65_HS1-834228961_62-HQ-83894_Serial_130

DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 90986 IN REPLY REFER TO: CONFIDENTIAL 62-83894-130 HEADQUARTERS AIR DEFENSE COMMAND MITCHEL FIELD, NEW YORK 12 September 1947 SUBJECT: Unidentified Flying Object (Interview - Alpheus O. Powell) SUMMARY OF INFORMATION: The following information was received 12 August 1947 from Mr. Alpheus O. Powell, 28 Redwood Road, New Hyde Park, Long Island, relative to the sighting of a possible flying disc 4 August 1947. On 4 August 1947, Mr Powell, an Airlines Captain with Pan American Airways, Inc., was the first pilot of a Constellation type aircraft on a flight from Gander, Newfoundland, to La Guardia Field, New York. Mr. Powell took over the aircraft at Gander, Newfoundland and departed at approximately 1230 P.M., Eastern Daylight Saving Time for La Guardia Field, New York. At 1600 P.M., at a position approximately midway between the Everett (Mass) Fan Marker and the Bedford Radio Beacon (Everett is 3 miles NW of Boston, Mass., and Bedford is 15 miles NW of the same city) both Mr Powell and Mr W. White, navigator on this trip, sighted unidentifiable flying objects. To the best of Mr. Powell's knowledge, the following weather conditions existed at that time: Visibility was good; cloud coverage was from 6-8/10ths, with tops at 10,000 feet; and the wind at the 8,000 foot level was estimated as being 270/25 miles per hour. The aircraft was at 8,000 feet; airspeed 265 mph; and the course was 244 degrees, magnetic. Mr White, who was sitting in the co-pilots seat (the right side of the cockpit) first called Mr. Powell's attention to a bright orange object,. which was on the right side of the plane, and slightly below the level of the aircraft. Mr Powell was unable to see the object, as he had no visibility to the right and down, from his position. Mr Powell immediately glanced out his side window and noticed, at a 45° angle to the left, and unidentified flying object. It was about one mile away at an altitude of approximately 7,800 feet. Mr Powell banked to obtain a better view of the object. the right side of the plane, and slightly below the level of the aircraft. Mr Powell was unable to see the object, as he had no visibility to the right and down, from his position. Mr Powell immediately glanced out his side window and noticed, at a 45° angle to the left, and unidentified flying object. It was about one mile away at an altitude of approximately 7,800 feet. Mr Powell banked to obtain a better view of the object. The object was under observation for approximately 30 seconds, and during this time was viewed by Mr Powell. Mr Powell described the object as being about the length of a P-40 fuselage, blunt at both ends, cylindrical in shape, and having a bright orange hue. Mr Powell stated that the object had a definite shape, and that there was no suggestion of gaseous dissipation as there would be if the orange color were the exhaust from a rocket, or a jet aircraft. Mr Powell estimated the course of the object to be 200° magnetic, and that the object was travelling at approximately 150 mph. Mr Powell lost sight of the object, when a cloud came between the aircraft and the object. The pursuit of the object was not continued, inasmuch as it would have necessitated a departure from the established airways. JuceHz d CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL IN REPLY REFER TO: HEADQUARTERS AIR DEFENSE COMMAND MITCHEL FIELD, NEW YORK 15 September 1947 SUBJECT: Unidentified Flying Objects (Interview-Walter I. White) SUMMARY OF INFORMATION: The following information relative to the sighting of a possible flying dise 4 August 1947, was received 10 September 1947 from Mr. Walter I. White, 19-57 79th Street, Jackson Heights, New York. On 4 August 1947, Mr. White, Pan American Airways Inc., was the navigator of a Constellation type aircraft on a flight from Gander, New- foundland to La Guardia Field, New York. At 1600, at a position approxi- mately 10 miles NW of Boston, Mass., Mr White sighted a flying object which he was unable to identify. At this time Mr White was sitting in the co- pilots seat, and looking out the right side for other aircraft that might be in the vicinity. Mr White stated that when he first sighted the object. it appeared to be about on a