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The Muroc Army Air Field incidents:

On July 8, 1947, series of sightings over MUROC AFB and Rogers Dry Lake, secret test base, California.

In short:

Morning: Two spherical or disc-like UFOs joined by a third object. (XII) Crew of technicians saw white-aluminum UFO with distinct oval outline descending, moving against wind, (II).

Afternoon: Thin "metallic" UFO climbed, dove, oscillated over field, also seen by test pilot in vicinity. (XII) F-51 pilot watched a flat object "of light-reflecting nature" pass above his plane. No known aircraft were in the area. (XII)

The events

Captain Ed Ruppelt, first head of USAF's UFO investigation project Blue Book:

"Among the sightings that followed Arnold's, however, there appeared some that looked like more than hysteria. They came from pilots acquainted with the tricks that flying can play on the eyes, from scientists, from other presumably sober and unexcited observers. A meteorologist in charge of the U.S. weather bureau station at Louisville, Ky., reported an orange light "rolling" through the night sky. At Muroc Air Field, in California, site of secret government experimental plane tests, Lt. Joseph McHenry spotted "two silver objects of either spherical or disclike shape." He summoned three other people from the base and they saw the same things. Three more witnesses joined the group, and five of the seven saw a third object. No experimental craft were in the air. The objects moved against the wind and hence were not balloons. A few hours later, a major and a colonel at Muroc made a separate sighting of "a thin metallic object" that sported over the field for eight minutes."

Source:

NICAP:

Technicians at Secret Test Base Observe Mechanical UFO:

At Muroc Army Air Field (now Edwards AFB) and adjacent Rogers Dry Lake, scientists and engineers test and develop the latest aircraft, including secret projects. All thoroughly familiar with anything that flies, the base technical personnel had no explanation for the UFOs which maneuvered over the area July 8, 1947. Twice that morning, disc-shaped objects were observed cavorting overhead. Then about 11:50 AM, a crew of technicians at Rogers saw a round white, apparently metallic object descending, moving west northwest against the wind. They observed thick projections on top which crossed each other at intervals, suggesting either rotation or oscillation. In their official report they stated:

"It was man-made, as evidenced by the outline and functional appearance." (5)

Source:

The documents:

Project 1947 - UFO documents - 1947

CONFIDENTIAL

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH AIR FORCE

CHECK SLIP

File No. 333.5 ID (Do not remove from this paper)

Note: Use this slip for notes in connection with this paper. All notes will be NUMBERED CONSECUTIVELY, top to bottom. Papers should have attached all records necessary for intelligent action. A line will be drawn the full width of the line below each note.

SUBJECT: Evaluation of "Flying Discs"

NO:

DATE

FROM

TO

REMARKS

2

4 Aug

A-2

CI(D)

1. It has been reported that the Commanding Officer of Muroc Army Air Base had seen flying saucers or discs in that area some time ago. It was further reported that the Commanding Officer called attention to those objects to several other officers at the Base.

2. It is requested that a lead sheet be prepared in order to obtain a description of what was seen to include time, places, altitude, speed, flight characteristics and any other information possible.

3. You are advised that discretion and tact will be utilized in subject investigation.

/s/

GRAHAM Deputy A-2

2

4 Aug

CI (D)

CIC

Request that lead sheet be forwarded through CIC channels to the CIC Agent at Muroc AAB and any other information obtained be forwarded to A-2.

/s/

GRAHAM CI (D)

CONFIDENTIAL

HEADQUARTERS MUROC ARMY AIR FIELD
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER
MUROC, CALIFORNIA

jsr/TAM
14 August 1947

SUBJECT:

Investigation of "Flying Discs"

TO:

Commanding General

Headquarters Fourth Air Force

Hamilton Field,

San Francisco, California

ATTEN:

AC of S, A-2

1:In compliance with your LEAD SHEET dated 6 August 1947,
subject,Investigation of"Flying Saucers", the enclosed statements
are submitted for your information.

signed 

HARRY. D. BLACK
Captain, MAC,
Intelligence Officer

Inc. 1-8 Statements Re: "Flying Discs"

CONFIDENTIAL

AFFIDAVI T

STATE OF CALIFORNIA)

COUNTY OF KERN)

The following is a statement given by 1st. Lt. Joseph C. McHenry, Billeting Officer, 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 Disc" 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) 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 (sic) 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,as approximately eight thousand (8000) feet, heading at about three hundred twenty degrees (320) due north.

When I first observed these objects I called S/Sgt. Gerald E. Nauman, T/Sgt. Joseph Ruvolo and Miss Jannette Marie Scotte 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 three (3) in a consistant 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 they were not any results of eye strain, or in any nature an optical illusion.The objects in question were not repeat, were not aircraft, the objects could not have been weather balloons released from this station, since they were traveling against the prevailing wind, and since the speed in which they were traveling, disqualified the fact that they were weather balloons.


