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{
"Rife Timeline" : [
{
"date" : "11/18/1896",
"desc": "On November 18, a peculiar aerial phenomenon was observed in Sacramento, where an electric arc lamp-like object moved through the sky in an erratic manner, seemingly propelled by an unknown force. Witnesses claimed to hear human voices emanating from the object, giving directions to avoid collisions with structures, and guiding its ascent when it neared the ground. The incident left citizens astonished by the unusual sight and audible interactions in the sky. (Chapter 1, Ref 1)",
"location" : "Sacramento CA",
"time" : "18:00",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_1",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "11/26/1896",
"desc": "An enigmatic craft appeared over San Francisco Bay. Described as a large, black cigar-shaped object with a fish-like tail, the approximately 100-foot-long airship exhibited high-speed movement and maneuverability that far surpassed known technologies of the time, like dirigibles. The witnesses were astonished by the object's unprecedented features, as it defied the technological norms of 1896 and foreshadowed a series of subsequent mysterious airship sightings across California, setting the stage for a broader national phenomenon in the following year. (Chapter 1, Ref 2)",
"location" : "San Francisco Bay Area, CA",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_2",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "1/30/1897",
"desc": "A mysterious airship was repeatedly spotted near Hastings, a farming community in Nebraska, in January 1897. Witnesses observed the object hovering at varying altitudes, displaying powerful artificial lights and performing maneuvers at remarkable speeds before vanishing as mysteriously as it had appeared. (Chapter 1, Ref 3)",
"location" : "Hastings, Nebraska",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_3",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "1/1897",
"desc": "A prayer group south of Hastings reported a sighting of a conical-shaped object with a bright headlight, six smaller lights, and two sets of wings on each side, along with a large fan-shaped rudder. (Chapter 1, Ref 4)",
"location" : "40 miles south of Hastings, near Kansas border",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_4",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/1897",
"desc": "Residents observed a bright light with changing colors, emitting a beam of light akin to a searchlight, exhibiting controlled movement rather than comet-like motion, and alternating between northwest and opposite directions. (Chapter 1, Ref 5)",
"location" : "Kansas City, Kansas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_5",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "1/1897",
"desc": "The town of Everest had a detailed sighting of an airborne craft that hovered over the area for 80 minutes. The craft was described as having a 25-to-30-foot-long car resembling an Indian canoe with light wings, including two triangular ones. It appeared to be powered by the same source that provided light, with the brightness changing as the craft's altitude varied, and observers noted variations in the color of the light. (Chapter 1, Ref 6)",
"location" : "Everest, Kansas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_6",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "1/1897",
"desc": "A farmer in Iowa had a close encounter with a mystery airship equipped with incandescent lamps on its sides. As the craft maneuvered overhead, a grappling rope from the car hooked onto the farmer's trousers, but he managed to grab a tree and avoid being taken away. Despite skepticism from neighbors, the farmer stood by his account due to his reputation for honesty. (Chapter 1, Ref 7)",
"location" : "Iowa",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_7",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "1/1897",
"desc": "A dairy farmer encountered a dark, lighted aerial object resembling a long car with a cigar-shaped bag floating above it. The sighting was interrupted when the witness' team of horses panicked, causing him to be thrown into a ditch. Upon recovering, he saw the object ascend and vanish into the night. (Chapter 1, Ref 8)",
"location" : "Western Iowa",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_8",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/13/1897",
"desc": "Michigan became a focal point for mysterious airship sightings in mid-April, with around 50 witnesses in Battle Creek reporting a strange aerial object resembling an airship. The object emitted sparks and buzzed as it descended, then ascended in a perpendicular manner before vanishing, leaving reputable citizens puzzled about its nature and identity. (Chapter 1, Ref 9)",
"location" : "Battle Creek, Michigan",
"time" : "20:55",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_9",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/16/1897",
"desc": "A group of around 25 credible witnesses observed a cigar-shaped airship with yellow lights at the bow and stern. The object exhibited a mechanical arrangement for propulsion, moving from the west in a northerly direction at varying altitudes and becoming a topic of discussion in the city due to the reliability of the observers. (Chapter 1, Ref 10)",
"location" : "Hudson, Michigan",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_10",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/14/1897",
"desc": "Residents witnessed a sizable, conical-shaped airship with red lights at both ends, gradually descending from the sky around 12:30 AM. The object was described as being around 50 to 75 feet long, one-third as wide, and emitted a dull red glow, although no visible means of propulsion could be identified. (Chapter 1, Ref 11)",
"location" : "Bay City, Michigan",
"time" : "00:30",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_11",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/14/1897",
"desc": "Two policemen in Saginaw, Michigan, encountered a similar cigar-shaped object around 30 feet long with a red and yellow light shining through canvas, moving at approximately 25 miles per hour in a southerly direction. The officers were drawn to the scene by a drum-like noise, and the object had a distinct feature hanging about 10 feet below its main body. (Chapter 1, Ref 12)",
"location" : "Saginaw Michigan",
"time" : "02:30",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_12",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/14/1897",
"desc": "A farmer spotted a bird-shaped object resembling an enormous flying creature, with wings and a substantial tail or rudder, flying at around 150 feet above the ground. The witness heard what seemed like distant music and a human voice from the object before it disappeared into the evening twilight. (Chapter 1, Ref 13)",
"location" : "Casstown, Ohio",
"time" : "evening",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_13",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/15/1897",
"desc": "A flying object with wings, propellers, and lights was observed by two witnesses in a railroad tower, who reported hearing voices from it due to its proximity to the ground. Described as the size of a wagon bed, the object had a red light in the front and a greenish-yellow light at the back. (Chapter 1, Ref 14)",
"location" : "Dunkirk Ohio",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_14",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/15/1897",
"desc": "On the same night, farmers in Fairfield County, Ohio, witnessed a cigar-shaped object with two pairs of canvas wings attached to it. The object appeared to be at an angle of around 45 degrees, as if it had recently landed and was ascending to avoid lower wind currents. (Chapter 1, Ref 15)",
"location" : "Fairfield County, Ohio",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_15",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/16/1897",
"desc": "Continuing the pattern of anomalous events, a group in Logan, Ohio, witnessed a sudden flash of light followed by a large, dark, slow-flying shape over the town. The object was close enough to be heard, prompting three members of the group to pursue it in a buggy. They managed to get within 50 feet of the object, which was described as a black, boat-shaped airship about 40 feet long, before it swiftly rose and vanished into the night, with the witnesses reporting hearing voices from inside it. (Chapter 1, Ref 16)",
"location" : "Logan, Ohio",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_16",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/16/1897",
"desc": "A distinct airship was spotted, described as being \"40 feet in length, shaped like an auger, and having large windmill-like wings.\" The object, equipped with purple, yellow, and green lights, was seen diving towards the ground before ascending again and flying northward. (Chapter 1, Ref 17)",
"location" : "Upper Sandusky, Ohio",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_17",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/18/1897",
"desc": "A mysterious airship caused excitement in Sistersville, West Virginia, by hovering over the town and casting bright searchlights down. Described as cigar-shaped with large wings, the object featured flashing red, white, and green lights on its sides and ends. Those viewing it from a hill estimated its size to be around 180 feet in length and approximately 50 feet in diameter at the widest point. (Chapter 1, Ref 18)",
"location" : "Sistersville, West Virginia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_18",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "5/1897",
"desc": "In northeast Washington, the town of Marble experienced an air of excitement in May 1897 when an airship was spotted over the mountains in the southern part of town. The airship, recognized by its fans and a rotating front apparatus, moved rapidly in a northeasterly direction before disappearing from view, leaving the mill crew and townspeople stirred by the sight. (Chapter 1, Ref 19)",
"location" : "Marble, Washington",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_19",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/11/1897",
"desc": "During April 1897, amidst the airship sightings, some witnesses reported observing low-flying airships with visible occupants. In Lock Mills, Indiana, a man claimed to have been visited by an airship operator who projected \"magic lantern\" pictures on the side of his barn. (Chapter 1, Ref 20)",
"location" : "Lock Mills, Indiana",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_20",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/19/1897",
"desc": "The postmaster of Greenfield, Illinois, witnessed an airship flying about 150 feet above him in the woods. He reported seeing a woman on a deck at the front of the craft, using a net to catch pigeons. (Chapter 1, Ref 21)",
"location" : "Greenfield, Illinois",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_21",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/19/1897",
"desc": "A piece of paper with a message was found about nine miles from the April 19, 1897 Greenfield, Illinois sighting. The message was written on a letterhead from \"Airship Co., Oakland, Cal.,\" describing a successful scheme of catching birds with a net and indicating the incredible speed of the airship, which had traveled between St. Louis, Chicago, and Kansas City in remarkably short periods of time. If accurate, this would indicate a speed of over 200 miles per hour, far beyond 19th-century norms. (Chapter 1, Ref 22)",
"location" : "9 miles from Greenfield, Illinois",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_22",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/24/1897",
"desc": "A man observed a buzzing sound and spotted a cigar-shaped airship at an altitude of around 200 feet. The witness noticed a man standing at the stern of the craft, and two other men sitting in the helm, before the airship departed toward the south. (Chapter 1, Ref 23)",
"location" : "Louisville, Kentucky",
"time" : "evening",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_23",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/25/1897",
"desc": "Witnesses returning from church observed a heavy object being dragged along by a rope, which eventually caught on a railroad rail. Upon looking up, they believed they saw an airship with lights in several windows, including a bright front light resembling a locomotive headlight. A man was seen descending the rope and cutting it when he noticed people nearby, before sailing off in a northeast direction, leaving the anchor on display at a local blacksmith shop. (Chapter 1, Ref 24)",
"location" : "Merkel, Texas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_24",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/27/1897",
"desc": "A family was startled by their barking watchdog and saw a large cigar-shaped object with white wings in the sky. The object had visible guy ropes and rods, and three men were seen aboard, waving their hands as the machine flew a zig-zag course, suggesting it might have been malfunctioning. (Chapter 1, Ref 25)",
"location" : "Elkton, Kentucky",
"time" : "19:00",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_25",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/27/1897",
"desc": "A flying machine resembling a large cigar was observed by reputable witnesses, who noted three visible men aboard the craft. The airship flew at an altitude of approximately 2,000 feet and appeared to be under the complete control of its operators, as reported by a local newspaper. (Chapter 1, Ref 26)",
"location" : "Pennsylvania",
"time" : "19:00",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_26",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "12/7/1896",
"desc": "Residents were alerted by cries when a large airship was flying over their town. The craft appeared to land nearby, and a group of five men investigated, finding a bearded man on board who communicated using an \"alphabet.\" The man indicated he lived in the Montezuma Mountains with his family but declined further questioning. The airship was observed flying off the next day. (Chapter 1, Ref 27)",
"location" : "Camptonville, California",
"time" : "evening",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_27",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/13/1897",
"desc": "A telegraph operator received a message that an airship was approaching. A craft around 100 feet long and 25 feet wide, with a large letter \"M\" on its side, landed nearby. Witnesses observed several occupants in the \"control car\" before the airship rapidly ascended and flew northward. (Chapter 1, Ref 28)",
"location" : "Girard, Illinois",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_28",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/15/1897",
"desc": "Two farm workers claimed to have witnessed an airship landing, with a bearded man emerging from it and inquiring about the place. Another man and a woman were inside the car. The bearded occupant mentioned that the crew rested on the ground during the day and had just flown from Quincy to Springfield in 30 minutes. He pointed to the letter \"M\" on the car and stated his intention to report to the government when Cuba became free. After their conversation, the man reentered the craft, pressed a button, and the airship departed. (Chapter 1, Ref 29)",
"location" : "Outside Springfield, Illinois",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_29",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/14/1897",
"desc": "Two men on a fishing boat encountered a 40-foot-long object with a canopy that initially appeared to be another ship. A young man was seen fishing from the deck, accompanied by a woman and a child. As the fishing boat approached, the other craft released a large colored \"balloon,\" ascended to around 500 feet, circled briefly, and then flew away. (Chapter 1, Ref 30)",
"location" : "Lake Erie near Cleveland",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_30",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/15/1897",
"desc": "An airship flew over Lynn Grove, Iowa, and seemed to land just outside town on the 15th. Local residents investigated, but the airship took off again, and witnesses reported seeing two men on board, along with four wings on the craft. (Chapter 1, Ref 31)",
"location" : "Lynn Grove, Iowa",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_31",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/16/1897",
"desc": "A traveling agent claimed to encounter an airship with a beautiful woman and a bearded man. He described their appearance and interactions in great detail, including their gestures and the inside of the airship. His account was supported by his employer and family members who vouched for his reliability. (Chapter 1, Refs 32, 33, 34)",
"location" : "Springfield, Missouri",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_32",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/16/1897",
"desc": "Farmers encountered a landed airship with two occupants who claimed to be traveling from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast along the Northwestern railway. The machine was described as lightweight and made of aluminum-like material. (Chapter 1, Ref 35)",
"location" : "Elburn Illinois",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_33",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/17/1897",
"desc": "A prison official witnessed a landed airship resembling a large \"whaleback ship\" with wings and fins. The craft displayed colored banners and dazzling lights before rapidly ascending and disappearing. (Chapter 1, Ref 36)",
"location" : "Texas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_34",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/17/1897",
"desc": "Three strangers who claimed to have landed their airship in Conroe, Texas, interacted with locals at a restaurant, stating they were flying from San Francisco to Cuba. After their departure, a brightly-lit airship was seen flying over the town. (Chapter 1, Ref 37)",
"location" : "Conroe Texas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_35",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/17/1897",
"desc": "A judge in Arkansas encountered a landed airship near Texarkana, manned by three men who spoke a foreign language, possibly Japanese. The judge explored the ship and noted it was made of aluminum, with gas used to control its altitude. (Chapter 1, Ref 38)",
"location" : "McKinney Bayou, Arkansas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_36",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/22/1897",
"desc": "An airship landed near Stephensville, Texas, with a 60-foot-long cigar-shaped object manned by two men, S.E. Tillman and A.E. Dolbear. Despite curiosity from local residents, the pilots declined to allow anyone to examine the airship, ultimately flying away. (Chapter 1, Ref 39)",
"location" : "Stephensville, Texas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_37",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "5/13/1897",
"desc": "Captain Jim Hooton, a railroad conductor, reported encountering an airship near Homan, Arkansas. He observed a man aboard the ship wearing smoked glasses, and the ship's design included bulging sides, sharp edges, and rotating wheels that propelled it upward with a hissing sound before disappearing from sight. (Chapter 1, Ref 40)",
"location" : "Homan, Arkansas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_38",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "5/6/1897",
"desc": "A constable and a deputy sheriff near Hot Springs, Arkansas, encountered a cigar-shaped airship with occupants consisting of a man with a long beard, a young man, and a woman. The bearded man explained that they were traveling in the airship, and they invited the officers to take a ride. The witnesses left and returned later, but the airship had departed. (Chapter 1, Ref 41)",
"location" : "Hot Springs, Arkansas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_39",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/19/1897",
"desc": "A boy claimed to witness an airship landing on a farm. He reported seeing several occupants leaving the craft to gather water, which they poured into a container that resembled a boiler on the ship. (Chapter 1, Ref 42)",
"location" : "near Norway, Wisconsin",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_40",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/17/1897",
"desc": "Three men witnessed an airship landing. They saw a man around 40 years old from the craft collecting water from a stream. Despite their attempts to converse, the man remained silent and soon departed in the airship. (Chapter 1, Ref 43)",
"location" : "Lexington, Kentucky",
"time" : "evening",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_41",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/17/1897",
"desc": "An airship landed at a feed mill near Upland, Indiana. A heavyset man with long whiskers emerged, bought cattle feed, and upon returning to the ship, he pressed a button that caused the airship to take off and depart. (Chapter 1, Ref 44)",
"location" : "Upland, Indiana",
"time" : "evening",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_42",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/17/1897",
"desc": "an airship landed near Muncie, and one of the occupants requested milk from a farmer. After receiving the milk, the man pulled on a cord, and the airship took off and flew away. (Chapter 1, Ref 45)",
"location" : "Muncie, Indiana",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_43",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/21/1897",
"desc": "An ex-senator encountered an airship crew who revealed their craft's anti-gravity operation. The crew consisted of an elderly man with a long beard, two younger men, and a woman. The crew shared their ability to suspend gravity using a wire, and after a polite conversation, they flew off in their airship. (Chapter 1, Ref 46)",
"location" : "Harrisburg, Arkansas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_44",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/22/1897",
"desc": "A farmer encountered an airship with bright lights and wings that landed on his property. The occupant of the airship requested lubricating oil and tools, offering money in exchange. The occupant declined to allow the farmer to approach the airship but promised to reciprocate the kindness by taking him on a future trip. The farmer managed to gather some items, and upon his return, the aeronaut thanked him, shook his hand, and mentioned flying to Greece in a matter of days before taking off at high speed. (Chapter 1, Ref 47)",
"location" : "Texas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_45",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "1896",
"desc": "In the 1896 California incidents preceding the 1897 airship wave, a sailor in San Luis Obispo claimed to have been taken on an airship ride by a Spanish-speaking pilot and a female companion. This adventurous exception involved a flight experience in an airship. (Chapter 1, Ref 48)",
"location" : "San Luis, California",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_46",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/16/1897",
"desc": "A cigar-shaped airship descended in the village with two men and a boy on board. The villagers interacted with them, and some members of the fire department were taken on a short ride. The airship eventually departed with lanterns lit, heading towards Camden. (Chapter 1, Ref 49)",
"location" : "Bluffton, Indiana",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_47",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "5/4/1897",
"desc": "Three bicyclists encountered a landed airship with two occupants named George Autzerlitz and Joseph Eddleman. They conversed with the pilots, who claimed to have dined on birds caught in flight. One of the bicyclists was offered and accepted a ride in the airship, flying to the nearby town of Huntington. (Chapter 1, Ref 50)",
"location" : "Jenny Lind, Arkansas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_48",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/6/1897",
"desc": "A man encountered an airship on a small island in the Missouri River. The airship's crew explained that they had landed for repairs on a searchlight. The ship was described as cigar-shaped, about 200 feet long, and operated by large gasoline engines connected to steel snail shell-shaped devices for propulsion. (Chapter 1, Ref 51)",
"location" : "Peru, Nebraska",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_49",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/15/1897",
"desc": "A man encountered a landed airship approximately 200 feet long with crewmen repairing a searchlight. Similar to a previous incident, the witness was informed that the airship was heading to Cuba with a cargo of dynamite. (Chapter 1, Ref 52)",
"location" : "Cisco, Texas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_50",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/15/1897",
"desc": "An airship crew stopped at Pine Lake, Michigan, for repairs and provisions. A witness reported being awakened by a tap on his window and a bright light, and the crew requested egg sandwiches and coffee, which they hoisted on board in exchange for payment. The witness observed the ship with a brilliant searchlight and red lights at each end, noting its departure towards the city just before daylight. (Chapter 1, Ref 53)",
"location" : "Pine Lake, Michigan",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_51",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/15/1897",
"desc": "Local citizens in Chattanooga, Tennessee encountered an airship that had landed on a mountain spur for repairs. The crew explained that their machinery was out of order and one of the men identified himself as Professor Charles Davidson, claiming the ship had been traveling across the country after leaving Sacramento a month earlier. (Chapter 1, Ref 54)",
"location" : "Chattanooga, Tennessee",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_52",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/1897",
"desc": "An electrician in Chillicothe, Missouri, was summoned to recharge an airship's fuel supply during the night, and a railway worker assisted in repairing a faulty steering mechanism for an airship near Nora, Illinois. (Chapter 1, Ref 55)",
"location" : "Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Nora, Illinois",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_53",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/12/1897",
"desc": "Witnesses claimed to have observed an illuminated airship that suddenly exploded with a loud noise, leaving behind evidence like a coil of heavy wire and partially-fused propeller blades. The witnesses described the object's rapid movement and subsequent explosion. (Chapter 1, Ref 56)",
"location" : "Kalamazoo, Michigan",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_54",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/13/1897",
"desc": "A bright object seen near Battle Creek, Michigan, was described as a meteor-like airship that dropped a part resembling a large aluminum wheel with a turbine shape. The wheel was discovered by witnesses in a field and kept as a memento on a local farm. (Chapter 1, Ref 57)",
"location" : "Battle Creek, Michigan",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_55",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/7/1897",
"desc": "In a letter to a Missouri newspaper, a witness reported witnessing an airship crash near Bethany. The two occupants were fatally injured, and the letters found on them indicated a possible origin from San Francisco or Omaha. (Chapter 1, Ref 58)",
"location" : "Bethany, Missouri",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_56",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/10/1897",
"desc": "A farmer reported an airship crash during a blizzard near Lanark. Two occupants were killed, and a third, dressed in a unique manner, survived and claimed to be from Mars. The farmer charged people to view the \"Martian\" until he recovered and repaired his craft. (Chapter 1, Ref 59)",
"location" : "Lanark, Illinois",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_57",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "11/17/1897",
"desc": "Despite theories of an alien origin, the prevailing belief surrounding the mystery airships of the late 19th century pointed to an earthly source. The prevailing notion was that an unknown inventor or inventors within the United States had achieved breakthroughs in flight technology. Reports of airship inventors date back to the earliest days of the phenomenon, as exemplified by a telegram from a New York entrepreneur in 1896 claiming plans to fly his invention to California. (Chapter 1, Ref 60)",
"location" : "Sacramento, California",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_58",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "11/22/1897",
"desc": "A San Francisco lawyer initially claimed to know the inventor behind the mystery airship, describing it as a metal machine with wings and a rudder, capable of ascending and descending gracefully. The inventor was identified as E. H. Benjamin, a former dentist from Maine. However, the story took confusing turns as the lawyer's statements were retracted, replaced by another lawyer's claims of multiple airships under development, with details of their potential capabilities. Eventually, all pronouncements ceased, and no airship was publicly presented for inspection. (Chapter 1, Ref 61)",
"location" : "San Francisco, California",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_59",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "11/22/1897",
"desc": "An individual claimed to have encountered an airship in the Tamalpais range of mountains near San Francisco. The witness described meeting six men working on the ship, which was said to be the source of the mysterious lights seen in the sky. The ship was reported to make trial trips at night and return before daylight as it continued its development. (Chapter 1, Ref 62)",
"location" : "San Francisco, California",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_60",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "12/2/1897",
"desc": "Two fishermen near San Francisco claimed to have witnessed an airship descending and landing on the ocean surface. They observed the crew guiding the craft to shore, and despite being initially ordered to leave, they were later allowed to observe the crew making repairs and share a meal from the airship's provisions. (Chapter 1, Ref 63)",
