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ae q cE rs ie o> b- » paced J I) i | 3 AEFI Io ied I< IH Is STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF KERN ) The following is a statement given by Captain John Pau] Strapp, Flight Test, Yuroc Army Air Field, Muroc, California, statement given to Mr. Thomas A. McMillan, CIC Agent, this Stetion, on 12 August 1947. At 11:50 hours, 8 July 1947, while the undersigned was sitting in as an observation truck located in Area # 3, Rogers Dry Lake, for the ae, purpose of observing a P-82 ejection seat experiment, the following ‘ unfemilierity was observed. E : The undersigned was gazing upwerd toward a formation of two (2) P-82"'s and an A=26 aircraft flying at 20,000 feet, preparing to out 8 seat ejection experiment, when I observed a rounded object, white aluminum in color, which at first resembled a parachute canopy. The first impression wes that a premature ejection of the seat and dummy had cecurred. ‘This body was ejected at a determined height lower than 20,000 feet, and was felling at three (3) times the rate observed for the parachute which was ejected thirty minutes later. As it fell it drifted slightly north of due west against the prevailing wind, to- ward Mount Wilson. The speed, horizontal motion could not be determined, but appeared slower than the maximum velocity 50-80 aircraft. Sees As this object descended through a low enouch level to permit bas, observation of its lateral silhouette, it presented e distinct ovuler i 3 outline, with two (2) projections on the upper surfece which might have been thick fins or nobs. These crossed each other at intervals, suggest- ing either rotetion or oscillation of slow type. 3 No smoke flames, propellar arks, engine noise, or other clasuable {Fi or visible means of propulsion were noted. The color was Silvery, re- i sembling aluminum painted febric, and did not eppear as dense as a ‘ by parachute canopy. When the object dropped to a level such that comes into line of vision of the mountein tops, it was lost to the vision of the observer. — It is estimated that the object was in line of vision about 90 seconds. Of the five (5) people sitting in the observation truck, four (4) observed this object and made remarks about it. These people include: Mr..Lenz = Civilien, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio : (Other names not given) The following is my own personal opinions about this “Objects 1. I think it was a man-made object, as evidenced disteintly by the outline and functional appearance. Me ees sie ET Rae RSREASC IRS DCs TENE ee os Se TADATTT AT ce. Via