Air Intelligence Information Report: Unidentified Flying Object Sighting, San Antonio, Texas, 29 May 1952

This Air Intelligence Information Report details a sighting of an unidentified aerial phenomenon on 29 May 1952, near San Antonio, Texas. The primary witness, an Air Force pilot assigned to Hq CTAF at Randolph Field, reported observing a bright, tubular object for approximately 14 minutes, beginning at 1900 hours. The witness, who was on his front porch with his wife and a civilian acquaintance, described the object as initially appearing in a horizontal position. It traveled from left to right, then transitioned to a vertical position, where it remained motionless for eight minutes. Subsequently, the object tilted back toward a horizontal position before performing a gradual upward curve and accelerating out of sight. During this acceleration, the object reportedly changed from an intense silvery glow to a mild red or orange color. The witness noted that the object appeared to be a flame trail rather than a solid material device. The report includes weather data indicating high, thin scattered cirrus clouds and good visibility. The observer noted that the sighting was similar to a report from Alaska. The official evaluation of the incident, conducted by Captain M. D. Knipp of the Combat Intelligence Division, concluded that there was insufficient data for a definitive evaluation. No radar contact was made, no physical evidence was recovered, and no interception action was taken. The report includes a statement from the observer and a map overlay illustrating the line of sight.