Home › Archive › Department of War
DOW-UAP-D092 — Department of the Air Force Committee to Review Project Bluebook, 1966-1967
- File
- DOW-UAP-D092
- Agency
- Department of War
- Incident date
- 4/17/67
- Location
- Various
- Released in
- Release 04 (2026-07-10)
- File type
Topics: Project Blue Book
This file documents the 1966-1967 deliberations and recommendations of the U.S. Air Force (USAF) Scientific Advisory Board’s Ad Hoc Committee to Review Project Blue Book. Project Blue Book was a 1952-1969 USAF program to investigate the nature and origin of unidentified flying objects (UFO). The Committee recommended that the USAF contract a scientific team composed of university-affiliated representatives to investigate selected UFO sightings. The USAF subsequently adopted the Committee’s recommendation.
Open original file · WAR.GOV page
TL;DR
Room 5D-1014: where the only thing more mysterious than the sightings was the room number.
- DOW-UAP-D092 pdf, Department of War, dated 4/17/67, covers various locations.
- Committee recommended contracting university scientific team to investigate selected UFO sightings.
- USAF adopted the Committee’s recommendation.
Full text
Page 2
DEPARTMENT OF THE AlR FORCE
AIR FORCE OFFICE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (OAR)
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22209
Attendees - meeting with Dr. James McDonald, Uni.versity of Arizona
at the Pentagon 17 April 1967
Lt. Col. Harold A. Steiner, Ass't. Exec. Secre. USAF Scientific Advisory Board,
Pentagon, Room SD982 Washingtt>n, D.c. Tele. 697-4648 (Code 11-74648).
Col. George Freeman, Chief, Civil Branch, SAFOI-C, Room 4Al20, The Pentagon,
Washington, D.C. Tele. 697-1128 (Code 11-71128).
Col. Marvin Stanley, Chief, Public Information Division, SAFOIP,
The Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Tele. 695-5554 (Code 11-55554).
Room 4C922,
H. Philip Hovnanian, Program Engineer, NASA Hq. Room F50016, 400 Maryland Ave., S.W.
Washington, D.C. Tele. 962-4961 (Code 13-24961).
George H. Duncan, Advanced Programs & Technology Manager, NASA Hq. Room 50016,
400 Maryland Ave., s.w. Washington, D.C. Tele. 962-4961 (Code 13-24961).
Dt. Dale W. Jenkins, Ass't Director (Science), NASA Hq. Office of Space Science &
Applications Room F50078, Washington, D.C. Tele. 962-4621 (Code 13-24621).
Hans Dolezalek, Atmospheric Scientist, ONR Branch Office, 495 Summer Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02210. Tele. 696-3563 (Code 11-63563).
Mr. James Hughes, Head, Atmospheric Science Program, Office of Naval Research,
Code 412, Washington, D.C. 20360. Tele. 696-6739 (Code 11-66739).
Phillip V. Mitchell, Technical Staff Member, Institute for Defense Analyses,
400 Army-Navy Drive, Arlington, Va. 22202. Tele. 558-1641.
Joseph Coates, Senior Staff Member, Institute for Defense Analyses, 400 Army
Navy Drive, Arlington, Va. 22402. Tele. 558-1653.
Lynn E. Catoe, Library o~ Congress, Science & Technology Div., UFO Bibliography
Project, Washington, D.c. Tele. 967-8088.
Dan Taylor, Staff Information Officer, AFOSR (SRGC) ~rlington, Va. 22209.
Tele. 694-4875. (Code 11-44875).
Maj. Joseph P. Martino, Ass't. Exec. Dir® Research Communication, AFOSR (SRGC)
Arlington, Va. 22209. Tele. 694-4875 (Code 11-44875).
Dr. J. Thomas Ratchford, Project Scientist, AFOSR (SRPS) Arlington, Va. 22209.
Tele. 694-5588 (Code 11-45588).
Maj. William Metscher, Physicist, Hq. OAR (RROSP) Arlington, Va. 22209.
Tele. 694-5505 (Code 11-45505).
DAN TAYLOR
Staff Information Officer
NW 90306"
Docld:34714841 Page 2
Page 3
UNGLASS IP UED
X
PRUORITY
CSAP
re kiom o'rten
Consulting Phorsieist AFTIEA (Lt Co1
P.O. Hax 117 kippler)
Ponfrat, Connectieut O6258 EAPOr (ars.
