NOTE |
In June 1947, Boise, Idaho pilot Kenneth Arnold observed objects later described as flying saucers, sparking a wave of flying disc sightings across America. In July, an anonymous individual informed the Army Air Forces (the predecessor to the Air Force) that Richard Sharpe Shaver, the author of I Remember Lemuria, had information about the origin of the flying discs. Under an agreement between the FBI and the AAF (which the FBI canceled in September after the AAF admitted to sending the FBI only dubious sightings of "ash can covers, toilet seats, and whatnot"), the AAF referred the matter to the FBI, which investigated. The investigation uncovered evidence that the publisher Shaver and Arnold shared, Raymond Palmer of Venture Press, may have intentionally fomented flying disc hysteria in order to publicize Shaver's Lemurian science fiction stories (themselves partly influenced by H. P. Lovecraft) about an ancient underground civilization that flew to other planets on silvery discs and returned to the Earth.
Most of the following documents are contained in batches 1 through 5 of the FBI's declassified UFO files. Redacted material has been restored, where obvious, from context or places where the FBI censors overlooked names. |
Letter from Raymond Palmer to Kenneth Arnold
VENTURE PRESS
305 Studio Building
1718 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, Illinois
June 26, 1947
Mr. [REDACTED for Kenneth Arnold]
Boise, Idaho
Dear Mr. [REDACTED for Arnold]:
I have just read in the Chicago Tribune concerning an aerial train composed of at least 9 units shaped like a pie-plate and silvery in color, traveling at 1200 m.p.h. near Mount Ranier, as witnessed by you while flying in the vicinity.
This is quite important to me, because I have in my possession numerous independent confirmations of what you saw, although none in as great detail as your account. I am interested in publishing an article in our magazine, written from a personal account by yourself, and accompanied by pix of yourself, plane, and rough sketches by yourself, of what you saw.
If you care to do this for me, I am prepared to pay our usual rates of 2¢ per word, plus $5.00 for each photograph you can provide, or for each sketch which can be used by our art staff to illustrate the article.
Included in this material, we'd like a short biographical sketch of yourself as "author background" material. The article would appear under your by-line.
If you are not interested, I would at least appreciate a letter from you, confirming the newspaper story.
Very truly yours,
[REDACTED for PALMER’S NAME AND TITLE]
In your reply, please use airmail.
305 Studio Building
1718 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, Illinois
June 26, 1947
Mr. [REDACTED for Kenneth Arnold]
Boise, Idaho
Dear Mr. [REDACTED for Arnold]:
I have just read in the Chicago Tribune concerning an aerial train composed of at least 9 units shaped like a pie-plate and silvery in color, traveling at 1200 m.p.h. near Mount Ranier, as witnessed by you while flying in the vicinity.
This is quite important to me, because I have in my possession numerous independent confirmations of what you saw, although none in as great detail as your account. I am interested in publishing an article in our magazine, written from a personal account by yourself, and accompanied by pix of yourself, plane, and rough sketches by yourself, of what you saw.
If you care to do this for me, I am prepared to pay our usual rates of 2¢ per word, plus $5.00 for each photograph you can provide, or for each sketch which can be used by our art staff to illustrate the article.
Included in this material, we'd like a short biographical sketch of yourself as "author background" material. The article would appear under your by-line.
If you are not interested, I would at least appreciate a letter from you, confirming the newspaper story.
Very truly yours,
[REDACTED for PALMER’S NAME AND TITLE]
In your reply, please use airmail.
Telegram Received at Army Air Forces Headquarters
Received 9 July 47
ML PD
NEW YORK, NY JULY 5
MAJOR PAUL GAYNOR
AAF HQTS WASH DC
FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONCERNING FLYING DISKS SUGGEST IMMEDIATE CONTACT OF [REDACTED for “RICHARD SHAVER OF LILY LAKE,”] ILLINOIS WHO MAY HAVE IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING THEIR ORIGIN.
UNSIGNED.
651P.
ML PD
NEW YORK, NY JULY 5
MAJOR PAUL GAYNOR
AAF HQTS WASH DC
FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONCERNING FLYING DISKS SUGGEST IMMEDIATE CONTACT OF [REDACTED for “RICHARD SHAVER OF LILY LAKE,”] ILLINOIS WHO MAY HAVE IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING THEIR ORIGIN.
UNSIGNED.
651P.
Memorandum from the War Department General Staff
Date: 16 July 1947
TO: FBI
FROM: WDGS, US BRANCH
SUBJECT: [REDACTED]
1. Attached hereto:
a. Copy of unsigned telegram received by HQ, AAF 9 July 1947, in which it is indicated that [REDACTED words “RICHARD SHAVER of”] Illinois may have information concerning the origin of the “flying saucers”.
b. Copy of a report on flying saucers which were observed by four witnesses while in flight in two airplanes over southern Wisconsin.
c. Map with indications as to proximity of the locations where the flying saucers were reported to have been seen in relation to [REDACTED], Ill.
that the time
2. In view of the fact/the observation of the flying saucers was made corresponds closely with the date of the unsigned telegram and considering the proximity of [REDACTED for Lily Lake] to the points where the objects were observed, it is requested that [REDACTED for SHAVER] be investigated to determine whether or not he has information pertaining to the origin of Flying Saucers.
TO: FBI
FROM: WDGS, US BRANCH
SUBJECT: [REDACTED]
1. Attached hereto:
a. Copy of unsigned telegram received by HQ, AAF 9 July 1947, in which it is indicated that [REDACTED words “RICHARD SHAVER of”] Illinois may have information concerning the origin of the “flying saucers”.
b. Copy of a report on flying saucers which were observed by four witnesses while in flight in two airplanes over southern Wisconsin.
c. Map with indications as to proximity of the locations where the flying saucers were reported to have been seen in relation to [REDACTED], Ill.
that the time
2. In view of the fact/the observation of the flying saucers was made corresponds closely with the date of the unsigned telegram and considering the proximity of [REDACTED for Lily Lake] to the points where the objects were observed, it is requested that [REDACTED for SHAVER] be investigated to determine whether or not he has information pertaining to the origin of Flying Saucers.
FBI Memorandum
Date: 7/21/47
TO: D. M. Ladd
FROM: E. G. Fitch
SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS
Col. Carl Golbranson of the Intelligence Division of the War Department advising Special Agent S. W. Reynolds of the Liaison Section that the War Department has received a telegram, dated New York, July 5, as follows:
TO: D. M. Ladd
FROM: E. G. Fitch
SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS
Col. Carl Golbranson of the Intelligence Division of the War Department advising Special Agent S. W. Reynolds of the Liaison Section that the War Department has received a telegram, dated New York, July 5, as follows:
FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONCERNING FLYING DISKS SUGGEST IMMEDIATE CONTACT OF [REDACTED words “RICHARD SHAVER OF LILY LAKE,”] ILLINOIS WHO MAY HAVE IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING THEIR ORIGIN.
Col. Golbranson furnished Dr. Reynolds with a copy of the memorandum entitled “Report on Flying Saucers,” dated July 7, 1947, addressed to Commanding General, 32nd AAF Base Unit, Bolling Field, Washington, D.C., from John D. Schindler, Jr., a copy of which is attached to this memorandum. The attached memorandum sets forth information and statistics regarding two reportings of incidents of flying disks. There is also attached hereto a map of the Illinois River area which was furnished to Mr. Reynolds by Colonel Golbranson. Colonel Golbranson stated that according to this map the incidents reported in the attached memorandum are in the general vicinity of [REDACTED for “Lily Lake”] which was given as the address of [REDACTED for “SHAVER”] in the anonymous telegram received by the War Department.
Colonel Golbranson advised that in view of the fact that the observation of the flying saucers was made on July 7th and the date of the unsigned telegram on July 5th, together with the proximity of [REDACTED words “Lily Lake”] to the points where the objects were observed, he desired the Bureau conduct some investigation of Shaver to determine whether or not he has any information pertaining to the origin of the flying saucers.
