Air Intelligence Information Report: Unidentified Flying Object, 13 Feb 53

On February 13, 1953, at approximately 0455Z, five members of the 39th Air Police Squadron at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, observed an unidentified red light. The object was estimated to be thirty-six inches in diameter and was initially sighted at an altitude of 1,500 feet near the west end of runway 05. The witnesses described the object as round, emitting no sound, and lacking visible propulsion methods. It was observed climbing gradually at a speed slower than a jet aircraft, traveling in a southwesterly direction across Anchorage, and circling over the middle of Knik Arm. Upon the scrambling of a fighter interceptor to investigate, the object reportedly increased its speed significantly, climbing vertically at a rate far exceeding that of the intercepting jet before disappearing from sight. The duration of the observation was between five and ten minutes. Weather conditions at the time were reported as 5,500 feet overcast with 10 miles visibility and winds of 15-16 knots. A nearby radar site was operational throughout the incident but failed to detect the object. The report notes that no weather balloons were released during the period and that the witnesses, who had previously observed falling stars, were certain the object did not resemble such natural phenomena. A similar sighting had been reported the previous evening, though it was unknown to the airmen at the time of this incident. Major John S. Masterson, Director of Intelligence, concluded that all potential witnesses had been interrogated and that the light remained unidentified.