Air Intelligence Information Report: Sighting of Unidentified Light

This Air Intelligence Information Report details a sighting of an unidentified light by two experienced USAF pilots, Major Joesph H. Lemon and Captain Eugene S. Cramer, on the night of February 16, 1953. While flying a C-47 aircraft over the Turnagain Arm and Fire Island area in Alaska, the pilots observed a round, red light that appeared to be the size of a wing navigation light. The object, initially estimated to be at 1000 feet, exhibited unusual flight characteristics, including hovering, rapid movement, and a reversal of its flight path. At one point, the light appeared to change color to blue-green and later to a reddish-orange color resembling molten iron, while increasing in size and intensity. The pilots attempted to identify the object by contacting the Elmendorf tower and the nearest radar station, but both reported no other aircraft in the area and were unable to detect the object on radar. The sighting lasted approximately 15 minutes under CAVU weather conditions, with the Aurora Borealis visible in the background. The pilots eventually flew toward the object, which then disappeared after 45 seconds. The reporting officer, 2nd Lt. Robert M. Gallant, noted that both pilots were highly qualified and objective in their reporting. Despite a thorough investigation, no conventional explanation involving aircraft or weather balloons was found. The official conclusion provided in the document suggests the object was likely a refraction of the star Vega, though the report itself highlights the difficulty in identification.