chunks: FILD FORM NO. 64

# Office Memorandum

# UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

TO: Director, FBI - AIR MAIL
FROM: SAC, San Francisco
SUBJECT: REPORTS OF FLYING DISCS

DATE: August 26, 1947

<signature>

There are being transmitted herewith to the Bureau photostatic copies of three reports received from Lieutenant Colonel  A-2, Fourth Air Force, Hamilton Field, California, involving reported sightings of flying discs.

The Los Angeles Office is being furnished with a photostatic copy of the report of Lieutenant Colonel  dated August 18, 1947 concerning the investigation conducted at the Muroc Flight Test Base, Muroc, California.

7c

The Butte Office is being furnished with a photostatic copy of the report of Lieutenant Colonel  dated August 20, 1947 which sets forth a 67c letter received from Mr.  Helena, Montana.

This office is maintaining contact with Lieutenant Colonel 67c and will furnish the Bureau with a subsequent report from him concerning the observations of Mr. Sacramento, California, who has reported certain observations which he believes may involve a flying disc at Placerville, California, on August 14, 1947.

HMK ;EMB
Enclosures - 3
cc Los Angeles (with enclosure)
Butte (with enclosure)

67c



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Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence
Hamilton Field, California

TITLE: Investigation of Flying Disc.
FILE NO.: 1208-1
DATE: 18 August 1947
INVESTIGATION MADE AT: Muroc AAF, Muroc, Calif.
CONTROLLING OFFICE: Air Defense Command, Mitchel Field.
PERIOD COVERED: 8 July 1947
CASE CLASSIFICATION: Incident
STATUS OF CASE: Pending

REASON FOR INVESTIGATION: Investigation initiated at request of Air Defense Command
reference ltr Hq ADO, dtd 7 Jul 47, file D333.6 ID, subj: Investigation of Flying Disc.

SYNOPSIS:
On 8 July 1947, approximately 1000 hours, two incidents occurred in the vicinity of Muroc Flight Test Base.

No further investigation of these incidents is being considered by this headquarters

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APPROVED:
<signature>
DONALD L. SPRINGER; Lt. Col., GSC
AC of S, A-2
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U. S. OF JUSTICE
AUG 21 1947
SAN FRANCISCO
ROUTED TO <empty>

W. D., P. M. & Form No. 110

aperiod

be only upon Need pe

GJ-838941-107





AFIDAVIT

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

COUNTY OF KERN

The following is a statement given orally by
Puroc Army Air Field, Puroc, California, given to
Captain Harry D. Black, Intelligence Officer, on 11 August 1947.

, stated that the object he saw, he believed at the time to be paper and of no significance or the objects not important enough to be reported. There was nothing clearly enough seen by the Colonel to make any further reports justifiable.

This oral statement was given freely and voluntarily without any threats or promises under duress. This statement consists of one (1) page, and is the truth to the best of my knowledge and belief.

s/s: Harry D. Black
CAPT. HARRY D. BLACK, MAC

CONFIDENTIAL

AFFIDAVIT

STATE OF CALIFORNIA).

COUNTY OF KERN)

The following is a statement given by

Murroo Army Air Field,
Murroo, California, statement given on 11 July 1947.

At approximately noon on 8 July 1947, my attention was called to an object in the air by I observed between five (5) and eight (8) miles to the North what appeared to be a thin metallic object. It appeared to be metallic because the method in which it was flying caused the sun to reflect like an apparently aluminum colored surface. The object moved from an intermediate altitude in an oscillating fashion, almost to the surface of the ground and then started climbing again. It climbed to a fairly high altitude and moved off slowly into the distance. The object appeared to be the size of a pursuit airplane but did not have the shape of a conventional plane. The time that the object was in view was approximately eight (8) minutes. This same object was seen by my wife at the same time.

This statement has been given freely and voluntarily without any threats or promises under duress. This statement consists of one (1) page, and is the truth to the best of my knowledge and belief. I have initialed all corrections deemed necessary.

WITNESS:
s/s thomas a. mcmillan
THOMAS A. MC MILLAN

CONFIDENTIAL

COPY

# 

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

COUNTY OF KERN

The following is a statement given by 4144th, AAFBU, Muroc Army Air Field, Muroc, California, statement given on 14 July 1947, to

This is my own written statement of what I saw on July 8, 1947.

I am NCO in charge of the . this Field, and

About 09:45 he was returning from the Post Exchange when he called to me to come outside and asked me to look up to where he was pointing and to my surprise I saw two (2) flying objects which appeared to me like two (2) flying disc or saucer shaped silver colored objects, flying in a northwestern direction at speed approximately 350 or 400 miles per hour and at an altitude of about 7500 or 1000 feet. I could not hear a motor roar like one of our planes and it could not have been a balloon.

I am of good health and sound mind and this was no hallucination.

13

This statement has been given freely and voluntarily without any threats or promises under duress. This statement consists of one (1) page and is the truth to the best of my knowledge and belief. I have initialed all corrections deemed necessary.

WITNESS:
s/s
thomas a mc millan
THOMAS A. MC MILLAN

CONTRIBUTIONS

AFIDAVIT

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )

COUNTY OF KERN

The following is a statement given by
, Muroc Army Air Field, Muroc, California, statement
given on 11 July 1947, to Mr. Thomas A. McMillan, CIC S/A. this Station.

The following statement concerning the actual observance of what has been termed as a "flying Diso" or a "flying Saucer" is true and correct and it will be noted that the above mentioned observance was made by me personally while enjoying complete health in mind and body.

On Tuesday 8 July 1947, at approximately nine-thirty A.M. (09:30) I was in conversation with personnel in the Post Exchange Office. My part of this conversation was as follows:

"Someone will have to show me one of these Disc before I will believe it."

Upon leaving the Post Exchange, I went directly to my Office and before entering heard one of our local aircraft in the traffic pattern. Looking up, as I always do I observed the aircraft, and looked slightly to the left, whereupon I observed two (2) silver objects of either a spherical or disc-like shape, moving about three hundred (300) miles an hour, or perhaps less, at approximately eight thousand (8000) feet, heading at about three hundred twenty degrees (320°) due north.

When I first observed these objects I calle

who immediately came to where I was standing. I pointed in the direction of the objects and asked them the question "Tell me what you see up there." Whereupon, all the three (3) with sundry comments stated, "They are flying Disc". To further verify my observance I asked them to tell me in what direction the objects were traveling, without indicating their direction myself, and again, all thres (3) in a consistent nature stated that the objects were moving toward Mojave, California.

I had time to look away several times and renew my vision of the objects to make sure that there were not any results of eye strain, or in any nature an optical illusion. The objects in question were not repeat, were not air-craft, the objects could not have been weather balloons released from this station, since they were traveling against the prevailing wind, and since the speed at which they were traveling and the horizontal direction in which they were traveling, disqualified the fact that they were weather balloons.



COPY

After the observance of these phenomenon and hoping that I might have time to enlist further witnesses, I immediately ran into the dispensary to get personnel who are Medical Officer to verify, for my own curiosity, the actual observance of these objects, but by the time I reached the back porch of the dispensary, who is a registered nurse, and about seven (7) other personnel were with me, the objects, had by that time, disappeared, due to the speed with which they were traveling. Upon further investigation, two (2) of us at the same time sighted another object of a silver spherical or disc-like nature at approximately eight thousand (8000) feet, traveling in circles over the North-end. I called the objects to the attention of and pointed it out to the other personnel standing near by. All of us saw the object, with the exception of two (2) out of seven (7) personnel. All of us looked away from the object several times to make sure there was no eye strain or from permitting the object to become an optical illusion.

From my actual observance the object circled in too tight a circle and too severe a plane to be any aircraft that I know of. It could not have been any type of bird because of the reflection that was created when the object reached certain altitudes. The object could not have been a local weather balloon for, it is very impossible that a weather balloon would stay at the same altitude as long and circle in such a consistent nature as did the above mentioned object.

I am familiar with the results of too constant vision of the sun or any bright object and am aware that optical illusions are possible and probable. I wish to make this statement that the above mentioned observance was that of actual subject matter.

This statement has been given freely and voluntarily without any threats or promises under duress. This statement consists of two (2) pages, and is the truth to the best of my knowledge and belief. I have initialed all corrections deemed necessary.

WITNESS:
s/s thomas a. mc millan: THOMAS A. MC MILLAN



AFFIDAVIT

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

COUNTY OF KERN)

The following is a statement given by
Muroc Army Air Field, Muroc, California, statement given to
Mr. Thomas A. McMillan, CIC Agent, This station, on 16 August 1947.

On 7 July 1947, at approximately 10:10, while running up the XP-84 on the ground I noticed everyone was looking up into the air. Off to the north about 10,000 to 12,000 feet altitude, was an object that I assumed at first to be a weather balloon, but after looking at it for a while I noticed that it was oscillating in a forward whirling movement without losing altitude. It was traveling about 200 to 225 MPH, and heading from west to east.

The object was yellowish white in color and I would estimate that it was a sphere about 5 to 10 feet in diameter.

I did not have time to chase it in a P-80.

This statement was given freely and voluntarily without any threats or promises under duress. This statement consists of one (1) page, and is the truth to the best of my knowledge and belief.

WITNESS
s/s thomas a. mc millan
THOMAS A. MC MILLAN





# AFIDAVIT

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

CITY OF KEARNY

The following is a statement given by
Suroc Army Air Field, Suroc, California, statement given to
Mr. Thomas Al McMullan, CIC Agent, this Station, on 12 August 1947.

At 11:50 hours, 8 July 1947, while the undersigned was sitting in an observation truck located in Area # 3, Rogers Dry Lake, for the purpose of observing a P-82 ejection seat experiment, the following unfamiliarity was observed.

The undersigned was gazing upward toward a formation of two (2) P-82's and an A-26 aircraft flying at 20,000 feet, preparing to carry out a seat ejection experiment, when I observed a rounded object, white aluminum in color, which at first resembled a parachute canopy. The first impression was that a premature ejection of the seat and dummy had occurred. This body was ejected at a determined height lower than 20,000 feet, and was falling at three (3) times the rate observed for the parachute which was ejected thirty minutes later. As it fell it drifted slightly north of due west against the prevailing wind, toward Mount Wilson. The speed, horizontal motion could not be determined, but appeared slower than the maximum velocity 50-80 aircraft.

As this object descended through a low enough level to permit observation of its lateral silhouette, it presented a distinct ovular outline, with two (2) projections on the upper surface which might have been thick fins or nobs. These crossed each other at intervals, suggesting either rotation or oscillation of slow type.

No smoke flemus, propollar arks, engine noise, or other clasuable (?) or visible means of propulsion were noted. The color was silvery, re-
sembling aluminum painted fabric, and did not appear as dense as a parachute canopy.

When the object dropped to a level such that comes into line of vision of the mountain tops, it was lost to the vision of the observer.

It is estimated that the object was in line of vision about 90 seconds. Of the five (5) people sitting in the observation truck, four (4) observed this object and made remarks about it. These people include:
- Civilian, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio
(Other names not given)

The following is my own personal opinions about this objects

1. I think it was a man-made object, as evidenced distaintly by the outline and functional appearance.

CONFIDENTIAL

2. It's size was not far from 45 feet with a parachute canopy.

8. The path followed by this object appeared as though it might have been dropped from a great height.

Sueing, this was not a hallucination or other fancies of a sense.

This statement was given freely and voluntarily without any threats or promises under duress. This statement consists of two (2) pages, and is the truth to the best of my knowledge and belief. I have initialed all corrections deemed necessary.

WITNESS:
s/s thomas a. mc millan
THOMAS A. MC MILLAN



# AFIDAVIT

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

COUNTY OF KERN

The following is a statement given on 14 July 1947, by

Muroc Army Air Field, Muroc, California.

I am fully aware of my Civil and Constitutional Rights, and understand prior to making this statement.

On Tuesday morning 8 July 1947, at approximately 10:00, while typing some cards, and taking care of my routine work, called me, along with to the front of B.O.Q. "A" Bldg. Pointing up in a direction directly above me he asked us to explain what we saw. There were two, silver colored disc like objects flying toward Mojave, California, one directl back of the other, at a speed of about 300 to 400 miles per hour, havin an altitude of approximately 8000 feet. I listened carefully for a few minutes, and heard no drone, such as should be heard from any aircraft. I also cast my eyes to another direction and looking back to the same spot, I was able to distinguish the same objects again. Having assured myself that there was no eye-strain, I was convinced these objects were not weather balloons due to the horizontal position in which they were flying. Nor could they have been birds of any nature, due to the de- finite reflection from the sun rays.

I have been on this Base, considering an absence of six months, approximately eighteen months, and am familiar with all type aircraft.

About three or four minutes, after these flying objects had nearly disappeared, I glanced around and sighted another flying object, similar to the above mentioned objects. This flying object was silver colored and was in the shape of a disc. Unlike the first two this object was flying in a tight circle, neither losing nor gaining altitude, at approximately eight thousand feet, therefore I was convinced it could not have been a weather balloon, and because of the tight circle it could not have been any type aircraft.

This statement was given freely and voluntarily without threats or promises under duress. This statement consists of one (1) page, and is the truth to the best of my knowledge and belief. I have initialed all corrections deemed necessary!

I am of sound mind and body, and swear that this statement is true and correct.

WITNESSES:
S/S thomas a. mc millan
THOMAS A. MC MILLAN

CONFIDENTIAL

# AFFIDAVIT

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )

COUNTY OF KERN)

The following is a statement given by 4144th AAFBU, Muroc Army Air Field, Muroc, California, statement given on 14 July 1947, to

On the eight of July 1947 at ten o'clock (10:00) in the morning I observed personally two (2) flying disc, flying in a north west direction at an estimated altitude of seven or eight thousand feet, travelin- at approximately three or four hundred miles per hour.

Just a few minutes before this I was in the Silling Office and First Lieutenant Joseph O. McHenry called me and two (2) others outside. He then asked us what we saw. I saw two (2) objects with my own eyes, and I am now and was then in perfect physical condition. I have 20-20 vision and I am positive these two (2) objects could not have been Aircraft, weather balloons or birds. Due to the altitude in which they were flying, they gave off a definite reflection from the rays of the sun.

In addition to these two (2) disc I saw another object a few minutes later at the same altitude doing certain maneuvers such as flying in a tight circle. The two disc had already disappeared. This object to my knowledge of aircraft could not have been an airplane because of the very tight maneuver it was undergoing. I have been flying in and have been around all types of aircraft since 1943 and never in my life have I seen anything such as this. If necessary I can and will swear to this statement.

