Project 10073 Record Card — 19 May 1952, San Angelo, Texas

On 19 May 1952, at approximately 2005 hours, the crew of an RB-36 aircraft from the 31st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron observed seven unidentified objects while flying at an altitude of 18,000 feet, southwest of San Angelo, Texas. The objects were described as bright, white, circular, or 'doughnut-shaped' entities arranged in a vertical column. The crew estimated the altitude of these objects to range from 25,000 to 60,000 feet. For the first 15 minutes of the 15-to-20-minute observation, the objects remained stationary in their vertical formation. Subsequently, they appeared to spread or trail out, resembling vapor trails. The crew reported that the objects were visible until dark and did not appear to change in size or distance, despite the aircraft flying toward them. The sighting was reported to San Angelo Radio, and the ground operator confirmed observing the incident. The crew utilized 6-power binoculars to examine the objects, and one crew member took six photographs of the phenomenon using a personal 35mm camera. The report was delayed until 29 May 1952, pending the development of the photographic evidence. The Air Intelligence Information Report, prepared by 1st Lt. James F. Wood and approved by Captain William J. Quinn Jr., suggests that the objects were likely exhaust from a vertically launched, multiple-phase rocket or guided missile. However, the report notes that given the wind velocity of 35 knots at 18,000 feet, it seems unlikely that exhaust puffs would remain visible for that duration without dissipating. Despite this, the official conclusion leans toward the rocket or missile explanation. The document includes statements from the observers, a plot map of the sighting, and photographic evidence.