There has been a lot of criticism regarding the Pentagon’s big UFO reveal on May 8, and justifiably so. The gist of said criticism is that the files provide no real answers and little new information.

This is undoubtedly true.

However, a careful reading of UFO reports from the late 1940s offers a fascinating window into this mystery and may provide important clues about the nature of these objects.

Many of these sightings and encounters were reported by extremely qualified military personnel trained to recognize various aircraft and natural phenomena in the skies.

The reports come from multiple bases — Lowry, McChord, Wright‑Patterson, Maxwell, Olmsted, Carswell, and others. Common patterns include bright lights, disc‑ or cigar‑shaped objects, rapid movement, no sound or exhaust. I personally don’t see any evidence for extraterrestrials, but I do see plenty of evidence for the existence of alternative propulsion technologies. At any rate, my opinion is of little importance — the bottom line is that these encounters remain mysterious to this day. Something extraordinary was happening in the immediate postwar period.

Here are just a few of these reports.

1. The following encounter occurred on December 3, 1948, over Fairfield-Suisun Air Force Base in California. Here is the verbatim statement from the report:

“At the request of Chief of Intelligence, the undersigned wishes to describe as accurately as possible his impressions of the brief appearance of an unknown illuminated object, which appeared over Fairfield-Suisan AFB at 2015 PST 3 December 1948. The object first shot into view about 2 miles north of the control tower, flying at a low altitude between 500 and 1000 feet, climbing on a low trajectory, with a speed estimated at something in excess of 400 miles per hour. Immediately after sighting, this observer rushed to the east side of the tower. By this time the object was estimated to have not more than 1500 feet of altitude and its speed had slowed for several seconds to perhaps two hundred (200) miles per hour. The observer can recall that at this stage the object had a very slight undulating or bouncing motion. When its position oriented with a line between the tower and the air freight terminal, but a slight distance east of the terminal, the object took an almost vertical rise or climb and levelled off again at an estimated three thousand feet. At this time the other control tower operator on duty continued watching the object while this observer telephoned the AACS operations officer residing on the base in hopes he might be able to get a look at it. The other tower operator reported this object almost immediately afterwards started a fast climb toward the south-southeast and reached about twenty thousand feet, at which point he lost sight of it. The undersigned never saw the object again after going for the telephone.

“Pertinent information is that the light was clearly seen with the naked eye, brilliant but by no means blinding. In size it was comparable to one of Fairfield-Suisan AFB’s high intensity runway lights. The observer is convinced it was not an aircraft navigation light. The night was clear, and the wind was indicating southwest at 10 miles per hour on tower instruments.

“I certify and affirm that the information herin is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and ability. Bruce Earlin McFarland, PFO, USAF, 1901 AAGS Squadron, Fairfield-Suisan AFB, Calif.”

Also, are some additional details from that sighting, recorded on an official “Essential Elements of Information” form.

“The object was first sighted at a distance of two miles; it proceeded toward the observer and passed within 500-800 yards of the tower, then climbed out of sight. Altitude was 500 to 1000 feet when first sighted, then it climbed out of sight at approximately 20,000 feet.

Was seen for 25 seconds. It was white, no exhaust observed. Looked like a high-intensity runway light. The object climbed out of sight in a clear sky.

Name of observer: Joseph Don Delafayette, Sgt. AF 12106504, Honorably discharged from the service 6 December 1948 … Bruce Earlin McFarland, Pfc, AF 16278687”

And here is some information attesting to the credibility of the observers:

“Both observers are required by high physical requirements to know colors. Observers are constantly required to estimate the speed of moving aircraft in the course of their normal duties. Observers are constantly required to estimate the size and distance of objects in the course of their normal duties. Both observers are considered fully reliable, competent airmen by their fellow NCO’s. AACS officer in charge of the observers consider them high type individuals fully qualified both mentally and physically for control tower duty … Both observers are considered competent, reliable and psychologically stable.”

• Here is a report from a different sighting at the same base.