Mr. Reynolds advised Colonel Golbranson that his request would be made known to you and the results of any investigation would be brought to his attention.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that Chi. field be directed to make inquiries regarding [REDACTED name Shaver] and, if deemed advisable, interview him regarding any information that he has relative to flying discs. The result of any investigation should be forwarded to the liaison section for delivery to the Intelligence Division of the War Department.
Attachments
Colonel Golbranson advised that in view of the fact that the observation of the flying saucers was made on July 7th and the date of the unsigned telegram on July 5th, together with the proximity of [REDACTED words “Lily Lake”] to the points where the objects were observed, he desired the Bureau conduct some investigation of Shaver to determine whether or not he has any information pertaining to the origin of the flying saucers.
Mr. Reynolds advised Colonel Golbranson that his request would be made known to you and the results of any investigation would be brought to his attention.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that Chi. field be directed to make inquiries regarding [REDACTED name Shaver] and, if deemed advisable, interview him regarding any information that he has relative to flying discs. The result of any investigation should be forwarded to the liaison section for delivery to the Intelligence Division of the War Department.
Attachments
Letter from Raymond Palmer to Kenneth Arnold
VENTURE PRESS
305 Studio Building
1718 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, Illinois
[REDACTED for Mr. Kenneth Arnold]
Boise, Idaho
July 22, 1947
Dear Mr. [REDACTED for Arnold]:
Quite obviously you have been ribbed so much you’d like to forget the flying saucers—but I’d sure like to have your personal story, your photo, pic of your plane, etc, as I asked before. And you won’t be made to look silly, because there’s more to this than the newspapers and the “experts” have made of it.
Besides the article, I have another proposition. You seem to get around quite a bit, and if you can make a trip to Tacoma, Washington at all feasible, I’d be willing to pay expenses plus a nice amount to make it worth your while.
I’d want you to see [REDACTED], Fern Hill Station, Tacoma, and [REDACTED] owner of the [REDACTED]. [REDACTED] and two other seamen, on a patrol near Murry Island, off Tacoma, saw six discs, one in trouble, witnessed an explosion, saw falling stuff which smashed their wheelhouse and searchlight and landed on the beach. They sent me samples which Chicago U has failed to analyze. I want a picture of the beach and the stuff that landed there (about twenty tons, they said). And I want somebody who’ll get the truth to find out if these boys are on the up and up. You could do that. I hope you will. If agreeable, please write and perhaps we can talk business. I think you’d like to prove this thing too!
Anyway, I still want that article!
Sincerely yours,
[REDACATED for RAY PALMER]
305 Studio Building
1718 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, Illinois
[REDACTED for Mr. Kenneth Arnold]
Boise, Idaho
July 22, 1947
Dear Mr. [REDACTED for Arnold]:
Quite obviously you have been ribbed so much you’d like to forget the flying saucers—but I’d sure like to have your personal story, your photo, pic of your plane, etc, as I asked before. And you won’t be made to look silly, because there’s more to this than the newspapers and the “experts” have made of it.
Besides the article, I have another proposition. You seem to get around quite a bit, and if you can make a trip to Tacoma, Washington at all feasible, I’d be willing to pay expenses plus a nice amount to make it worth your while.
I’d want you to see [REDACTED], Fern Hill Station, Tacoma, and [REDACTED] owner of the [REDACTED]. [REDACTED] and two other seamen, on a patrol near Murry Island, off Tacoma, saw six discs, one in trouble, witnessed an explosion, saw falling stuff which smashed their wheelhouse and searchlight and landed on the beach. They sent me samples which Chicago U has failed to analyze. I want a picture of the beach and the stuff that landed there (about twenty tons, they said). And I want somebody who’ll get the truth to find out if these boys are on the up and up. You could do that. I hope you will. If agreeable, please write and perhaps we can talk business. I think you’d like to prove this thing too!
Anyway, I still want that article!
Sincerely yours,
[REDACATED for RAY PALMER]
Telegram from Idaho Statesman Report Dave Johnson to Lt. Frank M. Brown
BOISE, IDA JULY 29 1947 255 PM
LT. FRANK M. BROWN, A-2 (RPT A-2)
OFFICE 4TH AIRFORCE HAMILTON FIELD CALIF.
VENTURE PRESS [REDACTED] [REDACTED] EVANSTON ILL.
[REDACTED FOR “PALMER”] SENT ARNOLD $200 TO GO TO TACOMA TO INVESTIGATE FLYING DISC REPORT THERE. SUGGEST THIS OUT OF LINE FOR PRESENT PUBLIC INTEREST IN STORY AND BELIEVE AS I SUGGESTED ON YOUR VISIT HERE VENTURE PRESS SHOULD BE CHECKED
[REDACTED FOR DAVID JOHNSON]
305 1718 $200
308P
LT. FRANK M. BROWN, A-2 (RPT A-2)
OFFICE 4TH AIRFORCE HAMILTON FIELD CALIF.
VENTURE PRESS [REDACTED] [REDACTED] EVANSTON ILL.
[REDACTED FOR “PALMER”] SENT ARNOLD $200 TO GO TO TACOMA TO INVESTIGATE FLYING DISC REPORT THERE. SUGGEST THIS OUT OF LINE FOR PRESENT PUBLIC INTEREST IN STORY AND BELIEVE AS I SUGGESTED ON YOUR VISIT HERE VENTURE PRESS SHOULD BE CHECKED
[REDACTED FOR DAVID JOHNSON]
305 1718 $200
308P
FBI Teletype
FBI PORTLAND 8-5-47 8-50 PM HHS
DIRECTOR AND SACS SEATTLE AND SAN FRANCISCO U R G E N T
FLYING DISCS, SM DASH X. RE TELEPHONE CALL FROM MR. LADD, ONE PM TODAY REQUESTING TELETYPE SUMMARY CONCERNING NEWSPAPER REPORTS OF RECENT REPORTED FLYING DISCS IN PORTLAND AREA AND A REPORTED CONFERENCE OF ARMY OFFICIALS CONCERNING FLYING DISCS. [REDACTED] THE OREGONIAN, ADVISED THAT A CAPTAIN WILLIAM L. DAVIDSON AND LT. FRANK M. BROWN OF FOURTH AAF HEADQUARTERS SAN FRANCISCO WERE IN PORTLAND JULY TWENTYSEVEN LAST AND INTERVIEWED [REDACTED] AN EXPERIENCED PILOT, WHO HAD REPORTED JUNE FOURTEEN LAST SEEING A FORMATION OF TEN FLYING DISCS OVER BAKERSFIELD, CALIF. ACCORDING TO [REDACTED] THEY HAD ALSO INTERVIEWED FOLLOWING FOUR EXPERIENCED PILOTS WHO WERE AMONG FIRST WHO REPORTED SEEING DISCS – [REDACTED] TO ASCERTAIN THE PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEWS [REDACTED] CONTACTED MAJOR GENERAL TWINING OF WRIGHT FIELD, OHIO BY PHONE AT ALBUQUERQUE, NM, AND FROM HIM GAINED THE IMPRESSION THAT THE AAF INSTITUTED THIS INVESTIGATION TO WASH OUT THE DISC REPORTS, SINCE THEY ARE DEFINITELY NOT OF AAF ORIGIN. ON FRIDAY, AUGUST FIRST, THE PLANE IN WHICH AAF INVESTIGATORS CAPTAIN DAVIDSON AND LT. BROWN WERE RIDING, CRASHED AT KELSO, WASH. AND BOTH WERE KILLED. THE WRECKAGE WAS SCREENED BY AAF INTELLIGENCE FROM MCCHORD FIELD. THE TACOMA NEWS TRIBUNE AND THROUGH THEM THE UNITED PRESS PUT OUT A STORY THE PLANE WAS CARRYING PARTS OF A DISC WHICH HAD STRUCK A BOAT OWNED BY HAROLD DAHL AND FRED CRISMAN, TACOMA, WN. [REDACTED] ADVISED THAT TODAY’S ISSUE OF THE OREGONIAN CARRIES A UP STORY STATING THAT DAHL DENIES SAYING THE METAL FRAGMENTS HE FURNISHED WERE FROM A DISC, AND ANALYSIS OF THE FRAGMENTS SHOWS THEM TO BE FROM A TACOMA SLAG MILL. NO AAF INTELLIGENCE PERSONNEL AVAILABLE PORTLAND. NO RECENT SUBSTANTIVE REPORTS OF FLYING DISCS IN THE PORTLAND AREA. SEATTLE VERIFY AT MCCHORD FIELD AND SAN FRANCISCO VERIFY AT AAF HDQRTS. SF, SUBMITTING TELETYPE SUMMARIES TO THE BUREAU. NO FURTHER INVESTIGATION PORTLAND.
