1947 FBI “Flying Discs” Investigation Timeline
Section 2 Records

Overview

This FBI Section 2 file contains some of the earliest known federal records related to the 1947 “Flying Discs” phenomenon that emerged across the United States during the summer of 1947. The file includes FBI memoranda, teletypes, witness interviews, military intelligence coordination, civilian correspondence sent directly to J. Edgar Hoover, and investigative referrals involving the Army Air Forces. Several records concern the now-famous Maury Island incident, reported sightings across multiple states, and allegations involving recovered debris and experimental aircraft.  

July 5, 1947

• A telegram received in New York recommended immediate contact with Richard P. Shaver of Lily Lake, Illinois regarding possible information about the origin of “Flying Saucers.”
• The communication stated Shaver may possess “important information” concerning the phenomenon. Source: Telegram referenced in FBI memorandum.  

July 7, 1947

• An Army Air Forces report summarized statements from four witnesses who observed flying saucers while traveling in two airplanes over southern Wisconsin.
• The report stated visibility was exceptionally good at approximately 6,000 feet.
• Witnesses reported observing silver-colored objects maneuvering at high altitude and moving rapidly.
• One object reportedly climbed vertically before disappearing from view.
• Another witness estimated the objects traveled at speeds exceeding conventional aircraft capabilities.
• The report included attached aeronautical charts documenting the sighting area. Source: Army Air Forces report attached to FBI file.  

July 9, 1947

• Mrs. Arthur Douglas Anderson of Chester, Pennsylvania wrote to the FBI asking whether flying saucers were connected to coded shortwave radio transmissions allegedly originating from California.
• Her letter referenced a strange coded message published in a newspaper and questioned whether it related to “Flying Saucers.” Source: Civilian letter to FBI.  

July 10, 1947

• A handwritten anonymous-style letter discussing “Flying Discs” was submitted to the FBI.
• The letter referenced world disorder, atomic war fears, and predictions involving flying discs and a future “world order.”
• FBI cryptanalysis personnel later reviewed the coded material contained in the correspondence. Source: FBI records and cryptanalysis notes.  

July 16, 1947

• The FBI Internal Security Section circulated a memorandum concerning Richard P. Shaver and the Lily Lake, Illinois reports.
• Attached material included:
• A telegram referencing Shaver
• A report concerning flying saucers observed by four witnesses in flight over Wisconsin
• A map identifying locations where flying saucers had reportedly been observed near Lily Lake, Illinois
• Investigators sought to determine whether Shaver possessed information regarding the origin of the objects. Source: FBI Internal Security memorandum.  

July 21, 1947

• Hoover responded to Mrs. Anderson regarding her coded message inquiry.
• Hoover stated the FBI had forwarded the information to the War Department for evaluation.
• FBI laboratory cryptanalysis reportedly decoded the message as nonsensical text with no identifiable meaning.
• The bureau advised there was no identifiable information in FBI files connecting the correspondence to flying saucers. Source: Hoover response letter and laboratory notation.  

August 4, 1947

• SAC Phoenix advised FBI Headquarters regarding reports of unusual aerial sightings in Oregon.
• The memorandum referenced letters and newspaper reports concerning “flying discs” observed by citizens. Source: FBI Phoenix memorandum.  

August 5, 1947

• FBI Detroit submitted an urgent teletype concerning Raymond Edward Land and Laura Lane of Midland, Michigan.
• Land claimed he discovered unusual fused sand and metallic material after observing a fiery object descend into a field.
• The material was examined by Dow Chemical Company physicists and reportedly showed unusual characteristics, including:
• Radioactivity
• Small metallic globules
• Low-level radiation
• Investigators noted Land possessed amateur knowledge of chemistry, photography, and electricity.
• Army Air Forces Intelligence at Selfridge Field became involved and the material was forwarded to the FBI Laboratory for examination.
• Investigators also documented inconsistencies in Land’s statements and noted that Lane later described the story as a prank. Source: FBI Detroit teletypes and laboratory memoranda.  