Sarad Mmt)
Dr. Launor F. Certer
Systen Devalogaient Corporation
2500 Colorndo Avenne
Danta Hemten, Calirorata
Dr. desso Drlannky
Institute for Deronso Analyses
400 Army-Navy Drive
Arlington, Virgiata 22202
Dr. Rchard W. Portor
Conerel Mectrie Company
nLag Services
tonAvenus
Dr. Card Ssgaa
Dal thsonian Astropkyaical bservatory
Hoad, Computer Sclences Department Dr. Hnllan . Ware The RAwD Corpurotion 82596
1700 Maln Street
Bents Monice, Caltfornts go10s 13 1.000
Iajor Mector Cuintenelle
Foreign Technology Division APH 1966
Wright-Patteracn ArD, Oato
Lt Col Marold A. Stciner 74643
APBSA
NW 90306
Docld:34714841 Page 3
Page 4
90E06 MN
Arabg Caosyaby pxmwaros nran
traxops tmnajaey
Anterpods pae alpotaomy anod vo parog peaaruns of prnons
rain nod ous ordond Asrsanaren 2o suoysatene mnod Trady er
wa aaaut voy am ap74ond onuerd Du7ab sres pas439
Arrwoesed nowuso nod ar tard we fuenerdey os noy o
"roog onre spofory
ALTNOTNN
Page 5
I
-
,,'.
..
·---·
•
USAF SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY roARD
AD HOC COMMI'l'rEE TO
REVlEW PROJECT BIDE BOOK
Roam 5D-1014, the Pentagon
1400, 19 April 1966
(
MEETING STATISTICS
I.
1400
Purpose of Meeting
Lt Colonel Steiner, SAB
1410
Discussion
.Al.l attendees
1630
Adjourn
II.
..............ose and Place: To discuss how best to implement the recommenda
tions made by the SAB Ad Hoc Committee to Review Project Blue Book~
The discussion was held in Room 5D-1014, the Pentagon.
III.
Those Present and
ose Thereof:
Name
Affiliation
Dr. Brian O'Brien
Chairman
Member
SAB Secretary
Participant
Participant
SAB Secretary
Dr. Jesse Orla.nsky
Col Robert Burger
ol Robert Hippler
Mrs. Sara Hunt
L/Col Harold A. Steiner
Consultant
IDA
AFBSA
AFRSTA
SAFOI
Hq USAF (AFRSA)
reviewed
IV.
••
Reviewed - Report of the SAB Ad Hoc Conmiittee to Review Project Blue
Book, March 1966.
I
V.
Verbatim Record:
VI.
Certification:
(see attached)
These meeting statistics are certified as being true and correct.
HAROLD A. STEINER, Lt Colonel, USAF
Assistant Secretary
USAF Scientific Advisory Board
NW 90306.
Docld:34714a41 Page 5
1 Atch
Record, dated 20 Apr 66
Page 6
HEADQUARTERS UNITE.
, ATES AIR FORCE
USAF SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE & CHIEF OF STAFF
MEMO FOR:
Record
The following distribution waa made on Memo tor
Record, 20 Apr 66, regarding UFO Meeting 1400,
19 April 66, Roca 5D-1014;
es made
Original--#1-o::f-t:,--~~
eJ
#2. ot 6 - ll&iled to Dr. Stever:;
#3 ot 6 - sent to Lt Col Hippler, AFRSTA
:/14- of 6 -
sent to Mrs. Sara Hunt, SA.POI
#5 ot 6 - circulated vithin
,
~--~ II' i't~i::t-<2;:f:,:L,#•t.•.) .hi':.~;'? i~:.ll·z..i
m.Jm
NW 90306"
Docld:34714841 Page 6
• c~
Page 7
USAF SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY EOARD
AD HOC C{Ht{I'ITEE TO
REVJEW PROJECT BWE BOOK
HQ FTD, WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, OHIO
3 FEBRUARY 1966
MEETING STATISTICS
I. ~ :
II.
(see attached)
se and Place: To review the resources, methods and findings
of Air Force Project Blue Book and to advise the Air Force as to
any improvements that should be made in the program to carry out
the Air Force 's responsibility. Briefings held in Commanders
Conference room at Hq, FI'D. Discussions and review of case files
held in Project Blue Book office.
III. Those Present and
se Thereof:
Name
IT.
~
Dr. Brian O'Brien
Dr. IB.unor F. Carter
Dr. Jesse Orlanaky
Dr. Richard Porter
Dr. Carl Sagan
Chairman
Member
Member
Member
Member
Dr. Willis H. Ware
Col John P. Spaul.ding
Dr. Anthony Cacioppo
Col Warren Wheeler
Maj Hector Quintanella.
Mr. Francis Arcier
Col Florian Holm
L/Col Harold A. Steiner
Member
Briefer
Participant
Participant
Briefer
Participant
Briefer
SAB Sec
Consultant
System Development Corp.
IDA
GE Company
Smithsonian Astrophysical.
Observatory
Rand Corporation
S.AFOI
Fl'D
FTD
FTD
Consultant to FTD
F'I'D
Hq USAF ( AFBSA)
Re orts Contributions Pro osala etc. issued received reviewed,
a!)Rroved,2 ;12re12 ed or disseminated durins the EroceedinS:
Reviewed:
Robertson Report, dated 17 January 1953
Selected case histories from Project mue Book
Distributed:
V.
