Air Intelligence Information Report: Unidentified Aircraft Observed Near Cho-do (XC-7980), North Korea

This Air Intelligence Information Report, dated March 6, 1953, details a sighting of an unidentified object near Cho-do, North Korea, on February 20, 1953. The primary witness, Sergeant John Muciek of the United States Marine Corps, was on communications watch at the Cho-do USMC Garrison when he observed an object resembling a falling star traveling on a straight path at an unknown altitude. Upon reaching the vicinity of XC-5555, the object stopped abruptly and began moving back and forth. The object, which initially appeared as a steady white light, began flashing red and white at three-second intervals. Sergeant Muciek alerted Corporal Hubert Hicks, who also witnessed the phenomenon. The object remained stationary for a period before departing on a southwesterly course approximately one minute after Hicks joined the watch. Sergeant Muciek reported the incident to the USMC Command Post. The author of the report, Donald Nichols, contacted Kodak to inquire about other sightings, but they reported none. Additionally, Major Pak, a KMC Commander, mentioned having seen a flying saucer at approximately the same time. The report notes that the object's behavior—specifically its ability to remain stationary, stop abruptly, and emit no sound—distinguished it from a propeller-driven aircraft. Despite these observations, the D/I FEAF comment concludes that the object was likely a lighted balloon, referencing similar reports from June 1952.