BOBBITT
END AND ACK
WA 0157AM OK FBI WA DW
SE
S OK FBI SE KLS
SF OK FBI SF NCW
DVIMSC
DIRECTOR AND SACS SEATTLE AND SAN FRANCISCO U R G E N T
FLYING DISCS, SM DASH X. RE TELEPHONE CALL FROM MR. LADD, ONE PM TODAY REQUESTING TELETYPE SUMMARY CONCERNING NEWSPAPER REPORTS OF RECENT REPORTED FLYING DISCS IN PORTLAND AREA AND A REPORTED CONFERENCE OF ARMY OFFICIALS CONCERNING FLYING DISCS. [REDACTED] THE OREGONIAN, ADVISED THAT A CAPTAIN WILLIAM L. DAVIDSON AND LT. FRANK M. BROWN OF FOURTH AAF HEADQUARTERS SAN FRANCISCO WERE IN PORTLAND JULY TWENTYSEVEN LAST AND INTERVIEWED [REDACTED] AN EXPERIENCED PILOT, WHO HAD REPORTED JUNE FOURTEEN LAST SEEING A FORMATION OF TEN FLYING DISCS OVER BAKERSFIELD, CALIF. ACCORDING TO [REDACTED] THEY HAD ALSO INTERVIEWED FOLLOWING FOUR EXPERIENCED PILOTS WHO WERE AMONG FIRST WHO REPORTED SEEING DISCS – [REDACTED] TO ASCERTAIN THE PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEWS [REDACTED] CONTACTED MAJOR GENERAL TWINING OF WRIGHT FIELD, OHIO BY PHONE AT ALBUQUERQUE, NM, AND FROM HIM GAINED THE IMPRESSION THAT THE AAF INSTITUTED THIS INVESTIGATION TO WASH OUT THE DISC REPORTS, SINCE THEY ARE DEFINITELY NOT OF AAF ORIGIN. ON FRIDAY, AUGUST FIRST, THE PLANE IN WHICH AAF INVESTIGATORS CAPTAIN DAVIDSON AND LT. BROWN WERE RIDING, CRASHED AT KELSO, WASH. AND BOTH WERE KILLED. THE WRECKAGE WAS SCREENED BY AAF INTELLIGENCE FROM MCCHORD FIELD. THE TACOMA NEWS TRIBUNE AND THROUGH THEM THE UNITED PRESS PUT OUT A STORY THE PLANE WAS CARRYING PARTS OF A DISC WHICH HAD STRUCK A BOAT OWNED BY HAROLD DAHL AND FRED CRISMAN, TACOMA, WN. [REDACTED] ADVISED THAT TODAY’S ISSUE OF THE OREGONIAN CARRIES A UP STORY STATING THAT DAHL DENIES SAYING THE METAL FRAGMENTS HE FURNISHED WERE FROM A DISC, AND ANALYSIS OF THE FRAGMENTS SHOWS THEM TO BE FROM A TACOMA SLAG MILL. NO AAF INTELLIGENCE PERSONNEL AVAILABLE PORTLAND. NO RECENT SUBSTANTIVE REPORTS OF FLYING DISCS IN THE PORTLAND AREA. SEATTLE VERIFY AT MCCHORD FIELD AND SAN FRANCISCO VERIFY AT AAF HDQRTS. SF, SUBMITTING TELETYPE SUMMARIES TO THE BUREAU. NO FURTHER INVESTIGATION PORTLAND.
BOBBITT
END AND ACK
WA 0157AM OK FBI WA DW
SE
S OK FBI SE KLS
SF OK FBI SF NCW
DVIMSC
Letter from Raymond Palmer to Kenneth Arnold
VENTURE PRESS
305 Studio Building
1718 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, Illinois
August 5, 1947
Mr. [REDACTED for Kenneth Arnold]
Boise, Idaho
Dear Mr. [REDACTED for Arnold]:
It seems that Mr. [REDACTED] of the Chicago Times got the story from Mr. [REDACTED], because he called me, told me he was running it. I knew only what you’d told me over the phone. Now, it seems the newspapers are pestering the very devil out of all you fellows. [REDACTED] wired me for instructions, and I told him to say nothing to the newspapers, because he’ll look silly if the army explains this as “meteors” or something like that.
I don’t blame you for being alarmed, but I trust you’ve had no trouble in your flying since then. Let’s get that straight—there’s no horrible plot involved. It’s probably true that the two men killed were just accidents. It could be true that it was not an accident, but I don’t think there was any connection with the disks, or anything of that nature, nor is the material from Murray Island to blame.
Certainly I don’t think you’d suffer from completing your report on your mission, and sending me your affidavit. Also, you’ll have some money coming for that, and no sense to tossing that out of the window. It is unfortunate that the thing seemed so big you had to call in army intelligence, but it will take them a long time to proceed to the point I’ve reached in this disk mystery. You see, you aren’t the first to see them. They’ve been known for nearly forty years, and I have ample proof of that. But your experience was the first real break toward a solution. I’d hate to have you drop the matter when all remaining to do is to file your report with me.
[REDACTED] is willing to contribute his share. I hope you will too. This thing must not be hushed up and forgotten. It’s much too important to the people of America, if not the world. And no censorship of the matter is legal. You needn’t fear that angle. You certainly did a bang-up job of investigation, also you wrote one of the best articles about your June 24 experience I’ve ever seen. Please do the same on this last business. You owe it to those two men who were killed.
I’d also like to know what developed on those pictures you took of those “ducks”, or whatever they were.
In short, I’d like to have you continue to keep in contact with me, and relay to me anything further you learn.
In turn, I’ll give you the whole story, which I’m just about ready to break (not in the newspapers). And if it was as dangerous as you seem to suspect, I’m afraid I’d have been a corpse long ago!
But, and this is all you need remember, those disks are not red corpuscles in your eyeball, and they are not something we can forget about with an ostrich in the sand attitude. We’ve got to solve them, public hysteria or no. As for that hysteria, if laughing is hysteria, that’s all the hysteria I’ve noticed.
You know your business, and you handled it like a major. But I’m hoping you do the easy part now and get that report on paper.
A check for your June 24 article is going out to you.
Sincerely yours,
[REDACTED for RAYMOND PALMER]
305 Studio Building
1718 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, Illinois
August 5, 1947
Mr. [REDACTED for Kenneth Arnold]
Boise, Idaho
Dear Mr. [REDACTED for Arnold]:
It seems that Mr. [REDACTED] of the Chicago Times got the story from Mr. [REDACTED], because he called me, told me he was running it. I knew only what you’d told me over the phone. Now, it seems the newspapers are pestering the very devil out of all you fellows. [REDACTED] wired me for instructions, and I told him to say nothing to the newspapers, because he’ll look silly if the army explains this as “meteors” or something like that.
