but I want to explore further the nature of such a panel, and the
I think it is important to have some kind of evidence that can be pre-
ground rules, before I go ahead with it. I don't want to have a
sented to the people SO that they don't let the thing get more out of
group of people come in for just 1 day and make a shallow investi-
hand than I think it already is.
gation. They have to be prepared to look into a situation thorough-
Secretary BROWN. That is what we have been trying to do, Mr.
ly if they are to do any good.
Nedzi. I do not think we have any ideas of a scientific nature to
The CHAIRMAN. If you cannot explain these things, and you are
exchange with anyone else yet, nor do they have such information to
our source of beginnings, how on earth could a subcommittee of this
exchange with us, and the difficulty in going to an international pro-
committee explain them?
gram is that it won't broaden our knowledge of basic data very much.
Dr. HYNEK. Are you looking to me for an answer?
On the other hand, it may degrade the quality of the data, because we
The CHAIRMAN. If I conducted a hearing on this it would go on
have a hard enough time getting details in this country. A few well-
and on, and on, if I let it, I would imagine.
authenticated but unexplained cases are worth much more than a
6046
6047
number of unexplained cases where the data is not sufficiently precise
to be helpful in an analysis.
Mr. Drummond goes on to state, "We need to get all the data drawn together
Mr. NEDZI. My final question, Doctor, would be whether-and I
in one place and examined far more objectively than anyone has done SO far. A
think you touched upon this-whether there has been ever any evidence
stable public opinion will come from a trustworthy look at the evidence, not from
belittling it.
in any of these unexplained sightings that would indicate that there
"The time has come for the President or Congress to name an objective and
is some kind of extraterrestial intelligence involved?
respected panel to investigate, appraise, and report on all present and future evi-
Dr. HYNEK. I believe I have covered that. I have not seen any
dence about what is going on."
evidence to confirm this, nor have I know any competent scientist
I agree fully with Mr. Drummond's statements. I also suggest you scan the
enclosed series of six articles by Bulkley Griffin of the Griffin-Larrabee News
who has, or who believes that any kind of extraterrestrial intelligence
Bureau here. In the last of his articles, published last January, Mr. Griffin
is involved. However, the possibility should be kept open as a possible
says, "A main conclusion can be briefly stated. It is that the Air Force is mis-
hypothesis. I don't think we should ever close our minds to it. But
leading the public by its continuing campaign to produce and maintain belief
certainly there is no real evidence of intelligent behavior of hardwares.
that all sightings can be explained away as misidentification of familiar objects,
such as balloons, stars, and aircraft."
If we had received periodic visits by controlled space vehicles since
I have just today received a number of telegrams urging a congressional inves-
1947, or earlier, it is likely they would have had some kind of trouble
tigation of UFO's. One is from retired Air Force Col. Harold R. Brown, Ard-
at some time and dropped something off the coast of Spain or some
more, Tenn., who says, "I have seen UFO. Will be available to testify."
place, and we have not come across any positive proof like that.
Another, from Mrs. Ethyle M. Davis, Eugene, Oreg., reads, "9 out of 10 people
want truth of UFO's. Press your investigation to the fullest."
Mr. NEDZI. Mr. Chairman, until the sightings get a little closer to
Ronald Colier of Los Angeles, who identifies himself as "a scientist from MIT,"
my district, I have no further questions.
urges that you "do everything in your power to make Air Force Project Blue
The CHAIRMAN. I recognize Mr. Chamberlain, then I go to Governor
Book (the Air Force name for its study and verdicts on UFO reports) known to
Stafford and Mr. Hébert, because I want to get as close to the districts
the people." Are we to assume that everyone who says he has seen UFO's is an
as I can.
unreliable witness?
A UPI story out of Ann Arbor, Mich., dated March 21, 1966, states that "at
I want to put in the record Mr. Ford's letter, and the response by
least 40 persons, including 12 policemen, said today that they saw a strange flying
Secretary Brown.
object guarded by 4 sister ships land in a swamp near here Sunday night."
What else, Mr. Blandford, ought to go in the record?
Matt Surrell of Station WJR, Detroit, cites an eye witness account of a recent
Mr. BLANDFORD. That is all that ought to be in at this time.
UFO sighting by Emile Grenier of Ann Arbor, an aeronautical engineer employed
by Ford Motor Co. He points out that an aeronautical engineer can hardly be
The CHAIRMAN. Without objection, we will put all of these in the
considered an untrustworthy witness.
record. I want to shed as much light on these illuminated objects as
In the firm belief that the American public deserves a better explanation than
we can.
that thus far given by the Air Force, I strongly recommend that there be a com-
(The material above referred to is as follows:)
mittee investigation of the UFO phenomena.
I think we owe it to the people to establish credibility regarding UFO's and to
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES,
produce the greatest possible enlightenment on this subject.
OFFICE OF THE MINORITY LEADER,
Kindest personal regards
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Sincerely,
Washington, D.C., March 28, 1966.
GERALD R. FORD, Member of Congress.
Representative L. MENDEL RIVERS,
Enclosures.
Chairman, Armed Services Committee,
[From the Washington Post, Mar. 27, 1966]
U.S. House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
DON'T SNEER AT UFO's
DEAR CHAIRMAN RIVERS: No doubt you have noted the recent flurry of news-
(By Roscoe Drummond)
paper stories about unidentified flying objects (UFO's). I have taken special
interest in these accounts because many of the latest reported sightings have been
You can't dismiss the possibility that some of the unidentified flying objects,
in my home State of Michigan.
which SO many people have sighted in SO many places, are real.
The Air Force sent a consultant, Astrophysicist Dr. J. Allen Hynek of North-
There are, of course, UFO buffs who seem to want to believe everything and
western University, to Michigan to investigate the various reports; and he dis-
discount logical explanations. But Air Force officials assigned to check up on
missed all of them as the product of college student pranks or swamp gas or an
these sightings seem SO bored and skeptical that many people have the impression
impression created by the rising crescent moon and the planet Venus. I do not
that they think the public would panic if all the facts were brought out into the
agree that all of these reports can be or should be SO easily explained away.
open.
Because I think there may be substance to some of these reports and because I
Let's not leave the search for more knowledge to those who tend to accept
believe the American people are entitled to a more thorough explanation than has
everything uncritically or to those who tend to dismiss every UFO as ridiculous.
been given them by the Air Force to date, I am proposing that either the Science
The time has come for the President or Congress to name an objective and
and Astronautics Committee or the Armed Services Committee of the House sched-
respected panel to investigate, appraise and report on all present and future
ule hearings on the subject of UFO's and invite testimony from both the execu-
evidence about what is going on.
tive branch of the Government and some of the persons who claim to have seen
Last week, more than 100 persons (some of them trained observers) reported
UFO's.
seeing "flying saucers" in seven States, from Maine to Texas to Colorado.
I enclose material which I think will be helpful to you in assessing the ad-
Last year, project Blue Book, the small Air Force unit created to keep tabs
visability of an investigation of UFO's.
on these things, received 886 reports of UFO sightings.
May I first call to your attention a column by Roscoe Drummond, published
During the last 2 years, the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phe-
last Sunday in which Mr. Drummond says, "Maybe all of these reported sightings
nomena, a private group headed by a retired Naval Academy Marine Corps pilot,
are whimsical, imaginary or unreal; but we need a more credible and detached
received 3,000 such reports.
appraisal of the evidence than we are getting."
During the past 10 years, the NICAP received some 8,000 reports and says that
1,500 of them "seem pretty substantial and unexplained."
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Paul Richwine, 16, who lives in Woodland Beach, 3 miles north of Monroe,
The Air Force totals 10,147 UFO reports and states that 646 of them remain
produced a piece of film with a blob on it that he says his camera "saw" when
unexplained by provable natural phenomena.
he pointed it at a "flying saucer" over his home Friday night.
Maybe all of these reported sightings are whimsical, imaginary or unreal.
Detroit News photographers say the blob could be due to a wrinkle in the film.
But we need a more credible and detached appraisal of the evidence than we are
But Paul and his mother, Mrs. Mariannice Richwine, insist that they saw the
getting.
strange glowing objects cavorting in the sky and that the dark area on the
Maybe there is no intelligent life on other planets. Many scientists think other
picture represents one of them.
planets could not sustain such life. But we don't really know.
The object in the picture doesn't seem to have much material substance.
One fact about the UFO's gives me pause. There have been no really solid
Neither Paul nor his mother can account for the fact that the thing they saw
reports of creatures being seen getting off landed saucers. To venture from one
was bright and shiny with flashing colored lights while the camera recorded a
planet to another involves great intellectual curiosity and I would think it almost
dark smear.
impossible for someone from outer space, once here, to stifle that curiosity to the
Paul said his Argus F-100 was on time exposure at f. 2.8 and was loaded with
extent of not trying to make personal contact with Earth people.
fast film when he took the picture at about 11:30 p.m., Friday.
Conceivably, we have been seeing only preliminary unmanned orbitings of the
The News photographers conceded that the darkness in the picture "might" be
Earth precisely controlled at great distances. But we don't know.
the indication of something moving quite swiftly on a time exposure, or the blob
We need to get all the data drawn together in one place and examined far more
could be a water spot on the negative or a wrinkle in the film.
objectively than anyone has done SO far. A stable public opinion will come
Mrs. Richwine said the object's appearance was preceded by four glowing
from a trustworthy look at the evidence, not from belittling it.
shapes about 10:30 p.m., Friday. She saw them from her front window, she said.
[From the Washington Evening Star, Mar. 25, 1966]
[From the Grand Rapids (Mich.) Press, Mar. 22, 1966]
DEPUTY SHERIFF "SHOOTS" A UFO OVER MICHIGAN
STATE FLYING OBJECT REPORTS BRING PLEA FOR FEDERAL SIFT
ANN Arbor, MICH.-A Michigan deputy sheriff said an unidentified flying
ANN ARBOR.-A Michigan Congressman planned Tuesday to ask the Defense
object sighted over southern Michigan last week was trapped-on film-and still
Department to investigate reports of unidentified flying objects sighted near Ann
another UFO was reported yesterday.
Arbor.
Deputy Sheriff David Fitzpatrick of Washtenaw (Ann Arbor) County took
U.S. Representative Weston Vivian, Democrat, of Michigan, left for Washing-
the photographs with a tiny camera roughly the size of a man's two forefingers
ton, D.C., Monday after conferring with Sheriff Douglas J. Harvey, of Washte-
held together.
naw County. Harvey said Vivian also planned to talk with the U.S. Air Force.
Prints were delayed because the tiny film had to be sent to Forest Hills, N.Y.,
Three times within a week, residents of the nearby community of Dexter have
for development.
reported sighting objects flying in the night sky.
The new sighting of an unidentified flying object near Holland, Mich., came
"I didn't believe those reports," said Harvey. "But with so many trained
from both Mr. and Mrs. Robert Nichols, who live across Michigan's southern
police personnel and reliable citizens having seen them, I must believe some-
Lower Peninsula near Saugatuck. They said it flew across a highway ahead of
thing is in the Washtenaw County skies."
them, no more than 150 to 200 feet high.
And Tuesday, the Hillsdale County civil defense director and 87 college coeds
Nichols, 24, said the object appeared about half the size of an automobile and
said they watched an eerie, hovering flying object settle in a swampy hollow near
was "a round circle glowing red on the inside and white on the outside."
a school dormitory Monday night.
Nichols' description fits roughly that given by several of more than a score who
William VanHorn, 41, the county civil defense director for 10 years, said he
have reported sightings in the Ann Arbor area in the last 10 days.
watched the unidentified object through binoculars for 3 hours.
Fitzpatrick, however, said the two objects he photographed gave off a bril-
The Air Force announced it was calling in Dr. H. Allen Hynek, chairman of
liant yellow-white light in graceful swoops which he and Sheriff's Sgt. N. K.
the Dearborn Observatory at Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., and scien-
Schneider observed from about 4 a.m. to 7 a.m., March 16.
tific consultant to the Air Force's UFO study program, to investigate the rash
The photographs show two distinct streaks of light in the sky high above
of sightings.
street lights leading into Milan. No details of the objects are visible in the
Hynek will work from Selfridge Air Force Base near Mount Clements, the Air
photographs blow up to 8 by 10 inches from the tiny film.
Force said.
Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a Northwestern University astrophysicist, was sent here by
In Hillsdale, VanHorn said he joined the 87 Hillsdale College coeds and their
the Air Force to investigate recent reports.
housemother to watch the object. He said it emitted wavering orange, red
He has scheduled a news conference in Detroit today to discuss his probe.
Meanwhile, reports of unidentified flying objects moved south into Ohio today.
A farmer who lives near Upper Sandusky in northwestern Ohio told sheriff's
deputies that an object shaped "like a top" or a "Christmas tree upside down"
[From the New York Times, Mar. 22, 1966]
hovered over a wooded area on his property early today.
FORTY IN MICHIGAN SAY A MYSTERIOUS CRAFT HOVERED IN SWAMP
Deputies were called to the farm three times, but the farmer said the object,
with lights on its outer edges, disappeared each time before they arrived.
ANN ARBOR, MICH., March 21.-At least 40 persons, including 12 policemen,
said today that they saw a strange flying object guarded by four sister ships
land in a swamp near here Sunday night.
[From the Detroit News, Mar. 23, 1966]
Descriptions of the unidentified flying objects tallied closely. A patrolman,
Robert Hunawill, said he and other residents of the area saw similar craft before
PHOTO ADDS NEW WRINKLE TO SAUCERS
dawn last Monday and Wednesday.
In Washington, the Air Force said it knew nothing of the reports. The Air
(By Douglas Bradford)
Force's Michigan headquarters in Battle Creek would not comment.
Two persons who slogged through the 300-acre swamp today and looked for
While Air Force officials prowled through the countryside for some sign of the
traces of the craft found nothing but marsh grass, quicksand, and muck.
strange night visitors that have been zipping through southeastern Michigan
skies, a Monroe area boy came up with what he said was a picture of one.
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However, the two persons who reportedly were closest to the object, Frank
Mannor, 47 years old, and his son, Ronald, 19, said it did not appear to touch the
that of a football. This was roughly the same description given by a man and
ground but sat on a base of fog.
his son who reported that they saw an eerie object land in a swamp Sunday
Frederick E. Davids, State police commissioner, who is also head of civil de-
night 45 miles northeast of here near Ann Arbor.
fense for Michigan, opened an investigation.
The Air Force announced it was bringing in Dr. H. Allen Hynek, chairman of
"I used to discount these reports too, but now I'm not SO sure," he said.
Dearborn Observatory at Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., and scientific
Mr. Mannor and his son said they had run to within 500 yards of the object.
consultant to the Air Force's Project Blue Book program to track down the
Mr. Mannor said the craft was shaped like a football and was about the length
reports of unidentified flying objects.
of a car with a grayish yellow hue and a pitted surface like coral rock.
Dr. Hynek set up his headquarters at Selfridge Air Force Base, Mount
"It had a blue light on one end and a white light on the other," he said.
Clemens, Mich., near the southern Michigan section where the objects have
"They were pulsating and each of them looked like they had a little halo
been reported several times lately.
around it," he said.
"It was definitely some kind of vehicle," Mr. Van Horn said. "Through the
Other witnesses saw only the lights, but their descriptions, including those of
glasses [binoculars] it was either round or long."
policemen, agreed closely.
The object's shape was briefly outlined by lightning as it veered over and
Stanley McFadden, Washtenaw County sheriff's deputy, said he and Deputy
near the dormitory before retreating into the swamp, Miss Kohn said. It stayed
David Fitzpatrick watched the object fly over their car about the same time the
there for 4 hours before vanishing, witnesses said.
Mannors reported it had taken off.
Officer Hunawill said four other unidentified flying objects had hovered in a
quarter circle over the object in the swamp.
[From the Washington Post, Mar. 29, 1966]
TRUTH ABOUT FLYING OBJECTS HIDDEN BY AIR FORCE, FAITHFUL SAY
[From the Washington Post, Mar. 23, 1966]
(By Howard Simons, Washington Post Staff Writer)
FIRST UFO's OF SEASON ARE SIGHTED
Firm believers that unidentified flying objects are for real and from a far-off
Spring's first flying saucers have sprouted right alongside the forsythia.
super-civilization met the press yesterday amid a torrent of reports about new
Scores of people in Michigan have reported strange flying objects since the
objects being sighted everywhere in the United States.
weekend, and a former fighter pilot says he saw several over his Bethesda home
The believers repeatedly charged the Air Force with deliberately hiding the
Saturday night.
truth, which if it were known "would bring forth one of the greatest stories of
The Air Force, which has investigated more than 10,000 such reports since
the century."
1947, sent Northwestern University's Dr. H. Allen Hynek, its top scientific
The believers also "fully backed" Representative Gerald Ford, Republican,
adviser on unidentified flying objects (UFO's), to look into the Michigan
of Michigan, who wants a congressional investigation of unidentified objects
reports.
which have lately plagued his home State.
The latest was Monday night at Hillsdale College, where a county civil defense
But most of all, the believers want to be believed and loved.
director, a former reporter and assistant dean, and 87 coeds say they watched
"We want the Air Force merely to end its secrecy on sightings and stop ridi-
a glowing object zipping around campus for 4 hours.
culing competent witnesses," said retired Marine Corps Maj. Donald E. Keyhoe, a
This report coincided with one near Ann Arbor, where about 50 persons-
UFO skeptic until his conversion.
including 12 policemen-said they saw an eerie object cruise over a swamp
Keyhoe now is director of the National Investigations Committee on Aerial
Sunday night while four sister ships hovered overhead.
Phenomena, an organization whose major aims are to evaluate all UFO sightings;
In Bethesda, retired Air Force Col. Howard T. Wright, of 5119 Newport
get the Air Force to own up to the truth and to expose UFO charlatans who keep
Avenue, said he and five other persons saw several objects outside his home and
seeing "little green men."
they were "definitely not in my imagination, nor were they satellites or airplanes."
Keyhoe and his colleagues, including scientists, engineers, military personnel,
and pilots, scorn the thought of "little green men."
Had a visitor from afar ever set foot on the earth? the serious students
[From the New York Times, Mar. 23, 1966]
of UFO's were asked.
There was only one case suggesting so, said committee staff member and
EIGHTY-SEVEN MICHIGAN COEDS AND OFFICIAL SIGHT MYSTERIOUS OBJECT
former Newsman Donald Berliner. It happened in April 1964 near Socorro,
N. Mex., where police officers saw two small suited occupants get out of a UFO.
HILLSDALE, MICH., March 22 (UPI).-A civil defense director, an assistant
"They were small and suited," noted a reporter. "How could you be sure
dean and 87 coeds reported a glowing object fly past a college dormitory and
they were not green?"
hover in a swamp for hours.