"location" : "San Francisco, California",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_61",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "12/7/1897",
"desc": "A letter in a Fresno newspaper claimed that the airship was present in Fresno County and mentioned details about its construction and functionality. The letter indicated that the airship's inventor had faced involuntary challenges during its flight and was planning to bring the airship to Fresno for public viewing pending favorable news from Washington. (Chapter 1, Ref 64)",
"location" : "Fresno, California",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_62",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "12/6/1897",
"desc": "Residents of Watertown reported seeing a large airship with a bright light narrowly avoiding collision with the town's post office, providing potential corroboration for a letter writer's account of the airship's presence in the area. (See Dec. 7, 1897.) (Chapter 1, Ref 65)",
"location" : "Watertown, CA",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_63",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/19/1897",
"desc": "Approximate date. A rabbi in Texas encountered an airship that had landed on a farm near Beaumont. He spoke briefly with one of the occupants who mentioned traveling and testing the machine but couldn't recall specific details about the inventor or the place of origin. (Chapter 1, Ref 66)",
"location" : "Beaumont, Texas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_64",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/1897",
"desc": "A letter found near Appleton, Wisconsin, claimed to be from the occupants of an airship named \"Pegasus.\" The letter described their successful aerial navigation experiments, achieving speeds of 150 miles per hour and reaching a height of 2,500 feet. They stated the airship was propelled by steam, lit by electricity, and had a carrying capacity of 1,000 pounds. (Chapter 1, Ref 67)",
"location" : "Appleton, Wisconsin",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_65",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/1897",
"desc": "A message reportedly dropped from an airship named \"Pegasus\" was found by Miss L. Remme in her yard. The note claimed the airship had traveled 200 miles at 40 miles an hour since 4:30 Friday afternoon and intended to reach Nashville by Sunday at 3:30. (Chapter 1, Ref 68)",
"location" : "Newport, Kentucky",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_66",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/22/1897",
"desc": "A note allegedly dropped from an airship named \"Airoia\" was found by a prominent townsman. The note claimed the airship had traveled across various states, fished in the Great Lakes, and was piloted by William R. Harris, along with his wife and child. The writer mentioned plans to return to New Mexico and construct a larger boat to cross the sea. (Chapter 1, Ref 69)",
"location" : "Lorain, Ohio",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_67",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/10/1897",
"desc": "In Nebraska, especially near Hastings, rumors of an airship inventor circulated in 1897. The individual was said to be working on an airship and keeping their identity hidden to prevent theft of their invention by unscrupulous individuals. (Chapter 1, Ref 70)",
"location" : "Omaha, Nebraska",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_68",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "1897",
"desc": "In Omaha, John O. Preast was speculated to be the inventor behind the mysterious airship sightings. Known for his experiments with airships over the past decade, Preast was suspected of working on a functioning model. The airship's sightings near his residence further fueled these speculations. (Chapter 1, Ref 71)",
"location" : "Omaha, Nebraska",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_69",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "1897",
"desc": "An individual named Anton Pallardy claimed that the airship sightings in Nebraska were real and not a myth. He suggested that the airship was constructed in the remote Mauvais Terres region and described its appearance as resembling a large umbrella with a transparent covering. (Chapter 1, Ref 72)",
"location" : "Nebraska",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_70",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "1890",
"desc": "Edward J. Pennington, a successful manufacturer, claimed to be an airship inventor and intended to create a large aluminum airship propelled by hydrogen gas and a gasoline engine-powered propeller, capable of speeds up to 250 miles per hour. (Chapter 1, Refs 73, 74)",
"location" : "Mt. Carmel, Illinois",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_71",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "1891",
"desc": "Edward J. Pennington demonstrated a 30-foot unmanned model of his airship inside a Chicago exhibition hall, which circled at 25 feet and achieved a speed of six miles per hour. Despite public enthusiasm, his attempt to scale up the model for a full-sized airship faced challenges, leading to the failure of the Mt. Carmel Aeronautic Navigation Company. (Chapter 1, Ref 75, 76, 77)",
"location" : "Chicago",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_72",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "1850's",
"desc": "Charles A. Dellschau and a group known as the Aero Club, comprised of inventive individuals, reportedly secretly built and flew revolutionary aircraft in the 1850s. Dellschau's illustrated notebooks detail their activities, claiming the aircraft used a substance called \"supe\" or \"NB\" with anti-gravity properties for propulsion and lights, but disbanded after the substance's inventor died, with mention of a possible larger secret organization called NYMZA. (Chapter 1, Ref 78)",
"location" : "Sonora, California",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_73",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "1897",
"desc": "Amidst the airship mystery, an 1897 report suggested a potential connection between the mysterious airship sightings and government experiments. It was speculated that the U.S. government, employing a high-salary aeronaut, might be working on airship-related experiments at Fort Logan near Denver, leading to theories about government involvement in the phenomenon. (Chapter 1, Ref 79)",
"location" : "Texas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_74",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "12/1/1896",
"desc": "During the late 19th Century airship mystery, an electrician named John A. Horen claimed to have witnessed a functioning airship in California. He recounted an encounter with an inventor aboard the airship, describing its noiseless and swift flight, and claimed it could travel to places like Honolulu and back within about 48 hours at a speed of around 100 miles per hour. (Chapter 1, Ref 80)",
"location" : "Sandy Beach, CA",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_75",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/16/1897",
"desc": "A man encountered a landed airship near Greenville Texas, described as a large cigar-shaped vessel with wings, a wheel at the front, and a fish-like tail at the rear. The crew claimed to be experimenting with the vessel and planning to revolutionize travel and transportation using electrical machines for propulsion and lights. (Chapter 1, Ref 81)",
"location" : "Greenville, Texas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_76",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/16/1897",
"desc": "During the late 19th century, a newspaper reporter from Decatur, Illinois, claimed to have been taken on an airship ride by inventor C. Devonbaugh. The airship featured a cabin suspended beneath gas-filled cylinders, powered by a new electricity-based process. The reporter described a high-speed nighttime trip to Chicago with colorful electric lights and mentioned the inventor's offer to assist Cuban rebels with the airship's capabilities. (Chapter 1, Ref 82)",
"location" : "Decatur, Illinois",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_77",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/22/1897",
"desc": "A Texas farmer observed a large, brightly lit vessel in his cornfield and spoke with a crew of six or eight individuals. The crew claimed the aerial navigation problem had been solved using a newly discovered self-sustaining material and highly condensed electricity for propulsion. They mentioned building five such ships in Iowa and forming a stock company for the invention's public release. (Chapter 1, Ref 83)",
"location" : "Josserand, Trinity County, Texas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_78",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/25/1897",
"desc": "A prominent individual claimed to have encountered a massive airship with two occupants. The craft had brilliant lights and unique features, including tubular wires that were both strong and lightweight. The inventor, referring to the craft as an \"aeribarque,\" demonstrated its anti-gravity capabilities, advanced temperature control, and colorful lights before ascending and departing rapidly. (Chapter 1, Ref 84)",
"location" : "Lancaster, Ohio",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_79",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "5/13/1897",
"desc": "A wealthy recluse residing near Savannah, Ohio, who had recently returned from Nebraska, was suspected by his neighbors of experimenting with an airship, potentially linking him to the local airship sightings. (Chapter 1, Ref 85)",
"location" : "Savannah, Ohio",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_80",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "5/1/1897",
"desc": "Residents of Shiloh, Ohio, reported witnessing a well-lit, cylindrical airship with sails and propellers, apparently created by an unnamed inventor. The airship was described as rising into the air and moving swiftly against the wind. (Chapter 1, Ref 86)",
"location" : "Shiloh, Ohio",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_81",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/19/1897",
"desc": "In 1897, a man named Wilson frequently appeared in connection with occupants of landed airships. Near the Texas-Louisiana border, an airship landed, and two occupants introduced themselves as Mr. Wilson and Scott Warren. The witness was invited aboard the airship, where he saw an 8-by-14-foot cabin with reclining chairs, incandescent lamps, and a unique propulsion system powered by a secret gas. Wilson explained navigation techniques involving magnetic wheels and propellers. The airship was around 75 by 25 feet and had a top speed of approximately 160 miles per hour. (Chapter 1, Ref 87)",
"location" : "near the Texas-Louisiana border",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_82",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/19/1897",
"desc": "In another incident in 1897, a farmer and his son discovered a landed airship near Beaumont, Texas. The airship, measuring around 130 feet long and 20 feet wide, had four men outside, including one named Wilson. Wilson explained that the ship used water ballast for landing and described its propulsion system involving large wings and propellers powered by electricity. He mentioned that the airship was made of steel and contained compartments for compressed air, and it was on its way from a flight over the Gulf of Mexico to Iowa. (Chapter 1, Ref 88)",
"location" : "Beaumont, Texas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_83",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/20/1897",
"desc": "A Texas sheriff encountered a landed airship on his property near Uvalde. The airship's occupants, including one named Wilson, requested water for their craft. Wilson mentioned being from Goshen, New York, and inquired about an acquaintance named Sheriff Akers. This incident brought to mind previous interactions with a man named Wilson who had been working on aerial navigation and inventions related to airships, leading to suspicions that this might be the same person. After loading water, the airship's wings and fins were set in motion, and it departed northward toward San Angelo. (Chapter 1, Ref 89)",
"location" : "Uvalde, Texas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_84",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
},
{
"date" : "4/23/1897",
"desc": "Two individuals claimed to have found a landed airship near Kountze, Texas. The airship had a cigar-shaped appearance, measuring about 50 feet in length and 20 feet in width. The occupants of the craft, introduced as Jackson and Wilson, were in the process of repairing a punctured \"air compartment.\" Interestingly, there was also a member named Wilson mentioned among the California Aero Club members identified by Charles Dellschau in his notebooks, although this might be a mere coincidence. (Chapter 1, Refs 90, 91)",
"location" : "Kountze, Texas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_85",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "mystery airship"
}
] }

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1
Nov. 18, 1896 Sacramento CA. On November 18, a peculiar aerial phenomenon was observed in Sacramento, where an
18:00 electric arc lamp-like object moved through the sky in an erratic manner, seemingly propelled by an
unknown force. Witnesses claimed to hear human voices emanating from the object, giving directions to
avoid collisions with structures, and guiding its ascent when it neared the ground. The incident left
citizens astonished by the unusual sight and audible interactions in the sky. (Chapter 1, Ref 1)
2
Nov. 26, 1896 San Francisco Bay Area, CA. An enigmatic craft appeared over San Francisco Bay. Described as a large, black
cigar-shaped object with a fish-like tail, the approximately 100-foot-long airship exhibited high-speed movement
and maneuverability that far surpassed known technologies of the time, like dirigibles. The witnesses were
astonished by the object's unprecedented features, as it defied the technological norms of 1896 and foreshadowed
a series of subsequent mysterious airship sightings across California, setting the stage for a broader national
phenomenon in the following year. (Chapter 1, Ref 2)
3
Jan. 30, 1897 Hastings, Nebraska. A mysterious airship was repeatedly spotted near Hastings, a farming community in Nebraska, in
January 1897. Witnesses observed the object hovering at varying altitudes, displaying powerful artificial lights and
performing maneuvers at remarkable speeds before vanishing as mysteriously as it had appeared. (Chapter 1, Ref 3)
4
Jan. 1897 40 miles south of Hastings, near Kansas border. A prayer group south of Hastings reported a sighting of a conical-shaped
object with a bright headlight, six smaller lights, and two sets of wings on each side, along with a large fan-shaped rudder.
(Chapter 1, Ref 4)
5
Apr. 1897 Kansas City, Kansas. Residents observed a bright light with changing colors, emitting a beam of light akin
to a searchlight, exhibiting controlled movement rather than comet-like motion, and alternating between northwest and opposite
directions. (Chapter 1, Ref 5)
6
Jan. 1897 Everest, Kansas. The town of Everest had a detailed sighting of an airborne craft that hovered over the area for 80 minutes. The
craft was described as having a 25-to-30-foot-long car resembling an Indian canoe with light wings, including two triangular ones.
It appeared to be powered by the same source that provided light, with the brightness changing as the craft's altitude varied, and
observers noted variations in the color of the light. (Chapter 1, Ref 6)
7
Jan. 1897 Iowa. A farmer in Iowa had a close encounter with a mystery airship equipped with incandescent lamps on its sides. As the craft
maneuvered overhead, a grappling rope from the car hooked onto the farmer's trousers, but he managed to grab a tree and avoid being
taken away. Despite skepticism from neighbors, the farmer stood by his account due to his reputation for honesty. (Chapter 1, Ref 7)
8.
Jan. 1897 Western Iowa. A dairy farmer encountered a dark, lighted aerial object resembling a long car with a cigar-shaped bag floating above it.
The sighting was interrupted when the witness' team of horses panicked, causing him to be thrown into a ditch. Upon recovering, he
saw the object ascend and vanish into the night. (Chapter 1, Ref 8)
9
Apr. 13, 1897 Battle Creek, Michigan. Michigan became a focal point for mysterious airship sightings in mid-April, with around 50 witnesses in Battle Creek
20:55 reporting a strange aerial object resembling an airship. The object emitted sparks and buzzed as it descended, then ascended in a
perpendicular manner before vanishing, leaving reputable citizens puzzled about its nature and identity. (Chapter 1, Ref 9)
10
Apr. 16, 1897 Hudson, Michigan. A group of around 25 credible witnesses observed a cigar-shaped airship with yellow lights at the bow and stern. The object
exhibited a mechanical arrangement for propulsion, moving from the west in a northerly direction at varying altitudes and becoming a topic
of discussion in the city due to the reliability of the observers. (Chapter 1, Ref 10)
11
Apr. 14, 1897 Bay City, Michigan. Residents witnessed a sizable, conical-shaped airship with red lights at both ends, gradually descending from the sky
00:30 around 12:30 AM. The object was described as being around 50 to 75 feet long, one-third as wide, and emitted a dull red glow, although no
visible means of propulsion could be identified. (Chapter 1, Ref 11)
12
Apr. 14, 1897 Saginaw Michigan. Two policemen in Saginaw, Michigan, encountered a similar cigar-shaped object around 30 feet long with a red and yellow
02:30 light shining through canvas, moving at approximately 25 miles per hour in a southerly direction. The officers were drawn to the scene by a
drum-like noise, and the object had a distinct feature hanging about 10 feet below its main body. (Chapter 1, Ref 12)
13
Apr. 14, 1897 Casstown, Ohio. A farmer spotted a bird-shaped object resembling an enormous flying creature, with wings and a substantial tail or rudder,
evening flying at around 150 feet above the ground. The witness heard what seemed like distant music and a human voice from the object before it
disappeared into the evening twilight. (Chapter 1, Ref 13)
14
Apr. 15, 1897 Dunkirk Ohio. A flying object with wings, propellers, and lights was observed by two witnesses in a railroad tower, who reported hearing voices
from it due to its proximity to the ground. Described as the size of a wagon bed, the object had a red light in the front and a greenish-yellow
light at the back. (Chapter 1, Ref 14)
15
Apr. 15, 1897 Fairfield County, Ohio. On the same night, farmers in Fairfield County, Ohio, witnessed a cigar-shaped object with two pairs of canvas wings
attached to it. The object appeared to be at an angle of around 45 degrees, as if it had recently landed and was ascending to avoid
lower wind currents. (Chapter 1, Ref 15)
16
Apr. 16, 1897 Logan, Ohio. Continuing the pattern of anomalous events, a group in Logan, Ohio, witnessed a sudden flash of light followed by a large, dark,
slow-flying shape over the town. The object was close enough to be heard, prompting three members of the group to pursue it in a buggy. They
managed to get within 50 feet of the object, which was described as a black, boat-shaped airship about 40 feet long, before it swiftly
rose and vanished into the night, with the witnesses reporting hearing voices from inside it. (Chapter 1, Ref 16)
17
Apr. 16, 1897 Upper Sandusky, Ohio. A distinct airship was spotted, described as being "40 feet in length, shaped like an auger, and having large windmill-like
wings." The object, equipped with purple, yellow, and green lights, was seen diving towards the ground before ascending again and flying northward.
(Chapter 1, Ref 17)
18
Apr. 18, 1897 Sistersville, West Virginia. A mysterious airship caused excitement in Sistersville, West Virginia, by hovering over the town and casting bright
searchlights down. Described as cigar-shaped with large wings, the object featured flashing red, white, and green lights on its sides and ends.
Those viewing it from a hill estimated its size to be around 180 feet in length and approximately 50 feet in diameter at the widest point. (Chapter 1, Ref 18)
19
May. 1897 Marble, Washington. In northeast Washington, the town of Marble experienced an air of excitement in May 1897 when an airship was spotted over the
mountains in the southern part of town. The airship, recognized by its fans and a rotating front apparatus, moved rapidly in a northeasterly direction
before disappearing from view, leaving the mill crew and townspeople stirred by the sight. (Chapter 1, Ref 19)
20
Apr. 11, 1897 Lock Mills, Indiana. During April 1897, amidst the airship sightings, some witnesses reported observing low-flying airships with visible occupants.
In Lock Mills, Indiana, a man claimed to have been visited by an airship operator who projected "magic lantern" pictures on the side of his barn.
(Chapter 1, Ref 20)
21
Apr. 19, 1897 Greenfield, Illinois. The postmaster of Greenfield, Illinois, witnessed an airship flying about 150 feet above him in the woods. He reported seeing
a woman on a deck at the front of the craft, using a net to catch pigeons. (Chapter 1, Ref 21)
22
Apr. 19, 1897 9 miles from Greenfield, Illinois. A piece of paper with a message was found about nine miles from the April 19, 1897 Greenfield, Illinois sighting.
The message was written on a letterhead from "Airship Co., Oakland, Cal.," describing a successful scheme of catching birds with a net and indicating
the incredible speed of the airship, which had traveled between St. Louis, Chicago, and Kansas City in remarkably short periods of time. If
accurate, this would indicate a speed of over 200 miles per hour, far beyond 19th-century norms. (Chapter 1, Ref 22)
23
Apr. 24, 1897 Louisville, Kentucky. A man observed a buzzing sound and spotted a cigar-shaped airship at an altitude of around 200 feet. The witness noticed
evening a man standing at the stern of the craft, and two other men sitting in the helm, before the airship departed toward the south. (Chapter 1, Ref 23)
24
Apr. 25, 1897 Merkel, Texas. Witnesses returning from church observed a heavy object being dragged along by a rope, which eventually caught on a railroad rail.
Upon looking up, they believed they saw an airship with lights in several windows, including a bright front light resembling a locomotive headlight.
A man was seen descending the rope and cutting it when he noticed people nearby, before sailing off in a northeast direction, leaving the anchor
on display at a local blacksmith shop. (Chapter 1, Ref 24)
25
Apr. 27, 1897 Elkton, Kentucky. A family was startled by their barking watchdog and saw a large cigar-shaped object with white wings in the sky. The object had
19:00 visible guy ropes and rods, and three men were seen aboard, waving their hands as the machine flew a zig-zag course, suggesting it might have
been malfunctioning. (Chapter 1, Ref 25)
26
Apr. 27, 1897 Pennsylvania. A flying machine resembling a large cigar was observed by reputable witnesses, who noted three visible men aboard the craft.
19:00 The airship flew at an altitude of approximately 2,000 feet and appeared to be under the complete control of its operators, as reported by a
local newspaper. (Chapter 1, Ref 26)
27
Dec. 7, 1896 Camptonville, California. Residents were alerted by cries when a large airship was flying over their town. The craft appeared to land nearby, and
evening a group of five men investigated, finding a bearded man on board who communicated using an "alphabet." The man indicated he lived in the
Montezuma Mountains with his family but declined further questioning. The airship was observed flying off the next day. (Chapter 1, Ref 27)
28
Apr. 13, 1897 Girard, Illinois. A telegraph operator received a message that an airship was approaching. A craft around 100 feet long and 25 feet wide, with
a large letter "M" on its side, landed nearby. Witnesses observed several occupants in the "control car" before the airship rapidly ascended
and flew northward. (Chapter 1, Ref 28)
29
Apr. 15, 1897 Outside Springfield, Illinois. Two farm workers claimed to have witnessed an airship landing, with a bearded man emerging from it and inquiring
about the place. Another man and a woman were inside the car. The bearded occupant mentioned that the crew rested on the ground during the
day and had just flown from Quincy to Springfield in 30 minutes. He pointed to the letter "M" on the car and stated his intention to report
to the government when Cuba became free. After their conversation, the man reentered the craft, pressed a button, and the airship departed. (Chapter 1, Ref 29)
30
Apr. 14, 1897 Lake Erie near Cleveland. Two men on a fishing boat encountered a 40-foot-long object with a canopy that initially appeared to be another ship.
A young man was seen fishing from the deck, accompanied by a woman and a child. As the fishing boat approached, the other craft released a
large colored "balloon," ascended to around 500 feet, circled briefly, and then flew away. (Chapter 1, Ref 30)
31
Apr. 15, 1897 Lynn Grove, Iowa. An airship flew over Lynn Grove, Iowa, and seemed to land just outside town on the 15th. Local residents investigated, but
the airship took off again, and witnesses reported seeing two men on board, along with four wings on the craft. (Chapter 1, Ref 31)
32
Apr. 16, 1897 Springfield, Missouri. A traveling agent claimed to encounter an airship with a beautiful woman and a bearded man. He described their appearance
and interactions in great detail, including their gestures and the inside of the airship. His account was supported by his employer and
family members who vouched for his reliability. (Chapter 1, Refs 32, 33, 34)
33
Apr. 16, 1897 Elburn Illinois. Farmers encountered a landed airship with two occupants who claimed to be traveling from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast
along the Northwestern railway. The machine was described as lightweight and made of aluminum-like material. (Chapter 1, Ref 35)
34
Apr. 17, 1897 Texas. A prison official witnessed a landed airship resembling a large "whaleback ship" with wings and fins. The craft displayed colored
banners and dazzling lights before rapidly ascending and disappearing. (Chapter 1, Ref 36)
35
Apr. 17, 1897 Conroe Texas. Three strangers who claimed to have landed their airship in Conroe, Texas, interacted with locals at a restaurant, stating they
were flying from San Francisco to Cuba. After their departure, a brightly-lit airship was seen flying over the town. (Chapter 1, Ref 37)
36
Apr. 17, 1897 McKinney Bayou, Arkansas. A judge in Arkansas encountered a landed airship near Texarkana, manned by three men who spoke a foreign language,
possibly Japanese. The judge explored the ship and noted it was made of aluminum, with gas used to control its altitude. (Chapter 1, Ref 38)
37
Apr. 22, 1897 Stephensville, Texas. An airship landed near Stephensville, Texas, with a 60-foot-long cigar-shaped object manned by two men, S.E. Tillman
and A.E. Dolbear. Despite curiosity from local residents, the pilots declined to allow anyone to examine the airship, ultimately flying away. (Chapter 1, Ref 39)
38
May. 13, 1897 Homan, Arkansas. Captain Jim Hooton, a railroad conductor, reported encountering an airship near Homan, Arkansas. He observed a man aboard
the ship wearing smoked glasses, and the ship's design included bulging sides, sharp edges, and rotating wheels that propelled it upward
with a hissing sound before disappearing from sight. (Chapter 1, Ref 40)
39
May. 6, 1897 Hot Springs, Arkansas. A constable and a deputy sheriff near Hot Springs, Arkansas, encountered a cigar-shaped airship with occupants
consisting of a man with a long beard, a young man, and a woman. The bearded man explained that they were traveling in the airship, and they
invited the officers to take a ride. The witnesses left and returned later, but the airship had departed. (Chapter 1, Ref 41)
40
Apr. 19, 1897 near Norway, Wisconsin. A boy claimed to witness an airship landing on a farm. He reported seeing several occupants leaving the craft to
gather water, which they poured into a container that resembled a boiler on the ship. (Chapter 1, Ref 42)
41
Apr. 17, 1897 Lexington, Kentucky. Three men witnessed an airship landing. They saw a man around 40 years old from the craft collecting water from a
evening stream. Despite their attempts to converse, the man remained silent and soon departed in the airship. (Chapter 1, Ref 43)
42
Apr. 17, 1897 Upland, Indiana. An airship landed at a feed mill near Upland, Indiana. A heavyset man with long whiskers emerged, bought cattle feed,
evening and upon returning to the ship, he pressed a button that caused the airship to take off and depart. (Chapter 1, Ref 44)
43
Apr. 17, 1897 Muncie, Indiana. an airship landed near Muncie, and one of the occupants requested milk from a farmer. After receiving the milk, the
man pulled on a cord, and the airship took off and flew away. (Chapter 1, Ref 45)
44
Apr. 21, 1897 Harrisburg, Arkansas. An ex-senator encountered an airship crew who revealed their craft's anti-gravity operation. The crew consisted
of an elderly man with a long beard, two younger men, and a woman. The crew shared their ability to suspend gravity using a wire,
and after a polite conversation, they flew off in their airship. (Chapter 1, Ref 46)
45
Apr. 22, 1897 Texas. A farmer encountered an airship with bright lights and wings that landed on his property. The occupant of the airship requested
lubricating oil and tools, offering money in exchange. The occupant declined to allow the farmer to approach the airship but
promised to reciprocate the kindness by taking him on a future trip. The farmer managed to gather some items, and upon his return,
the aeronaut thanked him, shook his hand, and mentioned flying to Greece in a matter of days before taking off at high speed. (Chapter 1, Ref 47)
46
1896 San Luis, California. In the 1896 California incidents preceding the 1897 airship wave, a sailor in San Luis Obispo claimed to have
been taken on an airship ride by a Spanish-speaking pilot and a female companion. This adventurous exception involved a flight
experience in an airship. (Chapter 1, Ref 48)
47
Apr. 16, 1897 Bluffton, Indiana. A cigar-shaped airship descended in the village with two men and a boy on board. The villagers interacted with them,
and some members of the fire department were taken on a short ride. The airship eventually departed with lanterns lit, heading
towards Camden. (Chapter 1, Ref 49)
48
May. 4, 1897 Jenny Lind, Arkansas. Three bicyclists encountered a landed airship with two occupants named George Autzerlitz and Joseph Eddleman.
