14 Soundview Ave.
White Plains, N.Y.
February 6, 1955
Maj. Gen. John A. Samford
Director of Intelligence
U.S. Air Force
Pentagon
Washington 25, D.C.
Dear Gen. Samford:
I have received from Maj. Gen. Joe W. Kelly, Director of Legislative Liaison, U.S.A.F., a copy of the October, 1954, "U.S. Air Force Summary of Events and Information Concerning the Unidentified Flying Object Program."
I would appreciate receiving answers to two questions concerning this "fact sheet". Your office is the only source for these answers, since the Air Technical Intelligence Center is "charged only with the investigation" and cannot give out results, while the Air Force Press Desk in the Office of Public Information can supply "only that information which is readily available" in that office.
[1] The fact sheet, at the bottom of page 2, states that one of the explanations of known types of visual sightings is:
"6. Brilliant flashing lights that sometimes appear red and white in color have been reported by observers. This type has been traced to a new lighting system of commercial airlines and military aircraft...."
My question is: In which specific cases did this lighting system prove to be the explanation? In particular, did it prove to be the explanation in the following cases:
Feb. 15, 1953, at St. Matthews, S.C., reported to Shaw AFB. "The object appeared to be a bright white light, which now and then would turn reddish." (Reported by Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Owings.)?
Feb. 9, 1953, over Washington, N.C., reported to Second Marine Air Wing HQ at Cherry Point, N.C. "White light with two red lights on the left hand side bouncing and flashing off the end, encircling an arc." (Reported by First Lt. Ed Balocco.)?
Dec. 29, 1952, over northern Honshu, Japan, reported to Lt. Col. Russel, AF Intelligence. "Rotating clusters of red, white, and green lights."?
NWV 911198
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