"We have no reason to believe they were green," wryly quipped Berliner.
Their description of the object seen here last night tallied closely with that
The committee's case for believing that UFO's are for real was put to the press
of one seen by more than 50 persons, including 12 policemen, near Ann Arbor,
by Keyhoe. It amounted to an argument that thousands of competent persons-
Mich., the previous night.
including radar controllers, qualified pilots, and missile trackers-had sighted
The Air Force dispatched its top scientific adviser on unidentified flying
objects; roughly 100,000 persons in all.
objects to begin an investigation.
The Air Force, which has been investigating UFO reports since 1948, has
The witnesses said they watched from the second floor of a Hillsdale College
steadfastly maintained there is no evidence any flying object has come from
dormitory as the object wobbled, wavered, glowed, and once flew right at a
somewhere else in the universe.
dormitory window before stopping suddenly.
Keyhoe's view, shared by the committee's board of governors, is radically dif-
Mrs. Kelly Hearn, for 7 years a newspaper reporter before becoming assistant
ferent. The committee concludes, Keyhoe said yesterday, that "these things are
dean of women, assistant professor of English and housemother of the dormi-
real and must be extraterrestrial because they are SO superior to anything we
tory, had the coeds take notes as they watched the object for 4 hours.
have."
They and William Van Horn, 41, Hillsdale County civil defense director, said
According to Keyhoe, UFO's have been observing the earth for 200 years. He
the object dimmed its lights when police cars approached, brightened again when
gave two reasons, essentially, for why no contact has been made with whoever
they went away, and dodged an airport beacon light.
it is that pilots the UFO's.
Barbara Kohn, 21, of New Castle, Pa., and Cynthia Poffenberger, 18, of
One reason is that the Air Force has orders to scare the UFO's away.
Cleveland were the first to see the object. They described its shape as roughly
A second reason is that until humans demonstrated the atomic bomb and space
flight the UFO people regarded earth as too primitive a society to bother with
other than for surveillance purposes.
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[From the Portland (Maine) Evening Express, Jan. 17, 1966]
an illuminating example of how the Air Force deals with the public in such a
situation.
THOSE "FLYING SAUCERS"-AIR FORCE EXPLAININGS-AWAY OF UFO's DEEPENS
By good fortune, one does not have to rely mainly on newspaper reports, some-
MYSTERY
times meager, or upon the Air Force statements. The Department of Public
Safety of the State of Oklahoma has sent to the office of Congressman John Jar-
(Editor's note: This is the first of a series about UFO's (unidentified flying
man, Democrat, of the Oklahoma City congressional district, and to the National
objects by Bulkley S. Griffin, executive editor of the Evening Express Wash-
Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) in Washington a sum-
ington Bureau. He wrote the stories after visiting the UFO office of the U.S.
mary of the teletype reports sent into the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Communi-
Air Force.)
cations Network Center, July 31-August 5, from the various highway patrol
WASHINGTON, D.C.-The Air Force handling of the unidentified flying objects
headquarters over the State.
(UPO's) continues to be something of a mystery. Its persistent endeavors to
This valuable document, which was not observed in the files of Project Blue
explain all the UFO sightings as misidentification of ordinary objects, such as
Book, will be utilized in one or more following articles dealing with the curious
stars and balloons, has become SO conspicuous as to raise questionings in the
behavior of the Air Force touching the UFO's and the public.
minds of a growing number of citizens. Some of these explanations seem to run
counter to both logic and commonsense. Running along with these explainings-
away is an apparent Air Force lack of enthusiasm-especially at high levels-to
do a thorough job of investigating sightings.
[From the Portland (Maine) Evening Express, Jan. 18, 1966]
Headquarters of the Air Force investigation and conclusions on unidentified
THOSE FLYING SAUCERS-HIGHWAY PATROL REPORT FIRES CONTROVERSY OVER
flying objects-they call the enterprise Project Blue Book-is at Wright-Patter-
UFO's
son Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. In charge of Project Blue Book is Maj.
Hector Quintanilla.
(Editor's note: This is the second of a series about UFO's (unidentified flying
Recently this writer has made two more visits to Wright-Patterson to study
objects) by Bulkley S. Griffin, executive editor of the Evening Express Washing-
the files of Project Blue Book and to talk with Major Quintanilla, the architect
ton Bureau. He wrote the stories after visiting the UFO office of the U.S. Air
of the military's final public verdicts on the UFO's.
Force.)
A multitude of UFO sightings in the last dozen months has kept the Air Force
(By Bulkley Griffin)
busy trying to explain-away and has rendered the public more conscious and
curious than ever about these strange, usually lighted, objects in the sky. The
WASHINGTON, D.C.-Research into the matter of the unidentified flying ob-
Air Force and the burdened Project Blue Book have often resorted to the expe-
jects (UFO's), the U.S. Air Force, and the public, receives substantial help from
dient of lumping a number of sightings together-not naming any particular
a report furnished by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. This sum-
one-and furnishing a generalized catchall explanation.
marizes the messages dealing with UFO sightings that passed over the Okla-
This is what it did respecting an extraordinary number of sightings in the
homa Highway Patrol network in the period July 31-August 5.
Southwest around the beginning of last August. The very number of the UFO's
A survey of this information reveals the large number of sightings and the
and of the sighters of them shook some public confidence thereabouts in both the
much larger number of witnesses of those sightings, and lists some radar sight-
Air Force's knowledge of the subject and in the good faith of its explainings-
ings by the Air Force. It compares with a generalized attention to those sight-
away.
ings by the Air Force and Project Blue Book, the latter the name for the Air
Extracts from dispatches sent out at that time by the two national wire serv-
Force investigation of UFO's.
ices will refresh memories and provide a good idea of the magnitude of the UFO
At 3:30 p.m. August 2, Project Blue Book issued a statement assuming to ex-
performance. On Tuesday, August 3, the New York Times and other newspapers
plain the avalanche of UFO sightings that had hit the Southwest-but probably
carried an Associated Press dispatch from Oklahoma City, dated August 2. It
had hit Oklahoma the heaviest-starting July 31.
began:
Therefore, this article will seek to hit the high points of the sightings reported
"Authorities in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas were deluged last
on the Oklahoma Highway Patrol network beginning with July 31, up to the
night and early today (August 2) by reports of unidentified objects seen flying
issuance of the Project Blue Book explanation.
in the sky.
The first report on the teletype came the early morning of July 31. A Wynne-
"The Sedgwick County sheriff's office at Wichita, Kans., said the Weather
wood, Okla., police officer, Louis Sikes, reported a UFO. The radar at Tinker
Bureau had tracked several of them at altitudes of 6,000 to 9,000 feet.
Air Force Base located the object. A little later, continued the highway patrol
"The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said that Tinker Air Force Base here (Okla-
report, "Caswell Air Force Base (Fort Worth, Tex.) aimed their radar at the
homa City) had tracked four of the unidentified flying objects on its radar screen
same location and came up with the same fix as Tinker." Both Tinker and
at one time, estimating their altitude at about 22,000 feet. A Tinker spokesman
Caswell followed the object, which once disappeared and then reappeared, for
refused to confirm or deny the reports of radar observations."
some time. Later that day an Associated Press dispatch from Oklahoma City
"Reports poured in" from 21 cities and towns, continued the Associated Press
stated flatly that Tinker and Caswell both had the UFO on radar.
dispatch. The 21 are named 7 are listed in Texas, 3 in New Mexico, 5 in Okla-
The next night saw the UFO reports crowding the highway patrol teletype.
home, and 6 in Kansas.
Some quotations of messages will be given.
The United Press International, in a dispatch in the evening of August 2, named
At 9:19 p.m. the highway patrol tower sent out this message: "Since 8 p.m.
eight States. "Reports of sightings by eye poured in from Kansas, Texas, Okla-
the tower has received in the neighborhood of 25 to 30 visual sightings, many by
homa, New Mexico, Colorado, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Okla-
police officers and highway patrol troopers of various unidentified flying objects
homans probably saw the most."
from the Purcell area north through the Norman area to Chandler and back
In a dispatch from Oklahoma City dated August 4, the United Press Interna-
through Meeker and Shawnee.
tional declared that "thousands of persons across the Nation's midlands and
"Three Shawnee officers and their captain have four of the objects in sight
Southwest again last night reported seeing mysterious flashing, winking, and
at this time, also another has cropped up from the south of Tecumseh and is
sparkling phenomena that sped and sometimes zigzagged across the skies.
apparently going to fly directly over Shawnee.
"The Air Force contends most of the sightings were probably stars or planets.
"The sightings vary from one to four of the objects at various times starting
It was the fourth consecutive night of UFO sightings. A lot of people took
in a reddish color and varying to a white and blue luster.
issue with the Air Force's claim that they were stars or planets."
"Shawnee reports the objects seem to be flying four to a formation in a
It can be mentioned in passing that radar does not pick up stars or planets.
diamond-type formation. Cushing has reported four of the objects. Oklahoma
In one United Press International dispatch it is stated that "Oklahomans prob-
Highway Patrol Units 30 and 40 have also made visual sightings. Reports have
ably saw the most" of these sightings. The Oklahoma sightings therefore provide
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come from (three) individuals." Names of two civilians are given; third was a
close to the ground. Several persons apparently observed it, three of them, in-
police officer from Tulsa, not named.
cluding two policemen, at one time.
"Tinker Air Force Base has had from one to four of them on radar at a time,
The conclusion of Project Blue Book-the name of the Air Force UFO probe
and they advise they are flying very high, at approximately 22,000 feet, which
that announces the final verdicts on sightings-that the New Hampshire watchers
seems to coincide with the visual sightings, all of which are 'very high flying
saw low-flying airplanes, is of a piece with many other Air Force attempted
objects."
explainings away. It doesn't make sense.
Other reports came in the night of August 1. The sheriff's office at Chandler
The New Hampshire sighting is of significance on another ground. It involves
reported two UFO's. Two individuals-names given-spotted a UFO between
the reported effect of a UFO in disturbing and exciting animals.
Norman and Purcell. "Tinker AFB looking at it-or attempting to do SO at
The sequence of events near Exeter began at 1 o'clock in the morning of last
this time with radar-Wichita Falls, Tex., also notified to look." Another UFO
September 3 when Exeter Police Officer Eugene P. Bertrand, Jr., 30, cruising in
was seen near Forgan, and sighter's name and address given.
his police car, came upon an auto drawn up by the side of the road and in it an
"Although there were numerous other reports from other sources which did
hysterical woman, who according to the officer's report to the investigative officer
not reach the patrol, those above were all of the reports whch moved on the high-
from Pease Air Force Base, N.H., "stated she was too upset to drive." She
way patrol wire on August 1," it is stated in the summary from the depart-
stated a light had been following her and had stopped over her car." The officer
ment of public safety. On August 2, the teletype carried its first UFO report
stayed with her about 15 minutes, sought to reassure her, saw nothing, and
of that day at 2 p.m. regarding a sighting at 12:50 p.m. near Cushing. Other
departed for the police station.
reports followed through the afternoon and night.
There he found Norman J. Muscarello, 18, of Exeter who had come to the sta-
All this from just one State's highway patrol teletype.
tion to tell of his experience while a few miles out of Exeter. He said some-
At 3:30 p.m. on August 2, Maj. Hector Quintanilla, in charge of Project Blue
thing big with dazzling, flashing red lights had appeared moving just above the
Book, issued the following statement:
treetops. It had moved rather slowly toward him. He had jumped into the
"Initial study of the reports thus far received by the Air Force indicates that
ditch for safety. Then the thing had disappeared.
the observations were astronomical in nature. The objects most likely observed
Officer Bertrand took Muscarello with him in his patrol car and they returned
were the planet Jupiter and the stars Rigal, Capella, Betelgeux, or Al-debaran,
to the field where Muscarello had had his alarming experience. They both got
which are clearly visible in the eastern sky. The time of reported sightings, the
out of the car and walked into the field, Bertrand having a flashlight. At this
azimuth and elevation of the reported sightings supports this conclusion. In
point Officer Bertrand's report to an examining officer at Pease AFB can be
addition, on August 1 and 2 the temperature distribution and varying wind
taken up.
speeds observed over the Great Plains, from northern Texas to Wyoming
"When we had gone about 50 feet a group of five bright red lights came from
were favorable for the phenomenon, known as scintillation. Some of the
behind a group of trees near us. They were extremely bright and flashed one
reports were the aquarid meteor showers which occur between July 26 to
at a time.
August 6. The meteors approach from the southeast and streak swiftly across
"At one time they came SO close I fell to the ground and started to draw my
the sky trailing sparks. There has been no confirmation that any of the sight-
gun. The lights were SO bright I was unable to make out any form.
ings reported were tracked on radar.
"There was no sound or vibration but the farm animals were upset in the
This official statement presents two characteristics typical of Air Force treat-
area and making a lot of noise. When the lights started coming near us again
ment of UFO reports. First, no specific sighting is mentioned, and just about
Muscarello and I ran for the car.
every conceivable reason for seeking to explain away the multitude of sightings
"I radioed Patrolman David Hunt who arrived in a few minutes. He also
over eight States is included.
observed the lights which were still over the field at an estimated altitude of 100
Second, no radar sighting is admitted. This is despite the highway patrol's
feet and finally disappeared in the distance at the same altitude. The lights
report of Tinker and Carswell Air Force Bases having a fix on a July 31 object,
were always in line at about 60° angle. When the object moved the lower lights
and Tinker having a fix on up to four objects the night of August 1-2; and de-
were always forward of the others."
spite national wire services reports of these radar sightings and of a Wichita
In this case the Air Force, which generally appears to hang back from much
weather station radar sighting of several UFO's.
investigating of UFO reports, did do some investigating. It interviewed the
Radar does not pick up stars and planets, as has been stated. Further,
sighters and neighbors.
corroboration of visual sightings by a radar sighting-as the Okla-
The Pease AFB officer, who headed this local military probe and who, by the
homa Highway Patrol indicated on one occasion the night of August 1-
way, was a command pilot, made this finding:
would strengthen the argument that some UFO's are real and unknown.
But that August 2 statement from Project Blue Book was immediately attacked
"At this time have been unable to arrive at a probable cause of this sighting.
from a different angle by Director Robert Risser of the Oklahoma Science and
The three observers seem to be stable, reliable persons, especially the two patrol-
men. I viewed the area of the sighting and found nothing in the area that could
Art Foundation Planetarium in Oklahoma City. To quote a UPI dispatch :
be the probable cause. Pease AFB had five B-47 aircraft flying in the area during
"That (Project Blue Book statement) is as far from the truth as you can
this period but do not believe they had any connection with this sighting."
get," Risser said. 'Somebody has made a mistake. These stars and planets are
However, Project Blue Book lists low-flying airplanes as probably responsible
one the opposite side of the earth from Oklahoma City at this time of year.'
for this Exeter sighting. Maj. Hector Quintanilla, in charge of Blue Book, states
Major Quintanilla, recently asked about the comment of Director Risser,
pointed out the UFO reports were coming in from several States, and said his
that the 8th Air Force SAC (Strategic Air Command) group at Westover Air
Force Base, Mass., was conducting a low-level operation, called Big Blast, at
August 2 announcement referred to Wyoming where the stars in question were
visible. He added the statement applied to Oklahoma between 1 and 4 in the
the time. He said he believes the Exeter "people were looking at low-level
aircraft."
morning.
The effect of a UFO on animals had been reported in a New York State case
about 2 weeks before the Exeter event. An investigating officer from the
[From the Portland (Maine) Evening Express, Jan. 19. 1966]
Niagara Falls Air Force Base, commenting on the sighting of a low-down UFO
near Cherry Creek, N.Y., on August 19, said:
THOSE "FLYING SAUCERS"-NEW HAMPSHIRE SIGHTING ONE OF MOST FRIGHTENING
"Preliminary analysis reveals object not explainable in conventional terms.
Object caused reduction in farm cows' milk from 2½ cans to 1 can. Disturbed
(Editor's Note: This is the third of a series about UFO's (unidentified flying
bull in field. Caused dog to bark." This sighting, by the way, is one of the
objects) by Bulkley S. Griffin, executive editor of the Evening Express, Washing-
very few that Project Blue Book has marked "Unidentified."
ton bureau.)
The Exeter UFO produced a fairly familiar charge; namely that the Air
WASHINGTON, D.C.-One of the more impressive sightings of an unidentified
Force sought to suppress news of the sighting. In this instance the charge
flying object (UFO) occurred near Exeter, N.H., last September. As narrated,
came from Raymond Fowler, of Wenham, Mass., head of a local area NICAP
it was an extended closeup observation of a lighted object that was noiseless and
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group, who went to the scene to investigate for NICAP. The latter stands for
But Tinker AFB itself must have received dozens of calls during the heavy
National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena, the unofficial but re-
sighting period of July 31 through August 5. This much is indicated by a
sponsible Washington organization. The Fowler charges are in the files of Blue
sentence sent out over the highway patrol network the night of August 2. "The
Book and of NICAP.
security officer at Tinker Field reports he has been swamped with calls the past
Fowler talked with witnesses and others and said he was told that Pease
hour from people reporting UFO's." This report refers to just 1 hour of the
AFB officers had asked the police and a local newspaper correspondent not
several-day sighting period.
to mention the sightings. The request was put to the police on the ground
Chances are, it is said, that the Air Force handling of the UFO problem may
people would be alarmed if told the facts, it is stated.
be allowed to drag along by an apathetic public. Yet one may speculate on
Major Quintanilla, informed of this charge, said that "I would not allow any
what an honest and energetic investigation might do. For one thing, it would
suppression of news." However, it is an impression in Washington that officers
investigate some of the sightings reported by the Oklahoma highway patrol.
a good deal higher than Major Quintanilla would not exert themselves to prevent
For instance, take this report that moved with many others, over the teletype
news suppression of UFO sightings.
August 4. "Twenty-five people at a church in Cushing, Okla., all watched
The Haverhill (Mass.) Gazette wrote an editorial on this UFO in the neigh-
several UFO's. Sometimes they would stay stationary, then would move at a
borhood, in which it said: "So many have reported seeing it (the Exeter UFO)
high rate of speed. Were moving south for a while, then stopped and stood
and their descriptions jibe SO closely that, unless they have banded together
still for some time, then were joined by two and moved to the west at high
in one large hoax, their stories must be given credence."
speeds, then turned and traveled east for a while, then stopped completely and
stood still, then went east and suddenly disappeared from sight. The first ones
were orange lights, the ones that joined them had red and green lights like
airplanes. PD (police department) Cushing also observed the same things."