This statement has been given freely and voluntarily without any threats or promises under duress. This statement consists of one (1) page, and is the truth to the best of my knowledge and belief. I have initialed all corrections deemed necessary.

WITNESS:
s/s thomas a. mc millan
THOMAS A. MC MILLAN

CONFIDENTIAL

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH AIR FORCE





Mammoth Field, California

ALFA
233.8/1206-I

20 August 1847

SUBJECT: Flying Discs.

To: Special Agent in Charge, FBI, U. S. Dept. of Justice,
Federal Office Building, Room 422, San Francisco, Calif.

1. The attached letter was received by this office from Mr. Pacific Telephone and Telegraph



No further investigation will be made of this reported incident by this headquarters.

DONALD L. SPRINGER
Lt. Colonel, O-6
AC or C, A-2

DISTRIBUTION:
AAF - 1 eye
ADA - 1
8th Army - 1 ey
FBI - 1 ey



AUG 21 1947



SAN FRANCISCO

Rouejo

CONFIDENTIAL



COPY

427 W. 3d Avenue
Spokane, Washington
August 6, 1947

Military Intelligence Division, U.S.A.
Washofield, Washington

Gentlemen

Following the reading of an account of the visit of Mrs Kenneth Arnold, Boise, Idaho, as published in the Spokesman Review under date of August 7, 1947, the undersigned considered the enclosed account of an observation of a "flying saucer" would be of interest to you.

This account has not been given to any newspaper or other publica-
tion as yet.

Your truly,

/s/ E. J. Madden
E. J. MADDEN,
Division Plant Engr.
The Pac. Tel. & Tel. Co.

- **Organization:** FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI)
- **Date:** AUG 21 1947
- **Location:** SAN FRANCISCO
- **Document Type:** Likely a form or memo, indicated by "FORM"

CONFIDENTIAL





At about 12:30 p.m. July 16, 1947, a sedan, driven by Steve Hoffman and carrying H. J. (Moe) Munden in the front seat and Karl Zerrmann in the rear seat, was proceeding northeasterly along the road leading from Canyon Ferry to Yorks both in Indian and 28 miles N.E. of Helena.

when at a point approximately 8 mile NNE of Canyon Ferry, (as shown on Forest Service map to be in the NE1/4 SE1/4 sec 10 TION HW) Earl suddenly shouted "See it! See it! There's a flying saucer!" Steve immediately slowed down and gradually brought the sedan to a stop, he and Bob meanwhile scanning the sky in the direction pointed by Earl in an effort to find the "flying saucer", but without success.

Approximately ten seconds elapsed between the time Karl reported seeing the "saucer", coming over the horizon at high speed from the southwest, (Karl first thought it a meteor) and travelling northeasterly, and the bringing of the car to a stop.

As the car came to a stop, Steve, Karl and Deb, simultaneously, saw the following:

Directly ahead, (N.W) 2 to 3 miles distant and approximately 3000 ft.
above the ground, a bright disc hovering and fluttering in the air. Descending
and rising through a vertical distance of fifty or a hundred feet for a
period of about five seconds when, while at the top of an ascent, the "disc"
suddenly swooped to the Northeast at tremendous speed and disappeared into
the clear air within a distance of 500 ft. This is to say it did not pass
beyond an obstruction to normal visibility but "melted into thin air" as if
because of tremendous speed.

This side was, from the viewpoint of the observers, apparently 8 ft.
in diameter, circular and of no great thickness - approximately 8 or 4 inches.

The sky was blue with scattered small clouds, the sun was shining brightly and the also gleamed and shimmered in the bright sunlight as if covered with highly polished metals

After the "Alice" disappeared from view, the seaman and its occupants proceeded northeasterly along the road, but could discern no evidence of the presence of the "Alice" hicle or adjacent to that therofore.

It is to be remembered that the dimensions as stated above were as they appeared to the observers here 2 or 3 miles from the "disc" and the actual dimensions must be considerably greater.

R. J. Madden,
MIDDON,
Division Plant Dept.
and Fuel Sales & Sols Co.



Federal Bureau of Investigati



United States Department of Justice

407 U. S. Court House

Seattle 4, Washington

The image contains a handwritten sketch and some text.
Key elements:
- A thick, black, brushstroke-like mark.
- The text "b7c" written in cursive below the brushstroke.
- Faint, possibly erased or sketched, geometric shapes to the left of the brushstroke.
- A fragment of text "ur" at the top left.

11/2

August 18, 1947.

DIRECTOR, FBI

RE: FLYING DISCS SIGHTED BY
b7c
TACOMA, WASHINGTON
SM - X

Dear Sir:

The following, in general, are the facts regarding the flying disc story that started by  which subsequently resulted in news stories by the Tacoma Times, the Boise Statesman and the Chicago Times that a B-25 carrying Army Intelligence officers was shot down or sabotaged over Kelso, Washington on August 1, 1947 because it was carrying some flying disc fragments.

EXCL. ATTACHED

The original story, as related by:  was to the effect that: , while patrolling in his boat near Nauru Island, Washington, sighted six flying discs, one of which fluttered to the earth and disintegrated, showering his boat with fragments which caused some damage to the boat and killed his dog.:  wrote a letter to:  of Ziff-Davis Company which publishes fantastic adventure magazines in Chicago, sending him fragments of the flying disk and relating the above story.:  requested Trans-Radio News in Chicago to verify the story as related by:  telegraphed:  confirming:  story.:  then engaged:  Boise, Idaho, who was the first to report sighting the flying disc and whom:  had previously made a contract for a story regarding the flying disc, to come to Tacoma and check the story as related by:



came to Tacoma, Washington July 30, 1947 and arranged for a meeting the following day, July 31, with in his room 502, Winthrop Hotel, Tacoma, Washington. also called to attend the meeting United Airlines Pilot who had also reported seeing flying disc fragments, and Army Intelligence to attend

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F: 62
H: 83
I: 94
34: SEP 25 1947
1: <empty>
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COPIES DESTROYED

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(  )

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August 19, 1947

this meeting. Captain DAVIDSON and Lieutenant BROWN of Army A-2 Intelligence from Hamilton Field, California, all met in  room at various times during the afternoon and evening of July 31, 1947 and discussed the flying disc story as related by  The Army Intelligence Officers, Captain DAVIDSON and Lieutenant BROWN, left about 2:00 A. M. the morning of August 1, 1947 to return to Hamilton Field, California for Air Force Day in a B-25 and were carrying some of the reported disc fragments. The left engine on the B-25 burned an exhaust stack which in turn caught the left wing afire, the wing subsequently breaking off and tearing off the tail. The B-25 crashed, killing Captain DAVIDSON and Lieutenant BROWN. However, the Crew Chief and a hitch-hiker parachuted to safety. Intelligence Officers at McChord Field, Washington advised there was no indication of any sabotage. The plane crash at Kelso, Washington approximately 2:50 A. M. August 1, 1947.



Five anonymous calls were received by a [REDACTED] and the [REDACTED] Tacoma, between 11:30 A. M., July 31, and 5:30 P. M., August 2, 1947. The first call was to a [REDACTED] approximately 11:30 A. M., July 31, in which the caller stated that there a meeting taking place at that time in room 502 of the Winthrop Hotel concerning the disc fragments found on Maury Island. The second call was received between 11:00 A. M. and 12:00 noon, August 1, 1947 by the [REDACTED] in which the caller advised that at that moment a big meeting was taking place in [REDACTED] room number 502, Winthrop Hotel; that the B-25 which crashed was carrying disc fragments and that McChord Field officials had stated it was shot down or sabotaged. The third call was received Friday, August 1, 1947 at 5:30 P. M. by the [REDACTED], Tacoma, in which the caller stated that the B-25 which crashed at Melo, Washington was carrying flying disc fragments and that the dead officers were Captain DAVIDSON and Lieutenant BROWN, A-2 Intelligence Officers at Hamilton Field, California. This call was prior to the release of the dead officers' names by Army authorities and the caller indicated that when the names were released, it would verify the information he was furnishing was correct. The fourth phone call was received at approximately 6:45 P. M., Friday, August 1 by the [REDACTED] in which call the caller stated the B-25 was definitely shot down and that if he contacted Army Intelligence officers, they would not deny it. The fifth phone call was received by the [REDACTED] Tacoma, at 5:30 P. M. August 1, 1947 at which time the caller stated the B-25 was shot down from the air with a 20 m.m. cannon; that the Marine plane found recently on Mt. Rainier had a been shot down and that [REDACTED] would be taken to Wright Field Tuesday morning. When the Army authorities released the names of the dead Intelligence officers which verified the information as given by the anonymous caller, the Tacoma Times printed this story on August 2, 1947 and carried several articles thereafter inferring that the B-25 had been shot down or sabotaged because the fact that it was carrying disc fragments. [REDACTED] have admitted that the material which they sent to [REDACTED] had no connection with any flying discs and have given a signed statement to that effect which are bei

btc

- 2 -

August 19, 1947

forwarded herein.  deny, however, that they actually started the flying disc story and their actual part in the story. United Airlines pi  states that  on July 31, 1947, both related th original flying disc fragment story. Information gathered would indicate tha the anonymous phone calls were possibly made by  in order to buil up the flying disc story to the point where they could make a profitable sale of the story to  Chicago, Illinois. No facts have been developed which would definitely prove that  made these calls. However, from al facts and information gathered, it appears he is probably the most likely to have made the anonymous calls. The detailed interviews of the persons contac ted in regard to this flying disc story are being set out below.



The following investigation was conducted by Special Agent at Tacoma, Washington on August 6, 7, 1947:

Tacoma, Washington, advised that in the early part of June, 1947 he was requested by the Seattle Post-Intelligence to check on a story which he was informed had been obtained from the Bat-Harper, Washington. The story was supposed to have originated with  stated that the story was to the effect that while patrolling in his boat near Maury Island, saw five or six flying discs, one of which fluttered toward the ground and finally disintegrated. Fragments of the disc were reported to have showered down on the boat of  causing some damage and killing his dog.  stated that he went to the home of  Tacoma, Washington to check with him on this flying disc story. He stated that as best he could recall, this was just a few days after the first flying disc stories had appeared in the paper and was on a Sunday evening. He believed it was the early part of June. He stated that  took him in the kitchen and proceeded to talk about this flying disc story in low muffled tones. He stated that  acted rather suspicious and that shortly his wife came into the kitchen and was in a considerable rage, telling  to admit that the entire story was a plain fantasy which he had dreamed up. He stated that after his wife told  to admit the entire story was false, that  then admitted that there was nothing whatever to the story and it was an entire hoax.  stated that in view of the enraged condition of  wife, he immediately left and reported to the Seattle Post Intelligence that the entire story was a hoax and that they should not print it in any way, He further stated that he advised the Seattle Post Intelligence that  was a mental case and that nothing which he had reported should be carried as far as a news story.  stated that since that time he had received repeated requests from the Boise Statesman requesting information as to the flying disc stories reportedly originating with   stated that he had never, in his experience, had such pressure brought upon him to release a news story and that he repeatedly advised the Boise Statesman that the story of seeing the flying discs by  was a complete fabri-

67c
per



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August 19, 1947

67c

cation and should be in no way, carried as a news story and refused to furnish any information regarding these reports. He further stated that he advised the Boise Statesman shortly before, or at the time  left Boise to come to Tacoma to check on the flying disc stories with  that  should not come as the entire story was a hoax.

The following information was obtained from: , Tacoma, Washington,

It was the Tacoma Times paper which first issued a story on August 2 and subsequent stories intimating that the B-25 which crashed at Kelso, Washington on the early morning of August 1, had been sabotaged or shot down because of the fact that it carried flying disc fragments. He stated that on Thursday, July 31, at approximately 11:30 A. M. he received an anonymous phone call in which the caller stated that and Army Intelligence officers were meeting in room 502 of the Winthrop Hotel to check on the flying disc story from which fragments were obtained on Maury Island. He stated that he turned around to speak to his editor and when he picked up the phone again the line was dead. He stated that the caller asked for who was out at the time of the call. He stated that had called at room 502 in the Winthrop Hotel and was advised by that he could furnish no information as he was there on a Government mission. He stated that on Friday, August 1, between 11:00 A. M. and noon he received another phone call for in which the anonymous caller stated that he might have some information for him. He asked the caller if he was not the same party that had called the previous date and he said yes. The caller then related that at that moment there was a big meeting in progress in room, 502, in the Winthrop Hotel; that the B-25 which crashed that morning in Kelso was carrying flying disc fragments from California and that McChord Field officials had stated the plane was sabotaged or shot down. The caller then hung up after making some statement to the effect that he was a switchboard operator. He stated that he went to the Winthrop Hotel on Friday about noon and found that there was no male operator on duty. He stated he then went to room 502 and answered the door and that Captain United Airlines pilot, was on the phone. He stated that he heard make a statement to the effect that the information must be very strictly confidential. He stated that there were one or two others in the room besides but that he could not identify them. He stated that told him he could make no statement and that he had attempted to check the story with various persons on Maury Island with negative results. He stated that about 3:30 P. M., Friday he wrote a story regarding the mysterious informant and called at his hotel room, stating that he had written this story and that had better check it. He stated that he talked to the United Press Wireman, Tacoma, who advised that the story sounded fantastic. He stated that about 5:30 P. M., Friday, August 1, an anonymous caller called the

67.

