Air Intelligence Information Report: Unidentified Flying Object (FLYOBRT) - Presque Isle Air Force Base, Maine

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report dated 28 July 1952, detailing a sighting of an unidentified flying object by three airmen at Presque Isle Air Force Base, Maine, on 24 July 1952. The witnesses, S/Sgt John E. Dye, A/3C James F. DuPont, and A/3C Arthur J. Phair, reported observing a round, silver, brilliant object that appeared to hover for approximately one to two minutes before gaining altitude and departing. The object was described as being at an altitude of roughly 10,000 feet and at a distance of 10 to 15 miles. The airmen noted that the object made no sound and appeared to move faster than a jet. The report includes detailed narrative statements from each of the three witnesses, who were interviewed regarding the object's appearance, movement, and their own backgrounds. The investigating officer, Captain Hayden E. Richards, concluded that while the airmen were sincere, their lack of experience in evaluating such phenomena likely led to a misidentification. The report suggests that the object was likely a C-47 aircraft that departed the station at approximately the same time, as its flight path and rate of climb would place it in a position consistent with the reported sighting. The document also contains supplementary information, including weather data at the time of the incident and references to other sightings in the region, such as those reported over Lockbourne Air Force Base in Ohio, which were also investigated by the Office of Special Investigations. The file includes various teletype messages and administrative correspondence regarding the investigation, confirming that the Air Technical Intelligence Center was involved in the evaluation of these reports. The document is marked as unclassified and includes instructions for its eventual downgrading and declassification.