Great Falls, Montana Sighting Incident Report — 15 August 1950

This collection of documents details the investigation of a UFO sighting reported by the manager of the Great Falls Baseball Club in Montana on 15 August 1950. The witness, while at the stadium, observed two bright, disc-shaped objects moving in a southerly direction. He captured approximately 15 feet of 16mm Kodachrome film of the objects. The Air Force, specifically the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) and the 15th OSI District, conducted an extensive investigation, including interviews with the witness and his secretary. The film was analyzed by the Air Force and the U.S. Navy. The initial official conclusion was that the objects were likely two F-94 fighter aircraft known to be in the area at the time. The documents include correspondence regarding the handling of the film, which was borrowed by the Air Force, returned, and later requested again for further analysis. The film was also subject to independent analysis by the Douglas Aircraft Company, which explored the possibility of airplane reflections. Later internal Air Force memoranda from 1956 suggest that subsequent evaluations, including those by photo specialists unaware of the case history, concluded the bright spots on the film were likely bird reflections (seagulls) in strong sunlight. The documents reflect the evolving nature of the Air Force's investigation into the 'Montana film,' moving from an initial assessment of F-94 aircraft to later interpretations involving optical phenomena and bird reflections, while maintaining that the objects were not of an unconventional or extraterrestrial nature.