U.S.

Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Washington, D.C. 20535

September 16, 2020

MR. JOHN GREENEWALD JR.

THE BLACK VAULT
SUITE 1203
27305 WEST LIVE OAK ROAD
CASTAIC, CA 91384

FOIPA Request No.: 1474900-000

Subject: UFO NEAR SOCORRO

Dear Mr. Greenewald:

The enclosed 25 pages of records were determined to be responsive to your subject and were
previously processed and released pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Please see the
selected paragraphs below for relevant information specific to your request as well as the enclosed FBI
FOIPA Addendum for standard responses applicable to all requests.

In an effort to provide you with responsive records as expeditiously as possible, we are

releasing documents from previous requests regarding your subject. We consider your
request fulfilled. Since we relied on previous results, additional records potentially
responsive to your subject may exist. If this release of previously processed material does
not satisfy your request, you may request an additional search for records. Submit your
request by mail or fax to – Work Process Unit, 170 Marcel Drive, Winchester, VA 22602,
fax number (540) 868-4997. Please cite the FOIPA Request Number in your
correspondence.

Please be advised that additional records responsive to your subject exist. If this release
of previously processed material does not satisfy your request, you must advise us that
you want the additional records processed. Please submit your response within thirty (30)
days by mail or fax to—Work Processing Unit, 170 Marcel Drive, Winchester, VA 22602,
fax number (540) 868-4997. Please cite the FOIPA Request Number in your
correspondence. If we do not receive your decision within thirty (30) days of the date
of this notification, your request will be closed.

One or more of the enclosed records were transferred to the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). Although we retained a version of the records previously
processed pursuant to the FOIA, the original records are no longer in our possession.

If this release of the previously processed material does not satisfy your request, you may
file a FOIPA request with NARA at the following address:

National Archives and Records Administration

Special Access and FOIA
8601 Adelphi Road, Room 5500
College Park, MD 20740-6001

Records potentially responsive to your request were transferred to the National Archives
and Records Administration (NARA), and they were not previously processed pursuant to
the FOIA. You may file a request with NARA using the address above.
 One or more of the enclosed records were destroyed. Although we retained a version of
the records previously processed pursuant to the FOIA, the original records are no longer
in our possession. Record retention and disposal is carried out under supervision of the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) , Title 44, United States Code,
Section 3301 as implemented by Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1228; Title
44, United States Code, Section 3310 as implemented by Title 36, Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 1229.10.

Records potentially responsive to your request were destroyed. Since this material could
not be reviewed, it is not known if it was responsive to your request. Record retention and
disposal is carried out under supervision of the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA) according to Title 44 United States Code Section 3301, Title 36
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Chapter 12 Sub-chapter B Part 1228, and 36 CFR
1229.10.

Documents or information referred to other Government agencies were not included in this
release.

Please refer to the enclosed FBI FOIPA Addendum for additional standard responses applicable to
your request. “Part 1” of the Addendum includes standard responses that apply to all requests. “Part 2”
includes additional standard responses that apply to all requests for records about yourself or any third party
individuals. “Part 3” includes general information about FBI records that you may find useful. Also
enclosed is our Explanation of Exemptions.

For questions regarding our determinations, visit the www.fbi.gov/foia website under “Contact Us.”
The FOIPA Request Number listed above has been assigned to your request. Please use this number in all
correspondence concerning your request.

If you are not satisfied with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s determination in response to this
request, you may administratively appeal by writing to the Director, Office of Information Policy (OIP), United
States Department of Justice, 441 G Street, NW, 6th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20530, or you may submit an
appeal through OIP's FOIA STAR portal by creating an account following the instructions on OIP’s website:
https://www.justice.gov/oip/submit-and-track-request-or-appeal. Your appeal must be postmarked or
electronically transmitted within ninety (90) days of the date of my response to your request. If you submit
your appeal by mail, both the letter and the envelope should be clearly marked "Freedom of Information Act
Appeal." Please cite the FOIPA Request Number assigned to your request so it may be easily identified.

You may seek dispute resolution services by contacting the Office of Government Information
Services (OGIS). The contact information for OGIS is as follows: Office of Government Information
Services, National Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Road-OGIS, College Park, Maryland
20740-6001, e-mail at [email protected]; telephone at 202-741-5770; toll free at 1-877-684-6448; or facsimile
at 202-741-5769. Alternatively, you may contact the FBI’s FOIA Public Liaison by emailing
[email protected]. If you submit your dispute resolution correspondence by email, the subject heading
should clearly state “Dispute Resolution Services.” Please also cite the FOIPA Request Number assigned
to your request so it may be easily identified.

Sincerely,

Michael G. Seidel
Section Chief
Record/Information
Dissemination Section
Information Management Division
Enclosure(s)
 FBI FOIPA Addendum

As referenced in our letter responding to your Freedom of Information/Privacy Acts (FOIPA) request, the FBI FOIPA
Addendum provides information applicable to your request. Part 1 of the Addendum includes standard responses that apply
to all requests. Part 2 includes standard responses that apply to requests for records about individuals to the extent your
request seeks the listed information. Part 3 includes general information about FBI records, searches, and programs.

