Air Intelligence Information Report: UFO Sighting, Kimpo, Korea, 9 September 1954

On September 9, 1954, two pilots from the 335th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 2nd Lt. Vernon D. Hesterman and 2nd Lt. Richard B. McKibben, were flying a practice intercept mission in F-86F aircraft near Kimpo, Korea. While at an altitude of 24,000 feet, the pilots observed two unidentified objects at a significantly higher altitude. The objects were described as silver or white in color, appearing stationary, and were estimated to be approximately 25,000 feet above the observers (or 59,000 feet above the earth). The pilots reported that the objects were abreast of each other and remained in sight for 10 to 12 minutes while the pilots performed maneuvers. The objects made no sound and were not detected by ground radar or the TADC (Tactical Air Direction Center) scopes in the area. The pilots noted that the sun was shining against the objects, making them vivid standouts against the sky. Due to low fuel, the pilots were forced to return to base before the objects disappeared. An intelligence report filed by 2nd Lt. James E. Bridgett Jr. noted that while a weather balloon had been released from the K-14 station at 1730I, and wind conditions could theoretically place it in the area, the sighting involved two objects rather than one. Consequently, the investigator concluded that no definitive explanation could be provided for the sighting, though weather balloons were suggested as a possibility.