I don’t blame you for being alarmed, but I trust you’ve had no trouble in your flying since then. Let’s get that straight—there’s no horrible plot involved. It’s probably true that the two men killed were just accidents. It could be true that it was not an accident, but I don’t think there was any connection with the disks, or anything of that nature, nor is the material from Murray Island to blame.
Certainly I don’t think you’d suffer from completing your report on your mission, and sending me your affidavit. Also, you’ll have some money coming for that, and no sense to tossing that out of the window. It is unfortunate that the thing seemed so big you had to call in army intelligence, but it will take them a long time to proceed to the point I’ve reached in this disk mystery. You see, you aren’t the first to see them. They’ve been known for nearly forty years, and I have ample proof of that. But your experience was the first real break toward a solution. I’d hate to have you drop the matter when all remaining to do is to file your report with me.
[REDACTED] is willing to contribute his share. I hope you will too. This thing must not be hushed up and forgotten. It’s much too important to the people of America, if not the world. And no censorship of the matter is legal. You needn’t fear that angle. You certainly did a bang-up job of investigation, also you wrote one of the best articles about your June 24 experience I’ve ever seen. Please do the same on this last business. You owe it to those two men who were killed.
I’d also like to know what developed on those pictures you took of those “ducks”, or whatever they were.
In short, I’d like to have you continue to keep in contact with me, and relay to me anything further you learn.
In turn, I’ll give you the whole story, which I’m just about ready to break (not in the newspapers). And if it was as dangerous as you seem to suspect, I’m afraid I’d have been a corpse long ago!
But, and this is all you need remember, those disks are not red corpuscles in your eyeball, and they are not something we can forget about with an ostrich in the sand attitude. We’ve got to solve them, public hysteria or no. As for that hysteria, if laughing is hysteria, that’s all the hysteria I’ve noticed.
You know your business, and you handled it like a major. But I’m hoping you do the easy part now and get that report on paper.
A check for your June 24 article is going out to you.
Sincerely yours,
[REDACTED for RAYMOND PALMER]
FBI Memorandum
DATE: August 6, 1947
TO: D. M. LADD
FROM: [REDACTED]
SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS
Special Agent [REDACTED] of the Liaison Section contacted Lieutenant Colonel [REDACTED], Army Air Forces Intelligence, inquiring about an article which appeared in the West Coast newspapers recently stating in substance that an airplane carrying recovered flying saucers crashed in route from Portland, Oregon, to Los Angeles, California.
[REDACTED] advised [REDACTED] that the only information that has been received by Headquarters of the Army Air Forces is that a CIC Agent of the 4th Air Forces Headquarters, Hamilton Field, San Francisco, was killed in an airplane crash. The Headquarters of the Air Forces have been advised that he was on a top secret mission. [REDACTED] indicated that he was under the impression that the CIC Agent was either on route to or from an interview with [REDACTED for Kenneth Arnold] who is one of the individuals who first saw one of the flying saucers.
[REDACTED] stated that the Air Forces have no additional information and will receive none until the report is received from the 4th Air Forces. [REDACTED] suggested that the San Francisco Field Office contact Colonel [REDACTED] Headquarters 4th Air Forces, Hamilton Field, San Francisco, who undoubtedly would be able to furnish the details regarding this matter which are at this time unknown by the Headquarters of the Air Forces. [REDACTED] pointed out to [REDACTED], however, that it was his belief that no flying saucers have been recovered but that it was merely an attempt to reinterview an individual who previously had reported seeing one of the flying saucers.
SWR:rnr
TO: D. M. LADD
FROM: [REDACTED]
SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS
Special Agent [REDACTED] of the Liaison Section contacted Lieutenant Colonel [REDACTED], Army Air Forces Intelligence, inquiring about an article which appeared in the West Coast newspapers recently stating in substance that an airplane carrying recovered flying saucers crashed in route from Portland, Oregon, to Los Angeles, California.
[REDACTED] advised [REDACTED] that the only information that has been received by Headquarters of the Army Air Forces is that a CIC Agent of the 4th Air Forces Headquarters, Hamilton Field, San Francisco, was killed in an airplane crash. The Headquarters of the Air Forces have been advised that he was on a top secret mission. [REDACTED] indicated that he was under the impression that the CIC Agent was either on route to or from an interview with [REDACTED for Kenneth Arnold] who is one of the individuals who first saw one of the flying saucers.
[REDACTED] stated that the Air Forces have no additional information and will receive none until the report is received from the 4th Air Forces. [REDACTED] suggested that the San Francisco Field Office contact Colonel [REDACTED] Headquarters 4th Air Forces, Hamilton Field, San Francisco, who undoubtedly would be able to furnish the details regarding this matter which are at this time unknown by the Headquarters of the Air Forces. [REDACTED] pointed out to [REDACTED], however, that it was his belief that no flying saucers have been recovered but that it was merely an attempt to reinterview an individual who previously had reported seeing one of the flying saucers.
SWR:rnr
Affidavit of Fred Crisman and Harold Dahl
August 7, 1947
HAROLD A. DAHL and FRED CRISMAN make the following foluntary (sic) statement to SAC [REDACTED] of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In the early part of June 1947 we picked up some strange rock formations from a gravel pit on Maury Island, Washington. We sent a box (cigar) of these fragments to RAY PALMER of Venture Magazine at Evanston Illinois to have it analyzed.
Later PALMER wrote and asked for additional samples stating that he had failed to have them analyzed.
Around the later part of June a few days after the first disc stories started PALMER contacted us by phone. He told us not to tell the newspapers about the fragments and he would pay for an exclusive story if the fragments could be from a flying disc.
One of us told him the fragments could have been from a flying disc.
Just after our phone conversation HAROLD DAHL wrote a letter to RAY PALMER setting out some notes etc. regarding the fragments and indicating they could have come from flying discs.
The next thing we heard was about the first of July when we got a Trans Ocean Press telegram from Chicago asking about these flying disc fragments. We told them to forget the entire matter.
The next we heard of these fragments was when we were called by KENNETH ARNOLD to meet with him in the Winthrop Hotel on July 31, 1947.
We told him exactly how we had found the fragments and had forwarded them to PALMER to be analyzed.
The above is the entire and true story as regards our connection with the flying disc stories et cetera. Which originated over the ore samples which we sent to be analyzed.
HAROLD A. DAHL and FRED CRISMAN make the following foluntary (sic) statement to SAC [REDACTED] of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In the early part of June 1947 we picked up some strange rock formations from a gravel pit on Maury Island, Washington. We sent a box (cigar) of these fragments to RAY PALMER of Venture Magazine at Evanston Illinois to have it analyzed.
Later PALMER wrote and asked for additional samples stating that he had failed to have them analyzed.
Around the later part of June a few days after the first disc stories started PALMER contacted us by phone. He told us not to tell the newspapers about the fragments and he would pay for an exclusive story if the fragments could be from a flying disc.
One of us told him the fragments could have been from a flying disc.
Just after our phone conversation HAROLD DAHL wrote a letter to RAY PALMER setting out some notes etc. regarding the fragments and indicating they could have come from flying discs.
The next thing we heard was about the first of July when we got a Trans Ocean Press telegram from Chicago asking about these flying disc fragments. We told them to forget the entire matter.
The next we heard of these fragments was when we were called by KENNETH ARNOLD to meet with him in the Winthrop Hotel on July 31, 1947.
We told him exactly how we had found the fragments and had forwarded them to PALMER to be analyzed.
The above is the entire and true story as regards our connection with the flying disc stories et cetera. Which originated over the ore samples which we sent to be analyzed.
August 1947 Affidavit
Note: The following excerpt from an undated August 1947 affidavit relates the testimony of an unnamed witness to Kenneth Arnold’s statements about Ray Palmer during a meeting with Lt. Brown and Cpt. Davidson.