“At approximately 1945 hours on 12 January 1949, while on duty at the Fairfield‑Suisun Air Force Base, California, I observed a bright white circular object in the northwestern sky. The object appeared to be self‑luminous and was moving at a high rate of speed in a southwesterly direction. It was visible for approximately 20 seconds before  disappearing into cloud cover. Weather conditions were clear with visibility unrestricted. No aircraft operations were in progress in the vicinity at the time of the sighting. No sound was heard and no  exhaust trail was visible. The object appeared to maintain a steady course and speed throughout the  observation. Its size was estimated at approximately 30 to 40 feet in diameter No radar contact was reported.”

Witness: Capt. Robert L. Henderson, Air Materiel Command, Fairfield‑Suisun AFB

• The third report I would like to highlight is particularly fascinating because it possibly represents the beginning of the extraterrestrial hypothesis for UFOs (i.e.: the idea that these UFOs are coming from an extraterrestrial civilization).

 This sighting occurred in November 1948 in Europe.

Here is the narrative from the report:

“Recurring reports on flying saucers continue to appear. During the last week, one was observed hovering over Neubiberg Air Base for about thirty minutes. Reported by many sources and locations, these cannot be disregarded and must be explained on some basis perhaps beyond current intelligence thinking. 

Swedish Air Intelligence Service was consulted. They stated that reliable and  technically qualified people conclude ‘these phenomena are obviously the result of a high technical skill which cannot be  credited to any presently known culture on earth.’ They assume these objects  originate from some previously unknown or unidentified technology, possibly outside  the  earth.

“A Swedish technical expert observed one object near his home by a lake; it crashed or landed in the lake. Swedish naval salvage team was sent; divers found a previously uncharted crater on the lake floor. No further information yet, but Swedish intelligence believes the depression was caused by a flying saucer. 

“Although accepting this theory poses new questions and changes our thinking, we  are inclined not to discredit it entirely and will keep an open mind.”

• The fourth case I would like to note is from Jan. 6, 1950, over Kansas.

The sighting occurred on January 6, 1950, over Kansas City, Kansas, and Olathe, Kansas. The weather conditions were clear skies with visibility of twelve miles. The sighting describes two spherical objects, “resembling old‑fashioned street lights about two blocks apart.” They emitted brilliant white light with orange and red flashes, appeared motionless for 10–15 minutes and then moved very fast southeastward at an estimated altitude of 8,000 feet.

Here is the narrative from the report:

The incident was witnessed by employees of Bendix Aviation in Kansas City, Kan. Here is a verbatim narrative from the report:

“Two objects were sighted, both spherical in shape. They appeared to be the size of old-fashioned street lights about two blocks distant. They were a brilliant white, emanating orange and red flashes. They moved from over Kansas City toward Olathe, Kansas, remained motionless from ten to fifteen minutes, then moved off very fast in a southwesterly direction. The estimated altitude was between seven and eight thousand feet. No sound was emitted, nor exhaust trail apparent.”

• The fifth sighting I want to highlight occurred in August 1949 over Seattle.

The weather was clear with unrestricted visibility.

One witness was Sgt. Jack Faulkner, an air-traffic controller with the 143rd National Guard Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron.

The object was described as circular, with an estimated size of 75–100 feet in diameter. It had a shiny aluminum color that reflected sunlight. It speed was estimated at 500–600 mph, and it was flying north to south at an altitudeof around 10,000 feet. It made a sound similar to that of a jet aircraft.

Here is a verbatim narrative from the report:

“Remarks: Sgt Studeman first saw the object from his home in north Seattle and called Sgt Faulkner, who was on duty and also saw it. T/Sgt Mullen saw the same object from his home in south Seattle and reported it to the CAA Control Tower at Boeing Field, which relayed the information to McChord Flight Service Center. Witnesses noted other aircraft in the sky but stated the circular object bore no resemblance to any known aircraft.”