[From the Portland (Maine) Evening Express, Jan. 20, 1966]
Or the "approximately 30 calls" to the Shawnee Police Department reporting
4 or 5 lighted objects traveling northwest which "make no conventional noise
THOSE "FLYING SAUCERS"-AIR FORCE BRUSHES OFF FLOOD OF SIGHTINGS IN
such as an aircraft does but rather make a humming noise." Or what did the
SOUTHWEST
five citizens of Norman, Okla., see looking at a white globe 30-40 feet in diameter
(Editor's note: This is the fourth of a series about UFO's (unidentified flying
through a "tripod-mounted 160-power telescope."
objects) by Bulkley S. Griffin, executive editor of the Evening Express, Wash-
The evidence is convincing that the Air Force-for reasons it doesn't an-
nounce-is not really trying to discover what the UFO's are. Or, if the Air
ington bureau.)
WASHINGTON, D.C.-A good 2 weeks after the flood of unidentified flying object
Force already knows, it is painstakingly keeping its information from the public.
Chief blame for this lack of action must rest on the Government.
(UFO) sightings last August over Oklahoma and other Southwestern States,
Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City, produced its formal survey and judg-
But another culprit, the scientific community, must bear blame according to
an August article by Robert C. Cowen, natural science editor of the Christian
ment. It sent this several-page explanation of sightings in its wide area to
Science Monitor. He wrote in part:
Project Blue Book, the Air Force office in charge of the UFO investigations and
"The main reason there has been no scientific study of the (UFO) puzzle is
conclusions.
This report is a good example of Air Force anti-UFO propaganda. Except
social pressure within the scientific community. It has not been due to lack
of opportunity to gather data.
for mention of one specific sighting-which was decreed to be a weather baloon-
the report is generalized, pulling out all the stops on the possibilities of citizens
"Many scientists feel the whole subject is 'kooky.' They dismiss it with
ridicule. It can be personally embarrassing, even detrimental to a scientist's
making mistakes and including a statement from the official of a planetarium in
Oklahoma City whose text was that "the average person is uneducated as to what
career, to try to take the saucer problem seriously."
It is time to investigate; scientific knowledge of some sort resides in the
the sky normally looks like."
UFO phenomenon, said the writer.
Interviews with military experts are given which mention unusually bright
stars at this time of year, a haze that reflects things from the ground, the fre-
quency of weather balloons and SO on.
An impressive but superficial case is made for weather balloons as fooling
[From the Portland (Maine) Evening Express, Jan. 21, 1966]
people into thinking they are seeing a UFO. The number released daily in the
Oklahoma area is considerable.
THOSE "FLYING SAUCERS"-WHAT SHERIFFS Saw WASN'T STAR, UFO PROBER
But the fact is that the citizens thereabouts have lived with these balloons day
ADMITS
after day and year after year and by now must be fairly well acquainted with
what they look like and how they act. They are also pretty well acquainted
(Editor's note: This is the fifth of a series about UFO's (unidentified flying
with stars, which at the moment may be supplanting balloons as the favorite
objects) by Bulkley S. Griffin, executive editor of the Evening Express, Wash-
ington bureau)
explanation put forth by Project Blue Book.
The Tinker AFB report did not need to avoid mention of particular sightings.
WASHINGTON, D.C.-The case of the two Texas deputy sheriffs whose patrol
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol teletype reported a number of sightings well worth
car was allegedly followed by an unidentified flying object (UFO) SO that they
investigation and these teletype UFO reports were relayed to all major news-
hit 110 miles an hour in rushing away, is worth mentioning for its own sake in
papers, wire services and TV and radio stations across the State of Oklahoma
any study of the Air Force-UFO confrontation.
also to the weather wire teletype system. They were available to sincere Air
The case also illustrates the possibility of a more realistic trend in Project Blue
Force investigators.
Book-which is the name of the Air Force's investigation of UFO's.
The failure to interview witnesses could be termed negative Air Force prop-
Project Blue Book first listed the Texas sighting as, "Refraction of Star
aganda. The highway patrol messages named close to a dozen civilian wit-
Antares distorted due to inversion." This verdict was a highly improbable one
nesses usually with addresses, and the number of highway patrol officers that had
from the start, as will be seen from the testimony of the two deputy sheriffs.
sightings must have totaled two dozen and more. Yet the formal August 20 re-
Recently, Maj. Hector Quintanilla, in command of Project Blue Book, stated he
port from Tinker shows interviews with but two civilians and two police officers.
has withdrawn this conclusion after talking over the phone with Deputy Sheriff
Maj. Hector Quintanilla, in command of Project Blue Book, says the Air
McCoy. The star verdict didn't seem to fit. So Blue Book now records the sight-
Force seeks interviews with persons who call up and whose names they learn.
ing as one of the very few unexplained ones on its rolls.
"We are not interested in persons who go to the newspapers or to radio and TV
Another recent case of reconsideration of a verdict occurred in the instance of
stations," he said. The wisdom of this exclusion is of course wide open to ques-
the four lighted objects seen together by many observers the night of August 1-2,
tion-assuming that the Air Force is seeking information.
according to the teletype reports of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The latter
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said Tinker AFB had picked them up. But Blue Book had this sighting listed
of investigating the sightings, and the public. The conclusions reached have
as "Astro (Antares)." Radar does not pick up stars, as previously noted.
been assisted by two more examinations of the files of Project Blue Book, the
Recently, however, as this writer was discussing this sighting at the head-
Air Force name for its study and its verdicts on UFO reports.
quarters of Project Blue Book and pointed out that a Tinker AFB radar squadron
A main conclusion can be briefly stated. It is that the Air Force is misleading
sergeant had referred to two stationary objects and two moving in the formation,
the public by it continuing campaign to produce and maintain belief that all sight-
Project Blue Book proposed that the two stationary objects were stars-the
ings can be explained away as misidentifications of familiar objects, such as
brightest of them Antares-and the two alleged to be moving could be airplanes.
balloons, stars, and aircraft.
The two cases, one in Oklahoma and one in Texas, suggest to some observers
The logical assumption, backed by much circumstantial evidence, is that the
that Project Blue Book, while vigorously trying to explain away has of late
Air Force is deliberately misleading the public.
occasionally sought to throw a little more credibility into its investigations and
In this campaign the Air Force, backed by normal public respect for the military
conclusions. But to get to the two Texas deputy sheriffs, who, as it came about, were fol-
and for authoritative statements, and also assisted by the natural human dis-
inclination to think uncommonly or to be laughed at, has been largely successful.
lowed by a UFO the same night-September 3-on which at least one person in the
However, the Air Force success in having the public believe what it wants it
Exeter, N.H., case reported being followed.
to believe respecting UFO's is steadily and conspicuously lessening. More and
Chief Deputy Sheriff Billy F. McCoy and Deputy Sheriff Robert W. Goode
more skepticism is being voiced in newspapers and by citizens.
were on routine patrol near Damon, Tex.-which is around 40 miles south-
Another chief conclusion is this: no energetic and thorough effort to investi-
east of Houston-when they saw a bright purple light, which soon produced a
gate the unidentified flying object phenomenon is being made by the Air Force or
smaller blue light, on the horizon about 5 miles away. One of the officers studied
ever has been made by it. And this charge holds true respect any other Gov-
the lights through binoculars. They had slowed down off the edge of the high-
ernment agency and respecting what has been termed the Nation's scientific
way when the lights started rapidly toward them.
community.
The testimony of Chief Deputy Sheriff McCoy, as given to an investigating
Reasons for the persevering Air Force performance are unknown to the public.
officer from Ellington AFB, Tex., continues:
In the speculation one of the following three reasons is commonly advanced the
"The object came up to the pasture next the highway about 150 feet off the
Air Force fears national panic if the truth about the UFO's were told; the Air
highway and about 100 feet high. The bulk of the object was plainly visible
Force feels it is stuck with its story; or the Air Force is silenced by the Central
and appeared to be triangular shaped with a bright purple light on the left and
Intelligence Agency.
the smaller, less bright, blue light on the right end. The bulk of the object ap-
The first alleged reason, however uncomplimentary to the intelligence of our
peared to be dark gray in color with no other distinguishing features. It ap-
citizens, is one that has been heard at the Capitol off and on for approaching 20
peared to be about 200 feet wide and 40-50 feet think in the middle tapering off
years. Some speculate it may be the reason the Air Force has given to the chair-
toward both ends. There was no noise or any trail.
men of the two congressional space committees in its understood endeavor to hold
"The bright purple light illuminated the ground directly underneath it and
off a congressional investigation of the UFO subject.
the area in front of it, including the highway and the interior of our patrol car.
What is the truth about the UFO's? It is quite possible that no one on this
The tall grass under the object did not appear to be disturbed.
earth knows.
"There was a bright moon out and it cast a shadow of the object on the ground
A veteran New England congressional leader, who was in a position to know,
immediately below it in the grass. Deputy Sheriff Goode was in the driver's
told this writer that the Air Force didn't know what they are. Officials of the
seat with his left arm lying in the open window. Although he was wearing a
Central Intelligence Agency ought to know if anyone does, yet a former head of
long-sleeved shirt and a coat, he later said that he felt the heat apparently
the CIA, Adm. R. H. Hillenkootter, affirmed half a dozen years ago that he did
emanating from the object."
not believe in the Air Force explainings-away but he did not indicate he thought
The officers rushed away toward Damon "as fast as we could go" traveling
he thought he knows the truth of the matter.
"at speeds up to 110 miles an hour," said McCoy. Arrived in Damon, they dis-
An increasing number of good observers hold that a sizable minority of the
cussed the matter. "We were both scared but still wanted to find out what it
sightings-many sightings presumably are misidentifications-represent some-
was." So they returned to the scene and saw the UFO on the horizon acting
thing new and unknown. A large number of these observers, who include
exactly as it had before. "We decided to leave the area because we figured that
veteran pilots, radar operators, air traffic controllers, teachers, astronomers, and
the object would start coming toward us again," stated McCoy.
other experts, hold that the unknown UFO's are extraterrestrial.
The report to Blue Book of the investigating officer from Ellington Air Force
To all this Air Force officials can and do respond that not a single tangible
Base believes the two deputy sheriffs definitely saw "some unsual object." This
bit of evidence of any such UFO has been found. This is a mighty strong argu-
report reads in part:
ment, the strongest argument of the so-called explainers-away.
"After talking with both officers involved in the sighting there is no doubt in
Yet to an augmenting number of competent observers the evidence grows
my mind that they definitely saw some unsual object or phenomenon. However,
stronger that some of the UFO's are real and really unknown. So very many
my investigation failed to uncover any facts that permitted me, with my meager
impressive sightings can't be explained away, it is said.
knowledge of such things, to arrive at any explanation for the unusual sighting.
"From the United States, from Argentina, Uruguay, Portugal, France, Ant-
"Both officers appeared to be intelligent, mature, levelheaded persons capable
arctica, and Australia (from four continents) have come the rash of reports of
of sound judgment and reasoning. Chief Deputy Sheriff McCoy hold a responsible
sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFO's). The sightings have been the
position in the department requiring the supervision over 42 personnel. Both
most numerous since 1957." So summarized a United Press International dis-
officers have been subjected to considerable friendly ridicule from their con-
patch last August.
temporaries and the local townspeople; but have continued to profess the facts
First and last, few presumably will challenge a conclusion that the mystery
of their sighting
and the problem of the unidentified flying object remain with this world.
And as for the Air Force, with its intensive campaign to explain away every
UFO sighting, it might listen to the recent advice of a veteran astronomer, Dr.
[From the Portland (Maine) Evening Express, Jan. 22, 1966]
I. M. Levitt, director of the Fels Planetarium, Franklin Institute, Philadelphia,
THOSE "FLYING SAUCERS'-EVIDENCE INDICATES AIR FORCE MISLEADING PUBLIC
said:
ON UFO's
"It would be well if our Project Blue Book officials were simply to indicate
that sightings in a minority of cases cannot be explained. It would clear the air
(By Bulkley Griffin (last of six articles)
of a great deal of misunderstanding and mistrust of this group by the intelligent
laymen and observers who have seen objects in the sky."
WASHINGTON, D.C.-This is the final one of half a dozen articles on the uni-
dentified flying objects (UFO's), the U.S. Air Force, which has the official job
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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE,
All UFO reports which are submitted to the Air Force are regarded as
Washington, January 18, 1966.
earnest reports from people who have seen an aerial object which they could
Hon. L. MENDEL RIVERS,
not identify. The purpose of our program is to evaluate such reports and to
Chairman, Committee on Armed Services,
inform the observer of the cause of his sighting.
House of Representatives.
The National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena is a private
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Recently you requested information in behalf of Mr.
organization which is in no way affiliated with our Government.
John R. Gray about unidentified flying objects (UFO).
It is a pleasure to again be of service to you.
The Air Force does not withhold or censor information on UFO's. The re-
Sincerely,
sults of all Air Force investigations are available to bona fide news representa-
DWIGHT W. COVELL,
tives and scientific researchers. Press releases are issued as warranted, and
Colonel, USAF,
an annual report (copy attached) on the project is available to the public. There
Congressional Inquiry Division, Office of Legislative Liaison.
has never been an order issued by the Secretary of the Air Force to suppress or
withhold such information.
The three conclusions set forth in Mr. Gray's letter are, in fact, the conclu-
JANUARY 11, 1966.
Hon. L. MENDEL RIVERS,
sions which were reached as a result of a panel of scientific consultants that met
House of Representatives,
at the request of the Government to study the problem in 1953. For your in-
Washington, D.C.
formation, the U.S. Air Force Scientific Advisory Board has been asked to
evaluate the UFO program. An ad hoc committee has been appointed and will
MY DEAR SIR: Thank you for the very prompt reply (Jan. 6, 1966) to my
convene sometime in February. The results will be available shortly after the
letter of December 29, regarding UFO's. You stated that you may check out
my comments with the proper authorities. Knowing in advance essentially
meeting. As a result of investigating over 10,000 reports since 1947, we cannot associ-
what reactions you will receive from these authorities, be they Air Force,
ate disruption of running engines, radios, and headlights, or malfunction of air-
Department of Defense, or Congressional Inquiry Division officials, I strongly
craft instruments, or heat sensations with UFO activity. Nor can we attribute
and respectfully request you withhold acceptance of their statements until
them to aircraft operations. There are many plausible explanations for effects
you contact Maj. Donald Keyhoe (USMC, retired) or Mr. Richard Hall. These
such as car radio static when passing powerlines, overheated car engines, drops
gentlemen, as you are undoubtedly aware, are director and associate director,
in power and voltage in the electrical system, malfunction of equipment, and
respectively, of NICAP and can be reached at NOrth 7-9434.
imagination or panic of an observer. Weather conditions such as temperature
This course of action is most desirable for the ultimate best interest of
inversions can cause known natural or conventional objects to appear to hover,
the American people as it permits both sides of this controversy to be im-
move around, and change colors. Satellites and balloons make no noise while in
partially weighed.
flight. Balloons can also hover and suddenly accelerate depending on the wind
NICAP, in the 9 years since its inception, has amassed sufficient factual in-
formation, documentation, and evidence to refute any or all Air Force claims.
conditions.
The foregoing information also explains our third conclusion. There has never
The organization asks only that it be given the opportunity to present this
been a top-secret document, entitled "Estimate of the Situation," which con-
information in open hearings in order to attain its immediate goal of getting
cluded that UFO's are interplanetary in nature.
to the people the truth about the UFO's, as can be ascertained and officially
As of December 31, 1965, the Air Force has received 10,060 reports since 1947
confirmed; and the best hope of achieving this end is through congressional
of which 645 are unidentified and cannot be explained. It is our opinion that
action.
all reports could be explained if more detailed objective data had been avail-
Respectfully yours,
able. However, because of the fact that analyses of UFO sightings depend pri-
JOHN R. GRAY,
marily on the personal impressions and interpretations of the observer rather
Huntington Beach, Calif.
than on accurate scientific data or facts obtained under controlled conditions,
positive identification of all sightings is improbable. Information on any UFO
DECEMBER 29, 1965.
Hon. L. MENDEL RIVERS,
report is available to private citizens upon request.
Photographs received in conjunction with UFO reports are evaluated by photo
U.S. House of Representatives,
The House Office Building,
analysis personnel. The objects in such photographs have been evaluated as
known natural or conventional objects which have been misinterpreted by the
Washington, D.C.
observer. Such photographs are returned to the owner after analysis.
MY DEAR SIR: As chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, you may
Our Project Blue Book office is located at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, where
be the proper person in the House, to whom I should address this correspondence
all UFO records are kept. All objects which have been picked up or tracked on
pertaining to a subject, the scientific aspect of which promises far-reaching impli-
radar have been identified as flocks of birds, weather phenomena, or reflections
cations. A considerable amount of genuine scientific research by private indi-
from ground targets. Radar scope photography is classified only if it reveals
viduals in this field is being thwarted, in part, by a policy of an agency of the
classified defense information.
U.S. Government through the employment of ridicule and the withholding of
The joint Army-Navy-Air Force publication 146 deals with UFO's only as a
pertinent information. It is a field that has been the subject of suppression since
catchall class of sightings that does not fall into a recognized category such as
1947 and particularly since 1953 by order of the Secretary of the Air Force.
ships, submarines, aircraft, or guided missiles. The purpose of the publication
The subject, of which I write, is that of unidentified flying objects (UFO's)
is to provide uniform instructions for the peacetime reporting of what is judged
and the Air Force censorship in the handling of legitimate sightings and reports.
to be vital intelligence sightings. Any person who violates the provisions of
The publicized conclusions, in part, of the Air Force's Project Blue Book are:
the publication may be liable to prosecution thereunder. The purpose of this
(1) No unidentified fiying object reported, investigated, and evaluated by
is to emphasize the necessity for handling of such information within official
the Air Force has ever given any indication of threat to our national security
channels only.
(2) There has been no evidence submitted to or disclosed by the Air Force
The article appearing in the December 24, 1959, issue of TIG Brief, entitled
that sightings categorized as unidentified represent technological develop-
"UFO's Serious Business," has been misinterpreted. The purpose of this article
ments or principles beyond the range of present day scientific knowledge;
was simply to improve the quality of reports and investigative procedures. It
and
also contained guidelines for effective reporting and the equipment necessary
(3) There has been no evidence indicating that sightings categorized as
for investigations. We have no knowledge of any research projects such as
unidentified are extra terrestrial vehicles.
those stated by Mr. Gray, nor do we have any information about the Santiago,
Other than the close encounters with UFO's reported by airline and military
Chile, incident.
pilots, an element of truth can be conceded in conclusion (1). However, the
vadility of number (2) must be disputed. Do we possess any aircraft that can
1. On close proximity to ground vehicles disrupt the running engines,
headlights, and radios of those vehicles?
