DOW-UAP-D102 — Project Blue Book File on Tremonton Film, Utah, 1952

TL;DR

The film was 50 feet long—enough for a movie, not a mystery.

• DOW-UAP-D102, Department of War, 15 Oct 1952, Tremonton, Utah incident on 7/2/52
• Witness Delbert C. Newhouse filmed 12‑14 reflective objects on a 50‑foot 16 mm Kodachrome roll
• Later assessment concluded objects were seabirds reflecting sunlight

Full text

Page 2

.4 PRONECT TOO73 RECORD CARD
COCATION
2 Jul 52 TREKONTON, UTAH Was Ballaon
Probobiy Balle
haeshvdanon
FYFE OF OBSERVATICM
mca 02/1110 MST 3Vi Ground-Ronar
JMT 02/18102 CAinVisoal AIesrcept Rador
CBOURCE D Hes Astonuniea
XX1Yes CFO, USN Probaniy Astronomical
Prsaisly Asironemisa
No BIRDS
A FNETHUDEOBSERYATION X
10m12 InsutiieatDatei
Jokcow
B.ORIEFSUMMARAF WONAING
CFO, USN, driving to Fortland, Oregon, 1. Source is naval photographer,
saw lo-l2 objects in sky. Objects w re sources considered an expert.
of light or highly polished bodies. Obsorver
exposed 30 feet of i6 mm color motion picture 2. Possible mirage effect.
film. Objeets seemed to be milling about in
rough formation. 3. Fossible migratory birds.
, Sec Also: Film
7-3745-345
ATTC FORM 329 (REY 16 SEP S2)
DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 923007

Page 3

0950
08 53 2.AT0
1952 JUL 11 3.Cint
RE095 GREENNGH GNING
WPB065 UNCLASSIFIED
YMX063H INFOR. INFOR. G.O.
XYA126 ACTION
XMX062 AM 7:30
XXB049
JWPUK 019
RR/NMNM JEPHQ JEDWP JEDEN JEDST JWFDL 555
DE JWPUK 03
R 102150Z
FM HQ 127TH PLT TNG WG LUKE AFB ARIZ
TO JEPHQ/D/I HQ USAF WASH 25 DC
JEDWP/ATIC WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB OHIO
JEDEN/CG ENT AFB COLORADO SPRINGS COLO
JINFO JEDST/CG ATRC SCOTT AFB ILL
ec
JWFDL/1& CTAF RANDOLPH AFB SAN ANTONIO TEX
GB331G. ATTN:ATIAA-2C.FLYOBRPT
(1 SEVEN INCH BALL OF FLAME WITH EIGHT FOOT TRAIL SIGHTED. NO
SOUND OR LIGHTS RESEMBLING KNOWN FLYING OBJECTS.
(2) SIGHTED AT 0420 ON 2 JULY 1952 FOR 3 TO 4 MINUTES.
(3) VISUAL OVSERVATION FROM GROUND.
(4) FROM 1717 NORTH 1ST AVE, PHOENIX, ARIZ• OBJECT APPEARED NORTHWEST,
TRAVELED ARC TO SOUTHWEST• A GLE OF ELEVATION 4 DEGREES NORTHWEST,
30 DEGREES WEST, 15 DEGREES SOUTHWEST• ESTIMATED DISTANCE SEVEN TO
TEN MILES.
(5) OBSERVER MRS ARTHUR WOLF, WIFE OF ARMY ORDNANCE COLONEL.
DOWNGRADED DECLAS AT
DOD IED
PAGE TWO JWPUK 03 EARS.
(6) WEATHER AT 0430 CEILING CLEAR: VISIBILITY 15 PLUS MILES: WIND
4 KNOTS FROM NORTH.
(7AND NONE
(9) PRESUME OBJECT MADE GROUND CONTACT SOUTHWEST OF PHOENIX.
SEARCH HAS BEEN REQUESTED.
(1) NO AIRCRAFT OR BALLONS REPORTED• POSSIBILITY OF CROP DUSTERS.
10/2221Z JUL JWPUK UNCLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 923007

Page 4

HQB225 UNCLASSIFIED
T1B23s RESTRICTED REC. STF. MSGDIV
deP 12 1859252
XDC170 DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE HQ.USAF
JUPML 185 STAFF MESSAGE DIVISION
INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE
PU7 13
RR JEDUP JEDEN JEPHO JUPIL 444 COPY TWX CAFIN G52OV
DE JUPM 20F
R 121650Z ZNJ
FM C 28TH AD HAFB CALIF
TO JEDUP CHIEF ATIC URIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OHEO
INFO JEDEN/CG ADC ENT AFB COLO SPRINGS COLO
JEPHOAUSAF UASHINGTON 25 DC
JUPMLCG UADF HAFB CALIF
Y9A7i, ATTN DIR OF INTEL- IN REPLY TO AFOIN-2A2
AND UADF MSG UDOID 29149 FOL INFO REQ BY HQ USAF HAS BEEN
OBTAINED BY INTERVIEV UITH CPO DELBERT C. NEVHOUSE, 177273, AVN
SUP DEP, NAVAL SUP CEN, OAKLAND, CALIF REGARDING UNIDENTIFIED
BLY OBJS AND MOVIE FILN ON SIGHTING 2 JUL 52 NEAR TREMONTON, UTAH-
CPO NEWHOUSE, HIS VIFE, SON AND DAUGHTER WERE ALL INTERVIEVED AT
THE NEVHOUSE HOME INBERKELEY, CALIF ON 10 SEP 52 BY DIRECTOR OF
INTELLIGENCE, 2ETH AIR DIV (DEF). FOL ANSUERS TO QUESTIONS : THRU
13 IN USAF REQUEST ARE SUBNITTED
i. NO SOUND HEARD DURING ONSERVATION. 2. NO EXHAUST TRAILS OR
CAF IN : 65202 (12 Sep 52) Page 1 of 3 pages
DOWNGRADED AT & YHAR INTERVAIS; DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS.
DOD DIR 5200.10
ay
AFHO FORM 0-309g 19 JAN 51 RESTRICTED reed
PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF THIS FORM MAY BE USED.
16-63734-1 U.S GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1951--927440
Indd UNCLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 923007