• The  sixth report I want to highlight concerns a sighting also in August 1949, over Medford,  Oregon. The sky was  clear with visibility of thirty miles. There were numerous witnesses. Here is the verbatim listing of witnesses and narrative from the report:

Corporal E. H. Conger, AACS Air/Ground Operator, Medford Airways, AACS Detachment 1905-1, Medford, Oregon. Staff Sergeant Arthur Paulson, AACS Air/Ground Operator, same detachment. Corporal Frank Bishop, AACS Air/Ground Operator, same detachment. G. E. Milligan, CAA Tower Operator, Medford Airport, P.O. Box 832, Medford, Oregon. Jack Edmonds, CAA Tower Operator, Medford Airport, P.O. Box 832, Medford, Oregon. G. W. White, Communicator, CAA Range Station, P.O. Box 286, Medford, Oregon. Earl Wescott, Communicator, CAA Range Station, P.O. Box 286, Medford, Oregon. Objects sighted: Number: Varying from one (1) to seven (7). Color: Shiny. Speed: Varying from slow to very fast. Heading: Objects did not hold any specific heading and were last seen heading west. Maneuverability: Objects maneuvered horizontally but not vertically. Altitude: Very high. Sound: None. Exhaust trail: None.

“Personnel from Medford Airways first sighted the objects and notified Medford Tower and Medford Radio. Personnel from Medford Radio used a theodolite to get a better look at the objects. Personnel from Medford Tower used binoculars and were able to distinguish wings on the objects but no further identification could be detected. The objects would fly in formation for a while, then break off and reform in a trail formation. They would disappear for short periods and then reappear in the same general area. Objects were visible to the unaided eye only when they reflected the sun’s rays.”

• The seventh sighting highlighted occurred in July 1949 and was reported by an airport manager from Richfield, Idaho, who was flying his own plane over Mountain Home, Idaho. He said that he sighted a formation of seven delta-wing aircraft. The witness stated that the formation passing overhead, noting the unusual triangular shape and lack of visible propulsion.

This sighting appears to be very similar to that of Kenneth Arnold, who in 1947 reported similar aircraft over Washington state.

Here is a verbatim portion of the official report:

“25 July 1949 SUBJECT: Unidentified Flying Objects TO: Commanding General

Air Materiel Command Wright-Patterson Air Base, Ohio

Location and time of sighting: Ten (10) miles northwest of Mountain Home, Idaho, at 11:30 PM MST, 24 July 1949. Names, occupations, and addresses of witnesses: The only individual who reported this sighting was Harry Clark, occupation Airport Manager of Richfield, Idaho. Address: Hemp, Idaho. Photographs of objects if available: Photographs of objects were not available. e. Sketches of objects’ configuration: The objects were delta wings with no protrusions. The angle of ascent as reported by Mr. Clark was between thirty (30) and forty-five (45) degrees with the base of the triangle being a slightly curved convex. Objects sighted:  (1) Number: Seven (7) objects were sighted flying in a V formation. SECRET 25 July 1949 TOM 452 SUBJECT: Unidentified Flying Objects (2) Shape: In addition to the description in paragraph 1e, Mr. Clark noted a dark circular structure where the pilot normally sits. The leading edge of this dark circular structure was approximately one-fourth (1/4) the distance from the apex of the delta wing to the rear. This dark circular structure was noted at the time Mr. Clark was below the objects. (3) Size: Larger than an F-51. (4) Color: Darker than normal aluminum skin and not shiny. Mr. Clark reported the surface seemed to be between a light gray and a dirty white with no markings or diffusion of color. (5) Speed: Faster than an F-51 and estimated by Mr. Clark to be at least six (6) hundred miles per hour. (6) Heading: Mr. Clark reported that when first sighted the formation was heading approximately three (3) hundred degrees. The formation passed by him and then made a one hundred and eighty (180) degree turn to approximately one hundred and twenty (120) degrees. (7) Maneuverability: Mr. Clark reported that no maneuvers were noted other than the one hundred and eighty (180) degree turn. The objects did not appear to bank during the turn. When the objects were first sighted and before the one hundred and eighty (180) degree turn was made, the outer wing surfaces appeared to move slightly. (8) Altitude: Mr. Clark reported the formation between eight (8) thousand five (5) hundred and ten (10) thousand feet. When the formation was first sighted Mr. Clark was cruising at ten (10) thousand feet and objects were slightly below and one-fourth (1/4) of a mile to the left of his position. When the formation made the one hundred and eighty (180) degree turn Mr. Clark descended to eight (8) thousand five (5) hundred feet and was below the formation when they came back. (9) Sound: No sound was noted from the formation. (10) Exhaust trail or not: No exhaust trail was visible. g. General remarks: Mr. Clark was enroute from Burley, Idaho, to Nampa, Idaho, in a Cub Cruiser when the objects were sighted. When the formation was first sighted they were going in approximately the same direction as Mr. Clark and were approximately one-fourth (1/4) of a mile to his left and below. Mr. Clark was cruising at ten (10) thousand feet.”

