Air Intelligence Information Report: 3H-UFOB-3-55

This report details an investigation into an unidentified aerial phenomenon observed over Baltimore, Maryland, on February 28, 1955. Multiple witnesses, including residents of South Paca Street, reported seeing two objects drifting at tree-top level. The objects were described as large, bubbling, steaming masses, roughly three and a half feet in diameter, resembling cotton candy or a mass of fish eggs. As the objects descended, they disintegrated, leaving behind a yellowish residue on the ground and on a parked car owned by Martin Steffey. Witnesses reported that the objects were not hot, as children poked them with pencils and one man rubbed the material on his hand without experiencing pain.

Captain Orville Wallace of the 549th Ordnance Detachment was alerted to the incident and recovered samples of the residue, which were subsequently sent to the city morgue for analysis by Dr. Henry C. Freimuth. Preliminary analysis indicated the presence of both organic and inorganic materials, including traces of iron crystals. The investigator, 2nd Lt. Jack Tebo of the 4602d AISS, conducted a thorough inquiry into the industrial activities in the vicinity, specifically the Westport area, which is heavily industrialized with glass and chemical companies.

It was determined that the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and other local companies utilized industrial cleaning compounds for railroad rolling equipment. Specifically, a product known as C-2 PERMAG, which contains oxalic acid, sodium disulfate, and a wetting agent, was identified as a potential source. When agitated under high pressure, this solution can produce a foam that bubbles and eventually leaves a residue. The investigator concluded that the objects were likely industrial foam rather than an extraterrestrial phenomenon. The report notes that local companies were reluctant to provide information due to the potential for negative publicity regarding their manufacturing processes. The investigation was coordinated with the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC), and samples were forwarded for further examination. The report concludes that the incident was not a security threat and was likely the result of local industrial cleaning operations.