Report of Flying Disc - 5 September 1949

This document is a formal report filed under Project 10073 regarding a sighting of an unidentified flying object on September 5, 1949. The primary witness, S/Sgt. Willie L. Cole, a veteran USAF gunner with combat experience, was driving west on U.S. Highway 40, approximately 25 miles east of Reno, Nevada, with his wife and sister-in-law. At 1404 hours, the witnesses observed a silver, metallic, disc-shaped object at an estimated altitude of 3,000 to 5,000 feet. The object was described as being approximately 40 feet in diameter, with curved sides that tapered to a smooth, rounded edge. It maintained a flight path that was perfectly straight and level, with its plane oriented perpendicular to the earth's surface. The object traveled at an estimated speed of 500 to 600 mph and disappeared into the west after a two-minute observation. The witness reported that there was no sound, smoke, contrails, or exhaust, and he observed no ports or windows. His wife, however, claimed she saw windows evenly spaced around the edge and believed the object was spinning on its short axis. The report notes that the witness attempted to report the incident to the local Sheriff's office in Reno, but the office was closed for Labor Day. The report was subsequently submitted to the Intelligence Officer of the 23rd Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron on September 29, 1949. The investigating command noted that the witness's report was considered excellent due to his military background and attention to detail. The document includes a drawing of the object as an enclosure.