Air Intelligence Information Report: UFO Sighting at Wurtsmith AFB, 11 January 1956

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report regarding a UFO sighting that occurred on 11 January 1956 at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan. The report details observations made by three primary witnesses: S/Sgt Paul D. Porter, 2/Lt William H. Freeland, and A/3C Kenneth J. Seger. At approximately 1840 EST, control tower personnel observed a circular, reddish-orange object hovering near the approach end of runway 06. The object was described as being similar in size to a nickel held at arm's length. An F-89D interceptor aircraft, piloted by 1/Lt Culpepper with radar observer 2/Lt Freeland, was directed to investigate the object. The radar observer successfully established a lock-on for approximately two minutes, noting an overtake speed of 50 knots. The target then began a rapid climb at a 40-degree angle, eventually disappearing from the radar scope. The witnesses noted that the object had no trail, no exhaust, and made no sound.

The investigation, conducted by 1/Lt Paul J. Finazzo, included checks with the local weather station and the 754th AC&W Squadron, as well as consultation with Dr. Everett R. Phelps, a professor of physics and astronomy at Wayne University. Dr. Phelps noted that Venus was in the same area of the sky at the time, though the preparing officer argued against this correlation due to differences in brightness and color. The final assessment by the approving officer, Colonel John M. White Jr., concluded that the sighting was likely caused by an electronic and optical reflection resulting from a strong temperature inversion (tropopause) at 4,500 feet. This meteorological condition, known as anomalous propagation, can cause radar to lock onto ground targets and can distort the appearance of astronomical bodies. Consequently, the official conclusion attributed the event to these atmospheric conditions rather than an unidentified aerial vehicle.