Analysis of Flying Object Incidents in the United States, 1948

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n. A yellow or light colored sphere, 25 to 40 feet in diameter was reported by Lt. Condr. Marcus L. Low, USN, just south of Anagostia Naval Air Station, D.C., while he was flying on 30 April 1943. It was moving at a speed of approximately 100 miles per hour at an altitude of about 4500 feet. Although winds aloft were from the north-northwest, its course was to the north.

o. On 1 July 1943, twelve disks were reported over the Rapid City Air Base by Major Hammer. These disks were oval-shaped, about 100 feet long, flying in excess of an estimated 500 mph. Descending from 10,000 feet, these disks made a 30-degree to 40-degree climbing turn accelerating very rapidly until out of sight.

p. On 17 July 1943, a report from Kirtland Air Force Base describes a sighting in the vicinity of San Aengis, New Mexico, of seven unidentified objects flying in a "J" formation at an estimated height of 20,000 feet above the terrain. The formation varied from "J" to "L" to circle after passing the senith. Flashes from the objects were observed after passing 30 degrees beyond the senith but there was no smoke or vapor trail. If the reported altitude is correct the speed was estimated at 1500 miles per hour, according to the report.

q. Other sightings of lights and trails, rather than disks, have been reported, viz:

(1) On 12 September 1947, the pilot and co-pilot of a Pan American aircraft, en route from Midway to Honolulu, saw a blue-white light approaching, changing to twin reddish glows upon withdrawal. The pilot estimated the speed of the light at about 1,000 knots.

(2) On 15 June 1943, Mr. Boonaville, territory manager for the B. F. Goodrich Company, observed a reddish glow with a jet exhaust in the vicinity of Miles

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