23857122-1625-558206-0002

Py GO Box 545 Ft. Davis, Texas April 20, 1953 Civil Aeronautics Administration Communications Branch Marfa Air Field Marfa, Texas Dear Sir: Yesterday, on April 19th, about 1:20 P, M., while observing a vapor trail just west of Ft, Davis, from horizon to horizon, and from northwest to southeast, I observed an object which appeared to be floating just west of the vapor trail, about half- way between FM. Davis and your air field at Marfa. JI at first thought it may have been a balloon released by the plane that made the vapor trail, as it appeared to be about the same altitude, but was not of a spherical shape like an ordinary balloon, and perhaps larger, somewhat oblong in shape, The object then appeared to descend somewhat and resemble an eagle or buzzard sailing, but was mich too high for such; but still appeared to drift about like a buzzard and to hover at times. The object then began to swing in an are toward the north with great acceleration, and short pointed wings became visible, as it passed over, at per- haps half the altitude of the vapor trail, It continued to accelerate until the speed became uncanny and much greater than any jet plane I have ever seen. Al] the while it appeared to be an amber color, There was no sound whatsoever and no vapor treil. It followed a course a little west of north and disappeared over the horizon beyond the Davis mountains, in about 45 seconds. As it became a speck in the distance it changed directions lightly two or three times to the right, to the left, and up and down, and then continued on the same course as before, All the while it appeared to be going about a mile in two seconds, I shall appreciate your forwarding this information to proper authorities, if of importance, Yours very truly, AVC : NM eR) A. Ve Chapin Declassification Authority: NND 57565