Page 5

UNCLASSIFIED
RESTRICTED
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
STAFF MESSAGE DIVISION
PAGE TUO OF 20F INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE
CR CONTRAILS OBSERVED, 3. NO AIRCRAFT, BIRDS, BALLOONS, OR OTHER
IDENTIFIABLE OBJECTS SEEN IN AIR IMMEDIATELY BEFORE, DURING, OR
X/MEDIATELY AFTER OESERVATION. 4. SINGLE OBJECT WHICH DETACHED
ITSELF FRON GROUP DID HEAD IN DIRECTION OPPOSITE ORIGINAL
COURSE AND DISAPPEARED FRON VIEV UHILE STILL TRAVELING IN THIS
DIRECTION. 5. CAMERA POINTED AT ESTIMATED 70 DEGREES ELEVATION
AND DESCRIBED AND ARC FROM APPROX DUE EAST TO DUE VEST
THEN FRON DUE UEST TO APPROX 60 DEGREES FROM NORTHIN PHOTOGRAPHING
DETACHED OBJ HEADING IN DIRECTION OPPOSITE ORIGINAL
COURSE. G- SUN UAS APPROX OVERHEAD OF OBSERVER• OBJECTS WERE
AT APPROX 70 DEGREES ABOVE TRRAIN ON A COURSE SEVERAL MILES FRON
OBSERVER. 7- WEATHER CONDITIONS& BRIGHT SUNLIGHT, CLEAR, APPROX 80
DEGREES TEMPERATURE, SLIGHT BFEEZE FROM EAST NORTH EAST APPROX 3
TO 5 MPH. 8. NO METEOROLOGICAL ACTIVITY NOTED DURING THAT DAY.
9. OPINION REGARDING FOLLOUING CLN A. LIGHT FROM OBJECTS
CAUSED BY REFLECTION: B. OBJECTS APPEARED APFROX AS LONG AS THEY
VERE VIDE AND THIN, C. ÁPPEARED IDENTICAL IN SHAPE, D- 12 TO 14
OBJECTS, E. ALL APPEARED LIGHT COLOR, F. NO OPINION, G. APPEARED
TO HAVE SANE TYPE OF MOTION EXCEPT FOR ONE OBJECT WHICH REVERSED ITS
COURSE, H. DISAPPEARED FRON VIEW BY MOVING OUT OF RANGE OF
CAF IN: 65202 (12 Sep 52) Page 2 of 3 pages
DOWNGRADEDAT INTERVALS DECLASSIFIN
UNCLASSIFIED DOD DIR 5200.10 R 12 YEARS.
AFHO FORM O-g RESTRICTED
PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF THIS FORM MAY BE USED.
16-63734-1 U.S GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE:1951--927440
DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 923007

Page 6

UNCLASSIFIED
24 RESTRICTED
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
STAFF MESSAGE DIVISION
PAGE TIREE OF 20F ORPTO
INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE
EYESIGIT. A0. NO FILTERS USED- T1. ONE LOU HILL 2 OR 3 MILES TO
RIGHT OF US HUY 30 DASH S UITH OBSERVER FACING NORTH-LOCATED
APPROX 10 MILES NORTH TREMONTON, UTAH- 12. OTHER PERSONS
SIGHTING OBJECTS VEREE MRS D. C. NEVHOUSE, VIFES DELBERT C.
NEVHOUSE, JR, SON, AGE 14: ANNE NEVHOUSE, DAUGHTER, AGE 12- VHOLE
NEVHOUSE FAMILY INCLUDED IN INTERVIEV- 13. CPO NEWHOUSE AND FAMILY
HAVE NEVER SEGHTED UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS BEFORE- NEWHOUSE
STATED THAT HE NEVER BELIEVED HE VOULD JOIN RANKS OF THOSE
REPORTING SUCH OBJECTS PRIOR TO THIS OBSERVATION. CPO NEUHOUSE
AND IRS NEVHOUSE APPEARED TO BE EXTREMELY HONEST AND RELIABLE
PERSONS- CPO NEUHOUSE STATED NE HAS BEEN IN THE NAVAL SERVICE FOR
OVER i9 VEARS VITH SERVICE AS A CONMISSIONED OFFICER DURING
WU 2- NEWHOUSE IS GRADUATE OF NAVAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SCHOOL IN 1935
AND CLAIMS OVER A0O0 HOURS IN THE AIR AS A PHOTOGRAPHER ON ACTUAL
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH MISSIONS, NEUHOUSE ALSO DOES CONSIDERADLE GROUND
PHOTOGRAPHY- IT IS BELIEVED NEUHOUSE COULD BE CLASSIFIED AS AN
EXPERT PHOTOGRAPHER- DOWNGRADED AT & YEAR INTERYAT
12/1650Z SEP JUPML DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS.
DOD DIR 5200.10
NOTE 29149 is not identified in SMD.
INFO : OIN, OOP
CAF IN : 65202 (12 Sep 52) Page 3 of 3 pages JHR/eC
UNCLASSIFIED
AFHQ FORM 0-309g RESTRICTED
19 JAN 51
PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF THIS FORM MAY BE USED.
16-63734-1 U.S GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1951--927440
DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 923007