Part 1: The standard responses below apply to all requests:

(i) 5 U.S.C. § 552(c). Congress excluded three categories of law enforcement and national security records from the
requirements of the FOIPA [5 U.S.C. § 552(c)]. FBI responses are limited to those records subject to the requirements
of the FOIPA. Additional information about the FBI and the FOIPA can be found on the www.fbi.gov/foia website.

(ii) Intelligence Records. To the extent your request seeks records of intelligence sources, methods, or activities, the
FBI can neither confirm nor deny the existence of records pursuant to FOIA exemptions (b)(1), (b)(3), and as applicable to
requests for records about individuals, PA exemption (j)(2) [5 U.S.C. §§ 552/552a (b)(1), (b)(3), and (j)(2)]. The mere
acknowledgment of the existence or nonexistence of such records is itself a classified fact protected by FOIA exemption
(b)(1) and/or would reveal intelligence sources, methods, or activities protected by exemption (b)(3) [50 USC §
3024(i)(1)]. This is a standard response and should not be read to indicate that any such records do or do not exist.

Part 2: The standard responses below apply to all requests for records on individuals:

(i) Requests for Records about any Individual—Watch Lists. The FBI can neither confirm nor deny the existence of
any individual’s name on a watch list pursuant to FOIA exemption (b)(7)(E) and PA exemption (j)(2) [5 U.S.C. §§
552/552a (b)(7)(E), (j)(2)]. This is a standard response and should not be read to indicate that watch list records do or
do not exist.

(ii) Requests for Records about any Individual—Witness Security Program Records. The FBI can neither confirm
nor deny the existence of records which could identify any participant in the Witness Security Program pursuant to
FOIA exemption (b)(3) and PA exemption (j)(2) [5 U.S.C. §§ 552/552a (b)(3), 18 U.S.C. 3521, and (j)(2)]. This is a
standard response and should not be read to indicate that such records do or do not exist.

(iii) Requests for Records for Incarcerated Individuals. The FBI can neither confirm nor deny the existence of records
which could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of any incarcerated individual pursuant to
FOIA exemptions (b)(7)(E), (b)(7)(F), and PA exemption (j)(2) [5 U.S.C. §§ 552/552a (b)(7)(E), (b)(7)(F), and (j)(2)].
This is a standard response and should not be read to indicate that such records do or do not exist.

Part 3: General Information:

(i) Record Searches. The Record/Information Dissemination Section (RIDS) searches for reasonably described records by
searching systems or locations where responsive records would reasonably be found. A standard search normally
consists of a search for main files in the Central Records System (CRS), an extensive system of records consisting of
applicant, investigative, intelligence, personnel, administrative, and general files compiled by the FBI per its law
enforcement, intelligence, and administrative functions. The CRS spans the entire FBI organization, comprising records
of FBI Headquarters, FBI Field Offices, and FBI Legal Attaché Offices (Legats) worldwide; Electronic Surveillance
(ELSUR) records are included in the CRS. Unless specifically requested, a standard search does not include references,
administrative records of previous FOIPA requests, or civil litigation files. For additional information about our record
searches, visit www.fbi.gov/services/information-management/foipa/requesting-fbi-records.

(ii) FBI Records. Founded in 1908, the FBI carries out a dual law enforcement and national security mission. As part of this
dual mission, the FBI creates and maintains records on various subjects; however, the FBI does not maintain records on
every person, subject, or entity.

(iii) Requests for Criminal History Records or Rap Sheets. The Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division
provides Identity History Summary Checks – often referred to as a criminal history record or rap sheet. These criminal
history records are not the same as material in an investigative “FBI file.” An Identity History Summary Check is a
listing of information taken from fingerprint cards and documents submitted to the FBI in connection with arrests,
federal employment, naturalization, or military service. For a fee, individuals can request a copy of their Identity History
Summary Check. Forms and directions can be accessed at www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/identity-history-summary-
checks. Additionally, requests can be submitted electronically at www.edo.cjis.gov. For additional information, please
contact CJIS directly at (304) 625-5590.

(iv) National Name Check Program (NNCP). The mission of NNCP is to analyze and report information in response to name
check requests received from federal agencies, for the purpose of protecting the United States from foreign and domestic
threats to national security. Please be advised that this is a service provided to other federal agencies. Private Citizens
cannot request a name check.
 EXPLANATION OF EXEMPTIONS

SUBSECTIONS OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, SECTION 552

(b)(1) (A) specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign
policy and (B) are in fact properly classified to such Executive order;

(b)(2) related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency;

(b)(3) specifically exempted from disclosure by statute (other than section 552b of this title), provided that such statute (A) requires that the
matters be withheld from the public in such a manner as to leave no discretion on issue, or (B) establishes particular criteria for withholding
or refers to particular types of matters to be withheld;

(b)(4) trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential;

(b)(5) inter-agency or intra-agency memorandums or letters which would not be available by law to a party other than an agency in litigation with
the agency;

(b)(6) personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;

(b)(7) records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes, but only to the extent that the production of such law enforcement records
or information ( A ) could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings, ( B ) would deprive a person of a right to a
fair trial or an impartial adjudication, ( C ) could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, ( D )
could reasonably be expected to disclose the identity of confidential source, including a State, local, or foreign agency or authority or any
private institution which furnished information on a confidential basis, and, in the case of record or information compiled by a criminal law
enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation, or by an agency conducting a lawful national security intelligence
investigation, information furnished by a confidential source, ( E ) would disclose techniques and procedures for law enforcement
investigations or prosecutions, or would disclose guidelines for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions if such disclosure could
reasonably be expected to risk circumvention of the law, or ( F ) could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of any
individual;

(b)(8) contained in or related to examination, operating, or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of an agency responsible for
the regulation or supervision of financial institutions; or

(b)(9) geological and geophysical information and data, including maps, concerning wells.

