Air Intelligence Information Report: UFOB Sighting, Oxford, Pennsylvania, 3 October 1955

This Air Intelligence Information Report details a UFO sighting reported on 3 October 1955 near Oxford, Pennsylvania. The witness, a Major in the Civil Air Patrol and experienced pilot, observed three objects while standing on the northern outskirts of the town. He described the primary object as a dull white, gray, or aluminum cigar-shaped object standing on end, appearing to be at an altitude of approximately 40,000 feet. He estimated its size to be equivalent to a five-inch pencil held at arm's length. The object, which made no sound, drifted to the southeast at 40 to 50 mph for approximately 20 minutes before fading from sight. The witness also observed two smaller objects, described as mere specks, which appeared to eject from the main object. One of these smaller objects moved north for 15 minutes, while the other moved west for 7 to 8 minutes. The witness noted that the objects appeared to have tails and trailed a small cloud that dispersed quickly.

Following the report, the 4602d Air Intelligence Squadron conducted an investigation. They contacted various agencies, including the US Weather Station at McGuire AFB, the US Weather Bureau at Greater Pittsburg Airport, the 24th AA Group, and the GOC Filter Center in Trenton, to determine if any weather balloons or aircraft were in the area. The investigation revealed that while no specific sightings were confirmed by other agencies, wind conditions at all altitudes were blowing from west to east. The forecaster at the Greater Pittsburg Airport indicated that it was possible for a radiosonde weather balloon released from their station to drift into the vicinity of Oxford. The preparing officer, Captain Chester B. Hanson, concluded that the sighting was likely a radiosonde weather balloon, noting that the witness's description of the object's appearance and the absence of sound supported this conclusion. Furthermore, the witness mentioned that weather balloon equipment had been found in the area previously. The report was approved by Colonel John M. White Jr.