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6063
2. On close proximity to conventional aircrafts cause their gyro com-
stifled; and it matters when the American people are denied the right to know
passes and direction finders to momentarily malfunction?
what kind of powers they may be up against. Persistence in this dogmatic atti-
3. On close proximity to conventional aircrafts or ground vehicles cause
tude will only tend to deteriorate public morale if not the public trust in the Air
intense heat sensation experienced by their occupants?
Force when irrefutable proof of the existence of these objects manifests itself.
4. Hover at any one point at any given time and suddenly accelerate hori.
Those behind this official "blackout" should be displaying real responsibility
zontally or vertically out of sight in a matter of 5 to 10 seconds?
to all of us by desisting from the practices of ridiculing sincere witnesses and
5. Execute an abrupt 90° or 180° change of direction while in flight?
belittling sightings that defy explanations and at least extend public acknowl-
6. Make no discernible sound while in flight?
edgement of some credence to the evidence that abounds. Instituting a policy of
7. Glow brilliantly and change colors?
dealing honestly, for a change, with the people would prepare the way to a mini-
Such behavior and characteristics have been witnessed by reliable persons
mum of possible panic (assuming this to be the basic reason for the censorship)
and documented enumerable times and are very familiar to the Air Force; in
upon arrival of that "moment of proof." (Please, excuse the pun.) Consider
addition to being definitely beyond the scope of our present technology. If con-
the contrast of the disrespect shown Americans to the consideration extended the
clusion (3) had included the word "proof" instead of "evidence," the probability
citizens of Argentina and Chile. For example, on August 3, 1965, the radio and
of truth could also be conceded here. As it stands, the statement is likewise
TV stations of Santiago, Chile, alerted the populous to view the three luminous
false for the same reasons as the arguments listed against conclusion (2). Since
discus hovering over the city for some 25 minutes before moving slowly away.
our present state of technology does not permit satisfactory explanations to such
With the hope that we may yet receive such courtesy instead of treatment as
behaviors of these objects, what other assumption can a scientific mind make
children, I respectfully urge that you consider the undertaking of a hearing into
than that their origin is extra terrestrial? It may be recalled that the Air Tech-
this despicable situation. Until this condition is brought out into the open, much
nical Intelligence Center (ATIC) at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio, in
of the news media will continue to refrain from giving the UFO's serious consider-
July-August of 1948 concluded in their top secret document estimate of the
ation they SO justly deserve.
situation that UFO's were interplanetary. While top Air Force officials will
All statements made in this letter can be substantiated by the National Investi-
vehemently deny that such a document ever existed, proof that it does exist and
gations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) located at 1536 Connecticut
is accessible for examination by interested Members of Congress-but not from
Avenue NW., Washington, D.C. Documented evidence and authentication re-
the Air Force.
quired to support the assertion that a censorship does in fact exist will be put at
While the Air Force does not publicly admit to the existence of the wealth of
the disposal of your committee by NICAP upon request.
documented evidence that has been accumulated since before the appearance of
Respectfully yours,
the first airplane, it does admit to possessing at least 663 "unknowns" on the
JOHN R. GRAY, Huntington Beach, Calif.
books. Sightings classified as "unknowns" are those well decumented by official
and unofficial sources but remain unsolved and "unexplainable." Private
citizens inquiring into the nature of these unknowns will be told that such is
classified information (AFR 200-2 paragraphs 9 and 19). It should be noted,
[From Life magazine, Apr. 1, 1966]
in this respect, that Vice President Humphrey and Senator Birch Bayh were
misinformed by the Air Force through the Congressional Inquiry Division to
A WELL-WITNESSED "INVASION"-BY SOMETHING
the effect that all of the 663 "unknown" cases were solved. The letter to Sena-
tor Bayh was signed by Col. Frederick H. Fahringer.
FROM AUSTRALIA TO MICHIGAN, A FLURRY OF EERIE UFO SIGHTINGS
Dealings with the Air Force concerning information of UFO's have proven
to be a one-way proposition-all in and none out. Is it little wonder that only
Call them what you will: flying saucers, unidentified flying objects (UFO's),
about 10 percent of the citizenry dare risk disparagement for submitting reports
optical illusions, or the first symptoms of the silly season. They are back
that are truly unexplainable? The "lending" of photographic evidence of a
again-and seen by more people than ever before. Some are greenish and iri-
sighting by a witness to the Air Force is tantamount to forfeiture. Infre-
descent, like the mystery thing that swooped down over Perth, Australia, several
quently, an Air Force "slip-up" occurs in his favor.
weeks ago. Others are football shaped and aglow with pulsating lights. Last
The Air Force maintains that there is no censorship of UFO's. Anyone fol-
week the manifestations seemed almost to have reached the proportions of an
lowing this subject knows differently. Strong feelings were expressed by three
invasion. Near Ann Arbor, Mich., 52 witnesses, including a dozen policemen,
of my acquaintances, all departed in recent years from service in that branch,
saw 5 strange objects hovering over a swamp. The next day a glowing thing
in verifying that censorship does indeed exist. Two were radar technicians,
floated over a small college in Hillsdale, Mich. and was sighted by 87 students,
one of whom was stationed at White Sands in 1949 while the other was assigned
an assistant dean and the local civil defense director. Whatever the explanation
to the 776th Radar Squadron at Point Arena, Calif. in 1961-62. The third was
of the peculiar phenomena-seen and described similarly by SO many-something
a member of Project Blue Book in Alaska during 1961-62.
surely was in the air.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff regulation JANAP 146, section III, title 18, United
States Code 793, threatens imposition of penalties of 1 to 10 years imprisonment
"IT WASN'T No HULLABILLUSION," SAID THE FARMER, AND 52 AGREED
and/or up to $10,000 fine upon any Air Force pilot who reveals an official UFO
report. Such harsh punishment would certainly be indicative of the seriousness
(By Paul O'Neil)
with which the Air Force regards the UFO's; and all the while the publicized line
DEXTER TOWNSHIP, MICH.-Frank Mannor has never believed in flying saucers.
is "they don't exist." The official position was subsequently revealed when on
Hasn't any need of them. Wishes he'd never seen one. Frank should have been
December 24, 1959, an Air Force Inspector General brief was issued stating that
born in the day of Dan'l Boone. Since he wasn't, he's on the unemployment.
"UFO's are Serious Business" and instructing all investigating officers to be
Still, he's a happy man. Or was.
equipped with geiger counters. The degree of seriousness can also be realized
He is a husky, grizzled fellow of 47 who has 10 children, a well of water with
when one considers the lengths to which six agencies of the Federal Government
an outside pump, a solidly build privy, a TV set and a battered refrigerator with
are extending themselves in research to uncover the suspected secret of these ob-
the coil on top. Four disembodied automobiles rest beside his white, tumble-
jects-that of gravity control, or antigravity power. Forty-six such projects of
down, two-story farmhouse in the open country 12 miles northwest of Ann
research of varying degrees are currently being subsidized including 33 under Air
Arbor. They provide parts for his good car. He has an ancient schoolbus for
Force supervision.
hunting expeditions. He also has six dogs. The dogs started it all. When they
While it is understandable that information pertaining to these projects does
began "barkin' and bellerin' at 8 o'clock that Sunday night, Frank ran outside-
not necessarily fall into the sphere of the public's "right to know," there is no
even though he was wearing his suit pants-and looked east into swampland
apparent reason or justification for the continuation of this "blackout" policy
from the rise of ground on which the house is built. He saw lights and a faint
regarding UFO's. It matters not whether this policy was instigated by the Air
red glow "like cigarets being smoked."
Force or its superior, but it does matter when individual research in this field is
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6065
Frank called his 19-year-old son, Ronnie. Suit pants or not, they started down
Back by Frank Mannor's house the road jammed up with the cars of the
toward whatever it was. "I thought a meteor had hit, that maybe we could
expectant; one man scraped away at a violin for an hour in the hope of sum-
pick up pieces of it," Frank said.
moning creatures from outer space and another blinked a light in what he
It never for a minute occurred to him that the United States hadn't had a
described as a "pi code"-which he believed to be the key to interplanetary
good, mysterious flying saucer manifestation for a coon's age, that it was proba-
understanding. Many came to scoff. Mannor grew more indignant by the hour.
bly time for a new visitation from the mysterious little men from outer space
"People are trying to make a fanatic out of me," he complained. "They was
and that they had decided to use southern Michigan in general and his swamp
still tramping around here at 3 o'clock this morning and look at them now.
in particular for the dangdest display of flashing lights and whizzing half-seen
They say, 'How much money are you going to make off this?' That's crazy. I
objects since Frank Perkins fired a 22 rifle at a New York crow-and hit a
don't want no money. I didn't want no publicity in the first place. I don't want
fireworks factory-back in 1951.
none now. I'm just a simple fellow. But I seen what I seen and nobody's going
Frank Mannor soon realized that he and his son were stalking some kind of
to tell me different. That wasn't no old foxfire or hullabillusion. It was an
thing. The ground between his house and the swamp is hummocky, rolling, but
object. Maybe it'll come back if all these people would stay away and we could
the night was clear and moonlit and the glow ahead was plain. "Just like we
get a picture and have verication of it. Anybody wants to give me a lie-detector
were hunting deer," Frank said to Ronnie, "Don't talk, we'll sneak up on it."
test I'll take it."
They jumped a creek, climbed a rise, and there it was, a few hundred yards
Leona, his wife, was more succinet: "We ain't Martians-they act like you're
ahead in the marsh. The thing seemed as long as an automobile, and wore a
not human or something because you seen it. I'm about to get a gun and shoot
green light on one end and a white light on the other. Its back was humped
some of these smart alecks if they don't stay to hell away."
and looked grayish- or bluish-brown and was "quilted" or rough "like coral
rock," It seemed to be sitting perhaps 8 feet off the ground in a patch of mist.
10,147 FLYING SAUCER SIGHTINGS
"Like a man in a boat on a misty lake in the morning-you can see the man
but can't quite make out the boat."
(Ever since the Old Testament prophet Ezekiel recorded an encounter with a
Suddenly it turned blood red. "Look at that horrible thing, Dad," blurted
fiery flying wheel, people have been seeing saucerlike things in the sky. In the
Ronnie-and the lights instantly went out. Both began running toward it.
following report Life Correspondent Bill Wise tells of the Air Force's efforts to
"I was a-puffin'," said Mannor. "But when we got there it was gone. I hunted
make sense of all.)
for 4 hours but there was no sign or smell of it. I'm glad I didn't have a gun.
DAYTON, Онто.-Тhеге have been 10,147 reported UFO sightings since a pri-
I'd a shot it and I might have harmed someone."
vate pilot named Kenneth Arnold claimed he saw a set of rapidly moving
Back at the house, meantime, Mannor's wife Leona-a woman who wears
"things" in the air near Mount Rainier, Wash., on June 24, 1947. Arnold's widely
shapeless slacks and a flannel shirt with the tail out-decided to call the nearby
publicized report set off the first of the modern epidemics of saucer sighting, and
Dexter village police. "We've got an object out here," she said formally. "that
the Air Force has been in the saucer business ever since. Its "Project Bluebook"
looks like what they call a flying saucer. It's got lights on it down in the swamp."
occupies a single room on the second floor of a windowless red concrete building
Since the Mannors are on an eight-party line Leona told a great many other
here at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Its functions: (1) to try to find an
other people, too, and the word spread like lightning-or the glow from a flying
explanation for all reported sightings of unidentified flying objects, (2) to dis-
saucer. Cops and deputy sheriffs were soon tumbling out of cars and thrashing
cover whether the UFO's pose any security threat, and (3) to determine if UFO's
off toward the marsh, and the road beyond the house was jammed solid with
exhibit any advanced technology which the United States could put to use.
the cars of gawkers. Most of them were rewarded for their effort. Dexter
To assist Project Bluebook, there is an UFO officer stationed at every Air Force
Police Chief Robert Taylor and Patrolman Nolan Lee saw the red glow as they
base in the country; the officer at the base nearest a reported sighting is respon-
stumbled around in the dark; so did Washtenaw County Deputy Sheriffs Stan-
sible for initiating the investigation. According to Maj. Hector Quintanella, Jr.,
ley McFadden and David Fitzpatrick. All reported, like Mannor, that the light
a physicist who heads Project Bluebook, most UFO sightings have a rational and
eventually vanished. But unlike their host, who said, "I never seen it take off,"
usually very simple explanation. The most common reports stem from bright
the cops felt it had zipped away over Mannor's house making a sound like "an
stars, planets and meteorites, particularly when viewed through broken clouds or
ambulance."
haze.
"I seen it," said McFadden, "but I still don't believe it."
Others turn out to be satellites-few people realize that there are now more
Dexter Patrolman Robert Hunawill saw a "strange, lighted object" appear
than 30 of these in orbit that are visible to the naked eye. Thousands of bal-
over his patrol car as he waited in the road for those who had set out for the
loons-some as large as 300 feet in diameter, some carrying running lights-are
swamp. It had red and white lights "which at times had a bluish tinge" and
released daily at airports, weather stations and research centers, and these lead
made continuing sweeps over the swamp at a height of 1,000 feet and then, on
to a great many "saucer" reports. Conventional aircraft are another major
being joined by three other "objects," flew away. Chief Taylor's 16-year-old son
source-reflecting sun by day or providing the glow of running lights or jet
Robert saw one lighted thing at 10:30. It flashed red and white and hurried off
afterburners or the flash of photo recon strobe lights at night.
to the west.
All satellites and most weather balloons and aircraft are being carefully
Ann Arbor, though sharply divided between scoffers and believers the next day,
tracked and logged by military or civilian agencies, and Project Bluebook rou-
still seemed to feel a unanimous civic pride in the fact that the Air Force had
tinely checks sightings against these records. Unreported local flights by private
taken cognizance of its lurid phenomenon by dispatching Astronomer J. Allen
aircraft pose the most frequent problem in this detective work.
Hynek, director of Northwestern University's Dearborn Observatory, to weigh
Strange blips on radar screens have occasionally unsettled personnel at track-
the tales of the elect and, no doubt, send a message of gravity and import to the
ing stations-e.g., two "objects" that appeared on the scopes at Patuxent Naval
Pentagon. They were even more heartened to hear that Hynek did not instantly
Air Station (Md.) last December seemingly approaching the base at an estimated
announce that Mannor and his fellow bushwhackers had simply seen the Uni-
4,800 miles an hour before making a tight turn and disappearing. But these can
versity of Michigan's dish-shaped Peach Mountain radio telescope, which stands
generally be traced to pulsating "bugs" within a receiving set or to interference
against the sky beyond the area in which they saw the glowing thing. Hynek, a
from other neighboring electronic gear. Wright-Patterson experts. have been
bearded man who has investigated a hundred other "sightings" for the Air
able to account for every errant radar blip reported to date.
Force in the last two decades, was sure Mannor was too accustomed to the tele-
There is no question that our Air Force and those of other countries employ
scope to ever mistake it for anything else.
assorted airborne hardware as tactical and training devices. Many of these are,
"I believe the people who made these sightings are entirely honest and sin-
of course, seen as flying saucers and it is obvious that for security reasons the
cere," he said. "But I am not willing to guess what they saw." He hedged when
Air Force is reluctant to talk about them.
asked if he thought the thing might conceivably have been a new "test vehicle"
"I have looked at the records of nearly every UFO case back to 1947," says
of some sort. "I think I know much more of what is going on than * ** he
Major Quintanella, "and my feeling is that the vast majority have involved
began, but then halted and said, "so I don't think I should say anything
simple misinterpretation of natural phenomena."
I'm sure there is some natural explanation for all of this."
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Of the sightings SO far checked out, less than 2 percent of the total are listed
I am pleased to have your statement.
on Project Blue Book's file as unidentified. The Air Force officially concludes
And, Mr. Chairman, I thank you for having this hearing, and these
that none of these has given any indication of posing a threat to national safety,
people in to put some attention on this matter. Thank you.
or offering new technological data, or of originating from some extraterrestial
source. However, some of these files remain officially open and the investigations
The CHAIRMAN. Thank you.
on them continue.
Governor Stafford. Governor Stafford, you are from Vermont, how
Dr. J. Allen Hynek, director of Dearborn Observatory at Northwestern Uni-
close is this to your district?
versity, who is heading up the Ann Arbor investigation for the Air Force, is an
Mr. STAFFORD. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I was going to com-
old hand at checking on flying saucers for Blue Book. Dr. Hynek notes that
ment on that.
sighting reports usually do not originate with persons who believe in outerspace
visitations. "Believers" don't need sightings to convince them, and are irritated
Mr. Bates has pointed out there have been UFO sightings in New
by the embarrassment and skepticism with which most UFO spotters, like Frank
Hampshire, Vermont not to be outdone last week has had sightings
Mannor, report what they believe they have seen.
there, also, some within 16 miles of my hometown.
"It is easy to dismiss the cases of birds, balloons, and the like," says Dr. Hynek,
"but when good solid citizens report something puzzling, I believe we have an
The CHAIRMAN. That is getting awfully close.
obligation to do as good a job as we can. I regard our 'Unidentifieds' as a sort
Mr. STAFFORD. Yes, sir.
of blot on the escutcheon. Somehow we scientists should be able to come up
Since our States of Vermont and New Hampshire are known as the
with answers for these things."
twin States, Mr. Chairman, this may be simply a case of bad naviga-
Major Quintanella, although certain that no evidence turned up to date has
even hinted at spacecraft of unearthly origin, agrees that it is impossible to
tion on the part of the UFO's, although some of us think it may be if
prove that flying saucers do not exist. In any event, the Air Force is not about
they are extraterrestrial they are simply looking for a warmer climate
to give up chasing UFO's.
than New Hampshire possesses. But in any event, in seriousness, the
"We are spending millions to develop our own rocket boosters to get our space-
people in Vermont are very much concerned over the sightings that
craft to the moon and beyond," says the major, smiling. "Imagine what a great
help it would be to get our hands on a ship from another planet and examine its
have occurred in our State, and reputable people have seen phenom-
powerplant."
enon which they cannot understand.
I would simply hope that the Secretary of the Air Force and the
The CHAIRMAN. What I want to ask you is, why do they always see
doctor could assure me that if these sightings have not already been
them in the nighttime?
Dr. HYNEK. There are a number of reports from the daytime al-
evaluated, that in the course of investigation and deliberations they
will be.
though it is true there are many more night sightings.
The CHAIRMAN. Then there is another thing, if anybody wanted to
The CHAIRMAN. I hope if you come in contact with any of them you
don't have to tell them where South Carolina is.
spy on this country why would they go to this expense, when you can
Mr. Hébert is next.
go to any newsstand and get all the information you want, and if that
Mr. Hébert. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
doesn't help you get a roadmap, and if that doesn't help you, hire
While these objects have not been seen in my district, I just want to
a Hertz car.
Dr. HYNEK. Maybe they don't know this.
prepare myself, because after next election day I might have seen
some of them.
The CHAIRMAN. If the Martians don't know this by this time they
will never know it.
Doctor, have you conferred with Mr. Ray Walston on this subject
matter?
Spying on this country is so simple, I cannot understand why the
Dr. HYNEK. No, sir.
Russians or anybody wants to put something up in the air to spy
on this country, when they have got so many avenues we don't police.
Mr. HÉBERT. Does that ring a bell with you, Mr. Ray Walston
Dr. HYNEK. No, sir.
Dr. HYNEK. No comment on that, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. HÉBERT. It does not ring a bell? He is the most authoritative
The CHAIRMAN. Well, you ought to comment on it.
man in the country on space. He appears in every home every Sunday
Dr. Chamberlain, we will hear from you.
night, he is "My Favorite Martian."
Dr. CHAMBERLAIN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I really have no
Dr. HYNEK. Oh. [Laughter.]
questions, but I will say the sightings in Michigan were near my
Mr. HÉBERT. He has an antenna out of his head, too.
area, but not within it. I am pleased to hear your recommendation and
to have the Secretary's statement that he intends to implement it.
Dr. HYNEK. I think I have been talking to the wrong people.
I am further comforted to know he is giving it further thought and
Mr. HÉBERT. He can shed a lot of light on the subject. I just
wanted to direct your attention to that.
he is going to, at such time as your recommendation is implemented,
That is all, Mr. Chairman.
we are going to have a panel that will consider these things in depth,
The CHAIRMAN. Dr. Hall, you are next after Mr. Price.
not just in town for a day, with a cursory look, and disposing of it,
Mr. PRICE. Doctor, if in fact they exist and are from outer space,
because I feel we have other scientific achievements and advances, and
don't we have have a tracking system that now does a real competent
that there is going to be a growing importance of surveillance of this
job tracking every satellite in outer space SO we know every one that is
phenomena.
launched somewhere else, and as they circle in outer space we have a
I would say, further, the people in our area are concerned about this.
record of each of these, do we not?
There has been considerable responsible editorial comment in our
Dr. HYNEK. It is my understanding that we do. This is the point
newspapers. It should not be "poo-pooed," as you say.
I made earlier.
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6069
Mr. PRICE. If they did travel in outer space there would be a record
can people, I would assume a picture of this kind would be disturbing
somewhere of their travels in outer space?
in just the same way that Life's story of what happened to some dogs
Dr. HYNEK. I would certainly think so, and this, of course, is I
up in Baltimore has now resulted in legislation being recommended to
think one of the most potent arguments against extraterrestial visita-
the House.
tion by intelligences, unless they were SO superintelligent they knew
You have no explanation or haven't looked into the series of photo-
how to evade completely our surveillances. I think this would be
graphs that appear on pages 26 and 27 of Life magazine, and pages
24 and 25?
pretty difficult.
Mr. PRICE. As they left their normal orbit they could be tracked
Dr. HYNEK. I just learned of the Life article last week.
and followed?
Mr. STRATTON. Is that correct, Doctor?
Dr. HYNEK. Yes, sir.
Dr. HYNEK. That is correct, I have not examined the photographs
Mr. PRICE. As they left the orbit?
and information published by Life.
Dr. HYNEK. To the best of my understanding, they certainly could
Mr. STRATTON. Has anybody examined them in the Air Force?
be.
Major QUINTANILLA. Mr. Stratton, we have asked for the negatives
The CHAIRMAN. Dr. Hall.
of those pictures, but the citizens will not turn the negatives over to the
Mr. HALL. Mr. Chairman, I just wanted to thank the Secretary and
Air Force. You cannot force them to turn them over to the Air
his distinguished guests for this, and say for some time we have even
Force.
had space conventions down in the Ozarks, in the last 13 years, and
Mr. STRATTON. They turned them over to Life magazine, haven't
it would seem obvious to me in view of the report today those who
they ?
take trips by the use of hullucinatory drugs are almost synonymous
Major QUINTANILLA. You will have to ask them; I don't know.
with the number of space sightings we have had reported here today,
Mr. STRATTON. What has Life got?
namely, in the order of 10,000. To me it indicates a decrease in the
Major QUINTANILLA. I don't know, sir.
mores and the fiber of those who would subject themselves to hulluci-
Mr. STRATTON. How can you have examined this without finding out
natory influences in the first place.
what Life has?
Thank you.
Major QUINTANILLA. What is that, sir?
The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Stratton
Mr. STRATTON. How can you have examined these particular in-
Mr. STRATTON. You mentioned something from Life magazine, Mr.
stances without finding out what Life has?
Chairman. There were two pictures in Life magazine I think we
Major QUINTANILLA. The Air Force has not investigated these in-
would like an explanation of. One of them was a red object which
stances, sir, and the photographs have not been examined because the
was clearly visible in the photograph. The other were two lights,
negatives have never been turned over to the Air Force.
I think, taken in Sidney Harbor, one at one position and one at
Mr. STRATTON. You have not been in touch with Life magazine to
another, and then there was the third photograph. I wonder if the
find out what they have?
Doctor could give us what the explanation is of these?
Major QUINTANILLA. No, sir; we have not.
Dr. HYNEK. Well, sir, unless one has the original negative, there
Mr. STRATTON. Don't you think it might be well to undertake to
is very little photoanalysis that can be done. It is said a picture is
make an effort to find out whether Life has the negatives, for example,
worth a thousand words, but I think in this case it is the other way
or whether they have been in touch with the individuals concerned?
around, because generally it has been our experience, and I think
Major QUINTANILLA. Yes, sir.
Major Quintanilla will bear me out, that when we do have hoaxes
Mr. STRATTON. Well, I think, Mr. Secretary, as I just said, I am very
they very frequently are accompanied by photographs.
much impressed with the doctor's statement, and with yours, but this
Mr. STRATTON. I appreciate it is possible to doctor up negatives.
kind of thing in Life magazine makes it appear that there is some-
Let me put it the other way around. Have these three incidents
thing there, and you say that you have examined these things, and
which are reported photographically in Life magazine been examined
there is nothing there, and I think that you ought to have examined
by you, and, if so, what are your findings with regard to them?
this SO that we can have an explanation of these particular phenomena.
Dr. HYNEK. No, sir; they have not been examined by me, because
The CHAIRMAN. Let me say something.
I do not have the original negatives.
We cannot ask the Secretary to look into every magazine that is pub-
Mr. STRATTON. Are these incidents listed in the list that you have
lished, or every periodical that comes out of everybody's printing
compiled, and which the Secretary has told us 95 percent are explain-
press. Now, it seems to me like Life magazine is not exempted or ex-
able?
cluded, if they are as interested as they appear to be in this magazine,
Dr. HYNEK. No, sir. These particular pictures are not in my list
that comes to my office free, and which I seldom look into-that is my
since I don't know enough about them.
responsibility, I have other things to do-it looks to me like these
Mr. STRATTON. Doctor, I would suggest since these have had very
people who give such great dissemination to these things would be
prominent circulation, in a magazine of some prominence in the coun-
interested in seeing what the DOD has, without imposing on the Sec-
try, that we ought to examine these particular things and determine
retary of Defense the responsibility of tracking down everything that
whether they are hoaxes or not. If anything is disturbing the Ameri-
comes out of everybody's camera. I do not know why we should im-
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pose on the Secretary the requirement to track down Life magazine
The CHAIRMAN. How many, doctor
and say give me your negatives, give me your reasons. Is this what
Dr. HYNEK. With about 32 people. I talked with some of these
you want?
briefly, but spoke with at least 15 persons in considerable detail.
Mr. STRATTON. Mr. Chairman, it was my understanding we were
These two sightings, although separated by some 65 miles, were
asking this question because many people had been somewhat con-
a localized phenomenon. They were in the swamp area. No individ-
cerned by these reports in recent days, including the distinguished
ual that I talked to, and no group of persons, could agree that they
minority leader in the House.
has seen anything either enter or leave the swamp. There were
The CHAIRMAN. Yes.
several isolated reports by people who said that yes, they saw a bright
Mr. STRATTON. And it does seem to me when a national magazine
light come, but they could not get any general support or concurrence
that has as much influence as Life has, prints some photographic-
on this, from the others. Witnesses did agree that they saw a glow, and
what purports to be photographic-pieces of evidence of these objects,
red, yellow, and green lights in the swamp area in both cases. So I said
we ought to if we are going to allay the concern of these people who
to myself, "What is common in swamps?" And I researched this ques-
have started this investigation by our committee in the first place, that
tion with the aid of several professors at the University of Michigan.
we ought to have an answer to it.
They have been very helpful to me in this, since an astronomer doesn't
The CHAIRMAN. I think so, too, but I don't think we should criti-
know about swamps; he usually has his eyes a little higher than that.
cize the Secretary for not having done it.
They informed me, and I later found in several books, that marsh
Mr. Secretary, here is what I am going to request you do. You get
gas, resulting from the spontaneous igniting in air of such gases as
in touch with Life magazine and request them to furnish you with this
CH₄, methane, H2S, PH₃, phosphine, and particularly important,
information that Mr. Stratton has brought to your attention, or any
P₂H₄, an impurity in phosphine, is a common occurrence and produces
other magazine, and report back to this committee.
what appears to be glowing lights of different colors. Since then I
Secretary BROWN. We will be glad to do so.
have had several letters from people saying "What are they getting
The CHAIRMAN. I am sure Life magazine would be eager to do this.
all excited about in Michigan, I have seen these things since I have
Mr. Stratton, I think you are wise in suggesting it, but what I didn't
been a kid on the farm." As these gases are ignited, they can pro-
want to do is to unwittingly criticize the Secretary for not having done
duce red, yellow, and green glows. There is nothing mysterious about
it.
these colors.
Now, Mr. Secretary, will you do it?
The lighting goes out here, and goes on here, thus giving the im-
Secretary BROWN. We will do it, Mr. Chairman, and we will I think
pression of motion. The light was moving smoothly, they said, not
continue to follow our ground rules—
following the train which was bumpy, and they also rose some dis-
The CHAIRMAN. You get those negatives if you can and turn them
tance and came down. They were reportedly observed for a period of
over to the doctor, and I want a report on it.
21/2 to 3 hours.
Mr. STRATTON. Mr. Chairman, I have one more question. May I
In a book, "Light and Color in the Open Air," it is pointed out
say I wouldn't dream of criticizing the Secretary, he and I are good
that swamp lights, commonly known as will-o'-the-wisp, fox light,
friends, and he knows I am only trying to be helpful.
and SO forth, can be observed for several hours, sometimes all night.
The CHAIRMAN. Of course, and I know he cherishes your friend-
And the conditions were just right for it in Michigan. In both
ship, and so do I.
cases, the winds were reasonably calm. Had there been high winds,
Mr. STRATTON. The other item that has really led to all this concern
it is unlikely these glows would have taken place.
today are these sightings in Michigan. The Secretary has given us
Furthermore, Michigan had experienced an unusually mild winter.
a report, but I have only had a chance to skim over it. The doctor
They tell me there wasn't much snow. However, the swamp had
here a moment ago commented with respect to these people in Wiscon-
been covered by ice.
sin that only two or three people in the area had seen the phenomenon,
Now, in a swamp rotting vegetation produces these marsh gases.
and wasn't it surprising that a lot of people who must have been
When a thaw comes, it seems entirely logical to me, that these gases
around didn't see it.
would bubble up, and be spontaneously ignited, and you would see
If I understand the newspaper accounts correctly, the thing that is
these things. To me it is a logical explanation. I said in my press
unique about the Michigan sightings is that a lot of people in the area
release I couldn't prove it in a court of law but it seems to me to be a
saw it, and the girls in the dormitory apparently sat around for hours
very logical explanation.
watching it, and people came and went, and all saw whatever it was.
The CHAIRMAN. Now, Mr. Ichord.
Now, I wonder if you could give us in a nutshell what the explana-
Then I will come over to the other side.
tion of this is? Marsh gas is what I understand is the explanation.
Mr. ICHORD. Let me first differentiate, Mr. Chairman, my position
Could you tell us, doctor, in a few words the gist of what you dis-
from the chairman, and Mrs. Rivers, and also Mr. Nedzi.
covered out there that you have reported here?
I am neither a believer nor a disbeliever. I am from Missouri, and
Dr. HYNEK. I will be happy to. I conducted a detailed inquiry
I have got to be shown.
into the two reported sightings at Dexter and Hillsdale, Mich. Of
The CHAIRMAN. You go right ahead.
the 50 to 60 people who reported having seen one or the other of these
I talked with about 32 persons.
6072
6073
Mr. ICHORD. I would like to ask, along the line Mr. Stratton was
The CHAIRMAN. We will get an Air Force report on that, too.
inquiring, how close was the Life magazine article to April Fool's Day
Mr. Schweiker. Do I understand that you said none of the unex-
Mr. Chairman, one of the members of the committee staff has handed
plained objects have been sighted on radar?
me a question that I think should be in the record.
Major QUINTANILLA. No, sir; I said 1.5 percent.
Doctor, are you familiar with the NICAP, the National Investiga-
Mr. SCHWEIKER. No, the first question he asked you was, have any
tions Committee on Aerial Phenomenon?
of the unexplained objects been sighted on radar. I thought you said
Dr. HYNEK. I would think anyone who has been looking into UFO's
"No" to that just a couple of minutes ago.
for the past many years as I have couldn't help be acquainted with
Major QUINTANILLA. That is correct. We have no radar cases which
their work.
are unexplained.
Mr. ICHORD. What is the makeup of this committee?
Mr. SCHWEIKER. All right.
Dr. HYNEK. It is called a committee, but it is a rather large group
Let's go back to the story Mr. Bates was talking about, Exeter, N.H.,
of civilians over the country, as I underdstand it, who volunteer to
the one Mr. Fuller has written about in several magazines.
investigate the cases.
I understand this is an unexplained sighting on your part, is that
Mr. ICHORD. It has no official standing, then?
correct?
Dr. HYNEK. No official governmental standing; no, sir.
Major QUINTANILLA. That is correct, sir.
Mr. ICHORD. This committee does not always agree with your ex-
Mr. SCHWEIKER. He specifically says in his story-and I quote his
planation of the various sightings?
words now-
Dr. HYNEK. I believe that is correct.
Confidential comments made to me by the Coast Guardsmen and military in
Mr. ICHORD. How many, Doctor, of the 10,000-plus cases, have there
the area support the laymen's testimony and confirm the reports of radar sight-
been photographs allegedly taken of UFO's?
ings and scrambling by jet fighters from Pease Air Force Base.
Dr. HYNEK. In a very few cases. This is another thing which
Major QUINTANILLA. No, sir; that is not correct. We have no
bothers me.
radar information on that sighting. No jet fighters were scrambled.
Mr. ICHORD. Can you give an idea of how many?
Mr. Schweiker. Let me ask you this: In the Pease Air Force Base,
Dr. HYNEK. How many?
you had an investigation by Major Griffin, and a Lieutenant Brant, is
Major, would you venture a guess?
that correct?
Major QUINTANILLA. I don't know.
Major QUINTANILLA. Sir?
Dr. HYNEK. I would say only about 1 percent, or less, of the cases
Mr. Schweiker. In the situation at Exeter, N.H., did you have a
reported have included photographs.
report filed to you folks by Major Griffin and Lieutenant Brant?
Mr. ICHORD. Then I take it you can't tell me how many of these
Major QUINTANILLA. Yes, sir; we did.
photograph cases have not been explained by you, since you can't
Mr. Schweiker. Could we have copies of their raw report?
tell me how many photographs have been taken?
Major QUINTANILLA. Yes, sir; you may.
Dr. HYNEK. This is right. But the point is that you cannot make
Mr. SCHWEIKER. What were their conclusions?
a scientific analysis of a photograph unless you have the negative.
Major QUINTANILLA. They couldn't explain it.
As the major has pointed out, time and again when we request the
Secretary BROWN. They sent them over to us.
negatives, they are not forthcoming.
Mr. SCHWEIKER. They made no mention of planes scrambling from
Sometimes other groups get them.
Pease Air Force Base?
Mr. ICHORD. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Major QUINTANILLA. There were aircraft in the area on regularly
The CHAIRMAN. Now, Mr. Clancy.
scheduled missions, but they were not scrambled for the purpose of
Mr. CLANCY. Mr. Chairman, just one short question for the doctor.
observing the reported UFO's.
Have any of the 5 percent of the unexplained cases been observed
Secretary BROWN. Two of my staff have pointed out to me, Mr.
on radar screens?
Schweiker, that Pease AFB has no fighters; it is a SAC bomber base,
Secretary BROWN. I don't know the answer to that one.
and is not a fighter base.
Major QUINTANILLA. No, sir.
The CHAIRMAN. Are there any other questions, Mr. Schweiker?
Mr. CLANCY. What percentage of the reported incidents have been
Mr. Schweiker. Yes, sir.
reported on radar screens?
I would like to ask the doctor:
Major QUINTANILLA. About 1.5 percent, sir.
You said to have some bona fide sightings we need a lot of people
Mr. CLANCY. That is all.
and a point-to-point situation and some other things. Doesn't the
The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Schweiker, we are finishing up now.
Exeter, N.H. sighting, at least as reported-I want to point out that
Mr. SCHWEIKER. Yes, sir, Mr. Chairman.
in this sighting there were several policemen, including the chief of
First I would like to request the Beaver County photograph be
police and several news people who all reported the same phenomena,
included in the Air Force investigation, the one that appeared in
60 people. Doesn't that meet your criteria; a lot of people saw it, it
Look magazine, and was verified by the Beaver County Times. I
was a point-to-point situation, at least this observer says there were
hope that will be included.
6074
6075
radar sights. This apparently seems to be in disagreement at the
and you, Dr. Brown, are going to tell us-here is what I meant to tell
present time.
you-and this is far from the truth.
Wouldn't that be a classification of what you said we don't have?
I know of nothing else to ask him. I think we have explored every-
Dr. HYNEK. No, sir. I said there were several cases where we had
thing.
a lot of witnesses. It does not have to be a point-to-point situation.
