Unidentified Flying Object Report — Tacoma, Washington, 15 July 1952

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report (IR-25DI-9-52) issued by the Headquarters of the 25th Air Division (Defense) at McChord Air Force Base, Washington, on 17 July 1952. It details a sighting of an unidentified flying object reported by a civilian carpenter and his wife. The incident occurred on 15 July 1952, at approximately 160148Z, about 20 miles southeast of Tacoma, Washington. The witness described the object as having a silver glow and being situated at an altitude of 10,000 to 15,000 feet. The object was observed for a duration of 20 minutes, during which it exhibited a very slow speed and a 'dipping' movement. The weather conditions at the time were reported as very clear with unlimited visibility and winds at 290 degrees at 50 knots. The report explicitly notes that there was no radar contact in the area involved. The document was forwarded to the Chief of the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base for further information. It includes a formal transmittal memo signed by 1st Lt. Colvin S. Smith Jr. and the intelligence report form signed by Major Neil A. Vosburgh, Director of Intelligence. The document was originally classified as unclassified and contains instructions for downgrading and declassification in accordance with Department of Defense directives.