Project 10073 Record Card and Air Intelligence Information Report — Santa Monica, California, 30 August 1952

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report regarding a sighting of unidentified flying objects in Santa Monica, California, on 30 August 1952. The report, prepared by Lt. Colonel D. H. Maddox of the 807th Air Base Group, details the observations of a civilian witness who was on duty for Operation Skywatch. The witness reported seeing six saucer-shaped objects that appeared and disappeared among the sun's rays approximately fifteen minutes before sunset. The objects were described as having no inertia, capable of stopping and starting at will, and forming a squadron. A second sighting occurred at 11:30 PM the same day, where the witness observed a bright object beneath the moon that left a vapor trail. The witness, a 62-year-old toolmaker, provided detailed questionnaires and sketches of the objects' movements and shapes. The witness noted that the objects were metallic, possessed a sharp, rectangular definition, and were under intelligent control, suggesting they operated under full control of gravity and inertia. The witness also provided a photograph taken earlier that day, which they believed captured one of the objects partially hidden by clouds. The Air Technical Intelligence Center acknowledged receipt of the report and requested further information via a questionnaire. The witness emphasized that they were not alarmed by the sighting but felt it was an object of an unusual nature that warranted reporting to the Filter Center.