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August 19, 1947

stating that Captain DAVIDSON and Lieutenant BRO.N were the Intelligence officers that were killed in the crash of the B-25 and that civilians and the sheriff had been kept away from the wreckage with the Army guarding it. He stated the anonymous caller then said that the names had not been released yet by the Army and that this would verify his statements.

stated that the following morning, Saturday, August 2, the Army verified that the officers killed were Captain DAVIDSON and Lieutenant BROWN and two days later verified that they were Army Intelligence officers.

stated that the anonymous caller again later contacted him by that name, and at this time stated he did not call the or the and denied calling

In this call the anonymous caller stated that, "Don't think I'm doing this for you." He then asked if the story had been put on the wire and when said yes, the caller stated, "We want this to get back to New Jersey." The caller further stated that the B-25 was shot down by a 20 m.m. cannon and that the marine plane which was recently found wrecked on the side of Mt. Rainier, having been missing for several months, had also been shot down. The caller stated to that he should get in touch with a flyer named with United Airlines who, he stated, was with when they were shot at over Montana. The caller then stated, "I'll see you Tuesday. I'm going to San Francisco." stated that he had checked with of United Airlines who denied knowing any pilot by the name of denied ever having flown over Montana. stated that received another anonymous call in which the caller stated that would be sent to "right Field on Tuesday and that Saturday one of the men who found fragments of the flying disc was to be flown to Alaska. stated that in view of the fact that the information as to the Intelligence officers on the B-25 had been as furnished by the anonymous caller, had subsequently been verified by the Army, the story was released that the B-25 was carrying disc fragments returning to Hamilton Field, California and furnishing the inference that the plane had been sabotaged or shot down. stated that about 8:00 P. M. on Sunday, August 2

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sabotaged or shot down. He stated that about 8:00 P. M. on Sunday, August 3, he contacted  at his home,  Seattle at which time  stated he had not given any story out to the Post Intelligencer at Seattle; stated that he had gotten a telegram to call a number in Boise and when he called and found out it was the Boise Statesman, he had hung up. He stated that the Boise Statesman then contacted him, at which time he admitted he had seen the disc fragments, but that he did not take any of them. This time  informed  that he had been with

Public Relations Officer from McChord Field, all afternoon until about 3:45 P. M.- informed that he had told the Army authorities everything that he and knew about the flying disc fragments story from the time that left Boise, Idaho and he had left Seattle, Washington.

This time he admitted that there were some of the supposed disc fragments in the room at the Winthrop Hotel and that had been in the room Thursday afternoon. On Monday stated that he called who advised that if this were not used in the paper, he and



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would see him after lunch. stated that about noon and contacted him at which time stated that he and his son had bee exploring a gravel pit on Maury Island and found some strange rock formatio He stated they picked up some of these samples and that later saw them and they went back over to Maury Island at which time additional samples were obtained and that sent these to a friend of his at the University of Chicago to have analyzed. They stated that they received a report and that apparently this friend had asked a newspaperman to find out where the rock formations were obtained. and told that sometime after the first flying disc story had appeared, they received a te gram from Trans-Ocean Press from Chicago wanting information on the flying disc fragments. stated that they had at no time indicated-the rock formations were a part of a flying disc and that Captain an were not interested in the rock formations and they denied giving them to

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Tacone, Washington furnished substantially the same information that was obtained from the regarding the anonymous phone calls which he had received. He stated further that the first call he received was on Friday, August 1, at around 5:30 P. M. At this time the caller stated that the B-25 which crashed at Kelso, Washington was carrying disc fragments and that the two officers killed were Captain DAVIDSON and Lieutenant BRO.N, officers with Army A-2 Intelligence at Hamilton Field and that the fragments were top secret material. He stated the caller indicated that when the Army released the name of the dead officers it would verify that the information he was furnishing was correct. stated that the second call he received at approximately 6:45 P. M. Friday, August 1 at which time the caller stated that the B-25 was definitely shot down and that if he contacted Army Intelligence A-2, the man in charge would not deny it. stated he thought the man said to contact Colonel but it was found out it was Colonel who was in charge of Army Intelligence A-2. The caller further stated that the Sheriff's Office had been kept away from the crash and that no civilians had been allowed near the plane. stated the third call he received at 5:30 P. M., August 2 and that this time the caller stated that one of the men who had been conferri with Captain and was taken to Alaska that day. The caller further stated that the B-25 was shot down from the air with a 20 m.m. cannon; that the Marine plane found recently on Mt. Rainier had also been shot down; that Captain would be taken to Wright Field Tuesday morning and that a United Airlines pilot by the name of flew with Captain then they were shot at over Montana. The caller stated he was leaving for San Francisco and would be back Tuesday.

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and both stated that they had made very little effort to question the anonymous caller to obtain his identity as they felt it was useless and that if they started questioning him he would

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refuse to furnish any further information.

On August 5, 1947 Special Agent  was contacted in the resident agency office, Tacoma, Washington by . At this time  asked if the Seattle Office was investigation the crash of the B-25 and he was informed that no investigation was being conducted by the Seattle Office.  at this time related in a rambling story that he had picked up some strange rock formations which he had forwarded to a friend of his in the University of Chicago to have analyzed and that later, in some manner unknown to him, these rock formations had been reported as being fragments of a flying disc.

On August 7, 1947 were interviewed at the Tacoma resident agency office. Both at first denied any knowledge of how the rock formations which they had picked up to have alalyzed became connected with the flying disc stories. Both denied making any statement to anyone that these rock formations were portions of a disc fragment. It was apparent from the start of the interview that and were not telling their complete and true connection with the flying disc story. They refused to give any definite information as to what they said or had done which caused them to become involved in a flying disc story, but gave evasive answers and repeatedly stated that they had nothing to do with it and were at a loss to understand how they became connected with the flying disc story. After considerable questioning, they stated that in the early part of June they sent to of the Ziff-Davis Publishing Company which published the Fantasy magazine in Chicago and the Venture magazine in Evanston, Illinois, some rock formations which they had found on Maury Island. They stated they sent these formations, asking to have them analyzed. They stated that later wrote and asked for more samples, advising he had failed to analyze the samples. stated they have never sent any additional samples and that the next they heard regarding the rock formations which they had sent was when he called and asked if the rock formations could have come from a flying disc. stated he made some remark that they possibly could have come from a flying disc and that he immediately sat down and wrote a letter to , which was in the latter part of June in which he stated the material could have been portions of a flying disc. claimed that he thought he told over the phone something about being in his boat when he obtained these rock formations, but stated he could not recall what he had written to and claimed that he passed the whole thing off as a joke. were questioned at length in an attempt to obtain specific information as to exactly what each one had done with regard to the rock formations. However, each stated that the only thing they had done was tell the formations could have come from a flying disc in view of the fact it appeared "that's what he wanted them to say". No definite information could be obtained from either as to what each specifically had done to start the flying disc story.

The signed statement which was obtained from:  and:

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and in which they admitted the rock formations had no connection with any flying discs is being forwarded to the Bureau herewith. The statement contains no information of value and therefore is not being set forth herein. 67c

Regarding the meeting which was held in the Linthrop Hotel on Thursday, July 31,  stated that they both met there about 1:00 P. M. They stated that they all left room about 3:00 P. M. and that  took  to Berry's Airport at Tacoma and  flew his plane to Seattle where he picked up Captain .  stated that he picked up  at Berry's Airport about 5:00 P. M. and that  came to  room about 7:00 P. M.  stated that he and  left about 8:30 P. M. when he drove  to Seattle to get his car and that  went home at this time.  stated they returned about 11:30 P. M. at which time the Army Intelligence officers were in  room and that  left about midnight. He stated that he returned to  room Friday afternoon for approximately one-half hour from 2:30 to 3:00 P. M., at which time  and  were still there and neither seemed to be able to recall if  was in  room on Friday, August 1. The best that could be obtained from  and  as to what took place in  room was to the effect that most of the talk was about flying, that no one seemed very interested in the rock formations and that they had no connection as far as they knew with any flying disc.  stated that  wanted to obtain pictures of the place where the rock formations were obtained and that the Army Intelligence officers did not appear to be interested in any manner whatever.
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operates the
Millwater Avenue, Tacoma, Washington and has recently been
working with him buying timber. They have also been associated with the Harbor
Patrol Association at Tacoma, Washington which furnishes patrol and police protection to parts of the harbor area which are not patrolled by Tacoma police
or Sheriff's officers.
67C
Tacoma, Washington,
Army serial number
During the war he was a pilot and it is believed
presently holds a Reserve Officer's commission as a Captain.

Regarding the B-25 which crashed, killing Captain DAVIDSON and Lieutenant BROWN of the 4th Aire Forces, Captain A-2 Officer, Mc Chord Field, advised that this investigation of the crash reflected an exhaust stack had burned out on the left engine which in turn caught the left wing afire and that when the left wing broke off, it also broke off the tail. The plane at the time of the crash was carrying Captain DAVIDSON, Lieutenant BROWN, the hitch-hiker and a man as Crew Chief to take care of the airplane. The Crew Chief and the hitch-hiker parachuted to safety, but Captain DAVIDSON and Lieutenant BROWN were killed. He stated that their investigation reflected no indication of any sabotage whatever.

A check of the records of the Winthrop Hotel at Tacoma, Washington revealed that  giving his address as  Mountview Drive, Boise, Idaho rented room 502 from July 30 at 7:43 P. M. until

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The following information was obtained by Special Agent  in interview on August 12, 1947 with Captain , United Airlines pilot: It should be noted that Captain  has previously received publicity for having supposedly seen flying discs or similar objects on July 4, last while on a routine United Airlines flight out of Boise, Idaho in company with his co-pilot  concerning this incident. Captain  states that they took off from Boise, Idaho at 3:12 P. M. and headed Northwest at 300 degrees and while still climbing at 8,000 feet, co-pilot  called his attention to some objects in the sky ahead of them about ten degrees left which neither one could identify.  states that he called a CAA radio operator at Ontario, Gregon and requested him to step outside his radio shack and see if he could see any of these objects overhead. The CAA radio operator replied in the negative.



Captain:  states that he first met:  on July 5 in the offices of the:  where both were being interviewed concerning their sighting of flying discs.  states that he next met:  about three weeks ago in Boise, Idaho at which time he,  was on another flight through Boise, Idaho and had a ten minute lay-over there. On this occasion  was in company of Captain WILLIAM L. DAVIDSON and Lieutenant FRANK M. BROWN, Army Intelligence officers, and a: .  next contact with:  was on Thursday, July 31, last when he received a telephone call from:  calling from Tacoma in the early afternoon at which time he asked:  to come over to Tacoma and join him as he was investigating a flying disc story for "someone back 'yast" and some fragments were involved which:  might be interested in seeing. After some discussion  agreed to join:  in Tacoma and:  told:  he would fly over and pick him up at Boeing Airport at 4:00 P. M.  met:  at Boeing Field at about 4:00 P. M. and they flew to Berry's Airport at Tacoma, Washington where they were met by: . The three of them proceeded in:  car to the Winthrop Hotel where:  was occupying room 502.  ordered something to eat and during this time either:  or:  called a:  and invited him up to the room. By this time:  states he had learned from:  that:  were the participants in the latest flying disc story and:  states that he had no previous acquaintance with either of these men before meeting them in Tacoma on this date. While in the Hotel Room:  showed:  a letter which he had received from:  of the Venture Press of Chicago requesting that:  investigate

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the  story in Tacoma.  informed  at this time that after receiving this letter he had called  by telephone in Chicago as a result of which call  had forwarded him $200.00 expense money for covering the story. Shortly thereafter, at about 7:30 P. M.  arrived at the Hotel room and the discussion began among the four men present as to what  had seen on Maury Island.  professed reluctance to tell the story, claiming that several unfortunate incidents had occurred subsequent to his seeing the flying discs and he believed the entire incident had brought him bad luck. In this connection he stated that four five days subsequent to his sighting the flying discs, a man called at his home and had a conversation with him the course of which  was warned to forget all about everything he had seen on or near Maury Island. In addition to that,  stated that his sixteen year old son had run away from home following the incident and had been picked up by the police somewhere in Montana. After some further discussion  finally agreed to tell his story of the flying disc incident in front of  after eliciting a promise from  that he would not discuss the matter for at least two weeks. It should be noted that  had previously told his story to . At this point  related the incident which has already been described and which he alleged had taken place on or about June 23 or 24. While relating the incident  mentioned that he had taken pictures of the flying disc which he had seen but that the printed films were marred with white spots. When  had concluded his story,  related that he had gone the following day to Maury Island to verify what  had told him concerning the fragments and had at this time picked up several fragments and taken them with him. This time  related that he also saw one of the flying discs hovering over the Island but that it had disappeared into a cloud. When  had finished telling their story  told the group that he had earlier that evening called Captain DAVIDSON and Lieutenant BRC.N, Army Intelligence officers and that they were on their way to the Hotel room. At this point  protested that he did not wish to tell his story before anyone else and he was advised by  that if such was the case why didn't he just leave and be there when they arrived.  then left the room and went downstairs.  departed alone.  drove  back to Boeing near Seattle where  desired to pick up his own personal car, which he . They then returned to the Hotel where they found Captain DAVIDSON and Lieut BRC.N in room 502 with .  met them at the door and seemed excited, explaining to  that Captain DAVIDSON had just drawn a reproduction of a freak disc which had supposedly been seen by a woman in Arizona and that this drawing was an exact reproduction of the flying disc which he, , had seen several weeks before, nearing Mt. Rainier.  states that shortly after this  seemed very anxious to tell his and  story to the Army officers. Before this was done, however,  had a discussion with Lieutenant BRC.N, informing him that they had promised  not to release the story for two weeks and that if  were allowed to tell the story at this time,  and DAVIDSON must agree not to release the story for one month. Following this agreement,  related  and his story of the flying discs over Ma

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at

had

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August 19, 1947

Island to BROWN and DAVIDSON. Following this recitation, Lieutenant BROWN in answer to a query from , said that he and Captain DAVIDSON were of the opinion that there might be some truth in the current flying disc story but that their immediate superiors (presumably A-2 at Hamilton Field) did not agree with them. BROWN and DAVIDSON then held a brief discussion as to when they should return that same night to Hamilton Field and they decided that they would. All five of the men then went down to the lobby where BROWN detached himself from the group and entered a phone booth to call for a car from McChord Field.  also left the group and met BROWN outside the phone booth where they held a short discussion relative to the credibility of  story. BROWN indicated to  that he should attempt to find out if the story was on the level and that BROWN would call him the following day regarding this matter. The group then proceeded to the front of the Hotel at which time  brought his car to the front of the Hotel and took from his trunk a box of the alleged flying disc fragments picked up on Maury Island. He offered them to BROWN and DAVIDSON and when the Army car arrived from Hamilton Field the box of fragments was placed in the car with the officers.  departed alone and  went in search of something to eat and returned to the Hotel for the night.



