Report of Unidentified Flying Objects (FLYOBRPT) — Truax Field, Madison, Wisconsin, 30 October 1952

On 30 October 1952, at approximately 1035 CST, two airmen from the 78th Air Base Squadron at Truax Field, Madison, Wisconsin, observed an unidentified aerial object. The witnesses, A/2c Harold T. Hamm and A/2c Louis E. Geer, were on duty at the main gate when they spotted an egg-shaped, silver object with a bluish cast. The object was estimated to be the size of a B-36 aircraft and was observed at an altitude between 8,000 and 10,000 feet. The witnesses reported that the object initially moved south, then turned slowly toward the east while maintaining a level attitude, before performing a rapid climb and disappearing into a haze at a very high altitude. The entire sighting lasted approximately 30 seconds. The observers noted no exhaust trail or other visible means of propulsion. At the time of the sighting, a flight of F-86 aircraft was landing at the base, which initially drew the attention of the observers. The weather was clear with 15 miles of visibility. The report notes that the observers were positive the object was not a conventional aircraft they were familiar with. However, the official assessment suggests the object may have been a Naval jet aircraft from the nearby Glenview Naval Air Station. The report highlights that the speed estimated by the observers was inconsistent with the duration of the sighting, as an aircraft moving at such speeds would have disappeared from view in less than 30 seconds. No physical evidence, photographs, or radar data were obtained, and no interception action was taken. The document includes a formal statement from A/2c Geer and was forwarded through the 31st Air Division to the Director of Intelligence at Headquarters USAF.