65_HS1-834228961_62-HQ-83894_Section_002

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CONFIDENTIAL

Incident
4AF 1208-I
5 August 1947

MEMORANDUM FOR THE OFFICER IN CHARGE:

On 5 August 1947, this agent interviewed Captain William H. Ryherd, ASN 0-66356, the assistant operations officer in the 415th AAF BU, Building 95, Hamilton Field, California, regarding flying objects in the air. Captain Ryherd stated in substance: He is an instructor pilot in the 415th Training Unit. On 29 July at 1450, Captain Ryherd and a student, 1st Lt. Ward L. Stewart, 1242 Milvia Street, Berkeley, California, landed and parked an AT-6 near the hangar, building 59 of the 415th AAF BU. Walking from the aircraft toward reserve operations, and looking westward just over the hangar, Captain Ryherd saw a P-80 flying southward toward Oakland. Above this P-80, at approximately 8,000 to 10,000 feet in altitude, Captain Ryherd saw two flying objects traveling the same direction as the P-80. He, Ryherd, judged the solid, white, somewhat shiny objects were approximately 15 to 25 feet in diameter. Ryherd stated that he didn't call them discs due to the publicity these objects have been given, but in shape they were circular, like a ball on the bottom, but not completely round; and Ryherd specifically stated that these objects were not airplanes.

The first flying object was traveling straight and level; whereas the second was close behind the first, same altitude, only it seemed to be going from left to right and right to left, more or less like a guard in an aircraft formation. Captain Ryherd further stated that the speed of these two objects made a P-80 look as if it was motionless in the air.

The sky was clear, consequently Captain Ryherd and Lt. Stewart watched the two objects until they disappeared in flight, supposedly over Oakland, headed toward the ocean.

Due to the noise of the P-80, no sound of any kind could be heard from these flying objects.

These objects did not leave any vapor, smoke, or any visible trails along their flight path.

Captain Ryherd informed this agent he had never told anyone about these flying objects, fearing that people would think he was crazy.

AGENT'S NOTES: Captain Ryherd showed extreme sincerity throughout the interview, answering all questions with caution and assurance.

JAMES A. NELSON, Spec. Agt., CIC 4AF

CONFIDENTIAL

62-2938-21

AUG 12 1947

DECLASSIFIED

Authority:

98606 DNN

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