Unusual Aerial Objects, Richmond Quartermaster Depot, Richmond, Virginia, 10 Feb 53

This document is a special inquiry report dated February 25, 1953, from the 21st District Office of Special Investigations at Langley Air Force Base, concerning sightings of unusual aerial objects at the Richmond Quartermaster Depot in Richmond, Virginia, on February 10, 1953. Four civilian guards—Charles L. Camp, Jessie E. Kent, Harry L. Derr, and Carlisle E. Fields—reported observing two circular, luminous objects at approximately 0615 hours. The objects were described as being orange in the center and blue on the edges, with diameters estimated between 20 and 38 feet. Witnesses reported the objects hovering, darting, and moving at varying speeds, including a 'tremendous rate of speed,' at altitudes ranging from 130 to 400 feet. Notably, all witnesses stated that the objects emitted no sound. The report highlights significant discrepancies in the accounts provided by the guards, particularly regarding the direction of approach and the speed of the objects. While the guards were characterized as reliable, intelligent, and sober individuals who were familiar with conventional aircraft, the investigation could not provide a logical explanation for the sightings. The document also includes a separate, unrelated incident report involving an Air Force Colonel who observed a 'flash of metal' with a long, narrow rectangular contrail while driving near Richmond on the same date, which was concluded to be a jet aircraft contrail. The weather conditions at the time of the depot sightings were reported as clear with no clouds, and the local weather office confirmed no weather balloons were released that day. The report concludes by stating that additional information would be forwarded upon receipt.