Mr. Stratton, have you had any afterthoughts?
When an airliner leaves New York for San Francisco, it is seen over
Mr. STRATTON. Just one question.
Ohio, Nebraska, and so forth. These sightings were confined to a
Was there not a sighting, back it seems to me in 1947, when an object
relatively narrow area. I want to know what happened to these
was observed on radar, either at National Airport or Bolling, both
objects. Why weren't they seen over Fort Wayne, Ind.?
coming in and going out? It seems to me there was also a visual
Mr. Schweiker. The fact one officer reports he went to the scene
sighting that went along with that.
after someone else sighted it, and returned back to the same point, there
Do you-Major Quintanilla, I don't know how long you have been
it was, according to the police officer's testimony.
following this, but is this in your records at all?
Dr. HYNEK. Yes, sir, but it was in the same area. We don't know
Major QUINTANILLA. I am sure that if the sighting was reported to
what it was. I would like to know what it was.
the Air Force it is on record, but I am not aware of this particular
Mr. Schweiker. One of the other witnesses in this story-and all I
one, sir.
have to go on is what the reporter's writing says, they did, in fact see
Mr. STRATTON. It seems to me both the radar and the reported visual
it go from point to point, while they were watching it.
sighting were relatively in agreement. I just wondered if you were
Dr. HYNEK, Within a relatively narrow area. But I don't recollect
familiar with it?
whether they saw it leave for distant points. One of the things that
The CHAIRMAN. Thank you, Mr. Stratton.
seems to be SO odd about this particular case is that we did not find
Are there any other questions from any other member of the com-
horizontal trajectories over any length, as you would expect from a
mittee?
craft.
Mr. ICHORD. We will be back here at 2:30?
Mr. SCHWEIKER. Is the Beaver County sighting unexplained or is
The CHAIRMAN. The committee will reconvene at 2:30 for the pur-
that explainable, this photograph I referred to?
pose of taking up 412.
Major QUINTANILLA. Is this Mr. Lucci's photo?
Dr. Brown, we have no more requirement for the major and Dr.
Mr. Schweiker. Yes, sir.
Hynek, and the resumption of the hearing this afternoon will be in
Major QUINTANILLA. We have asked Mr. Lucci to submit the nega-
executive session.
tive for photo analysis, but he has refused to do so.
It will have to do with 412. We will take up where we left off.
Dr. HYNEK. It needs a double exposure, as we can judge from the
Dr. Brown, if you and General McConnell will be back at 2:30, we.
print.
will meet. We don't plan to have a meeting Thursday, because I think
Major QUINTANILLA. We asked the gentleman to submit the nega-
a lot of members will have gone, if we finish on Wednesday. But we
tive for analysis and he refuses to do so.
do want to meet this afternoon, and tomorrow, and maybe tomorrow
Mr. Schweiker. On what basis?
afternoon.
Major QUINTANILLA. I don't know, sir. We requested the negative.
Then I think we may be able to finish with Dr. Brown before the
Mr. SCHWEIKER. He submitted it to the Beaver Times. They pub-
recess.
lished it. Maybe these people are a little skeptical about turning over
At 2:30, Dr. Brown. And I want to thank you, Dr. Brown, for
negatives without some assurance.
producing this information.
I think we ought to look into that a little bit, because the newspaper
(Whereupon, at 11:55 a.m. the committee was adjourned to recon-
claims they saw the negatives, examined by their photographic experts,
vene at :30 p.m. of the same day.)
and they are authentic.
Major QUINTANILLA. I have a copy of our letter in my files asking
Mr. Lucci to submit the negative for analysis, and he declined to do
so. That is all I can say.
Mr. SCHWEIKER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The CHAIRMAN. Thank you, Mr. Schweiker.
We will go to Mr. Leggett.
Mr. LEGGETT. Mr. Chairman, Mr. Wilson and I want to go on record
at this time that we do not believe; we are intelligent people.
Mr. BATES. Which Wilson?
The CHAIRMAN. We are going to adjourn, and we are going to meet
again at 2:30. If there is no reason to hold Dr. Hynek and Major
Quintanilla, we will let them be excused. Some people say whenever
you all have gone we are going to get down here in executive session
EH:
6/27/66
Phone call from Professor McDonald - University of Arizona - who said
he had been in to see you recently. Wondered what was going on re
the UFO problem. We told him nothing had been done to date.
Said to tell you that he has been at Project Bluebook and after that
can concur even more heartily than ever with the sense of your resolution.
Will call again when he comes to town.
hb
CONGRESSMAN EDWARD HUTCHINSON
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3 to conduct a full and complete investigation and study of
4 reports, and present methods of investigation, in Michigan
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6
For the purpose of carrying out this resolution the
7 committee or subcommittee is authorized to sit and act
8 during the present Congress at such times and places within
9 the United States, whether the House is in session, has
10 recessed, or has adjourned, to hold such hearings, and to
11 require, by subpena or otherwise, the attendance and testi-
12 mony of such witnesses and the production of such books,
V
2
1 records, correspondence, memorandums, papers, and docu-
2 ments, as it deems necessary; except that neither the com-
3 mittee nor any subcommittee thereof may sit while the
4 House is meeting unless special leave to sit shall have been
5 obtained from the House. Subpenas may be issued under
6 the signature of the chairman of the committee or any
7 member of the committee designated by him, and may be
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13 as it deems advisable. Any such report which is made
14 when the House is not in session shall be filed with the
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To authorize the Committee on Armed Services
2D SESSION
89TH CONGRESS
Referred to the Committee on Rules
MAY 24, 1966
By Mr. HUTCHINSON
RESOLUTION
H. RES. 866
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3 to conduct a full and complete investigation and study of
4 reports, and present methods of investigation, in Michigan
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6
For the purpose of carrying out this resolution the
7 committee or subcommittee is authorized to sit and act
8 during the present Congress at such times and places within
9 the United States, whether the House is in session, has
10 recessed, or has adjourned, to hold such hearings, and to
11 require, by subpena or otherwise, the attendance and testi-
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V
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1 records, correspondence, memorandums, papers, and docu-
2 ments, as it deems necessary; except that neither the com-
3 mittee nor any subcommittee thereof may sit while the
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89TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. RES. 866
the
RESOLUTION
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ports of unidentified flying objects.
By Mr. HUTCHINSON
MAY 24, 1966
Referred to the Committee on Rules
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2 as a whole or by subcommittee, is authorized and directed
3 to conduct a full and complete investigation and study of
4 reports, and present methods of investigation, in Michigan
5 and elsewhere, of unidentified flying objects.
6
For the purpose of carrying out this resolution the
7 committee or subcommittee is authorized to sit and act
8 during the present Congress at such times and places within
9 the United States, whether the House is in session, has
10 recessed, or has adjourned, to hold such hearings, and to
11 require, by subpena or otherwise, the attendance and testi-
12 mony of such witnesses and the production of such books,
V
2
1 records, correspondence, memorandums, papers, and docu-
2 ments, as it deems necessary; except that neither the com-
3 mittee nor any subcommittee thereof may sit while the
4 House is meeting unless special leave to sit shall have been
5 obtained from the House. Subpenas may be issued under
6 the signature of the chairman of the committee or any
7 member of the committee designated by him, and may be
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13 as it deems advisable. Any such report which is made
14 when the House is not in session shall be filed with the
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ports of unidentified flying objects.
to conduct an investigation and study of re-
To authorize the Committee on Armed Services
2D SESSION
89TH CONGRESS
Referred to the Committee on Rules
MAY 24, 1966
By Mr. HUTCHINSON
RESOLUTION
H. RES. 866
-
6/2/66
Phone call from Don Berliner of National Investigations Committee on
Aerial Phenomena
1536 Connecticut Ave. N. W., Washington, D. C.
BEBOKIS
from
Mailed copy of H. Res. 866 and 5/19/66 press release
per ags/hb
Wm Berliner
/
667-9434
halt, Investigations lim.
an aerial Phenomena
1536 Coon 2.W.
/
Hutchinson HOLLAN D
Sentinel
Wants Study 5/21/66
WASHINGTON - Rep. Ed-
ward Hutchinson of Fennville,
representing Michigan's Fourth
District Friday said he was
drafting a resolution urging
the House Armed Services
and Present methods of investigally, son
(introduced by EH 5/24/66)
89th Congress
2d Session
H. RES.
To authorize the Committee on Armed Services to con-
duct an investigation and study of reports of
unidentified flying objects.
Resolved, That the Committee on Armed Services, acting
as a whole or by subcommittee, is authorized and directed to
conduct a full and complete investigation and study of reports,
and present methods of investigation,
/in Michigan and elsewhere, of unidentified flying
objects.
For the purpose of carrying out this resolution the com-
mittee or subcommittee is authorized to sit and act during
the present Congress at such times and places within the
United States, whether the House is in session, has recessed,
or has adjourned, to hold such hearings, and to require, by
subpena or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of such
-2-
witnesses and the production of such books, records, corres-
pondence , memorandums, papers, and documents, as it deems
necessary; except that neither the committee nor any subcom-
mittee thereof may sit while the House is meeting unless
special leave to sit shall have been obtained from the House.
Subpenas may be issued under the signature of the chairman
of the committee or any member of the committee designated
by him, and may be served by any person designated by such
chairman or member.
The committee shall report to the House as soon as practi-
cable during the present Congress the results of its investi-
gation and study, together with such recommendations as it
deems advisable. Any such report which is made when the
House is not in session shall be filed with the Clerk of the
House.
Pally hear 3/26/66
Local Official Questions
Objectivity Of Scientist
Dr. J. Allen Hynek,
served will be one of two
the 17 girls at the dormitory
"It is my-sincere belief Dr.
Northwestern University
things:
witnessing a descending lighted
Hynek had formed an opinion
object in the sky that caused
and decided what his report
astrophysicist and scien-
"1-Their findings will state
them to make the first report,
would be before he ever came
tific consultant to the Air
that what we were observing
here. And I say this because of
was what is commonly known
Force has said the Uni-
"The first sighting that
the way the investigation was
as will-o-the-wisp, St. Elmo's
caused them to make the
conducted and the tvne of alles-
Хинибрасе- (UFO)- Hutchinson Bills - H. Res. 866 -
MS - Publications (College Booklet)
5250
April 1, 1966
Mr. Charles Deal
Box 32
Pittsford, Michigan
Dear Chuck:
I second the high regard you express for our mutual friend, Bud Van Horn.
The newspaper article which you enclosed with your letter indicates that
the Air Force investigation vas a cursory one. It suggests that the Air
Force expert came into the Hillsdale community wi with the idea that he al-
ready knew what the cause was. Our friend Bud, who had made a careful
investigation into the UFO sighting is quoted as saying the Government's
conclusion made him look rather foolish. This, I think was regrettable,
and I hope,' entirely unintended, for there 1s no doubt that Bud's questions
merited serious consideration.
You are perhaps informed that Congressman Jerry Ford has called for a
Congressional investigation into the UFO situation in Michigan. I certain-
ly support him in that call. Bo far, however, the Democratic Congressional
majority has given no thought to any such investigation. If the sightings
continue, it is possible 1the leadership might be pressed to action on the
matter.
We have mailed you a copy of the pemphlet which I prepared outlining the
multitude of private foundation and government programs to financially
assist students in going to college. I trust you will find it interesting.
Many thanks for returning the Questionnaire so promptly. They are coming
back in good volume.
Sincerely,
(HH:mlk)
dicta 3/31/66
Sent forklet 4/1
3/27/66 MAR 31 1968
Dear Si,
& think the accompanying article says
everything I have to say I agree it is time an
invistigation was made 8 have yet to see the air
Face admit that some of these things might really
be something (Dues in the an Force, too.) I dent
brace if you know "Bud" Van Ham as not He
allens or operates a Juneral home & ambulance service
in Hilladale, He does the job of Canil Defence
Director without pay of any kind The Hilladale
County Cavil Ofense Organization has been used by
the state as a pattern for other C Q organizations
all over the state. He is one of the most respected
& well thoug be of men in this area He is and
exachype. of he says he saw something he saw
something & must of the people here will back him
up on his ward alone do much for that,
Miss Hawlves, the librarian at Maitchell Library
in Hilledole, was showing me a banch of new
N
looks they have received thing ba loan program.
She tells me you were responsible for this program.
Thank you! Our family get about 30 Revery backs
two week from the Cabrary
3/31/66
Send Ao)
my wife tells me, your office has available
a pampblet, "Yes you Too Can So To Callege "2 2
would a copy if you please Thank you very much
Chuck Deal
Pittsfaed Midiagan
Box 3r n
Received your questionance & returned it thomed This
is a good thing too.
William E. Van Horn, Director
REC'D MAY 1 1966
HILLSDALE COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE
40 S. Manning Street
HILLSDALE, MICHIGAN 49242
May 12, 1966
Honorable Edward Hutchinson,
4th District Congressman,
House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir;
You are no doubt familiar with the U.F.O. incident that
occured in Hillsdale, Michigan on March 21st, 1966. This
is the incident in which the Hillsdale College co-eds,
their house director and I had the opportunity to witness
what I refer to as an Unidentified Flying Object.
For the past seven weeks some of my staff members and I
have been conducting an investigation into the U.F.O. sit-
uation and the side effects upon the people of our own
locality. From the many letters I have received from peo-
ple all over the United States, my observation would be
that most of the people throughout the entire country have
reacted the same way.
I was extremely aggrevated to have the United States Air
Force and Dr. J. Allen Hynek, come into our city, spend
so little time in their investigation and then attempt to
make us look like a group of idiots. I can honestly say
that I expected this and in fact made a statement to the
Hillsdale Daily News as to what their findings would be
previous to the Air Force and Dr. Hyneks statement to the
press was released. This was very much in line with the
U.F.O. investigation and their Project Blue Book.
I have enclosed a portion of the results of our own invest-
igation and also one of the photographs. This is the mat-
erial that I want to release at this time.
I am sure that if you will study this report that you will
see that we are not a group of idiots as the Air Force and
Dr. Hynek has attempted to make us look. I also am
very sure that there are many other people who have been
laughed at, ridiculed and embarrassed because they reported
what they observed and were very sincere in doing so.
It is my sincere opinion that many people have made very
good observations of U.F.O.'s and have withheld the inform-
ation because of the fear of being made to look like fools.
I do not think that this is right and feel that this has for
some reason been intentionally done to cause people to shut
up and to stop bothering the Air Force.
William E. Van Horn, Director
HILLSDALE COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE
40 S. Manning Street
page 2
HILLSDALE, MICHIGAN 49242
I feel that this situation is very serious and that this
has been demonstrated by our investigation. No, not the
U.F.O.'s, but rather the trend that has developed from the
entire mode of investigation that has been carried on by
the Air Force regarding the situation. What I am saying,
gentlemen, is the American people are afraid and hesitant to
report anything because of being ridiculed. Stop and think!
This could well be the common denominator by which our aver-
age citizen could fail to report even a subversive or un-
American act or person. This is my honest concern. As far
as the U.F.O. situation is concerned, I definitely feel that
Unidentified Flying Objects are present, even though I was
a skeptic previous to this incident.
Perhaps more serious thought and attention should be given
to the U.F.O. investigation and that in some manner the invest-
igation should be conducted so that the findings released
would not cause ridicule and embarrassment to those that are
concerned.
I therefore, as a citizen and public official, request that
there be a Congressional Investigation conducted, not into
the U.F.O, situation but into the inêffective, inadequate,
and assinine methods and answers being issued by the Air
Force in regards to their investigation and findings. It
would be far better to release no information than to use the
Marsh Gas Theory.
Sincerely, William E.Vanthen Don
William E. VanHorn
Civil Defense Director,
Hillsdale Co., Hillsdale, Mich.
Copy to:
Hon. Weston E. Vivian, 2nd Cong. Dist.
Hon. Gerald Ford, 5th Cong Dist.
lvh
REGARDING U.F.O. INVESTIGATION
BY
HILLSDALE COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE
THE ATTACHED INFORMATION IS THE RESULTS OF THE U.F.O. INVESTIGATION
CONDUCTED BY THE HILLSDALE COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE ORGANIZATION, HILLSDAIE
COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
THE REPORT ISIN FOUR PARTS AS FOLLOWS:
PART 1 - Dr. J. Allen Hynek's Press release of March 25, 1966
which is page 1 through page 5. My referals and comm-
ents to Dr. Hyneks statements are found on pages
6 through 11.
PART 2 - This part contains the reports of a soil analytical
test which was conducted from soil and various things
taken from the area where the U.F.O. was located when
we observed it on March 21, 1966. Also attached to this
part is a photograph of the element Boron which is
found floating on a pond, which was very near the
location.
PART 3 = This part contains a photostatic copy of a letter
which was written to myself by Dr. llynek. Also
on pages one and two are found my answers and or
questions to Dr. liynek's letter.
PART 4 on This part contains a photograph taken in July of
1965 in Hillsdale County. I have had the negative
of this picture in my possession and have had this
checked and found it to be authentic. The object is
in focus which discounts a spot on the lens of the
camera. Also the negative does not have any flaws
and it definitely is not a superimposure.
This is a part of our findings that we want at this time to
release. However in the future there may be more information
which we will want to release.
Signed
William E. Van Horn, Director,
Hillsdale County Civil Defense
Fage I
Release Date
Release to: Press, Radio and Television
From: William "Bud" Van Horn, Civil Defense Director,
Hillsdale County Michigan
Regarding: U.F.O. observation March 21, 1966 and the
investigation by the U.S. Air Force and Dr. J.
Allen Hynek.
On the evening of March 21, 1966 a group of College
Co-eds and myself had the opportunity of observing an
Unidentified Flying Object. Upon the release of this news
th
and on March 24 Dr. J. Allen Hynek representing the
United States Air Force arrived in Hillsdale to carry on an
investigation of our observation. Dr. Hynek was accompanied
by two young Airmen, one of which was a Chauffeur and the
other Airman, Second Class Dennis Hambly, who I was told was
an official member of the investigating team.
After spending the short time of 3 hours in the City
of Hillsdale and making what I would consider a whirwind
investigation or our observation the representativies left
the City,
Having previously heard of the type of investigations
that were conducted by the United States Air Force with
regards to the U.F.O. sightings, I was very interested in the
type of personell that would conduct this investig tion,
and the methods that would be used. It was my considerate
opinion that Dr. Hynek had his mind made up as to what his
Page 2
findings would be before he ever reached the City of Millsdale.