On Friday morning, August 1, 1947,  received a call from  informing him that a B-25 had crashed during the night and it was believed to be the same plane which BROWN and DAVIDSON were flying. Following this call  and  came to the Hotel room and from the room  again called McChord Field in an attempt to get information about the crash.  took the phone from  and spoke to a Colonel  identifying himself and asking if the B-25 which crashed was the only one which had taken off from McChord Field the previous night.  told him that it was. Following this call  called  in Chicago and informed him of the previous night's conversations and the fact that DAVIDSON and BROWN were believed to have been killed.  told  to discontinue his investigation of the incident and that he,  was no longer interested.  then took the phone from  and asked  if he could shed any light on the situation.  was unable to say what  reply to  was. Following these telephone discussions  says that he called  whom he identifies as a personal friend of his and an  states that he had previously made an agreement with  in Chicago that should he ever run across any flying disc stories which showed promise of news value, that he would contact  and this call was a result of that agreement. Shortly after ward, Colonel  called him from McChord Field stating that Hamilton Field had requested that  and  submit their addresses to Hamilton Field for convenience of any investigation of the incident which may be forthcoming. After this call the four men went to a restaurant for lunch. During the course of this meal  excused himself from the table and attempted to call SAC BOBBITT of the Portland Field Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation with whom he claims acquaintance. BOBBITT, however, was unavailable and  was unable to complete t

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call. After returning to the Hotel room, a  called attempting to gain information, but they did not give him any. Later, a Mr.  of the  called and  spoke to him on the telephone but refused to give out any information.  further relates that while the four men were in the room at this time, an envelope was shoved under the door and that he retrieved it from the floor.  states that the appearance of this envelope seemed to startle  considerably and that in fact,  turned white as a sheet until  read the note unsigned which was a communication to the Hotel advising that a strike of Hotel employees was eminent and that guests should not expect room and telephone service much longer. Shortly after this incident  left the Hotel room after promising to take  to Haury Island the following morning, (Saturday).  and  then went out for dinner and on their return,  found a note in the box requesting him to call a certain telephone number. He did this from the Hotel room and was answered by ,  who requested  to go out and call him from a pay station.  complained and was informed by  that two anonymous telephone calls had been received by him that a discussion regarding flying discs had been taking place in room 502 at the Winthrop Hotel which involved Army Intelligence officers. From the information which  had received,  was convinced that the anonymous caller must have been present at the discussion also, as  was seemingly in possession of pertinent remarks which had been made in the room.  states that he did not give  any further information and that in conclusion of the call, he returned to the Hotel room and he and  retired for the night.

On Saturday morning, August 2, 1947 received a telephone call from in Chicago, but was unable to give him any further information. advised him, however, that he would call him back at 2:30 that afternoon. then called from a coffee shop nearby and and joined and an unknown man in the Coffee Shop for breakfast. The unknown person was discussing some lumber business with and left after breakfast. On leaving the coffee shop, asked about the negatives of the photographs which he claimed to have taken of the flying discs. said the negatives were in the glove compartment of his car, but a search of the instant glove compartment was fruitless. The four then proceeded in 's car to the dock where they were to embark for Maury Island. The boat, however, could not be started and the trip was postponed until later in the day. While at the dock, however, asked to be shown the damage to the boat which had allegedly occurred when the fragments showered down on Maury Island. pointed out what may have been repairs to the windshield and lights on the boat, but was not personally satisfied that these repairs were made as a result of any such incident. then drove and back to the Hotel at approximately 10:45 A. M. and told them he would call them later on and that they would go to Maury Island. On returning to the Hotel, called at the Tacoma Times as a result of which call he and met at the Coffee Shop across the street from the

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August 19, 1947

Winthrop Hotel.  stated that the purpose of this meeting was to try to find out something more about the anonymous phone calls which  had told him about. He and  still refused to give out any further information regarding the Thursday evening conference to  and were informed by  that the  was afraid of being scooped on the story and was going to print something on that day.  and  then returned to the Hotel and shortly thereafter received a phone call from  but the call was cut off by the switchboard operator since it was not an emergency call.  and  then returned to the Hotel lobby where they found a telegram from  asking them to call him at either Broadway or Froctor  is not sure of the exchange.  called this number, but  was not there.  states that he went then to the Western Union Telegraph Office and dispatched a collect telegram to  at the  which contained a brief resume of the incidents which had occurred and which requested  to wire  a telephone number where  could be reached after 6:00 P. M.  states that he has never received an answer to that wire. Following this,  states that he and  that he and  were sitting in the lobby of the Olympic Hotel when  entered and gave them each a copy of the latest edition of the Tacoma Times which contained a story hinting at sabot in the crash of the Army B-25 which killed Captain DAVIDSON and Lieutenant BR  stated that he and  continued to occupy seats in the Hotel lobby most of the afternoon inasmuch as they were unable to receive calls in the Ha room due to the Hotel employees' strike. He relates that he received a call in the late afternoon from  advising him to call  that evening at 7:30 as  had further information regarding the anonymous calls.  received a telegram requesting that he call  which he did and found that it was  of the  He refused to give  any further information at this time. However, shortly thereafter,  called from Boise and advised  that the Army had released a story through Briga General SHRAF revealing the confidential assignment which BRO Z. and D.VIDSON had been engaged on. In view of this release,  requested  to ans one question for him which was, "Were they carrying any alleged disc fragment on the plane?" and  answered, "Yes, they were." Following this  called  as per his earlier request and was informed that  of the  had received another anonymous phone call at which time "the voi said that the Army B-25 carrying Captain D.VIDSON and Lieutenant BRO II had been shot down with 20 m.m. shells and that the Marine plane found on it. Rainier had also been shot down with 20 m.m. shells. The voice went on to st that  would be called back to Wright Field on Tuesday. Then  asked why he was giving out this information the caller replied that it was not for the benefit of the newspapers, but that he was interested in seeing that the information got back to New Jersey. The voice also informed  at this time that one of the two persons who had been talking to  and  had now left for Alaska. As a result of this latter bit of information  decided to find out if  or  had left town. He located  at the Sunset Theatre and  came to the hotel and met  and  They were unable to locate  by phone and  left saying that he would try to find out where  was and that he would call them tomorrow (Sunday) and that they would go out to Maury Island at that time. After  left,

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and went to the where a uct them and took them to in the There they read the latest press releases and had a discussion with regarding the anonymous phone calls. In the course of this discussion mentioned the name of Major Public Relations Officer at McChord Field as being one of the officers interested in the investigation.



Following this discussion with , at which time states they still refused to divulge any further information,  and returned to the Hotel for the night.

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On Sunday morning, August 3, 1947,  appeared at the Hotel room and told them that he had received a letter from  which said in effect, "Take care of my business. I'll be out of town for three or four days."  had a letter with him but he did not show it to  or  The three men then drove to  secretary's house in South Tacoma and picked her up and the four of them then went to breakfast on the South Tacoma Highway. While the four of them then went to breakfast  excused himself and called Major  at McChord Field and arranged an appointment to meet him at the Hotel lobby at 11:00 A. M. They then took  secretary to her home where  picked up a typewriter and then drove  and  back to the Hotel. They asked him if he was going to take them to Maury Island that day and he replied that he was not. He further stated that he was sick of the entire business and that if he was ever contacted by the Army or the authorities he was going to deny ever having seen anything and claim to be "the biggest liar that ever lived". Shortly after returning to the Hotel,  met Major  in the lobby and they went in  car to a coffee shop in South Tacoma where  proceeded to tell Major  the entire story of the incidents which had occurred in Tacoma regarding the  and  story since Thursday afternoon. Following this,  took Major  back to the Hotel and introduced him to  and suggested to  that he also tell Major  the entire story of what had occurred.  did so. Major  after looking at the fragments which were still in the room suggested that they drive out to the Smelter near Tacoma as he believed the slag at the Smelter would bear a distinct resemblance to these fragments. The three men then drove to the Smelter and the slag was noted to be definitely similar to the fragments which  and  had left in the Hotel room. They then returned to the Hotel room and Major  left them. After packing their bags,  took  to Seattle Airport where his plane was parked and then  drove himself back to Seattle

6.

About an hour after his arrival in Seattle, which was approximately 7:30 P. M., of the appeared at home with the newspaper containing the Associated Press story which had originated in Boise, Idaho in the Boise Statesman and which was written by follo. admission to him that fragments had been carried by Lieutenant Po Captain DAVIDSON on the fatal B-25 flight. at this time continued to refuse to give any statements for the Press and told that he had placed



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all of his information in the hands of the Army.  stated that a couple of days later he called  at McChord Field and asked him if there was any recent information concerning the incident.  states that  informed him that  had not yet been contacted, but that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was "setting a trap for him".  further advises that on Friday, August 8, 1947, he appeared before Lawyer  at the County-City Building, Seattle and made a deposition of the facts relating to the incidents in Tacoma from Thursday afternoon, July 31, last until Sunday morning, August 3, last.

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A copy of this deposition is now in possession of the writer and is being forwarded herewith to the Bureau. It should be noted that this deposition is in no way as complete as the statement taken by the writer above and any setting out of this deposition in this communication would be superfluous.

Copies of this communication are being sent to the Butte, Portland, San Francisco and Chicago Offices for their information only. Unless advised by the Bureau to the contrary, instant investigation is considered closed by this office.

For the information of the Bureau, Captain , Intelligence Officer, McChord Field, Ft. Lewis, Washington advised at the week O.N.I.-S.I.D.-F.B.I. Intelligence conference that the Public Relations Officer at McChord Field had received a telephone call from an individual at Army Air Forces Headquarters at Washington, D. C., during which call the Public Relations Officer was requested to obtain a signed statement from  which could be published and thus publicly close the matter. Captain  further related that he had no additional information in this matter and that he did not handle it.

170

Very truly yours,

JACK B. WILCOX
Special Agent in Charge

ENCLOSURES
DAM;PHL:TEX
100-18945
CC - Butte
Portland
San Francisco
Chicago

- 24

STATE OF WASHINGTON )
COUNTY OF KING )
88

67c and says:  being first duly sworn, on oath, deposes

This is a narrative statement as to what took place in Tacoma from Thursday, July 31 until Sunday, August 3.

Thursday I received a telephone call from Tacoma from a  The gist of this conversation was that he thought it would be a good idea for me to come to Tacoma and listen to the story of two men whose names were  This  had met two times previous -- once on July 5 at the office of the P.I. in Seattle for a very brief time and the second time in Boise, Idaho when I was passing through on one of my trips.

In this conversation with  on the phone, I made ti statement that it would be impossible for me to go over to Tacoma due to my going out to Salt Lake City the next morning. He said that he would fly over from Tacoma and pick me up at Boeing Field I agreed to this proposition from . At 4 o'clock I met  at the Boeing Field and we flew back and landed at Barry's Airport. We were picked up at the airport by , who drove the two of us into the Winthrop Hotel. We went up to Room 502 --

b.7c I put a telephone call into and asked him would he come up to the room. A half hour later made his appearance. At this time there were four men in the room -- asked Mr. to relate his story as to what took place on June 24. Mr. was very hesitant about telling the story to me. and Mr. were already aware of the statements that had made previous. Mr. made the statement to me that if any statement he would make relative to his story, if I would keep it confident for two weeks, that he felt definitely that I would want to forget the whole thing. I made the statement to Mr. that as far as was concerned, I would keep any statements he made to me confident for at least two weeks.

Here is story: On June 24 (this date to be chec later) he was in a boat owned by who owns the Harbor Patrol in Tacoma. They -- Mr. a Mr. and Mr. son age 16, were cruising around Maury Island looking for logs th had broken away from booms. They were fairly close to shore of Maury Island when they saw four or five objects in the sky at an altitude of approximately 1500 feet. He said these objects were

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100 feet in diameter, circular in shape, and it appeared that there was a hole in the center of each as he could see the sky through this hole. He also mentioned that on the inside of the circle or the hole, that portholes were visible. Their speed was negligible as they appeared to hover over a given spot. One of these objects appeared to be in trouble. Another object came over and appeared to make contact. After making this contact for approximately two minutes, it rose to its original position.

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At this time the object that appeared to be in trouble seemed to throw a lot of debris from one of the portholes. These objects then disappeared from view. Some of this debris that landed broke in the wheelhouse of the boat, the spotlight, and the klaxon. While this debris was falling, my boy and Mr.  got off the boat and hid under some logs. This debris that fell killed our dog and a sea gull. I asked Mr.  what was done with the dog. He made the statement they threw the dog into the water.

btc

This story was told to Mr.  who the next day went out to this Island to check on this story. He verified the fact of the damage to the boat, also to the fact that there appear to be quite a few pieces of either rock or metal on the shore. Mr.  also stated that while he was over there investigating on Maury Island, he also saw a disk. This disk was of the same shape and contour as the objects explained by Mr. .

At this point Mr.  clarified for me as to the reason he was investigating this story. Mr.  stated that he received a letter from a Mr. ,  Evanston, Illinois. The gist of this letter was that Mr.  received a letter from Mr.  and Mr. , also a package of these fragments that were found on Maury Island. Mr.  also made the statement in the letter that the Chicago University failed to analyze these fragments and that would Mr.  please investigate the story. Mr.  was sent a Western Union check for $200.00 to take care of any expense that he might incur while making this investigation.

Mr.  had made a telephone call to Hamilton Field to contact a Captain Davidson and a Lieutenant Brown, who were with A-2 Intelligence at Hamilton Field, asking them would they make a trip to Tacoma to also listen to this story of  and . When Mr.  acquainted me with the fact that he had made this phone call in front of Mr. , Mr.  made the statement that he would not tell this story to anybody in Army Intelligence. I made the statement to Mr.  that if he felt this way, that he should not be in the room when these two Intelligence officers arrived. Mr.  thought this was an excellent idea.

C

Page #3

bc left the hotel room to go downstairs as Mr. wanted to get some metal that was in the back of his car that he had picked up on Maury Island, to bring back to the hotel room. Mr. departed.

At this time I made the statement to Mr. that I should like to pick up my car in Seattle. Mr. drove me to Boeing Field, Seattle. After leaving me at Boeing Field, he drove back to Tacoma and I drove my own car back to Tacoma. After I had put my car in the garage at Tacoma, I went up to the Winthrop Hotel and in the room at that time was Mr. Mr. , and Capt: Davidson from Army Intelligence. Lieutenant Brown was downstairs getting sandwiches and coffee. When Lieut. Brown came back, the stories were again related and Lieut. Brown made a statement that all the facts of these stories would be hold in strictest confidence until released by Mr.

After Mr.  had told all the facts, relating not only his own story but that of Mr. , he asked for the opinion of both officers as to what they thought. Lieut. Brown made the statement that he would like to obtain some of these fragments to take back to Hamilton Field.

At this time Capt. Davidson and Lieut. Brown were debating the thought as to whether to stay over night in Tacoma or leave for Hamilton Field immediately, as the B-25 they were flying was supposed to be at Hamilton Field the next day for the Air Show.

The five of us then left the hotel room and went down to the hotel lobby where Mr.  made a telephone call to McChord Field asking them to send a driver to pick up Capt. Davidson and himself. Lieut. Brown came up to me and made the statement that he and Capt. Davidson were going back to Hamilton Field and that he would get in touch with me tomorrow and if after I had seen the fragments on Maury Island, if I thought in my own mind that this was authentic, they would immediately leave Hamilton Field and return. I was to hold this statement by Lieut. Brown in the strictest of confidence from the other group of three  and .

