Project 10073 Record: Incident 393 - Hillsboro, Oregon

This document comprises a series of reports and correspondence regarding an aerial phenomenon sighting on June 4, 1949, near Hillsboro, Oregon. Two witnesses, employees of the Wolf Creek Highway Water District, observed a metallic, round object while sitting on a hilltop during their lunch hour. The witnesses reported that the object appeared to be approximately the size of a 3/8-inch object held at arm's length. It remained in a fixed position for roughly three minutes, exhibiting a slight wobbling motion, before moving rapidly in a Southwesterly direction. The observers noted that there was no sound or exhaust trail associated with the object. The weather conditions were described as clear with good visibility and bright sunshine. The investigation, conducted by Special Agent John T. Reilly of the 20th District Office of Special Investigations, concluded that the witnesses were credible and had no apparent motive for seeking notoriety. The report notes that the witnesses were interviewed on June 8, 1949, and that subsequent inquiries in Beaverton, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, and Portland yielded no other reports of unidentified aircraft or objects in the air at that time. Meteorological data from the U.S. Weather Bureau in Portland was consulted as part of the investigation. The official conclusion recorded in the Project 10073 record for this incident is 'BALLOON'. The file includes correspondence from a separate witness in Van Wert, Ohio, dated March 10, 1950, who reported a similar sighting of a silver or chrome ball on June 5, 1949, which she initially suspected might have been a balloon or test ball from Baer Field or Stout Field. The Air Materiel Command acknowledged her letter on March 15, 1950, stating it would be forwarded to the interested office.