I also observed that his main line of questioning was relative
only to that which would fit the Marsh Gas theory. Although
there was nothing to my knowledge from the information
given Dr. llynek that would fit the Marsh Gas theory, he
irregardless found it fit to state that Harsh Gas is what
we were observing. Dr. Hynek was not or at least didn't
to me display any intent interest in the type of movement of
the Vehicle that we were observing nor did he volunteer any
thought or explanation of the observation the girls had made
of the object descending from the sky which prompted them to
call the Civil Defense Office. At no time did Dr. Hynek
step a foot into the area where the Vehicle was located
that the girls and myself had been observing.
It is my very considerate and sincere opinion that:
1) The observation that was made by the girls
and myself was a U.F.O. and definitely was
not Harsh Gas.
2) That the investigation conducted by Dr. Hynek
and the Air Force was very incomplete and was
merely a token apperance sort of act.
3) That from the many, many very good sightings
we have had reported to us, came from very
responsible people in most cases, and that
they are very well founded. It is my sincere
belief that the people making these reports
have made a definate observation. In some of
the cases we have been able to prove that it
was not a U.F.O. and in many of the cases we
could either make no decision or did definitely
confirm them as U.F.O.'s.
With the aforementioned thoughts in mind, and having
seen many of our good people laughed at and ridiculed and
caused embarrasment because they reported most sincerely
lage 3
that which they had witnessed, my men and myself for the
past seven weeks have conducted a most sincere and open
minded investigation into the U.F.O. situation in our
own locality. I have attached a majority of our findings
for the peoples consideration.
Previous to our original sighting on March 21st, I
could have been considered a "Skeptic." However, now after
seeing the investigation that was conducted here in Hillsdale,
by the Air Force, and after conducting our own investigation
(3 hrs. VS 7 week?), I am firmly convinced that the U.F.O.
does exist.
And in conclusion, I would state that if the whirl-
wind investi ation that was conducted by the Air Force
regarding the Hillsdale U.F.O., and the personell that
conducted it are representatives of our U.S. Air Force,
I the feel that our people have a great deal more to be
conerned about than the U.F.O. situation.
From this investigation I have found that the people
are afraid to make any statements with regard to what they
have witnesses. This is true in our own locality and I
would say pretty generally throughout the entire United
States. I say this from the great number of letters that
I have received from people from all our United States.
It is my sincere opinion that this fear of comminicating
that has been instilled in people, could well be the common
denominator which would cause, or maybe has C' used people
Page 4
to fail to report some subversive or unamerican acts or
persons.
It is my belief that the U.S. Air Force could use a
more tactful mode of investigation than has been used in the
past, rather than that which makes those people who in all
sincerity report something, to look like fools.
William EVan Have Director
Hillsdon County Civil Defence
PART NUMBER ONE
Page 1
STATEMENT ON THE DEXTER AND HILLSDALE UFO SIGHTINGS
by DR. J. Allen Hynek
Scientific Consultant to Project Blue Book;
The Air Force has asked no to make a statement on my
findings to date. This I am happy to do, provided it is clearly
understood that my statement will refer to the two principal
events as reported to me: The event near Dexter, Mich. on
March 20, and a similar one at Hillsdale, Eich., on March 21.
It does not cover the hundreds of unexplained reports as opposed
to the thousands of explained cases made not only to Project
Blue Book, but those from other countries, over the past several
years, as described in recent books and articles. I have not
investigated those-such as the one near Exeter, N. II. and those
in the western states last year, not the puzzling foreign cases,
such as that at Cuernavaco, Mexico, last fall. I have recom-
mended in my capacity as Scientific Consultant, that competent
scientists quietly study such cases when evidence from responsible
people appears to warrent such study. There may be much of
potential value to science in such svents. We know a very great
deal more about the physical world in 1966, than we did in 1866
but, by the same token, the people in the 2066 may regard ua
as very incomplete in our scientific knowledge. We must not
in our haste to have answers, br Fredrick Smiths.
If then, It is understood I am not making a blanket
statement to cover the entire UFO phenomenon over the past 20
years in this and other countries, I am prepared to discuss
1
the Deşter and Hillsdale sightings.
# 1
Page 2
Now, in addition to these two specific cases there has
been a flood of other reports from this area, both before and
after last Sunday and Monday, and I could not possibly have had
the time to investigate all of these. I have had time, however,
to determine that in Hillsdale, over and above the sincere and
honest reporting by the young ladies at Hillsdale College of
2
a very puzzling sighting, certain young men have played pranks
with flares. And, I have also determined that the pictures
released yesterday to the press were taken on March 17, near
Hilan, Mich., and have no reference whatever to the sightings
on March 20 or 21 st, and are without any question a time
e.posure of the rising cresent moon and the planet Venus. I
emphasize that this explanation refers to those specific pictures
and not to the two cases now in question.
At long last now, the Dexter and Milladale cases: Here are
the hard facts, the residue, the common denominator after
#3
sifting out as much of the subjective, peripheral, and inconsistent
statements as I have been able to do in this short time.
4
The majority of observers in both cases reported only
lights--red, yellow and green, silent glowing lights, near the
ground. They have not described an object. Even the only two
observers who did describe an object have stated that they were
no closer than 500 yards--better than a quarter of a mile away--
a distance which does not allow details to be determined.
$ 5
Witnesses have described glowing lights--lights that seemed to
move but never far from a definite local, or which suddenly
disappeared and popped up at another place.
# 2
Page 3
# 6
Now what was the locale in both instances? In both cases, a
swamp. In both cases the location of the glow was pin-pointed:
in Dexter it was soon between two distant groups of people,
and at Hillsdale it was seen in a swampy depression between
#7
the girls and distant trees. It was in both cases a very
localized phenomenon. I think that this is a most significant
point.
# 8
A dismal swamp is a most unlikely place for a visit from
outer space: It is not a place where a helicopter would hover
for several hours, or where a soundless, secret device would
likely be tested.
Now what is a swamp? It is a place of rotting vegetation
and of decomposition. Swamps are not the normal province of
the astronomer; he usually has his eyes trained toward loftier
plades--yet the Dutch astronomer, Minnaert, in his book,
@ Light and Color, in the Open Air, If has this to say/a about
swamps. Ile describes lights that have been seen in swamps by
the astronomer Bessel and other excellent observers. The lights,
he says, resemble tiny flames, sometimes seen right on the ground,
sometimes floating above it. The flames go out in one place
and suddenely appear in another, giving the illusion of motion.
The colors, he says, are sometimes yellow, sometimes red and
blue-greed. No heat is felt, and the lights do not burn or
char the ground. They can appear for hours at a time and
sometimes for a whole night. Generally there is no smell, and
usually no sound, except the popping sound of little explosions,
such as when a gas burner ignites.
# 3
page 4
Where does the gas come from, and what lights it? The
rotting vegetation produces marsh gas which can be trapped by
ice and winter conditions. When a spring thaw occurs, the gas
may be released in some quantity.
The flame, Minnaert says, is a form of chemical luminesence
and its low temperature is one of its peculiar features.
Exactly how it occurs is not known and this in itself might
be made a subject of an interesting study.
The glowing lights on the swamp near Dexter and Hillsdale
# 9
were observed for two to three hours. No sounds were heard,
except for popping sounds. The lights were red, green or
10
yellow and they appeared to move sideways, and to rise a short
distance. I emphasize this would not be seen frequently--it
11
is of a unique character. I have never seen it myself and I
can easily understand the dismay of the witnesses who say it
and who sincerely described what they saw.
It seems likely that as the present spring thaws came the
trapped gases CH4, H2S, PH3, resulting from decomposition of
organic materials were released. The chemistry book by Sienko
and Plane has this to say: "In air, phosphine, PH3, usually
bursts into flame, apparently because it is ignited by a
spontaneous oxidation of the impurity P2H₄· The will-o-the
wisp, sometimes observed in marshes, may be due to spontaneous
ignition of impure PH₃, which might be formed by reduction
of naturally occurring phosphorous compounds."
# 4
page 5
Other scientists have pointed out to me that in swamps
the formation of H2S and CH4 from rotting vegetation is common.
these could be ignited by the spontaneous burning of the
Phosphine, PH3°
It would seem to me that the association of the sightings
with swamps, in these particular cases, is more than
12
coincidence. No group of witnesses observed any craft coming
to or going away from the swamps. The glow was localized
there. Deputy Fitzpatric described the glow as coming from
beyond a rise adjacent to the swamp, and visible through the
trees. He stated that the lights brightened and dimmed much
as stage lights smoothly and slowly. The girls at
Hillsdale described almost the identical thing. This could
have been due to the release of variable quantities of marsh
gas.
The disappearance of the light when people got close with
flash-lights or car lights, would indicate that the glow seemed
# 13
bright only to dark-adapted eyes. The night was dark-there
# 14
was no moon. The Hillsdale girls kept their rooms dark in
order to see the lights in the swamp.
I emphasize in conclusion that I cannot prove in a Court
of Law that this is the full explanation of these sightings.
It appears very likely, however, that the combination of the
conditions of the particular weather conditions that night--
15
there was little wind at either location were such as to
have produced this unusual and puzzling display.
# 5
# 1
Dr. Hynek states he is refering specifically to the
Dexter and Hillsdale areas. I am answering only to
the Millsdale investigation of which I am most
familiar.
# 2
Dr. llynek was very well aware that the flare incident
occured on Vednesday March 23rd and not on the evening
of "arch 21st
# 3
The only statements that Dr. Hynek was interested in
were the inconsistant ones and it is my belief and
knowledge from questioning people that the inconsistant
statements were very few.
# 4
We did not describe the outline of an object but Dr.
Hynek was not interested when we attempted to describe
to him the ascending and descending in a uniform manner
of two seperate color lights to a height of approximatily
100-150 feet. He was informed by myself that at one
time I could make out a convexed surface between the
two lights which I estimated 25 feet between.
# 5
This was by no means the description that was given
Dr. Hynek with regards to the lights in the Hillsdale
area. The lights did increase and decrease in brilliance.
It is very evident that his description as stated in his
release could have been taken from any one of many
books describing Marsh Gas.
# 6
# 6 The Hillsdale area where the observation was made is
not a swamp but rather a wooded area. And how would
Dr. Hynek know what the area was as he was never in it.
The closest he got to the crea was the center of Barber
Drive, a road which runs parallel to the area.
# 7
This to me was no phenomenon as this was definitely
some type of a vehicle which had the atility to ascend
and descend and to nove very freely and smoothly from
one side to the other and in doing so, both lights
being observed moved uniformly and remained a stationary
distance apart.
# 8
I disagree with this for two reasons:
A. A swamp is usually a place where there are no
people around and also in most cases requires a
period of time to enter and get to.
B. Also a swamp is generally a source of water which
could well be needed by a space vehicle.
# 9
To the best of my knowledge there were no sounds heard
in the Villsdale incident and Dr. Lynek was very definitly
informed of this. With regards to the popping sounds
this again is a discription which can be found in any
one of many books describing Marsh Gas.
# 10 I do not mall lights ascending and descending to and
from a height of 100 to 150 feet a short distance.
# 7
#
11 Dr. !lynek states that he has never seen the phenomenon
of Marsh Gas, I have personally many times witnessed
this as a young hoy having been raised near a swamp in
Jonesville, Michigan. I can very assuredly state we
were not observing Marsh Gas the evening of Marsh 21st
c
His further formula description of Earsh Gas is very
correct.
# 12 Dr. Hynek is way off in left field on this statement.
He was told not only by myself but also by the College
girls of the observation made by the 17 girls of the
approach of the object from the northeast, flashing
by their window, disappearing to the south of them and
then reappearing over the area and descending to where
we observed it. Dr. llynek was not interested in listening
to this type of information and was extremely evasive
on any questions that were asked regarding anything such
as this. In addition, the glow was not localized as
stated by Dr. Hynek but rather the lights did as I
have stated before ascend and descend and move from
side to side in a uniform manner.
# 13 The night was dark as most nights are, but there was an
occasional sighting of the moon as the sky condition
was from a broken to a scattered condition.
#: 14 This statement is true that the lights were off in the
room from which we were making the observation. However
just outside end below the windows there is this row
# 8
of flood lights which were on which discounts the total
darkness theory.
# 15 I offer the following wind velocities from an official
recorded source in defience of Dr. Hynek's statement
that there was little wind the evening of March 21st
I estimated the wind approximately 10 miles per hour
and the following wind velocities are taken from the
record of an official U.S. agency for the area:
March 21, 1966
Time
Wind Velocity
9 p.m.
130° at 10 K.
10 p.m.
130° at 7 K.
11 p.m.
110° at 10 K.
12 p.m.
120° at 8 K.
March 22, 1966
1 a.m.
040° at 8 K.
2 a.m.
100° at 10 K.
The air has to be extremely quiet and calm for Marsh
Gas or Methane to accumulate in mass and form a glow.
The above wind conditions would prove that this could
not happen. We also offer the following evidence and
research to support our statements that this was not
Marsh Gas: Marsh Gas as known under the chemical term
of Methane (CH₄) is a gas which is created and produce&
from rotting vegitation. This process of decay is created
by an enzyme which is produced by bacteria. There is an
# 9
optimum temperature at which these bacteria are most
active and that temperature is from 35° C to 40° C.
A temperature of 60° C will destroy them and as the
temperature lowers below 35° C, the bacterial action
will become gradually retarded which in essence means
that the process of decay is gradually slowed meaning
that the gas formation is slowed or eventually stopped.
To further substantiate my theory that Marsh Gas
could not have been present at this time and with the
fore going explanation of the bacterial action to produce
the Marsh Gas I herewith provide an account of the
temperatures of our area from November 1 st 1965 through
st
st
March 21 1966 to show that the optimum temperature
was not present for this action.
These temperatures are given as observed by the
official United States Weather Observer for our area:
November 1965
Average High
9° C
Average Low
C
Average Mean
4° C
December 1965
Average Eigh
4° C
Average Low
-3° C
Average Mean
-1 C
January 1966
Average High
-30 C
Average Low
-11° C
Average Mean
-7° C
February 1966
Average High
30 C
Average Low
-70 C
Average Mean
-30 C
March 1966
Average High
11° C
(to 21st.)
Average Low
-1° C
Average Hean
5° C
# 10
For 5 month period
Average Low
Average Mean injury -1 000
Average High
It is my sincere belief that the bacterial requiring
a temperature of 35° to 40° C optimum temperature and
our average mean temperature being -1° C that it would
have been impossible for little gas if any to have
been present at, this time of the year. If any gas was
present, my contention is that it could not possibly
have been present in quantity enough to last for the
period of / time that we were makeing the observation.
# 11
PART NUMBER TWO
May 3, 1966
Mr. William Vanhorn
40 So. Manning St,
Hillsdale, Mich.
Dear Sir:
We the undersigned give full consent for the usage of our report
or any part there of. These tests may be used for any purpose or end
to your suiting.
We are sending with this letter an extra copy of our report and
two photographs which we feel shows some signifigance to our con-
clusions.
RESERCH ON HILLSDALE U.F.O. SIGHTINGS
Index-I
Index of Tests Taken.
I. Soil Tests
A. Acid- Base Test
B. Solubility Test
C. Composition Test
D. Radiological Test
II. Plant Tests. (Green and Fungi)
A. Paper Chromatography
B. Tests for Measuring Life Functions.
C. Starch Test
D. Clorophyll TestE.
E. Radiological Test
F. Spectrum Test on Plants Clorophyll
III. Animals Tests
A. Blood Hemoglobin Test
B. Metabolism Check
C. Reflex Test
D. Radiological Test
IV. Mineral Tests
A. Acid-Base Test
B. Type of Rock Specimens
C. Check of Characteristics (chemical or structural changes)
D. Radiological Tests
v. Water Tests
A. Microscopic Analysis
B. Acid-Base Test
C. Composition of Materials in the Water
D. Radiological Test
Index II
Environment Facts Index.
I Temperature
II Pend Life
III Range and Time of Radiological Changes
IV Changes of Visible Appearance caused by the U.F.O.
Continued
Page II
Index III
Conclusions Index
I Conclusions of Seil Tests
II Conclusions of Plant Tests
III Conclusions of Animal Tests
IV Conclusions of Mineral Tests
v Conclusions of Water Tests
VI Conclusions of Enviroment Facts
VII Main Conclusions
#1
I Seil Tests
a. Acid-Base Test
Acid content of three which is very heavy and Base content of seven or
eight which is almost neutral.
b. Selubility Test
The seil was very soluble in a water solution.
c. Composition Test
There was no change in soil compostion except for a slight additive of
Beron.
d. Radiolegical Test
The radition reading on the soil was thirty-one hundredth roentgens per hour.
(.31r/hr.)
II Plant Tests (Green and Fungi)
a. Paper Chromatography Test.
There were found only green and yellow pigments in this test, the blue
pigment did not show up in this test, so we presume the blue pigment was
destroyed.
b. Tests for measuring life functions.
The plants were found to be healthy.
c. Starch Test.
This was found to be normal. (content)
d. Clorophyll Test,
This was found to be normal. (content)
e. Radiological Test.
The reading on the plants was threefundred fifteen thousanths roentgens per
hour. (.315 r/hr)
f. Spectrum Test on Plant Clerophyll
The blue pigment was gone, 1t did not show up in this test presuming again
that the blue pigment was completely destroyed.
(continued)
Page III
III Animal Tests
a. Blood Hemeglobin Test
Amphibian: The hemeglobin was slightly reduced.
Crustation: The hemoglobin showed no change from normal.
b. Metabolism Test.
Amphibiant Had slower than normal metablism but now improving.
Crustation: Could detect no metabolic change from normal.
c. Reflex Test.
Amphibian was slugish when first captured but has now improved.
Crustation no change detected.
d. Radiological Test.
Crustation: Three thousand one hundred twenty five -ten thousanths. (.3125 r/hr)
Amphibiant Three thousand seventy five-ten thousanths (.3075 r/hr)
IV Mineral Tests.
a. Acid-Base Test
All rocks, ingenous, metmorphic and sedimintary were found to be neutral.
b. Type of Rock Specimen.
I. Ingenous
2. Metamorphic
3. Sedimentary
e. Check of Characteristics,
All characteristics of the rocks found to be normal for each type of rock,
There were no chemical or structural changes.
d. Radiological Tests
1. Ingenous .31 r/hr
2. Metamorphic .31r/hr
3. Sedimintary .3125 r/hr
v Water Tests
a. Microscopie Analysis
All microscepic animals and plants dead,cause unknown.
b. Acid-Base Test
The water was neutral of both acid and base.
c. Composition of materials in the water.
All minerals found in the water normal with the exception of a slight trace
of Boron
d. Radielogical Test.