flight from Gander, New- foundland to La Guardia Field, New York. At 1600, at a position approxi- mately 10 miles NW of Boston, Mass., Mr White sighted a flying object which he was unable to identify. At this time Mr White was sitting in the co- pilots seat, and looking out the right side for other aircraft that might be in the vicinity. Mr White stated that when he first sighted the object. it appeared to be about 3 miles away, and at least 1,000 feet below the level of the Constellation. Mr White believes that he studied the object for almost 50 seconds before he called the pilot's attention to it. Mr White described the object as being a deep gold in color, and that its' surface reflected light. It appeared to be about 15 feet in length, and from 2-5 feet in depth; elliptical in shape and blunted at the ends. Mr White estimated the speed of the object as being 175 miles per hour, and that it was travelling in an east- erly direction, on a course of approximately 110° magnetic. Mr White then told the aircraft commander that there was an unidentified object to the right, and again glanced out to observe the object, catching a momentary glimpse of it before the pilot banked the plane to the left. When the aircraft banked Mr White lost sight of the object. At this point, Mr Powell, the aircraft Captain, exclaimed that he was able to see a similar object on his side. Mr White was unable to see the object on Mr Powell's side. He stated that he does not believe that it was the same object that he had viewed inasmuch as the one he saw if it had remained on the same course would have been hidden from view by that time by the wings and tail section of the Constella- tion. Mr White stated that the pilet then righted the plane. The entire in- cident transpired in less than a minute and one-half. Mr White describes the weather condition at the time of sightings as follows: about 5/10th scattered cumulus, with tops at 10,000 feet; visibility 10 miles; wind at flight level, West at about 15 mph. The flight level of the aircraft at this time was 8,000 feet, TAS 270, and the magnetic course was SW. AGENTS NOTES: Constella- tion. Mr White stated that the pilet then righted the plane. The entire in- cident transpired in less than a minute and one-half. Mr White describes the weather condition at the time of sightings as follows: about 5/10th scattered cumulus, with tops at 10,000 feet; visibility 10 miles; wind at flight level, West at about 15 mph. The flight level of the aircraft at this time was 8,000 feet, TAS 270, and the magnetic course was SW. AGENTS NOTES: Mr Walter I. White has been employed by Pan American Airways for the past five years as a Navigator, and during the war worked with PAA CONFIDENTIAL don CONFIDENTIAL in conjunction with contract flying for the AAF. Mr White states that he has flown with Mr Powell on a number of occasions, and he considers him to be a very stable person; completely reliable, and not given to "flights of fancy". Related Report: See Summary of Information, 12 September 1947. Hq ADC, subject, "Unidentified Flying Objects" (interview - Alpheus O. Powell). Previous Distribution: - None Distribution - AAF (3 copies) - ADC (2 copies) Evaluation of source of information c S -2- done CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL AGENTS NOTES: Mr. A. O. Powell is a graduate of the Aviation Cadet Flying Training Program, having graduated from Maxwell Field, Alabama, with the Class of 41-C. Since graduation, Mr. Powell has flown for Pan American Airways and, at this date, has over 4,000 command pilot hours to his credit. Mr. Powell appears to be a calm, intelligent individual, not given to flights of fancy, or easily swayed by what he has previously read in the newspapers as regards reports of this type. Mr. Powell has a fear of publi- city and seemed hesitant to even tell his story lest he become the object of ridicule. Mr Powell was questioned as to the possibility that what he sighted might have been a tow target, a pilot balloon, or a radiosonic device used for meteorological purposes. Mr Powell stated that he has seen numerous pilot balloons, radiosonic devices and tow targets, while on flights; the object observed on this flight definitely was not one of them. Evaluation of source of information Previous