Affiliation
Compilation of Project Blue Book Methods and Case Histories,
dated 3 February l
Verbatim. Record:
None
VI. Certification:
These meeting statistics are certified as being true and correct.
RABOLD A. S
, Lt Col, USAF
Assistant Secretary
NW 90306
... _1ent1f'1o Advisory Board
Doclrl:3471484iTage 7
Page 8
'
... .,
.
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS (UFOs)
AGENDA
• ,.;J1ursday, 3 FeJ?ruary 1966
0800
Welcoming Remarks
Commander or
Vice Commander, FTD
0805
Introduction
Dr. O'Brien, SAB
0810
The Air Force Problem
Lt Col Spaulding,
SAFOI
0830
Briefing on Project
Blue Book
1000
Break
1015
Review of Selected
Case Histories
1145
Lunch
1315
Executive and Writing
Session
Major Quintanilla,
FI'D
FTD Staff
NER, Lt Colonel, USAF
Assistant Executive Secretary
USAF Scientific Advisory Board
22 December 1965
8
NW90306,
Dodd :3471.uJ41 ~'age 8
Page 9
~r Otfioinl th:;e Only
MEK> FOR RECORD
20 April 1966
•
SUBJECT:
Implementing SAB Ad Hoc Coan:lttee on Project Blue Book
Recommendations
1. The following personnel met at 1400 on 19 April in Room 5D-l0l4
to discuss how best to 1.mplement the recommendations made by the SAB
Ad Hoc Committee to review ProJect Blue Book.
Dr. Brian O'Brien
Colcael Robert Burger, AFBSA.
Dr. Jesse Orlansky
Lt Col Harold Steiner, AFB&\
Lt Col Robert Hippler, AFR'l'SA
•·
M:ra. Bara Hunt, SAroI
2. On 5 April
, Secretary ot the Air Force Harold Brown, 1n a
memorandum. to the Chief of Staff, stated that the Committee's
recamnendationa should be accepted and arrangements me.de tor a (sic)
scientific team to investigate 1n depth· certain selected sightings
of UFOs. General Ferguson was given responsibility for implementing
the Committee's recommendations and Lt Colonel Hippler is project
otticer.
.
..
3. Although the Committee's recommendation was clear and succinct,
initially there was no unanimous agreement on how to put this
recommendation into effect. A basic question is:
(1) Should the contract be vith a university or should it be
with individual• connected with a 1.Dliveraity1 A great deal of .
the meeting was taken up discussing these facets of the problem
end a clear anner did not evolve. Therefore, it is probable that
I, and perhaps some selected members of the Canm1.ttee1 uy be asked
to meet with Colonel Hippler again.
4. Gener~, the concept of using uni'VersitteE(or individuals tran
universities) is good. Specifically, however, :there needs to be a lead
university to coordinate and collate the investigations. After
some discussion, it was B\J88e&ted that the University of Da.yton is
probably .most appropriate because it is located close to Hq FTD who
will retain management ot Project Blue Book. 'Other universities
were suggested that could provide personnel to give areal coverage
ot com.JS. They are liated below.
East
Rensselaer, Tro7, lf.Y.
Columbia
NYU
Univ ot Conn.
Yale
Cornell
ll\1v of Dayton
Carnegie Tech
Colr.Y'11r
NW 90306"
Doclrl:3471.ffl41 Page 9
.ot.......-~Copies
West
South
Utah
Vanderbilt
Colorado
Duke
Univ of Florida
Iowa
Wisconsin
Georgia Tech
Illinois
U:liv of Georgia
Chicago
univ of Calif (Berkeley)
UCLA
Obairman
Oregon
.,..votary
WashiDgton
~bnioalDir
Rice
~sst. Seoreta
lbiv ot Texas
--
---
~st. S@oreta
~st. se'creta
-Asst. $earet , .. _ _...,,,
»-•r ~tioial Use Only Ac:ttsrili/A's st.-----L....._,-·-·_,_ __
.
Page 10
.For Official U::a:i Onlv
Colonel Hippler pointed out that it will probably be September before
he gets the money to implement this plan. Dr. Orlsnsky pointed out
that because of the summer holiday, Colonel Hippler should make contact
with the Wliversities before the end of May.
5. Since we are dealing with an emotional phenomenon, there was some
discussion about whether universities (i.e., their presidents) would be
willing to get involved with UFOs. Dr. O'Brien suggested that Dr. Stever;
as President of Carnegie Tech, might send letters to a fev selected
university presidents with whom. he is acquainted to get some idea of
their feelings on this matter. (ACTION: AFBSA). In this way we can
leam what a typical reaction might be and also some of the pitfalls
to avoid when contacting other universities.