Page 7

AFHQ FORM 0-309g 19 JAN 51
G PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF THIS FORM MAY BE USED. CAF IN: INFO : HELD R 092326Z DE JUPIL 56J JUPIL 12 XB006 XTAD18 HOD019 SIDC027
74096 OIN WITH CPO DELBERT C. NEVHOUSE, INFO• (UPHO/DIRECTOR OF INTELLIGENCE RR JEDUP JEPHQ 222 XDB0 16
(10 Oct 52) HEADQUARTERS USAF, UAHSINGTON 25,D-C- TO JEDUP/CHIEF, ATIC URIGIT-PATTERSON AFD, OHIO FM UPILCG 2ETH AIR DIV (DEF) HAMILTON AFB, CLAIF
DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 923007 16-63734-1 U.S GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE:1951--927440 RESTRICTED UNCLASSIFIED OF FILM IN QUESTIOM ? ANSUER: EIEGATIVE, ENTIRE ROLL OF FILM UAS HAND TO PHOTOGRAPH MOUNTAIN SCENE IN IDANO UNICH APPEARS ON FINAL FOOTAGE UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT SIGNTING ON 2 JULY 1952. QUESTIONF*UAS TRIPOD USED OAKLAND, CALIF REGARDING AN ADDITIONAL QUESTION ABOUT MOVIE FILM ON REQUESTED BY HQ. USAF HAS BEEN OBTAINED BY TELEPHONE CONVERSATION 9171 IN REPLY TO AFOIN-2A2 FOLLOUING INFCRMTIOEN COPY OF TWX CAFIN 74096 INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE STAFF MESSAGE DIVISION DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE RESTRICTED UNCLASSIFIED
DOD DIR 5200.10 DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEAS. DOWNGRADED AT S YEAR INTPOVA, 177273, AVN SUP DEP, NAVAL SUP CENTER,
HQ. USAF uCT 1d 41 40.5Z DFC,STF MSU DIV
SDM/mew

Page 9

DISPOSITION FORM

I

FILE NO.

SUBJECT

o AFOIN,-2A2
Att.n:

FROM

35nm. F.ilm and Analysis
ATIC

DATE

Major Fournet,

1 5 OCT 1952
COMMENT NO. 1
Capt Ruppelt/jos

65365/B263D/PD2B
l . "As per your request inclosed herein f or your inspection is the 3~ film
from Tremonton, Utah, showing unidentified aerial objects.
2. Also inclosed is a photostatic copy of an analysis performed by the Photo
Reconnaissance Laboratory, Wright Field.

3.

The 35mm roll is the original film and no duplicate has been made•

4. It is the opinion of ATIAA-5 that the film should be submitted to an orni­
thologist, perhaps at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, to obtain an opinion
as to whether the objects may not possibly be birds in flight.

2 Incls

a/s

·,

DD ~i':r 9 6
1

50

REPLAcES NME FORM 96. 1 ocr 48. wH1cH w.v eE USED

DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 923007

16-6 tSOJ-3

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1952 0. 9Be8?5

Page 11

r July tv , Tmi N. of trewonten U.
UNCLASSIFIED
BQ USAP, MASHDO
ROUTIHE (Lnfo)
CG WADP 57264
FANILTON AFB, CALIF AFOIN
CHLEF ATIO
WILECUT-PATTERSON AFB, CREO
ATTES DLR OF IFTELL
REPORT OF UNIDENTIFIED FLYENG CBJEOTS AND INCLOBED MOVIE FILN ON SIGITIBG
2 JUL 52 NEAR TRUDECNTON, UTAH BNCEIVED THIS HEADQUARTERUS 5 SEP 52 FROM CFO
DELBERT G. HEBOUSE, 17PES, US, BTATICNED AT AVEATIUN SUPFLY DFCT, MAVAL
SUPPLY CENTER, OARLAND, CALIF. REUNE BEHRUSE INTSIVIIMED AS SCON AS
FRACTICAL BY AN I TELLECSNCE OFFICER AND TES FOLLOWING IEPURHATION CETAINED:
(1) ANT SCUND BICARD DURING OBOERVATICNY IF SO, DESGRIBE.
(2ANY EXHABST TRAILS OR GUNTRALLS SEH AT ABY TDE BUR BO CBSERVATICN?
IF 50, DECSORIE.
(3)VERE AME ALRCRAPT, BERDS, BALLOONS OR PTHER IDEETLFIABLE OBJAUTS
SEEN IN AIR DMEDIATELY BEJOLE, DURING OR DPGERIATLY AFTER OBSEAVA-
TLCH? IF SO, GIVE ISTAILS.
(4) DED SINGLE OBJECT ELCH DETACEED ITSELE FROM GEDUP ENAD IN DERECTION
OPTOSITE TO ORLLGINAL COURCE AND DID IT DISAPPEAR FROM VIEW WEILE STIEL
TRAVELLING IN THIS DIREOTIONT
UNCLASSIFIED
DOWNGRADED AT & YEAR INTERVALSS DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS.
Gcl3 DOD DIR 5200,10
DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 923007