Distribution: -None Distribution AAF (3 copies) - ADC lest he become the object of ridicule. Mr Powell was questioned as to the possibility that what he sighted might have been a tow target, a pilot balloon, or a radiosonic device used for meteorological purposes. Mr Powell stated that he has seen numerous pilot balloons, radiosonic devices and tow targets, while on flights; the object observed on this flight definitely was not one of them. Evaluation of source of information Previous Distribution: -None Distribution AAF (3 copies) - ADC (2 copies) C 3 2 CONFIDENTIAL dou RESTRICTED BASIC: Ltr. Hq. BARTD, Birmingham AAF, Birmingham, Ala., dtd 8 July 47, subj: Report on Local "Flying Disc." 319.1/684 1st Ind. D HEADQUARTERS, FOURTEENTH AIR FORCE, Orlando, Florida, JUL 21 1947 TO: Commanding General, Air Defense Command, Mitchel Field, New York, 1. Forwarded for information of your Headquarters, 2. This Headquarters has made no investigation of "Flying Disc" reports because this is an isolated case. FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL: 3 Incls: n/c murphy V. L. MURPHY Lt. Colonel, AGD Asst. Adj. Gen 92715 RESTRICTED 2 24-6 24 JUL 1947 62-83894-130 RESTRICTED HEADQUARTERS BIRMINGHAM AIR RESERVE TRAINING DETACHMENT BIRMINGHAM ARMY AIR FIELD Birmingham, Alabama A/JCM/ale 8 July 1947 SUBJECT: Report on Local "Flying Disc" TO: Commanding Generel Fourteenth Air Force, ADC Orlando, Florida Attn: A-2 7795 File 31911/689 1. Inclosed herewith is a photograph of the "publicized flying disc," which was reportedly witnessed over Birmingham on the night of Sunday, 6 July 1947. 2. Attention is invited to the two light spots on the print and the light trail following the two discs. The arrow at the top of the photograph indicates the direction of flight. This has been examined by professional photographers in Birmingham and their general opinion is that the two spots shown on the light trail were no flaws in the negative, but instead, an actual photograph of the mysterious disc. 3. The undersigned officer did not personally witness the 2. Attention is invited to the two light spots on the print and the light trail following the two discs. The arrow at the top of the photograph indicates the direction of flight. This has been examined by professional photographers in Birmingham and their general opinion is that the two spots shown on the light trail were no flaws in the negative, but instead, an actual photograph of the mysterious disc. 3. The undersigned officer did not personally witness the flight of any disc, however, in view of the numerous reports received from the citizens of Birmingham, it is the general opinion in Birmingham that "something was in the air." Attached hereto as inclosure number two is a statement made by the only military personnel of this organization who personally witnessed the flight of the mysterious disc. For addi- tional information attached as inclosure number three are clippings from one of the local newspapers giving an account of the many persons who re- ported seeing the many mysterious objects. 4. The intelligence officer of the Alabama Military District has forwarded a similar report through ground force channels to the Commanding General, Third Army, Atlanta 3, Georgia. 3 Incls. 1. Photograph 2. Statement 3. Clippings Jack C. White JACK C. WHITE Major, Air Corps Commanding RESTRICTED 2 RESTRICTED Report on Local "Flying Disc" D333.5 ID (8 Jul 47) 2nd Ind HQ., AIR DEFENSE COMMAND, Mitchel Field, New York, 25 July 1947. TO: Commanding General, Army Air Forces, Washington 25, D. C. ATTN: AC/AS-2 Forwarded for your information. FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL: Bekci 16 R. H. SMITH Colonel, GSC Asst Chief of Staff-Intell. 3 Incls: n/c RESTRICTED don 3 62-83894-130 THE WEA. n News 47 ** PRICE: 5 CENTS 'Flying Saucers' Reported From 39 States, But Seem To Be Concentrated Here City Is Baffled By Dazzling Display Of Spooky Discs (Furnished by the U. S. Weather For Birmingham and Vicinity- Partly cloudy and warm today, to- night and tomorrow with a few scattered showers this afternoon. High today 86, low tonight 70, high tomorrow 90. The strange things that Asst Chief of Staff-Intell. 