SUBSECTIONS OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, SECTION 552a

(d)(5) information compiled in reasonable anticipation of a civil action proceeding;

(j)(2) material reporting investigative efforts pertaining to the enforcement of criminal law including efforts to prevent, control, or reduce crime
or apprehend criminals;

(k)(1) information which is currently and properly classified pursuant to an Executive order in the interest of the national defense or foreign
policy, for example, information involving intelligence sources or methods;

(k)(2) investigatory material compiled for law enforcement purposes, other than criminal, which did not result in loss of a right, benefit or
privilege under Federal programs, or which would identify a source who furnished information pursuant to a promise that his/her identity
would be held in confidence;

(k)(3) material maintained in connection with providing protective services to the President of the United States or any other individual pursuant
to the authority of Title 18, United States Code, Section 3056;

(k)(4) required by statute to be maintained and used solely as statistical records;

(k)(5) investigatory material compiled solely for the purpose of determining suitability, eligibility, or qualifications for Federal civilian
employment or for access to classified information, the disclosure of which would reveal the identity of the person who furnished
information pursuant to a promise that his/her identity would be held in confidence;

(k)(6) testing or examination material used to determine individual qualifications for appointment or promotion in Federal Government service
the release of which would compromise the testing or examination process;

(k)(7) material used to determine potential for promotion in the armed services, the disclosure of which would reveal the identity of the person
who furnished the material pursuant to a promise that his/her identity would be held in confidence.

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FBI WASH DC

3:06 AM MST , DEFERRED 4/27/54 JNS

~lRECTOR ~
FROM ALBUQUERQUE 62-1028 3P f /'
qNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJ~q!i,SQCORRQ~ N.M.,

INFORMATION CONCERNING.

RE ALBUQUERQUE . TEL FOUR TWENTYFI VE LAST,.

, OSI, ALBUQUERQUE ADVISES INCIDENT NOT KNOWN TO BE C

I WITH MIl.ITARY OR OPERATION CLOUD GAP./

AN ADDITIONAL
-
INCIDENT
.. HAS BEEN REPORtED AS HAPPENING AT
ONE AM, FOUR TWENTYSIX ' LAST, AT LA MADERIA, N.M., ABOUT SEVENTY MILES
."i:.'--
NORTH OF SANTA FE, N.M. B. ilPPROX. r ' ,;. ,.~( ;::_
CAPTAIN I INMSP, ESP~NOl.~~, ADVISES ~i
INTERVIEWED ~Y KNOWN WITNESS, I I AGE r-"I-------,ISOBER

6\ APR 29 196tJ
 ,.
, I'-"--

PAGE TWO
BLUE WHITE FLAME, WHICH APPEARED TO COME FROM PORTHOLES.
HEWATCHEC SCENE FOR ABOUT ONE MINUTE, WHEN FLAME WENT OUT.
OBJECT NOT NOTED TO MOVE, WAS SILENT AT ALL TIMES, I IW#T
INTO HOUSE, TOLD FATHER, WHO L.AUGHED AT HIM. NEW MORNING HE
VISISTED SITE~, SAW SMOLDERING AREA. LATER IN DAY SAW·A STATE POL.IOE
OFFICER AND RELATED INCIDENT TO HIM.
CAPTAINI ICONTINUED THAT HE CHECKED SITE AT SEVEN THIRTY PM
FOUR TWENTYSIX LAST, NOTEDSCORCKED CIRCULAR AREA ABOUT'THIRTY TO
FORTY FEET IN DIAMETER. HE NOTEDONERECTANGULAR,.V SHAPED
INDENTATION IN GROUND, EIGHT BY TWELVE INCHES, AND ABOUT THREE
TO FOUR INCHES DEEP. A FELLOW OFFICER, WHO WAS THERE EARLIER,
POINTED TOPLACES@ OF THREE MORE INDENTATIONS, INDICATING THE
INDENTATIONS WERE RECTANGULAR.
CAPTAINI IFURTHER STATED HE ~SAW SEVERAL SMOOTH
CIRCULAR PRINTS ON GROUND ABOUT THREE AND ONE HALF INCHES IN
DIAMETER AT SITE.
NO OTHER WITNESSES KNOWN TO HAVE OBSERVED THE.OBJECT.
PROPER MILITARY AUTHORITIES AT KIRTLAND AFB, AL.BUQUERQUE
END PAGE TWO
 .. '

•
ADVISED. NO INVESTIGATION BEING CONDUCTED BY FBI, ALBUQUERQUE.
I
LIAISON BEING -MAINTAINED.
MILI:rARY OFFICERS CONTACTED ADVISE THE TWO INCIDENTS REPORTED
\ARENOT A PART OF A PJILITARY EXERCISE TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND TO
tDATE HAVE NofXPLANATION.
BUREAU WILL BE ADVISED OF ANY PERTENENT DEVELOPMENTS.
END
LLD
FB.I WASH DC
P
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= ./ 1 .- ,Wacks