67c We then went down to the street where Mr.  drove car up in front and took out a box of fragments and gave this box Davidson and Brown. While waiting for the driver from McChord Fie Lieut. Brown and I discussed Pacific operations and things not per taining to this mission. Capt. Davidson and Lieut. Brown departed approximately 12:45 A.M. Mr.  and I went back to our hotel room after having a midnight snack.

C

Page #4

Friday the 1st: At approximately 8 o'clock in the morning, Mr.  called up our hotel room and acquainted us with the fact that the B-25 had crashed. Also that he had called McChord Field and from information he received also verified the fact that the two men in the ship were Capt. Davidson and Lieut. Brown, plus a flight engineer and a hitch-hiker. This left both Mr.  and myself in a very bad state of concern. Approximate ly an hour later Mr.  and Mr.  made their appearance in the hotel room. I still wasn't sure that this was the same B-25 that the two Intelligence officers had left in last night. Mr.  then again called McChord Field and talked to a Colonel  and the fact was verified again that the two pilots were Davidson and Brown.

After an hour or so Mr.  and Mr.  left the hotel room with a plan in mind of the four of us meeting the next morning (Saturday) for breakfast and going out to Maury Island.

That evening (Friday) there was a message for me to call this particular telephone number that was on the message. I calle this number and was asked by the party to please call them from a paystation. This party was a Mr. , a  on the . He told me, "I most certainly am doing myself out of a goc story but I thought you ought to know that somebody has been calli this paper and giving us a blow-by-blow description of all that ha taken place in your room since you arrived." To verify this, Mr.  repeated back to me discussions that I felt had only been taking place in our room.

b-7c
Mr.  also made the statement that there was a leak either from the switchboard operator or our room had been tapped. I asked Mr.  why he was tipping us off with this information. He made the statement that he didn't mind doing this if in return that any information that I may let out would be given to him. After this conversation with Mr.  I went back to our room and told Mr.  what took place on the telephone.

Saturday morning: Mr.  and I met Mr.  and  for breakfast. We then drove out to the boat to go to the island. The boat was unserviceable at the time so we went back to the hotel. Mr.  said that he would call later on in the day and let us know when the boat would be repaired. That was the last time I saw Mr.

Approximately 11 o'clock Saturday morning Mr.  phoned me and made the statement it would be impossible for him t keep this appointment with me. We were cut off by the switchboar operator as this was classified as not an emergency call. The reason we were cut off was due to a strike in all the Tacoma hote.

Page #5

b7c

Mr. called up and said if I would call him at 8:30 that evening, he would have some additional information for me. I called Mr. at 8:30 that evening. He told me that this anonymous caller had again called a Mr. of the and said that one of the parties that Mr. and I had come down to see was flown to Alaska. Also he made the statement Mr. would be called to Wright Field Tuesday. This anonymous caller made the statement to Mr. that this B-25 was shot down. Mr. asked this person calling what his interest was. This anonymous caller made a statement - "Don't thi I am doing it for the newspapers. All I am interested in is seei that this information gets back to New Jersey."

b7c

After I finished the conversation with Mr.  I went over to the United Press and talked with Mr.  and had him read back to me the conversations that he had had with this anonymous caller. But no opinions at this time were voiced either by me or Mr.

btc

Sunday morning I called a Major  of S-2 McChord Field and asked him to meet me at the Winthrop Hotel at 11 o'clock I met this Major  at 11 o'clock and we drove to a small cofi shop on the Tacoma Highway where this complete story was related 1 him by me. We then drove back to the Winthrop Hotel where Major  was introduced to Mr.  by me and again listened to Mr.  story. Mr.  and I departed from the Winthrop Hotel Sunday afternoon at approximately 4:30.

This is to certify that the foregoing statement was taken before me, a notary public; that prior to making said statement, 1 witness was first sworn to tell the whole truth and nothing but truth; that the statement was then reduced to writing and signed by me on the:  day of August, 1947.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and official seal the day and year last above written.

Notary Public in and for the S of Washington, residing at Sea:

August 8, 1947

67c make the following voluntary statement to an of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

In the sud, part of Jul 1947 we picked up some strange rock formations from a gravel pit on Laury Island, Washington. We sent a box (cigar) of these fragments to  of Venture Magazine at Evanston Illinois to have it analyzed.

Later  wrote and asked for additional samples stating that he had failed to have them analyzed.

Around the later part of June a few days after the first disc stories started  contacted us by phone. He told us not to tell the newspapers about the fragments and he would pay for an exclusive story if the fragments could be from a flying disc.

One of us told hi: the fragments could have been from a flying disc.

Just after our phone conversation  wrote a letter to  setting out some notes etc. regarding the fragments and indicating they could have come from flying discs. 67c

The next thing we heard was about the first of July when we got a Trans Ocean Press telegram from Chicago asking us about these flying disc fragments. We told them to forget the entire matter.

The next we heard of these fragments was when we were called by 67C to meet with him in the Winthrop Hotel on July 31,1947

We told him exactly how we had found the fragments and had forwarded them to [REDACTED] to be analyzed. 67c

The above is the entire and true story as regards our connection with the flying disc stories etc. which originated over the ore samples which we sent to be analyzed.

F.B.I. Seattle 8/7/47.
67c

# Office Men. C. dum • UNITED C GOVERNMENT

TO : The Director

DATE: August 14, 1947

FROM : Mr. D. M. Ladd

Mr. Tolson: <empty>
Mr. E. A. Tamm: <empty>
Mr. Clegg: <empty>
Mr. Glavin: <empty>
Mr. Ladd: <empty>
Mr. Nichols: <empty>
Mr. Rosen: <empty>
Mr. Tracy: <empty>
Mr. Carson: <empty>
Mr. Egan: <empty>
Mr. Gurnea: <empty>
Mr. Harbo: <empty>
Mr. Hendon: <empty>
Mr. Pennington: <empty>
Mr. Quinn Tamm: <empty>
Tele. Room: <empty>
Mr. Nease: <empty>
Miss Beardsley: <empty>
Miss Gandy: <empty>

SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS

In connection with your request to be advised as to the facts concerning newspaper reports of flying discs in the Portland area and the reported conference of army officials in Portland concerning flying disc the Portland Office has advised that Leaveritt G. Richards, aviation

editor of the "Oregonian," has stated that Captain William L. Davidson and Lieutenant Frank M. Brown of the Fourth AAF Headquarters, San Francisco, were in Portland on July 27, 1947. While in Portland they interviewed Dick Rankin, an experienced pilot, who had reported that he observed, on June 11, a formation of ten flying discs over Bakersfield, California. Richards added that Davidson and Brown had also interviewed the following four experienced pilots who were among the first to report seeing discs, Kenneth Arnold, businessman from Boise, Idaho; Captain E. J. Smith, a co-pilot; Ralph Stevens, United Airlines and Dave Johnson, aviation editor, Idaho"Statesman." In order to determine the purpose of these interviews Richards contacted Major General Twining of Wright Field Ohio, and from him gained the impression that the AAF instituted this investigation to wash out the disc reports since they are definitely not of AAF origin.

On Friday, August 1, the plane in which AAF investigators, Captain Davidson and Lieutenant Brown, were flying, crashed at Kelso, Washington and both were killed. The wreckage was screened by AAF Intelligence from McChord Field. The "Tacoma News Tribune" and through them the United Press put out a story that the plane was carrying parts of a disc which had struck a boat owned by Harold Duhl and Fred Chrisman. It has also been inferred that this plane was sabotaged to prevent these disc parts from being examined.

## STATUS

Investigation by the Bureau has reflected that this plane was definitely not carrying parts of a disc and there appears to be no substantiation of a sabotage charge.

For your further information there is attached a blind memorandum setting forth in more detail the results of the investigation surrounding the above plane crash. No further inquiry is being made in this matter.

## ACTION

Air Force Intelligence has been advised of the results of our investi-

gation.

162-83894-105

Order
&
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RCF:mjp

14

3/10

COPIES DESTROYED
370 NOV 18 1964

102

tx-81

August 14, 1947

# FLYING DISCS

The "Tacoma News Tribune" and through them the United Press put out a story that an army plane which was allegedly carrying parts of a disc which had struck a boat owned by Harold Dahl and Fred Chrisman had crashed on August 1, 1947, killing two Air Force Intelligence officers who were interviewing persons who were alleged to have seen flying discs.

and when interviewed by Bureau Agents, advised in a signed statement on August 7, 1947, that in the early part of June, 1947, they picked up some strange rock formations from a gravel pit on Maui Island, Washington. They sent a cigar box of these formations to one of the and also of the in Chicago, Illinois. According to them they requested to make only a chemical analysis of the rock formations. then wrote asking for additional samples stating he had been unable to analyze the material and remarked that a few days after the flying disc stories appeared during the latter part of June, I contacted them by telephone saying he would pay for an exclusive story if the materials they had sent him were fragments of a flying disc: said he wrote a letter in which he represented the material as being a part of a flying disc, and both and admitted that this statement was entirely false.

70

and then received a call from one of Boise, Idaho who requested them to meet him at the Winthrop Hotel in Tacoma on July 31, 1947. According to them called in army intelligence officers from Hamilton Field, California and one Captain of United Airlines of Seattle, Washington to attend this meeting. and maintained they told the intelligence officers Captain Davidson, Lieutenant Brown, and exactly how they got the rock formations and that they had no connection with any flying discs. and stated that they then furnished some of the rock formation to the intelligence officers as samples.

Captain Davidson and Lieutenant Brown left Tacoma, Washington in a B-25 to return to Hamilton Field, California about 2:30 A.M. August 1, 1947, and were killed when their plane crashed at Kelso, Washington, after the left engine burned out an exhaust stack which in turn caught the left wing on fire which caused it to break off. The crew chief and each officer parachuted to safety.

at Tacoma advised that two or three days after the flying disc story started he contacted to check the story

67c

GLESURE

62 93-11

COPIES DESTROYED

270 NOV 18 1964

Harbor, Washington, to the effect that  had some flying disc fragments. 67c
At this time  admitted to  that the entire story was false.

Relative to:  stated that he was paid by:  of the:  and possibly the:  to come to Tacoma and obtain a story from them regarding the flying disc fragments.

On July 31 and August 1, a total of five anonymous calls were received by a  and the  at Tacoma giving information regarding the meeting at the Winthrop Hotel over the disc fragments and stating that the B-25 had been shot down or sabotaged which killed Captain Davidson and Lieutenant Brown, inferring that this was done because the intelligence officers were carrying disc fragments in their plane. 670

stated that these calls could only have ccne from themselves, who, they stated, had a friend on the Chicago Times and was possibly selling the story to the Chicago Times through this friend. denied making these calls. 67C

upon interview, stated that reporter of the Tacoma Times and of the in Tacoma had informed him that had several anonymous calls and from the accuracy of the information transmitted believes they were made by either 670



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In & Arlene
In Chris
In Givis
In Land
In Nielson
In Rosea
In Tracy
In Egan
In Garcia
In Perbe
In Fisher
In Ronni
In Qui a Tama

49 47
674
VGW



FBI BUTTE 8-15-47 5-45 PM

DIRECTOR, FBI URGENT

FLYING DISCS. ON INSTANT DATE OF TWIN FALLS, IDAHO,

INFORMED LOCAL NEWSPAPER THAT COMMUNITY THAT AT ONE PM ON WEDNESDAY

LAST, AUGUST THIRTEEN, HE AND TWO SONS BILLIE, AGE TEN, KEITH, APRIL

AGE EIGHT, SAW AN OBJECT NINE MILES NORTHWEST OF TWIN FALLS, RE-

SEMBLING FLYING DISC.  STATED THIS OBJECT WAS PROCEEDING

DOWN SALMON RIVER AT TERRIFIC SPEED ESTIMATED BY HIM AT ONE THOUSAND

MILES PER HOUR. AND SONS DESCRIBED OBJECT TO NEWSPAPERS AS

TWENTY FEET LONG, TEN FEET WIDE AND TEN FEET THICK, LIGHT SKY BLUE 6/2

IN COLOR AND ALSO OBSERVED FLAMES EMANATING FROM SIDES OF OBJECT.

AT TIME AND SONS SAW OBJECT THEY ALL HEARD LOUD SWISH WHEN

OBJECT DISAPPEARED FRIM SIGHT. CURRENT EFFORTS BEING MADE TC INTER-

VIEW AND SONS PURSUANT TO BUREAU BULLETIN FORTY TWO, SUB DIVISION

B, DATED JULY THIRTY NINETEEN FORTY SEVEN. BUREAU WILL BE PROMPTLY

1

AND FULLY INFORMED OF ALL PERTINENT DEVELOPMENTS.

BANISTER

END

RECORDED
INDEXED

MENTS.



24 1947

44.5%

PLS ACK AND HOLD



62nd

7-48 PM OK FBI WA BW

STANDARD, &c., NO. 54

# Office Memo: from • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

TO : Director, FBI <signature>
DATE: 7-29-47
FROM : SAC, Boston <signature> b7
SUBJECT: METAL FRAGMENTS OBSERVED AT WEST RINDGE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, JULY 7, 1947
SECURITY MATTER (X)

Reference is made to Boston teletype to the Bureau dated July 18, 1947.

Dean  the original informant, has advised that a spectographic examination has been completed of the metal particles referred to. They were determined to be of ordinary cast iron which had been subjected to a very high degree of heat. The heat caused scales to be formed on the cast iron which were originally thought to be of some metallic alloy. 6

The scientist examining the particles concluded that if they had come through the air from any great altitude in as small pieces as they were found then most of the heat would have been taken from them by the time they reached the ground and fires would not have resulted. It is noted they landed approximately 700 feet from a railroad track and inquiries were conducted by MIT to determine whether or not the particles could have been originally a part of a liner in a smoke stack or some other part of the steam engine. These inquiries resulted in positive information that the particles did not come from a train or locomotive. Measurements of the four pieces examined revealed that they had most likely been originally all part of one hollow cylinder, eight inches in diameter and three sixteenths of an inch in thickness. It was felt that one piece falling from a great height would have still retained a good part of its heat and probably would have smashed when it hit the ground.