• Here are some other tidbits from additional sightings of the time:

“At approximately 1830 E.S.T., 3 October 1949, two objects were observed traveling in a southwesterly direction at high altitude over Dayton. Objects appeared to be oval in shape and silvery in color. Weather conditions at the time were clear with visibility unrestricted. Witnesses included Lt. Col. James R. Henderson and Capt. William T. Morris, both  assigned to the 2143D Air Weather Wing. Objects were visible for approximately one minute and disappeared to the southwest. Estimated altitude was 20,000 feet. No sound was heard and no exhaust trail was  visible. No radar contact was reported by Wright‑Patterson Air Force Base at the time of the sighting.”

“Semi‑Monthly Intelligence Summary  (1949)

A total of four reports were received from the following stations: Olmsted AFB,  McChord AFB, Maxwell AFB, and Wright‑Patterson AFB. Objects were generally described as circular or cylindrical in shape, silvery or white in color, and moving at high rates of speed without sound or visible exhaust trails. Estimated altitudes ranged from 7,000 to 30,000 feet. Weather conditions at the time of each sighting were clear with visibility unrestricted. No radar contacts were reported. Analysis of these reports indicates no pattern of activity or identifiable origin. The objects remain unidentified.

• The final items I want to note are a string of virtually identical and bizarre sightings over Alaska in late 1949 and early 1950. 

The first sighting was in April 1949 over a U.S. Naval base in  Kodiak, Alaska. Here is a verbatim narrative:

“Deputy U.S. Marshal Paul Herrig, Kodiak, Alaska, reported to the Intelligence Officer on 11 April 1949 that he observed a celestial manifestation crossing the sky over the  U.S. Naval Operating Base, Kodiak, Alaska, 8 April 1949 at approximately 2000 hours.  According to his statement, he observed a blue object pass across the sky at an altitude of 2,500 feet at an estimated speed of 1,500 miles per hour. This observation  was made from a point located about 400 feet from the Air Base runway. Mr. Herrig firstobserved the object from the north and it appeared to follow a course that  approximately paralleled the Base (east‑west) runway of the U.S. Naval Air Station,  Kodiak, Alaska, and was visible for approximately five seconds when it disappeared in the distance to the southwest. At the time of the sighting Mr. Herrig stated that it was  his opinion that the aircraft was on fire. This opinion was dissipated when he realized  the object was moving too rapidly for a plane and there was no sound or explosion  heard.

 “Deputy U.S. Marshal Paul Herrig further stated that the object appeared to be self‑luminous and emitted a bluish‑white light of considerable intensity. He estimated its diameter to be approximately 50 feet. No sound was heard and no trail was visible. The object maintained a steady altitude and course until it disappeared in the  southwest. Weather records for Kodiak on 8 April 1949 indicate clear skies with visibility unlimited and no meteorological disturbances reported. No balloon launches or aircraft  operations were recorded at the time of the incident.

“Further investigation was conducted by the Intelligence Officer at Kodiak in  cooperation with the Meteorological Section of the U.S. Naval Operating Base.  No meteorological activity was recorded that could account for the phenomenon observed on 8 April 1949. No balloon launches or experimental aircraft were reported in the vicinity at the time of the incident. “The object was not identified and no further information was available at the time of  this report. The Intelligence Division has classified this incident as a celestial  manifestation of unknown origin.

“Evaluation: B‑4 (Information believed reliable but not confirmed by other sources).”