4/28/64

Airtel,

To:

From:

UNIDENTIFIED PLYING OBJECT

SOCORRO;' NEW MEXICO
APRIL 24, 1964-
MISCELLANEOUS - INPORMA'1'IONCO}!CERNING
_ (NATIONALITIES INTELLIGENCE) -
. Reurtel 4/25/64. ,Assure facts thiS matter are tUmi~h.ed
to lJ)cal Air Force.SuDmit- letterhead memorandum.
" .
JPW:gew
(4) }t1 v7

-NOTE:if A pol ice officer described as sober, dependable, mature:_

and not known to engage in flights of fantasy repQrted seeing an
unidentified flying object rise from the earth with a roar, emitting
bluish and orange flames and disappear over a distant mountain. When
he reported his observations, representatives Of the local law enforce-
ment agencies searched the scene and noted four small irregularly
shaped smouldering areas and four regular depressed areas at the site •.,
The linidentified flying object was ¢escribed as oval shapedj about
twenty feet long; with a red insignia; there ,is no indication in the
referenced telef;ype that Air Force had been advised. Our policy is
not to investigate but assure that Air Force is cognizant. Military
is investigating and Albuquerque Office is maintaining liaison.

MAILEO 5.

I APR 281964
Tolson _ _ COMM-FBI
Belmont _ _
Mohr _ __
Cosper _ __
Calloha n _ _
Conrad _ _
DeLoach _ _
Evans _ __
Gale _ - . - _
Rosen II . . ,......~ . r· t '". ,'"' ;1'
"0(> F
c,,--;0
Sulllvan- - ' ; :..... 0, J;-~ 1 ~ I ' ,"
I. ~' \ )
Tavel _ __
Trotter _ _
Tele. Room _ '
Holmes _ _
Gandy _ __ MAIL ROOM
 FEDERAl BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIOM
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
FBr' ALBUQU'EE COMMUNICATiONS SECTION.,-
"--
~37 ~~ MST URGENT 4-"-64 RGL ,!\PR 2 [) 1964/_
fO DIflECT"DR, FBI ll~lb~LnfJ?>~

FROM SAC, ALBUQUERQUE 62-NEW

L:GNIDENTIFIED FLYING
- OBJECTf
:---. .... SOCORRO, N.M. APR
.." :: .

INFORMATION CONCERNING.

INFORMATION RECEIVED APR TWENTY FOUR AND TWENTY FIVE, FROM

LONN~MORA, CONSIDERED SOBER, DEPENDABLE, MATURE, NOT OF ~

J.I:r_

FANTASY, OFFICER OF POLICE DEPARTMENT SOCORRO, ~ THAT AT ABOUT, t({;~.

,. ""/
FIVE FIFTY PM MST, WHILE IN SOUTH AREA OF SOCORRO NOTED FLAME IN ~""
SKY TO SOUTHWEST, WHICH HE DECIDED TO CHECK OUT IN BELIEF DYNAMIT~E_-a

SHACK IN AREA HAD BLOWN UP. -'M Ji -'!-1r.P

WHILE TRAVELING IN ISOLATED AREA APPROXMATELY ONE MILE .

::~ • l!...;
SOUTH AREA OF SOCORRO, NOTED IN DEPRESSION ABOUT ELGHT ~ND~ED ,~,.-
FEET AWAY WHITISH OBJECT \mrCH, UPON GLANCING AT SAME,/?\PPEARED p)~'
TO 8E OVERTURNED AUTOMOBILE. TWO PERSONS IN APPARENT .~HIT~
COVERALLS WERE ADJACENT TO OBJECT.
/ .J)
)-.;~.

...
'.'"' THEN TRAVELED OVER ROUGH ROAD TO SPOT ABOUT ONE HUNDRED

THREE FEEI FROM OBJECT AND ABOUT TWENTY TO TWENTY FIVE FEET HIGHER.

NO~PERSONS VISIBLE.
" . HEARD TWO OR THREE LOUD THUMPS, LESS THAN Ils~j
A SiCOND 'APART, THEN WITH A ROAR AND BLUISH AND!.' ANGE FLAMES;

OB.ijCT SL OWLY VERT! CALL Y ROSE Ta

.~., ~~ ~
.~ Ii ~ CAR HE I G~J, THE;N NOT Sf. NI D I: £11 F;
RECQ 53 I'~,.J - Y 3 ? 'f'~ .,.-~ :J1t!ft~
y
FLAME STOPPED AND OBJECT TOOK OFF AT HIGH SPEE,D IN STRATGll.'LJ.JNE AND

ALMOST ~OROZONTALLY TO DI~APPEAR..PVER PlpJ~~T ,.MOUNTAI6!APR 30 19641

t. . . . I1n ~;.

~' .. I:. ZAr10RA, GREATLY FRIGHTENED, RADIOED HIS OBSERVA'tL(}.NS0AND ~

•.•. /:'"1 ' • . ~;' ..... .';.... ~.' :'.Ii' . .' .