A scientist, whom  did not identify by name, recalled that cast iron cylinders of similar measurements had been used in New Mexico on research work on a guided missile project. However, this unidentified scientist did not so conclude to the exolusion of all other possibilities. 67

It is interesting to note that the examination at MIT was actually conducted by who furnished the Boston Office with an informal report similar in all major details to that supplied by above. The men at MIT are gathering through friends all additional pieces of the original cylinder available. These will be turned over to the Boston Office. No further examination is being conducted by MIT and no effort is being made to reconstruct the original cylinder.

Unless advised to the contrary by August 15, 1947 the Boston Office will destroy these specimens. In the interim they will be transmitted to the Bureau on specific Bureau instructions.

COPIES DESTROYED
276 NOV 18 1964
EX 64
RECORDED
30
1/29/
1/7 103

It is noted that the original Boston teletype reflected that this inquiry was being treated as "secret" matter at MIT.  has advised that the comparatively small number of research scientists at MIT during the summer are all cognizant of the incident and the results of the research. However, no publicity has been given and it is not anticipated that any will result. The Bureau's interest is not known to the scientists at MIT. There has been no speculation that a guided missile originating in a foreign land landed in New Hampshire.

btc

As indicated above, unless the Bureau requests specifically further investigative action, this case is being closed in the Boston Office.

BSG:nd
100-20698

ང བ བ 1:|:ཀྱབསྒྲུབ

Office Mer. C. dum • UNITED C GOVERNMENT

TO: 
FROM: HANK

DATE: September 4, 1937

: Director, FBI
Atten: Assistant Director D. M. LADD
OM : SAC, San Francisco

BJECT: REPORTS OF FLYING DISCS

AIRMAIL

Enclosed for your information are copies of two letters from Lt. Col.  of A-2, Hamilton Field, California, dated August 27, 1947, with attachments reporting the sighting of "flying discs" on Guam, and result of A-2 investigation at Tacoma and Kelso, Washington.
67c

DWK:MR
62-2938

This image is not a chart. It contains a silhouette of what appears to be a person's head and shoulders, with some stylized lines and dots. There are also some handwritten characters that are difficult to decipher. The background is a light blue.

- **Record Status:** RECORDED, EX-37
- **Date:** 36 SEP 24 1947
- **Identifier:** 162-83194-102k
- **Other Markings:**
    - "ENCLOSURE BEHIND FILE"
    - "DESTROYED NOV 18 1964"
    - "R 344"
    - Handwritten annotations and signatures.

PIES 1.
270 N



HEADQUARTERS FOURTH AIR FORCE.

Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2



Hamilton Field, California

LAPDA
858.56/1208-1

27 August 1947

62-29381*

SUBJECT: No Flying Dildo.

101 Special Agent in Charge, FBI, U. S. Department of Justice,
Federal Office Building, Room 422, San Francisco, California.

The following is extract from the Weekly Intelligence Summary, Air Transport Command, Washington 25, D. C., dated 20 August 1947, Copy No. 120, Attach 1, pg 11

"FLYING OBJECTS IN GUAM: Unidentified flying objects have been observed by three American enlisted men of the 147th Airways and Air Communications Service Squadron at Harmon Field, Guam, who then report that at 040 hours on 14 August 1947 the two objects, which they describe as small, crescent shaped and traveling at a speed twice that of a fighter plane, passed over them on a zig-zag course in a westerly direction at an approximate altitude of twelve hundred feet. The objects disappeared into clouds and a few seconds later a similar object possibly one of those previously observed, emerged from the clouds and proceeded west. No further details have been reported."

2. For your information.

DONALD L. SPRINGER
Lt. Colonel, CSC
AC of S, A-2



62-83894-102

This image is not a chart. It is a stylized insignia or emblem.

Key Information:
*   **Entity:** United States Air Force
*   **Department:** Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2 Intelligence
*   **Location:** Hamilton Field, California
*   **Visual Element:** A dark, curved shape, resembling a wing or an arc, with jagged edges and circular elements on either side.

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH AIR FORCE
Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2
Intelligence
Hamilton Field, California

4AFDA
333.5/1208-I

27 August 1947

SUBJECT: Investigation of Flying Disc.

TO: Special Agent in Charge, FBI, U. S. Department of Justice,
Federal Office Building, Room 422, San Francisco, California.

Attached summary forwarded for your information.

1 Incl:
Summary of Information.

DONALD L. SPRINGER
Lt. Colonel, GSC
AC of S, A-2

The image is not a chart. It appears to be a document with the following key information:

*   **Date:** AUG 30 1947
*   **Location:** SAN FRANCISCO
*   **Sender/Recipient Context:** Associated with "DONALD L. SPRINGER, Lt. Colonel, GSC, AC of S, A-2"
*   **Handwritten Signature:** Visible on the right side.

The image contains a thick black line with some smaller markings underneath and to the right, superimposed on a light blue background. There is no discernible chart, data, legend, text, or recognizable objects.

AFGHANISTAN AIR FORCES

Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2

Intelligence

Hamilton Field, California

4AFUA
353.5/1208-1

2-August 1947

SURF CT: Investigation of Flying Disc.

TO: Special Agent in Charge, FBI, S. Department of Justice, Seattle, Washington.

Attached summary forward for your information.

I Incl:
Summary of Information

DONALD I. SPRINGER
LL. Co-ronel, GSC
AC or S, A-2

1947

C O R T
AIR RESCUE SERVICE
DETACHMENT 8 (62d AAF BQ)
McChord Field, Tacoma, Washington

4 August 1947

SUBJECT: Final Mission Report

TO: Commanding Officer
Air Rescue Service
MacDill Field, Florida

	1. MISSION NUMBER Thirty-Nine.

	2. NATURE.

a. At 0400 PST, 1 August 47, ARMY FLIGHT SERVICE notified this detachment that a plane had been seen to crash and burn thirteen (13) miles south of NELCO, Washington (46°8'N, 122°55'W).

	5. ACTION TAKEN:

a. 1 Aug 47. At 04:30 PST, APS received information from Mr. O. C. Clark, local sheriff of KELSO, Wash., that the scene of the crash was fifteen (15) to twenty (20) miles east of KELSO in the vicinity of OCLE CRICK. The KELSO Chief of Police saw an aircraft fly low over the town, then crash and burn to the east. The time was about 0230 PST. A check of aircraft known to be in the vicinity revealed that 8-25 #1316 had departed MCCORD FIELD at 0212 PST for HAMILTON FIELD, California. The weather was reported as CFA. A full moon made visibility exceptionally good. The pilot's name was CAPT. K. C. DAVIDSON; the plane carried three (3) additional persons. The Base Operations Officer and Base PIO were notified. This detachment began organizing a ground party of base personnel to supplement that being formed by the KELSO Chief of Police. At 0500 PST information was received from KELSO by APS that ground fog in the valleys at the scene of the crash was preventing a ground party from locating the plane. Since no communication had been received from 8-25 #1316, it was assumed that it was the plane reported as crashed. ARS C-47 was pre-flighted to transport the Army ground party to KELSO but a check of the field conditions there deemed it advisable to use a smaller aircraft. Of the two C-45s available, one belonging to APS was unserviceed after a night flight; the other, belonging to AACS, was readied even though a responsible officer of that organization was not present to authorize the flight. Fog at KELSO prevented take-off until 0700 PST. The ground party, led by CAPT. K. L. LITKELL and CAPT. T. R. FCRSBERG, consisted of six men including a medical technician and a photographer. At 0600 PST, the KELSO Chief of Police notified APS that a passenger of the crashed airplane was in his office and had confirmed

CLONE

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: Final Opinion Report  4 August 1947

The belief that the crash was that of the unreported J-25. The passenger, Sgt. R. L. TAFF, of Ft. LANTON, SCATILE, was uninjured, but reported that the crew chief, T/Sgt. R. D. MATHENS, was at a farm house near the scene of the crash and was injured. Sgt. TAFF then led an ambulance to Sgt. MATHENS who was subsequently taken to a local hospital. At 0610 PST an attempt was made to telephone Sq. B at HAMILTON FIELD but no answer was received; however, it was known that HAMILTON AFS was aware of the incident and would notify Sq. B. At 0700 PST Capt. LITRELL departed in a C-45 for KILOSO. At 0745 PST Sq B was contacted by phone and given a flash report. At 0805 PST CAPT LITRELL phoned and informed that he had placed CAPTAIN FORJBERG in charge of Army personnel proceeding to the scene of the crash. No aerial search was necessary as civilians in the area knew the exact location of the crash and had reported finding one (1) body in the wreckage. CAPT. LITRELL prepared to fly Sgt's TAFF and MATHENS to MCCORD FIELD for medical attention, arriving at 0945 PST. The survivors stated that they believed neither the pilot nor co-pilot has parachuted from the plane. The cause of the incident was at this time determined to be a fire in the left engine. CAPT LITRELL was informed by Sgt. TAFF that he believed classified documents had been aboard the plane; CAPT FORJBERG was instructed to take necessary precautions. An ambulance met the plane at MCCORD FIELD carrying the two survivors and took them to the hospital. Investigation revealed that the left engine had caught fire in the power section and flames and smoke had spread to the flight deck almost immediately. The crew chief, MATHENS, assisted TAFF in attaching his chest pack and TAFF abandoned the plane at an estimated altitude of 10,000 ft (this fact is doubted but is not considered necessarily relevant). MATHENS helped the pilot and co-pilot attach their chest packs (all personnel had been wearing the harness) and as he left the plane was aware that the co-pilot was preparing to follow. The pilot had started to leave and, to the best recollection of MATHENS, was partially standing and holding the control wheel with his left hand. MATHENS statements indicate that proper emergency procedures had been performed but that the flames had enveloped the entire left side almost immediately. TAFF stated that, because of the full moon and good visibility, he saw MATHENS leave the plane and was able to follow the plane to the ground and that he saw no one else bail out. The ship was enveloped in flames and was beginning to fall apart before hitting the ground where it exploded and burned about one (1) mile from where he, TAFF, landed. He lit in a tree, and not knowing how to release his parachute of the quick-detachable kind, cut himself loose from the harness with his pocket knife. He kicked and struggled and eventually jumped to the ground, receiving a jolt on impact but was unable to guess how far he had fallen. He then followed a cow path for an estimated two (2) miles to a farm house, arriving after MATHENS. Meanwhile, as MATHENS cleared the plane he turned and saw the plane strike the ground, explode and burn. Just before or just at the time of impact he saw an object afire thrown clear of the plane but did not know whether it was a person or part of the plane. MATHENS also lit in a tree, and after freeing himself from his harness, fell to the ground where he injured his back. He lost consciousness and on recovering went to the burning plane, about fifty



CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: Final Action Report
4 August 1947

(50) yards away. Flares were going off and he thought best to leave the scene. He heard a stream nearby and followed it until he came to a house and aroused the occupants. Soon TAP arrived at the same house and, being uninjured, was driven into town. Then he led an ambulance to effect transportation of WATERS to a hospital. Meanwhile, civilians reached the scene of the crash where they found one body. At 0930 PST, a message from Sq B informed that top secret material was in the navigators kit and to request Commanding Officer MCCORD FIELD to expedite all available information to Commanding Officer HAMILTON FIELD. Meanwhile, CAPT FORSBERG and four (4) enlisted men departed KELSO at 0930 PST for scene of the crash. They were transported by the WASHINGTON STATE POLICE who knew the exact location of the plane (46°09'N - 122°43'W). The ground party determined upon arrival at the scene, that two (2) bodies were in the wreckage. Indications led to the belief that the co-pilot was alive when he left the plane an instant before impact. The pilot's remains were found in the wreckage. Preliminary investigation by CAPT FORSBERG disclosed the planes left wing about one hundred twenty-five (125) yards from the widely scattered portions of the plane. The left wing was intact and had apparently torn off just outboard of the left engine before impact. The forward portion of the wing stub was melted but the rear two thirds indicated that it had ripped loose from the inboard section of the wing. The air leading edge was undamaged. The navigation and landing lights were broken. The aileron was undamaged but the flap section was crushed, leading to the belief that the wing struck the tail section. From these indications it is believed the wing ripped from the airplane just after WATERS abandoned the plane. The resulting spin thus prevented the remaining crew members from bailing out although the co-pilot may have been in the hatch. A few civilians were in the area when CAPT FORSBERG arrived and he took precautions to prevent them from disturbing the wreckage. At 1157 PST CAPT LITRELL flew CAPT RICK, M. C., to KELSO. An ambulance dispatched from MCCORD FIELD, met them at KELSO, and was led to the scene of the crash by the STATE POLICE. The bodies were recovered and transported in the ambulance to MCCORD FIELD. CAPT LITRELL returned to MCCORD FIELD where camping equipment was prepared to be dropped to the ground party. CAPT LITRELL made a successful drop at dusk by sighting on a signal fire. The ground party set up camp at the wreckage scene to act as guard and to investigate further the following day. They were relieved of responsibility of all recovered documents by a CIC agent who had arrived about 1800 PST.

b. 2 Aug 47. The ground party remained at the scene of the crash pending official scouring of the incident. No aerial activity.

e. 3 Aug 47. MCCORD FIELD Operations Officer departed at 1000 PST to investigate the accident and to relieve CAPT FOWSSARD, who returned at 1600 PST. Incident closed.

CONFIDENTIAL

COPY

0

Subject: Final Kierion Report

4 August 1847

## 5. STATISTICAL SUMMARY

## 2. GROUND ACTIVITY

| (1)   | Total man hours by ARS Personnel in field               | 72   |
|-|-|-|
| (2)   | Total man hours by other Army Personnal<br />(estimate) | 300  |
| (3)   | Total man hours by civilian porsonnel (est)             | 150  |
| (4)   | No. of miles driven by Argy Vehicler                    | 503  |

## b. AERIAL ACTIVITY

| (1)   | Total No. of sortles flow          | s   |
|-|-|-|
| (2)   | Total hours flown by Army aircraft |     |

## 6. LOCAL PURCHASES

(1) Bone

## C. COUTTS

a. Cooperation received from all civilian agencies concerned was complete and excellent.

## 7. RECOMMENDATIONS

a. Hone.

ROBERT H. MASON
Captain, Air Corps
Commanding, Officer

1 Role:
1-Photographer

.

CONFIDENTIAL

"

TO: LETTERS FOURTH AIR FORCE
Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, -2
Intelligence

Hamilton Field, California

TITLE Investigation of Flying Disc
INVESTIGATION MADE AT Tacoma and Kelso, Washington.
FILE NO: 4AF - 1805 - I
CONTROLLING OFFICE Air Defense Command, Mitchel Field
PERIOD COVERED 31 July through 7 August 1947
CASE CLASSIFICATION Incident
DATE 12 August 1947
STATUS OF CASE Pending

REASON FOR INVESTIGATION: Investigation initiated at the request of Air Defense Command, reference ltr Hq ADC, dtd 7 Jul 47, file DE31.SID, subj: Investigation of Flying Disc.

