AIR INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION REPORT - IR-1-52

This Air Intelligence Information Report, dated August 5, 1952, documents a sighting of unidentified flying objects by T/Sgt John A. Mutu, a member of the Air Force Band stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. On July 24, 1952, between 0030 and 0140 hours, the witness observed three objects while located near Lakeland, Georgia. The witness, who possessed prior experience as a flight engineer on B-25 aircraft and a gunner on B-26 aircraft, described the objects as having extremely high speeds and performing erratic maneuvers, including hovering, darting in circles, and changing colors from white to red and blue-white. The first object was estimated to be at an altitude of 50,000 feet, while the second and third objects were estimated at 30,000 feet. No sound, trail, or exhaust was observed. The witness reported that the objects did not resemble any aircraft with which he had prior experience. Intelligence officers at Moody AFB conducted a thorough investigation, including cross-checking the witness's statements and verifying weather conditions, which were reported as having unlimited ceiling and visibility. A check with the local AACS Detachment confirmed that no military aircraft were airborne in the vicinity during the time of the sighting. The preparing officer, Captain Anthony O. Lehner, noted that the witness was consistent, sincere, and did not volunteer opinions, but rather answered questions in a straightforward manner. The report was forwarded to the Director of Intelligence at Headquarters USAF and the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson AFB.