15Mi SEOcean City reported light formation observation — July 27, 1954

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SIGHTING: Light ball of fire entered to water. UNCLASSIFIED SUBJECT: UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT Sighted 15 Miles Southeast of Ocean City, Maryland, 2750 hours, 27 Jul 54. The DIO advised that his office had received a report of sighting of a flying object over Ocean City, Maryland, on 27 July 1954, and that individuals aboard two fishing vessels had described the object variously as a red ball or a ball of red flame, which entered the water. This witness stated that they observed the object for approximately 15 minutes and that the object climbed vertically and disappeared from view on 24 August. One witness observed the object through binoculars. He advised that there had been no reported loss of aircraft with the LID on 27 July 1954; that a standard firing of an LID rocket on 27 July 1954 produced a crisscrossing pattern of lights which the witnesses had described. He further advised that during the past three months his organization has not launched any missiles which would have been capable of being observed at the time and place of the subject sighting. UNCLASSIFIED UNITED STATES AIR FORCE INFORMATION REPORT OF INVESTIGATION (Confidential) Unidentified Object sighted 15 miles southwest of Ocean City, Md., 1930 hours, 27 July 1954. NOD DIR 5200.10 Investigation requested by District Intelligence Officer, 8th Naval District, to determine if any air Force activity at Langley AFB, Va., sighted object observed approximately 15 miles southwest of Ocean City, Md., on 27 July 1954. Supporting case details: Reported craft or object: Light Formation Reported special objects or artifacts: Binoculars or telescope Institutional response / aftermath: Government or official action