Air Intelligence Information Report: UFOB-1 (14 May 1956)

On 14 May 1956, at approximately 1400Z, three pilots from the 3600th Air Demonstration Squadron (the Thunderbirds) observed an unidentified flying object while flying a formation of five F-84F aircraft from Eglin AFB to Bolling AFB. The pilots, Captain Billy Joe Ellis, 1st Lieutenant Robert D. Anderson, and 1st Lieutenant William R. Pogue, were at an altitude of 30,000 feet near Gastonia, North Carolina, when the object was first spotted. The sighting lasted for approximately 35 minutes. The pilots described the object as a small, stationary, spherical, and highly reflective silvery-white object that appeared brighter than the surrounding sky. They compared its size to a pencil eraser, a pinhead, or a pea held at arm's length. The pilots observed the object through their aircraft windshields and sunglasses. None of the pilots reported any sound or movement from the object, and it remained visible until they began their descent into Washington, D.C. The investigation was conducted by SSgt Albert S. Rosenberger of the 4602D AISS. Statements were collected from the three pilots, and memory sketches were provided. The investigation noted that the pilots were experienced and reliable. Major J. Broughton, the Flight Leader of the Thunderbirds, was consulted and expressed his belief that the object was likely a bright star or planet, noting he had seen similar objects previously. The final conclusion reached by the headquarters was that the sighting was caused by the planet Venus, which was visible during daylight hours in May 1956 and occupied a position consistent with the observed object. The report explicitly ruled out the possibility of a balloon due to the distance traveled by the aircraft and the stationary nature of the object relative to the pilots' flight path.