At this point, Mr. [REDACTED for ARNOLD] clarified for me as to the reason he was investigating this story. Mr. [REDACTED for ARNOLD] stated that he received a letter from a Mr. [REDACTED for RAYMOND PALMER], [REDACTED, probably for his magazine affiliation], Evanston, Illinois. The gist of this letter was that Mr. [REDACTED for PALMER] received a letter from Mr. [REDACTED for DAHL] and [REDACTED for CRISMAN], also a package of these fragments that were found on Maury Island. Mr. [REDACTED for PALMER] also made a statement in the letter that the Chicago University failed to analyze these fragments and that would Mr. [REDACTED for ARNOLD] please investigate the story. Mr. [REDACTED for ARNOLD] was sent a Western Union check for $200.00 to take care of any expense that he might incur while making this investigation.
At this point, Mr. [REDACTED for ARNOLD] clarified for me as to the reason he was investigating this story. Mr. [REDACTED for ARNOLD] stated that he received a letter from a Mr. [REDACTED for RAYMOND PALMER], [REDACTED, probably for his magazine affiliation], Evanston, Illinois. The gist of this letter was that Mr. [REDACTED for PALMER] received a letter from Mr. [REDACTED for DAHL] and [REDACTED for CRISMAN], also a package of these fragments that were found on Maury Island. Mr. [REDACTED for PALMER] also made a statement in the letter that the Chicago University failed to analyze these fragments and that would Mr. [REDACTED for ARNOLD] please investigate the story. Mr. [REDACTED for ARNOLD] was sent a Western Union check for $200.00 to take care of any expense that he might incur while making this investigation.
FBI Memorandum to D. M. Ladd
DATE: 8-8-47
TO: D. M. LADD
FROM: [REDACTED]
SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS AND FLYING DISCS
Reference is made to the memorandum to you from the Liaison Section dated July 27, 1947, setting forth a request from Colonel [REDACTED for GOLDBRANSON] of the Intelligence Division of the War Department for the Bureau to conduct an investigation to determine the origin of the flying discs.
OBSERVATIONS:
It is felt that the situation regarding these flying saucers and flying disks is very similar to the situation which was previously encountered by the Bureau during the past war in handling complaints arising out of the sightings of Japanese balloons. You will recall that at the inception of these complaints the Bureau conducted considerable investigation and located numerous balloons as a cooperative measure for the Army then informed that these were military weapons and that they would take over the handling of these completely. This they did and in an extremely short time issued a big press release as to the splendid work of the Army in locating these Japanese balloons. From the information available thus far it does not appear that these disks should be treated other than as a military weapon. Certainly the Bureau has no way to determine what experiments the Army and Navy are conducting and whether such might be arising out of experiments being conducted by them, nor do we have any way of determining how far the Russians have progressed in certain experiments and whether such might be the results of experiments by the Russian Army. It (sic) short, it would certainly appear that this is a military situation and should be handled strictly by military authorities.
In this connection it might be pointed out that our present Portland case arose out of the fact that two Army Intelligence officers were returning from an interview of two individuals who reportedly had seen flying discs. If the Army Intelligence officers are handling some of these interviews, it is believed that they should be handling all of these interviews, and it is not believed that the Bureau should be expending its precious manpower on these complaints which thus far have no connection with our Russian espionage program. The military authorities are certainly better equipped to know what they are looking for than we are and have more facilities for handling any material which it is necessary to examine as a result of its being reported as a remnant of a flying disc. It is believed that the Bureau is merely playing bird-dog for the Army by using our manpower to run out these complaints on flying discs.
ACTION:
In view of the recent Bureau Bulletin #42 dated July 30, 1947, however, there is attached a letter to the Chicago Office asking that they conduct the requested investigation.
Attachment.
RGF:mae
TO: D. M. LADD
FROM: [REDACTED]
SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS AND FLYING DISCS
Reference is made to the memorandum to you from the Liaison Section dated July 27, 1947, setting forth a request from Colonel [REDACTED for GOLDBRANSON] of the Intelligence Division of the War Department for the Bureau to conduct an investigation to determine the origin of the flying discs.
OBSERVATIONS:
It is felt that the situation regarding these flying saucers and flying disks is very similar to the situation which was previously encountered by the Bureau during the past war in handling complaints arising out of the sightings of Japanese balloons. You will recall that at the inception of these complaints the Bureau conducted considerable investigation and located numerous balloons as a cooperative measure for the Army then informed that these were military weapons and that they would take over the handling of these completely. This they did and in an extremely short time issued a big press release as to the splendid work of the Army in locating these Japanese balloons. From the information available thus far it does not appear that these disks should be treated other than as a military weapon. Certainly the Bureau has no way to determine what experiments the Army and Navy are conducting and whether such might be arising out of experiments being conducted by them, nor do we have any way of determining how far the Russians have progressed in certain experiments and whether such might be the results of experiments by the Russian Army. It (sic) short, it would certainly appear that this is a military situation and should be handled strictly by military authorities.
In this connection it might be pointed out that our present Portland case arose out of the fact that two Army Intelligence officers were returning from an interview of two individuals who reportedly had seen flying discs. If the Army Intelligence officers are handling some of these interviews, it is believed that they should be handling all of these interviews, and it is not believed that the Bureau should be expending its precious manpower on these complaints which thus far have no connection with our Russian espionage program. The military authorities are certainly better equipped to know what they are looking for than we are and have more facilities for handling any material which it is necessary to examine as a result of its being reported as a remnant of a flying disc. It is believed that the Bureau is merely playing bird-dog for the Army by using our manpower to run out these complaints on flying discs.
ACTION:
In view of the recent Bureau Bulletin #42 dated July 30, 1947, however, there is attached a letter to the Chicago Office asking that they conduct the requested investigation.
Attachment.
RGF:mae
FBI Communication to the Chicago Field Division
August 11, 1947
TO: SAC, Chicago
FROM: Director, FBI
SUBJECT: Flying Discs
The War Department has furnished this Bureau with the following telegram dated July 5, at New York, New York:
TO: SAC, Chicago
FROM: Director, FBI
SUBJECT: Flying Discs
The War Department has furnished this Bureau with the following telegram dated July 5, at New York, New York:
FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONCERNING FLYING DISKS SUGGEST IMMEDIATE CONTACT OF [REDACTED words “RICHARD SHAVER OF LILY LAKE,”] ILLINOIS WHO MAY HAVE IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING THEIR ORIGIN.
The War Department has furnished a memorandum entitled “Report on Flying Saucers”, dated July 7, 1947, addressed to Commanding General, 32d AAF Base Unit, Bolling Field, Washington, D.C., from John D. Schindler, Jr., two copies of which are attached. The War Department has stated that the incidents referred to in the attached memorandum are in the general vicinity of [REDACTED for “Lily Lake”], which was given as the address of [REDACTED for “Richard Shaver”] in the above telegram.
It is therefore desired that the Chicago Field Division conduct appropriate inquiries regarding [REDACTED for “Shaver”], and in the event such inquiries do not reveal information indicating that he should not be interviewed, he should be interrogated for any information he might have relative to flying discs. It is advised that this matter be handled as soon as possible and the Bureau promptly advised.
Enclosure
RGF:mae
It is therefore desired that the Chicago Field Division conduct appropriate inquiries regarding [REDACTED for “Shaver”], and in the event such inquiries do not reveal information indicating that he should not be interviewed, he should be interrogated for any information he might have relative to flying discs. It is advised that this matter be handled as soon as possible and the Bureau promptly advised.
Enclosure
RGF:mae
Report of Special Agent Jack B. Wilcox
Note: Due to the length of the original document, I have transcribed only a few relevant section of Jack B. Wilcox’s August 19 report (August 18 on the cover page) on the involvement of Fred Crisman and Harold Dahl in the “flying disc” debris on Murray Island, specifically sections related to Ray Palmer’s involvement. The Project Bluebook copy of the report contains different redactions from the FBI version, and where names are un-redacted there, they have been restored here.
