On the 8 July 1947 at 11:50 the undersigned was sitting in an observation truck located in Area #3, Rogers Dry Lake, was gazing upward toward a formation of two (2) P-82's and an A-26 aircraft flying at 20,000 feet, preparing the carry out of a seat ejection experiment, when I observed a rounded object, white aluminum in color, which at first resembled a parachute canopy. The first impression was that a premature ejection of the seat and dummy had occurred. This body was ejected at a determined height lower than 20,000 feet, and was falling at three (3) times the rate observed for the parachute which ejected thirty minutes later. As it fell it drifted slightly north of due west against the prevailing wind, toward Mount Wilson. The speed, horizontal motion could not be determined, but appeared slower than the maximum velocity P-82 aircraft.
As this object descended through a low enough level to permit observation of its lateral silhouette, it presented a distinct ovular outline, with two (2) projections on the upper surface which might have been thick fins or nobs. These crossed each other at intervals, suggesting either rotation or oscillation of slow type.
No smoke flames, propellar arcs, engine noise, or other classuable or visible means of propulsion were noted. The color was silvery, resembling aluminum painted fabric, and did not appear as dense as a parachute canopy.
When the object dropped to a level such that comes into line of vision of the mountain tops, it was lost to the vision of the observer.
It is estimated that the object was in line of vision about 90 seconds. Of the five (5) people sitting in the observation truck, four (4) observed this object and made remarks about it. These people include:
Mr. Lenz - Civilian, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio.
(Other names not given)
The following is my own personal opinions about this object:
1. I think it was a manmade object, as evidenced distaintly by the outline and functional appearance.
2. It's size was not far from 25 feet with a parachute canopy.
3. The path followed by this object appeared as though it might have been dropped from a great height.
Seeing this was not a hallucination or other fancies of a sense.