6. 1here are still several unanswered questions or problem areas:
(a) Since the problem is 99fo public relations,it is essential that
the investigating teams have aom.e modicm ot skill 1n press relations.
It was stl"OJlgl)" suggested that a good solid PIO type (perhaps incognito)
be included on, the first few investigation. te811l8. 'Dlis caused quit~ a,
bit ot discussion and a final answer did not evolve.
•
(b) The objective is to have impartial scientists from schools vith
good reputations that have never been involved with UFOs.
(c) Considerable thought must be given to how the contract or
contracts are to be written.
(d) In order to utilize their talents to the best advantage, it'was
proposed and accepted that Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Dr. Donald Menzel
form the nucleus of a Consultant-Advisor team to work with Hq Fl'D in
determining which sightings the university team should investigate.
(e} When teams are selected, it is strongly recommended that they
be brought together at sane certain location such as Hq F'1'D and given
a thorough briefing on what is expected of them. This briefing should
cover allot the intangibles and pitfalls that must be avoided in
order to give good Air Force public relations.
(f) Another que,ation that was not :tully resolved is how AFSC
shou1d get into the act. ihe Committee'• original thought was that
someone from the nearest AFSC base should work with the investigating
team. The Committee also recODDended that a member ot the OSI might
work with the university teaaa and giTe them the benetit ot their
investigating experience. It waa queationed whether thie would help
or hurt. the Air l'orce ettort. leither ot these questions were
tul.17 reaolve4.
2
Jtor Otticial Use Onl,.
NW 90306"
Docld:347148-41 Page 10
,t
t·
Page 11
(g} It was pointed out that the National Research Council had
conducted an exercise in Disaster Research which had involved sane
investigating teams similar to the ones we are discussing. Although
the committee is now defunct, Mrs. MarJorie Wilson, Government Code
1224 - 23 239 has their reports and will be glad to let us review
them.
'...
·•·
·• I
Lt Col, UBAJ'
'\,
~-
Asaietant Secretary
USAr Scienti.tic Advisory Board
-'
'
1
,,,.,
I
V
..
..
.,
'
'
\
,,
3
l'tr Otticial Use Onlv
NW 90306"
Docld:34714841 Page 11
•
Page 12
90£06 MN
16289gm0q96t : 040 4 pagsoaqeo [raun paare oq (Tsa, qurya 0s 9y 1 S6 09 100 x ad
'on awg aa pav on qod I ye dirod aa saoudogi
Wa20080a
3saies1s
i8 238
2068002500008608060089000008006
BOLIYSS3A
NOO dad
500809060
Gwv x1os
4
SOLDWIORO03 32v0
OuL
wOso * IIS JNUNOU 0 3 IW
Page 13
COPY
31 July 1967
AFRDQ-P
Special Report of the USAF Scientific Advisory Boa.rd Ad
Hoo Committee to Review Project "Blue Book,,
USAIRA (DATT - Mr. David Smith & Mr. Peer DeSilva)
American Embassy
APO San Franoisco 96346
Copies of the subject report are forwarded at the request
of Mr. Jesse Orlanaky, a member of the Scientific Advisory
Board Committee on UFO's.
FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF
onel, USAF
ief, Requirements Plans Group
Operational Requirements &
Development Plans, DCS &D
.COPY,...
NW90306
Docld:34714841 Page 13
l Atch
Special Report of the
USAF SABAd Hoc COIL~
mittee to Review
Project "Blue Book" dtd
Mar 66, 2 cys
Page 14
phenatran
memundat
S
hawsasien
conenunivenaastbeiprowided
emtinioaily greataet
Bangkol
hebpnesentpubcedunesiane
eyneven be that the whole natten.dt
heriattent Inanyicas
nowhowe IrForcewsn
iversityof.dolbrado.and its.rapont
a copy or the peport wastalsorsent
Jesse Oriansky
uytond.stever
Heompkabham
Deasthah
INW 90306
Docd:34714841 Paue 14
Page 15
MBl«>RANDUMFORRICORD
SUBJECT:
18 May 1966
Conversation with Dr. Stever Concerning SAB Support to USAF
Investigations ot UFOs
l.
On 17 May I discussed BAB support to USAF investigation• of UFOs with
Dr. Stever. In a previous l,et't~er ldated 21 April
we bad aaked.
Dr. Stever to informally query s0111e of hie univeraity-preaident colleagues
to determ:l.ne the beet m.odua operandi tor approaching universities and
aaking thell to provide people and reaourcea to investigate acientiticalq
selected UFO aiptings aa recaamencied by the ~ Ad Hoc Conlllittee. 1bia
Jl8IIO docUMD.ta hi• tindinga and conclusions on this matter.
a.