SYNOPSIS:

On 31 July 47, <empty> of the Idaho Daily Statesman, telephoned Lt. Brown requesting he return to Tacoma because <empty> believed he had some very vital information on the flying disc.
b6

Lt. Brown and Capt. Davidson interviewed a <empty> along with <empty> of the United Air Lines, and <empty> at the Winthrop Hotel in Tacoma, Washington, on the night of 31 July 1947. b6

The summary of their interrogation and findings was related to Major Sander, Public Information Officer, Dachord Field, by . Major Sander retold the results of the investigation to this officer from his notes. 

 were not available for interview while this officer was in that area, although every effort was made to contact them.

Further investigation of this particular incident was left with Mr. Brady, Resident Agent, FBI, Tacoma, Washington.

It was apparent from newspaper clippings, telephone calls to this officer, and conversations with Major Sander, that a United Press correspondent, of the Tacoma Times, was instrumental in keeping this case alive. This officer and Major Sander, although quoted many times in the press, did not discuss this matter with the press during the period of this report.

The anonymous mystery oaller in Tacoma would possibly be <empty>
DISTRIBUTION:
COPIES:
APPROVED:
<signature>
AAF: 2
ADC: 1
G-2 6th Army: 1
DONALD L. SPRINGER, Lt. Colonel, GSC
AC of S, G-2

FBI, Seattle 1
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
FBI, San Francisco 1
AUG 30 1947
62-83894-162
EX-140
EDO:RE
SAN FRANCISCO
W.D., P.M.G. Form No. 110 ROUTED TO
1 April 1944
(This form supersedes W.D., G.C.S. Form No. 10, which
will not be used upon receipt of this revision)

Cl-R1 Report

C



INTAILS.



1. During the afternoon of 31 July 47, the Editor-in-Chief of the Idaho Daily Statesman, telephoned Lt Brown, CIC sub-Detachment Commander at Headquarters Fourth Air Force, and stated in substance: That he, Arnold, and Capt Bull had arrived in Tacoma to investigate the purported flying disc explosion on a surface craft on 21 June 47. This investigation was requested and financed by a Mr. Illinois.



AGENT'S NOTE: See Enclosure 1 and Enclosure 2. The signature to Enclosure 2, Mr. , in that of the , is that of a former Army Air Force officer and from all indications is a very patriotic American. On the receipt of Enclosure 2 at Headquarters Fourth Air Force, this officer requested the San Francisco FBI Office to check the Chicago FBI Office for  and Venture Press. The return answer, by telephone, was to the effect that the Chicago Indicen of the FBI, the Chicago Police, and Credit Bureau had no record on  or the Venture Press.





2. Lt Brown and Capt Davidson arrived at McChord Field during the afternoon of 31 July 47. They changed from their uniforms to civilian clothing in the aircraft and, on being queried by Operations as to why they desired transportation to Tacoma, they replied they were to arbo a month.

AOPA'S OFF: This was in compliance with par 4, ltr (r Eq ADC, File D533.612,
7 Jul 47, subj: Investigation of Flying Lice.



According to Major George Sander, Public Information Officer, McChord Field, The Tacoma Times received an anonymous telephone call that Lt Brown and Capt Davidson were present in the Winthrop Hotel for the purpose of conducting an investigation on the flying disc. The Tacoma Times checked and found this to be true, such to inquiries. Lt Brown and Capt Davidson did interview in a hotel room in the Winthrop Hotel, Tacoma, Wash., in the presence of If notes were taken of this conversation, they were destroyed in the aircraft accident. Lt Brown stated to Major Sander that Lt Brown obtained from the wreckage of the aircraft samples of an unidentified substance that was identical to those appearing in Inclosures 3 to 7. The samples pictured in Inclosures 3 to 7 were taken by from the same box that offered Brown and from which he obtained his samples. Lt Brown, in connection with the crashed aircraft, upon being interrogated by this officer, stated that he placed heavy cardboard carton in the rear compartment of the il-25 that crashed. He did not look in the box nor hear any comments from Lt Brown or Capt Davidson as to its contents.





8. The following summarizes what was related by Major Gander as to the substance of the interrogation by Lt Brown and Capt Davidson that on 21 Jan 47 while enroute proceeding south of Shary Island in the boat. Five flying discs came down out of the clouds and circled slowly around the bay, dropping to an estimated elevation of 500 feet. These discs appeared round



W.D., P.M.G. Perth No. 110

C1.R1 Report

C





66

flattened similar to a deflated automobile inner tube. They were judged by  to be approximately 20 feet across with a 20 foot opening in the center. The outer edge of the object had round portholes and the inner ring had square windows or portholes. The discs were silent and from his viewpoint he could see no means of propulsion. One of these discs appeared to falter and waver in the air, another of these aforementioned five discs dropped down close to the disc that appeared to waver and bumped it, dumping "tons" of the stuff as pictured in enclosure 3 to 7 on his boat, knocking off the hard rail, horn, and generally damaging the boat to the extent of $200.00, and killing  dog.

bc

AGENT'S NOTE: This officer, in the company of Major Gander, boarded the aforementioned boat where it was docked in the Tacoma harbor on 6 Aug 47. A hand rail was missing, but the area where the hand rail was previously fastened had been painted over with several coats of paint and was cracked by the weather. The deck and roof of the cabin was of a very thin construction and the cabin further had glass on the front and sides. It is this officer's opinion that if any of the objects presented by as samples of the material dropped by the flying disc had hit this boat, it would have certainly been necessary to replace the foredeck and the cabin roof. These two areas were very heavily coated with several coats of paint and had deep weather cracks that would take several seasons to repair.

66

who owns the boat and operates a

evidently visited the area at Mury Island to check the story. He is supposed to have stated that he found the material that he presented to Lt Brown and Capt Davidson in a sand pit near where the incident was supposed to have occurred. While he was at the scene of the incident, a flying disc came out of the clouds and behaved in a similar manner as the ones previously described.

62

AMERICA'S HOTSPOT: The witnessing on two occasions, in broad daylight, of an object so large and clearly visible within several miles of the city of Tacoma certainly should have been seen and reported on by either than  A check was made of the newspapers on and after 21 June and no mention could be found of a mysterious object appearing over the Tacoma harbor.



It is supposed to have sent samples of the objects that he picked up in the Demy Island shipwreck to a friend of his at the University of Chicago for an analysis report. No is reported to have not received the analysis report.

66

APRIL 1973
It is possible that the
PI
reference Inclosure 1 and 2,
might have some earee this Incident through the University of Chicago.



The interrogation of by Lt. Jones was completed about midnight on 31 July/1 August. Lt. Brown and Capt. Davidson returned to McChord Field and prepared for a night flight to Hamilton Field. The weather was clear with a bright moon shining. They departed approximately 0200 hours and crashed at approximately 0220 hours on 1 August 1947. (See enclosure B).

4. On 6 August 47, while offduty, in the company of Major Rander, Richard Field, and Dr. Brady, resident agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, attempted to



W.D., P.M.G. Form No. 110

Cl Air Sport



66





contact either the victim or the suspect without success. Officer [REDACTED] departed the scene area on J. August 47, therefore, this officer did not have the opportunity of conversing with Dian directly.

ATTN: IN ROKS
A record check was made by telephone by Mr. Brady with the Seattle Field Office, FBI, for records on . The check on Mrs. Crisman, was negative. The Seattle FBI indicates indicated that a Harold Dahl had been charged with two incidents of illegal wearing of the uniform and one with theft of national property. It could not be determined at the time whether Harold A. Dahl, the subject in question, and Harold Dahl of the FBI indices, was one and the same.

5. had indicated to  at al, that he was a former fighter pilot and hold commission as Captain in the Air Reserve.

AGENT'S NOTE: On 11 August 47, this officer checked the records of the 405th AA
BF(RI) and determined that the individual was registered with that Reserve Unit as
Captain, with residence at Tacoma, Washington.
Primary MOS 1011 and 1008. In 1943 he was with the Criminal Investigation Division,
State of Washington, and previously had been an oil technician with the Union Pacific
Railway. He entered the service in 1942 as an enlisted man and served as such
for seventeen months. In 1943 he was commissioned on graduation from flying school
and served a total of twenty-nine months. A check of the Tacoma city directory was
made on 20 August 47 which indicated his home was at 2215 N. 12th St., telephone:
business address was listed as

## RECOMMENDATION,

2. That no further investigation be undertaken on this specific incident by Army Air Force personnel.

2. That in view of the reported statements by Mr. Cris-an, that consideration be given to revoke his Air Reserve commission and flying status as an undesirable and unreliable officer.

8 Incls

1. Photostat, Ihr fr

2. Photocopy, telegram fr

5. to 7. Photorephs, Unidentified Substance.

8. Final Mission Report, Air Rescue Service.



W.D., P.M.G. Form No. 110

VENTURE PRESS

EVANSTON, ILLINOIS

July 22, 1947

Boise, Idaho

Dear Mr.

Quite obviously you have been ribbed so much you'd like to forget the flying saucers--but I'd sure like to have your personal story, your photo, pic of your plane, etc, as I asked before. And you won't be made to look silly, because there's more to this than the newspapers and the "experts" have made of it.

Besides the articles, I have another proposition. You seem to get around quite a bit, and if you can make a trip to Tacoma, Washington at all feasible, I'd be willing to pay expenses plus a nice amount to make it worth your while.

I'd want you to see Hill Station, Tacoma, and Fern , owner of the

and two other seamen, on a patrol near Murry Island, off Tacoma, saw six discs, one in trouble, witnessed an explosion, saw falling stuff which smashed their wheelhouse and searchlight and landed on the beach. They sent me samples which Chicago U has failed to analyze. I want a picture of the beach and the stuff that landed there (about twenty tons, they said). And I want somebody who'll get the truth to find out if these boys are on the up and up. You could do that. I hope you will. If agreeable, please write and perhaps we can talk business. I think you'd like to prove this thing too!



Sincerely yours,

NON UNION

BOISE

LT FRANK M BROWN, A-2 (RPT A-2)

OFFICE 4TH AIRFORCE HAMILTON FIELD CALIF.

VENTURE PRESS

EVANSTON ILL.

SENT ARNOLD $200 TO GO TO TACOMA TO INVESTIGATE FLYING DISC REPORT THERE. SUGGEST THIS OUT OF LINE FOR PRESENT PUBLIC INTEREST IN STORY AND BELIEVE AS I SUGGESTED ON YOUR VISIT HERE VENTURE PRESS SHOULD BE CHECKED

385 1918 $200



The image is a black and white, high-contrast photograph. It shows a textured, irregular object with a distinct opening in the center. To the left of the opening, there is a circular object that resembles a coin or a medal. The object appears to be a geological specimen or a piece of artifact.

The image shows a black and white abstract or textural representation of an object or substance. The texture is rough and irregular, with dark, solid areas interspersed with lighter, speckled regions. The overall shape is asymmetrical and somewhat organic, with protrusions and indentations.



C

The image is not a chart. It appears to be a high-contrast, black and white photograph of a rock formation or mineral specimen with striations.

The image is not a chart. It shows a close-up, high-contrast black and white photograph of a textured surface. The texture appears to be vertical striations with lighter, irregular lines overlaying them, resembling cracks or veins. There is also a smaller, blurry textured area above the main subject.

This image is not a chart. It is a black and white image with a speckled texture, resembling a close-up of a rough surface or a natural object. The overall shape is irregular.

This image is not a chart. It is a black and white abstract image with a thick, curved black line at the top. There are some irregular black marks hanging down from the line. On the left and right sides of the image, there are two circular, speckled black shapes.

The image shows a close-up, high-contrast, black and white photograph of a fragment of what appears to be a stone or fossil. The surface is rough and textured, with vertical striations and irregular patterns suggesting organic or geological formations. The fragment is broken into two main pieces, with a gap between them. A circular element is visible to the left of the lower piece, possibly a hole or a raised feature.

The image contains a stylized brush stroke in black on a light blue background. The brush stroke is elongated and sweeping, with a thicker body that tapers to a fine point at the right end. There are also small, scattered specks of black, giving it a textured or slightly distressed appearance.

STANDARD FORM NO. 64

# Office Memo. dum

1
3

UNITED SI GOVERNMENT

TO: Director, FBI
DATE: September 4, 1947
FROM: SAC, San Francisco
AIRMAIL
SPECIAL DELIVERY
SUBJECT: REPORTS OF FLYING DISCS

[x]

Enclosed is a copy of a letter dated August 25, 1947, with attachment from Lt. Col.  of A-2, Hamilton Field, California. Even though Col.  feels that Mr.  may have read some of his claims in a newspaper, Col.  believes that Mr.  should be interviewed in this matter.

In accordance with Bureau Bulletin No. 42, dated July 30, 1947, Portland is requested to exhaustively interview Mr. , Portland, Oregon, regarding his alleged sighting of a "flying disc" on June 24, 1947. Copies of the result of this interview should be furnished the San Francisco Field Office for distribution to the 6th Army Intelligence.

DWK:MR
Encls. 2
62-2938
cc Portland (Encls. 4) - AMSD

This is not a chart. The image contains handwritten text and stamps.

Key Information:
*   "RECORDER'S INDEX" stamp with the number "135".
*   "31 SEP 23 947" - likely a date.
*   "1/2 - 5/8 - 101" - appears to be a numerical notation or reference.
*   "mcd 67c" and "67c" - alphanumeric codes.
*   "R-344 20X" - alphanumeric code.
*   "EX-1" - alphanumeric code.
*   "Imp. Dra" - handwritten text.
*   "5. Pf" - handwritten text.
*   A large black ink mark obscuring some text.
*   A faint watermark-like "F" shape.

C

O

PORTLAND, OREGON, August 20th 1947

Lt. Col. Donald L. Springer, Assistant Staff

Sir. Saw in the portland paper a short time ago in regards to an article in regards to the so called flying disc having any basis of fact. I can say am a and was in the Adams district on June 24th the day of Boise Idaho claims he saw a formation of flying disc. And I saw the same flyin- objects at about the same time. Having a telescope with me at the time I can asure you they are real and notinp like them I ever saw before they did not pass werry high over where I was standin- at the the time, plobly 1000 ft. they were Round about 30 foot in dimater tapering sharply to a point in the head end in an oval shape. with a bright top surface. I did not hear any noise as you would from a plane. but there was an object in the tail end looked like a big hand of a clock shifting from side to side like a big magnet. were speed as far as i know seemed to be greater than anything I evor saw. Last volw I rot of the objects they were standing on edge Banking in a Cloud.