August 6, 1947

• FBI Seattle transmitted an urgent report regarding the Maury Island “Flying Disc” incident near Tacoma, Washington.
• Investigators examined allegations that a B-25 Army Air Forces aircraft crashed after transporting alleged flying disc fragments.
• The report stated Captain Davidson and Lieutenant Brown had interviewed Harold Dahl and Fred Crisman shortly before the fatal crash.
• Initial investigation suggested the B-25 crash was caused by an engine fire rather than sabotage.
• The report also stated anonymous phone calls had been made to reporters concerning the alleged disc fragments.
• Investigators suspected Dahl and Crisman may have exaggerated or fabricated portions of the story to promote sales at a gravel pit on Maury Island. Source: FBI Seattle teletypes regarding Maury Island incident.  

August 8, 1947

• FBI officials prepared a memorandum for liaison delivery to War Department contacts concerning the Raymond Land “Flying Disc” material.
• The attached report summarized the unusual debris allegations from Midland, Michigan and documented the FBI laboratory referral. Source: FBI liaison memorandum.  

August 8, 1947

• FBI Chicago transmitted an urgent teletype regarding a sighting reported by Mrs. Robert Little near Lake Michigan.
• Little claimed she observed a disc-shaped object traveling over the lake while sailing near Jackson Park Beach.
• Investigators noted Little was unavailable for interview at the time because she was sailing on Lake Michigan.
• Her father-in-law stated she had reported the sighting over a month earlier. Source: FBI Chicago teletype.  

August 12, 1947

• FBI Seattle advised Headquarters that Harold Dahl reportedly admitted parts of the Maury Island “Flying Disc” story were exaggerated or false.
• The memorandum stated Dahl may have initially believed the debris was connected to Captain Davidson before later reconsidering the claim.
• Investigators concluded no further investigation appeared necessary after clarification of the statements. Source: FBI Seattle memorandum.  

August 13, 1947

• The Newark FBI office documented witness interviews concerning a “Flying Disk” observed over Hackensack, New Jersey on August 3, 1947.
• Witnesses William Trux and Joyce McFarland described a glowing object traveling at extremely high speed.
• Trux estimated the object moved “faster than any airplane” he had ever observed.
• Witnesses stated the object appeared circular or bowl-shaped and emitted a bluish-white glow.
• Newark police advised they had received no additional complaints regarding the sighting. Source: FBI Newark witness interviews.  

August 15, 1947

• FBI records documented discussions involving reports that Soviet espionage agents had attempted to obtain information regarding “Flying Discs.”
• The memorandum referenced Los Angeles newspaper reports claiming Russian agents were gathering information concerning secret American weapons allegedly connected to flying discs.
• FBI liaison contacts with Army and Naval Intelligence reportedly denied possessing knowledge supporting the newspaper allegations. Source: FBI memorandum concerning espionage-related reports.  

August 18, 1947

• FBI officials again reviewed press reports claiming flying discs were secret military weapons under development by the Army or Navy.
• Liaison representatives from military intelligence agencies reportedly denied knowledge of the alleged programs.
• The memorandum stated all agencies contacted denied knowledge of the flying discs or the basis for the newspaper reports. Source: FBI memorandum.  

August 20, 1947

• FBI Butte transmitted an urgent teletype documenting a large-scale sighting over Twin Falls, Idaho.
• Multiple witnesses reported triangular formations of illuminated objects moving rapidly across the sky.
• Witnesses estimated between thirty-five and fifty objects eventually passed over the city.
• Residents stated the objects appeared in formations of three, five, seven, and twelve.
• Witnesses insisted the objects did not resemble aircraft landing lights or shooting stars.
• Investigators warned continued sightings without official explanation could result in “hysteria or panic” within the community. Source: FBI Butte teletype regarding Twin Falls sightings.  

August 22, 1947

• FBI officials contacted Army Air Forces personnel regarding the Twin Falls, Idaho sightings.
• Army representatives reportedly advised there were no known military experiments or research projects being conducted near Twin Falls on the reported dates. Source: FBI memorandum documenting Army inquiry.  

August 23, 1947

• SAC Portland documented witness statements concerning a glowing object observed near Agate Beach, Oregon.
• Witness Walter Baily stated the object moved silently and faster than conventional aircraft.
• Baily estimated the object traveled at high altitude and appeared illuminated.
• Investigators documented the witness account but found no evidence identifying the object. Source: FBI Portland memorandum.  

