Project SIGN Investigation Report: Orlando, Florida, 31 January 1949

This document is a comprehensive report of investigation conducted by the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) regarding an unidentified aerial object sighted in the vicinity of Orlando Air Force Base, Florida, on 31 January 1949. The investigation was initiated at the request of the Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Between 0115 and 0200 hours, five Air Policemen and three civilian policemen reported observing a lighted, round, bluish-green object traveling in a Southwesterly direction. The object was described as having a pulsating light and fuzzy edges, resembling the flame of an acetylene torch. Observers estimated the object's size to be that of an automobile wheel. Notably, all observers reported that the object made no sound, left no trail, and did not appear to have any projections. The flight path was generally described as straight and level with a slight angle of descent. The weather conditions at the time were reported as clear with good visibility. The report includes detailed statements from several witnesses, including Pfc. George B. Dias and Pfc. Earl W. Cheek, both of the 2583d Base Service Squadron. The investigators noted that all witnesses were considered reliable and were not color-blind. Despite the consistency of the reports, the investigation concluded with the notation 'Possible Aircraft' and the status 'CLOSED'. The document also includes supplementary information, such as weather data from the CAA Weather Station and various newspaper clippings from the St. Petersburg Times and The Independent, which reflect the public interest and media coverage of the 'Flying Saucer' phenomenon during this period. The report contains multiple exhibits, including maps and witness interview guides, documenting the systematic effort by the Air Force to investigate these sightings under Project SIGN.