3 Incls: n/c RESTRICTED don 3 62-83894-130 THE WEA. n News 47 ** PRICE: 5 CENTS 'Flying Saucers' Reported From 39 States, But Seem To Be Concentrated Here City Is Baffled By Dazzling Display Of Spooky Discs (Furnished by the U. S. Weather For Birmingham and Vicinity- Partly cloudy and warm today, to- night and tomorrow with a few scattered showers this afternoon. High today 86, low tonight 70, high tomorrow 90. The strange things that have been in night skies since June 25, were over Birmingham last night. On one thing everyone who has seen the mysterious objects agree -they are round, saucer-like. After that, every story differs. Each of the hundreds of callers who re- ported witnessing the baffling sky demonstrations here last night had a different version of what they saw. Some said the objects were large, some small. They were mov- ing at great speed. They were sus- pended in the air. There was sound along with their movements. They moved noiselessly through the black sky. They were at great distance from the earth. They had fallen to the ground. They were in perfect formation. They were colliding with each other. But whatever the things are that have set the nation agog since first reported 12 days ago by a man in Washington State, they definitely were over the Magic City last night. It seems, in fact, that more Bir- mingham residents saw the objects than in any other place. *** REPORTS BEGAN coming into the Age-Herald city room around 8 o'clock last night. For more than an hour thereafter, the place was bedlam. The switchboard operators were swamped with calls. Report- ers, office boys, copy readers - everyone in the place was called into action. Reports came in from Edgewood, Mountain Brook, Avondale, South- side, Fairfield, Pratt City, West End, Central Park, Bessemer. There was fear, excitement, hor- ror, skepticism in the voices. One on the ob- CAMERA HERE CATCHES "FLYING SAUCER"-Robert Cross- land, Age-Herald copy reader, has camera proof that the much-dis- cussed flying discs were over Birmingham last night. was bedlam. The switchboard operators were swamped with calls. Report- ers, office boys, copy readers - everyone in the place was called into action. Reports came in from Edgewood, Mountain Brook, Avondale, South- side, Fairfield, Pratt City, West End, Central Park, Bessemer. There was fear, excitement, hor- ror, skepticism in the voices. One on the ob- CAMERA HERE CATCHES "FLYING SAUCER"-Robert Cross- land, Age-Herald copy reader, has camera proof that the much-dis- cussed flying discs were over Birmingham last night. The picture above was made by Mr. Crossland at 8:37 p.m. last night at his home at 29th Street and Highland Avenue. He said he gave the film a 15-second exposure. Je 130 Je 130 5-THE BIRMINGHAM NEWS Mysterious Flying Saucers Reported In Birmingham Skies Continued From Page 1 Although the reports to The Age- Herald last night dwindled off at about 9 p.m., there was a final call from a man at 10, saying he had seen the objects over the south- eastern section. This morning, there were more reports, more queries coming into The News. Maj. White issued a message to Birmingham residents: "We'll do everything the Army Air Forces is empowered to do to run down the mystery of the discs. This thing seems to have gotten beyond the point of speculation. Birmingham can rest assured the air base will keep on the alert until the mys- tery is settled." man admitted having se- jects several weeks ago "but was ashamed to tell my wife." Whatever it is going on in the night skies, it has the entire nation in a dither. The flying discs have eclipsed every other national and international event in the minds of the American people. Broadcasts from England last night said the Britishers were scoffing at the story. But when persons in 30-odd states have reported seeing the ob- jects, there must be something to the story. Birmingham police headquarters was flooded with calls, too, last night. So was the Weather Bureau, the control tower at the airport, air- line officers. At the Birmingham Army Air- field, Maj. Jack C. White, com- mandant, ordered an alert and dis- patched a plane to fly around the eity. from England last night said the Britishers were scoffing at the story. But when persons in 30-odd states have reported seeing the ob- jects, there must be something to the story. Birmingham police headquarters was flooded with calls, too, last