The water had a .315 r/hr reading.
VI Environmental Tests Taken 3/23/66.
a. Temperature
1. Water 42°
2. Air 54° F
No unusual heat shown
Continued
Page IV
B. Pond Life
1. Crustation
2. Amphibiens, there was an unusally large number of them.
c. Range and time of Radiological Changes.
The first meter reading the meter showed thirty three hundreths roentgens
(.33 r/hr) and its last reading 3 hours later showed twenty seven hundreths
roentgens (.27r/hr)
d. Changes of visible apperance caused by the U.F.O.
No apparent changes in evironment were visible.
CONCLUSIONS:
SOIL:
I. The soil had above normal radiation and also had abnormal content of
Boron. The Beren is alien to this type of soil.
II. PLANT
The plants had above normal radiation. Blue pigments did not show up in the
tests and were presumed to be destroyed but this did not seem to effect the
life junetions of the plants.
III POND LIFE
Crustation and Amphibian radiation was higher than normal but the highest
radiation was recorded in the amphibian. Also the amphibien was effected
noticeably where the erustation was not.
IV Mineral
Sedimentary rocks were slightly higher in radiation than either ingenous
or metamorphic rocks, There was no other change dither chemical or structural.
V. WATER
All microscopic plants and animals were dead. The water had above normal
radiation and abnormally contained Boron.
VI Environment
The environment had above normal radiation and it contained a small amount
of Boron which is foreign to this soil.
MAIN CONCIUSION:
VII The area contained an abnormally high amount of radiation from some unknown
source. The area also strangely contained Boron which was found in both
water and soil, These two facts are the only ones which would substanTiate
the presence of a U.F.O. In our opinion were not saying that there was a
U.F.O. but we also do not know how to account for these two facts. However
we belaeve it could not. be swamp gas because of the high winds on the night
of the sighting. With these high winds the gas would not have formed a mass
and remainesstationary. We also do not believe it was pranksters because we
searched the swamp thoroughly for any sign of evidence to explain the
phenomenon.
Kipling Vandenberg
Jerry Wilson
PART NUMBER THREE
DEARBORN OBSERVATORY
feed-
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS 60201
29 March 1966
Mr. Van Horn
Van Horn Funeral Home
Hillsdale, Michigan
Dear Mr. Van Horn,
I am much interested in the new evidence that I hear you are turning up in
the UFO matter. The high radioactivity, if confirmed, would surely be a
significant matter.
I am enclosing a copy of my actual press release which I hope you will read
carefully and let me have your comments. You will note that I have limited
my discussion to the two "swamp cases". I have received many letters
written prior to the release, from people in farm areas who proposed this
solution independently, stating that they have been familiar with such
glowing lights over swamps since childhood.
You will also note that I have recommended that a basic scientific study
of well-attested UFO cases be made. I made such a recommendation as long
ago as 1952: The terrific "noise" represented by the thousands of misiden-
tifications etc., I believe prevented such recommendations from being taken
seriously. If there was 80 much "noise" there probably wasn't any "signal".
I, on the contrary, have always felt that the whole UFO phenomenon is wor..
thy of investigation and independently said so on the dust jacket of Jacques
Vallee's book, The Anatomy of a Phenomenon, which, incidently, I suggest
you read.
I am anxiously awaiting your report on the sightings of the lights we talked
about on the phone just before I left Ann Arbor. Was rapid motion ever
definitely established? If there is any substance to the reports of lights
high in the sky, then of course this is worthy of further investigation.
I repeat that my interpretation applied only to the swamp areas.
I am anxious for you to read my press report since many of the things I
said were taken out of context, as they most frequently are.
You are undoubtedly one of the most responsible witness observers in the
entire "Michigan Affair" and I think it would be most unfortunate if you and
I found curselves in opposite camps. I'm sure that we both want to know
what the actual facts are.
J. J. Sincerely, Allen Hynek Hyneh
JAH:mmp
Enclosure
Regarding Dr. llynek's Letter
Attached is a photostatic copy of a letter written to
me by Dr. J. Allen llynek on March 29, 1966.
This letter to me is quite confusing in as much as
it would give quite a different opinion of Dr. Hynek than
I derived of him upon his visit to Millsdale during the
investigation. In reading this letter one would be led
to believe that Dr. Eynek was very sincere in getting more
to the bottom of the U.F.O. situation than he was upon his
visit to !!illsdale. However, as I have previously stated it
did not appear to me that Dr. Hynek was interested in any
statements other than those which might fit the Marsh Gas
theory,
In the second paragraph of his letter Dr. Lynek states
that his findings of Earsh Gas were in essence from the letters
that he had recieved from farm area people, proposing the
Marsh Gas explanation. Still in his press release he admits
that he has never witnessed Marsh Gas. I too have recieved
letters 'from people in the farming areas who claim that
it could not have been Marsh Gas at this time of the year.
I have seen Marsh Gas and know that this was not what we
were observing. To me, it is unusual for an expert to
form an opinion such as this without further researching,
especially when one is as unfamiliar with something as
Dr. Hynek was with Marsh Gas.
# 1
You will notice in the third paragraph of his letter
that he states he had recommended a basic scientific study
of the well-attested U.F.O. cases be made. He has in fact
also stated on the Cust cover of the book "The Anatomy of
a Phenomenon," that he has always felt that the U.F.O.
phenomenon was worthy of investigation.
In the fourth paragraph of his letter, Dr. Hynek is
refering to one of our most unusual sightings, which I
witnessed myself. This particular sighting I shall not
release any information on at this time other than to say
that it occured on the evening of Earch 24, 1966 at
approximately 8 p.m. The sighting was referred to Selfridge
Air Force Base Radar and I was told that there were two
inantimate blips on the Radar Scope.
After studying Dr. llynek's letter and if his feelings
are as stated in the letter, I have a question in my mind.
Dr. Hynek being the scientific consultant to the Air Force
regarding the U.F.O. situation, and having made the recom-
mendations, where then is the block and why hasen't more
intensive research been carried out? Someone, somewhere is
forming-this block for some unknown reason and I believe this
is the thing that should be found.
# 2
PART NUMBER FOUR
Hutchinson - 5250
- H. Res. 866
May 18, 1966
Mr. William E. Van Horn, Director
Hillsdale County Civil Defense
40 S. Manning Street
L
Hillsdale, Michigan
Dear Bud:
Thanks for sending me a copy of your investigative find-
ings on the UFO sightings in Millsdale last March. At
that time, both Jerry Ford and Wes Vivian were reported
by the papers as urging a Congressional investigation
I have not been able to discover, however, that any reso-
lution has been actually introduced to set any investigation
into motion. I have, therefore, requested the Office of the
Legislative Counsel to draft an appropriate resolution for
introduction by me. It will request the House Armed Services
Committee to undertake the task. Presumably, the resolution
upon introduction will be referred to the Armed Services
Committee, so that Committee will have full jurisdiction
over any House action on the matter. If the Committee wants
to undertake such an investigation, it will report the reso-
lution to the House. If it chooses not to do so, it will take
no action and the matter will not reach the House floor.
Your charges against the manner in which the Government's inves-
tigation was conducted have been given publicity here in Washing-
ton.
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
(Eitthb
diets.)
Hutchinson Bills -
xxxxxxxxXXxxxxxxx. 5250
H. Res. 866 -
May 19, 1966
Mr. William E. Van Horn
Director
Hillsdale County Civil Defense
40 S. Manning Street
Hillsdale, Michigan
Dear Bud:
Thought you might be interested in the enclosed
copy of a release I issued today.
Best regards, G
Sincerely,
Encl.
EH
(ags)
(/news release on UFO dated 5/19/66)
Hutchinson bills - H. Res. 866 - 5250
May 25, 1966
Mr. William E. Van Horn
Director
Hillsdale County Civil Defense
L
40 S. Manning Street
Hillsdale, Michigan
UFO issue, and thought " you would like to have copies
Dear Bud:
I introduced the enclosed House Resolution yesterday,
calling for a full and complete investigation into the
of the resolution - H. Res. 866.
Best regards,
Sincerely,
Encl.
(ags)
(copy H. Res. 866 -- (5) )
Hutchinson Bills - H. Res. 866 -
5902
May 26, 1966
Mr. John H. Seely
P.O. Box 328
Reading, Michigan
Dear Mr. Seely:
Thank you for your letter of May 23 regarding my proposal
for a Congressional study of Air Force methods of
investigating reports of unidentified flying objects.
My purpose in asking for such an investigation is purely
to clear the air on something that has become extremely
controversial.
My resolution has been referred to the Committee on Rules
and it will be up to this committee to decide whether further
action should be taken.
Thanks again for your comments.
Sincerely,
(cja)
From John H. Seely.
RE
By 328, Reading mich.
I and am Biole only for Truth, concrete facts. Reading mich
Dear congressm I E Hutchinson REC'D 5-23-66
MAY 2 $1966
you for to your the mole over the controversy commend in
personally Want to
regards Hills flying Sawcers around
Sat that 5- 21 and please allow me to say
dale 0 our County. i.e. your note of
because J am a true Believer of
God's Holy Word and lover of it because
of the great transaction that took place
ents of some men W ho arentprophetic Stud-
55 yrs ago smart in Hbr Spgs, Mich, now because
of gods Constituted authority. In this
controversy over these Saucers that I by
the spirit to His Holy Word can prove by the
Old Testament of the N.T, that these are real
and of Divine Origin, and also they are
just prior tosthe 2nd coming of
among the major Signs to be as they Christ are,
well will contact mr Van Horn today and
truth in the Daily to, or should stop the
shall by God's help have some real eye opening
2V
&
arguments, debates, of controversities
has no business probe into To me
over the things in space that man
this is all atheiste. and all Prophetic
signs collective prove the end of sinful
mano ruling in our world is coming
Very close to the Climax, end. and
Signs seen of W atched
these Sancers are a part of the great
2 of the E of R eading
I watched them turn change color of
up I would say Tto 800 fts 6 to 8 miles E.
move slowly South for of on hr. it
They are real. and I shall prope
1 sheet. if I had perhaps 5,00 of runing words
I aught to have 2 or 3 cofumns instead on most of
P.S. I can't let this thing stop where it the
2 or 3 Editorials hadding them to 250 is
now. P.S. I have b/4 me a lot of up to
minute compiled Truth on this UCFO.suffee
GC - Ques. IN # -
GC - Commendatory - District -
Hutchinson Bills - H. Res. 866 -
5931
P - People to See -
June 2, 1966
Mr. David Miffenegger
Valaraise University
Valyaruiso, Indiana
46383
Dear Mr. Miffenegger:
Many thanks for your kind letter of May 25. Your
comments were most encouraging and I ⑉ glad you found
time to participate in the public opinion survey.
You express the hope that I will be seeking another term
in Congress and I hasten to assure you that I sa. With
so much emphasis on seniority down hero, it has been only
recently that I have been able to "nove up" to a spot
where I can be somewhat effective.
or course every Member of Congress is equally effective
insefer M his single vote is concerned, my reference to
to committee runk and other aspects of the legislative process.
I would be glad to talk with you whenever I - back in the
district. As of the moment, no one here is too certain when
Congress will adjourn, but I will be making frequent trips
back during the summer and fall. Usually the newspapers are
most cooperative in letting people know when I plan to be in
their comunity.
I found the summary of your speech on "Television and Society"
most interesting.
Sincerely,
(eja)
REC'O AUG
Greetings from Grandma Noel 8/7/66
Honorable Edward Hutchinsin
Dear Sui
I hope you will
receive a few letters
8 encourage Sincerely ment,
PRIMROSE GLASGOW
Tremsose Glasgam
2201 Lemon Creek Road
Berrien Springs, Mich. 49103
HUTCHINSON BILLS H. Res 866
Space
6494
August 10, 1966
Mrs. Primrose Glasgow
2201 Lemon Creek Road
Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103
Dear Mrs. Glasgow:
Thank you for the postal card calling my attention to your
comments to an attached copy of the Cassopolis Vigilant
containing your column which refers to my resolution request-
ing angull and complete investigation into the unidentified
flying objects issue.
My decision to offer this resolution in the House was prompted
by an exhaustive seven weeks investigation into the March 21
UFO sighting at Hillsdale, Michigan by Mr. Van Horn, director
of the Hillsdale County Civil Defense organization, in which
the Air Force reportedly closed out its investigation of the
sighting after three and omehalf hours.
My resolution vas referred to the Committee on Rules, and it
will be up to that Committee to decide whether further action
shoulddbb taken. So far, nothing has been scheduled.
I appreciate your taking the time to write me.
Sincerely,
(hwn)
The Cassopolis Vígílant
THE CASSOPOLIS (Mich.) VIGILANT, THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1966
tion as supervisor. Ontwa Dor
Foust, candidate for super
visor. Mr. Foust is county cam
paign manager for the U. S
Senator Robert Griffin.
Grandma
Noel
writes
of
many things
By Primrose Glasgow
THIS N "THAT HERE AND
THERE. Been taking any won-
der drugs recently? No doubt
about it science has made re-
markable strides. But let us
not throw the baby out with
the bath water---many of the
old folk remedies were not ne-
cessarily wrong and had little
or no side effects except they
tasted horrid. Some "old wiv-
es" lived to a ripe old age on
these same remedies.
Did you catch the report on
the result of an experiment
with rattlesnake venom injec-
ted into a number of rats? Half
of the rats were given a good
stiff drink and more of the rats
survived, that had been given
Scotch and Vodka. At long last
Grandpa's remedy for snake
bite has been vindicated. (He
always told grandma he used it
State Senator Charles Zollar was one of the Republican candidates who spoke
for strictly medicinal purposes).
at the Cass County Republican Women picnic last Tuesday night at the county center
Pink elephants, ESP (extra
building. Left to right are Mr. Zollar, Mrs. Zollar and Lionel Stacey of Benton Harbor,
sensory perception), UFO (un-
candidate for representative in the 44th legislative district.
identified flying objects), or the
socalled flying saucers, and
folk remedies, all have their de-
80 Attend
fenders as well as their scof-
township women were hostes-
band opened the musical pro-
fers.
es for the occasion.
gram with the National An
Down in Washington D. C.
The President, Mrs. Iven C.
them. The band received
a
County GOP
our Congressman Edward Hut-
Kincheloe, presented member- standing ovation for its rendi- chinson, has urged the House
ship awards. Mrs. Maurice
tion of 'Battle Hymn of the
Armed Services Committee to
Hawks of Calvin, was first,
Republic.
study methods used by the air
Meet in Cass
and was presented a flag which
Sheriff Robert Dool served
force in investigating UFO.
had been flown over the na-
as master of ceremonies and
tion's Capitol. Mrs. George
introduced Evan Curtis of Do-
Bergman of Cassopolis was
wagiac, chairman of the Cass
Membership awards were
fraction
second and Mrs. Chase D.
County Republican Committee;
presented at the recent meet-
Smelser of Edwardsburg,
the vice chairman, Mrs. Tom
ing of Cass Couny Republi-
third.
Grove, Dowagiac; Mrs. George
can Women's club at the Cass
The program opened with in-
Bergman of Cassopolis, State
SOLED
;county center building at the
vocation by Mrs. Grace Field
Centra 1 Committeewoman,
89TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. RES.866
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MAY 24, 1966
Mr. HUTCHINSON submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
Committee on Rules
RESOLUTION
1
Resolved, That the Committee on Armed Services, acting
2 as a whole or by subcommittee, is authorized and directed
3 to conduct a full and complete investigation and study of
D
4 reports, and present methods of investigation, in Michigan
5 and elsewhere, of unidentified flying objects.
6
For the purpose of carrying out this resolution the
7 committee or subcommittee is authorized to sit and act
8 during the present Congress at such times and places within
9 the United States, whether the House is in session, has
10 recessed, or has adjourned, to hold such hearings, and to
11 require, by subpena or otherwise, the attendance and testi-
12 mony of such witnesses and the production of such books,
V
2
we
1 records, correspondence, memorandums, papers, and docu-
THE
2 ments, as it deems necessary; except that neither the com-
1917
3 mittee nor any subcommittee thereof may sit while the
4 House is meeting unless special leave to sit shall have been
5 obtained from the House. Subpenas may be issued under
6 the signature of the chairman of the committee or any
SSHN
7 member of the committee designated by him, and may be
8 served by any person designated by such chairman or
LIRE
9 member.
THE
THE
10
The committee shall report to the House as soon as prac-
11 ticable during the present Congress the results of its in-
12 vestigation and study, together with such recommendations
13 as it deems advisable. Any such report which is made
ONGRESS
14 when the House is not in session shall be filed with the
15 Clerk of the House.
17hr
THE
1.18r
THE
89TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. RES. 866
RESOLUTION
To authorize the Committee on Armed Services
to conduct an investigation and study of re-
ports of unidentified flying objects.
By Mr. HUTCHINSON
MAY 24, 1966
Referred to the Committee on Rules
AIT
THE
WIGNESS
CONGRASS
COLORESS
CONGRESS
CONGRESS
LIBRA
LBRA
THE
89TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. RES. 866
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MAY 24, 1966
Mr. HUTCHINSON submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
Committee on Rules
RESOLUTION
1
Resolved, That the Committee on Armed Services, acting
2 as a whole or by subcommittee, is authorized and directed
3 to conduct a full and complete investigation and study of
4 reports, and present methods of investigation, in Michigan
5 and elsewhere, of unidentified flying objects.
6
For the purpose of carrying out this resolution the
7 committee or subcommittee is authorized to sit and act
S during the present Congress at such times and places within
9 the United States. whether the House is in session, has
10 recessed. or has adjourned, to hold such hearings, and to
11 require, by subpena or otherwise, the attendance and testi-
12 mony of such witnesses and the production of such books,
V
2
1 records, correspondence, memorandums, papers, and docu-
2 ments, as it deems necessary; except that neither the com-
3 mittee nor any subcommittee thereof may sit while the
4 House is meeting unless special leave to sit shall have been
5 obtained from the House. Subpenas may be issued under
6 the signature of the chairman of the committee or any
7 member of the committee designated by him, and may be
8 served by any person designated by such chairman or
9 member.
10
The committee shall report to the House as soon as prac-
11 ticable during the present Congress the results of its in-
12 vestigation and study, together with such recommendations
13
as it deems advisable. Any such report which is made
14 when the House is not in session shall be filed with the
15 Clerk of the House.
89TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. RES. 866
RESOLUTION
To authorize the Committee on Armed Services
to conduct an investigation and study of re-
ports of unidentified flying objects.
By Mr. HUTCHINSON
MAY 24, 1966
Referred to the Committee on Rules
STGRESS