Unidentified Flying Objects Report — Dietrich, Idaho, 3 February 1953

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report (IR-2-53 W) dated 4 February 1953, concerning an unidentified flying object sighting over Dietrich, Idaho, on 3 February 1953. The report was prepared by 2nd Lt. Kenneth B. Todd of Detachment #3, 4773rd Ground Observer Squadron. According to the report, five witnesses—including a Chief Observer, a supervisor, two farmers, and a postmaster—observed a silver-colored, oblong object for approximately 42 minutes, beginning at 2215 Z. The object was described as having a round front and a three-cornered rear, with no visible means of propulsion, no exhaust, and no audible sound. Witnesses reported that the object moved in a zig-zag motion and appeared to be avoiding contact with aircraft in the vicinity, specifically noting it appeared larger and faster than four jets and one bomber observed in the area. The observation was made from the ground, initially with the naked eye and subsequently using eight-power binoculars. The Air Technical Intelligence Center evaluated the report and concluded that the object was a balloon, citing inconsistencies in the reported speed and duration of the sighting as the basis for this determination. The document includes correspondence from the Air Technical Intelligence Center to a witness in Dietrich, Idaho, requesting the completion of a technical information sheet to assist in the analysis of the report. The report is marked as unclassified and includes standard declassification instructions.