UFO Potpourri No 454

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO POTPOURRI
Issue: No. 454
Date: September 2004
Publisher: John F. Schuessler
Location: Littleton, CO, USA
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Washington, D.C. Radar Sighting, July 1952

This issue of UFO POTPOURRI features a detailed account of a radar sighting that occurred near Washington, D.C. in July 1952. The report is based on information received from a man identified as 'Harry' (whose full name is on file), a radar officer who was attached to the 360th Anti-aircraft Battalion. This unit was a tent unit, later converted to a semi-permanent installation, located on the perimeter of Washington, D.C., approximately 20-25 miles from downtown.

The Sighting

Harry was called to duty late one night, as both Andrews Air Force Base and several commercial airliners had observed unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The 360th Anti-aircraft Battalion was part of a network around Washington, D.C., with reports going to a plotting center in Delaware. While it was common to have targets on their radar screens, they only tracked them when advised.

Their unit utilized a Model 584 radar to control their 120 mm anti-aircraft guns. This radar, though considered basic by modern standards, was effective for its purpose. The unit's code name was "Peter Fox 81."

On the night of the sighting, an officer, believed to be a colonel from Andrews Air Force Base, was directing the action on the network. The 360th unit was positioned near where some of the UFOs were observed. Their equipment had a ground range of 70,000 yards. During a two-to-three hour period, they were able to track approximately 25 to 30 objects.

Weather and Object Behavior

The weather conditions were not ideal, with thunderstorms, scattered clouds, and mist present. Visibility at their location was poor, but they managed to achieve solid radar lock-on targets and track them into the clouds. Andrews Air Force Base showed particular interest in how the objects interacted with the clouds, repeatedly questioning if they flew into, around, or under them. Harry had the impression that Andrews AFB believed the UFOs were using the clouds as a radar blind spot.

Harry listened as other units tracked objects, and Andrews AFB vectored F-94 interceptor jets into the area. The clouds continued to pose a problem for tracking.

Speed and Encounters

Generally, the speed of the tracked objects was relatively slow, estimated between 100-200 mph. The unit would track an object until it was engulfed by clouds, at which point they would lose it. After sweeping the area, they would often find another target. Harry recalled an instance where an F-94 jet came so close to an object that their radar blips merged.

While they tracked other objects on later dates, none were comparable to this particular incident.

Secrecy and Aftermath

Before returning home that night, Harry was called into an office and instructed to sign a statement promising never to reveal what he had witnessed. Upon his discharge from the unit in 1953, he was again reminded of this security statement. He expressed surprise at the intense interest in keeping the details of the event confidential.

The article is signed by John Schuessler of MUFON.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, military radar tracking of UFOs, and the potential for government secrecy surrounding such events. The editorial stance, as presented through the publication of this detailed report by John Schuessler, appears to be one of investigating and documenting unexplained phenomena, while also highlighting the challenges and complexities, including the role of military personnel and the implications of secrecy.