Sighting of Two Unusual Objects over Artesia, New Mexico, on 16 January 1952

This document is a collection of reports and correspondence regarding a sighting of two unidentified aerial objects near Artesia, New Mexico, on January 16, 1952. The incident involved two members of a balloon project from the General Mills Aeronautical Research Laboratory and four civilian pilots who were observing a research balloon at an altitude of 112,000 feet. The witnesses reported seeing two round, dull white objects that appeared to be disc-shaped. These objects were observed circling the balloon before flying off to the northeast. The observation lasted approximately 40 seconds. The witnesses, including the manager of the Artesia Municipal Airport, were described as reliable and experienced. They explicitly stated that the objects were not reflections or conventional aircraft. Subsequent investigations by the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) involved re-interviews with local witnesses, including the manager of the Goodyear Tire Supply Company and the manager of the RFA Electrical Company, to verify the date of the sighting, which was confirmed as January 16, 1952. Despite the credibility of the witnesses, the official conclusion stated in the initial report was 'None,' and the files were eventually closed with no further investigative action contemplated due to the time lapse between the incident and the reporting. The documents highlight the administrative process of the Air Force in handling UAP reports during the early 1950s, including the involvement of the Air Technical Intelligence Center and the OSI.