They conversed with the pilots, who claimed to have dined on birds caught in flight. One of the bicyclists was offered and accepted
a ride in the airship, flying to the nearby town of Huntington. (Chapter 1, Ref 50)
49
Apr. 6, 1897 Peru, Nebraska. A man encountered an airship on a small island in the Missouri River. The airship's crew explained that they had
landed for repairs on a searchlight. The ship was described as cigar-shaped, about 200 feet long, and operated by large
gasoline engines connected to steel snail shell-shaped devices for propulsion. (Chapter 1, Ref 51)
50
Apr. 15, 1897 Cisco, Texas. A man encountered a landed airship approximately 200 feet long with crewmen repairing a searchlight. Similar to a
previous incident, the witness was informed that the airship was heading to Cuba with a cargo of dynamite. (Chapter 1, Ref 52)
51
Apr. 15, 1897 Pine Lake, Michigan. An airship crew stopped at Pine Lake, Michigan, for repairs and provisions. A witness reported being
awakened by a tap on his window and a bright light, and the crew requested egg sandwiches and coffee, which they hoisted on
board in exchange for payment. The witness observed the ship with a brilliant searchlight and red lights at each end, noting
its departure towards the city just before daylight. (Chapter 1, Ref 53)
52
Apr. 15, 1897 Chattanooga, Tennessee. Local citizens in Chattanooga, Tennessee encountered an airship that had landed on a mountain spur for
repairs. The crew explained that their machinery was out of order and one of the men identified himself as Professor Charles
Davidson, claiming the ship had been traveling across the country after leaving Sacramento a month earlier. (Chapter 1, Ref 54)
53
Apr. 1897 Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Nora, Illinois. An electrician in Chillicothe, Missouri, was summoned to recharge an airship's
fuel supply during the night, and a railway worker assisted in repairing a faulty steering mechanism for an airship
near Nora, Illinois. (Chapter 1, Ref 55)
54
Apr. 12, 1897 Kalamazoo, Michigan. Witnesses claimed to have observed an illuminated airship that suddenly exploded with a loud noise,
leaving behind evidence like a coil of heavy wire and partially-fused propeller blades. The witnesses described the object's
rapid movement and subsequent explosion. (Chapter 1, Ref 56)
55
Apr. 13, 1897 Battle Creek, Michigan. A bright object seen near Battle Creek, Michigan, was described as a meteor-like airship that
dropped a part resembling a large aluminum wheel with a turbine shape. The wheel was discovered by witnesses in a field and
kept as a memento on a local farm. (Chapter 1, Ref 57)
56
Apr. 7, 1897 Bethany, Missouri. In a letter to a Missouri newspaper, a witness reported witnessing an airship crash near Bethany. The two
occupants were fatally injured, and the letters found on them indicated a possible origin from San Francisco or Omaha. (Chapter 1, Ref 58)
57
Apr. 10, 1897 Lanark, Illinois. A farmer reported an airship crash during a blizzard near Lanark. Two occupants were killed, and a third, dressed in
a unique manner, survived and claimed to be from Mars. The farmer charged people to view the "Martian" until he recovered
and repaired his craft. (Chapter 1, Ref 59)
58
Nov. 17, 1897 Sacramento, California. Despite theories of an alien origin, the prevailing belief surrounding the mystery airships of the late
19th century pointed to an earthly source. The prevailing notion was that an unknown inventor or inventors within the
United States had achieved breakthroughs in flight technology. Reports of airship inventors date back to the earliest days of the
phenomenon, as exemplified by a telegram from a New York entrepreneur in 1896 claiming plans to fly his invention to California. (Chapter 1, Ref 60)
59
Nov. 22, 1897 San Francisco, California. A San Francisco lawyer initially claimed to know the inventor behind the mystery airship, describing it as a
metal machine with wings and a rudder, capable of ascending and descending gracefully. The inventor was identified as E. H. Benjamin,
a former dentist from Maine. However, the story took confusing turns as the lawyer's statements were retracted, replaced by another
lawyer's claims of multiple airships under development, with details of their potential capabilities. Eventually, all pronouncements
ceased, and no airship was publicly presented for inspection. (Chapter 1, Ref 61)
60
Nov. 22, 1897 San Francisco, California. An individual claimed to have encountered an airship in the Tamalpais range of mountains near San Francisco.
The witness described meeting six men working on the ship, which was said to be the source of the mysterious lights seen in the sky.
The ship was reported to make trial trips at night and return before daylight as it continued its development. (Chapter 1, Ref 62)
61
Dec. 2, 1897 San Francisco, California. Two fishermen near San Francisco claimed to have witnessed an airship descending and landing on the ocean
surface. They observed the crew guiding the craft to shore, and despite being initially ordered to leave, they were later allowed to
observe the crew making repairs and share a meal from the airship's provisions. (Chapter 1, Ref 63)
62
Dec. 7, 1897 Fresno, California. A letter in a Fresno newspaper claimed that the airship was present in Fresno County and mentioned details about
its construction and functionality. The letter indicated that the airship's inventor had faced involuntary challenges during its
flight and was planning to bring the airship to Fresno for public viewing pending favorable news from Washington. (Chapter 1, Ref 64)
63
Dec. 6, 1897 Watertown, CA. Residents of Watertown reported seeing a large airship with a bright light narrowly avoiding collision with the town's
post office, providing potential corroboration for a letter writer's account of the airship's presence in the area. (See Dec. 7, 1897.) (Chapter 1, Ref 65)
64
Apr. 19, 1897 Beaumont, Texas. Approximate date. A rabbi in Texas encountered an airship that had landed on a farm near Beaumont. He spoke briefly with one of the
occupants who mentioned traveling and testing the machine but couldn't recall specific details about the inventor or the place of origin. (Chapter 1, Ref 66)
65
Apr. 1897 Appleton, Wisconsin. A letter found near Appleton, Wisconsin, claimed to be from the occupants of an airship named "Pegasus." The letter
described their successful aerial navigation experiments, achieving speeds of 150 miles per hour and reaching a height of 2,500 feet.
They stated the airship was propelled by steam, lit by electricity, and had a carrying capacity of 1,000 pounds. (Chapter 1, Ref 67)
66
Apr. 1897 Newport, Kentucky. A message reportedly dropped from an airship named "Pegasus" was found by Miss L. Remme in her yard. The note claimed
the airship had traveled 200 miles at 40 miles an hour since 4:30 Friday afternoon and intended to reach Nashville by Sunday at 3:30. (Chapter 1, Ref 68)
67
Apr. 22, 1897 Lorain, Ohio. A note allegedly dropped from an airship named "Airoia" was found by a prominent townsman. The note claimed the airship
had traveled across various states, fished in the Great Lakes, and was piloted by William R. Harris, along with his wife and child.
The writer mentioned plans to return to New Mexico and construct a larger boat to cross the sea. (Chapter 1, Ref 69)
68
Apr. 10, 1897 Omaha, Nebraska. In Nebraska, especially near Hastings, rumors of an airship inventor circulated in 1897. The individual was said to be
working on an airship and keeping their identity hidden to prevent theft of their invention by unscrupulous individuals. (Chapter 1, Ref 70)
69
1897 Omaha, Nebraska. In Omaha, John O. Preast was speculated to be the inventor behind the mysterious airship sightings. Known for his experiments
with airships over the past decade, Preast was suspected of working on a functioning model. The airship's sightings near his residence
further fueled these speculations. (Chapter 1, Ref 71)
70
1897 Nebraska. An individual named Anton Pallardy claimed that the airship sightings in Nebraska were real and not a myth. He suggested that
the airship was constructed in the remote Mauvais Terres region and described its appearance as resembling a large umbrella with a
transparent covering. (Chapter 1, Ref 72)
71
1890 Mt. Carmel, Illinois} Edward J. Pennington, a successful manufacturer, claimed to be an airship inventor and intended to create a large
aluminum airship propelled by hydrogen gas and a gasoline engine-powered propeller, capable of speeds up to 250 miles per hour. (Chapter 1, Refs 73, 74)
72
1891 Chicago. Edward J. Pennington demonstrated a 30-foot unmanned model of his airship inside a Chicago exhibition hall, which circled at
25 feet and achieved a speed of six miles per hour. Despite public enthusiasm, his attempt to scale up the model for a full-sized airship
faced challenges, leading to the failure of the Mt. Carmel Aeronautic Navigation Company. (Chapter 1, Ref 75, 76, 77)
73
1850's Sonora, California. Charles A. Dellschau and a group known as the Aero Club, comprised of inventive individuals, reportedly secretly built
and flew revolutionary aircraft in the 1850s. Dellschau's illustrated notebooks detail their activities, claiming the aircraft used a
substance called "supe" or "NB" with anti-gravity properties for propulsion and lights, but disbanded after the substance's inventor
died, with mention of a possible larger secret organization called NYMZA. (Chapter 1, Ref 78)
74
1897 Texas. Amidst the airship mystery, an 1897 report suggested a potential connection between the mysterious airship sightings and
government experiments. It was speculated that the U.S. government, employing a high-salary aeronaut, might be working on airship-related
experiments at Fort Logan near Denver, leading to theories about government involvement in the phenomenon. (Chapter 1, Ref 79)
75
Dec. 1, 1896 Sandy Beach, CA. During the late 19th Century airship mystery, an electrician named John A. Horen claimed to have witnessed a functioning
airship in California. He recounted an encounter with an inventor aboard the airship, describing its noiseless and swift flight, and
claimed it could travel to places like Honolulu and back within about 48 hours at a speed of around 100 miles per hour. (Chapter 1, Ref 80)
76
Apr. 16, 1897 Greenville, Texas. A man encountered a landed airship near Greenville Texas, described as a large cigar-shaped vessel with wings, a wheel
at the front, and a fish-like tail at the rear. The crew claimed to be experimenting with the vessel and planning to revolutionize
travel and transportation using electrical machines for propulsion and lights. (Chapter 1, Ref 81)
77
Apr. 16, 1897 Decatur, Illinois. During the late 19th century, a newspaper reporter from Decatur, Illinois, claimed to have been taken on an airship
ride by inventor C. Devonbaugh. The airship featured a cabin suspended beneath gas-filled cylinders, powered by a new electricity-based
process. The reporter described a high-speed nighttime trip to Chicago with colorful electric lights and mentioned the inventor's offer
to assist Cuban rebels with the airship's capabilities. (Chapter 1, Ref 82)
78
Apr. 22, 1897 Josserand, Trinity County, Texas. A Texas farmer observed a large, brightly lit vessel in his cornfield and spoke with a crew of six or
eight individuals. The crew claimed the aerial navigation problem had been solved using a newly discovered self-sustaining material
and highly condensed electricity for propulsion. They mentioned building five such ships in Iowa and forming a stock company for
the invention's public release. (Chapter 1, Ref 83)
79
Apr. 25, 1897 Lancaster, Ohio. A prominent individual claimed to have encountered a massive airship with two occupants. The craft had brilliant
lights and unique features, including tubular wires that were both strong and lightweight. The inventor, referring to the craft
as an "aeribarque," demonstrated its anti-gravity capabilities, advanced temperature control, and colorful lights before
ascending and departing rapidly. (Chapter 1, Ref 84)
80
May. 13, 1897 Savannah, Ohio. A wealthy recluse residing near Savannah, Ohio, who had recently returned from Nebraska, was suspected by his neighbors
of experimenting with an airship, potentially linking him to the local airship sightings. (Chapter 1, Ref 85)
81
May. 1, 1897 Shiloh, Ohio. Residents of Shiloh, Ohio, reported witnessing a well-lit, cylindrical airship with sails and propellers, apparently
created by an unnamed inventor. The airship was described as rising into the air and moving swiftly against the wind. (Chapter 1, Ref 86)
82
Apr. 19, 1897 near the Texas-Louisiana border. In 1897, a man named Wilson frequently appeared in connection with occupants of landed airships. Near the
Texas-Louisiana border, an airship landed, and two occupants introduced themselves as Mr. Wilson and Scott Warren. The witness was
invited aboard the airship, where he saw an 8-by-14-foot cabin with reclining chairs, incandescent lamps, and a unique propulsion
system powered by a secret gas. Wilson explained navigation techniques involving magnetic wheels and propellers. The airship was
around 75 by 25 feet and had a top speed of approximately 160 miles per hour. (Chapter 1, Ref 87)
83
Apr. 19, 1897 Beaumont, Texas. In another incident in 1897, a farmer and his son discovered a landed airship near Beaumont, Texas. The
airship, measuring around 130 feet long and 20 feet wide, had four men outside, including one named Wilson. Wilson explained that the
ship used water ballast for landing and described its propulsion system involving large wings and propellers powered by electricity.
He mentioned that the airship was made of steel and contained compartments for compressed air, and it was on its way from a flight
over the Gulf of Mexico to Iowa. (Chapter 1, Ref 88)
84
Apr. 20, 1897 Uvalde, Texas. A Texas sheriff encountered a landed airship on his property near Uvalde. The airship's occupants, including one
named Wilson, requested water for their craft. Wilson mentioned being from Goshen, New York, and inquired about an acquaintance
named Sheriff Akers. This incident brought to mind previous interactions with a man named Wilson who had been working on aerial
navigation and inventions related to airships, leading to suspicions that this might be the same person. After loading water,
the airship's wings and fins were set in motion, and it departed northward toward San Angelo. (Chapter 1, Ref 89)
85
Apr. 23, 1897 Kountze, Texas. Two individuals claimed to have found a landed airship near Kountze, Texas. The airship had a cigar-shaped
appearance, measuring about 50 feet in length and 20 feet in width. The occupants of the craft, introduced as Jackson and
Wilson, were in the process of repairing a punctured "air compartment." Interestingly, there was also a member named Wilson
mentioned among the California Aero Club members identified by Charles Dellschau in his notebooks, although this might
be a mere coincidence. (Chapter 1, Refs 90, 91)

207
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{
"Rife Timeline" : [
{
"date" : "1888",
"desc": "Reports of anomalous Victorian-era airships, including streamlined metallic vehicles with no apparent propulsion and otherworldly occupants, have perplexed observers. These occurrences, some predating the 1896 California airship wave, feature instances where futuristic craft landed and discharged large, hairy, man-like creatures known to local tribes as \"Crazy Bear.\" These creatures allegedly arrived in small moon-like craft alongside beings resembling Indians, wearing shiny clothing, creating a mysterious connection between UFOs, Bigfoot-like entities, and native folklore. (Chapter 2, Ref 92)",
"location" : "Northern California",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_86",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1880's",
"desc": "In the 1880s, an incident in the American West involved a man who encountered a ball-shaped UFO landing on a mountain. Despite his fear, he approached the craft and observed a large silver hall with a retractable lid. From inside emerged two shorter, attractive beings—identified as a man and a woman—who attempted to communicate with him but failed due to language barriers. The beings returned to the craft, closed the lid, and the UFO ascended into the sky and disappeared. (Chapter 2, Ref 93)",
"location" : "American West",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_87",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1892",
"desc": "In 1892 in the Caribbean waters, witnesses aboard the ship \"The Green\" observed two large, glowing, house-sized objects emerging from the ocean next to the ship. The ship's crew, including the captain, was unable to explain this phenomenon, and the objects remained alongside the ship for a time before descending into the water. This incident introduces the concept of Unidentified Submersible Objects (USOs) alongside the traditional UFO sightings. (Chapter 2, Ref 94)",
"location" : "Waters near Jamaica",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_88",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1893",
"desc": "In 1893, an Australian farmer had a lasting encounter with a saucer-shaped UFO. After approaching the landed craft, a being in unusual attire emerged and directed a light beam at him, rendering him stunned and eventually leading to a permanent paralysis in his hand. The incident left a lasting impact on his life. (Chapter 2, Ref 95)",
"location" : "Australia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_89",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1896",
"desc": "In 1896, a saucer-shaped UFO visited a Missouri farm, appearing as a circle of flashing lights that descended and hovered over their barn. The family observed the blinding lights before taking shelter in their house out of fear. The next day, they discovered three dead steers in the pasture, drained of blood with puncture wounds on their throats. This incident, paralleled by similar reports in the area that night, left behind burned grass and an enduring mystery that resonates with cattle mutilation cases. (Chapter 2, Ref 96)",
"location" : "Missouri",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_90",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "4/11/1897",
"desc": "During the 1897 mystery airship wave, witnesses in Benton Harbor, Michigan, reported a non-dirigible-shaped UFO on April 11th. Described as a massive ball of fire, the object emitted various colored lights that transformed when observed through opera glasses, as reported in a local newspaper on the following day. (Chapter 2, Ref 97)",
"location" : "Benton Harbor, Michigan",
"time" : "19:45",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_91",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "4/12/1897",
"desc": "The night after the Benton Harbor incident, over 50 people in Lincoln, Illinois, witnessed a brightly-lit V-shaped object flying over the town. (Chapter 2, Ref 98)",
"location" : "Lincoln, Illinois",
"time" : "night",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_92",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "4/1897",
"desc": "During the same period, an object described as \"pear-shaped with the apex downward\" was witnessed flying rapidly over Fort Wayne, Indiana. Another observer noted a slightly different configuration, describing it as round with a V-shaped tail emitting bright yellow rays of light from the main body. (Chapter 2, Ref 99)",
"location" : "Fort Wayne, Indiana",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_93",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "5/4/1897",
"desc": "On the evening of May 4th, several citizens in Cincinnati, Ohio, reported an egg-shaped, red object emitting rays. The object appeared to have a curtain-like covering, with rays escaping from the center and both ends, and it moved in a zigzag course, alternating between upward and downward motions. (Chapter 2, Ref 100)",
"location" : "Cincinnati, Ohio",
"time" : "evening",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_94",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "5/3/1897",
"desc": "During the 1896-1897 mystery airship sightings, most occupants were described as regular-looking humans, but there were exceptions. In a specific incident near Cassville, Indiana, on May 3, 1897, a man encountered a cigar-shaped craft in a gravel pit, occupied by a crew of smaller-than-average individuals who spoke an unfamiliar language. (Chapter 2, Ref 101)",
"location" : "Cassville, Indiana",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_95",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "11/1896",
"desc": "Two men near Lodi and Stockton, California, witnessed three unusually tall, seven-foot beings with slender bodies. The beings appeared graceful and otherworldly, covered in a soft and unique growth. They carried egg-sized objects emitting intense light and attempted to communicate with guttural chants. Later, these beings approached a massive airship resting above the Woodbridge Canal, which they entered and departed with a swaying motion, leaving the witnesses awestruck. (Chapter 2, Ref 102)",
"location" : "Between Lodi and Stockton, California",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_96",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "4/17/1897",
"desc": "An unidentified flying object landed near Williamston, Michigan, as reported by local newspapers. The craft was seen by multiple farmers before landing, piloted by a peculiar figure described as almost 9.5 feet tall and almost naked. The being emitted a musical, bellowing-like sound and attempted to communicate. An attempt to approach the being resulted in injury, further adding to the mysterious nature of the event. (Chapter 2, Ref 103)",
"location" : "Near Williamston, Michigan",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_97",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "4/21/1897",
"desc": "A witness reported an encounter with remarkably tall occupants of a well-lit object that landed near Ogdin, West Virginia. The witness described the eight beings as being between 11 and 12 feet tall, with oversized heads. They claimed to be exploring Earth, consumed small pills, and \"drank air\" before departing in their craft after an hour. (Chapter 2, Ref 104)",
"location" : "Near Ogdin, West Virginia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_98",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1865",
"desc": "There are pre-1900 reports of crashed UFOs resembling spaceships rather than dirigibles. In an incident from 1865 in western Montana, a mountain man witnessed a bright, luminous body in the sky that exploded, followed by a heavy explosion and rushing sounds. The next day, he discovered a path of destruction with uprooted trees, and he found a large stone with compartments and hieroglyphics, suggesting a possible interaction with advanced beings. (Chapter 2, Ref 105)",
"location" : "Cadotte Pass, 75-100 miles from the Great Falls of the Upper Missouri",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_99",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "6/6/1884",
"desc": "In 1884, a reported UFO crash in Nebraska was documented in a local newspaper, describing a blazing object falling from the sky. Witnesses encountered scorching heat and dazzling light around the debris. However, later reports indicated that the debris dissolved into a gelatinous mass after a heavy rain, suggesting the incident may have been a hoax. (Chapter 2, Refs 106, 107)",
"location" : "About 35 miles northwest of Benkelman, Dundy County, Nebraska",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_100",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1888",
"desc": "A teenager near Grundy, Texas, allegedly witnessed the crash of an aerial object, leading to the discovery of an injured man amid debris. The man, who spoke an unintelligible language, consumed water and food but died within hours. Neighbors gathered to see the fallen \"man from the sky,\" and the debris included lightweight, unscratchable metal pieces of two types—silver-gray and dark blue—which remained heat-resistant even when placed on a hot stove. (Chapter 2, Refs 108)",
"location" : "Near Grundy, Texas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_101",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1893",
"desc": "In the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, outside the Columbian Exposition, an attraction named \"Men from Outer Space\" displayed the bodies of four purported occupants recovered from a crashed aerial object. Accounts of this display are based on recollections from visitors at the time, describing the bodies as about three feet tall, hairless, and with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, all preserved in glass containers filled with formaldehyde. (Chapter 2, Refs 109)",
"location" : "Chicago World's Fair",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_102",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "4/17/1897",
"desc": "During the 1897 airship wave, in the small town of Aurora, north Texas, a mysterious airship collided with a windmill tower and exploded on April 17. Witnesses reported that the pilot, the presumed sole occupant, was not from Earth and was disfigured in the crash. Papers found on the pilot were written in indecipherable hieroglyphics, sparking speculation about extraterrestrial origin, and the town gathered to view the wreckage and debris. (Chapter 2, Refs 110)",
"location" : "Aurora, Texas",
"time" : "morning",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_103",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1897",
"desc": "The Aurora UFO incident of 1897, involving the crash of an alleged airship from another world, has faced skepticism due to inconclusive metal fragment analysis and denied access to the cemetery for potential remains. However, recent testimony from individuals who lived in the Aurora area at the time adds some corroboration to the story, describing a low-flying cigar-shaped airship with a white light that crashed and caused an explosion on Judge J. S. Proctor's farm. (Chapter 2, Refs 111)",
"location" : "3 miles south of Aurora, Texas",
"time" : "04:00",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_104",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1897",
"desc": "In the aftermath of the Aurora UFO incident, eyewitnesses from the Lewisville area recounted that an airship was seen approaching from Dallas, crashing near Judge Proctor's well and exploding. The airship was destroyed, and the pilot's body was badly torn up, leaving the crowd of sightseers unable to identify the unknown metal the craft was made of or provide a detailed description of the pilot's body. (Chapter 2, Refs 112)",
"location" : "Lewisville, Texas",
"time" : "night",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_105",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1897",
"desc": "In the wake of the crash in Aurora, witnesses recall the explosion of the airship, with the pilot being torn up and killed in the incident. The townspeople who gathered his remains noted he was a \"small man,\" and the event generated fear and excitement among the locals who were unfamiliar with regular airplanes or airships at the time. (Chapter 2, Refs 113)",
"location" : "Aurora, Texas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_106",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "9/1899",
"desc": "A young Mexican boy claimed to have encountered a small humanoid in silver-colored clothing while searching for stolen cattle in the mountains. Feeling threatened, he shot at the creature, which disappeared. Later, a lawman from the group investigating the incident disappeared after approaching a UFO. Despite searching, no trace of the lawman was found, leaving behind an intriguing and unexplained story. (Chapter 2 Refs 114)",
"location" : "Mountains of northern Mexico south of Tucson, Arizona",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_107",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
}
] }

103
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86
1888 Northern California. Reports of anomalous Victorian-era airships, including streamlined metallic vehicles with no apparent
propulsion and otherworldly occupants, have perplexed observers. These occurrences, some predating the 1896 California airship wave,
feature instances where futuristic craft landed and discharged large, hairy, man-like creatures known to local tribes as "Crazy Bear."
These creatures allegedly arrived in small moon-like craft alongside beings resembling Indians, wearing shiny clothing, creating a
mysterious connection between UFOs, Bigfoot-like entities, and native folklore. (Chapter 2, Ref 92)
87
1880's American West. In the 1880s, an incident in the American West involved a man who encountered a ball-shaped UFO landing on a mountain.
Despite his fear, he approached the craft and observed a large silver hall with a retractable lid. From inside emerged two shorter,
attractive beings—identified as a man and a woman—who attempted to communicate with him but failed due to language barriers. The
beings returned to the craft, closed the lid, and the UFO ascended into the sky and disappeared. (Chapter 2, Ref 93)
88
1892 Waters near Jamaica. In 1892 in the Caribbean waters, witnesses aboard the ship "The Green" observed two large, glowing, house-sized
objects emerging from the ocean next to the ship. The ship's crew, including the captain, was unable to explain this phenomenon, and
the objects remained alongside the ship for a time before descending into the water. This incident introduces the concept of
Unidentified Submersible Objects (USOs) alongside the traditional UFO sightings. (Chapter 2, Ref 94)
89
1893 Australia. In 1893, an Australian farmer had a lasting encounter with a saucer-shaped UFO. After approaching the landed craft, a
being in unusual attire emerged and directed a light beam at him, rendering him stunned and eventually leading to a permanent
paralysis in his hand. The incident left a lasting impact on his life. (Chapter 2, Ref 95)
90
1896 Missouri. In 1896, a saucer-shaped UFO visited a Missouri farm, appearing as a circle of flashing lights that descended and hovered
over their barn. The family observed the blinding lights before taking shelter in their house out of fear. The next day, they
discovered three dead steers in the pasture, drained of blood with puncture wounds on their throats. This incident, paralleled by
similar reports in the area that night, left behind burned grass and an enduring mystery that resonates with cattle mutilation cases. (Chapter 2, Ref 96)
91
Apr. 11, 1897 Benton Harbor, Michigan. During the 1897 mystery airship wave, witnesses in Benton Harbor, Michigan, reported a non-dirigible-shaped UFO
19:45 on April 11th. Described as a massive ball of fire, the object emitted various colored lights that transformed when observed through opera
glasses, as reported in a local newspaper on the following day. (Chapter 2, Ref 97)
92
Apr. 12, 1897 Lincoln, Illinois. The night after the Benton Harbor incident, over 50 people in Lincoln, Illinois, witnessed a brightly-lit V-shaped
night object flying over the town. (Chapter 2, Ref 98)
93
Apr. 1897 Fort Wayne, Indiana. During the same period, an object described as "pear-shaped with the apex downward" was witnessed flying rapidly
over Fort Wayne, Indiana. Another observer noted a slightly different configuration, describing it as round with a V-shaped tail
emitting bright yellow rays of light from the main body. (Chapter 2, Ref 99)
94
May. 4, 1897 Cincinnati, Ohio. On the evening of May 4th, several citizens in Cincinnati, Ohio, reported an egg-shaped, red object emitting rays.
evening The object appeared to have a curtain-like covering, with rays escaping from the center and both ends, and it moved in a zigzag
course, alternating between upward and downward motions. (Chapter 2, Ref 100)
95
May. 3, 1897 Cassville, Indiana. During the 1896-1897 mystery airship sightings, most occupants were described as regular-looking humans, but there
were exceptions. In a specific incident near Cassville, Indiana, on May 3, 1897, a man encountered a cigar-shaped craft in a
gravel pit, occupied by a crew of smaller-than-average individuals who spoke an unfamiliar language. (Chapter 2, Ref 101)
96
Nov. 1896 Between Lodi and Stockton, California. Two men near Lodi and Stockton, California, witnessed three unusually tall,
seven-foot beings with slender bodies. The beings appeared graceful and otherworldly, covered in a soft and unique growth.
