38_143685_box7_Incident_Summaries_1-100

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RESTRICTED

Unknown object first reported by Military Police at Ft Knox, approx 1400 CST, vicinity of Maysville. Later over Irvington & Owensboro, Ky. Sighted, Godman, by Blackwell, Chf Control Tower. Lt Orner then left office of CO, proceeding to Control Tower where he sighted a small white object in the southwest sky. It appeared stationary. Could not determine of object radiated or reflected light. Through binoculars it appeared partially as parachute with bright sun reflecting from top of the silk, however, there seemed to be some red light around the lower part of it. Three P-51s alerted to pursue object. Took a course of around 210°. Approx 5" later object sighted. NG 561 (flight leader) reported it "high and traveling about 1/2 his speed at '12 o'clock'". Later he stated he was "clowning in to take a good look". This was his last message. NG 560 then reported NG 569 had disappeared. At the time of his disappearance he was reported high and ahead of wing man at approx 15,000 to 20,000 ft and wing man at approx 15,000 ft. Wing man (NG 560) returned for fuel and resumed pursuit going to altitude of 33,000 ft but did not sight object. At about 1645 Lt Orner left tower.

Later, Lt Orner, returned to Control Tower (about 1735 CST) and perceived bright light at a position of about 240° azimuth and 8° elevation. It was a round object and did not resemble a star. Although there was a hangar haze the object remained visible and did not disappear until it went below the level of the earth in a manner similar to the sun or moon setting. This object was viewed and tracked with the Weather Station theodolite from the hangar roof.

RELIABILITY: Verified by Commanding Officer, Operations Officer, S-2 and Executive Officer. However, these officers were apparently present when second sighting took place.

RESTRICTED

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