Project Grudge - Incident of Flying Discs, Mesa, Arizona - 24 June 1949

This document collection details the investigation into a sighting of unidentified aerial objects reported by William A. Crismon on 24 June 1949, near Mesa, Arizona. Crismon, an owner of a gold mine, reported observing four metallic, steel-gray discs hovering near a cloud at an extremely high altitude, followed by the appearance of a fifth disc. He estimated the objects to be the size of a DC-6 aircraft and noted that they moved at speeds up to 400 miles per hour. Crismon claimed to have observed the objects for approximately 30 minutes, using seven-power binoculars for part of the duration. He described the objects as having two principal parts with flexible flanges that appeared to act as stabilizers or vanes.

The Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) conducted a thorough inquiry into the report. Special Agent Elmer M. Neville interviewed Crismon in Los Angeles on 22 September 1949. During the interview, it was noted that Crismon was an amateur astronomer who possessed a telescope. However, the investigators expressed significant reservations regarding his reliability. They observed that Crismon was prone to emotional outbursts and nervous behavior. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that Crismon had expressed a desire to obtain military permission to photograph future sightings for commercial gain, which cast doubt on his motives.

Attempts to corroborate the sighting were largely unsuccessful. While Crismon claimed his two stepchildren were present during the event, investigators were unable to interview them because the children had been threatened with severe punishment by their parents if they discussed the incident. A subsequent review of the case by Special Agent Lindell W. Politte and others led to the conclusion that the report was unreliable. The investigation file was officially closed on 19 January 1950, with the determination that all logical leads had been exhausted. The documents include hand-drawn sketches provided by the witness, illustrating the appearance of the objects at varying distances. The case remains a part of the Project Grudge records, reflecting the military's efforts to evaluate unconventional aircraft reports during the late 1940s.