On the baaia ot his infomal. contacta.:with univeraity preaidenta,
Dr. Stever believe• the Air Force will get mixed reaction• to ita ret.Mat
to univera1tiea4!1 on t h e ~ aide ot the picture, he baa gleaned
theae general reactions:
a. It my be againat acae school's policy to make contractual
arrangements 'With the government.
b. Solle aivera1t1•• will bave no interest or have any qualified
inveatigatora.
3. en the 2,2■1t,1ve side, the toll.owing reactions were received:
a.
Some univeraitiea will do the Job lmder con.tract.
Solle would like to do the Job troll a reaearch aspect. (lfOTB:
Dr. Stever c01111M1Dted that thia 'M:3 be the ••toot in the door" approach
to requeat a4d1ticmal research fund• tor vork at the lmiveraity that
b.
my be conatrue4 to be related to the U10 inveatigation.)
Dr. SteTer belieYe■ that, aa a vbole, the mller universities vill
be :more receptive tban the l&rger onea.
, 4.
5. Dr. Stever baa had a011e secoa.4 thoushta 011 the SAB (specifically, him)
aend1ng the initial letter• to the •elected universities.
He believes
that the lett'i'r'"'iliould cme frail and be aigned b7 an action office within
the Air Force. nie letter aight reter to the recaaendations ot the SAB
scientific r.aajttee aa a baa1a tor the Air Force action• to initiate a
more scientific al)prO&eh ill tuture ■elected UFO in.Veatigaticna. In other
vorda, instead ot a letter f'roll a college president to a college president,
Dr. Stever felt the .Air Force could aak.e a very acceptable case if it
framed ita letter around these two pointa,
a.
'Jhe value ot participating in auch 1Dveat1gations to the school, and
b. !he va1ue to the Air Force and the nation.
NW 90306"
Docld:341'1.ffl41 Page 15
Page 16
6. D.r. Stever stated that he would be happy to rniw and critique
the draft letter from a miveraity preaiden.t'• viewpoint.
7. Dr. Stever also suggested that OSR could probably advise vhich
universities are most ljkely to cooperate and since aoat tmivera1tiea
have bad dealings w1 th OSR, J)erhap• that organisation could otter 801le
advi•• on the initial letter and Jl&1be ffen send the letter f:rolll that
otti •
BOBBR'l
Secretary
USAf Sc1ent1t1c Adviaory Board
2
NW 90306,
Docld:347'14841 Page 16
Copies to:
Lt Col Hippler, .lFR8'1'
Mra. Bunt, SA.rOI
Dr. Brian O'Brien
Page 17
90E06 MN
prvog Croarapy awruares avsn
mot aoy mo Bujssed we I maqdnoyn topuer smos henf oure esou S
ea ar Suron tq aen poos ron and oa tua popaad Dut enu sdenseg
"poyrad awr. Parany shoaro cu yDneuna iru mes maasond or soy
Dreursmumr eoror ary ro sot yotosnrunu earoooq nnra epeny rea
toqpasdos buu bdr toangsn iot ega ot smoudo ro ueuo romony s
rc dan o panon om
sue coraha pee srougrd ou proad puo setcond or no soputan
womosos cat puo osy b tan
uT eunot onotaqo goo om sebtarunb ousua os sranane sours
tar op on Surod ar or Aoy Arreorsredg q
umitoompanbirsaret
sand tro oun go cmog t
cnorasstadasobs
996r rrndy Ta
Page 18
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FOR-.:...:.
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF
Attached is a copy of the Special Report of
the SAB Ad Hoc Committee to Review Project "Blue
Book."
I believe that the Committee's recommendations
should be accepted and arrangements made to contract
for a scientific team to investigate in depth certa.in
selected reported sightings of UFO's. If·you concur>
General LeBailly can work with General Ferguson and
AFSC in making the arrangements.
Harold Brown
Attachment
f
l..._............... . ..
,,
,
,
"'"'"_,_,..
... .... .... ......
,,
,
,
,
"
Page 19
DEPAR~· ';MT OF THE AIR FORCE AIR STAFF '
1
s tGNA T UFUi (Surname and Grade)
ACTION
TO
•MARY SHEET
SIGNATURE (Surname and Grede)
ACTION
AFRDC
2
7
3
1-----------------t
8
4
9
5
1--------------110
SURNAME OF
ACTION OFFICER
ANO GRAOlt
Lt Colonel Steiner
SYMBOL
PHONE
AFBSA
78845
TYPIST'S INIT,
SUSPENSE DATE
mjm
OATS:
SUBJECT
30 March 1966
SAB Ad Hoc Committee Report
SUMMA"'Y
1. Attached for your signature 1s a letter transmitting to General LeBailly the
Special Report of the SAB Ad Hoc COIEittee to Review Project Blue Book.