They carried egg-sized objects emitting intense light and attempted to communicate with guttural chants. Later, these beings
approached a massive airship resting above the Woodbridge Canal, which they entered and departed with a swaying motion,
leaving the witnesses awestruck. (Chapter 2, Ref 102)
97
Apr. 17, 1897 Near Williamston, Michigan. An unidentified flying object landed near Williamston, Michigan, as reported by local newspapers.
The craft was seen by multiple farmers before landing, piloted by a peculiar figure described as almost 9.5 feet tall and almost
naked. The being emitted a musical, bellowing-like sound and attempted to communicate. An attempt to approach the being resulted
in injury, further adding to the mysterious nature of the event. (Chapter 2, Ref 103)
98
Apr. 21, 1897 Near Ogdin, West Virginia. A witness reported an encounter with remarkably tall occupants of a well-lit object that landed near
Ogdin, West Virginia. The witness described the eight beings as being between 11 and 12 feet tall, with oversized heads. They
claimed to be exploring Earth, consumed small pills, and "drank air" before departing in their craft after an hour. (Chapter 2, Ref 104)
99
1865 Cadotte Pass, 75-100 miles from the Great Falls of the Upper Missouri. There are pre-1900 reports of crashed UFOs resembling spaceships
rather than dirigibles. In an incident from 1865 in western Montana, a mountain man witnessed a bright, luminous body in the sky that
exploded, followed by a heavy explosion and rushing sounds. The next day, he discovered a path of destruction with uprooted trees,
and he found a large stone with compartments and hieroglyphics, suggesting a possible interaction with advanced beings. (Chapter 2, Ref 105)
100
Jun. 6, 1884 About 35 miles northwest of Benkelman, Dundy County, Nebraska. In 1884, a reported UFO crash in Nebraska was documented in a local
newspaper, describing a blazing object falling from the sky. Witnesses encountered scorching heat and dazzling light around the debris.
However, later reports indicated that the debris dissolved into a gelatinous mass after a heavy rain, suggesting the incident may
have been a hoax. (Chapter 2, Refs 106, 107)
101
1888 Near Grundy, Texas. A teenager near Grundy, Texas, allegedly witnessed the crash of an aerial object, leading to the discovery of an
injured man amid debris. The man, who spoke an unintelligible language, consumed water and food but died within hours. Neighbors
gathered to see the fallen "man from the sky," and the debris included lightweight, unscratchable metal pieces of two types—silver-gray
and dark blue—which remained heat-resistant even when placed on a hot stove. (Chapter 2, Refs 108)
102
1893 Chicago World's Fair. In the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, outside the Columbian Exposition, an attraction named "Men from Outer Space"
displayed the bodies of four purported occupants recovered from a crashed aerial object. Accounts of this display are based on
recollections from visitors at the time, describing the bodies as about three feet tall, hairless, and with six fingers on each hand
and six toes on each foot, all preserved in glass containers filled with formaldehyde. (Chapter 2, Refs 109)
103
Apr. 17, 1897 Aurora, Texas. During the 1897 airship wave, in the small town of Aurora, north Texas, a mysterious airship collided with a windmill
morning tower and exploded on April 17. Witnesses reported that the pilot, the presumed sole occupant, was not from Earth and was disfigured
in the crash. Papers found on the pilot were written in indecipherable hieroglyphics, sparking speculation about extraterrestrial
origin, and the town gathered to view the wreckage and debris. (Chapter 2, Refs 110)
104
1897 3 miles south of Aurora, Texas. The Aurora UFO incident of 1897, involving the crash of an alleged airship from another world, has
04:00 faced skepticism due to inconclusive metal fragment analysis and denied access to the cemetery for potential remains. However, recent
testimony from individuals who lived in the Aurora area at the time adds some corroboration to the story, describing a low-flying
cigar-shaped airship with a white light that crashed and caused an explosion on Judge J. S. Proctor's farm. (Chapter 2, Refs 111)
105
1897 Lewisville, Texas. In the aftermath of the Aurora UFO incident, eyewitnesses from the Lewisville area recounted that an airship
night was seen approaching from Dallas, crashing near Judge Proctor's well and exploding. The airship was destroyed, and the pilot's
body was badly torn up, leaving the crowd of sightseers unable to identify the unknown metal the craft was made of or provide a
detailed description of the pilot's body. (Chapter 2, Refs 112)
106
1897 Aurora, Texas. In the wake of the crash in Aurora, witnesses recall the explosion of the airship, with the pilot being torn up and
killed in the incident. The townspeople who gathered his remains noted he was a "small man," and the event generated fear and
excitement among the locals who were unfamiliar with regular airplanes or airships at the time. (Chapter 2, Refs 113)
107
Sep. 1899 Mountains of northern Mexico south of Tucson, Arizona. A young Mexican boy claimed to have encountered a small humanoid in
silver-colored clothing while searching for stolen cattle in the mountains. Feeling threatened, he shot at the creature, which
disappeared. Later, a lawman from the group investigating the incident disappeared after approaching a UFO. Despite searching,
no trace of the lawman was found, leaving behind an intriguing and unexplained story. (Chapter 2 Refs 114)

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{
"Rife Timeline" : [
{
"date" : "1905",
"desc": "There were Witnesses observed a brilliant light in the sky, which revealed the form of a 70-foot-long airship with wing-like propulsion. The sighting left observers awestruck, with some describing the craft as resembling a gigantic bird in flight. (Chapter 3, Refs 115,116)",
"location" : "California's Imperial Valley",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_109",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1906",
"desc": "A farm boy in South Dakota claimed to have witnessed a strange craft landing near his family's well. He stated that he was invited inside by normal-looking men who explained that the craft's outer shell contained helium gas. They mentioned using a lever to cut off earth's magnetism and collected water for producing electricity before departing. (Chapter 3, Ref 117)",
"location" : "South Dakota",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_110",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "7/1908",
"desc": "A large airship was reportedly seen over Bristol, Connecticut. The craft had an elongated gas bag with a suspended framework and a propeller. Witnesses observed a single person aboard and speculated on its intentions, but the identity of the airship remained unknown as it changed course and disappeared over Wolcott Mountain. (Chapter 3, Ref 118)",
"location" : "Bristol, Connecticut",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_111",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "10/1908",
"desc": "Two men observed an airship over Bridgewater, Massachusetts. They watched as it moved closer to the earth and noticed the outline of the large balloon. The airship exhibited unusual movements, rising and falling as if controlled by an individual, and then it moved steadily eastward, maintaining a straight line instead of dropping down. (Chapter 3, Ref 119)",
"location" : "Bridgewater, Massachusetts",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_112",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "8/1909",
"desc": "Residents near Middletown, New York reported seeing a mysterious airship that flew only at night. The airship was described as having a balloon-like shape with wings on each side and a cigar-shaped car underneath. Witnesses heard the sound of a motor as the airship flew at a high speed. (Chapter 3, Ref 120)",
"location" : "Near Middletown, New York",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_113",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "12/16/1909",
"desc": "Witnesses in Marlboro reported two sightings, one by ex-councilman B.W. Johnson who claimed to have seen the airship come down so low that he could hear a man talking from the craft. Another witness named Beauregard stated that the airship landed on the southern side of Lake Williams on the same night. (Chapter 3, Ref 121)",
"location" : "In December 1909, there were sightings of mysterious airships in Massachusetts",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_114",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "12/23/1909",
"desc": "On December 23, 1909, an aerial display captivated thousands of Christmas shoppers in Boston. Two strong searchlights were observed moving quickly over the city, initially mistaken for bright stars. The lights, which appeared to be on an aerial craft, exhibited distinct behaviors, including a reflective appearance resembling automobile headlights and a vague outline of the craft itself. The lights remained stationary at an altitude of about 600 feet for a short time before disappearing. (Chapter 3, Ref 122)",
"location" : "Boston",
"time" : "evening",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_115",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1908",
"desc": "During the New England mystery airship wave of 1908-1909, alongside sightings of dirigible-like objects, there were reports of airplane-type craft that were technologically ahead of their time.",
"location" : "New England",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_116",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "10/1908",
"desc": "In October 1908, British fishermen encountered a \"sausage-shaped\" aircraft at sea and attempted communication by exchanging flares with the unidentified object before it flew away towards the open sea. (Chapter 3, Ref 123)",
"location" : "35 miles at sea near the British Isles",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_117",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "3/1909",
"desc": "A policeman witnessed a high-powered engine sound overhead and saw an oblong, dark body outlined against the stars, with a powerful light about 1,200 feet above the ground. The object, which he described as oblong and narrow, was traveling at high speed and eventually disappeared in the northwest. (Chapter 3, Ref 124)",
"location" : "London, Britain",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_118",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "4/1909",
"desc": "A farmhand observed a long, dark airship with a bright light flying low above the trees. The airship had a hanging platform with two men, and its searchlight illuminated the surroundings as it traveled swiftly against the wind before disappearing within a few minutes. (Chapter 3, Ref 125)",
"location" : "Norfolk Countryside",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_119",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "4/1909",
"desc": "Three motorists in Northamptonshire heard a loud report in the air followed by the sound of a swiftly-running motor engine. Looking up, they saw a dark oblong airship with lights in front and behind, flying swiftly through the sky. The airship appeared to be about 500 or 600 feet up, at least 100 feet long, and they could see a torpedo shape and what appeared to be men on a platform below. (Chapter 3, Ref 126)",
"location" : "Northhamptonshire",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_120",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "4/1909",
"desc": "In a London park, two witnesses had an extraordinary encounter with an unusual airship. The craft had a distinct appearance, resembling a series of large cigar boxes connected together. Estimated to be around 200 to 250 feet in length, the airship had landed close to where the witnesses were sitting. The witnesses described two occupants on the airship: the first, who looked like a clean-shaven Yankee, was situated in a steel wire cage with handles in front of him, while the second, resembling a German, was standing in the middle of the craft and smoking a calabash pipe. The airship's searchlight was suddenly turned on, blinding the witnesses, but it allowed them to see the details of the occupants. The German occupant requested tobacco from the witnesses, which they provided, and in exchange, he gave them a pipe. The German also had a map in front of him, marked with red discs resembling pins. The witnesses noted that parts of the airship were constructed from light-colored metal, possibly aluminum. The airship was not like a traditional balloon but rather had an aeroplane-like structure, with steel rods supporting it and keeping its propellers off the ground. The German occupant leaned over a wire railing to speak to the witnesses, and as they watched, the taller occupant pulled a lever down, switching off the searchlight. Within a mere 10 seconds, the airship vanished from sight, leaving the witnesses astounded by the rapid departure and its mysterious nature. (Chapter 3, Ref 127)",
"location" : "London",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_121",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "4/1909",
"desc": "A witness encountered an airship on a mountaintop in Wales. The craft was tube-shaped and had two men dressed in heavy fur coats and caps. The witness observed them engaged in some activity, and when they noticed the witness, they appeared alarmed and began speaking to each other in an unfamiliar language. The men quickly got into a small carriage suspended from the craft, which then rose into the air in a zigzag pattern, displaying lights akin to electric lamps. The craft eventually flew away in the direction of Cardiff. The witness noted the presence of wheels on the carriage's bottom and a fan at the tail end of the craft. (Chapter 3, Ref 128)",
"location" : "On a mountaintop in Wales",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_122",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1909",
"desc": "Amid speculation that foreign entities, particularly Germans, were behind the mystery airship sightings, an Englishman named Dr. M.B. Boyd came forward to claim responsibility. According to a contemporary London newspaper, Boyd stated that he had been working on airship inventions for eight years and revealed that his airship was responsible for several reported sightings. He described his airship as 120 feet long, powered by powerful gasoline engines, and capable of long flights. Despite his claims, Boyd never provided concrete evidence of his aircraft, and the mystery of the sightings persisted, with doubts raised about his assertions. The German theory was also questioned, as the German dirigibles of the time did not match the reported speeds and capabilities of the mystery airships. (Chapter 3, Ref 129)",
"location" : "London",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_123",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1909",
"desc": "Mysterious airship sightings were not limited to the British Isles but extended to continental Europe. In August, a British newspaper's Russian correspondent reported an incident in which an unidentified controllable airship circled over the city of Reval (now Tallinn) and then departed towards Finland, causing significant excitement in the area. (Chapter 3, Ref 130)",
"location" : "Reval, Russia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_124",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "9/1909",
"desc": "A large elliptical-shaped aircraft with wings was observed flying over the Swedish cities of Gothenburg and Osthammer at an altitude of 300 feet. The aircraft was later seen heading westward, leaving observers intrigued by its presence. (Chapter 3, Ref 131)",
"location" : "Gothenburg and Osthammer, Sweden",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_125",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "7/15/1909",
"desc": "In 1909, New Zealand became a hotspot for mystery airship sightings, with many reports describing flying boat-like structures. Witnesses, including two workmen, observed a large boat-shaped object floating in the air that appeared to be approaching them, dipping and ascending in motion. The sightings occurred over a two-month period and sparked intrigue in the region. (Chapter 3, Ref 132)",
"location" : "Australia and New Zealand",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_126",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "8/4/1909",
"desc": "During a multiple-witness sighting in New Zealand, a detailed description of the object emerged. Witnesses saw a vessel resembling a black boat with supports on each side, a rapidly revolving wheel at the rear, and a box beneath the body. The object exhibited swift movement and sudden turns during the encounter. (Chapter 3, Ref 133)",
"location" : "North Otago, New Zealand",
"time" : "12:00",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_127",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1909",
"desc": "Under bright moonlight, a single witness reported seeing a large, boat-shaped object with two individuals inside before it swiftly departed at a fast pace. (Chapter 3, Ref 134)",
"location" : "New Zealand",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_128",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "8/6/1909",
"desc": "Two dredge operators near Gore spotted two figures aboard a boat-shaped airship with lights at both ends, which circled their location for a few minutes before rapidly departing, leaving a yellow glare in its wake. (Chapter 3, Ref 135)",
"location" : "Hawkes Bay, New Zealand",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_129",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "8/1909",
"desc": "A man near Waipawa reported seeing a large, grey, torpedo-shaped airship passing overhead. He claimed to have heard three occupants aboard the airship, one of whom shouted in an unknown language. The airship eventually rose to a great height, displayed lights at its ends, circled around, and then disappeared behind a hill. (Chapter 3, Ref 136)",
"location" : "Waipawa, New Zealand",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_130",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "8/2/1909",
"desc": "A New Zealand fisherman encountered an airship near Marlborough Sound that dropped hissing \"missiles\" into the water, which fizzed upon impact and sank. Although he didn't witness occupants aboard the airship, he described a hostile encounter involving these mysterious objects. (Chapter 3, Ref 137)",
"location" : "Mount Bruce, New Zealand",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_131",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "9/1909",
"desc": "A local man had a friendly encounter with the occupants of an airship that landed at Port Molyneux. He described them as looking like Japanese and mentioned that they conversed with him in English. (Chapter 3, Ref 138)",
"location" : "Port Molyneux, New Zealand",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_132",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Early 9/1909",
"desc": "The final airship sightings in New Zealand occurred in early September. Two prominent residents of Gore observed a cigar-shaped aircraft with an attached \"car\" drifting over nearby hills before disappearing from sight. Another sighting report described the airship appearing over the hills, moving back and forth at a rapid pace, and then disappearing towards the Gore racecourse. (Chapter 3, Ref 139)",
"location" : "Gore, New Zealand",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_133",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "8/1909",
"desc": "Mystery airship sightings in Australia, spanning from August to October, included a sighting near Glen Innes where residents described an object shaped like an inverted top with a lighted lower portion that revolved, casting a flashlight-like beam on the land beneath it. (Chapter 3, Ref 140)",
"location" : "Glen Innes, Australia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_134",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1909",
"desc": "A daylight sighting in Australia near Onslow described an object that appeared compact like a dirigible balloon but squarer and more like an aeroplane. The object reflected flashes of light from what seemed like revolving metalwork or reflective surfaces. (Chapter 3, Ref 141)",
"location" : "Onslow, Australia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_135",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1900",
"desc": "During the first two decades of the 20th century, UFO reports continued to include a mix of both dirigible-like airships and more futuristic-looking \"spaceships,\" resembling the diversity seen in the late 19th century. An example from 1900 in Wisconsin described a dirigible-shaped object displaying unusual characteristics, such as trees bending and a swishing sound as it passed low overhead, impacting a teenager and his horse. (Chapter 3, Ref 142)",
"location" : "Wisconsin",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_136",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1901",
"desc": "In 1901, a British child had an interactive encounter with a box-shaped UFO in their garden. Two small entities resembling men emerged from the craft, wearing uniforms and caps with antennae. After a signal to move away, the entities reentered the craft, which then ascended with a bright flash and a loud noise. (Chapter 3, Ref 143)",
"location" : "Britain",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_137",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1903",
"desc": "In 1903, a farm family in Indiana observed a large, glowing object resembling a cucumber with tapered ends and rows of lighted windows. The object hovered before darting off in a zigzag pattern across the sky. (Chapter 3, Ref 144)",
"location" : "Helmer, Indiana",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_138",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1904",
"desc": "In 1904, crewmembers of an American ship reported encountering \"remarkable meteors\" while at sea between San Francisco and Hawaii. The meteors initially appeared near the horizon and below the clouds, flying directly toward the ship in a formation. The objects' shapes and colors were described in detail, with the largest meteor being egg-shaped with a jagged leading end and the others being round. (Chapter 3, Ref 145)",
"location" : "At sea between San Francisco and Hawaii",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_139",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1905",
"desc": "In 1905, a doctor in Romania witnessed a large, brilliantly-lit saucer-shaped aerial object in the province of Bucovina, causing him significant concern. The object was observed flying westward before disappearing from view. (Chapter 3, Ref 146)",
"location" : "Romanian province of Bucovina",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_140",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1906",
"desc": "In 1906, the crew of a cargo ship in the North Atlantic reported encountering a large, saucer-shaped meteor that exhibited non-meteor-like characteristics. The object was seen falling in a zigzag manner with a rocking motion, leaving a red streak in its wake. The captain described it as a huge meteor weighing several tons and being 10-to-15 feet in diameter. (Chapter 3, Ref 147)",
"location" : "In the North Atlantic between Greenland and Newfoundland",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_141",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1909",
"desc": "In 1906, the crew of a cargo ship encountered a large, saucer-shaped meteor exhibiting zigzag movements and non-meteor-like characteristics. Three years later in 1909, churchgoers in Indiana witnessed a strange craft resembling two bowls joined at the rims, with rows of lights in the middle. The craft emitted an eerie light that terrified both people and horses before disappearing suddenly. (Chapter 3, Ref 148)",
"location" : "La Porte, Indiana",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_142",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "6/30/1908",
"desc": "The Tunguska event of 1908 was a mysterious and powerful explosion that occurred in a remote area of Russian Siberia. On June 30th, a massive blast with the force of a nuclear explosion flattened over a thousand square miles of forest, creating seismic shockwaves felt hundreds of miles away. The explosion was accompanied by a blinding flash of light that turned night into day across vast distances and a mushroom-shaped cloud. Eyewitness accounts described a fiery ball in the sky, followed by a massive explosion that sent shockwaves through the region.\\nVarious theories have been proposed to explain the event, including the impact of a comet, meteor, or asteroid. However, some researchers have suggested the possibility of an errant nuclear-powered spacecraft that exploded in the atmosphere. This theory is supported by evidence such as the absence of a typical impact crater, the presence of elevated radioactivity levels in the aftermath, and unique fused globules associated with nuclear explosions found in the area. Despite extensive research, the exact cause of the Tunguska event remains debated, leaving it one of the most intriguing and unexplained events in history. (Chapter 3, Ref 153)",
"location" : "Tunguska, Russian Siberia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_143",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "6/30/1908",
"desc": "Some eyewitnesses reportedly observed a cylindrical-shaped object flying over the area and changing course several times before finally exploding in the air. (Chapter 3, Ref 154)",
"location" : "Tunguska, Russian Siberia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_144",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
}
] }

158
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109
1905 California's Imperial Valley. There were Witnesses observed a brilliant light in the sky, which revealed the form of a
70-foot-long airship with wing-like propulsion. The sighting left observers awestruck, with some describing the craft
as resembling a gigantic bird in flight. (Chapter 3, Refs 115,116)
110
1906 South Dakota. A farm boy in South Dakota claimed to have witnessed a strange craft landing near his family's well.
He stated that he was invited inside by normal-looking men who explained that the craft's outer shell contained
helium gas. They mentioned using a lever to cut off earth's magnetism and collected water for producing
electricity before departing. (Chapter 3, Ref 117)
111
Jul. 1908 Bristol, Connecticut. A large airship was reportedly seen over Bristol, Connecticut. The craft had an elongated gas
bag with a suspended framework and a propeller. Witnesses observed a single person aboard and speculated on its intentions,
but the identity of the airship remained unknown as it changed course and disappeared over Wolcott Mountain. (Chapter 3, Ref 118)
112
Oct. 1908 Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Two men observed an airship over Bridgewater, Massachusetts. They watched as it moved closer to
the earth and noticed the outline of the large balloon. The airship exhibited unusual movements, rising and falling as if
controlled by an individual, and then it moved steadily eastward, maintaining a straight line instead of dropping down. (Chapter 3, Ref 119)
113
Aug. 1909 Near Middletown, New York. Residents near Middletown, New York reported seeing a mysterious airship that flew only at night. The
airship was described as having a balloon-like shape with wings on each side and a cigar-shaped car underneath. Witnesses heard the
sound of a motor as the airship flew at a high speed. (Chapter 3, Ref 120)
114
Dec. 16, 1909 In December 1909, there were sightings of mysterious airships in Massachusetts. Witnesses in Marlboro reported two sightings,
one by ex-councilman B.W. Johnson who claimed to have seen the airship come down so low that he could hear a man talking from the
craft. Another witness named Beauregard stated that the airship landed on the southern side of Lake Williams on the same night. (Chapter 3, Ref 121)
115
Dec. 23, 1909 Boston. On December 23, 1909, an aerial display captivated thousands of Christmas shoppers in Boston. Two strong searchlights were
evening observed moving quickly over the city, initially mistaken for bright stars. The lights, which appeared to be on an aerial craft, exhibited
distinct behaviors, including a reflective appearance resembling automobile headlights and a vague outline of the craft itself. The lights
remained stationary at an altitude of about 600 feet for a short time before disappearing. (Chapter 3, Ref 122)
116
1908 New England. During the New England mystery airship wave of 1908-1909, alongside sightings of dirigible-like objects, there were reports of
airplane-type craft that were technologically ahead of their time.