Page 12

UNCLASSIFIED
(5)AT APPROKDIATELY WHAT ELEVATION AND IN WRAT DERECTION (EEARINO) WAS
CAMERA POLITED DURIEG EXPOSURE OF FILMT
(6)WEAT WAS FOSITICN OF SEE RELATIVE TO OBJECTS AND TO HIM?
(7) WHAT WERE MEATHER CONDITICNS? AFPROKDHATE TENPERATUE? BAEY OR GLEAR?
WIND DIRECTION AND SPEED?
(8) )ANY METEOROLOGICAL ACTIVITY MOTICND DURING THAT MAY?
(9) DOES BE RAVE ANY OPINION REGARDING FOLLOWLNG:
() WAS LYGRT FROM OBJECTS CAUSED BY REFLEGTIOE OR WERE THELY SOURGE
OF LIGHT?
(b) SHAPE OF OBJECTS?
(c) WERE THEY ALL APFROXDATELY THE SAME SHAPE?
(d) COIOR OF OBJECTE?
() WERE THEY ALL SAME COLOR?
(f) TIPE MOTION ATTRIBUTABLE 2U CRJECIS, BOTH ABOUT CNN AXKS AND AXES
OF FLIGHT PATH?
3
DOWNGRADED AT DECLASSIFIED & YEAR INTERVALS
DOD DIR 5200.10
UNCLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 923007

Page 13

UNCLASSIFIED
(g) DID ALL OBJECTS HAVE SANE TYPE MOTIONY
(h) HOW DID OBJECTS DISAPPEAR FROM VIENY
(L0) WAS AMY FILTER USED ON CAMRA?
(1) REMENBLR ANY LANDMARES AROUND LOCATION HICH WOULD FACILITATE FENDING
IT IN PUTURE?
(12) KNOW OF ANYONE ELSE MEO SIGITED OBJECTS?
(13) EVER SECHTED UNEDENTIFIED FLYING CBJECTS BEFOREY IF SO, OETAIN DETALLS
IAW FAR 7e OF APL. 200-5.
ADDITIONALLY, DESIRES INTARVIEWING OFFICER FURNISH ESTIMATE RELIABILITY AND FHOTO-
GRAPHIC PROFICLENCY OF NEMBOUSE. AFL 2OO-5 MAY AID IN CONDUCTING INTERVESW. RECUEST
INFORMATION BE FORNARDED BY BLEOTRICAL MIANS A SOON AS AVAILABLE TO ATEC WITK
INFORMATION THIS HEADQUARTERS. IN RESPCNSE REPLY TO AFOIN-2A2.
DOWNGRADED AT & YEAR INTERVALS;
DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS.
DOD DIR 5200.10
DEMEY J. FOURNET, JR., MajOP, USAP
APUIN-2A2 71006
UNCLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 923007

Page 14

-

,

•

r

UNCLASSIFIED
CopY TWX CAFIN 6~202

R l21.650Z ZNJ

ffl CG 2.STH AD HAFl3 CALIF
TO CHIEF ATlC lJRIGllT- PATTERSOM AFB OHIO
INFO CG AOC ENT AFB 001.D SPRINGS COIO
DOWNGRADED AT ~ YE.AR 11\"'TERVAli8~
DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEAkS •
DOD, D~ ~200.10 _.. •
•

USAF rtASHDSGION 25 00

CG WADF ffAFB CALIF

RES'l'RlCTJ?D/9171. Ami DIR OF INTEL.

D:l RE.PLY ro AFOIN-2A2 AND iiADF J!'SG

~DOID 2<ll49 FOL INFO ~ BI }l~ USAF Hi\S Bml OBTAINED Br INTERVIE Y wm
CPO DELBERT C. NE!mOUSB. 17/Z'/'J, AVN SUP DE?, llAVAL SUP CEN, OAKLAND, CAI.IF
REG/.RDING UNIOOOIFIED BLY OBJS .A?ID l!OVIE Filll ON SIGJfl'ING 2 JUI 52 llF.AR
TRWONTON, UTAH.

CPO NEiuIOUSE, HIS WIFE, SON AND DAUGilrER 17ERE ALL INTER,.

VIlfflED AT THE REraIOUSE HOllE IN BERKELEY, CALIF Oii 10 SEP 52 BY DIRroTOR OF
INTELLIGFWE, 28TH Am DIV (DEF).

FOL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS l. THRU l3

IN USAF WUEST ARE SUIDAITrED:

1.

NO SOUND HEARD DUPJ:NG OBSE'RVA'l'ION.

?lO EXHAUST TRAILS OR CONTR.UIS

2.

OBSERVED. 3. NO AIRCRAFT, BIRDS, BUJ..OONS, OR OTHER IDEtrrIFIABLE OBJECTS

SEEN IN AIR IlllEDIATELY BEFORE, DUP.DlG., OR Dl!EDIATELY AFI'ER OBSERVATION.

4. snmLE OBJECT mIICH DETACim> ITSELF FOOM GROUP DID HEAD DJ DIRmTlOU
01'1'0SlTE ORIGINAL COURSE AND DISAPPEARED FRl)Y VIFrl mIIE STILL TRAVELING
IN THIS DIRD'.:TION.

5. CAUERA POINrED AT ESTil.!ATED 70 D.IOC;REES ELEVATION

AtID DESCRIBED AND All: Fro!! APPROX DUE EAST TO DUE ~1&5'? Tflm FRC?.t DUE \'iEST

TO AP.PR.OX 00 DEGREES 0011 NORTH IN PHCJrOORAPHING DEI'ACHID OBJ HEADING m
OPP

Dnt:roTIOll OIIDOSITE ORIGINAL COURSE. 6. SUN WAS APPROX OVERHEAD OF OBSERVER.
OBJJ!PTS WERE AT APPROX 70 DEG-RI®, ABOVE TRRAIN ON A COURSE SEVERAJ, UI1.ES
FROU OBSERVER. 7• WEATHER COND:rrIONS:

DEGREE'S TEMPFllATURE, SLIGH!'

BRIGRr StmUGHl', CLEAR., APPROX 00

RrH EAST APPROX 3 'ro 5 l!PH.