night. So was the Weather Bureau, the control tower at the airport, air- line officers. At the Birmingham Army Air- field, Maj. Jack C. White, com- mandant, ordered an alert and dis- patched a plane to fly around the eity. The plane, with Lt. L. S. Rob- inson at the controls, circled the city for an hour and 15 minutes at from 4,000 to 5,000 feet. He was un- able to report any unnatural ob- jects. Scientists indicate that the ob- jects are merely tricks of the eyes. In fact, Howard Blakeslee, Associ- ated Press scientific writer, has stated he has seen similar objects from his home on Long Island for many years and associated no. mys- tery with them. They are a combi- nation of eye and light tricks, is his answer. Turn to Page 5, Column 1 MONDAY, JULY 7, 1947 RADIO-GUIDED, SAYS LAD "I'd like to give my opinion about what the flying saucers really are," Michael Eisman, 10, told The News this morn- ing. The grammar school youth, "in the fifth grade and going on to the sixth" at Crestline Heights School, eagerly gave his theory. "They are new radio-guided rocket discs from another country that is planning war on the United States," he said. "They are equipped with cameras. They will be radio guided back to their home country. They go fast to keep anyone from seeing them. Then they hover and stand still to get their pictures. "They have a reason for be- ing over Birmingham," opined young Eisman. "It has one of the biggest steel mills, and the biggest cotton gin." Eisman said the "saucer cameras" were clicking the fruit industry on the West Coast. As to what country is send- ing the saucers, Eisman didn't guess. Nor has he seen any saucers, he said, over his home at 4 Clarendon Road. Charles F. Bradley, Birmingham weather man, hover and stand still to get their pictures. "They have a reason for be- ing over Birmingham," opined young Eisman. "It has one of the biggest steel mills, and the biggest cotton gin." Eisman said the "saucer cameras" were clicking the fruit industry on the West Coast. As to what country is send- ing the saucers, Eisman didn't guess. Nor has he seen any saucers, he said, over his home at 4 Clarendon Road. Charles F. Bradley, Birmingham weather man, said he did not believe the sp spectacle was a weather phe- nomena, "I have instructed my staff to be on the alert for any in- formation they might gather on the matter, he said said. **** GREATEST EXCITEMENT of the evening came when a man re- ported some of the discs had fallen in a ravine vine near Avonwood. A re- porter and photographer went to porter the scenes and found nothing. Residents of the district said the discs had passed low and appeared to have fallen in the trees. Robert Crossland, Age-Herald copy reader, rushed for his camera when the objects passed over his residence on 29th Street and High- land Avenue. His developed film revealed two round, white spots on the black, elose together, one larg- er than the other. He said he gave er the picture a 15-second exposure. Five other persons were with him when the picture was made. But witnesses aren't needed any longer to bear out reports of the strange demonstration. Too many persons-good, solid citizens have seen the things. In fact fact, they're thinking of calling the show out at Munger Bowl tonight, "The Disc- light Opera." Scores Of People Report Seeing Mysterious Discs Residents of East Lake, South- side, West End, Woodlawn and Bes- semer reported seeing the flying discs or saucers last night. One disc was reported seen yesterday after- noon over the Warrior River. The number seen at one time varied. *** Nine of the discs were seen by Connie Murdoch, 512 South 10th Court. "They were gobs of light moving around the sky," she re- ported. *** H. E. Reagor, 1318 45th Street, said he and neighbors saw "40 or 50" light spots in the sky, apparent- ly over and Bes- semer reported seeing the flying discs or saucers last night. One disc was reported seen yesterday after- noon over the Warrior River. The number seen at one time varied. *** Nine of the discs were seen by Connie Murdoch, 512 South 10th Court. "They were gobs of light moving around the sky," she re- ported. *** H. E. Reagor, 1318 45th Street, said he and neighbors saw "40 or 50" light spots in the sky, apparent- ly over the Central Park Airport area. *** One resident