Air Intelligence Information Report — Amarillo Air Force Base, Texas, 3 August 1953

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report from Headquarters, Amarillo Air Force Base, dated 1 October 1953, concerning a series of unidentified aerial phenomena observed on 3 August 1953. The report details observations made by personnel at the Amarillo Control Tower, beginning at approximately 1204 hours CST. Witnesses reported seeing round objects that appeared to have a translucent quality and reflected the sun. The objects were initially observed moving from east to west at an altitude of approximately 45 degrees above the horizon before coming to an abrupt stop. One object then moved south at a 'tremendous speed' before stopping again. A second object was observed behind the first, and both appeared identical in size and shape. The objects remained over the field for approximately 10 seconds before one moved straight up and the other proceeded south, disappearing at a rapid rate. The witnesses noted that the objects did not leave a vapor trail or smoke. Approximately 15 minutes later, the objects were observed again in the vicinity of the sun, appearing to circle. These sightings continued intermittently for approximately 45 minutes until cloud cover moved over the area. The report includes a supplement to AF Form 112, which provides a detailed narrative of the event, and a weather report from the 11th Weather Squadron, which confirms the atmospheric conditions at the time. The official conclusion stated in the report notes that the objects were not balloons and that aircraft are not capable of such maneuvers, suggesting they might have been small air balloons close to the tower, though this remains speculative. The report was prepared by 1st Lt. Glenn L. Fitts, who noted that the delay in filing the report was due to it being previously submitted in an erroneous form.