=-"~" -

F

_ , . . ..... ,

8. NO HE:rEOROIDGICAL ACTIVlTJJiii jURDtC Tlwt DAY. 9. oPnUOH REGARDDm
rou.omuG CI.N A.

LIGHT

~

m ( OBJWTS CAUSED B R:EFI.mTlON: B.
- Y UNCLASSIFJED

ODJEOTS

Page 15

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UVTI ECLASSIFIED AFI'ER 12 YEAAO•
D
l)OD Dm 5200.10 :

Page 16

UNCLASSIFIED
FROM: Q USAP 7 Oet 52
ACTION: ROUTINE INFO: ROUTINE
TO: CG2Sth AIRDIV HAMILTON AFB CALIF CRYPTOPRECAUTION: NO
INFO: CHIEF ATIC WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OBIO IDENTIFICATION: 9L71 is
CAF IN 65202
(12 Sep 52)
CLASSIFICAPION:
FROM: AF0IN 59782
ATTEETION: Director of Intelligence. Reference your message
9171 dated la Sep 52. Request CPo Newhouse be asked following
additional question: Was tripod used to photograph mountain
scene in Idaho which arrears on final footage of film in
questiont Forward information by electrical means to Afic wi th
information this headquarters. In response reply to AFolE-2A2
COORDINAPION: AFOIN-2A2 AFOIN-2A
PAGE 1
DRAFTER'S NAME: RELEASING OFFICER'S SIGNAFURE:
Maj. Dewey J. Fournet DONALD E BEERE, CaptaiA, USAF
Executive Officer, Topieal Division
Deputy Director for Estimates
AFOIE-2A2 Directorate of Intelligence, Dos/0
TELEPHONR: 75990 DOWNGRADED AT S YEAR INTT'AL:
DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS. DOD DIR 5200.10
UNCLASSIFIED
trd
DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 923007

Page 17

SOPY
DEPARTMENT OF THE ALR FORCE
STAFF MESSAGE DIVISION
INCOMING CLASSIFTED MESSAGE
UNCLASSIFIED
CAFIN 74096
FM JWPML/CG 28th AIR DIV (DEF) HAMILTON AFB, CALIF.
TO JEDWP/CHIEF, ATIC WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, OHIO
INFO: JWPHQ/DIRECTOR OF INTELLIGENCE, HQ USAF, WASHINGTON 25, D.C.
9171 IN REPLY TO AFOIN-2A2 FOLLOWING INFORMATION REQUESTED BY
HQ USAF HAS BEEN OETAINED BY TELEPHONE CONVERSATTON WITH CPO DELBERT C.
NEWHOUSE, 177273, AVN SUP DEP, NAVAL SUP CENTER, OAKLAND, CALIF. REGARDING AN ADDI
TIONAL QUESTTON ABOUT MOVIE FILM ON UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT SIGHTING ON 2 JULY 1952.
QUESTION: "WAS TRIPOD USED TO RKTWT PHOTOGRAPH MOUNTAIN SCENE IN IDAHO
WHICH APPEARS ON FINAL FOOTAGE OF FILM IN QUESTTON"? ANSWER: NEGATIVE,
ENTIRE ROLL OF FILM WAS HANDHELD.
DOWNGRADED AT S YEAR INTERVALS;
DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS.
INFO: OIN DOD DIR 5200.10
CAF IN: 74096 (10 Oct 52)
UNCLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 923007

Page 18

UNCLASSIFIED
BQ USAF, WASHDO
ROUTINE (Info)
CO EILL AFB, OGDEN, UTAH
CHIEF ATIC MRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, GHEO
ATTH: WEATHER OFFICER
REQUEST WEATEER SEQUENCE NEAREST 1ELOE ROURS 2 JUL 52 FOR ARSA LNCLUDING
TREMOITON, UTAH, PARTICULARLY DESIRE WINDS ALOPT AND TEMPSRATURES FROM SURFACE
TO MAXIMRIM ALTITUDE AVAILARLE. ALSO ANY METEQROLOGECAL OR OTHSR ACTIVITY WHICH
MIONT ACCOUNT OR SIGHTING AND FHOTOGLAFES OF 6 TO 12 UNIDENTIFLED CBJECTS
WEXCH APPEAVED TO BE SCUND ARD EITHER HIGHLY FOLISHED BODIES OR SOURCES OF
LIGET TRAVELLING WEST ABOVE TRIMOITON IN RAG ED POMATION GEHERALLY ABREAST.
FORRARD INFORMATION BY ELECTRIGAL MEANS TD AVIC WITH INFO THLS KEADCUARTERS.
IN REBPONSE REPLY TO AFOLEL-A2.
DOWNGRADED DECLASSIFIE AT:
DOD DIR
ARS.
DEEY J. FoURNT, JR., Major, USAP
AF01E-2A2 71016 UNCLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 923007

Page 19

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-

Requirements

1. 2 color duplicates and 1 black & white print (exclusive of portion

Vflth sound track whieh is spliced to the end of the film}.

2. Request the original be handled with utmost care (it is already 1fi
fairly poor condition, and wear very anxious that 1t suffer no further
damage).

3. Request the original be cleaned as carefu]y as posslble prior to
duplication.
4. Request utmost effort in controlling duplication to extent that resulting
copies wUl be as ldentlca.I to or.lglnal as po ible ln image and color
reproduction.

6. The loos (unspllced) porlton of 17 frames belongs at the end of the
footage havlrig a deep blue background and no sound track. The la t
frame of thls loo e portion s mmediat ly adjacent to the spllce with
the broken frame having the sound track.
6. Can the stripp d sprocket holes 1n·the loose portion of the orlgtna.l
(see 5) be repair d ln any way - sufficiently to make it possible to
run thls part a ong with the remamder of film without malfunction?