NMSP S'ERGE,ANT Af.m' So'CO'HRO dOUNTY··UNDERSj-J,ERIFF. QUICKLY ON SCENE, )

NOTED FOUR SMALL IRREGULARLY SHAPED SMOULDERING AREAS AND FOUR ~(

REGULAR DEPRESSED AREAS APPROXIMATELY SI XTEEN BY SIX INCHES IN ~/ ·u v

END PAGE ONE MR. MOHR FOR THE DIRECTOR,
 ",--,
"-

1
'" .'
RECTANGULAR TYPE PATTERN AVERAGING ABOUT TWELVE FEET APART.
ZAMORA STATES OBJECT WAS OVAL SHAPED, SIMILAR TO FOOTBALL,
POSSIBLY TWENTY FEET LONG, AND HAD A RED INSIGNIA ABOUT THIRTY
INCHES HIGH AND TWO FEET WIDE, CENTERED ON OBJECT. NO OTHER
WITNESSES KNOWN TO NOISE, FLAME OR OBJECT.
CAPTAIN L - 1_ _ _ _ _ --IluP RANGE COMMANDER, STALLION RANGE
CENTER, SOCORRO, N.M., ADVISED AT ONCE APRIL TWENTY FOUR AND IS
HANDLING.
MILITARY PRESENTLY CONDUCTING OPERATION KNOWN AS CLOUD GAP
WHICH IS JOINT OPERATION DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND ARMY CONTROL,
DISARMAMENT AGENCY IN SOUTHi~EST STATES INCLUDING NEW MEXICO. NOT
KNOWN IF ABOVE INCIDENT RELATES TO CLOUD GAP.
CONSIDERABLE INTEREST OF PRESS IN MATTER. ALBUQUERQUE
CONDUCTING NO INVESTIGATION, IS MAINTAINING LIAISON WITH MILITARY.
BUREAU WILL BE ADVISED OF ANY PERTINENT DEVELOPMENTS.
END
WA NHH
FBI \MSH DC
TUP
 ~ ,4
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I
TO DIRECTOR, FB I DATE: 5/8/64

~: SAC, ALBUQUERQUE (62-1028) (C)

SUBJECT: UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT I,' i! Ely ~

SOCORRO, NEW MEXICO
APRIL 24, 1964
MISCELLANEOUS: - INFORMATION CONCERNING
(NATIONALITIES INTELLIGENCE)

Re Albuquerque airte1 to Bureau, 4/28/64, and

Bureau airte1 to Albuquerque, 4/28/64.
As noted in Albuquerque airte1, Captainl
Iup Range Commander, Stallion Range Center~,------~
L.......:S:::-o-c-o-r~r~o....l, N. M., was immediately advised, 4/24/64, of the
facts in this case. He observed the site of the incident,
4/24/64, and made measurements while SA D. ARTHUR BYRNES,
JR. was placing rocks around the four earth indentations
and around one other mark at the site.
Late 4/24/64 and into 4/25/64, Captainl~______-....I
who is wi th !~~ -.Jt. S. Air Force t and, SA BYR. NES in. te.rviewed
Officer LONN~AMORA of the Socorro Police Department. .
- . . e(:
h l~ ~("f>1:.r:' I R.: .::. "./-,? l ( f :;1'" ( ,,/£\(11 • {'Ii (! /1 ~
SA BYRNES typed up-a statement like account 1\1,.>"'--'" - .
from Officer ZAMORA as ~iven by ZAMORA under lengthy
interrogation. CaptainT
of the scene.
~iagrruned his measurements .
..
K
I.

Early 4/25/64, Captainl land SA BYRNES

delivered the original and a copy of ZAMORAts statements
and Captainl ~iagrams to the authorities at
Stallion Site, apprOXimately 30 miles southeast of Socorro.
Two letterhead memorandums are enclosed, one
from Officer ZAMORA and one of observations of SA ~~~__~
Also enclosed is a copy of t!h::a.-~·,t'$ mad~ by Captain
of the pertinent area. ~--~--~

fi (2) - Bureau (EnC~l~.

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.,AQ62-1028· . ....
Calls concern~ng supject ,;:tter are hAing b6
referred immediately to.MajorL \.
Iurtland Air Force B~a-s-e-,-,-A~·~u~·-q-u-e-r-q-u-e--.------~~'~.·.
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UNiTED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

In Reply, Please Refer to Albuquerque~ New Mexico

File No. lVf..ay 8 ~ 1964

UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT

SOCORRO i NEWMEXICO
APRIL 24~ 1964

Special Agent D4 Arthur Byrnes, Jr., Federal

Bureau of Investigation, stationed at Albuquerque, New
Mexico~ was at Socorro, New Mexico, and at the State
Police Office there on business late afternoon of
Apri 1 24 ~ 1964 0

At approximately 5:45" to 5:50 Po Mo ,I b6

radio operator in the Socorro County Sheriffts~O~f~f~i-c-e-~----~ b7C
located about thirty feet down the hall from the State
Police Office~ came into the State Police Office.
L."-....,....-."....-....,,.........,.....I advisedl I New Mexico state
Police, that he had just received a radio call from Officer
Lonnie Zamora to come to an area about one mile southwest
of Socorro 0 The call was in re lation to some unknown
object which t'landed and has taken off." Agent Byrnes
finished his work in the State Police Office at Socorro
at approximate ly 6: 00 P. M. i Apri 1 24 I 1964 I and there-
after proceeded to the site . r Zamora
Socorro County Undersheriff Sergeant~r------'
I I
and Officer New Mexico state Police~
were assembled.
It may be noted that it has been the observation
of Agent Byrnes that Officer Zamora~ known intimately for
approximately five years, is" well regarded as a sober,
industrious, and conscientious officer and.not given
to fantasy.
Officer Zamora was noted to be perfectly sober
and somewhat agita~ed over his experience.
Special Agent Byrnes noted four indentations
in the rough ground at the "site" of the object described
 ,. J' "

UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT

by Officer Zamora. These depressions appeared regular

in shape, approximately sixteen by six inches rectangular.
Each depression seemed to have been made by an object
going into the earth at an angle from a center line. Each
depression was approximately two inches deep and pushed
some earth to the far sideo
Inside the four depressions were three burned
patches of clumps of grass. Other clumps of grass in the
same area appeared not to be disturbed. One burned area
was outside the four depressionso
There were three circ.ular marks in the earth
which were smooth, approximately four inches in diameter
and penetrated in the sandy earth approximately one-eighth
of an inch as if a jar lid had gently been pushed into
the sand.
No other person was noted in the area the night
of April 24, 1964. No other objects were noted in the
area possibly connected with the incident related by
Officer Zamora.
So far as could be noted, there were no houses
or inhabited dwellings in the area or in sight of the area.

-2~
 .;

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

!FEDERAL BUREAU OF J[NVESTIGATION

In Reply, Please Refer to

Albuquerque~ New Mexico
File No.
May 8~ 1964

UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT

SOCORRO ~ NEW MEXICO
APRIL 24 ~ 1964

The following data were obtained from Officer

Lonnie Zamora, Police Department, Socorro ~ New Mexico»
the night of April 24~ 1964~ and early morning, April 25,
1964 , as related by Officer Zamora.
Lonnie Zamora, 606 Reservoir Street, Socorro,
New Mexico, 835-1134~ Officer Socorro Police Department
about five years, office phone 835- 0941~ now on 2:00 P. M.
to 10:00 P. M. shift.
About 5:45 P. Mo, April 24, 1964, while in
Socorro 2 Police Car (1964 Pontiac white) started to chase
a car due south from west side of Courthouse. Car was
apparently speeding g and was about three blocks in front.
At point on Old Rodeo street, (extension of Park Street
south) 1 near 1..._______....1residence (about one-half mi Ie b6
b7C
south of Spring Street). The chased car was going straight
ahead toward rodeo grounds. Car chased was a new black
Chevrolet p (it mig~t have beenl IboY,~I______~
~______~~. Chased car still about three blocks aheade
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Lonnie alone.
At this time heard a roar and saw a flame in the
sky to the southwest some distance away--possibly a half
mile or a mile. Came to mind that a dynamite shack in that
area had blown up. Decided to abandon the chase i and to
check on the flame. The flame was bluish and sort of orange
too. Could not tell size of flame. Sort of motionless
flame, slowly descending. Was still driving the police car
and could not pay too much attention to the flame. It was
a narrow type of flame. It was like a "stream down"-- a
funnel type-=narrower at top than at bottom. Flame possibly
three degrees or so in width--not wide. The flame was
possibly a mile south of Socorro i in isolated area.
The flame about twice as Wide at bottom as top,
and about four times as high as top was wide. Did not
notice any object at top, did not note if top of flame was
level. Sun was to west and did not help vision. Had green
sun glasses over prescription glasses. ;.f~ Could not

see bottom of flame because it was behind the hill.

No smoke noted. Noted some "commotion" at bottom--
dust? Possibly from windy day--wind was blowing hard. Clear
sunny sky otherwise--just a few clouds scattered over area.

-2-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT

Noise was a roar~ not a blast. Not like a jet.

Changed from high frequency to low frequency and then
stopped. Roar lasted possibly ten seconds--was going towards
it at that time on the rough gravel road. Saw flame about
as long as heard the sound. Flame same color as best as
recall. Sound distinctly from high to low until it disappeared.
Both car windows were down. No other spectators noted--no
traffic except the car in front--arid car in front might have
heard it but possibly did not see it because car in front
was too close to hill in front, to see the flame.
After the roar and flame, did not note anything,
while going up the somewhat steep rough hill toward the
flame site. Got up about half way first time~ wheels started
skidding, roar still going on, had to back down and try twice
again before made the hill. Hill about sixty feet long, fairly
steep and with loose gravel and rock. While beginning third
time, noise and flame not noted.
After got to top, traveled slowly on the gravel
road westwardly. Noted nothing for awhile, for possibly
ten or fifteen seconds, went slow, looking around for the
dynamite shack--did not recall exactly where the dynamite
shacJt was 0

-3-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT

Suddenly noted a shiny type object to south

about 150 to 200 yards. It was off the road. At first
glance~ stopped. It looked~ at first~ like a car turned
upside downo Thought some kids might have turned overo
Saw two people in white coveralls very close to the objecto
One of these persons seemed to turn and look straight at
my car and seemed startled--seemed to quickly jump somewhat.
When I first saw the object, (when ][ thought it
might be a car); I saw what appeared to be two legs of
some type from the object to the ground. At the time, I
didnQt pay much attention to what it was--I thought it was
an accident-~I saw the two persons. I didntt pay attention
to the two "legs?". The two "legs;! were at the bottom
of the object; slanted outwards to the ground 0 The object
might have been about th~e and a half feet from the ground
at that timeo I just glanced at ito
At this time I started moving my car towards them
quickly 7 with idea' ,to help. Had stopped about only a
couple sec'onds. Object was like aluminum--it was whitish
against the mesa background~ but not chrome. Seemed like
t:I in shape and E at first glanoe took it to be an
overturned white car. Car appeared turned up like standing

-4-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT

on radiator or on trunk~ at this first glance.