of East Lake, hear- ing of the flying saucers, rushed into his front yard. "I saw the land- ing lights of a DC-3 and 17 light- ning bugs," he reported. *** Mrs. James Bain, 1225 South 29th Street, saw three discs traveling from east to west. Two more were spotted later, followed by a single disc, as neighbors gathered. *** J. L. Kardus, 2100 Clanton Street, Bessemer, reported seeing "strange lights moving through the sky be- tween Bessemer and Red Mountain. They were going very fast," he said. *** "Whirling saucers" were reported seen by Dan. Smirl, 14, 1429 10th Place, South, and Marvin Pharo, 15; 626 10th Avenue, South. "We weren't looking for them," the boys reported. "We were standing in the yard when we saw round silver flashes circling around. They came one at a time at first, then the num- ber increased. They seemed to go over the mountain." *** At police headquarters, Officer E. E. McNeal said reports of the discs began at 8:10 p.m. and ceased about 20 minutes later. *** "Streaks of of light flying very slow" were reported seen by Mrs. H. M. Sockwell, 1360 Meadow Lane, Green Acres. She said she rushed into her yard as soon as she heard the report on the radio. She and her husband and five neighbors saw six of the discs flying "fairly low." She said they were the size of a "BIG AS TABLES" "I called to find out if I'm crazy," said Mrs. Gordon Mize, of the Bessemer Super-High- *** "Streaks of of light flying very slow" were reported seen by Mrs. H. M. Sockwell, 1360 Meadow Lane, Green Acres. She said she rushed into her yard as soon as she heard the report on the radio. She and her husband and five neighbors saw six of the discs flying "fairly low." She said they were the size of a "BIG AS TABLES" "I called to find out if I'm crazy," said Mrs. Gordon Mize, of the Bessemer Super-High- way, who telephoned The News this morning to report seeing mysterious flying discs. Mrs. Mize said she and her husband and their hosts saw the "balls of fire" as they pre- pared to get into their car after a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Bush at Brighton, be- tween 9:30 and 10 last night. She said the flash lights, which appeared as beacon lights coming over a hill, came from the direction of Besse- mer. The lights would come at lightning speed and then stop dead still and hang in the sky, they said. Then they would dart off again, some returning in the direction of Bessemer and some going on. Some would circle. Others would pass each other and scarcely avoid collision. "They were about as large as my dining room table," she said. baseball and traveled in a "big curve from southwest to southeast. The saucers came at intervals of about five seconds. *** and Mrs. Frank Arnold, 732 47th A citizen of Fairfield Hignianos said the flying discs came over his residence at a speed of about 1,500 miles an hour. "T "They would go in Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Martin and Mr. opposite directions, stop, and bump Way, South. "Some of them went into each other," ach other," he reported. as fast as bullets, while others Gene Plumstead, program man- floated around. They were the size ager of WSGN, reported the flying of an automobile tire." *** discs over Edgewood Lake. *** *** *** Mr. and Mrs. William Howell, J. A. Hafner, 3301 Avenue I, Ens-1004 East Court, South, reported ley, said the lights appeared like a seeing 11 discs about 8:30 a.m. spot thrown by a huge searchlight. "Some of them went into each other," ach other," he reported. as fast as bullets, while others Gene Plumstead, program man- floated around. They were the size ager of WSGN, reported the flying of an automobile tire." *** discs over Edgewood Lake. *** *** *** Mr. and Mrs. William Howell, J. A. Hafner, 3301 Avenue I, Ens-1004 East Court, South, reported ley, said the lights appeared like a seeing 11 discs about 8:30 a.m. spot thrown by a huge searchlight. "About 15 of them passed over He said, however, he could see no our house shortly before 8," said beam such as would come from a Mrs. Helen Mallory, 1404 North searchlight. 