2. The Comittee was formed and the report is being submitted in response to
General LeBailly's memorandum to you on 28 September 1965 (Atch 2) requesting
that the SAB review Air Force Project Blue Book. The objective of this
investigation was to determine if and how the Air Force could improve its
program for investigating UFO's. The Carmittee concluded that the program
can be improved by conducting a more thorough scientific investigation of
questionabJ.e sightings, and recommended a method for doing this.
3. Recommended distribution 1s:
Number of
SAFOI
25
AFRDC
l
Coanittee Members
Commander, FTD
AFSC DCS/Foreign Technology
SAB Secretariat
leach
5
2
2
1
Chairman, SAB
4. After your signature and approval of the recommended distribution, we will
opriate action to forward the copies ot the report.
ROBERT J. BURGER, Colonel, USAF
Secretary
USAF Scientific Advisory Board
AFHQ JA0RR~2 50
PREVIOUS EDIT! ONS OF THI s FORM ARE OBSOLETE.
l
fl
~w 9030fi
II Docld:34714841 Page 19
2 Atch
1. Ltr of Transmittal
2. SAFOI Memo, 28 Sep 65
Page 20
AFNSA 1APR1966
SAB Reviev of Project Blue Boch
NaJor General E. B. Leballly
SATOL
1. Plense refer to your monorandus to md on 28 September 1965
requesting a reviev of Project Blue Book by the usAy Scfentifie
Advisory Board.
2. In reeponse to your request, the San fomed an ad hoc cornt tteo
under Dr. Brien O'Brien to investigate the adequacyr and timel
for strengthening tho sclentific imreatigaticn of questionable
sightings of urOs.
3. Dveaty-five coptes of the report are being suhat tted for your
Plcnee let us lmow ir the BaB cun be of Turther asedstance
In thio matter.
Signed
JAMTS FERGUSON, Lt COnEMAL, USAF 1 Atch
Malltary Mrector Report (25 cyu)
Unar Soientleie Advlsory Doard
NW 90306
Docld:34714841Page 20
Page 21
DEPARl
TO
ACTION
NT OF THE AIR FORCE AIR STAFF !
SIGNATURE (Surname and Grade)
Gen F
Mil
TO
'MRY SHEET
ACTION
SIGNATUAE (Surname and Grade)
6
2
7
3
8
9
s
10
SURNAME OF
ACTION OFFICER AND GRADE
SYMBOL.
PHONE
Col Burger
AFBSA
74811
TYPIST•s INIT.
SUSPENSE DA TE
al
DATE
SUl'lJliCT
SAB Information/Action Item
5 October 1965
SUMMAPl Y
This request arrived in our office today apparently without
your seeing it.
1.
I discussed it briefly with Dr. Stever and his initial reaction
was lukewarm. He questioned the value of a review of the UFO pro
gram by the SAB. He suggested that we might talk to some other SAB
members knowledgeable in this area to get their opinion on the
value of such an SAB undertaking. We thought of Brian O'Brien
(FTD/DAG), Jesse Orlansky (Psychology), Dick Porter (Geophysics),
and possibly Court Perkins and Dr. Markey.
2.
Before we do this, however, Dr. Stever thought we should get
your views on this to see if perhaps there is some additional
information or facts which would give a clue on why the request
ade.
3.
ROBERT . BUR
Colonel, USAF
Secretary
USAF Scientific Advisory Board
.,
AFHQ ::RR~2
50
PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF THI s FORM ARE OBSOLETE.
NW 90306"
Docld:34714841 Page 21
Atch
Memo on UFOs
Page 22
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR" FORCE
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
MEMORANDUM FOR MILITARY DIREGI'OR; SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD
SUBJE~:
Unid.entified Flying Objects (UFOs)
In keeping with its air defense role, the Air Force has the
responsibility for the investigation of unid.entif'ied :flying objects
reported over the United States. The name of this project i.s Blue
Book (Attachment 1). Procedures for conducting this program are
established by Air Force Regulation 200-2 (Atta.cl'n:nent 2)~
The Air Force bas conducted Project Blue Book since 1948. As
of 30 June 1965, a total of 9267 reports had been investigated by
the Air .Force. Of these 9267 reports, 663 cannot be explained.
It has been determined by the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff'/
Plans and Operations that Project Blue Book is a worthwhile program
which deserves the support of all staff agencies and major command.s
and that the Air Force should continue to invest;igate and analyze
all UFO reports in order to assure that such objects do not present
a threat to our national security. The Assistant Deputy Chie:f of'
Stajrf/Plans and. Operations has determined also that the Foreign
Technology Division (FrD) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base should
continue to exercise its presently assigned responsibilities concern
ing UFOs.
