Project Grudge: Unusual Aerial Phenomena at Napa, California

This document is a report of investigation conducted by the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) regarding an unusual aerial phenomenon reported in Napa, California, on October 28, 1949. Two witnesses, employed at the Mels Richfield service station, reported observing a circular, silver-colored object flying north at an estimated altitude of 4,000 to 5,000 feet. The witnesses described the object as having the appearance of aluminum, approximately 30 to 35 feet in diameter, and noted that it rotated while in descent, emitting a gaseous substance. The sighting lasted between 30 and 45 seconds. The witnesses stated the object made no sound and left no exhaust trail. The OSI investigation included interviews with local residents and a check of records from the Napa Police Department, the Napa Sky Ranch, and military authorities. The investigation sought to determine if any military testing, missile launches, or radar contacts occurred in the area at the time of the sighting. Colonel Leo J. Dillon of the Sixth Army and other military officials confirmed they had no knowledge of testing devices or missiles in the area. The Civil Aeronautics Authority stated it could not provide a schedule of all flights in the area due to the high volume of air traffic. Ultimately, the Air Force concluded that the investigation into this and other reports of unusual objects revealed they were various conventional objects. The report includes correspondence between the witnesses and the Air Materiel Command, as well as internal OSI reports documenting the investigation's progress and the lack of corroborating evidence for the sighting.