Air Intelligence Information Report: Unidentified Aerial Object Sighting, Key West, Florida, July-August 1953

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report concerning two sightings of an unidentified aerial object by Seaman Apprentice C. B. DeForrest, a student at the Fleet Sonar School in Key West, Florida. The first sighting occurred on July 24, 1953, between 2200 and 2230 EST, and the second on August 1, 1953, at 2135 EST. The observer described the object as a very bright white light, approximately the size of a star or pin point. He reported that the object performed erratic maneuvers, including lateral 45-degree angular legs, zig-zags, and regular smooth circles, before blinking out. No aerodynamic features, trails, exhaust, propulsion systems, or sounds were noted. The observer, who was interviewed by 1st Lt. Donald J. Twombly, was assessed as a stable, conscientious, and reliable individual who was not seeking publicity. The investigation considered the weather conditions, which included broken to heavy overcast, and the presence of aircraft in the area. It was noted that at least one aircraft in the vicinity was equipped with a searchlight. The final conclusion reached by the intelligence officers was that the sightings were likely caused by a searchlight on an aircraft. The report includes detailed questionnaires, sketches of the object's flight path, and meteorological data for the dates in question. The document also contains correspondence between intelligence offices regarding the investigation and the subsequent filing of the report under Project Blue Book.