Here is the string of these sightings over Alaska:

“On the night of 27 April 1949, at approximately 2130 hours, a manifestation of  luminous energy was observed over the U.S. Naval Operating Base, Kodiak, Alaska.  The object appeared as a bright orange‑red sphere traveling in a southwesterly  direction at high altitude and speed. The phenomenon was visible for approximately  ten seconds before disappearing beyond the coastal range. Weather conditions at the time were clear with visibility unlimited. No meteorological disturbances were reported. No balloon launches or aircraft operations were recorded in the vicinity at the time of the incident.

“Witnesses included Lt. Cdr. R. E. Stevenson, USN, and two civilian observers  attached to the Naval Operating Base. No sound was heard and no trail was visible.  The object maintained a steady course and speed until it disappeared from view. … Evaluation: B‑4 (Information believed reliable but not confirmed by other sources).”

“On the night of 30 April 1949, at approximately 2200 hours, a manifestation of  luminous energy was observed over Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. The object  appeared as a brilliant white sphere traveling in a northwesterly direction at high  altitude and speed. The phenomenon was visible for approximately eight seconds before disappearing beyond the mountain range to the northwest. Weather conditions at the time were clear with visibility unlimited. No meteorological disturbances were reported. No balloon launches or aircraft operations were recorded in the vicinity at the time of the incident. Witnesses included Capt. H. L. Thompson, USN, and two civilian observers attached  to the Air Weather Service. No sound was heard and no trail was visible. The object maintained a steady course and speed until it disappeared from view.

Evaluation: B‑4 (Information believed reliable but not confirmed by other sources).”

“On the night of 3 May 1949, at approximately 2100 hours, a manifestation of luminous energy was observed over Anchorage, Alaska. The object appeared as a bright yellow‑white sphere traveling in a northwesterly direction at high altitude and speed. The  phenomenon was visible for approximately twelve seconds before disappearing  beyond the mountain range to the northwest. Weather conditions at the time were clear with visibility unlimited. No meteorological disturbances were reported. No balloon launches or aircraft operations were recorded in the vicinity at the time of the incident.

“Witnesses included Lt. Cdr. R. E. Stevenson, USN, and two civilian observers attached to the Air Weather Service. No sound was heard and no trail was visible. The object  maintained a steady course and speed until it disappeared from view.

“Evaluation: B‑4 (Information believed reliable but not confirmed by other sources).”

“On the night of 6 May 1949, at approximately 2230 hours, a manifestation of luminous energy was observed over Fairbanks, Alaska. The object appeared as a brilliant orange‑white sphere traveling in a southerly direction at high altitude and speed. The phenomenon was visible for approximately fifteen seconds before disappearing beyond the  mountain range to the south.

“Evaluation: B‑4 (Information believed reliable but not confirmed by other sources).”

“On the night of 8 May 1949, at approximately 2130 hours, a manifestation of luminous energy was observed over Nome, Alaska. The object appeared as a bright orange‑red  sphere traveling in a southerly direction at high altitude and speed. The phenomenon was visible for approximately ten seconds before disappearing beyond the mountain  range to the south.

“Evaluation: B‑4 (Information believed reliable but not confirmed by other sources).”

“On the night of 10 May 1949, at approximately 2145 hours, a manifestation of luminous energy was observed over Juneau, Alaska. The object appeared as a brilliant  white‑blue sphere traveling in a southerly direction at high altitude and speed. The  phenomenon was visible for approximately twelve seconds before disappearing  beyond the mountain range to the south.

“Evaluation: B‑4 (Information believed reliable but not confirmed by other sources).”

“On the night of 12 May 1949, at approximately 2215 hours, a manifestation of  luminous energy was observed over Bethel, Alaska. The object appeared as a bright orange‑yellow sphere traveling in a northwesterly direction at high altitude and speed.  The phenomenon was visible for approximately ten seconds before disappearing beyond the mountain range to the northwest.

Evaluation: B‑4 (Information believed reliable but not confirmed by other sources).”

“On the night of 14 May 1949, at approximately 2230 hours, a manifestation of  luminous energy was observed over Barrow, Alaska. The object appeared as a brilliant orange‑white sphere traveling in a southerly direction at high altitude and speed. The  phenomenon was visible for approximately fifteen seconds before disappearing  beyond the mountain range to the south.

