Air Intelligence Information Report — 3.5 Miles East of Rapid City, S. Dak.

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report (IR-73-52) regarding a sighting of unidentified flying objects near Rapid City, South Dakota, on July 17, 1952. The report was generated by the Headquarters Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force Base and transmitted to the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The primary witness was a Master Sergeant from the 28th Armament and Electronics Squadron, 28th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, who is described as a reliable observer with experience as an aircraft crew member. According to the report, the witness observed 12 to 14 glowing orange discs arranged in two V-formations while at a drive-in movie. The objects were described as traveling in an easterly direction at an altitude between 12,000 and 15,000 feet, maintaining a straight and level flight path at a speed estimated to be many times that of a jet aircraft. The duration of the sighting was approximately 5 to 6 seconds, and the observer noted that there was no perceptible sound. The weather conditions were reported as clear with no wind. A C-47 aircraft was also noted in the vicinity, appearing to be in a flight pattern for Rapid City Air Force Base. The report includes an official conclusion on the record card, which states that reports similar to these have previously turned out to be ducks. The document is marked as unclassified and includes the standard administrative details for Air Force intelligence reporting, including references to AF Form 112 and Air Force Letter 200-5.