Air Intelligence Information Report: UFOB Sighting, Poulsbo, Washington, 22 June 1955

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report (AF Form 112) regarding an unidentified flying object (UFOB) sighting reported on 22 June 1955 in Poulsbo, Washington. The report was prepared by 1st Lieutenant Richard E. Hansen of Flight 1-A, 4602d AISS. The primary witness was Mrs. Waghorn, a Ground Observer Corps (GOC) Chief Observer, who reported observing three objects—two small and one large—for a duration of one hour. She described the objects as oval-shaped, approximately one-half inch in diameter, and exhibiting a color change from rosy pink to blue and back again. The witness also reported that the objects appeared to bounce up and down. The sighting occurred on a clear night with unlimited visibility. Following the report, investigative efforts were conducted by the 4602d AISS, including checks with McChord Flight Operations, the 4770th Ground Observer Squadron, and the 635th AC&W Squadron, all of which yielded negative results regarding aircraft in the area. A telephone inquiry to the Sandpoint Naval Air Station revealed that a weather balloon had been released at 0831Z on the same day. The investigating officer concluded that the sighting was likely caused by this weather balloon. The rationale provided for this conclusion included the duration of the sighting, the lack of self-propulsion, the prevailing wind direction from 140-270 degrees which would project the balloon toward Poulsbo, and the wind variations at different altitudes which would create the appearance of the object bouncing. The report was approved by Colonel John White Jr. of the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC).