Project 10073 Record: Sighting Report - Portland, Oregon, 9 July 1952

This document collection details a sighting report from 9 July 1952, involving an unidentified object observed near the Old Kaiser Shipyards on Swan Island in Portland, Oregon. The report, filed by the 123rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron, describes a rounded, silver or metallic object that was observed for approximately 30 minutes. The witness, identified as a Mrs. [illegible] from the vicinity of Parksville, Missouri, reported that the object appeared to drift in a counter-clockwise motion and possessed an orange, trailing fire tail. The witness noted that the object emitted no vapor or exhaust trails and exhibited several flashes within the dark ball or head of the object before disappearing. The weather at the time was reported as clear with 10-mile visibility and light winds. Subsequent military correspondence, including messages between the 123rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron, the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC), and the Air Defense Command, indicates that the sighting was investigated under Project Blue Book. While the initial report provided detailed observations, the final conclusion recorded in the Project 10073 record identifies the object as a balloon. The documentation includes various teletype messages and a formal inquiry requesting information on aircraft in the area, balloon releases, and wind conditions to assist in the evaluation of the sighting.