Investigation of UFO Sighting 060500 November 1957

This document is a comprehensive intelligence report regarding a sighting of an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) by approximately 20 U.S. military personnel in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) of Korea on November 6, 1957, at approximately 0500 hours. The report includes a formal Air Intelligence Information Report (IR-7-57) and numerous individual witness statements from members of the 1st Cavalry Division and the 19th Infantry. Witnesses reported a brilliant blue-white flash of light that developed into a reddish-orange trail of flame. The flash lasted between 2 and 4 seconds, while the resulting trail remained visible for 5 to 30 minutes. The object was described as moving horizontally, with some observers noting a zig-zag motion. The phenomenon was observed by personnel at various observation posts (OPs) and was noted to be at a very high altitude, estimated by some to be in excess of 100,000 feet. The report notes that the flash was bright enough to illuminate the area and startled local wildlife, specifically pheasants.

Intelligence analysts at the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) evaluated the reports. They concluded that the phenomenon was not a meteor, fireball, or Soviet satellite. Furthermore, they ruled out conventional aircraft or standard flares, noting that the flash was too bright for an afterburner relight and that the observers were familiar with standard flares. The analysts suggested that the object might have been a ground-launched rocket or missile, possibly for night photography purposes, but emphasized that the lack of size reference and the inability to conduct an on-site investigation in hostile territory made a definitive identification impossible. The report concludes that the object remains 'UNKNOWN' pending further data. The document includes detailed witness statements, azimuth readings, and a map overlay showing the lines of sight from various observation posts. The report was later declassified and the classification cancelled.