117
Oct. 1908 35 miles at sea near the British Isles. In October 1908, British fishermen encountered a "sausage-shaped" aircraft at sea and attempted
communication by exchanging flares with the unidentified object before it flew away towards the open sea. (Chapter 3, Ref 123)
118
Mar. 1909 London, Britain. A policeman witnessed a high-powered engine sound overhead and saw an oblong, dark body outlined against the stars,
with a powerful light about 1,200 feet above the ground. The object, which he described as oblong and narrow, was traveling at high
speed and eventually disappeared in the northwest. (Chapter 3, Ref 124)
119
Apr. 1909 Norfolk Countryside. A farmhand observed a long, dark airship with a bright light flying low above the trees. The airship had a hanging
platform with two men, and its searchlight illuminated the surroundings as it traveled swiftly against the wind before disappearing
within a few minutes. (Chapter 3, Ref 125)
120
Apr. 1909 Northhamptonshire. Three motorists in Northamptonshire heard a loud report in the air followed by the sound of a swiftly-running motor
engine. Looking up, they saw a dark oblong airship with lights in front and behind, flying swiftly through the sky. The airship appeared
to be about 500 or 600 feet up, at least 100 feet long, and they could see a torpedo shape and what appeared to be men on a platform below. (Chapter 3, Ref 126)
121
Apr. 1909 London. In a London park, two witnesses had an extraordinary encounter with an unusual airship. The craft had a distinct appearance,
resembling a series of large cigar boxes connected together. Estimated to be around 200 to 250 feet in length, the airship had
landed close to where the witnesses were sitting. The witnesses described two occupants on the airship: the first, who looked like a
clean-shaven Yankee, was situated in a steel wire cage with handles in front of him, while the second, resembling a German, was standing
in the middle of the craft and smoking a calabash pipe. The airship's searchlight was suddenly turned on, blinding the witnesses,
but it allowed them to see the details of the occupants. The German occupant requested tobacco from the witnesses, which they provided,
and in exchange, he gave them a pipe. The German also had a map in front of him, marked with red discs resembling pins. The witnesses
noted that parts of the airship were constructed from light-colored metal, possibly aluminum. The airship was not like a traditional
balloon but rather had an aeroplane-like structure, with steel rods supporting it and keeping its propellers off the ground. The German
occupant leaned over a wire railing to speak to the witnesses, and as they watched, the taller occupant pulled a lever down, switching
off the searchlight. Within a mere 10 seconds, the airship vanished from sight, leaving the witnesses astounded by the rapid departure
and its mysterious nature. (Chapter 3, Ref 127)
122
Apr. 1909 On a mountaintop in Wales. A witness encountered an airship on a mountaintop in Wales. The craft was tube-shaped and had two men dressed
in heavy fur coats and caps. The witness observed them engaged in some activity, and when they noticed the witness, they appeared alarmed
and began speaking to each other in an unfamiliar language. The men quickly got into a small carriage suspended from the craft, which
then rose into the air in a zigzag pattern, displaying lights akin to electric lamps. The craft eventually flew away in the direction of
Cardiff. The witness noted the presence of wheels on the carriage's bottom and a fan at the tail end of the craft. (Chapter 3, Ref 128)
123
1909 London. Amid speculation that foreign entities, particularly Germans, were behind the mystery airship sightings, an Englishman named
Dr. M.B. Boyd came forward to claim responsibility. According to a contemporary London newspaper, Boyd stated that he had been working
on airship inventions for eight years and revealed that his airship was responsible for several reported sightings. He described his
airship as 120 feet long, powered by powerful gasoline engines, and capable of long flights. Despite his claims, Boyd never provided
concrete evidence of his aircraft, and the mystery of the sightings persisted, with doubts raised about his assertions. The German
theory was also questioned, as the German dirigibles of the time did not match the reported speeds and capabilities of the mystery airships. (Chapter 3, Ref 129)
124
1909 Reval, Russia. Mysterious airship sightings were not limited to the British Isles but extended to continental Europe. In August, a
British newspaper's Russian correspondent reported an incident in which an unidentified controllable airship circled over the city
of Reval (now Tallinn) and then departed towards Finland, causing significant excitement in the area. (Chapter 3, Ref 130)
125
Sep. 1909 Gothenburg and Osthammer, Sweden. A large elliptical-shaped aircraft with wings was observed flying over the Swedish cities of Gothenburg
and Osthammer at an altitude of 300 feet. The aircraft was later seen heading westward, leaving observers intrigued by its presence. (Chapter 3, Ref 131)
126
Jul. 15, 1909 Australia and New Zealand. In 1909, New Zealand became a hotspot for mystery airship sightings, with many reports describing flying
boat-like structures. Witnesses, including two workmen, observed a large boat-shaped object floating in the air that appeared to be
approaching them, dipping and ascending in motion. The sightings occurred over a two-month period and sparked intrigue in the region. (Chapter 3, Ref 132)
127
Aug. 4, 1909 North Otago, New Zealand. During a multiple-witness sighting in New Zealand, a detailed description of the object emerged. Witnesses saw a
12:00 vessel resembling a black boat with supports on each side, a rapidly revolving wheel at the rear, and a box beneath the body. The object
exhibited swift movement and sudden turns during the encounter. (Chapter 3, Ref 133)
128
1909 New Zealand. Under bright moonlight, a single witness reported seeing a large, boat-shaped object with two individuals inside before
it swiftly departed at a fast pace. (Chapter 3, Ref 134)
129
Aug. 6, 1909 Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. Two dredge operators near Gore spotted two figures aboard a boat-shaped airship with lights at both ends,
which circled their location for a few minutes before rapidly departing, leaving a yellow glare in its wake. (Chapter 3, Ref 135)
130
Aug. 1909 Waipawa, New Zealand. A man near Waipawa reported seeing a large, grey, torpedo-shaped airship passing overhead. He claimed to have
heard three occupants aboard the airship, one of whom shouted in an unknown language. The airship eventually rose to a great height,
displayed lights at its ends, circled around, and then disappeared behind a hill. (Chapter 3, Ref 136)
131
Aug. 2, 1909 Mount Bruce, New Zealand. A New Zealand fisherman encountered an airship near Marlborough Sound that dropped hissing "missiles" into the
water, which fizzed upon impact and sank. Although he didn't witness occupants aboard the airship, he described a hostile encounter
involving these mysterious objects. (Chapter 3, Ref 137)
132
Sep. 1909 Port Molyneux, New Zealand. A local man had a friendly encounter with the occupants of an airship that landed at Port Molyneux.
He described them as looking like Japanese and mentioned that they conversed with him in English. (Chapter 3, Ref 138)
133
Early Sep. 1909 Gore, New Zealand. The final airship sightings in New Zealand occurred in early September. Two prominent residents of Gore observed a
cigar-shaped aircraft with an attached "car" drifting over nearby hills before disappearing from sight. Another sighting report
described the airship appearing over the hills, moving back and forth at a rapid pace, and then disappearing towards the Gore racecourse. (Chapter 3, Ref 139)
134
Aug. 1909 Glen Innes, Australia. Mystery airship sightings in Australia, spanning from August to October, included a sighting near Glen Innes
where residents described an object shaped like an inverted top with a lighted lower portion that revolved, casting a flashlight-like
beam on the land beneath it. (Chapter 3, Ref 140)
135
1909 Onslow, Australia. A daylight sighting in Australia near Onslow described an object that appeared compact like a dirigible balloon but
squarer and more like an aeroplane. The object reflected flashes of light from what seemed like revolving metalwork or reflective surfaces. (Chapter 3, Ref 141)
136
1900 Wisconsin. During the first two decades of the 20th century, UFO reports continued to include a mix of both dirigible-like airships
and more futuristic-looking "spaceships," resembling the diversity seen in the late 19th century. An example from 1900 in Wisconsin
described a dirigible-shaped object displaying unusual characteristics, such as trees bending and a swishing sound as it passed
low overhead, impacting a teenager and his horse. (Chapter 3, Ref 142)
137
1901 Britain. In 1901, a British child had an interactive encounter with a box-shaped UFO in their garden. Two small entities resembling
men emerged from the craft, wearing uniforms and caps with antennae. After a signal to move away, the entities reentered the craft, which
then ascended with a bright flash and a loud noise. (Chapter 3, Ref 143)
138
1903 Helmer, Indiana. In 1903, a farm family in Indiana observed a large, glowing object resembling a cucumber with tapered ends and rows of
lighted windows. The object hovered before darting off in a zigzag pattern across the sky. (Chapter 3, Ref 144)
139
1904 At sea between San Francisco and Hawaii. In 1904, crewmembers of an American ship reported encountering "remarkable meteors" while at sea
between San Francisco and Hawaii. The meteors initially appeared near the horizon and below the clouds, flying directly toward the
ship in a formation. The objects' shapes and colors were described in detail, with the largest meteor being egg-shaped with a jagged
leading end and the others being round. (Chapter 3, Ref 145)
140
1905 Romanian province of Bucovina. In 1905, a doctor in Romania witnessed a large, brilliantly-lit saucer-shaped aerial object in the province of
Bucovina, causing him significant concern. The object was observed flying westward before disappearing from view. (Chapter 3, Ref 146)
141
1906 In the North Atlantic between Greenland and Newfoundland. In 1906, the crew of a cargo ship in the North Atlantic reported encountering a
large, saucer-shaped meteor that exhibited non-meteor-like characteristics. The object was seen falling in a zigzag manner with a rocking
motion, leaving a red streak in its wake. The captain described it as a huge meteor weighing several tons and being 10-to-15 feet in diameter. (Chapter 3, Ref 147)
142
1909 La Porte, Indiana. In 1906, the crew of a cargo ship encountered a large, saucer-shaped meteor exhibiting zigzag movements and non-meteor-like
characteristics. Three years later in 1909, churchgoers in Indiana witnessed a strange craft resembling two bowls joined at the rims, with
rows of lights in the middle. The craft emitted an eerie light that terrified both people and horses before disappearing suddenly. (Chapter 3, Ref 148)
143
Jun. 30, 1908 Tunguska, Russian Siberia. The Tunguska event of 1908 was a mysterious and powerful explosion that occurred in a remote area of Russian Siberia.
On June 30th, a massive blast with the force of a nuclear explosion flattened over a thousand square miles of forest, creating seismic
shockwaves felt hundreds of miles away. The explosion was accompanied by a blinding flash of light that turned night into day across vast
distances and a mushroom-shaped cloud. Eyewitness accounts described a fiery ball in the sky, followed by a massive explosion that sent
shockwaves through the region.\nVarious theories have been proposed to explain the event, including the impact of a comet, meteor, or
asteroid. However, some researchers have suggested the possibility of an errant nuclear-powered spacecraft that exploded in the atmosphere.
This theory is supported by evidence such as the absence of a typical impact crater, the presence of elevated radioactivity levels in the
aftermath, and unique fused globules associated with nuclear explosions found in the area. Despite extensive research, the exact cause of the
Tunguska event remains debated, leaving it one of the most intriguing and unexplained events in history. (Chapter 3, Ref 153)
144
Jun. 30, 1908 Tunguska, Russian Siberia. Some eyewitnesses reportedly observed a cylindrical-shaped object flying over the area and changing course several times
before finally exploding in the air. (Chapter 3, Ref 154)

264
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{
"Rife Timeline" : [
{
"date" : "1910",
"desc": "In the years preceding World War I (1910-1919), enigmatic dirigible-type mystery airships, which had been appearing in the skies since 1896, saw their final prominence as Germany's zeppelins matched their capabilities. This period marked the convergence of known and unknown airship technology before the outbreak of the war in 1914. (Chapter 4)",
"location" : "Germany",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_145",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1/1910",
"desc": "In the beginning of the decade, an unusual white cigar-shaped object, resembling a large airship, appeared in the skies over east Tennessee. Witnesses reported its presence for three consecutive days in January 1910, describing it as traveling at around 30 miles per hour, emitting engine-like noises, and featuring flickering blue flames along its underside. The craft eventually flew towards Alabama and was spotted again over Huntsville, around 75 miles from its initial sighting location. (Chapter 4, Ref 155)",
"location" : "Chattanooga area, Tennessee and Huntsville Alabama",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_146",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1/1910",
"desc": "During this period, a newspaper in Knoxville, located north of Chattanooga, documented that two notable residents witnessed a sizable airship flying southward. The observers noted sparks emanating from its engines and could discern the sound of machinery. The described airship had the characteristics of a dirigible balloon. (Chapter 4, Ref 156)",
"location" : "Knoxville, Tennessee",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_147",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1911",
"desc": "In 1911, an enigmatic aircraft, described as enormous and lacking visible wings, captivated the Canadian province of Ontario. Several witnesses reported the UFO's prolonged presence in the sky, displaying the ability to stay aloft for days and maneuver without landing. The craft emitted brilliant lights, floated at low altitudes, and then ascended rapidly before disappearing into the distance. (Chapter 4, Ref 157)",
"location" : "Chatham Township, Ontario",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_148",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1/1913",
"desc": "By 1913, the phenomena of mystery airships had transitioned to the British Isles. In January of that year, two individuals, including a policeman, noticed an unfamiliar aerial presence as they heard the sound of a motor near the English coast. A civilian witnessed an accompanying airborne light. The policeman's report suggested that the aircraft must have possessed strong engines and required skilled piloting to navigate in challenging weather conditions. (Chapter 4, Ref 158)",
"location" : "Britain",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_149",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Late 1/1913",
"desc": "A peculiar sighting occurred in Cardiff, Wales. A policeman recounted observing a large, fast-moving object in the dusky and foggy sky, which left behind a thick trail of smoke. The witness compared it to the Willows airship but noted its larger size. The object vanished swiftly after being spotted by both the policeman and a bystander. (Chapter 4, Ref 159)",
"location" : "Cardiff Wales",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_150",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "2/1913",
"desc": "In February, other eyewitnesses in Wales were able to determine the outline of the mystery object that was spotted in Cardiff. It was, they said, dirigible-shaped. (Chapter 4, Ref 160)",
"location" : "Wales",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_151",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "2/1913",
"desc": "Throughout the month of Feb., a dirigible-like object was observed multiple times in the nighttime skies of England. One instance involved the craft hovering over a town for about 20 minutes, illuminating houses with a searchlight before departing rapidly. (Chapter 4, Ref 161)",
"location" : "England",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_152",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "2/1913",
"desc": "A fishing boat's crew reported an airship encircling their trawler twice while directing a powerful searchlight onto them. (Chapter 4, Ref 162)",
"location" : "British Isles",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_153",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "4/1913",
"desc": "In April, the mystery airship made a reappearance in Cardiff. A local policeman calculated its speed to be between 60 and 70 miles per hour, a remarkable velocity for dirigibles during that era. (Chapter 4, Ref 163)",
"location" : "Cardiff, Britain",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_154",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "2/1910",
"desc": "During the second decade of the 20th century, in addition to unknown dirigible-like crafts, witnesses reported sightings of more aerodynamic and advanced aerial objects reminiscent of modern UFOs. In February 1910 near Greer, Idaho, a young boy observed a large yellow globe with a diameter of around half a mile, moving slowly and emitting a golden light. The object traveled at low altitudes, exhibited precise control, and produced a strong draft while making minimal sound. (Chapter 4, Ref 164)",
"location" : "Greer Idaho",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_155",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1910",
"desc": "In 1910, a young brother and sister had an enigmatic encounter near their home in Fulton County, Arkansas. They observed a silver-colored, zeppelin-shaped object hovering above the trees without anything hanging from its underside. The object vanished after taking off, leading the witnesses to believe it wasn't a conventional balloon as they initially thought. (Chapter 4, Ref 165)",
"location" : "Fulton County, Arkansas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_156",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1912",
"desc": "In 1912, three teenagers in Alameda, California witnessed a group of UFOs flying in precise vertical formation. The objects were pale green and perfectly round, appearing like discs on edge rather than spherical. They were sizable, about 75 to 100 feet in diameter, and exhibited no noise or vapor trails as they flew, leaving a lasting impression on the witnesses. (Chapter 4, Ref 166)",
"location" : "Alameda, California",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_157",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1913",
"desc": "In 1913, an unidentified aerial object captured attention in Lansing, Michigan, as it swiftly passed through the sky during sunset. Witnesses described it as elongated, lacking lights, and too fast for an ordinary balloon. An eyewitness highlighted its golden hue and estimated its diameter to be over 100 feet, moving silently at a speed of 100 to 200 miles per hour. The object's characteristics aligned more with the modern concept of a UFO than a traditional dirigible-type airship. (Chapter 4, Refs 167, 168)",
"location" : "Lansing, Michigan",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_158",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1914",
"desc": "During the early years of World War I, a village in Romania encountered a week-long series of visits by a UFO. The object, described as football-shaped with an \"exhaust pipe,\" emitted a reddish glow and left trails of glowing sparks. It flew at low altitudes, generating a whistling noise and bending trees, and during one incident, it caused burns to a woman inside a house it had hovered over. (Chapter 4, Ref 169)",
"location" : "Romania",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_159",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1917",
"desc": "In 1917, a clergyman in Salida, Colorado, observed an unconventional aerial phenomenon through his telescope. He described the object as resembling a wheel that appeared to rotate or move, accompanied by shifting colored lights. (Chapter 4, Ref 170)",
"location" : "Salida, Colorado",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_160",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1918",
"desc": "In 1918, soldiers stationed at an Army base in Waco, Texas, were startled by the appearance of a UFO. The object, described as cigar-shaped and around 100 to 150 feet long, defied conventional dirigible characteristics. It lacked motors, rigging, and windows, emitted no noise, and had a distinct rose or flame-like color. The soldiers were left puzzled and amazed by the encounter. (Chapter 4, Ref 171)",
"location" : "Waco, Texas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_161",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1916",
"desc": "During World War I, modern-type UFO sightings were reported in combat zones as well. In 1916, three British infantrymen stationed in France witnessed an object that initially resembled a zeppelin hovering over their trenches. However, the object swiftly accelerated forward at an incredible speed, estimated to be around 200 miles per hour. (Chapter 4, Ref 172)",
"location" : "France",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_162",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1917",
"desc": "In 1917, an American soldier in a French anti-aircraft balloon unit recounted an encounter with a disc-shaped UFO. The object, likened to a giant mess plate, hovered over a field before silently ascending into the clouds. The soldiers were told the sighting was likely a new German \"Super Zeppelin\", but the witness later began to doubt that explanation due to the object's substantial size, which would have required an exceptionally large zeppelin to carry. (Chapter 4, Ref 173)",
"location" : "France",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_163",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1910",
"desc": "In 1910, witnesses in Baltimore reported seeing a cigar-shaped metallic UFO hovering over a baseball field with strange occupants inside. The craft had colorful windows, and about 20 small creatures wearing fur-like clothing and conical helmets were observed taking turns peering out, each with small eyes and slitlike mouths. (Chapter 4, Ref 174)",
"location" : "Balitomore, Maryland",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_164",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1912",
"desc": "In 1912, a young boy in western Canada reported a close encounter with UFO occupants. He claimed a round craft landed on his family's farm, and he described the ufonauts as short beings with round feet, lacking knees or elbows. The witness also stated that they communicated with him through telepathy. (Chapter 4, Ref 175)",
"location" : "Western Canada",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_165",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1913",
"desc": "Around 1913, in a remote Eskimo village near Koyuk, Alaska, an unusual account describes a landed UFO and its small occupants. According to native stories passed down through generations, these three ufonauts became stranded there about a century prior when their flying \"silvery disc\" was disabled. These beings, who gained strength despite their size, integrated with the Eskimo community, learned the native language, and were described as elderly by 1913, suggesting they likely passed away a few years later. (Chapter 4, Ref 176)",
"location" : "Koyuk, Alaska",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_166",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "6/1914",
"desc": "In 1914, near Hamburg, Germany, a less than friendly encounter involved a UFO landing. A local man observed four or five approximately four-feet-tall occupants near a glowing, cigar-shaped craft with illuminated windows. As the man approached, the occupants entered the craft, which then ascended vertically without any sound. (Chapter 4, Ref 177)",
"location" : "Hamburg, Germany",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_167",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "8/1914",
"desc": "In August 1914, a purposeful UFO landing occurred on Georgian Bay near Lake Huron's Canadian side, witnessed by nine individuals. A peculiar craft, about nine feet high and 12 feet long, landed. Two small figures in green and purple attire, wearing square yellow masks on their shoulders, were seen on top of the craft. They manipulated a hose from a porthole, later joined by three more creatures adjusting rods on the ship's upper part. After a few minutes, the beings entered the craft through the porthole, and as it ascended, water was sucked up, leaving a mist. The craft changed color, turned left, and flew away. (Chapter 4, Ref 178)",
"location" : "Georgian Bay near the Canadian side of Lake Huron",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_168",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1915",
"desc": "In a 1915 Norway landing case, a witness encountered two small, seemingly friendly humanoids emerging from a dark bell-shaped object that landed behind a hill. One of the humanoids, around three feet tall, approached the witness, displaying distinctive features such as a large head, wavy hair, gray skin, and a smile. The beings returned behind the hill before the object ascended and departed rapidly. (Chapter 4, Ref 179)",
"location" : "Norway",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_169",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1916",
"desc": "During World War I, around 1916 or 1917, a woman in Suffolk, England, witnessed a peculiar UFO. She saw a round platform with a railing, roughly 13 feet in diameter, flying about 30 feet above the ground. The object, carrying around a dozen \"men\" dressed in blue uniforms and round hats, came from nearby marshes. As it approached, it turned, vanished behind trees and houses, and emitted no sound. (Chapter 4, Ref 180)",
"location" : "Suffolk, England",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_170",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1917",
"desc": "In 1917, a Pennsylvania man encountered a \"traditional\" landed UFO. While walking near railroad tracks between Mt. Braddock and Youngstown, he saw a saucer-shaped object with a dome on top, similar in size to a car, positioned about 100 feet away in a pasture. The craft featured oval or oblong windows through which figures could be seen moving. After observing it, the UFO took off gradually with a high-pitched sound. (Chapter 4, Ref 181)",
"location" : "Youngstown, Pennsylvania",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_171",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1919",
"desc": "In 1919, a man in western Australia encountered a landed UFO and its occupant. While walking along a rural road, he found a \"man\" repairing a peculiar craft. Startled by the witness, the stranger pointed something at him, causing him to lose consciousness. Upon waking up, the stranger and the craft had disappeared. (Chapter 4, Ref 182)",
"location" : "Western Australia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_172",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1919",
"desc": "In 1919, a brother and sister on a farm near Webster City, Iowa, encountered unusual visitors. They saw a brown-green object near a tree and ran toward it, noticing a stern-looking figure in green-brown clothes standing by an open door. The figure made strange guttural sounds. A shorter figure appeared, quickly dipped water from the stream in a tin can, and was then hurried into the craft by the larger figure, after which the craft ascended rapidly, hitting tree branches. The craft moved sideways and over a hill with its three legs down, leaving without lights or sound. The children followed but soon lost sight of it. Round marks resembling cane imprints were left on the soil where it had landed. (Chapter 4, Ref 183)",
"location" : "Webster City, Iowa",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_173",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
}
] }

127
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145
1910 Germany. In the years preceding World War I (1910-1919), enigmatic dirigible-type mystery airships, which
had been appearing in the skies since 1896, saw their final prominence as Germany's zeppelins matched
their capabilities. This period marked the convergence of known and unknown airship technology before the
outbreak of the war in 1914. (Chapter 4)
146
Jan. 1910 Chattanooga area, Tennessee and Huntsville Alabama. In the beginning of the decade, an unusual white cigar-shaped
object, resembling a large airship, appeared in the skies over east Tennessee. Witnesses reported its presence
for three consecutive days in January 1910, describing it as traveling at around 30 miles per hour, emitting
engine-like noises, and featuring flickering blue flames along its underside. The craft eventually flew towards
Alabama and was spotted again over Huntsville, around 75 miles from its initial sighting location. (Chapter 4, Ref 155)
147
Jan. 1910 Knoxville, Tennessee. During this period, a newspaper in Knoxville, located north of Chattanooga, documented that two
notable residents witnessed a sizable airship flying southward. The observers noted sparks emanating from its engines
and could discern the sound of machinery. The described airship had the characteristics of a dirigible balloon. (Chapter 4, Ref 156)
148
1911 Chatham Township, Ontario. In 1911, an enigmatic aircraft, described as enormous and lacking visible wings, captivated the
Canadian province of Ontario. Several witnesses reported the UFO's prolonged presence in the sky, displaying the ability to
stay aloft for days and maneuver without landing. The craft emitted brilliant lights, floated at low altitudes, and then
ascended rapidly before disappearing into the distance. (Chapter 4, Ref 157)
149
Jan. 1913 Britain. By 1913, the phenomena of mystery airships had transitioned to the British Isles. In January of that year, two
individuals, including a policeman, noticed an unfamiliar aerial presence as they heard the sound of a motor near the English
coast. A civilian witnessed an accompanying airborne light. The policeman's report suggested that the aircraft must have
possessed strong engines and required skilled piloting to navigate in challenging weather conditions. (Chapter 4, Ref 158)
150
Late Jan. 1913 Cardiff Wales. A peculiar sighting occurred in Cardiff, Wales. A policeman recounted observing a large, fast-moving object
in the dusky and foggy sky, which left behind a thick trail of smoke. The witness compared it to the Willows airship but
noted its larger size. The object vanished swiftly after being spotted by both the policeman and a bystander. (Chapter 4, Ref 159)
151
Feb. 1913 Wales. In February, other eyewitnesses in Wales were able to determine the outline of the mystery object that was spotted in Cardiff. It was,
they said, dirigible-shaped. (Chapter 4, Ref 160)
152
Feb. 1913 England. Throughout the month of Feb., a dirigible-like object was observed multiple times in the nighttime skies of England.
