Report of Sighting of 'Flying Discs' — Medford, Oregon, 8 August 1949

This document is a field report from the 1905th AACS Squadron at McChord Air Force Base, detailing a series of sightings of unidentified flying objects near Medford, Oregon, on August 8, 1949. Between 1120 and 1230 hours, personnel from Medford Airways, the Medford Control Tower, and Medford Radio observed between one and seven shiny, silver-colored objects at a very high altitude. The observers, including tower personnel using binoculars, noted that the objects appeared to have wings and performed horizontal maneuvers, flying in formation before breaking off and reforming in a trail. The objects were described as moving at speeds comparable to or faster than standard jet aircraft. A United Air Lines DC-4 pilot in the vicinity at 17,000 feet reported being unable to see the objects, leading investigators to conclude they were at a higher altitude, estimated unofficially at 30,000 feet. The objects were only visible to the naked eye when reflecting sunlight. The report explicitly states that no definite conclusions regarding the identity or nature of the objects could be reached due to the lack of accurate observation data. It is noted in the remarks that while these sightings were reported, it was believed by some that they might have been 'balls of thistle' prevalent in the area at the time. The document includes administrative details, witness information (with names redacted), and a narrative summary of the event, concluding that further investigation by aircraft proved fruitless as the objects were not seen again prior to the arrival of the aircraft.