“Evaluation: B‑4 (Information believed reliable but not confirmed by other sources).”

“On the night of 16 May 1949, at approximately 2200 hours, a manifestation of  luminous energy was observed over Point Barrow, Alaska. The object appeared as a bright white‑blue sphere traveling in a southerly direction at high altitude and speed. The phenomenon was visible for approximately ten seconds before disappearing beyond  the mountain range to the south.

“Evaluation: B‑4 (Information believed reliable but not confirmed by other sources).”

“On the night of 18 May 1949, at approximately 2200 hours, a manifestation of  luminous energy was observed over Fort Richardson, Alaska. The object appeared as a brilliant white‑orange sphere traveling in a southerly direction at high altitude and  speed. The phenomenon was visible for approximately twelve seconds before d isappearing beyond the mountain range to the south.

“Evaluation: B‑4 (Information believed reliable but not confirmed by other sources).”

“On the night of 20 May 1949, at approximately 2215 hours, a manifestation of luminous energy was observed over Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The object  appeared as a bright white‑orange sphere traveling in a northwesterly direction at high altitude and speed. The phenomenon was visible for approximately ten seconds  before disappearing beyond the mountain range to the northwest.

“Evaluation: B‑4 (Information believed reliable but not confirmed by other sources).”

 “On the night of 22 May 1949, at approximately 2130 hours, a manifestation of  luminous energy was observed over Adak, Alaska. The object appeared as a bright  orange‑white sphere traveling in a southwesterly direction at high altitude and speed. The phenomenon was visible for approximately ten seconds before disappearing beyond the mountain range to the southwest.

“Evaluation: B‑4 (Information believed reliable but not confirmed by other sources).”

“On the night of 24 May 1949, at approximately 2145 hours, a manifestation of  luminous energy was observed over Dutch Harbor, Alaska. The object appeared as a  bright orange‑red sphere traveling in a southerly direction at high altitude and speed.  The phenomenon was visible for approximately twelve seconds before disappearing  beyond the mountain range to the south.

“Evaluation: B‑4 (Information believed reliable but not confirmed by other sources).”

“On the night of 26 May 1949, at approximately 2200 hours, a manifestation of  luminous energy was observed over Cold Bay, Alaska. The object appeared as a bright yellow‑white sphere traveling in a southerly direction at high altitude and speed. The phenomenon was visible for approximately ten seconds before disappearing beyond  the mountain range to the south.

“Evaluation: B‑4 (Information believed reliable but not confirmed by other sources).”

“On the night of 28 May 1949, at approximately 2210 hours, a manifestation of  luminous energy was observed over King Salmon, Alaska. The object appeared as a  bright orange‑white sphere traveling in a northwesterly direction at high altitude and  speed. The phenomenon was visible for approximately ten seconds before  disappearing beyond the mountain range to the northwest.

“Evaluation: B‑4 (Information believed reliable but not confirmed by other sources).”

“On the night of 30 May 1949, at approximately 2230 hours, a manifestation of  luminous energy was observed over McGrath, Alaska. The object appeared as a bright orange‑white sphere traveling in a southerly direction at high altitude and speed. The   phenomenon was visible for approximately twelve seconds before disappearing  beyond the mountain range to the south.

“Evaluation: B‑4 (Information believed reliable but not confirmed by other sources).”

“On the night of 1 June 1949, at approximately 2200 hours, a manifestation of luminous energy was observed over Tanana, Alaska. The object appeared as a bright  yellow‑white sphere traveling in a southerly direction at high altitude and speed. The  phenomenon was visible for approximately ten seconds before disappearing beyond  the mountain range to the south.

“Evaluation: B‑4 (Information believed reliable but not confirmed by other sources).”

“On the night of 3 June 1949, at approximately 2200 hours, a manifestation of luminous energy was observed over Nome Field Station, Alaska. The object appeared as a bright orange‑white sphere traveling in a southerly direction at high altitude and speed. The phenomenon was visible for approximately twelve seconds before disappearing  beyond the mountain range to the south.

“Evaluation: B‑4 (Information believed reliable but not confirmed by other sources).”