One instance involved the craft hovering over a town for about 20 minutes, illuminating houses with a searchlight before departing rapidly. (Chapter 4, Ref 161)
153
Feb. 1913 British Isles. A fishing boat's crew reported an airship encircling their trawler twice while directing a powerful searchlight onto them. (Chapter 4, Ref 162)
154
Apr. 1913 Cardiff, Britain. In April, the mystery airship made a reappearance in Cardiff. A local policeman calculated its speed to be
between 60 and 70 miles per hour, a remarkable velocity for dirigibles during that era. (Chapter 4, Ref 163)
155
Feb. 1910 Greer Idaho. During the second decade of the 20th century, in addition to unknown dirigible-like crafts, witnesses reported sightings
of more aerodynamic and advanced aerial objects reminiscent of modern UFOs. In February 1910 near Greer, Idaho, a young boy observed
a large yellow globe with a diameter of around half a mile, moving slowly and emitting a golden light. The object traveled at low
altitudes, exhibited precise control, and produced a strong draft while making minimal sound. (Chapter 4, Ref 164)
156
1910 Fulton County, Arkansas. In 1910, a young brother and sister had an enigmatic encounter near their home in Fulton County, Arkansas. They
observed a silver-colored, zeppelin-shaped object hovering above the trees without anything hanging from its underside. The object vanished
after taking off, leading the witnesses to believe it wasn't a conventional balloon as they initially thought. (Chapter 4, Ref 165)
157
1912 Alameda, California. In 1912, three teenagers in Alameda, California witnessed a group of UFOs flying in precise vertical formation. The
objects were pale green and perfectly round, appearing like discs on edge rather than spherical. They were sizable, about 75 to 100 feet
in diameter, and exhibited no noise or vapor trails as they flew, leaving a lasting impression on the witnesses. (Chapter 4, Ref 166)
158
1913 Lansing, Michigan. In 1913, an unidentified aerial object captured attention in Lansing, Michigan, as it swiftly passed through the sky
during sunset. Witnesses described it as elongated, lacking lights, and too fast for an ordinary balloon. An eyewitness highlighted its
golden hue and estimated its diameter to be over 100 feet, moving silently at a speed of 100 to 200 miles per hour. The object's
characteristics aligned more with the modern concept of a UFO than a traditional dirigible-type airship. (Chapter 4, Refs 167, 168)
159
1914 Romania. During the early years of World War I, a village in Romania encountered a week-long series of visits by a UFO. The object,
described as football-shaped with an "exhaust pipe," emitted a reddish glow and left trails of glowing sparks. It flew at low altitudes,
generating a whistling noise and bending trees, and during one incident, it caused burns to a woman inside a house it had hovered over. (Chapter 4, Ref 169)
160
1917 Salida, Colorado. In 1917, a clergyman in Salida, Colorado, observed an unconventional aerial phenomenon through his telescope. He described
the object as resembling a wheel that appeared to rotate or move, accompanied by shifting colored lights. (Chapter 4, Ref 170)
161
1918 Waco, Texas. In 1918, soldiers stationed at an Army base in Waco, Texas, were startled by the appearance of a UFO. The object, described
as cigar-shaped and around 100 to 150 feet long, defied conventional dirigible characteristics. It lacked motors, rigging, and windows,
emitted no noise, and had a distinct rose or flame-like color. The soldiers were left puzzled and amazed by the encounter. (Chapter 4, Ref 171)
162
1916 France. During World War I, modern-type UFO sightings were reported in combat zones as well. In 1916, three British infantrymen
stationed in France witnessed an object that initially resembled a zeppelin hovering over their trenches. However, the object swiftly
accelerated forward at an incredible speed, estimated to be around 200 miles per hour. (Chapter 4, Ref 172)
163
1917 France. In 1917, an American soldier in a French anti-aircraft balloon unit recounted an encounter with a disc-shaped UFO. The object,
likened to a giant mess plate, hovered over a field before silently ascending into the clouds. The soldiers were told the sighting was
likely a new German "Super Zeppelin", but the witness later began to doubt that explanation due to the object's substantial size, which
would have required an exceptionally large zeppelin to carry. (Chapter 4, Ref 173)
164
1910 Balitomore, Maryland. In 1910, witnesses in Baltimore reported seeing a cigar-shaped metallic UFO hovering over a baseball field with
strange occupants inside. The craft had colorful windows, and about 20 small creatures wearing fur-like clothing and conical helmets were
observed taking turns peering out, each with small eyes and slitlike mouths. (Chapter 4, Ref 174)
165
1912 Western Canada. In 1912, a young boy in western Canada reported a close encounter with UFO occupants. He claimed a round craft landed
on his family's farm, and he described the ufonauts as short beings with round feet, lacking knees or elbows. The witness also stated
that they communicated with him through telepathy. (Chapter 4, Ref 175)
166
1913 Koyuk, Alaska. Around 1913, in a remote Eskimo village near Koyuk, Alaska, an unusual account describes a landed UFO and its small occupants.
According to native stories passed down through generations, these three ufonauts became stranded there about a century prior when
their flying "silvery disc" was disabled. These beings, who gained strength despite their size, integrated with the Eskimo community,
learned the native language, and were described as elderly by 1913, suggesting they likely passed away a few years later. (Chapter 4, Ref 176)
167
Jun. 1914 Hamburg, Germany. In 1914, near Hamburg, Germany, a less than friendly encounter involved a UFO landing. A local man observed four or five
approximately four-feet-tall occupants near a glowing, cigar-shaped craft with illuminated windows. As the man approached, the occupants
entered the craft, which then ascended vertically without any sound. (Chapter 4, Ref 177)
168
Aug. 1914 Georgian Bay near the Canadian side of Lake Huron. In August 1914, a purposeful UFO landing occurred on Georgian Bay near Lake Huron's
Canadian side, witnessed by nine individuals. A peculiar craft, about nine feet high and 12 feet long, landed. Two small figures in green
and purple attire, wearing square yellow masks on their shoulders, were seen on top of the craft. They manipulated a hose from a
porthole, later joined by three more creatures adjusting rods on the ship's upper part. After a few minutes, the beings entered the
craft through the porthole, and as it ascended, water was sucked up, leaving a mist. The craft changed color, turned left, and flew away. (Chapter 4, Ref 178)
169
1915 Norway. In a 1915 Norway landing case, a witness encountered two small, seemingly friendly humanoids emerging from a dark bell-shaped
object that landed behind a hill. One of the humanoids, around three feet tall, approached the witness, displaying distinctive features such
as a large head, wavy hair, gray skin, and a smile. The beings returned behind the hill before the object ascended and departed rapidly. (Chapter 4, Ref 179)
170
1916 Suffolk, England. During World War I, around 1916 or 1917, a woman in Suffolk, England, witnessed a peculiar UFO. She saw a round
platform with a railing, roughly 13 feet in diameter, flying about 30 feet above the ground. The object, carrying around a dozen "men"
dressed in blue uniforms and round hats, came from nearby marshes. As it approached, it turned, vanished behind trees and houses,
and emitted no sound. (Chapter 4, Ref 180)
171
1917 Youngstown, Pennsylvania. In 1917, a Pennsylvania man encountered a "traditional" landed UFO. While walking near railroad tracks between
Mt. Braddock and Youngstown, he saw a saucer-shaped object with a dome on top, similar in size to a car, positioned about 100 feet
away in a pasture. The craft featured oval or oblong windows through which figures could be seen moving. After observing it, the
UFO took off gradually with a high-pitched sound. (Chapter 4, Ref 181)
172
1919 Western Australia. In 1919, a man in western Australia encountered a landed UFO and its occupant. While walking along a rural road,
he found a "man" repairing a peculiar craft. Startled by the witness, the stranger pointed something at him, causing him to lose
consciousness. Upon waking up, the stranger and the craft had disappeared. (Chapter 4, Ref 182)
173
1919 Webster City, Iowa. In 1919, a brother and sister on a farm near Webster City, Iowa, encountered unusual visitors. They saw a
brown-green object near a tree and ran toward it, noticing a stern-looking figure in green-brown clothes standing by an open door.
The figure made strange guttural sounds. A shorter figure appeared, quickly dipped water from the stream in a tin can, and was then
hurried into the craft by the larger figure, after which the craft ascended rapidly, hitting tree branches. The craft moved sideways
and over a hill with its three legs down, leaving without lights or sound. The children followed but soon lost sight of it. Round
marks resembling cane imprints were left on the soil where it had landed. (Chapter 4, Ref 183)

237
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{
"Rife Timeline" : [
{
"date" : "1920",
"desc": "In 1920, a man witnessed a sighting of four disc-shaped UFOs near the Texas gulf coast. The UFOs emitted vibrant pink and pale green lights and resembled large silver plates placed together, each around 25 feet in diameter and 10 feet thick at the center. The anomalous event occurred during the man's night fishing activity. (Chapter 5, Ref 184)",
"location" : "Texas Gulf coast",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_175",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1920",
"desc": "In the same year, around 1920, approximately 200 individuals witnessed a sizeable cylindrical UFO flying at an estimated altitude of 75 feet between Wathena, Kansas, and Rushville, Missouri. The UFO made a sudden maneuver over Rushville, vanishing into a nearby cloud shortly after. (Chapter 5, Ref 185)",
"location" : "Between Wathena, Kansas and Rushville, Missouri",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_176",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1922",
"desc": "In 1922, a young boy from Prairie Grove, Arkansas, had a lasting UFO encounter. While playing, he noticed a hat-shaped object in the sky, positioned around two or three hundred feet above the shade trees. Comparable in size to automobiles, the object featured a central dome on a circular brim, leaving an enduring impression on the witness. (Chapter 5, Ref 186)",
"location" : "Prairie Grove, Arkansas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_177",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1923",
"desc": "In 1923, a family residing in Benton, Illinois, witnessed an unexpected aerial display provided by a UFO. The family observed a cloud-like object in the sky, which moved southwards, slowed down, and then performed intricate maneuvers around various landmarks. The object displayed colorful lights around its edge, including red, blue, green, and ecru, with a particularly bright ecru spotlight. After descending and briefly revealing a pillar of light, the object vanished from sight, leaving the witness with a lasting memory of a UFO encounter. (Chapter 5, Ref 187)",
"location" : "Benton, Illinois",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_178",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1926",
"desc": "In 1926, during the early days of general aviation, an airmail pilot near Salt Lake City, Utah, had a noteworthy encounter with an unconventional aircraft. The pilot reported a cylindrical UFO without wings or a propeller, approximately 90 feet long and 8 to 10 feet in diameter. The UFO repeatedly approached his plane, causing engine issues within a 50-yard proximity. The pilot was forced to land, after which the UFO rapidly departed and vanished within seconds. (Chapter 6, Ref 188)",
"location" : "Salt Lake City, Utah",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_179",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1920's",
"desc": "During the 1920s, a pioneer pilot engaged in barnstorming in the Southwest reported encountering approximately six UFOs that resembled manhole covers. The pilot's friend recounted that the UFOs maintained a distance of about 200 yards and flew alongside him for around five minutes, effortlessly keeping up with his plane. Eventually, the UFOs altered their course and departed, leaving the pilot amazed and convinced of their genuine existence. (Chapter 6, Ref 189)",
"location" : "American Southwest",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_180",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1927",
"desc": "In 1927, a woman in Marin County, California, reported witnessing a dynamic UFO sighting. She described a cigar-shaped craft emerging from a cloud and swiftly moving across the sky toward Tamalpais. While she initially thought it could be a dirigible, she noticed distinct differences in its shape and behavior, as it was elongated and yellow in color, moving at high speed. The craft appeared to alter its shape by contracting and elongating as it passed by her viewpoint. (Chapter 6, Ref 190)",
"location" : "Marin County, California",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_181",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1927",
"desc": "In 1927, a young individual in West Frankfort, Illinois, had a close encounter with a disc-shaped UFO. The object, which emitted revolving and flashing lights, approached noiselessly, coming to a halt around 100 feet away and hovering above a house. The witness estimated the UFO to be approximately 40 feet in diameter, resembling stainless steel. It featured a gondola-like section with round windows emitting blue-white light. The UFO extended a thin rod or wire, closed its windows like a camera's iris shutter, and then resumed revolving before departing in the opposite direction. (Chapter 6, Ref 191)",
"location" : "West Frankfort, Illinois",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_182",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1928",
"desc": "In 1928, two brothers herding cattle across the prairie near Milton, North Dakota, encountered a UFO resembling an inverted soup bowl. The craft, positioned around 15 to 20 feet above the ground, emitted several light rays ahead of it. The witnesses described the UFO as being 20 to 25 feet in diameter, made of polished metal. At one point, the object came close to them, and they heard a noise resembling air escaping from a tube emanating from the craft. (Chapter 6, Ref 192)",
"location" : "Milton, North Dakota",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_183",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1922",
"desc": "In 1922, soldiers hiding in an Irish cave during the civil war shot at an object they mistook for an enemy armored car. The object retaliated by emitting flame jets, forcing the soldiers to retreat due to the heat and smoke. As they left the cave, the object, circular and bright like aluminum, ascended into the sky at dawn. (Chapter 6, Ref 193)",
"location" : "Ireland",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_184",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1924",
"desc": "In 1924, a man rowing a boat on Lake Okanagan in British Columbia had an eerie encounter with a mysterious object. He observed a pearly silver craft against the remaining twilight, descending to about 300 feet above the water's surface. The object, moving at around 30 to 40 miles per hour, displayed faint dark blue light at the rear and a more intense blue light with a rectangular grid pattern. After a quarter-mile of level travel, the craft abruptly ascended at a steep angle and rapidly accelerated until it vanished from sight. (Chapter 6, Ref 194)",
"location" : "Lake Okanogan, British Columbia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_185",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "8/5/1926",
"desc": "In 1926, a Russian adventurer in northern China witnessed an unusual event. While observing a large black eagle, he and his companions noticed a massive, shiny oval object reflecting the sun's light, moving swiftly from north to south and then changing direction to southwest. The object had a brilliant surface and disappeared into the blue sky, leaving a lasting impression on the witnesses. (Chapter 6, Ref 195)",
"location" : "Northern China",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_186",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1927",
"desc": "In 1927, two notable UFO sightings occurred in different parts of the world. In the first case, a cylindrical object was witnessed flying over a Romanian village during clear daylight conditions. Multiple observers, including an engineer, reported the object to be around 50 to 65 feet long and 10 to 13 feet in diameter. It was described as smoke gray in color and moved silently at an altitude of less than 1,000 feet. (Chapter 6, Ref 196)",
"location" : "Romania",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_187",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1927",
"desc": "In 1927, an intriguing UFO event occurred in a remote area of New South Wales, Australia. Two brothers encountered a cylindrical UFO with a dome on top, emanating a dull light. The object suddenly hissed, producing a dazzling light that illuminated the surroundings. It landed on a nearby hill, leaving a scorched area of grass about 30 feet in diameter. The next morning, the brothers discovered the scorched patch, and their neighbors confirmed witnessing the glowing object's descent before it vanished into the darkness. (Chapter 6, Ref 197)",
"location" : "New South Wales, Australia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_188",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1920",
"desc": "During the 1920s, various cases of landed UFOs, some reportedly with occupants, were documented. In 1920, a man in Quebec, Canada, encountered a circular UFO while returning home at night. Describing it as around 50 feet in diameter and 16 feet high with a yellow light, he observed small humanoid figures moving rapidly around the craft's exterior, emitting child-like sounds. The UFO subsequently departed with mechanical noises and the sound of rushing air. (Chapter 6, Ref 198)",
"location" : "Quebec, Canada",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_189",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1920",
"desc": "In 1920, a fisherman in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, shared a peculiar UFO encounter from his time at a pond. As he fished, a small disc-shaped object emerged from nearby trees and landed about 15 feet away. The object was blue, roughly the size of a five-gallon cream can, and remarkably silent. Intrigued, the man began approaching the craft, but it lifted off gradually over the trees and vanished without making any noise. (Chapter 6, Ref 199)",
"location" : "Mount Pleasant, Iowa",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_190",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1922",
"desc": "In 1922, a Nebraska hunter recounted an extraordinary experience while hunting near Hubbell. He reported hearing crackling sounds and a high-pitched noise before observing a brightly lit circular object descending and landing out of sight behind a hill. What stood out the most was his claim of encountering an enormous, eight-foot-tall \"magnificent flying creature\" that landed near the circular object. The hunter followed the creature's tracks in the snow for miles but was unable to spot it again. (Chapter 6, Ref 200)",
"location" : "Hubbell, Nebraska",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_191",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1923",
"desc": "In 1923, an Indiana farm boy claimed to have encountered a UFO near Richmond. He described a metallic machine with lights all around it, inhabited by five occupants, one of whom was referred to as the commander. The object had a dome-shaped top with holes, stood on three legs, and the occupants were about four feet tall with blond hair. After observing for about five minutes, the craft ascended, retracting its tripod legs and whizzed off to the west. The witness remained convinced that he had encountered a spaceship. (Chapter 6, Ref 201)",
"location" : "Richmond, Indiana",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_192",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1924",
"desc": "In a bizarre incident from 1924 in south Florida, an egg-shaped UFO landed on a Catholic grade school's playground in Dade City. Witnesses, including a young girl, reported that robot-like entities resembling animated flowers emerged from the craft. The entities communicated telepathically, warning about stopping work in the school's science building. Despite efforts to assist, the witness couldn't move their machine. The entities promised to return for her in 35 years, but nothing happened. After hovering briefly, the entities reentered the UFO, which then vanished vertically. Subsequently, the science building was found in a state of disarray, suggesting a possible connection to the entities' warning. (Chapter 6, Ref 202)",
"location" : "Dade City, Florida",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_193",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1920",
"desc": "In 1920, a teenage boy from Ontario, Canada, reported befriending an occupant of a landed UFO near the Mattawa River. Responding to a distress call, he found a blond-haired, blue-eyed boy trapped between rocks. The trapped individual wore a silver, leather-like suit with instruments on the chest. After rescuing the boy, the witness assisted him to a saucer-shaped UFO about 20 feet in diameter resting on three legs. The UFO promptly departed after the occupant reentered it. (Chapter 6, Ref 203)",
"location" : "Along the Mattawa River, Ontario, Canada",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_194",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1925",
"desc": "A UFO of the \"open air\" type, akin to one observed by an English woman during World War I, was reported in Spain. The circular platform had a railing around its edge, and on it stood a single individual. The witness described the figure as around four feet tall, dressed in a green uniform, and seemingly holding a \"blow pipe\" in an outstretched hand. (Chapter 6, Ref 204)",
"location" : "Spain",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_195",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1926",
"desc": "The son of a British policeman recounted an encounter with three humanoid entities in Lancashire. The beings had pale, lightbulb-shaped heads with small noses, slit-like eyes, and no visible mouths. They wore round, transparent helmets, dark boots, and silver-gray rubber tube-like suits. When they noticed the boy, one of them emitted a strange noise, prompting all three to approach him. Frightened, the witness quickly fled from the scene. (Chapter 6, Ref 205)",
"location" : "Lancashire, Britain",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_196",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1928",
"desc": "A young girl from England shared an encounter with an extraordinary occupant and craft near Leicester. The being was described as black, five feet tall, with a large head and remarkably long arms. It was observed beside an object resembling an upright, massive egg, supported by three legs extending to the ground. When the girl returned with her father, both the entity and the object had disappeared. (Chapter 6, Ref 206)",
"location" : "Leicester, England",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_197",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1929",
"desc": "A man from Quebec, Canada, had an encounter with a landed UFO and its occupants. While driving near Fermeneuve at night, he spotted a peculiar dark cloud with a yellow light inside resting on a hillside. Approaching closer, he realized the light emanated from a circular craft around 50 feet in diameter. He observed several small, yellow-colored humanoid figures moving around the craft's exterior before the UFO took off with a sound likened to a milk separator. (Chapter 6, Ref 207)",
"location" : "Fermeneuve, Quebec, Canada",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_198",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1924",
"desc": "Witnesses near Gem, West Virginia, reported observing a large craft, reminiscent of a battleship, flying erratically and crashing in thick woods. The craft, resembling a fuselage without wings or propellers, was about 75 feet long and filled the clearing. A group of individuals, some dressed in black business suits and others in shiny coveralls, emerged from the craft. Described as small and Oriental in appearance, they spoke a foreign language and appeared to be in distress. One of them assured the witnesses that everyone was okay and promised to report to the sheriff. Later, a man who picked up a metal object from the scene was visited by a U.S. Army officer with a similar appearance to the foreigners, who retrieved the object without explanation. The witnesses found the clearing empty a few days later, with only crushed grass and bushes remaining. The incident of a purported Army officer retrieving evidence may remind readers of the Men in Black phenomenon that emerged after 1947. (Chapter 6, Ref 208)",
"location" : "Braxton County, West Virginia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_199",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1925",
"desc": "In an event near Poison, Montana, a woman and her son observed a pulsating, roaring noise and witnessed a flaming circular object descending at high speed. The object, around 200 feet in diameter, seemed to hesitate and move before giving off a brilliant white flash upon impact, leaving no subsequent noise or shock wave. (Chapter 6, Ref 209)",
"location" : "Poison, Montana",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_200",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
}
] }

136
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175
1920 Texas Gulf coast. In 1920, a man witnessed a sighting of four disc-shaped UFOs near the Texas gulf coast. The
UFOs emitted vibrant pink and pale green lights and resembled large silver plates placed together, each around
25 feet in diameter and 10 feet thick at the center. The anomalous event occurred during the man's
night fishing activity. (Chapter 5, Ref 184)
176
1920 Between Wathena, Kansas and Rushville, Missouri. In the same year, around 1920, approximately 200 individuals
witnessed a sizeable cylindrical UFO flying at an estimated altitude of 75 feet between Wathena, Kansas, and
Rushville, Missouri. The UFO made a sudden maneuver over Rushville, vanishing into a nearby cloud shortly after. (Chapter 5, Ref 185)
177
1922 Prairie Grove, Arkansas. In 1922, a young boy from Prairie Grove, Arkansas, had a lasting UFO encounter. While
playing, he noticed a hat-shaped object in the sky, positioned around two or three hundred feet above the shade trees.
Comparable in size to automobiles, the object featured a central dome on a circular brim, leaving an enduring
impression on the witness. (Chapter 5, Ref 186)
178
1923 Benton, Illinois. In 1923, a family residing in Benton, Illinois, witnessed an unexpected aerial display provided by a UFO.
The family observed a cloud-like object in the sky, which moved southwards, slowed down, and then performed intricate
maneuvers around various landmarks. The object displayed colorful lights around its edge, including red, blue, green,
and ecru, with a particularly bright ecru spotlight. After descending and briefly revealing a pillar of light, the object
vanished from sight, leaving the witness with a lasting memory of a UFO encounter. (Chapter 5, Ref 187)
179
1926 Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1926, during the early days of general aviation, an airmail pilot near Salt Lake City, Utah, had
a noteworthy encounter with an unconventional aircraft. The pilot reported a cylindrical UFO without wings or a propeller,
approximately 90 feet long and 8 to 10 feet in diameter. The UFO repeatedly approached his plane, causing engine issues
within a 50-yard proximity. The pilot was forced to land, after which the UFO rapidly departed and vanished within seconds. (Chapter 6, Ref 188)
180
1920's American Southwest. During the 1920s, a pioneer pilot engaged in barnstorming in the Southwest reported encountering
approximately six UFOs that resembled manhole covers. The pilot's friend recounted that the UFOs maintained a distance
of about 200 yards and flew alongside him for around five minutes, effortlessly keeping up with his plane. Eventually, the
UFOs altered their course and departed, leaving the pilot amazed and convinced of their genuine existence. (Chapter 6, Ref 189)
181
1927 Marin County, California. In 1927, a woman in Marin County, California, reported witnessing a dynamic UFO sighting. She described a
cigar-shaped craft emerging from a cloud and swiftly moving across the sky toward Tamalpais. While she initially thought it could be a
dirigible, she noticed distinct differences in its shape and behavior, as it was elongated and yellow in color, moving at high speed.
The craft appeared to alter its shape by contracting and elongating as it passed by her viewpoint. (Chapter 6, Ref 190)
182
1927 West Frankfort, Illinois. In 1927, a young individual in West Frankfort, Illinois, had a close encounter with a disc-shaped UFO. The
object, which emitted revolving and flashing lights, approached noiselessly, coming to a halt around 100 feet away and hovering above
a house. The witness estimated the UFO to be approximately 40 feet in diameter, resembling stainless steel. It featured a gondola-like section
with round windows emitting blue-white light. The UFO extended a thin rod or wire, closed its windows like a camera's iris shutter,
and then resumed revolving before departing in the opposite direction. (Chapter 6, Ref 191)
183
1928 Milton, North Dakota. In 1928, two brothers herding cattle across the prairie near Milton, North Dakota, encountered a UFO resembling
an inverted soup bowl. The craft, positioned around 15 to 20 feet above the ground, emitted several light rays ahead of it. The
witnesses described the UFO as being 20 to 25 feet in diameter, made of polished metal. At one point, the object came close to them,
and they heard a noise resembling air escaping from a tube emanating from the craft. (Chapter 6, Ref 192)
184
1922 Ireland. In 1922, soldiers hiding in an Irish cave during the civil war shot at an object they mistook for an enemy armored car. The
object retaliated by emitting flame jets, forcing the soldiers to retreat due to the heat and smoke. As they left the cave, the object,
circular and bright like aluminum, ascended into the sky at dawn. (Chapter 6, Ref 193)
185
1924 Lake Okanogan, British Columbia. In 1924, a man rowing a boat on Lake Okanagan in British Columbia had an eerie encounter with a
mysterious object. He observed a pearly silver craft against the remaining twilight, descending to about 300 feet above the water's
surface. The object, moving at around 30 to 40 miles per hour, displayed faint dark blue light at the rear and a more intense blue
light with a rectangular grid pattern. After a quarter-mile of level travel, the craft abruptly ascended at a steep angle and rapidly
accelerated until it vanished from sight. (Chapter 6, Ref 194)
186
Aug. 5, 1926 Northern China. In 1926, a Russian adventurer in northern China witnessed an unusual event. While observing a large black eagle, he
and his companions noticed a massive, shiny oval object reflecting the sun's light, moving swiftly from north to south and then
changing direction to southwest. The object had a brilliant surface and disappeared into the blue sky, leaving a lasting
impression on the witnesses. (Chapter 6, Ref 195)
187
1927 Romania. In 1927, two notable UFO sightings occurred in different parts of the world. In the first case, a cylindrical object was
witnessed flying over a Romanian village during clear daylight conditions. Multiple observers, including an engineer, reported the
object to be around 50 to 65 feet long and 10 to 13 feet in diameter. It was described as smoke gray in color and moved silently
at an altitude of less than 1,000 feet. (Chapter 6, Ref 196)
188
1927 New South Wales, Australia. In 1927, an intriguing UFO event occurred in a remote area of New South Wales, Australia. Two brothers
encountered a cylindrical UFO with a dome on top, emanating a dull light. The object suddenly hissed, producing a dazzling light
that illuminated the surroundings. It landed on a nearby hill, leaving a scorched area of grass about 30 feet in diameter. The
next morning, the brothers discovered the scorched patch, and their neighbors confirmed witnessing the glowing object's descent
before it vanished into the darkness. (Chapter 6, Ref 197)
189
1920 Quebec, Canada. During the 1920s, various cases of landed UFOs, some reportedly with occupants, were documented. In 1920, a man
in Quebec, Canada, encountered a circular UFO while returning home at night. Describing it as around 50 feet in diameter and 16
feet high with a yellow light, he observed small humanoid figures moving rapidly around the craft's exterior, emitting child-like sounds.