The only time I saw these two persons was when I
had stopped, for possibly two seconds or so, to glance at
the object. I dongt recall noting any particular shape
or possibly any hats or headgear. These persons appeared
normal in shape--but possibly they were small adults or
large kids.
Then paid attention to road while drove towards scene.
Radioed to sheriff'is office, "Socorro 2 to Socorro, possible
10=44 (accident)g IVll be 10-6 (busy) outo! the car checking
the car down in the arroyoQ"
Stopped car, was ;still talking on radio, started
to get out, mike fell down g reached back to put up mike$
then replaced radio mike in slot, got out of car and turned
to go down to where knew the object (car). was.
Ap my mike fell, I got out of car, at scene area,
I heard about two or three loud "thumps," iike someone
posSibiy hammering or shutting a door or doors hard. These
"thumps" were possibly a second or less apart. This was
just before the roar. The:. persons were not seen when I got
up to the scene area.

-5-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT

Hardly turned around from car when heard roar»

(was not exactly a blast) $ very loud roar--at that close
was real loud. Not like a jet--knows what jets sound like.
started low frequency quicklY$ then roar rose in frequency
(higher tone) and in loudness--from loud to very loud. At
same time as roar saw flame. Flame was under the object.
Object was starting to go straight up--s,lowly up. Object
slowly rose straight up. Flame was light blue and at bottom
was sort of orange color.. From this angle$ saw what might
be the side of object (not end, as first noted). Difficult
to describe flame. Thought, from roar, it might blow up.
Flame might have come from underside of object, at middle,
possibly a four feet area--very rough guess. Can not
describe flame further except blue and orange. No smoke ,.
except dust in immediate area.
As soon as saw flame and heard roar, turned away,
ran away from object but did turn head several times towards
object. Bumped leg on car--back fender area. Car facing
southwest 0 Glasses fell to ground, left them there. Ran
to north--car between him and object.
Object was c:J in shape 0 It was smo'oth--no
windows or doors. As roar started, it was still on or near
ground. Noted red lettering of some type, like ~
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Insignia ,was about two and one-half feet high and about
two feet wide$ guess. Was in middle of object, like
C ~ ~ :=> 0 Object still like aluminum-white.
After fell by car and glasses fell off$ kept
running to north with car between me and object. Glanced
back cou'ple of times. Noted object to rise to about level
of carp about twenty to twenty-five feet, guess--took I
guess about six seconds when object started to rise and I
glanced back. I ran I guess about half way to where I
ducked down--about'fifty feet from the car is where I ducked
down p just over edge of hill. I guess I had run about
twenty-five feet when I glanced back and saw the object about
level with the car and 'it appeared about directly over the
place where it rose from.
I was still running and I jumped just over the
pill--I stopped because I did not hear the roar. I was
scared of the roar p and I had planned to continue running
down the hill. I turned around toward the object and at
same time put my head towards ground p covering my face with
my arms. Being that there was no roar$ I looked up, and I
saw the object going away from me, in a southwest direction.
When the roar stopped$ heard a sharp tone Whine from high
tone to low tone. At end of roar was this whine and the

-7-
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
whine lasted maybe a second. Then there was complete
silence about the object. ThatUs when I lifted up my head
and saw the object going away from me. It did not come·,·
any closer to me. It appeared to go in a straight line
and at same height--possibly ten to fifteen feet from ground~

and it cleared the dynamite shack by about three feet. Shack

about eight feet high. Object was traveling very fast. It
seemed to rise up and take off immediately across country.
I ran back to my car and as I ran back, I kept an eye on the
object. I picked up my glasses, (I left the sunglasses on
the ground) ~ got into the car, and radioed to L.I_ _ _ _...J b6
b7C
radio operatoI'$ to "look out the window~ to see if you could
see:·.an object." He asked~ "What is it?" I answered~ "It
looks like a balloono" I don it know if he saw it. If 1 - 1_ _. . . . .

looked out his window~ which faces north~ he couldntt have

seen it. I did not tell him at the moment which window to
look out of.
As I was callingL.I_----JII could still see the object.
The object seemed to lift up ~loWly ~ and to "get small" in
the distance very fast. It seemed to just clear the Box
Canyon or Six Mile Canyon Mountain. It disappeared as it

-8-
 UNIDENTIFJrEn FLYING OBJECT

went over the mountain. It had no flame whatsoever as it

was traveling over the ground, and no smoke or noise.
Cangt tell how long saw object second time (the
"close" time)>> possibly twenty seconds--just a guess--from_'~

time got out of car, glanced at object$ ran from object»

jumped over edge of hill, then got back to car-and radioed
as object disappeared.
Just before sergeant~1______~Igot to scene~ I got b6
b7C
my pen and drew a picture of the insignia on the object.
Feeling in good health. Last drink--two or three
beers--was over a month ago. Noted no odors. Noted no
sounds other than described. Gave directions tol
at radio and to Serge anti Ito get there. Went
down to where the object had been and I noted the brush was
I

burning in several placeso At that time» I heard Sergeant

~______----II (New Mex:j.co State Police at Socorro) I calling me
on radio for my location, and I returned to my car$ told
him he was "looking at meo" I ______~lcame up,
Then sergeant ....
asked me what the trouble was, because ][ was sweating and
he told me I was white, very paleo I asked the Sergeant
to see what I saw, and that was the burning brush. Then

-9-
 ....
...
'" ~ . '.'