August 18, 1947
Director, FBI
RE: FLYING DISCS SIGHTED BY [REDACTED for FRED CRISMAN AND HAROLD DAHL]
TACOMA, WASHINGTON
SM-X
Dear Sir:
The following, in general, are the facts regarding the flying disc story that started by [REDACTED for FRED CRISMAN and HAROLD DAHL,] which subsequently resulted in news stories by the Tacoma Times, the Boise Statesman and the Chicago Times that a B-25 carrying Army Intelligence officers was shot down or sabotaged over Kelso, Washington on August 1, 1947 because it was carrying some flying disc fragments.
The original story, as related by [REDACTED for FRED CRISMAN and HAROLD DAHL], was to the effect that [REDACTED for DAHL] while patrolling in his boat near Maury Island, Washington, sighted six flying discs, one of which fluttered to the earth and disintegrated, showering his boat with fragments which caused some damage to the boat and killed his dog. [REDACTED for HAROLD DAHL] wrote a letter to RAY PALMER of Ziff-Davis Company, which publishes fantastic adventure magazines in Chicago, sending him fragments of the flying disc and relating the above story. PALMER requested Trans-Radio News in Chicago to verify the story as related by [REDACTED for FRED CRISMAN AND HAROLD DAHL]. [REDACTED] telegraphed [REDACTED for Palmer] confirming [REDACTED for DAHL]’s story. PALMER then engaged [REDACTED for KENNETH ARNOLD] of Boise, Idaho, who was the first to report sighting the flying disc and whom PALMER had previously made a contract for a story regarding the flying disc, to come to Tacoma and check the story as related by [REDACTED for CRISMAN and DAHL].
[…]
Five anonymous calls were received by a [REDACTED] and the [REDACTED], Tacoma, between 11:30 A.M., July 31, 1947 and 5:30 P.M., August 2, 1947. […] Information gathered would indicate that the anonymous phone calls were possibly made by [REDACTED for HAROLD DAHL] in order to build up the flying disc story to the point where they could make a profitable sale of the story to PALMER, Chicago, Illinois. No facts have been developed which would definitely prove that [REDACTED for DAHL] made these calls. However, from all facts and information gathered, it appears he is probably the most likely to have made the anonymous calls.
[…]
On August 7, 1947 [REDACTED for FRED CRISMAN and HAROLD DAHL] were interviewed at the Tacoma resident agency office. Both [REDACTED for CRISMAN and DAHL] at first denied any knowledge of how the rock formations which they had picked up to have alalyzed (sic) became connected with the flying disc stories. Both denied making any statement to anyone that these rock formations were portions of a disc fragment. It was apparent from the start of the interview that [REDACTED for DAHL] and [REDACTED for CRISMAN] were not telling their complete and true connection with the flying disc story. They refused to give any definite information as to what they said or had done which caused them to become involved in a flying disc story, but gave evasive answers and repeatedly stated that they had nothing to do with it and were at a loss to understand how they became connected with the flying disc story. After considerable questioning, they stated in the early part of June they sent to RAY PALMER of the Ziff-Davis Publishing Company which publishes the Fantasy magazine in Chicago and the Venture magazine in Evanston, Illinois, some rock formations which they had found on Maury Island. They stated that they sent these formations, asking PALMER to have them analyzed. They stated that later PALMER wrote and asked for more samples, advising he had failed to analyze the samples. [REDACTED for DAHL and CRISMAN] stated they have never sent any additional samples and that the next they heard regarding the rock formations which they had sent PALMER was when he called [REDACTED] and asked if the rock formations could have come from a flying disc. [REDACTED for DAHL] stated he made some remark that they possibly could have come from a flying disc and that he immediately sat down and wrote a letter to PALMER, which was in the latter part of June in which he stated the material could have been portions of a flying disc. [REDACTED for DAHL] claimed that he thought he told PALMER over the phone something about being in his boat when he obtained these rock formations, but stated he could not recall what he had written to PALMER and claimed that he passed the whole thing off as a joke. [REDACTED for CRISMAN and DAHL] were questioned at length in an attempt to obtain specific information as to exactly what each one had done with regard to the rock formations. However, each stated that the only thing he had done was tell PALMER the formations could have come from a flying disc in view of the fact it appeared “that’s what he wanted them to say.” No definite information could be obtained from either [REDACTED for DAHL or CRISMAN] as to what each specifically had done to start the flying disc story.
August 18, 1947
Director, FBI
RE: FLYING DISCS SIGHTED BY [REDACTED for FRED CRISMAN AND HAROLD DAHL]
TACOMA, WASHINGTON
SM-X
Dear Sir:
The following, in general, are the facts regarding the flying disc story that started by [REDACTED for FRED CRISMAN and HAROLD DAHL,] which subsequently resulted in news stories by the Tacoma Times, the Boise Statesman and the Chicago Times that a B-25 carrying Army Intelligence officers was shot down or sabotaged over Kelso, Washington on August 1, 1947 because it was carrying some flying disc fragments.
The original story, as related by [REDACTED for FRED CRISMAN and HAROLD DAHL], was to the effect that [REDACTED for DAHL] while patrolling in his boat near Maury Island, Washington, sighted six flying discs, one of which fluttered to the earth and disintegrated, showering his boat with fragments which caused some damage to the boat and killed his dog. [REDACTED for HAROLD DAHL] wrote a letter to RAY PALMER of Ziff-Davis Company, which publishes fantastic adventure magazines in Chicago, sending him fragments of the flying disc and relating the above story. PALMER requested Trans-Radio News in Chicago to verify the story as related by [REDACTED for FRED CRISMAN AND HAROLD DAHL]. [REDACTED] telegraphed [REDACTED for Palmer] confirming [REDACTED for DAHL]’s story. PALMER then engaged [REDACTED for KENNETH ARNOLD] of Boise, Idaho, who was the first to report sighting the flying disc and whom PALMER had previously made a contract for a story regarding the flying disc, to come to Tacoma and check the story as related by [REDACTED for CRISMAN and DAHL].
[…]
Five anonymous calls were received by a [REDACTED] and the [REDACTED], Tacoma, between 11:30 A.M., July 31, 1947 and 5:30 P.M., August 2, 1947. […] Information gathered would indicate that the anonymous phone calls were possibly made by [REDACTED for HAROLD DAHL] in order to build up the flying disc story to the point where they could make a profitable sale of the story to PALMER, Chicago, Illinois. No facts have been developed which would definitely prove that [REDACTED for DAHL] made these calls. However, from all facts and information gathered, it appears he is probably the most likely to have made the anonymous calls.
[…]
On August 7, 1947 [REDACTED for FRED CRISMAN and HAROLD DAHL] were interviewed at the Tacoma resident agency office. Both [REDACTED for CRISMAN and DAHL] at first denied any knowledge of how the rock formations which they had picked up to have alalyzed (sic) became connected with the flying disc stories. Both denied making any statement to anyone that these rock formations were portions of a disc fragment. It was apparent from the start of the interview that [REDACTED for DAHL] and [REDACTED for CRISMAN] were not telling their complete and true connection with the flying disc story. They refused to give any definite information as to what they said or had done which caused them to become involved in a flying disc story, but gave evasive answers and repeatedly stated that they had nothing to do with it and were at a loss to understand how they became connected with the flying disc story. After considerable questioning, they stated in the early part of June they sent to RAY PALMER of the Ziff-Davis Publishing Company which publishes the Fantasy magazine in Chicago and the Venture magazine in Evanston, Illinois, some rock formations which they had found on Maury Island. They stated that they sent these formations, asking PALMER to have them analyzed. They stated that later PALMER wrote and asked for more samples, advising he had failed to analyze the samples. [REDACTED for DAHL and CRISMAN] stated they have never sent any additional samples and that the next they heard regarding the rock formations which they had sent PALMER was when he called [REDACTED] and asked if the rock formations could have come from a flying disc. [REDACTED for DAHL] stated he made some remark that they possibly could have come from a flying disc and that he immediately sat down and wrote a letter to PALMER, which was in the latter part of June in which he stated the material could have been portions of a flying disc. [REDACTED for DAHL] claimed that he thought he told PALMER over the phone something about being in his boat when he obtained these rock formations, but stated he could not recall what he had written to PALMER and claimed that he passed the whole thing off as a joke. [REDACTED for CRISMAN and DAHL] were questioned at length in an attempt to obtain specific information as to exactly what each one had done with regard to the rock formations. However, each stated that the only thing he had done was tell PALMER the formations could have come from a flying disc in view of the fact it appeared “that’s what he wanted them to say.” No definite information could be obtained from either [REDACTED for DAHL or CRISMAN] as to what each specifically had done to start the flying disc story.