The UFO subsequently departed with mechanical noises and the sound of rushing air. (Chapter 6, Ref 198)
190
1920 Mount Pleasant, Iowa. In 1920, a fisherman in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, shared a peculiar UFO encounter from his time at a pond. As he
fished, a small disc-shaped object emerged from nearby trees and landed about 15 feet away. The object was blue, roughly the size of a
five-gallon cream can, and remarkably silent. Intrigued, the man began approaching the craft, but it lifted off gradually over the trees
and vanished without making any noise. (Chapter 6, Ref 199)
191
1922 Hubbell, Nebraska. In 1922, a Nebraska hunter recounted an extraordinary experience while hunting near Hubbell. He reported hearing
crackling sounds and a high-pitched noise before observing a brightly lit circular object descending and landing out of sight behind
a hill. What stood out the most was his claim of encountering an enormous, eight-foot-tall "magnificent flying creature" that landed
near the circular object. The hunter followed the creature's tracks in the snow for miles but was unable to spot it again. (Chapter 6, Ref 200)
192
1923 Richmond, Indiana. In 1923, an Indiana farm boy claimed to have encountered a UFO near Richmond. He described a metallic machine with
lights all around it, inhabited by five occupants, one of whom was referred to as the commander. The object had a dome-shaped top with
holes, stood on three legs, and the occupants were about four feet tall with blond hair. After observing for about five minutes, the craft
ascended, retracting its tripod legs and whizzed off to the west. The witness remained convinced that he had encountered a spaceship. (Chapter 6, Ref 201)
193
1924 Dade City, Florida. In a bizarre incident from 1924 in south Florida, an egg-shaped UFO landed on a Catholic grade school's playground
in Dade City. Witnesses, including a young girl, reported that robot-like entities resembling animated flowers emerged from the craft.
The entities communicated telepathically, warning about stopping work in the school's science building. Despite efforts to assist,
the witness couldn't move their machine. The entities promised to return for her in 35 years, but nothing happened. After hovering briefly,
the entities reentered the UFO, which then vanished vertically. Subsequently, the science building was found in a state of disarray,
suggesting a possible connection to the entities' warning. (Chapter 6, Ref 202)
194
1920 Along the Mattawa River, Ontario, Canada. In 1920, a teenage boy from Ontario, Canada, reported befriending an occupant of a landed UFO
near the Mattawa River. Responding to a distress call, he found a blond-haired, blue-eyed boy trapped between rocks. The trapped
individual wore a silver, leather-like suit with instruments on the chest. After rescuing the boy, the witness assisted him to a
saucer-shaped UFO about 20 feet in diameter resting on three legs. The UFO promptly departed after the occupant reentered it. (Chapter 6, Ref 203)
195
1925 Spain. A UFO of the "open air" type, akin to one observed by an English woman during World War I, was reported in Spain. The circular
platform had a railing around its edge, and on it stood a single individual. The witness described the figure as around four feet tall,
dressed in a green uniform, and seemingly holding a "blow pipe" in an outstretched hand. (Chapter 6, Ref 204)
196
1926 Lancashire, Britain. The son of a British policeman recounted an encounter with three humanoid entities in Lancashire. The beings had pale,
lightbulb-shaped heads with small noses, slit-like eyes, and no visible mouths. They wore round, transparent helmets, dark boots,
and silver-gray rubber tube-like suits. When they noticed the boy, one of them emitted a strange noise, prompting all three to
approach him. Frightened, the witness quickly fled from the scene. (Chapter 6, Ref 205)
197
1928 Leicester, England. A young girl from England shared an encounter with an extraordinary occupant and craft near Leicester. The being was
described as black, five feet tall, with a large head and remarkably long arms. It was observed beside an object resembling an upright,
massive egg, supported by three legs extending to the ground. When the girl returned with her father, both the entity and the object
had disappeared. (Chapter 6, Ref 206)
198
1929 Fermeneuve, Quebec, Canada. A man from Quebec, Canada, had an encounter with a landed UFO and its occupants. While driving near
Fermeneuve at night, he spotted a peculiar dark cloud with a yellow light inside resting on a hillside. Approaching closer, he realized
the light emanated from a circular craft around 50 feet in diameter. He observed several small, yellow-colored humanoid figures
moving around the craft's exterior before the UFO took off with a sound likened to a milk separator. (Chapter 6, Ref 207)
199
1924 Braxton County, West Virginia. Witnesses near Gem, West Virginia, reported observing a large craft, reminiscent of a battleship,
flying erratically and crashing in thick woods. The craft, resembling a fuselage without wings or propellers, was about 75 feet
long and filled the clearing. A group of individuals, some dressed in black business suits and others in shiny coveralls,
emerged from the craft. Described as small and Oriental in appearance, they spoke a foreign language and appeared to be in
distress. One of them assured the witnesses that everyone was okay and promised to report to the sheriff. Later, a man who picked
up a metal object from the scene was visited by a U.S. Army officer with a similar appearance to the foreigners, who retrieved
the object without explanation. The witnesses found the clearing empty a few days later, with only crushed grass and bushes remaining.
The incident of a purported Army officer retrieving evidence may remind readers of the Men in Black phenomenon that emerged after 1947. (Chapter 6, Ref 208)
200
1925 Poison, Montana. In an event near Poison, Montana, a woman and her son observed a pulsating, roaring noise and witnessed a flaming
circular object descending at high speed. The object, around 200 feet in diameter, seemed to hesitate and move before giving off a
brilliant white flash upon impact, leaving no subsequent noise or shock wave. (Chapter 6, Ref 209)

220
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{
"Rife Timeline" : [
{
"date" : "1932",
"desc": "Around 1932 or 1933, two witnesses observed a strange cigar-shaped aerial device over the Connecticut shore of Long Island Sound. The object emitted a pink glow at the front and a light swirl of gray smoke along its sides, moving at great speed. It lacked conventional aircraft features like rudders, wings, or elevators and disappeared towards the northwest. (Chapter 6, Ref 210)",
"location" : "On the shore of the Long Island Sound, Connecticut",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_201",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1933",
"desc": "A Pennsylvania motorist encountered a landed UFO near Allentown while fixing a flat tire. He approached a field where he saw an eerie purple light and found a bell-shaped craft about six feet tall and 10 feet in diameter. The craft had a circular door emitting the light, and the witness briefly entered the dome-shaped interior with instrumentation and cold, ammonia-scented air. After inspecting it for around 10 minutes, he left to finish changing his tire. (Chapter 6, Ref 211)",
"location" : "Near Allentown, PA",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_202",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1938",
"desc": "A witness in La Grange, Georgia, reported observing a large, domed, saucer-shaped object flying over the area during daylight hours. The object was estimated to be as large as modern commercial airliners, displaying what appeared to be portholes. The witness estimated its altitude at 4,000 to 5,000 feet and its speed at nearly 1,000 miles per hour. (Chapter 6, Ref 212)",
"location" : "La Grange, Georgia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_203",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1938",
"desc": "A man in Idaho witnessed a high-speed UFO during daylight hours. While working as a surveyor near Boise, he observed a disc-shaped craft that appeared to be rotating rapidly, causing a blurred effect at its edges. The UFO had no visible engines, cockpit, or exhaust trail, and it moved across the sky so quickly that the witness had difficulty keeping it in focus. The estimated height of the object was around 4,000 feet when it vanished from sight. (Chapter 6, Ref 213)",
"location" : "Idaho",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_204",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1938",
"desc": "A witness in Arbuckle, Texas, reported seeing a large, gray, dirigible-shaped UFO. The object had no visible undercarriage but featured a row of windows reflecting sunlight. The UFO then rapidly shot off sideways and vanished from view. (Chapter 6, Ref 214)",
"location" : "Arbuckle, Texas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_205",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1931",
"desc": "Aviator Sir Francis Chichester reported encountering a UFO resembling an airship while flying over the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand. He observed a gray-white airship-like object with flashes of light, but the object vanished and reappeared before ultimately becoming translucent, reminiscent of descriptions of flying saucers. (Chapter 6, Ref 215)",
"location" : "Over the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_206",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1932",
"desc": "Two Danish air force pilots flying over Greenland encountered a hexagonal, flat craft made of metal, which they described as unlike any flying machine of their time. They felt a sense of hostility from the craft and later believed that it resembled a flying saucer. (Chapter 6, Ref 216)",
"location" : "Greenland",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_207",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1933",
"desc": "Four British Royal Air Force fighters encountered a large, circular lighted object during a training flight over Sussex, England. The object dropped into the center of their formation, causing two planes to experience engine failures and one pilot to sustain burns to his face and hands. (Chapter 6, Ref 217)",
"location" : "Sussex, England",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_208",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "9/1936",
"desc": "A young girl in Staffordshire, England had a close encounter with a brown, cigar-shaped craft with portholes that descended near her as she was about to draw water from a well. She felt paralyzed during the encounter and later found that she had drawn water from the well without remembering doing so. (Chapter 6, Ref 218)",
"location" : "Staffordshire, England",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_209",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1936",
"desc": "A confidential report to Benito Mussolini described two types of UFO sightings in Italy. The first was a polished, metallic disc with reflective properties, and the second was a gray or slate-colored metallic tube resembling an aerial torpedo with windows and alternating lights. Additionally, two hat-shaped craft, resembling priest's hats, were observed following the torpedo-like object. (Chapter 6, Ref 219)",
"location" : "Italy",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_210",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1936",
"desc": "Witnesses near Malta observed a \"zeppelin-shaped\" object flying at high speed just off the shore. Despite its appearance, the object was not a known dirigible, as all zeppelins and other airships from various nations were accounted for at the time. Some observers claimed to have seen people with strange helmets inside a gondola on the craft. (Chapter 6, Ref 220)",
"location" : "Malta",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_211",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1938",
"desc": "A witness in Norway had a close encounter with a disc-shaped UFO. He heard an electrical generator-like sound, saw a blue object with a reddish halo rise from the ground, and felt stinging exhaust fumes that resembled burned rubber. The UFO exhibited curious movement patterns, including rising and settling like a falling leaf, before flying off silently. (Chapter 6, Ref 221)",
"location" : "Norway",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_212",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1933",
"desc": "Residents near Tobin Lake in Canada's Saskatchewan province observed strange lights attributed to swamp gas, until three witnesses approached a glowing, oval-shaped object on the ground. The craft had humanoid figures, short in stature, moving around it, and upon returning the next day, the witnesses found deep impressions and a burned circular area where the object had been. (Chapter 6, Ref 222)",
"location" : "Near Tobin Lake, Saskatchewan",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_213",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1933",
"desc": "Around the same time, a woman had a potentially unsettling daylight encounter in the same area, witnessing \"little green men\" wearing silvery suits near a pond. Her memory of the event was vague, leading her to suggest the possibility of abduction. (Chapter 6, Ref 223)",
"location" : "Near Tobin Lake, Saskatchewan",
"time" : "daytime",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_214",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1933",
"desc": "In Australia, a woman claimed to have experienced a UFO abduction when a shining egg-shaped craft descended from the sky. Gray-skinned beings emerged, temporarily paralyzed her with an instrument, and took her aboard the craft, where she was examined while strapped to a table. (Chapter 6, Ref 224)",
"location" : "Australia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_215",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1935",
"desc": "In Spain, a farmer witnessed a large, illuminated round object descending to hover above the ground, from which small beings emerged and walked around the craft in 1935. (Chapter 6, Ref 225)",
"location" : "Seville, Spain",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_216",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1938",
"desc": "Two Spanish soldiers had a close encounter with a lens-shaped UFO in Guadalajara in 1938. They observed two figures descending from the craft on a platform, experienced a blue beam striking them, and witnessed the occupants and platform being drawn back into the object before it took off. (Chapter 6, Ref 226)",
"location" : "Guadalajara, Spain",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_217",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1938",
"desc": "In northern Greece in 1938, a witness encountered two tall humanoid occupants near an egg-shaped UFO. The occupants entered the craft, which took off vertically without flames or noise. A mysterious bottle left behind by the occupants spontaneously combusted when touched, setting fire to nearby vegetation. (Chapter 6, Ref 227)",
"location" : "Northern Greece",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_218",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1938",
"desc": "In 1938, a Canadian provincial policeman claimed to have discovered the bodies of five small humanoid creatures in a remote cave in northern British Columbia. The beings were described as having large heads and long fingers, dressed in tight-fitting spacesuit-like garments. The officer shared this story with UFO investigators before his death in 1997. (Chapter 6, Ref 228)",
"location" : "Northern British Columbia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_219",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1938",
"desc": "In 1938, a man in Somerville, Massachusetts reported encountering a UFO with strange occupants. He initially mistook the object for a blimp but noticed that it lacked typical features. He then saw lighted windows and the silhouette of a thin, spindly entity with a long head and stooped shoulders staring down at him from one of the windows. The object disappeared behind clouds, ending the encounter. (Chapter 6, Ref 229)",
"location" : "Somerville, Massachusetts",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_220",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1933",
"desc": "In the 1930s, there are reports of UFO crashes outside the United States. Limited information is available on these incidents. Documents from the early 1930s in Italy suggest instructions from Benito Mussolini regarding UFO information, including a reference to a crashed UFO near Milan in 1933. (Chapter 6, Ref 230)",
"location" : "Milan, Italy",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_221",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1936",
"desc": "A crashed UFO was reportedly recovered. (Chapter 6, Ref 231)",
"location" : "Black Forest region, Germany",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_222",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1938",
"desc": "A third retrieval of a crashed UFO in Europe. (Chapter 6, Ref 232)",
"location" : "In Poland near the border with Germany",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_223",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1938",
"desc": "In 1938, Chinese archaeologists discovered aligned graves in remote caves near the Tibetan border, containing small humanoid skeletons with large heads. Drawings of figures wearing helmets and a celestial map were found, along with over 700 engraved stone discs that vibrated and contained embedded alloys. The inscriptions suggested an ancient extraterrestrial astronaut story, connecting to indigenous legends of small beings from the clouds. (Chapter 6, Ref 233)",
"location" : "Near Tibetan border",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_224",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
}
] }

100
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201
1932 On the shore of the Long Island Sound, Connecticut. Around 1932 or 1933, two witnesses observed a strange cigar-shaped aerial
device over the Connecticut shore of Long Island Sound. The object emitted a pink glow at the front and a light swirl of gray
smoke along its sides, moving at great speed. It lacked conventional aircraft features like rudders, wings, or elevators and
disappeared towards the northwest. (Chapter 6, Ref 210)
202
1933 Near Allentown, PA. A Pennsylvania motorist encountered a landed UFO near Allentown while fixing a flat tire. He
approached a field where he saw an eerie purple light and found a bell-shaped craft about six feet tall and 10 feet in diameter.
The craft had a circular door emitting the light, and the witness briefly entered the dome-shaped interior with instrumentation
and cold, ammonia-scented air. After inspecting it for around 10 minutes, he left to finish changing his tire. (Chapter 6, Ref 211)
203
1938 La Grange, Georgia. A witness in La Grange, Georgia, reported observing a large, domed, saucer-shaped object flying over
the area during daylight hours. The object was estimated to be as large as modern commercial airliners, displaying what appeared
to be portholes. The witness estimated its altitude at 4,000 to 5,000 feet and its speed at nearly 1,000 miles per hour. (Chapter 6, Ref 212)
204
1938 Idaho. A man in Idaho witnessed a high-speed UFO during daylight hours. While working as a surveyor near Boise, he observed
a disc-shaped craft that appeared to be rotating rapidly, causing a blurred effect at its edges. The UFO had no visible engines,
cockpit, or exhaust trail, and it moved across the sky so quickly that the witness had difficulty keeping it in focus. The estimated
height of the object was around 4,000 feet when it vanished from sight. (Chapter 6, Ref 213)
205
1938 Arbuckle, Texas. A witness in Arbuckle, Texas, reported seeing a large, gray, dirigible-shaped UFO. The object had no
visible undercarriage but featured a row of windows reflecting sunlight. The UFO then rapidly shot off sideways and vanished from view. (Chapter 6, Ref 214)
206
1931 Over the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand. Aviator Sir Francis Chichester reported encountering a UFO resembling
an airship while flying over the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand. He observed a gray-white airship-like object with
flashes of light, but the object vanished and reappeared before ultimately becoming translucent, reminiscent of descriptions of
flying saucers. (Chapter 6, Ref 215)
207
1932 Greenland. Two Danish air force pilots flying over Greenland encountered a hexagonal, flat craft made of metal, which they
described as unlike any flying machine of their time. They felt a sense of hostility from the craft and later believed that
it resembled a flying saucer. (Chapter 6, Ref 216)
208
1933 Sussex, England. Four British Royal Air Force fighters encountered a large, circular lighted object during a training flight over
Sussex, England. The object dropped into the center of their formation, causing two planes to experience engine failures and one pilot to
sustain burns to his face and hands. (Chapter 6, Ref 217)
209
Sep. 1936 Staffordshire, England. A young girl in Staffordshire, England had a close encounter with a brown, cigar-shaped craft with
portholes that descended near her as she was about to draw water from a well. She felt paralyzed during the encounter and later found
that she had drawn water from the well without remembering doing so. (Chapter 6, Ref 218)
210
1936 Italy. A confidential report to Benito Mussolini described two types of UFO sightings in Italy. The first was a polished,
metallic disc with reflective properties, and the second was a gray or slate-colored metallic tube resembling an aerial torpedo
with windows and alternating lights. Additionally, two hat-shaped craft, resembling priest's hats, were observed following the
torpedo-like object. (Chapter 6, Ref 219)
211
1936 Malta. Witnesses near Malta observed a "zeppelin-shaped" object flying at high speed just off the shore. Despite its
appearance, the object was not a known dirigible, as all zeppelins and other airships from various nations were accounted for at the
time. Some observers claimed to have seen people with strange helmets inside a gondola on the craft. (Chapter 6, Ref 220)
212
1938 Norway. A witness in Norway had a close encounter with a disc-shaped UFO. He heard an electrical generator-like sound, saw
a blue object with a reddish halo rise from the ground, and felt stinging exhaust fumes that resembled burned rubber.
The UFO exhibited curious movement patterns, including rising and settling like a falling leaf, before flying off silently. (Chapter 6, Ref 221)
213
1933 Near Tobin Lake, Saskatchewan. Residents near Tobin Lake in Canada's Saskatchewan province observed strange lights attributed to swamp gas,
until three witnesses approached a glowing, oval-shaped object on the ground. The craft had humanoid figures, short in stature,
moving around it, and upon returning the next day, the witnesses found deep impressions and a burned circular area where
the object had been. (Chapter 6, Ref 222)
214
1933 Near Tobin Lake, Saskatchewan. Around the same time, a woman had a potentially unsettling daylight encounter in the same area,
daytime witnessing "little green men" wearing silvery suits near a pond. Her memory of the event was vague, leading her to suggest the
possibility of abduction. (Chapter 6, Ref 223)
215
1933 Australia. In Australia, a woman claimed to have experienced a UFO abduction when a shining egg-shaped craft descended from the sky.
Gray-skinned beings emerged, temporarily paralyzed her with an instrument, and took her aboard the craft, where she was examined
while strapped to a table. (Chapter 6, Ref 224)
216
1935 Seville, Spain. In Spain, a farmer witnessed a large, illuminated round object descending to hover above the ground, from which small
beings emerged and walked around the craft in 1935. (Chapter 6, Ref 225)
217
1938 Guadalajara, Spain. Two Spanish soldiers had a close encounter with a lens-shaped UFO in Guadalajara in 1938. They observed two
figures descending from the craft on a platform, experienced a blue beam striking them, and witnessed the occupants and platform
being drawn back into the object before it took off. (Chapter 6, Ref 226)
218
1938 Northern Greece. In northern Greece in 1938, a witness encountered two tall humanoid occupants near an egg-shaped UFO. The occupants
entered the craft, which took off vertically without flames or noise. A mysterious bottle left behind by the occupants spontaneously
combusted when touched, setting fire to nearby vegetation. (Chapter 6, Ref 227)
219
1938 Northern British Columbia. In 1938, a Canadian provincial policeman claimed to have discovered the bodies of five small humanoid
creatures in a remote cave in northern British Columbia. The beings were described as having large heads and long fingers, dressed
in tight-fitting spacesuit-like garments. The officer shared this story with UFO investigators before his death in 1997. (Chapter 6, Ref 228)
220
1938 Somerville, Massachusetts. In 1938, a man in Somerville, Massachusetts reported encountering a UFO with strange occupants. He initially
mistook the object for a blimp but noticed that it lacked typical features. He then saw lighted windows and the silhouette of a thin,
spindly entity with a long head and stooped shoulders staring down at him from one of the windows. The object disappeared behind
clouds, ending the encounter. (Chapter 6, Ref 229)
221
1933 Milan, Italy. In the 1930s, there are reports of UFO crashes outside the United States. Limited information is available on these incidents.
