Report of Sighting of Unconventional Aircraft — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 29 March 1954

This document is a Spot Intelligence Report from the 3rd District Office of Special Investigations (OSI) regarding a sighting of unconventional aircraft on 29 March 1954. The incident occurred at approximately 0215 hours over the Delaware River between Camden, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The witnesses, a couple employed as musicians, reported observing approximately twenty-five round, silver objects flying in a formation from south to north. They described the objects as having a luminous circle and a flame emanating from the rear of each, with no exhaust trail or sound. The witnesses estimated the objects were flying slightly faster than a jet aircraft at an altitude between 3000 and 5000 feet. The observation lasted for one to two minutes. The witnesses reported the event to the FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department. The OSI interviewed the witnesses and also consulted with Captain Emil Monteich of the 24th Anti-Aircraft Group, who confirmed that their radar equipment had not detected any unusual formations that morning. Meteorological data provided by P. Adams of the U.S. Weather Bureau indicated scattered clouds at 800 feet and an overcast at 9000 feet, with visibility of five miles. The report concludes that the objects were possibly reflections from migratory birds. No further investigation was conducted by the District Office, and the report was forwarded to the Air Technical Intelligence Center and the Air Defense Command.