Undated Further Report of the Maury Island Incident (c. 1947)
Note: Two copies of the report appear in the Project Bluebook archive, with different redactions, allowing for the original to be reconstructed through comparison.
MAURY ISLAND, WASHINGTON
June 1947
June 1947
The original sighting as given by Fred Crisman and Harold Dahl was to the effect that Dahl, while patroling in his boat near Maury Island, Washington, sighted six flying discs, one of which fluttered to the earth and disintegrated, showering his boat with fragments which caused some damage to the boat and killed his dog. Dahl also stated that he had taken pictures of the discs he had seen but the pictures were marred with white spots.
The following day Crisman went to Maury Island to verify what Dahl had told him regarding the disc fragments. At this time, Crisman picked up several fragments and stated that he also saw one of the discs hovering over the Island but that it disappeared into a cloud.
Sometime during June or July, Ray Palmer of Ziff-Davis Company, which published fantastic adventure magazines, received a letter from Dahl in which Dahl related his disc story and also submitted some fragments of the alleged flying disc. Ray Palmer then hired Kenneth Arnold to investigate the sighting.
On the evening of July 31, Arnold tried to arrange a meeting between Dahl, Crisman and two Army intelligence officers. Dahl refused to attend the meeting but Crisman attended and related the entire event to them. As the two officers were leaving Crisman gave them some fragments of the alleged disc. Unfortunately, as the two officers were returning to Hamilton AFB, the B-25 in which they were flying crashed and both officers were killed.
The following day several newspapers received anonymous calls to the effect that the B-25 had been shot down by a 20 ram cannon so that the disc samples could not be analyzed and these calls were responsible for the news accounts that insinuated that the B-25 had been sabotaged.
Subsequent investigation revealed that:
In early June, at the request, of the Seattle Post Intelligencer, the Associated Press wireman at Tacoma interviewed Dahl concerning his disc sighting. In the course of this interview, Dahl’s wife stated that the whole thing was a fantasy. Dahl at this time admitted that the whole thing was a hoax.
There was no recent serious damage, if any, to the boat. Upon request, Dahl was unable to produce the photos which he had mentioned earlier to Arnold.
The samples of the “flying disc” were very similar to the slag found at a nearby foundry. Dahl admitted that the sample that was sent to Palmer was not of any disc.
An investigation of the B-25 crash showed that an exhaust stack had burned out on the left engine which caused a fire in the left wing which subsequently broke off the wing and the tail section. The plane at that time was carrying both intelligence officers, a hitch-hiker and a Crew Chief. The Crew Chief and the hitch-hiker parachuted to safety but both intelligence officers were killed.
On August 7, Crisman and Dahl were again interviewed by government representatives. Both denied that the fragments were part of a flying disc. They stated that they had sent some rock samples to Palmer for analysis and that Palmer ahd (sic) asked them if these samples could have been part of a flying disc. Dahl said he passed this all off as a joke. They stated that the rock samples were part of a disc because that’s what Palmer wanted them to say. Crisman stated that they mostly talked to Arnold and the intelligence officers about flying and that no one was very interested in the rock samples they had found.
The case is considered a hoax and no other action was deemed necessary.
The following day Crisman went to Maury Island to verify what Dahl had told him regarding the disc fragments. At this time, Crisman picked up several fragments and stated that he also saw one of the discs hovering over the Island but that it disappeared into a cloud.
Sometime during June or July, Ray Palmer of Ziff-Davis Company, which published fantastic adventure magazines, received a letter from Dahl in which Dahl related his disc story and also submitted some fragments of the alleged flying disc. Ray Palmer then hired Kenneth Arnold to investigate the sighting.
On the evening of July 31, Arnold tried to arrange a meeting between Dahl, Crisman and two Army intelligence officers. Dahl refused to attend the meeting but Crisman attended and related the entire event to them. As the two officers were leaving Crisman gave them some fragments of the alleged disc. Unfortunately, as the two officers were returning to Hamilton AFB, the B-25 in which they were flying crashed and both officers were killed.
The following day several newspapers received anonymous calls to the effect that the B-25 had been shot down by a 20 ram cannon so that the disc samples could not be analyzed and these calls were responsible for the news accounts that insinuated that the B-25 had been sabotaged.
Subsequent investigation revealed that:
In early June, at the request, of the Seattle Post Intelligencer, the Associated Press wireman at Tacoma interviewed Dahl concerning his disc sighting. In the course of this interview, Dahl’s wife stated that the whole thing was a fantasy. Dahl at this time admitted that the whole thing was a hoax.
There was no recent serious damage, if any, to the boat. Upon request, Dahl was unable to produce the photos which he had mentioned earlier to Arnold.
The samples of the “flying disc” were very similar to the slag found at a nearby foundry. Dahl admitted that the sample that was sent to Palmer was not of any disc.
An investigation of the B-25 crash showed that an exhaust stack had burned out on the left engine which caused a fire in the left wing which subsequently broke off the wing and the tail section. The plane at that time was carrying both intelligence officers, a hitch-hiker and a Crew Chief. The Crew Chief and the hitch-hiker parachuted to safety but both intelligence officers were killed.
On August 7, Crisman and Dahl were again interviewed by government representatives. Both denied that the fragments were part of a flying disc. They stated that they had sent some rock samples to Palmer for analysis and that Palmer ahd (sic) asked them if these samples could have been part of a flying disc. Dahl said he passed this all off as a joke. They stated that the rock samples were part of a disc because that’s what Palmer wanted them to say. Crisman stated that they mostly talked to Arnold and the intelligence officers about flying and that no one was very interested in the rock samples they had found.
The case is considered a hoax and no other action was deemed necessary.
FBI Memorandum
DATE: 9-15-47
TO: DIRECTOR
FROM: SAC, San Francisco
SUBJECT: REPORTS OF FLYING DISCS
Reference is made to my letter dated August 26, 1947. Enclosed is a copy of a letter dated September 9, 1947 from Lt. Colonel [REDACTED] of A3, with a memorandum prepared by [REDACTED], 4th Air Force CIC on August 20, 1947 and August 26, 1947. The memorandum contains information regarding observations of [REDACTED] of Sacramento, California.
Also enclosed is a letter dated September 10, 1947, from Colonel [REDACTED] with attachment dated September 9, 1947.
For the information of the Bureau, [REDACTED for KENNETH ARNOLD] of Boise, Idaho, who has been repeatedly interviewed in this matter by A2, has expressed his intention to A3 of selling for publication his detailed account of his investigation of flying discs.
62-2938
DWK.
TO: DIRECTOR
FROM: SAC, San Francisco
SUBJECT: REPORTS OF FLYING DISCS
Reference is made to my letter dated August 26, 1947. Enclosed is a copy of a letter dated September 9, 1947 from Lt. Colonel [REDACTED] of A3, with a memorandum prepared by [REDACTED], 4th Air Force CIC on August 20, 1947 and August 26, 1947. The memorandum contains information regarding observations of [REDACTED] of Sacramento, California.