Page 20

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RPBiSl

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TYE263

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TDB241

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JEPHQ E004

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RR JWPML JE~ 222
DE JEPHQ 94A /
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FM HQ USAF WASHD<
TO JWPML/CG28TH AIRDIV HAMILTON AFB C ~
INFO JEDWP/CHIEF ATIC WPAFB OHIO . . /
FROM CLN AFOIN 59782 ATTENTION CLN DIRECTOR
.

OF INTELLIGENCE. REFERE CE YOUR MESSAGE 9171 DATED 12 SEP 52.
REQUEST CPO NEWHOUSE BE ASKED FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL QUESTION CLN

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•
•
•
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•

WAS TRIPOD USED TO PHOTOGRAPH MOUNTAIN SCENE IN IDAHO WHICH APPEARS

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ON FINAL FOOTAGE OF FILM IN QUESTION QUES FORWARD INFORMATION

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BY ELECTRICAL MENNS TO ATIC WITH INFORMATION THIS HEADQUARTERS.
I

RESPONSE REPLY TO AFOIN-2A2.

07/20342 OCT JEPHQ

A ON

UNCLASSIFIED

DECLASS IFIED Authority NND 923007

·•

Page 21

COORDINATJON
INSERT
ORGNL CODE AND
PULL SIGNATURE

, 177283

Your coo . ,r tion

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DESIGNATE AUTHD OFPICE OF RECORD

OFFICIAL FlLE COPY
AMC Form 8

(Bev I 'I' llla,7 SO)

Sa11'e111edet1 AMC Form 8, Bev 1 £pr ,a, which wilt be used.

DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 923007

Air Forc•WPAFB-L-IS JUL 52. 3600

Page 23

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JEDWP JEPHQ 222
JWPML 56J
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FM JWPML/CG 28TH AIR DIV (DEF) HAMIL1'0N AFB, CLAIF.

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, JEDWP/CHIEF, ATIC WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, OHIO
TO : JWPHQ/DIRECTOR OF INTELLIGENCE
HEADQUARTERS USAF, WAHSINGTON 25,D.c.

.

9171 IN REPLY TO AFOIN-2A2 FOLLOWING INFORMATION

BY HQ. USAF HAS BEEN OBTAINED BY TELEPHONE CONVERSATION
WITH OPO DELBERT C. NEWHOUSE, 177273, AVN SUP DEP, NAVAL SUP CENTER,

OAKLAND, CALIF . REGARDING AN ADDITIONAL QUESTION ABOUT MOVIE FILM ON
UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT SIGHTING ON 2 JULY 1952. QUESTION:"WAS TRIPOD USED

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•
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•
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•
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TO PHOTOGRAPH MOUNTAIN SCENE IN IDAHO WHICH APPEARS ON FINAL FOOTAGE

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OF FILM IN QUESTION"? ANSWER: NEGATIVE, ENTIRE ROLL OF FILM WAS HAND

•
•

DOWNGRADED AT $ Vb
DECLASSIFIED ~ !N'rER-v ., .., ~:
DOD DIR r,200.1lf? RS.

HELD.
OCT JWPML

IJNCLASSIFlED
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DECLASSIFIED Authority NNO 923007

v>;

Page 24

UNCLASSIFIED liateo.
Oppliesto remanton, itah zatisa
2ful52 4,Clele
3at
1952V
RB123 VO ION INFOR. INFOR.
JWPHL F021 G.O.
RR JEDWP 18
DE JWPHL 2QD PM 3:47
R 181630Z
FM HQ OOAMA HILL AFB UTAH
TO CG ATIC WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OHIO
FROM OOIP 11-15-E RE URMSG FM AFOIN-ATIAA-11-3-E
PROJECT BLUE BOOK 1 WEA BLN EA RELSD 0200 AND 0800 2 JUL 52
TRAJECTORY SW TO NE THENCE W TO E THENCE NW TO SE DURING ASCENSION
WINDS GENLY FR W SPEED 10-12 KNOTS NO OTHER INFO AVAL THIS COMD ON
2JUL52 RE UNIDENTIFIED OBJS
18/1842Z NOV JWPHL
Requested iinpo on ballaons t lauched
11LOMST
>Ju152
DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS.
DOD DIR 5200.10
UNCLASSIFIED
18 Nov52
DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 923007

Page 25

ROUTING* JOINT MESSAGEFORM COMMUNICATIONS CENTER NO.
Hold-File under Jemonton, itak, 2Julfe UNCLASSIFIED
SPACE ABOVE FOR COMMUNICATIONS CENTER ONLY
FROM: (Originator) DATE-TIME GROUP
1014o07 m0y 50
PRECEDENCE ACTION INFORMATION
CO ATIC FOR: ROUTIIE
TO: CO, HILL AFB, UTAH BOOK MESSAGE E ORIGINAL MESSAGE
CRYPTOPRECAUTION
MULTIPLE ADDRESS YES NO
REFERS TO MESSAGE:
IDENTIFICATION CLASSIFICATION
INFO:
FROM:AFOIN-ATIAA-1l-S-E FOR INTELLIOENCE OFFICE
Request all available information, including flight tracks, of any balleons launched
from area of your bese on 2 Jul 52. This information is necessary for the analysis
of a sighting of eight unidentified flying objeets which oecurred at lllo nST or
2 Jul 52. Photographs of sighting indieate possibility that objects may be a cluster
of balloons.
In reply cite Projeet Bluebook.
COORDINATI ON:
ATIAA
ATIA DOWNGRADED AT & TEAR INTERVALS: DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS.
AFT DOD DIR 5200.10
UNCLASSIFIED SEQURITY CLASSIFICATION
PAGE OF PAGES
DRAFTER'S NAME (and signatufe, when required) RELEASING OFFICER'S SIGNATURE
ATIAA-S ROBERT E. KENNEDY, MAJOR, USAP
SYMBOL TELEPHONE OFFICIAL TITLE AIR AIJUTANT GENERAL
DD FORM 173 REPLACES WD AGO FORM 11-168, 15 JUN 1945, AND WD AGO FORM 0990, 16-58928-2 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1950 -O-875946
1MAY 49 1 APR 1946, WHICH MAY BE USED.
DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 923007

Page 26

J

Whom it may cA

ATIAA-5/Lt Fiue.

rn

os/65365/ l; Dec -~2

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD
PROBLEM:
-f'

Tremont~ Utah, sighting.

