Sighting of Unconventional Aircraft — Kelly AFB, Texas, 24 July 1951

This document is a Spot Intelligence Report issued by the 10th District Office of Special Investigations at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas, dated 1 August 1951. It details a sighting of an unconventional aircraft that occurred on the evening of 24 July 1951. The report documents the observations of three military personnel: Sgt Reginald D. Stacy and Cpl Joseph E. Hewitt of the 1923d AACS Squadron, and Sgt Leon V. Minor of the 1923-2 AACS Detachment at Brooks Air Force Base. According to the report, Sgt Stacy and Cpl Hewitt observed a yellow light while on duty at the Kelly Air Force Base control tower between 2100 and 2130 hours. They described the object as a yellow light, round in shape, with an estimated size of two to three inches in diameter, traveling at a speed of 600 to 700 miles per hour at an altitude of 5,000 to 7,000 feet. The object was observed moving from west to east in a straight and level flight path. The witnesses used binoculars to aid their observation. Sgt Minor, who was at Brooks Air Force Base, also reported observing the object after receiving a telephone call from a civilian policeman in San Antonio who had seen an unusually bright light. Sgt Minor described the object as a round, orange-white light, also estimating its speed at 600 to 700 miles per hour and its altitude at 5,000 to 7,000 feet. Personnel at the Randolph Air Force Base control tower were queried but were unable to see the object, though it was noted they might have lost sight of it as it passed into a cloud. The report concludes that the sighting was likely an aircraft, noting that no information was presented that conflicted with this analysis. The document was signed by Colonel John G. Swope, District Commander, and copies were directed to the Commanding General of the Air Material Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.