'.

<mU:t~N"tlr fiAt ;r:\L;il:tt (F,JICT

f'~~geant l land I went to the- spot. Mel e....attt - b6

b7C
L . -_ _----II:()Oilltod out the u.ae~.
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 I
I
I

FBI
Ie I
I
I
/
I
I
Date: 4/28/64 I
I
Transmit the following in _-'--_ _ _p~U~I~N=___:___;;_:___:___:__~7:I-------11
(Type in plain text or code) I
AIRTEL . AIRMAIL I

~~
v'ia
_____________________________ ~:~=~ ____________ L______ _
I

TO: ~ DIRECTOR, FBI

FJJD~,
rr l, SAC, ALBUQUERQUE (62-1028)
y,/
RE: ' -fi UNIDENTIFIED FL¥ING OBJ~CT ,.'
. SOCORRO, NEW MEXICO,
, 4/24/64
INFORMATION CONCERNING

Re Albuquerque teletypes to
4/27/64.

Lt. Col.1 I
Kirtland Air Force Base b6
. (KAFB), Albuquerque, New Mexico, on 4/26/64, advised that he b7C
cannot explain the observations described by Officer LONNIE
ZAMORA at Socorro, New Mexico.

Majo~1 . IKAFB,
Albuquerque, advised that he is the proper officer to handle
)~~ reports. J
Majorl ladvised that he and T/sgt.1 I \
had examined the site at Socorro, New Mexico, and interview ~. ~
Officer LONNIE ZAMORA. They were impressed by Officer ZAMORA~ ~
sincerity. They noted no radio activity at the site. They b6
h, ~ cannot explain Officer ZAMORA I s observations. He did learn b7C
'~'.} that the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology at
~~__~S~ocorro does some blasting in its work, hO.wever, their blastt~. 'I.1.· ~ . i
not in the area of this incident. 4 J?~/ 6;J.,;;_l'.3
GJl /J.I '1
'. . ·~rt 53 , ",' qrc·
~ !~~:~:~::boratOry) '7:~Q\ . ~.~'.AP: :1~1.904
DAB/rae
6
~X ...,
Sent _ _ _ _ __ Per _____~~=--
,-- t",

' ... ': :;-

•
.. -'.
, .~.
•.
..
.......
i

.....•..

. " Majorl Ion 4/27/64, 'advised that on 4/26/64"

he had metl lat Sant,a Fe, New Mexico, and both,
p~dceeded to La Madera, New Me~ico. t.O check outl I
qbservations. He stated that at the scene there was still
'some· smoldering material. He .noted .that there was miscellaneous b6
rubbish in the area and the' site may have been a dump at one .
time'" In his .opinion, some·.~aterial, such asa CBn of}?aint,
could'h?Ve ca),lght fire and e}{ploded. He also noted that ,
I Ihad an odor of alcobol about him. Majorl stated I
he would,advise the )rBI, Albuqu.erque, of any pertinent develop....
rnents. " ,

...--_ _ _ _---=I=-t;;;..,may be noted that Ne~"t Mexico State Police Sergeant:

L........--:----:"~_~......I and Socorro Coun-CY Undersheriff I Ion
4/24/64, advised that they an$wered ZAMORA's radibcalls and b6
. went to the:site quickly. Th,ey noted several small burning
areas at the Site and 'the' indentations. No one else 't,l]as noted
, in the ·area. Officer ZAMORA, ,a well regard~d and 'capable
.officer, was noted to ,be perfectiyS.ober and thoroughly
£ri~htened •

ARTHUR BYRl'l'ES I JR. was at socorro, New Mexico~

. SA D.
4/24/64, and had noted the£our irx:egularburned spots and
the foul;' indentations at the site. SA BYRNES immediately
adv,ise.d Captain I IUpRange Commander I Stallion
Range center I Socorro',New Mexico. captain I I along . b6
with officer ZAMORA add. SA BYRNES checked the Socorro ,site
and interviewedOfficer\Z,w40RA at length. Officer ~AMOR.A·s
observations'were ta~en in ,the fo~ of a statement~ A copy
of this lengthy statement is retained. at' th'e Albuquex:que FBI
Office as well as a small sa.mple of charred material taken
at the sc.ene.

An unusual observation made at the Socorro scene

was, that there appeared to be no "blast" effects.. Between
the burned' s.pots were unbt;trn.edareas, including,pa~ches of
unburned brown 'rapge grass.
. ,
• I- .•

2
AQ 62-1028

It may be noted that CaptainI I

immedia te,ly
contacted propermilitaxypersonne1 concerning this incident. b6
b7C
Liaison will be maintained with Majorl' I who
advised he has received several more reported ,incidents
to which he will givea'ttention.

,, " ,'