12th Court. Mrs. Mallory said the A number of "white round objects were first sighted by her West End by Mrs. Alfred Hack-the family. "They looked like a things" were seen in the skies over son, Milo, who called the rest of barth, 1760 McMillan Avenue. flash of light that went by in such a hurry you couldn't describe it," *** *** L. M. Cadenhead, 2000 48th she said. *** Street, Central Park, saw the lights over Powderly, *** "They looked like saucers," said Frank S. Lovelace, policeman for the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Rail- road Company, reported seeing eight or 10 the of the objects. "They looked about the size of a dishpan,' he said. "They came out of the said. southeast and whirled around sev- eral minutes." *** S-Sgt. I. L. Livingston, of the Bir- mingham Army Airfield, observed the discs from his Green Acres residence. "They were going zig- zag from East to West," he said. *** R. H. VAUGHN, III, who served as an anti-aircraft gunner in Eu- rope, saw the "flying saucer" dis- play with his father from their home in Ensley Highlands. "I never shot at anything moving as rapidly as they were," he said, Vaughn be- lieves the "discs" are some sort of natural phenomena, like the Aurora Borealis. *** Jimmy Dewberry, 11, of 1030 discs from his Green Acres residence. "They were going zig- zag from East to West," he said. *** R. H. VAUGHN, III, who served as an anti-aircraft gunner in Eu- rope, saw the "flying saucer" dis- play with his father from their home in Ensley Highlands. "I never shot at anything moving as rapidly as they were," he said, Vaughn be- lieves the "discs" are some sort of natural phenomena, like the Aurora Borealis. *** Jimmy Dewberry, 11, of 1030 16th Avenue, South, said he saw a "fly- ing saucer" while visiting at his grandmother's on 14th Avenue, South. "It looked like a shooting star," Jimmy said, "but it was too low for that. It had a long red tail." Searchlight Reflection Theory Is Advanced The mysterious "flying dises" ob- served in Birmingham last night may be a carnival beacon light at Siluria, about 20 miles south of Bir- mingham. That was a solution offered this morning by William B. Hayes, of the Reconstruction Finance Corpo- ration in the Comer Building here. Mr. Hayes, who served in the Army in the Pacific, said he and others there had seen similar sights throughout Pacific is- lands caused by searchlights. He based his theory on high over- cast skies last night and said the beacon at the Siluria carnival prob- ably struck the high clouds and gave the indication of being "flying saucers." Mr. Hayes is a pilot. RESTRICTED S-T-A-T-M-E-N-T I, Staff Sergeant Ira L. Livingston, RA 14 153 972, Air Coros, have approximately 250 hours flying time as pilot and Armorer Gunner have the following statement to make concerning the appearence of "Flying Discs" in the vicinity of Birmingham, Alabama. At 2045 hours, 6 July 1947, while I was eating supper at my residence at 1354 Meadow Lane, Green Acres, Birmingham, Alabama, my next door neighbor, Mr. Herman M. Sookwell, called for me to come to the front door that there were some "Flying Discs" outside. Immediately I went out in the front yard to observe the objects. The objects appeared to the West of Birmingham traveling in a South Eastern direction. "Flying Discs" in the vicinity of Birmingham, Alabama. At 2045 hours, 6 July 1947, while I was eating supper at my residence at 1354 Meadow Lane, Green Acres, Birmingham, Alabama, my next door neighbor, Mr. Herman M. Sookwell, called for me to come to the front door that there were some "Flying Discs" outside. Immediately I went out in the front yard to observe the objects. The objects appeared to the West of Birmingham traveling in a South Eastern direction. They appeared to be approximately 2000 feet above the horizon at a 145 degree angle from where I was standing at an un- estimated distance away. The objects appeared to be approximately two (2) feet in diameter, round in shape, producing a dim glow of light and traveling at an estimated speed of five (5) to six (6) hundred miles per hour. The objects or object appeared to be traveling in a definite arc rather than straight and as soon as one was out of sight another would appear behind it, but not always in the same path. I saw one that seemed to come straight up. The view of where it came from was obstructed by a nearby house; and when it reached the altitude of approximately 2000 feet, it started off in the same direction as the others. I did not at any time see any more than one