FACTS AND DISCUSSION:
On 15 Dec 52 Lt A.G. Flues telephoned Lt Malcom Ross, USN, at the Of­
fice of Naval Research, University of Afinnesota. The purpose was to deter­
mine whether pillow balloon releases could account for the Tremon~..,_,Utah,
incident of 2 Jul 52.
Lt Ross had seen the Tremon-tP1n'ovies and it was his opinion, as well as
that of Lt Lewis, ONR, that the objects photogr~phed were pill-0w balloons.
However, Lt Ross said that the Navy had not .f :el~ased any pillow balloons in
or near that area at that time. Lt Ross po~nted out that General Mills, Inc.,
Minneapolis, is, in so far as he knows, the ·sole manufacturer of pillow bal­
loons and suggested that ATIC contact-1,±'~ J. R. Smith of General Mills to
determine what organizations and ageheies had purchased pillow balloons. Lt
Ross also stated that in the winter of 1952, the 11 Crusade for Freedom" pur­
chased many pillow balloons from General Mills. These were sent to various
cities in the United States and released periodically. Lt Ross did not know
the exact times, dates, or points of these releases, but he suggested that
ATIC contact the 11 Crusade for Freedom".
REOOMdENDATI0N:

That ATIAA-5 contact Mr. J. R. &iith and the 11 Crusade for Freedom"~
.- .t:·?~

DECLASSIFIED Aulhority NND 923007

Page 27

...,.,
TO:

•

Whom it May Concern

SUBJECT:

Tremonton, Utah, incident of 2 Jul 52

On 16 Dec 52 Lt A.G. flues called l . J. R. Snith, Director, Balloon Re­
search, General N~lls, Inc., Atlnneapolis,
nnesota, to determine whether or
not a pillow balloon release could have caused the Tremonton incident.
'r. Smith pointed out that in the winter of 1951, his company, the only
known manufacturer of this type balloon, produced a large number of pillows
for the 11 Crusade for Freedom 11 • These balloons were distributed to both national
and local offices of that organization and GMI was unable to say exactly what
the organization did with them after receipt. However, G did say that they
were released sporadically for publicity purposes from widely separated areas
in the United States.
In the "Crusade for Freedom 11 organization there have since been 100%
personnel shifts, top to bottom and J. R. Smith was not too encouraging when
Lt F1ues suggested contacting the organization. However, he agreed to forward
all shipping lists which will tell A1IC iho the consignees ere and JJJSt what
numbers each received.

Mr. Smith pointed out that in 1951 and until Nov 52, helium and hydrogen
gasses were in short supply. The two companies which furnish these gasses are
Air Reduction Company and The Linde Company.
r. Smith suggested contacting
their distributors in the area of the sighting.
Reconnnendationa: That A'ITC follow-up with the lists Mr. Smith will provide and
that ATIC check distributors of hydrogen and helium in the Utah area.

Page 28

•

.,.

Travel Report -

Minneapolis, Minnesota

29, :30, 31 December 1952
On 29 Dec 52, Lt A.G. Flues went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, t.o contact
the Field Representative of ONR and the General Mills Corporation there.

The

purpose was to determine if' the UFO's in the Tremonton, Uteh, movies of 2 July
52 might be pillow balloons.
On 30 Dec the films were run off 1n the balloon room of the Physics Building,
'

University of Minnesota.

The following were in attendance,

Lt Malcolm Ross, USN

S2C Leroy Harger, USN
CPO Lewis, USN
Dr. Nye, u. of Minn. Balloon lights and geophysics
Dr. Winkler, u. of Minn. Balloon nights and geophysics
Frank c. Jewett, Exec. Vice-President, Research Dept., General
Milla, Ino.
J.. · R. Smith, Chief', Meteorology Dept., General Mills, Inc.
There were various others present all of whom have had experience in
fiying pillow balloons.

The films were run off eight times, at various speeds, and were frequently
stopped at good frames.

All were informed of the background data.

It was the consensus of opinion that the objects resembled pillow balloons
1n flight very closely and did nothing that pillows would not do in similar
circumstances.

J. R. Smith was the least convinced of this hypothesis; however,

he felt that the objects were a bit too bright and maneuvered a bit too fast.
The head meteorologist of GMI pointed out that winds to' 8,000 rt.

at Hill

AFB would probably be different trom those at Tremonton because of topography
and land-sea effect.

The extreme stability of the atmosphere on that dq would,

he added, make aseent very slow and would tend to stabilize a pillow at a given
altitude .

.Additionally, wind direction is capable or a 180° shift within perhaps

DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 923007

Page 29

•

,.

500 ft. of altitude which could account for a high or low balloon, with relation

to the group, to proceed in an apparently- opposite direction.
If the objects are pillows, the consensus was that they- are not over
6,000 1 altitude, probably- much less.

If this is so, they cannot possibly- have

been aloft for more than 12 hours, and this only if filled with warm air or
underinflated with gas or ballasted for a given altitude.