August 25, 1947

• FBI Headquarters advised that extensive inquiries at Army Air Forces installations revealed no known experiments or research activities connected to the Twin Falls sightings.
• The memorandum instructed field offices to immediately report any additional information received from military sources. Source: FBI Headquarters memorandum.  

August 30, 1947

• FBI Headquarters transmitted instructions concerning a flying disc report originating from Phoenix, Arizona.
• Headquarters advised Phoenix agents they were not authorized to conduct additional interviews without further instruction from Washington.
• The memorandum referenced radio broadcasts discussing flying discs and witness interviews. Source: FBI Headquarters directive.  

September 5, 1947

• SAC Portland documented another Oregon sighting involving a bright object observed over Agate Beach.
• Witnesses stated the object traveled silently at high speed and appeared to glow against the night sky.
• Investigators again documented the account without identifying the source of the object. Source: FBI Portland memorandum.  

Source

• FBI File: “65_hs1-834228961_62-hq-83894_section_2.pdf” containing 1947 “Flying Discs” investigative records, teletypes, witness interviews, military liaison memoranda, and civilian correspondence.  

August 31, 1966

• Florence C. Dow of New Hampshire wrote to FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover regarding her interest in UFOs and the “Amalgamated Flying Saucer Clubs of America” (AFSCA).
• Dow stated she was a member of NICAP and explained that she became interested in UFO-related publications after receiving material connected to AFSCA.
• She expressed concern that communist ideology may have influenced some UFO organizations and publications.
• Dow also referenced her family background and concerns about political influence surrounding UFO groups. Source: FBI correspondence file.

September 6, 1966

• Hoover responded to Florence Dow and stated that the FBI was strictly an investigative agency and did not issue opinions or evaluations about organizations or publications discussed in public correspondence.
• The response noted that FBI files contained no record regarding the “Amalgamated Flying Saucer Clubs of America, Inc.” Source: FBI response letter signed by J. Edgar Hoover.

September 1966

• FBI files included convention materials and publications from the “Flying Saucer Convention” held in Reno, Nevada on July 8–10, 1966.
• The convention advertisements promoted UFO speakers, alleged extraterrestrial contact claims, photographs, films, and “space contact” discussions.
• Attached publications also included newspaper clippings discussing radar sightings, civilian reports, and public fascination with UFO phenomena. Source: AFSCA convention and publication materials attached to FBI file.

October 3, 1966

• The FBI Los Angeles Field Office submitted a memorandum to FBI Headquarters concerning “Flying Saucers International,” identified as the official publication of the Amalgamated Flying Saucer Clubs of America.
• The memorandum referenced articles discussing UFO investigator Gray Barker, radio personality Long John Nebel, and UFO-related broadcasts.
• The Los Angeles office advised there was no information identifying criminal activity connected to the publication or organization.
• The memorandum concluded that no further investigative action was contemplated. Source: FBI Los Angeles memorandum.

October 9, 1966

• Paul L. Wright of Atlanta, Georgia wrote Hoover discussing the growing number of UFO reports in the United States over the previous twenty years.
• Wright referenced reports involving Air Force personnel, police officers, and alleged sightings observed by government employees.
• He questioned whether FBI agents had personally witnessed UFOs and asked whether the bureau possessed additional knowledge regarding the phenomenon. Source: Civilian letter to FBI Director Hoover.

October 17, 1966

• Hoover responded to Wright and advised that unidentified flying objects were not within FBI jurisdiction.
• The response directed Wright to the Department of the Air Force for further information. Source: FBI response letter.

October 19, 1966

• The FBI San Francisco office circulated a memorandum summarizing public controversy surrounding UFOs and increasing congressional pressure for an official civilian investigative agency.
• The memorandum referenced media reports and publications by UFO author Frank Edwards.
• The document summarized claims involving metallic disc-shaped craft, radar tracking reports, electromagnetic interference, and accounts from civilian and military witnesses.
• The memorandum also referenced reports involving alleged humanoid occupants associated with UFO sightings.
• FBI records noted that UFO-related pressure was increasing nationwide as sightings continued receiving widespread publicity. Source: FBI San Francisco memorandum.

October 21, 1966

• Freelance writer John Moss contacted the FBI Research Section seeking information about former Air Force officer “Met Noel,” who had publicly discussed unidentified flying objects.
• Moss reportedly sought confirmation regarding Noel’s identity and Air Force background. Source: FBI internal memorandum.