To date, the Air Force has found no evidence that any of the
UFO reports re:flect a threat to our national security. However,
many of the reports that cannot be explained have come from intelli
gent a.nd technically well qualified individuals whose integrity can
not be doubted. In addition, the reports received officially by the
Air Force includ.e only a fraction of the spectacular reports which
are publicized by many private UFO organizations.
Accordingly, it is requested that a working scientific panel
composed of both physical and social scientists be organized to
review Project Blue Book -- its resources, methods, and findings -
and to advise the A:i.r Force as to any improvements that should
be made in the program in order to carry out the Air Force's
assigned responsibility.
5
NW 90306"
Docld:34714841 Page 22
Page 23
Doctor J. Allen Hynek who is the Chairman of the Dearborn
Observatory at Northwestern University is the scientific consultant
to Project Blue Book. He has indicated a willingness to work with
such a panel in order to place this problem in its proper perspec
tive.
Doctor Hynek has discussed ·this problem with Doc·tor Winston
R. Markey, the former Air Force Chief Scientist..
t
f,,,."
/_
/
/''
:,'I'
/ .....••
.Qt..(..._(_,~-- .
...._,...,.,
E. B. LeBAILLY
Major General, USAF
Director of Information
2 Attacbments
1.
Blue Book Report
2.
AFR 200-2
I
6
NW 90306"
Docld:34714841 Page 23
/
Page 24
·1·
.
(i(
N. S, '1·· I r·1 • .l 1· · 1~
1·-?...J
1d rei hnu! (,gy l)iviswn
I
l,_
·i
l I.;;
.
..
F () R.
---February 13, 1969
Lt. Colonel Harold A. Steiner, USAF
Assistant Executive Secretary
USAF Scientific Advisory Board
Department of the Air Force
Headquarters United States Air Force
Washington, D.C. 20330
Dear Hal,
I appreciate your thoughtfulness in sending me a copy of
the Condon Report on UFO's. He and his group seem to have done
a tremendous job, just about what our committee thought was
needed. I guess we were very lucky to have reviewed the situation
in such timely fashion in 1966. The fine endorsement of his work
by the National Academy of Sciences confirms that Condon has done
what was needed.
It is a pleasure to see this fruitful outcome to our recom
mendation and I appreciate having the report.
NW 90306"
Docld:34714841 Page 24
Page 25
<
\
SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
2500 Colorado Avenue· Santa Monica, California 90406
February 28, 1969
Lt. Colonel Harold A. Steiner
USAF Scientific Advisory Board
Headquarters U.S. Air Force
Washington, D. C. 20330
Dear Colonel Steiner:
Thank you very much for sending me the Condon Report
and the National Academy of Sciences review of the
report. I have not yet had time to read the com
plete report but have glanced through it, and it
certainly seems comprehensive® I1he National Academy
review certainly gives it good credibility and
ought to take care of any serious critici.sm.
1
Cordially yours,
c--··--~.
\.
c·a:~~~r •
'-.,,
N"•····~:·.
;''.
·, ...
Vice President and Manager
Public Systems Division
LFC:db
NW 90306"
Docld:34714841 Page 25
"'
-----
I fA~
Page 26
20330
l2 February l
Dr• B. (Juytord stner
President
cameg1e-Mellon University
Pittaburgh, Pennaylvania 15213
Dear Dr. steYer
I a pleaaed to aelld you thia ,eraoul copy ot the Condon
R-:port on Un.1dent1t1ed Flying Ob.1ectai!I Ho doubt you will be
surprised, aa I was, at the depth ot the 1lUYfflit7 of Colon.do
•tu.dT• Little could v• au••• when the O'Brien SAB Caaittee
aet in February
tbat it would aerre a• a aprincboe.rd tor
this volalnou.a ettort. hr•ozua.111', I am aat1atied vith 'me
result• ot the atudy and bellwe it p.ita the Air Force 1n an
excellent po11t1on to counter cr1t1c1••
Sincerel.7
B'.AROU> A. S'l'IIDR, Lt Colonel, USAF
Aaa1atant Executive Secretary
USAF Scien·tific M:fiaory Board
'
1,
LtCol Ste1ner/dd/l2reb
11
I!
I
I
I
NW 90306"
Docld:3471.ffl41 Page 26
l Atch
Condon fteport (3 Yola)
Page 27
20330
6 February 1969
Dr. Brian O'Brien
Consultina Phyaicist
Box 52
North Woodstock, Connecticut 06257
Dear Dr. O'Brien
I • pleaaed to aend you tbia peraonal copy ot the Condon Report
on Unidentified 11.Jin& ObJecta. No doubt JOU will be aurpriaed,
as I vu, at the depth ot the UD1veraity of Colorado atud7.
Little could we awt•• when we 11et u a C011111ttM 1A l'ebruuy
tll&t a b7-product would be the•• vollainoua doctaenta.
Peraonally, I am aatistied vith the oontent.a and beline the
1
Air Force got ita money•• worth.