Also enclosed is a letter dated September 10, 1947, from Colonel [REDACTED] with attachment dated September 9, 1947.
For the information of the Bureau, [REDACTED for KENNETH ARNOLD] of Boise, Idaho, who has been repeatedly interviewed in this matter by A2, has expressed his intention to A3 of selling for publication his detailed account of his investigation of flying discs.
62-2938
DWK.
Report of the Chicago Field Office
DATE: September 20, 1947
TO: Director, FBI
FROM: SAC, Chicago
SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS
[REDACTED] – Informant
Reference is made to your letter dated August 11, 1947 in the above captioned matter.
[REDACTED], Mellenry County, Woodstock, Illinois, advised that he had received no reports of flying discs in the community of Lily Lake, Illinois. He further stated that he had no record or knowledge of [REDACTED for “RICHARD SHAVER”] of Lily Lake.
[REDACTED], Lily Lake, Illinois, advised that he was personally acquainted with [REDACTED for “RICHARD SHAVER”] whom he described as a successful writer of mystery stories. He said he had no information to the effect that SHAVER was mentally unsound and he believed him to be a substantial citizen.
[REDACTED] advised that she had sold property to [REDACTED for SHAVER] on two occasions and was well acquainted with [REDACTED for SHAVER] and his wife. She knew of no derogatory information concerning him.
[REDACTED for RICHARD SHAVER] was interviewed at Lily Lake, Illinois and advised that he was the featured writer of mystery stories for [REDACTED for AMAZING STORIES, probably mistakenly given as AMAZING] magazine, which magazine is edited by [REDACTED for Raymond Palmer] of Chicago Illinois. [REDACTED for SHAVER] at the outset stated that PALMER had told him the FBI would contact him regarding flying discs.
[REDACTED for SHAVER] indicated that the telegram received by the War Department, referred to in referenced letter, was probably sent by one of his readers, unknown to him. He said that he wrote mystery stories based on his firm conviction that under the earth are various caverns formerly inhabited by a super race, who have since fled to other planets. This region of caverns he calls Lemuria. He stated he believes there is valuable machinery and other resources in these caverns. He therefore explained flying discs, which he calls “space ships”, as the mode of travel of the Lemurians coming from other planets to reclaim the valuable machinery. [REDACTED for SHAVER] indicated that his theories had aroused a wide following of readers of [REDACTED for AMAZING STORIES] magazine.
[REDACTED for SHAVER] exhibited an article from an edition of the “Chicago Times” for Sunday, August 5, 1947. The article stated that on June 24, 1947, on Murray Island, off the Washington Coast, there had occurred a mysterious explosion which was believed to have been caused by a guided missile or rocket. It further stated that the date of the explosion was the same date on which one KENNETH ARNOLD, a private pilot, sighted the first flying disc at Boise, Idaho.
[Page 2]
Director, FBI
Re: FLYING DISCS
September 20, 1947
The article went on to state that it was believed at the time that there was some correlation between the flying disc and the Murray Island explosion, and that RAYMOND PALMER, Chicago magazine editor, had employed ARNOLD to investigate and “cover” the Murray Island explosion.
The article went on to state that on August 1, 1947, at Tacoma, Washington, there was a conference among officials of the Army and Navy, who discussed the possible relation between the Murray Island explosion and the appearance of flying discs. ARNOLD was supposed to have been in attendance at this conference. At the conference, authorities brought samples of a lava oxide metal, allegedly taken from the scene of the Murray Island explosion.
The article stated that following the conference, two pilots left by plane for Hamilton Field, California, carrying samples of the lava oxide metal. The article further stated that the plane crashed near Hamilton Field, California, and it was conjectured that the plane had exploded by reason of the combustion of lava oxide metal it carried.
From the newspaper article, it should be noted that [REDACTED for RAYMOND PALMER, ARNOLD]’s employer, was from the start “exploiting” the appearance of the flying discs, possibly to enhance the appeal of [REDACTED for SHAVER’s] stories. It is possible, therefore, that the entire flying disc theory was conceived by [REDACTED, but probably either RAYMOND PALMER or PALMER AND SHAVER].
OAG:lab
100-18999
TO: Director, FBI
FROM: SAC, Chicago
SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS
[REDACTED] – Informant
Reference is made to your letter dated August 11, 1947 in the above captioned matter.
[REDACTED], Mellenry County, Woodstock, Illinois, advised that he had received no reports of flying discs in the community of Lily Lake, Illinois. He further stated that he had no record or knowledge of [REDACTED for “RICHARD SHAVER”] of Lily Lake.
[REDACTED], Lily Lake, Illinois, advised that he was personally acquainted with [REDACTED for “RICHARD SHAVER”] whom he described as a successful writer of mystery stories. He said he had no information to the effect that SHAVER was mentally unsound and he believed him to be a substantial citizen.
[REDACTED] advised that she had sold property to [REDACTED for SHAVER] on two occasions and was well acquainted with [REDACTED for SHAVER] and his wife. She knew of no derogatory information concerning him.
[REDACTED for RICHARD SHAVER] was interviewed at Lily Lake, Illinois and advised that he was the featured writer of mystery stories for [REDACTED for AMAZING STORIES, probably mistakenly given as AMAZING] magazine, which magazine is edited by [REDACTED for Raymond Palmer] of Chicago Illinois. [REDACTED for SHAVER] at the outset stated that PALMER had told him the FBI would contact him regarding flying discs.
[REDACTED for SHAVER] indicated that the telegram received by the War Department, referred to in referenced letter, was probably sent by one of his readers, unknown to him. He said that he wrote mystery stories based on his firm conviction that under the earth are various caverns formerly inhabited by a super race, who have since fled to other planets. This region of caverns he calls Lemuria. He stated he believes there is valuable machinery and other resources in these caverns. He therefore explained flying discs, which he calls “space ships”, as the mode of travel of the Lemurians coming from other planets to reclaim the valuable machinery. [REDACTED for SHAVER] indicated that his theories had aroused a wide following of readers of [REDACTED for AMAZING STORIES] magazine.
[REDACTED for SHAVER] exhibited an article from an edition of the “Chicago Times” for Sunday, August 5, 1947. The article stated that on June 24, 1947, on Murray Island, off the Washington Coast, there had occurred a mysterious explosion which was believed to have been caused by a guided missile or rocket. It further stated that the date of the explosion was the same date on which one KENNETH ARNOLD, a private pilot, sighted the first flying disc at Boise, Idaho.
[Page 2]
Director, FBI
Re: FLYING DISCS
September 20, 1947
The article went on to state that it was believed at the time that there was some correlation between the flying disc and the Murray Island explosion, and that RAYMOND PALMER, Chicago magazine editor, had employed ARNOLD to investigate and “cover” the Murray Island explosion.
The article went on to state that on August 1, 1947, at Tacoma, Washington, there was a conference among officials of the Army and Navy, who discussed the possible relation between the Murray Island explosion and the appearance of flying discs. ARNOLD was supposed to have been in attendance at this conference. At the conference, authorities brought samples of a lava oxide metal, allegedly taken from the scene of the Murray Island explosion.
The article stated that following the conference, two pilots left by plane for Hamilton Field, California, carrying samples of the lava oxide metal. The article further stated that the plane crashed near Hamilton Field, California, and it was conjectured that the plane had exploded by reason of the combustion of lava oxide metal it carried.
From the newspaper article, it should be noted that [REDACTED for RAYMOND PALMER, ARNOLD]’s employer, was from the start “exploiting” the appearance of the flying discs, possibly to enhance the appeal of [REDACTED for SHAVER’s] stories. It is possible, therefore, that the entire flying disc theory was conceived by [REDACTED, but probably either RAYMOND PALMER or PALMER AND SHAVER].
OAG:lab
100-18999