CONFIDENTIAL

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 Officers to verify, for my own curiosity, the actual observance of these objects, but by the time I reached the back porch 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 Mrs. Naum 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 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 consistant 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.

s/s josephc mc henry

1ST. LT. JOSEPH C. MC HENRY, AC

WITNESS:

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



CONFIDENTIAL

AFFIDAVI T

STATE OF CALIFORNIA)

COUNTY OF KERN)

The following is a statement given by Major Richard R. Shoop, Officeof Chief of Tech. Engineering Division, Muroc Army Air Field, Muroc, 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 Colonel Gilkey.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 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. I have initialed all corrections deemed necessary.

s/s richard r. shoop
MAJOR, RICHARD R. SHOOP, AC

WITNESS:

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



CONFIDENTIAL

AFFIDAVI T

STATE OF CALIFORNIA)

COUNTY OF KERN)

The following is a statement given by Captain John Paul Strapp,Flight Test, Muroc Army Air Field, Muroc, California, statement given to Mr. Thomas A. McMillan, 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 ejected thirty minutes later.As it fell it drifted slowly 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 permitobservation 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 flames, propellar arks, engine noise, or other clasuable orvisible means of propulsion were noted.The color was silvery, resembling 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 ofvision of the mountain tops, it was lost to the vision of the observer.

It is estimated that the object was in line of vision for 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:

Mr Lenz - Civilian, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio
(Other names not given)

The following is my own personal opinions about this subject:

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

CONFIDENTIAL


CONFIDENTIAL

2.It's size was not far from 25 feet with a parachute canopy.

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

Seeing this was not a hallucination or other fancies of a sense.

This statement was given freely and voluntarily without any threatsor 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.

s/s john paul strapp
CAPTAIN JOHN PAUL STRAPP, AC

WITNESS:

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



CONFIDENTIAL

AFFIDAVI T

STATE OF CALIFORNIA)

COUNTY OF KERN)

The following is a statement given by Major J. C. Wise, Test Pilot,Muroc Army Air Field, Muroc, California, statement given to Mr. Thomas A. McMillan, CIC Agent, This Station, on 13 August 1947.

On 7 July 1947, at approximately 10:10, while running up the XP-84 onthe ground I noticed everyone was looking up into the air. Off to the north about 10,000 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 itwas 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 threatsor promises under duress.This statement consists of one (1) page, and is the truth to the best of my knowledge and belief.

s/s j.c.wise  
MAJOR J.C. WISE, AC

WITNESS:

s/s thomas a. mc millan  
THOMAS A. MCMILLAN

CONFIDENTIAL



CONFIDENTIAL

AFFIDAVI T

STATE OF CALIFORNIA)

COUNTY OF KERN)

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

Colonel Gilkey, stated that the object he saw, he believed at thetime 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 anythreats 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



CONFIDENTIAL

AFFIDAVI T

STATE OF CALIFORNIA)

COUNTY OF KERN)

The following is a statement given on 14 July 1947, by Jannette Marie Scott, Secretary to 1st Lt. J. C. McHenry, Billeting Officer, 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 10:00m while typingsome cards, and taking care of my routine work, Lieutenant McHenry called me, along with T/Sgt. Joseph Ruvolo and S/Sgt. Gerald E. Nauman, 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 directly back of the other, at a speed of about 300 to 400 miles per hour, having 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 definite 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 any threats or promises under duress.This statement consists of one (1) page, and is the truth to the best of my knowledge and belife.(sic) I have initialed all corrections deemed necessary.

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

s/s jannette marie scott
Jannette Marie Scott

WITNESS:

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

CONFIDENTIAL



CONFIDENTIAL

AFFIDAVI T

STATE OF CALIFORNIA)

COUNTY OF KERN)

The following is a statement given by S/Sgt. Gerald E Nauman,4144th, AAFBU, Muroc Army Air Field, Muroc, California, statement given on 14 July 1947, to 1st. J. C. McHenry, Billeting Officer.

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 east direction at an estimated altitude of seven or eight thousand feet, traveling at approximately three or four hundred miles per hour.

Just a few minutes before this I was in the Billeting Office and First Lieutenant Joseph C. 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 balloon 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 fewminutes 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 a airplane because of the very tight maneuver it was undergoing.I have been flying in and have been around all type 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 anythreats 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.

s/s t.c.robinson
PFC. T.C. ROBINSON

WITNESS:

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

CONFIDENTIAL



CONFIDENTIAL

AFFIDAVI T

STATE OF CALIFORNIA)

COUNTY OF KERN)

The following is a statement given by T/Sgt. Joseph Ruvolo, 4144th, AAFBU, Muroc Army Air Field, Muroc, California, statement given on 14th July 1947, to 1st Lt. J. C. McHenry, Billeting Officer.

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

I am NCO in charge of the Billeting Office, this field, and First Lieutenant Joseph C. McHenry, is Billeting Officer in Charge.

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 8000 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 halucination.(sic)

This statement has been given freely and voluntarily without anythreats 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.

s/s joseph ruvolo
S/Sgt. JOSEPH RUVOLO

WITNESS:

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

CONFIDENTIAL



CONFIDENTIAL

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

TITLE INVESTIGATION MADE AT: Muroc AAF, Muroc, Calif.

CONTROLLING OFFICE Air Defense Command, Mitchel Field

FILE No1208-I

PERIOD COVERED 8 July 1947

CASE CLASSIFICATION Incident

DATE 18 August 1947

STATUS OF CASE Pending


REASON FOR INVESTIGATION:Investigation initiated at request of Air Defense Command reference ltr Hq ADC, dtd 7 Jul 47, file D333.5 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.


DISTRIBUTION

COPIES

APPROVED:

W.D.,P.M.G. Form No.110
1 April 1944


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This page was last updated on February 27, 2001.