UFO: The Enigma of the Skies — Armstrong Circle Theatre Script

This document is the script for the January 22, 1958, episode of the Armstrong Circle Theatre, titled 'UFO: The Enigma of the Skies.' Hosted by Douglas Edwards, the program explores the history and controversy surrounding Unidentified Flying Objects. The script features an interview with Lt. Colonel Spencer Whedon of the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC), who explains the Air Force's role in investigating UFO reports through Project Bluebook and the 4602nd Air Intelligence Service Squadron. The narrative covers historical sightings, including the 1947 Kenneth Arnold incident near Mt. Rainier and the 1948 Mantell incident at Godman Field. Whedon provides the Air Force perspective, arguing that most sightings are misidentifications of natural phenomena, such as balloons (26.4%), conventional aircraft (28.8%), or astronomical events (24.4%). He specifically addresses the Mantell crash, attributing it to the pilot chasing a Skyhook balloon and subsequently blacking out due to lack of oxygen. The script also includes segments on hoaxes, such as a 'copper ball' with fake Russian lettering, and discusses the challenges of investigating reports with insufficient data. The program concludes by noting that while the vast majority of sightings are explained, approximately 1.9% remain classified as 'Unknown,' which the Air Force continues to track. The document also includes correspondence from 1960 and 1961 between a citizen, Mr. J. Chapman, and the Air Force regarding the script's content and allegations of censorship during the original broadcast, specifically concerning the cutting of Major Donald E. Keyhoe's segment.