There is a much

greater probability that they are ascending and have been released from a
nearly point not over 1/2 hour before.
None of the persons present placed much faith in the computations of
angular velocity, since all were predicated upon Newhouse's holding the camera
still.
Lt Flues went over to GMI later on and obtained. from J. R. Smith the names
and addresses of consignees who received. pillow balloons during the period Sep
51 - 2 Jul 52.

Also Lt Flues picked up some photos of pillow balloons and the

flight tracks of three Navy Skyhook.a released in Sept 52 from Tillamook, Ore.
eral Mills had no movies of pillows which approximated the Tremonton films aa
GMI 1s footage seemed to be, shot against cloud background and when the balloons
were lower.

However, they will be launching pillows from Wendover, Utah, in

Feb 5.3 and will make movies then.
The course of action recommended was for ATIC to check all persons in the
western u.s. who received pillows.

There were some other shipments to Gl1I home

and farm appliance stores, and J. R. Smith agreed to send ATIO the names and
addresses of such consignees.
List of consignees:

2

DECLASSIFIED Authority NNO 923007

Gen­

Page 30

UNCLASSIFIED
7T15
ITEM 2 AMC s2els3
FROM: CAPT E J RUPPELT ATIAE-S INFORMATION
TO: CAPT HARRY SMITH, AFOIN-2A2
SECURITY INFO: REFERENCE TELEPHONE
CALL FROM CAPT RUPPELT TO CAPT HARRY SMITH ON 2 FEB 53
REGARDING DATA FRO PRESS RELEASE ON
TREMONTON MOVIES REQUEST FINAL OF
PRESS RELEASE BE FORWARDED BY DOWNGRADED AT & YMAR INTERVALS;
TELECON TO ATIC FOR COORDINATION DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS.
MOVIES WERE TAKEN SEVEN MILES NORTH OF DOD DIR 5200.10
TREMONTON, UTAH, ON US NGHWAY 3OS
AT 1110 MST ON & JULY 52. CAMERA
USED VAS ABELL AND HOWELL AUTO MASTER
WITH THE THREE INCH TELEPHOTO LENS.
CAMERA WAS HAND-HELD. FIRST FEW FEET
OF FILM WERE TAKEN AT F-8 BALANCE
AT F-16 SIXTEEN FRAMES PER SECOND
MERE USED. MOVIES WERE TAKEN BY CHIEF PETTY
OFFICER DELBERT C NEWHOUSE, 177273 AVIATION
SUPPLY DEPOT, NAVAL SUPPLY CENTER, OAKLAND,
CALIF NEWHOUSE WAS DRIVING FROM UASHINGTON,
DC TO PORTLAND, OREGON ON THE MORNING
C 2 JULY 52 WHEN HIS WIFE NOTICED A
GROUP OF OBJECTS IN THE SKY THAT SHE -
COULD NOT IDENTIFY. SHE ASKED NEWHOUSE TO
STOP THE CAR AND LOOK. THERE WERE A
GROUP OF OBJECTS THAT BORE NO RELATION
TO ANYTHING HE HAD SEEN BEFORE
HE STATED, MILLING ABOUT IN A ROUGH
FORMATION AND PROCEEDING IN AN APPARENT
WESTERLY DIRECTION. HE OPENED THE LUGGAGE
COMPARTMENT OF HIS CAR, COT A MOVIE CAMERA
OUT OF HIS SUITCASE AND TOOK THE PICUTRES.
THERE WAS NO REFERENCE POINT IN THE SKY
SO IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HIM TO MAKE ANY
ESTIMATES AS TO SIZE, SPEED, OR DISTANCE.

Text continues in the original file (156 pages).

Related media: war.gov pairing

• DOW-UAP-D098 — Film Analysis of Unidentified Objects, 1953
• DOW-UAP-D103 — Project Blue Book Photo File Relating to Tremonton Film, Utah, 1952
• DOW-UAP-D104 — Final Personnel Record for Newhouse, Delbert C., U.S. Navy, 1957
• DOW-UAP-D105 — U.S. Air Force Flying Discs File, 1952
• DOW-UAP-PR159 — Historical Film of Reported UFOs, Utah, 1952

Same period: 1952

• DOW-UAP-D154 — Transcript of a Presentation by Captain Edward J. Ruppelt, 1952
• CIA-UAP-002 — Scientific Advisory Panel on Unidentified Flying Objects, Report, 1952-1953
• CIA-UAP-014 — British activity in the Field of "Unidentified Flying Objects"
• FBI-UAP-D012 — Newark Field Office, 1952-1967
• FBI-UAP-D013 — Washington State ‘UFO’ Investigation, 1952-1960
• 711.5612[7-2852 (National Archives RG 59)

Same release: Release 06

• LLE-UAP-PR001 — Unresolved UAP Report, Colorado, 2023
• LLE-UAP-PR002 — Unresolved UAP Report, Colorado, October 2023
• DOW-UAP-PR133 — Unresolved UAP Report, Middle East, 2025
• DOW-UAP-PR135 — Unresolved UAP Report, Middle East, 2025
• DOW-UAP-PR140 — Unresolved UAP Report, Middle East, 2022
• DOW-UAP-PR141 — Unresolved UAP Report, Middle East, 2022

Same agency: DoW

• DOW-UAP-D084 — US Army-Flying-Saucer-Study 1949
• DOW-UAP-PR117 — Unresolved UAP Report, Gulf of Oman, 2021
• DOW-UAP-PR118 — Unresolved UAP Report, Gulf of Oman, 2021
• DOW-UAP-PR119 — Unresolved UAP Report, Gulf of Oman, 2021
• DOW-UAP-PR120 — Unresolved UAP Report, Gulf of Oman, 2021
• DOW-UAP-PR121 — Unresolved UAP Report, Gulf of Oman, 2021