Yours respectfully

/s/  66

A TRUE COPY:

DONALD L. SPRINGER
Lt. Colonel, GSC,
AC of S, A-2.



101





Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, A-2
Installations
Hamilton Field, California

4FDA

25 August 1947

such as: Flying His

70: Special Agent in Charge, FBI, U. S. Department of Justice,
Federal Office Building, Room 422, San Francisco, Calif.

1. The attached true copy of a letter from  was received by this officer 26 June 1947.

2. Your attention is invited to the similarity between
66
early report and this gentleman's report. A possibility exists that
66
might have read some of this in the newspapers when
was publicized re this matter.

3. This Headquarters does not intend to investigate this incident.
It is requested that a result of any interview you may make be furnished
this Headquarters.

1

1 Joul: (cup) I
Ltr fr "J.J. Jensen
(True Cy)

DONALD L. SPRINGER
Lt. Colonel, USG
AC of S. A-2

TP

11.7.1

AUG. 27 1947

SAN
IFD

1151



CFO

SECTION 4

STANDAR ORMA NO 64

# Office Mem

M • UNITED S1

GOVERNMENT

TO : THE DIRECTOR

FROM : D. M. LADD



Mr. Tolson
 Mr. Clegg
 Mr. Olavin
 Mr. Ladd
 Mr. Nichols
 Mr. Rose
 Mr. Tracy
 Mr. Egan
 Mr. Gumes
 Mr. Harbo
 Mr. Mohr
 Mr. Persilington
 Mr. Quino Tame
 Tele. Room
 Mr. Neane
 Miss Holmes
 Miss Candy

SUBJECT:

You will recall that Mr.:  advised the Bureau of a letter which Walter Winchell had received from an individual in Los Angeles indicating that he had seen a flying saucer leave the ground within his view and in which letter he theorized that this might have been a landing from another planet.

The Los Angeles Office was requested to locate and interview the writer of this letter, , 67c Street, Los Angeles 7, California.

The Los Angeles Office has now advised that the  have no 67c knowledge of any  and that other investigation to locate  was unproductive. It would appear, therefore, that this may have been a prank.

You may desire to advise Mr.  that there is no such person at the address given inasmuch as he indicated that Mr. Winchell intended to do a column on this letter. 67c

Silvia
was grand est
was for letter



DML: FA

RECOMPD - 5

1.12.1-185

INCRED-5'



0

Federal Bureau of Investigation
United States Department of Justice

NL-22-2, S. Koning

June 8, 1949

Director, FBI

0

RE: FLYING DISCS

Dear Sir:

Refer Phoenix letter to Bureau, dated September 9, 1947, captioned, REPORTS OF FLYING DISCS, for the attention of Assistant Director D. M. LADD, setting forth the result of an interview conducted by , then a representative of the Air Force Intelligence, from Hamilton Field, California, and Special Agent  with one , at Phoenix, Arizona, concerning his observation and photographing of an object which was considered by the Air Force of significance from a security standpoint.

btc

On June 7, 1949, Mr. , OSI representative, Phoenix, Arizona, called at this office, advising that he had been requested by his superiors in San Francisco to obtain detailed information concerning this interview since  apparently has requested the Air Force to return the photographs.

b7c

, when questioned by his superiors concerning the matter, stated his recollection was "hazy" on the matter. OSI is anxious to secure the substance of information in the Phoenix file concerning this matter. Mr. was furnished the substance of the interview, as set forth in letter of reference and he has now requested that he be furnished with a blind memorandum setting forth this information in detail in order that he may make it available to the OSI at San Francisco.

67c

A memorandum setting forth this information has been prepared by this office and is attached hereto. The Bureau is requested to advise if such memorandum should be made available to OSI.

RECORD
1/2 - 23714 = 184
Very truly yours

attachment please to Phanis 4/6/93
per my request 6/30/97.
IAM-kb
2-213
exhibit

Very truly you
23
N.A. MURPHY
W. A. MURPHY
SAC



btc

AIR MAIL
1949

S. Einer

2019

SUNSHINE

SAC, Phoenix

June 30, 1949

RECORDED - 130





INFORMATION CONCERNING

FLYING DISCS

Ex.94

Rourlet June 8, 1949, captioned "Flying Discs."

It is believed that the reference appearing in the first line of your referenced letter to the Bureau is incorrect. Complete details concerning the matter referred to in your referenced communication appear in a letter from your office dated September 4, 1947, and not September 9, 1947.

Pursuant to your request, you are granted authority to furnish the attached blind memorandum, which was forwarded to the Bureau with your referenced letter for approval, to Mr. , OSI representative, Phoenix, Arizona. 67C

Attachment

EHM:EFF

24

RECEIVED MTA. 10:30AM

JULIAN 40 LIDO'S N

IN 30 40x60



Mr. Tolson: 
Mr. Clegg: 
Mr. Claylin: 
Mr. Ladd: 
Mr. Nichols: 
Mr. Rosen: 
Mr. Tracy: 
Mr. Egan: 
Mr. Gurnee: 
Mr. Harbo: 
Mr. Mohr: 
Mr. Pennington: 
Mr. Quinn: 
Tels. Room: 
Mr. Hesse: 
Miss Candy:

COMMUNICATIONS SECTION

MAILED 15

JUL 1 1949 P.M.

★

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U. S DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

1



STANDARD FORM NO. 64

# Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

TO : <empty>
DATE: June 30, 1949
FROM : <empty>
b7c
SUBJECT: <empty>
INFORMATION CONCERNING
FLYING DISCS

- Tolsod: 
Leah: 
Cleer: 
Olevia: 
Nichols: 
Rosen: 
Tracy: 
Barbe: 
MOR: 
Tels. Room: 
Jessie: 
Dandy:

## Purpose

Your approval is requested in order that the attached letter and memorandum can be forwarded to the Phoenix Office, authorizing that office to furnish the attached memorandum to Mr.:  OSI representative, Phoenix, Arizona.

67c

## Background

In July 1947,  was jointly interviewed by Special Agent  (Bureau Agent) and , A-2 representative from Hamilton Field, California. The purpose of the interview was to secure from Mr.  information and photographs of a flying disc, which had been sighted and photographed by Rhodes.

The complete results of the interview and subsequent events are contained in the attached memorandum submitted by the Phoenix Office.

Mr.  OSI representative at Phoenix, Arizona, has requested the Phoenix Office to furnish him complete facts relating to this interview, which are to be subsequently forwarded to the OSI Office at San Francisco. According to  Mr.  referred to above, has been questioned concerning this matter by his superiors and he has advised them that his recollection is "hazy" on the matter. According to  has apparently now requested the Air Force to return the photographs, which were previously obtained from him.

## Recommendation

It is recommended that the Phoenix Office be advised that the memorandum attached may be forwarded by them to Mr.:  OSI representative, Phoenix, Arizona.

## Attachments

*   **Stamp 1:** "RECORDED"
*   **Stamp 2:** "INVD - LS EX-68"
*   **Stamp 3:** "FFT" with date "23 JUL 20 1949"
*   **Handwritten Text:** "Shin", "FIVE", "H-183"
*   **Numbers:** "1940", "185"

Ehm:eff

STANDARD FORM NO. 64

# Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

TO : DIRECTOR, FBI
DATE: July 21, 1949
FROM : SAC, NEW ORLEANS
SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS AND SAUCERS
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION CONCERNING

For the Bureau's information, several citizens in the community of Alexandria, Louisiana, have recently reportedly seen flying discs. The Alexandria, Louisiana daily paper has carried numerous articles concerning this.

At a recent meeting of the Young Mens Business Club in Alexandria, a member suggested that since Alexandria, Louisiana is known as a convention city, the club should try promoting a convention of flying saucer seers. This particu- lar comment appeared in the Alexandria paper and was picked up by the AP lines.

Mr. , a member of the Young Mens Business Club, advised Special Agent  that since the AP release, they have received a large number of requests regarding the convention of flying saucer seers from many parts of the United States. Mr.  states that the interest of the people is evidenced by their inquiries about convention particulars, stating they are flying saucer seers and want to attend such a convention.

This gentleman further advised that in view of the volume of inquiries coming in, it appears that the YMBC will have to hire an employee to handle all the correspondence. It might be noted that he advised a representative of the Air Force from Barksdale Field, Louisiana, has inquired as to plans of a flying saucer convention, stating that they are interested in furnishing an observer if such a convention were held.

This information is being furnished the Bureau, as it is possible such an enterprise may cause people to falsify that they have seen flying discs or fly-ing saucers. Such falsifications might be made so that they might attend such a convention or become official delegates thereto.

WEM:gp
62-0

670
RECORDED - 63 182
INDEXED - 63

25 198
O JUL39

<signature>

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION

nA
qun
My3-1

| Mr. Tolan   |
|-|
| Mr.         |
| Mr. Cle     |
| Mr. Gain    |
| : . א י     |
|             |
|             |
| Mr. H       |
| Tule. Coom  |
| Mr. Nease   |
|             |

91

# <change>
TE
</change>LETYPE

<empty>
b7c
<empty>
<empty>
<empty>

FBI AIAHA
7-14-49
4-55
PM CST
DIRECTOR
URGENT

FLYING DISCS, INFORMATION CONCERNING. WHILE ON VACATION RECENTLY

AT LAKE OF THE WOODS, NEAR KENORA, ONTARIO, CANADA, SA

-

OBSERVED UNCONVENTIONAL AIRCRAFT RESEMBLING FLYING DISC 61C

_

HE HAS FURNISHED FULL INFORMATION CONCERNING SAME TO U.S. AIR

FORCE INTELLIGENCE, FORT CROCK, NEBRASKA, AND SAME WILL NOT BE
REPORTED TO THE BUREAU UNLESS ADVISED TO THE CONTRARY.

DALTON

RECORDED-142
162-83894-
FBI
31 JUL 19 1949
12

Five-
<empty>

END.
ACK
943 PLS

56 PM OK FBI WASH DC EJC
50 AUG 1 1949
3,817

0

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Form No. 1



PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

FILE NO. 62-2542 VFH

REPORT MADE AT: PHILADELPHIA, PA.
DATE WHEN MADE: 6-15-49
PERIOD FOR WHICH MADE: 5-20-49
REPORT MADE BY: b7c
TITLE: UNKNOWN SUBJECT, FIRE, SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA,
UNKNOWN DATE
COMPLAINANT
b7c
CHARACTER OF CASE: MISCELLANEOUS
INFORMATION CONCERNING

SYNOPSIS OF FACTS: <empty> submitted ash residue to Fire Marshal's Office, Philadelphia, Pa., which made chemical analysis. <empty> of opinion that fire may have been caused by military flare or "flying saucer".

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DETAILS: This investigation is predicated upon a letter received from the office of the <empty> Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated May 19, 1949, advising that ashes had been received from one <empty> purportedly from a fire which had continued to burn for twelve hours. A chemical analysis of the ashes had been requested. The <empty> Office noted that <empty> had at one time worked for the Atomic Energy Commission.

advised that there
had been received through the mail on April 21, 1949, an ash sample with a re-
quest for analysis. In the letter of transmittal, had pointed out
that the fire had continued to burn twelve hours after water had first been
applied. The original letter of transmittal was examined and reflected that
an object had entered the roof of the building, caused an explosion, and threw
people out of bed.

said he attempted to locate at his
residence but had been unsuccessful. He added that at
the time had commented that had been employed by
the Atomic Energy Commission. was then requested by letter to appear
at the

APPROVED AND FORWARDED: <signature>
SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE <empty>
DO NOT WRITE IN THESE SPACES: 62-5/404-18 RECORDED - 129
67C
COPIES OF THIS REPORT
2 - Bureau COPY IN FILE
2 - Philadelphia
INDEXED - 129
F. <empty>
63 JUL 20 1949
174

0

PH 62-2542

advised that he had interviewed at the time he came to the office since was absent at the time. He said that he then learned for the first time that the fire in question had taken place near Scranton, Pennsylvania, and had occurred about six months previously. This caused the to withdraw from the case on a question of jurisdiction and was advised that any further action on his part should be referred to the State Police authorities.
67c

At the same time,  furnished  with the results of the analysis which had been made of the ash submitted, and which analysis had been made by , Chemical Laboratory, Room 875, City Hall. This report reflected that the ash contained Magnesium, Aluminum, Iron, and Calcium in the form of silicates, sulphur and carbonates. 67c

was interviewed at his place of business, the , Broad Street and Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At this time he advised that he had received the sample of ash from a friend, , Wayne County, Pennsylvania, through the mail. He said that Lake Ariel is about one mile south of South Canaan, near Scranton, Pennsylvania. He stated that  house had burned about six months ago, that the fire had occurred at night during a storm and that a large object had struck the roof and ignited the house which had burned to the ground in less than an hour.

He said that he had not been present during the fire but that these details had been furnished by letter from  at the time a sample of the ash was forwarded for analysis. He said that he was of the personal opinion that the ash might be a part of a military flare or a "flying saucer". 67c

He pointed out that he has been advised by associates in the engineering field that one of the characteristics of some types of flares is the fact that they burn for a considerable period. He stated that the mass of the ash residue had remained ignited for a period of twelve hours. b7c He also stated that he did not think there had been an explosion but that a loud noise had probably been caused by the vacuum created as the missile or object struck the roof. He added that there remains a quantity of the ash, amounting to one bushel, at  premises at Lake Ariel.

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PH 62-2542

<blackened-out> advised that he had been employed by the Atomic Energy Commission at Oak Ridge until 1943. He was entirely rational. He discounted the theory that a portion of a meteor had struck the house on the basis of the chemical analysis made by the City Chemical Laboratory. 67c

advised that at the suggestion of the City authorities, he had written to and suggested that any further inquiries be directed to the State Police. 67c

The file of the Philadelphia Office reflect that the records of Immigration and Naturalization Service were negative to an inquiry concerning: , OPM: . The files of this office likewise reflect that:  by letter received August 14, 1947, 67c requested of this office the identity of a powder or dust used to catch thieves.

Inasmuch as there is no violation indicated within the Bureau's jurisdiction, there is no further investigation being conducted in this matter. However, the ash residue obtained from the 67c is being forwarded to the Bureau Laboratory for any interest or study the Laboratory may desire to conduct relative to flares or in connection with the possibility of the presence of "flying saucers".

- CLOSED

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