October 24, 1966

• FBI internal records documented Moss’ inquiry and advised that bureau files were confidential and would not be released.
• The memorandum stated the FBI would not assist Moss in obtaining additional identifying information. Source: FBI Headquarters memorandum.

November 26, 1966

• J.A. Hennessy of London wrote Hoover requesting confirmation regarding earlier FBI correspondence about UFOs from January 1965.
• Hennessy stated many of his personal records had been destroyed in a fire and asked for copies to help reconstruct his files.
• He also asked whether the FBI’s position concerning UFO investigations had changed. Source: Correspondence from London, England.

November 30, 1966

• Hoover responded to Hennessy and stated the FBI’s position regarding unidentified flying objects had not changed.
• Hoover again declined to express opinions regarding UFO claims and enclosed copies of prior correspondence. Source: FBI response letter.

December 20, 1966

• Judith Goodman of Bradford, Pennsylvania wrote Hoover requesting information for a science fair project concerning UFOs.
• Goodman asked how many aircraft may have been lost pursuing UFOs, why information was allegedly kept secret, and whether foreign countries had also reported sightings.
• Her handwritten letter and typed correspondence were included in the FBI file. Source: Civilian correspondence and attached handwritten letter.

December 27, 1966

• Hoover responded to Goodman and advised that UFO investigations were outside FBI jurisdiction.
• The FBI forwarded her inquiry to the Department of the Air Force. Source: FBI response correspondence.

December 31, 1966

• Hoover wrote to Police Chief Joe Thorn of Princeton, West Virginia regarding unidentified flying object inquiries.
• The bureau again advised that UFO investigations were handled by the Air Force and not the FBI. Source: FBI response letter to local law enforcement official.

January 18, 1967

• James F. Collins of Chesapeake, Virginia reported observing a large glowing object near his workplace at approximately 4:30 a.m.
• Collins described the object as glass-like, translucent, and hovering roughly two feet above the ground.
• The memorandum estimated the object was approximately twenty feet long.
• FBI records noted Collins appeared coherent while providing the account, although he admitted consuming alcohol earlier in the evening. Source: FBI memorandum documenting witness statement.

January 20, 1967

• FBI records included a United Press International report discussing University of Colorado UFO investigator Dr. Edward Condon.
• The report stated Condon was evaluating UFO sightings in Pueblo, Colorado after receiving a citizen prediction regarding future appearances.
• The article referenced the University of Colorado UFO study, which had received national attention. Source: UPI article attached to FBI file.

January 20, 1967

• A classified FBI memorandum from the Mexico City office summarized information provided by W.R. Hanawalt concerning UFOs, government secrecy, and alleged advanced technologies.
• Hanawalt claimed the government possessed hidden knowledge involving UFO technology and electronic surveillance systems.
• The memorandum documented allegations involving mind control, monitoring devices, classified military operations, and suppression of information.
• FBI records stated no corroborating information validating Hanawalt’s allegations was located in Mexico City office files. Source: Classified FBI memorandum from Mexico City office.

April 27, 1967

• British government correspondence referenced J.A. Hennessy and UFO-related communications involving FBI records and London officials.
• The communication involved the exchange of explanatory material associated with prior UFO correspondence. Source: British government correspondence included in FBI file.

June 8, 1967

• The Miami FBI office documented information provided by Paul L. Peyerl regarding an alleged disc-shaped aircraft photographed in November 1944.
• Peyerl claimed the aircraft had been developed under a secret German aviation project in Austria during World War II.
• He described a circular craft powered by hydrogen peroxide and methanol-based fuel systems.
• Peyerl stated he possessed original negatives and close-range photographs of the object.
• The FBI memorandum stated the bureau neither recommended nor loaned the photographs and emphasized the materials remained FBI property not for outside distribution.
• Additional attached pages included copies of Peyerl’s written statements and photographic reproductions allegedly depicting the craft. Source: FBI Miami office memorandum and attached exhibits.

Source: FBI File: “65_hs1-834228961_62-hq-83894_section_10.pdf” Section 10 records concerning “Flying Saucers” and unidentified flying object correspondence, 1966–1967.