I em h&PP7 to have aerfed with JOU 1n th.11 exercise and I hope
that you feel aa I do that it was vorthwhile.
Sincerel7
BAB:>U> A. STBIDR, Lt Colonel, USA1
l Atch
Aaaiatant Executive Secret&r'7
USAF Scientific AdY1aory Board
Condon Report (3 Vola)
SAMI LE'l'TRR ro:
l
I NW 90306,
f Docld:34714841 Page 27
Dr. Launor F. Carter
Mr. Jesse Orlansky
Dr. Richard Porter
Dr. Carl Bagan
Dr. Willis H. Ware
Page 28
20330
27 February 1968
AFBSA
Requeat for Project Blue Book Material
Mr. Don Berliner
National Inveatigations C011mittee
on Aeria 1 Phenomena
1536 Connecticut Av11m.1e, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20036
Thia ia in reaponae to your visit on 26 February 1968 during
which you requeated we provide you with Project Blue Book
material. I have been adv:L•ed that we can provide you with
copiea of the material you requ•ted at a coat of $5.00. If
you are still intereated in obtain
copiea, plea•• mak,e
your check or ·money order for that amount payable to the
"Treuurer of the United Statea" and aeod it to thia off:tce.
HAR.OLD A•. gfEINER.• I.t Colonel, USAF
Aaaiatan.t Executlve Secretary
USAF Scientific Advi•ory Board
NW 90306"
Docld:34714841 Page 28
Page 29
20''30
J
l March 196B
AFB&
ProJec·t Blue Book Mat,erial
Mr. Don Berliner
Natianal Investigations Committee
oo Aer:tal Phenomena,
1536 Com1ecticut Avenue, NW
WBshington, D. C. 20036
l.
This is in response to your letter of 28 February 1968 requesting
an.d payi.ng tor material pre1•red for the USAF Scientif'ic Advis~ry Board
by tb.e Project Blue Book office.
1
Copies of thie mterial are attached. A fee of $5 was based on the
unit cost of 25¢, per page plus $3 per hour labor.
2..
HAROLD A. STEINER, Lt Colonel, USAF
Assistan·t Executive Secretary
USAF Scientific Advisory Boe.rd
1 Ateh
Project Blue Book Material
f
'"' (
"""'"
;".,/
NW 90306"
Docld:34714841 Page 29
""
7 ...
Page 30
NATIONAL INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE
ON AERIAL PHENOMENA
MAJOR DONALD E. KEYHOI:.
USMC (IUET.) DIRll'CTOft
GORDON I. Pl. LORE. JR.
AS91STANT DIIUiCTOR
WASHINGTON. D. C. 20036
ADMINIST"ATIVIE Ol"l"ICIIS:
UJ:Se CONNltCTICUT AVE., N.W.
Feb. 28, 1968
Tl:Ll:..HONI:: (202) ee7-9434
Lt. Col. Harold A. Steiner
Aasiatar1t Executive Secretary
USAF Scientific Advis•ry Board
HQ, USAF
Washington, D.C. 20;;0
Deer Col. Steiners
Encleaed is my peraer1el check for $5.00 to cever the oost of reproducing th~ pegea
Previous: DOW-UAP-D091 — Range Fouler Debrief, Atlantic Ocean, 2020 · Next: DOW-UAP-D093 — Analysis of Flying Object Incidents in the United States, 1948
Same topic: title & summary match
Same location: Various
Same period: 1967
- CANADA-NRC-UAR-N-116-125 — NRC UFO file UAR/N/116-125 (1967), including Shag Harbour, Nova Scotia
- CANADA-NRC-UAR-N-200 — NRC UFO file UAR/N/200: Falcon Lake, Manitoba, May 1967 (Stefan Michalak)
- CANADA-NRC-UAR-N-201-214 — NRC UFO file UAR/N/201-214 (1967), including Falcon Lake and Lower Woods Harbour material
- CANADA-NRC-UAR-N-215-225 — NRC UFO file UAR/N/215-225 (1967), including Falcon Lake follow-up
- CIA-UAP-010 — Report on Conversations with Soviet Scientists on Subject of Unidentified Flying Objects in the USSR
- FBI-UAP-D012 — Newark Field Office, 1952-1967
Same release: Release 04
- DOE-UAP-D004 — Los Alamos Conference on Aerial Phenomena, 1949
- DOW-UAP-D094 — Analysis of Flying Object Incidents in the United States, 1949
- NASA-UAP-D030 — STS-80 Unidentified Object Image 1, 1996
- NASA-UAP-D031 — STS-80 Unidentified Object Image 2, 1996
- NASA-UAP-D032 — STS-80 Unidentified Object Image 3, 1996
- DOW-UAP-PR104 — Unresolved UAP Report, Yellow Sea, 2025