Documents from the early 1930s in Italy suggest instructions from Benito Mussolini regarding UFO information, including a reference to a
crashed UFO near Milan in 1933. (Chapter 6, Ref 230)
222
1936 Black Forest region, Germany. A crashed UFO was reportedly recovered. (Chapter 6, Ref 231)
223
1938 In Poland near the border with Germany. A third retrieval of a crashed UFO in Europe. (Chapter 6, Ref 232)
224
1938 Near Tibetan border. In 1938, Chinese archaeologists discovered aligned graves in remote caves near the Tibetan border, containing small
humanoid skeletons with large heads. Drawings of figures wearing helmets and a celestial map were found, along with over 700 engraved stone
discs that vibrated and contained embedded alloys. The inscriptions suggested an ancient extraterrestrial astronaut story, connecting to
indigenous legends of small beings from the clouds. (Chapter 6, Ref 233)

690
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{
"Rife Timeline" : [
{
"date" : "1940",
"desc": "A man saw five disc-shaped aircraft flying overhead at 100-200 mph. They entered a cloud and didn't emerge on the other side. (Chapter 7, Ref. 234)",
"location" : "Hinsdale, Illinois",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_225",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1942",
"desc": "Three New Jersey motorists observed a UFO with rows of colorful windows emitting fluorescent lights. They watched for about 10 minutes before it silently and slowly took off. They had the impression of hearing laughter or happy voices. Later, they saw the same cigar-shaped object again, which rapidly disappeared. (Chapter 7, Ref. 235)",
"location" : "Lafayette and Newton, New Jersey",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_226",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1942",
"desc": "In a notable UFO incident of that year, over Los Angeles, anti-aircraft defenses and searchlights engaged what were initially thought to be Japanese intruders. Despite heavy firepower, a large, orange UFO hovered above the city, unaffected. Fighter planes were dispatched, but they couldn't damage it either. Official explanations varied from wartime anxiety-induced hallucinations to suspicions of enemy aircraft spreading fear. The incident led to speculation about censorship and secrecy surrounding the event. (Chapter 7, Ref. 236)",
"location" : "Los Angeles",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_227",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1943",
"desc": "A California aircraft spotter had a close encounter with a UFO near Santa Barbara. The witness saw a large, dark object approaching and emitting a beam of light that scanned the terrain below. The object flew very low, narrowly missing the witness's house. Despite its size, no motor noise or windows were evident. The experience evoked intense fear in the witness. (Chapter 7, Ref. 237)",
"location" : "Santa Barbara, California",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_228",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1943",
"desc": "A woman witnessed a UFO hovering just 15 feet above her roof. The disc-shaped object, around 12 feet in diameter, had a dome with windows. She called her husband and son to join her. The object emitted a humming noise, then its lights went out, and it vanished from sight. (Chapter 7, Ref. 238)",
"location" : "Escondido, California",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_229",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1943",
"desc": "A military flight instructor and his student observed a fast-flying UFO. The object, appearing orange, turned and flew parallel to their plane for about 30 seconds before disappearing at a speed estimated to be 2,000 to 5,000 mph. It had no visible propellers, jet orifice, flame, smoke, or vapor trail. Initially thought to be a jet, it was later realized to be something unexplainable, distinct from the Lockheed P-80. (Chapter 7, Ref. 239)",
"location" : "Long Beach, California",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_230",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1943",
"desc": "A couple driving witnessed a large, glowing gold saucer-like UFO that followed them for miles in broad daylight before swiftly departing. Despite being knowledgeable about aircraft of the era, the grandfather advised silence on the event, fearing they'd be deemed insane. (Chapter 7, Ref. 240)",
"location" : "Nebraska",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_231",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "During WWII, stateside UFO sightings increased. In one instance in 1944, two women near St. Paul, Minnesota, thought they saw an airplane about to crash. However, the craft stopped and hovered just 20 feet above their car. The object, described as a shiny, brown bullet-shaped entity, made a cracking sound before departing at a remarkable speed. (Chapter 7, Ref. 241)",
"location" : "St. Paul, Minnesota",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_232",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "A man reported an atypical UFO sighting. He described hearing a \"rushing wind sound\" and then seeing what looked like a silver, streamlined passenger train with nine coaches. This \"train\" had landing gear resembling inflated pillow-like wheels and made a swishing sound as it moved from east to west. He observed this peculiar object for around 10 minutes as it passed 100 yards from his home, nearly at the height of his 60-foot windmill, before it sped away. (Chapter 7, Ref. 242)",
"location" : "Apache, Oklahoma",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_233",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "Hundreds of witnesses observed a group of nine saucer-shaped UFOs on two consecutive mid-afternoons. They flew in an echelon formation over Wollaston Beach, occasionally tilting side to side. These objects had reflective surfaces and appeared golden when tilted at specific angles. (Chapter 7, Ref. 243)",
"location" : "Boston, Massachusetts",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_234",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "A metallic tube-like object was seen hovering near a defense plant. As a crowd gathered in curiosity, the UFO departed. The incident was reported to the FBI due to the plant's involvement in atomic bomb material production. (Chapter 7, Ref. 244)",
"location" : "Oak Ridge, Tennessee",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_235",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Mid 7/1945",
"desc": "A UFO displayed interest in a then-secret nuclear facility producing ingredients for atomic bombs. Fighter planes from a nearby station were dispatched to intercept the large UFO hovering over the plant. Though the object was too high to reach, the pilots closely observed it. One pilot described it as \"nothing I've ever seen before,\" while another noted vapor emanating from portholes or vents. The UFO was described as the size of three aircraft carriers side by side, oval-shaped, streamlined like a stretched-out egg, and pinkish in color. (Chapter 7, Ref. 245)",
"location" : "Hanford, Washington",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_236",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "Approximate date. Airmen observed a puzzling UFO above their base that resembled a dirigible but lacked typical features. The witness, a trained observer, noted no controls on the back end, no \"bathtub\" underneath, and no visible lights. The UFO was estimated to be three times the size of a B-29 bomber, the largest aircraft of that era. (Chapter 7, Ref. 246)",
"location" : "Salina Kansas",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_237",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1945",
"desc": "A hunter reportedly saw an elongated UFO land in a clearing in the woods. After briefly resting on the ground, the craft made a humming sound, began revolving, and ascended directly upwards. As it vanished from sight, it released a shower of fine, silvery, thread-like material, later whimsically referred to as \"angel hair.\" (Chapter 7, Ref. 247)",
"location" : "Belfast, Maine",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_238",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1945",
"desc": "Two women driving near a town encountered a hovering, cigar-shaped UFO, during which their car's engine suddenly stalled. When the UFO departed, the engine restarted on its own. The object displayed various colors and glided slowly parallel to the ground before rapidly departing. (Chapter 7, Ref. 248)",
"location" : "Auberry, California",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_239",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1941",
"desc": "Or 1942. Two women observed a silver, disc-shaped craft, about 33 feet in diameter, rise from the ground. The UFO revolved and trailed three haycocks behind it. After moving horizontally for a short distance, the object dropped the haycocks and vanished. A local farmer later confirmed that three of his haycocks were missing. (Chapter 7, Ref. 249)",
"location" : "Norway",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_240",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1943",
"desc": "A group of friends noticed a peculiar light and drove in several cars to investigate. As they neared the light, all car engines stalled simultaneously. On foot, they found the source: an orange, bell-shaped object emitting a whistling sound, akin to compressed air being released. Before they could study it further, the UFO ascended quickly, turning blue, and departed at high speed. At its resting spot, they found a crater in the snow three feet deep and 4-1/2 feet in diameter, surrounded by a larger melted snow area over 50 feet in diameter. (Chapter 7, Ref. 250)",
"location" : "Norway",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_241",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1943",
"desc": "A motorist encountered a landed, large, saucer-shaped UFO glowing with a blue-green light near the road. It emitted a whistling sound before rising vertically and departing at a tremendous speed. Later, a peculiar block of metal was found at the site. (Chapter 7, Ref. 251)",
"location" : "Argentina",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_242",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "A young man spotted what he initially believed to be a dirigible above his village. The object was cigar-shaped, brightly glittering, and lacked typical aircraft features like propellers, rudders, or wings. It measured an estimated 300-500 feet in length with a diameter of about 164 feet. As it caught the sunlight, one side shone silver, while the other blended with the sky's blue. The underside appeared even more illuminated. Puzzled by the presence of such an \"obsolete\" machine, the observer watched as the object silently descended over seven minutes, then ascended and disappeared. He noted its significant size difference from familiar defensive balloons he had seen before. (Chapter 7, Ref. 252)",
"location" : "Czechoslovakia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_243",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "Two individuals were alerted by an unusual hissing noise and, upon looking up, spotted a formation of nine large, disc-shaped UFOs at an altitude of approximately 2,000 feet. The objects were organized in three rows of three, with each subsequent row directly behind the preceding one. (Chapter 7)",
"location" : "Ontario, Canada",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_244",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1942",
"desc": "A pilot from the Royal Australian Air Force reported encountering an unusual glistening bronze-colored airfoil over the Bass Strait. The object, approximately 150 feet long and 50 feet in diameter, had a beak-like prow and a rippled surface. A dome on its upper side seemed to reflect sun flashes, possibly from a helmet inside. The craft emitted greenish-blue flashes from its keel and displayed an image of a grinning Cheshire cat on the dome. Flying alongside the pilot for a while, the object eventually turned, showing four fin-like structures on its underside, before diving rapidly into the Pacific, creating a whirlpool-like disturbance as it submerged. (Chapter 7, Ref. 253, Also see [here](https://archive.ph/8Urpx).)",
"location" : "Over the Bass Strait between Australia and Tasmania",
"time" : "afternoon",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_245",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1942",
"desc": "While on lookout for enemy planes above a Dutch naval warship in the Timor Sea, a crew member spotted a large illuminated disc flying at a high speed about 4,000 to 5,000 feet overhead. The mysterious object circled the ship, the cruiser Tromp, for several hours. Despite efforts, officers onboard couldn't identify it as any recognized aircraft. Eventually, the disc sped off at an astonishing speed of around 3,000 to 3,500 miles per hour, vanishing from view. (Ref. 254)",
"location" : "Timor Sea near New Guinea",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_246",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1942",
"desc": "During a bright morning, a U.S. Marine sergeant was alerted by an air raid warning. Expecting the familiar sound of enemy planes, he was taken aback by an unfamiliar mighty roar. Looking up, he observed a large formation of over 150 silvery objects flying overhead in straight lines. The objects moved slightly faster than typical enemy aircraft, appeared wingless, wobbled occasionally, and shimmered in the sun, resembling polished silver. (Chapter 7, Ref. 255)",
"location" : "Over the island of Tulagi, Solomons Islands",
"time" : "morning",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_247",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "A Japanese civilian observed \"flying hotcakes\" in the sky following bombing raids by American B-29s. These unidentified objects were described as blue or maybe gray and flew noiselessly over the observer's shelter. They were trailed by colored air waves, measuring six feet in width and 30 feet in length. (Chapter 7, Ref. 256)",
"location" : "Tokyo, Japan",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_248",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1945",
"desc": "An American artillery officer on Okinawa reported seeing a peculiar aerial phenomenon. On a clear, moonlit night, he observed a bright light coming from the tail of a cigar-shaped object. This object, which emitted no light except from its tail, passed him at a proximity of about 500 yards. He estimated its speed between 200 to 300 mph and its altitude under 400 feet, since it appeared to fly at his eye level while he was around 200 feet above the sea. The object, which lacked wings and visible ports, was roughly 30 to 40 feet in length with a diameter between six to eight feet. It moved silently and consistently along the coast until vanishing from view. (Chapter 7, Ref. 257)",
"location" : "Okinawa",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_249",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1945",
"desc": "The crew of a Marine transport plane reported seeing two distinct UFO types. In clear conditions and roughly 1/4 mile away, they identified a large cigar-shaped object accompanied by three smaller, metallic-looking discs. These three discs appeared to merge into the larger structure, which subsequently accelerated at an incredible pace and vanished from sight. (Chapter 7, Ref. 258)",
"location" : "Near Okinawa",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_250",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1945",
"desc": "An Army transport named \"Delarof\" had a unique UFO encounter when an unidentified object emerged from the ocean and circled the ship. At least 14 crew members witnessed the event, with one estimating the UFO's size to be between 150 and 250 feet in diameter. The object moved silently and smoothly. After circling the ship a couple of times, it flew off in a southerly or southwesterly direction. (Chapter 7, Ref. 259)",
"location" : "WW2 Pacific Theater",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_251",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1945",
"desc": "The crew of the aircraft carrier \"Essex\" detected a UFO on radar approaching at 40,000 feet and 4,000 miles per hour. Recognizing the unusual speed and altitude, which exceeded known aircraft capabilities, the crew observed the UFO make a right angle drop, stopping around 20 feet above the water, near the fleet. The object hovered there, seemingly pacing the fleet. The decision was made to fire upon it. Despite direct hits, all projectiles seemed to explode a short distance away from the UFO, as if stopped by an invisible shield. The UFO then began to move slowly, taking a tour around the fleet. After some time, it abruptly accelerated back to its initial speed, making another right angle turn. Although the event was heavily documented, it was ultimately logged as \"an unidentified bogey.\" The UFO was described as spherical and roughly 100 feet in diameter. (Chapter 7, Ref. 260)",
"location" : "WW2 Pacific Theater",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_252",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1942",
"desc": "Over a German air base in Norway, radar detected an unknown object, prompting the launch of a fighter for closer examination. The pilot reported seeing a luminous, streamlined vessel approximately 300 feet long and 50 feet in diameter at around 10,000 feet. Initially flying horizontally, the UFO abruptly ascended vertically and vanished at a remarkable speed. (Chapter 7, Ref. 261)",
"location" : "German air base in Norway",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_253",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1943",
"desc": "While operating in the North Atlantic, about 300 miles west of Ireland, a German submarine, the U-629, detected a fast-approaching aerial object on its radar. As the submarine prepared for an emergency dive, the captain glimpsed the mysterious intruder. He described it as a flying disk, roughly shorter in diameter than the 150-foot length of the submarine. This object had a smooth, silver surface without discernible wings, cockpit, or motors and hovered silently 30-50 feet beside the submarine. Before submerging, the captain noted that the UFO flashed white, yellow, and red lights, seemingly attempting communication. After some time submerged, the submarine resurfaced to find the object gone. (Chapter 7, Ref. 262)",
"location" : "North Atlantic, 300 miles west of Ireland",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_254",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1943",
"desc": "A group of Spanish volunteers fighting alongside the Germans observed an aerial dogfight when they spotted a disc-shaped object high in the sky. This UFO appeared to be observing the battle before suddenly accelerating away at a remarkable speed. (Chapter 7, Ref. 263)",
"location" : "Eastern Front, Europe",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_255",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "A German infantryman and his company spotted a metallic, silver-white object slowly approaching their position. Believing it might be a new Allied secret weapon, they opened fire. The UFO responded by emitting an intense light and then vanished. (Chapter 7, Ref. 264)",
"location" : "France",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_256",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "The test pilot of a new German jet-powered fighter reported an encounter with a UFO that greatly surpassed his aircraft's speed. He briefly observed the strange craft, which he estimated sped away at over 1,200 miles per hour. The UFO was described as cylinder-shaped, about 300 feet long, with openings along its side and what seemed to be an antennae at the front. (Chapter 7, Ref. 265)",
"location" : "WW2 European Theater",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_257",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "3/1945",
"desc": "A resident observed a UFO hovering noiselessly in the sky. At first, they thought it was an airplane, but noted its round shape and absence of propellers or wings. The object was described as silvery-colored and flat, and it suddenly vanished as if it were a burst soap bubble. (Chapter 7, Ref. 266)",
"location" : "Dresden, Germany",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_258",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1942",
"desc": "While on a daytime anti-submarine patrol in the Bay of Biscay, an American bomber was approached by a UFO that flew alongside it for 15 minutes. The crew described the object as a large, wingless cylinder. Before departing with a rapid 180-degree turn, one of the airmen captured a photograph of the UFO. Although the image was given to military intelligence, it was never publicly disclosed. (Chapter 7, Ref. 267)",
"location" : "Bay of Biscay off the coast of France",
"time" : "daytime",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_259",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1943",
"desc": "A woman stationed at an RAF base observed a cigar-shaped object in the sky, approximately as high as a church tower. The object had five or six searchlight-like beams shining down onto the ground. Its shape was similar to a barrage balloon but was narrower at the ends. She chose not to mention it initially and later questioned her own experience due to the lack of UFO discussions during that period. (Chapter 7, Ref. 268)",
"location" : "RAF Base, southern England",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_260",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "6/6/1944",
"desc": "During the Allied landing at Normandy, a crewman on the \"George E. Badger\" observed a wingless, cigar-shaped UFO flying offshore. The object maintained a circular course approximately 15 feet above the water and moved at a speed too fast for a blimp or dirigible. (Chapter 7, Ref. 269)",
"location" : "George E. Badger Ship, Normandy, France",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_261",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "An American B-17, while en route from England to bomb Berlin, encountered several silver, cylindrical-shaped UFOs over Germany. The plane's crew was informed that these might be experimental aircraft being developed by the Germans. (Chapter 7, Ref. 270)",
"location" : "Germany",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_262",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1945",
"desc": "An American bomber returning from a raid on Berlin encountered a cigar-shaped object near the German-Dutch border. The object observed the B-17 closely. When one of the aircraft's gunners fired at the UFO, there appeared to be no effect, after which the object rapidly departed from their vicinity. (Chapter 7, Ref. 271)",
"location" : "Near the German-Dutch border",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_263",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Late 1944",
"desc": "Allied airmen frequently reported encounters with UFOs dubbed \"foo fighters.\" These objects resembled glass or metallic balls, similar to Christmas tree ornaments. They appeared over enemy territory, either alone or in clusters, and were silver or glowing, and sometimes transparent. (Chapter 7, Ref. 272)",
"location" : "WW2 European Theater",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_264",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1/1944",
"desc": "Mysterious \"foo fighter\" balls, believed to be a weapon by the Nazis, have been accompanying fighter planes on night missions over enemy territory. These balls of fire suddenly appear and tail the planes for extended distances, seemingly controlled from the ground. An American pilot recounted how a foo fighter trailed him for 20 miles, matching his plane's maneuvers and speed of 260 mph. (Chapter 7, Ref. 273)",
"location" : "WW2 European Theater",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_265",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "An American bomber pilot reported seeing a light blue ball of fire, around three feet in diameter, flying about 40 feet off their right wingtip during a raid. This fiery orb accompanied the plane for about 30 seconds, leaving trails of fire. The pilot remained unsure about what the phenomenon was. (Chapter 7, Ref. 274)",
"location" : "Munich, Germany",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_266",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "American fighter pilots encountered a gold-colored, metallic ball near a German city. One pilot observed it moving slowly, unsure if it was reflecting the sun or emitting its own light. Another described it as a phosphorescent golden sphere, about three-to-five feet in diameter, flying at 2,000 feet. (Chapter 7, Ref 275)",
"location" : "Neustadt, Germany",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_267",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "An American reconnaissance plane pilot over the Rhine Valley observed unfamiliar objects described as silvery footballs off his wing. The objects seemed stationary but kept pace with the plane. Initially thinking they were a German creation, the pilot later dismissed their significance as they exhibited no notable activity. (Chapter 7, Ref 276)",
"location" : "Rhine Valley, Germany",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_268",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "An American B-29 over the Indian Ocean was closely observed by a UFO. The plane's co-pilot described the object as a bright red or orange sphere, about five or six feet in diameter, with a halo effect, which seemed to throb or vibrate. Assuming it was a radio-controlled device, the co-pilot attempted evasive maneuvers, but the object mirrored their moves for about eight minutes. It eventually made a swift 90-degree turn and vanished into the overcast. (Chapter 7, Ref 277)",
"location" : "Indian Ocean",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_269",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1945",
"desc": "During raids over Japan, B-29 formations reported being followed by \"red balls of fire\" roughly the size of a basketball with a phosphorescent glow, some even having blinking tails. These mysterious objects appeared suddenly and were adept at tracking the B-29s through intricate maneuvers, changes in altitude, speed, and even through clouds. The longest an object pursued a B-29 was for 30 miles out to sea, and one was only outpaced when the B-29 accelerated to 295 miles per hour. The origin of these objects was unknown, but there was speculation about some form of radio-direction from the ground or enemy aircraft. (Chapter 7, Ref 278)",
"location" : "Japan",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_270",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "9/1944",
"desc": "Aviators weren't the only ones to report mysterious glowing orbs during WWII. A Canadian infantryman described seeing several glowing globes, each 3-4 feet in diameter, with a soft white glow, traveling at an estimated speed of 30 mph and at an altitude of around 40 feet. They appeared powered and controlled, not drifting with the wind. After one was observed, it was followed by six more. Other soldiers also witnessed the event. Given the myriad of new weapons being used at the time, they assumed it was just another German device. (Chapter 7, Ref 279)",
"location" : "Near Antwerp, Belgium",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_271",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1945",
"desc": "Members of a U.S. armored division observed six or seven bright yellow-orange globes flying in formation at about 150 feet above ground. These orbs, each measuring 3-4 feet in diameter, moved erratically, suggesting individual control. They illuminated the trees below as they flew and eventually descended slowly, about 10 mph, disappearing into the forest. The soldiers could track their glow for an additional five minutes before they were out of sight. (Chapter 7, Ref 280)",
"location" : "Near Darmstadt, Germany",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_272",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "Approximate date. Allied fliers in Europe frequently encountered UFOs resembling small saucers. An American bomber pilot recounted how these saucers, about 10-12 feet in diameter and dirty gray in color, would suddenly fly alongside their plane, matching every maneuver perfectly. These saucers lacked cockpits or any signs of life. After shadowing the aircraft for a while, they would rapidly ascend and vanish, reaching speeds believed to be over 5,000 miles per hour. (Chapter 7, Ref 281)",
"location" : "WW2 European Theater",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_273",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "Approximate date. Allied airmen often speculated that the UFOs they saw over Europe were advanced German weapons. Although the majority believed these \"foo fighters\" were not a significant threat, certain wartime intelligence reports suggested otherwise. One such account from the records of General H. H. (\"Hap\") Arnold described an incident where multiple small, silvery discs were seen from B-17 bombers. One of these discs reportedly struck a plane's wing, causing it to catch fire and subsequently, the aircraft did not return. (Chapter 7, Ref 282)",
"location" : "WW2 European Theater",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_274",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "Approximate date. A French agent in Switzerland reported an incident over the German city of Wurtemberg. A circular, apparently \"German\" aircraft, lacking wings or rudder, quickly overtook a four-engined B-24 Liberator. As it crossed the bomber's path, it emitted small bluish smoke clouds. Shortly after, the American bombers inexplicably ignited and exploded in mid-air. (Chapter 7, Ref 283)",
"location" : "Wurtemberg, Germany",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_275",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "Approximate date. During WWII, an undercover Allied informant reported that a dozen American heavy bombers were lost when a strange, hemispherical or circular flying machine attacked them at an incredible speed, destroying them in seconds without using guns. (Chapter 7, Ref 284)",
"location" : "On a flight from England to Germany",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_276",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1945",
"desc": "During WWII, evidence suggests that the Third Reich's scientists developed advanced aerial devices surpassing the Allies' capabilities. A 1945 memo from a U.S. Army general to an Army Air Force general highlighted that the occupation of German scientific and industrial sites revealed the Allies' significant backwardness in many research fields. The general emphasized the urgent need to seize German technology and expertise to prevent the Allies from lagging behind in technological advancements. (Chapter 7, Ref 285)",
"location" : "US",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_277",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1945",
"desc": "During WWII, interrogations of captured German aircraft engineers revealed the development of a rocket-powered aircraft with a semi-circular wing that integrated into the fuselage. This aircraft was being developed at a secret facility in the mountains. (Chapter 7, Ref 286)",
"location" : "Bavaria",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_278",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1949",
"desc": "A once-classified U.S. Air Force intelligence assessment from 1949 stated that, by the end of WWII, German aircraft designers were working on tailless aircraft projects that could potentially be mistaken for \"flying saucers\" or disc-like objects. (Chapter 7, Ref 287)",
"location" : "US",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_279",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "2/14/1945",
"desc": "A scientist involved in the development of America's atomic bomb stated that the earliest \"flying saucers\" were circular, with a 45-yard diameter, and were constructed by specialists Schriever, Habermohl, and Miethe. These crafts first flew over Prague on February 14, 1945, reaching a height of nearly eight miles in three minutes and achieving speeds up to 1,250 miles per hour. This speed was later doubled in subsequent tests. Habermohl is believed to have been captured by the Russians, while Miethe later developed similar crafts for the A.V. Roe Company in the United States. (Chapter 7, Ref 288)",
"location" : "Prague",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_280",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "A Polish prisoner of war reported witnessing a UFO-type device being tested near Berlin in 1944. In a 1957 statement summarized by the FBI, he described an incident where a tractor he was on stalled due to a high-pitched noise, similar to a large electric generator. After a brief interaction with an SS guard and a wait, the noise ceased and the tractor resumed normal function. Later in the day, the same prisoner saw a circular enclosure, shielded by a tarpaulin-type wall. From within this enclosure, he witnessed a circular vehicle rise vertically, clear the wall, and then move horizontally. This vehicle, observed from about 500 feet away, had a diameter of 200-300 feet and was roughly 14 feet tall. It had stationary dark gray top and bottom sections and a middle section that moved rapidly, producing a continuous blur. The sound it emitted was similar to the earlier noise, and again, the tractor's engine stalled, resuming only after the noise stopped. (Chapter 7, Ref 289. Note the author only lists as a reference \"Internet posting\", with no URL provided.)",
"location" : "Berlin",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_281",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1942",
"desc": "During WWII, there were reports that Hitler's aeronautical engineers tested radical aircraft designs in German-occupied territories. A source stationed at an airbase claimed that circular aircraft were tested, with him never witnessing them directly due to windows being blacked out and strict security measures. However, he frequently heard an unusual, \"deafening\" engine noise distinct from regular airplanes. (Chapter 7, Ref 290)",
"location" : "German-occupied Czechoslovakia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_282",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1943",
"desc": "A German air force pilot claimed to have witnessed a flying disc's test flight at an airfield. Describing the device, he noted it was a disc roughly 16-20 feet in diameter with a large center body. It had four tall, thin legs, an aluminum color, and was nearly as tall as a man. The disc's upper part was shrunken over its upper half, and it had a rim with external rods or perhaps square openings. The pilot, along with his peers, observed the disc emerge from a hangar, its sides began rotating, and it moved slowly and linearly. It rose about three feet in the air, traveled around 1,000 feet, and then made a rough landing. Afterward, custodians pushed it back towards the hangar, but it took off again later, reaching further distances. (Chapter 7, Ref 291. Note the author only lists as a reference \"Internet posting\", with no URL provided.)",
"location" : "Czech Capital",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_283",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "2/19/1945",
"desc": "Austrian scientist Viktor Schauberger, working for the Third Reich, claimed that a \"flying saucer\" he invented underwent a significant test flight in Czechoslovakia shortly before the war in Europe concluded. This aircraft was tested and achieved a height of about 50,000 feet in three minutes and a horizontal speed of 1,364 miles per hour. The model for this craft was developed in collaboration with top engineers and analysts among the prisoners at Mauthausen concentration camp. Schauberger noted that, as he understood, the machine was ordered to be destroyed by General Keitel towards the war's end. (Chapter 7, Ref 292. Note the author only lists as a reference \"Internet posting\", with no URL provided.)",
"location" : "Czechoslovakia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_284",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1945",
"desc": "Approximate date. A former member of the US Army counter-intelligence claimed to have examined an advanced German aerial device in a clandestine facility in the Harz Mountains. The craft was large, cylindrical, painted gray-green, with no insignia, and rested on two wide skids. It appeared to be partially assembled, and it seemed the Germans had hastily removed its propulsion system and other sensitive components as the U.S. Army approached. The craft had a somewhat flat bottom, a rounded top, a rounded nose, thick-glassed front windows (one broken), and porthole windows on its sides. The exterior was smooth with riveted joints. It was vast, larger than any WWII submarine, with an estimated length of several hundred feet. It was believed the Germans designed it for lunar missions and that all operational versions of this craft had been flown to South America and Africa. (Chapter 7, Ref 293. Note the author only lists as a reference \"Internet posting\", with no URL provided. Also see [this post](https://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/off-topic-forum-cars-trucks-buggies-more-392/9229084-wizard-investigates-german-ww2-technology-2.html).)",
"location" : "Harz Mountains",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_285",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "7/1945",
"desc": "Nazi Germany reportedly sent high-tech weapons, including disassembled V-1 guided missiles and jet fighter planes, to its ally Japan via long-range submarines. Most of these arrived too late to be significantly duplicated by Japan during the war. Relevant to UFO discussions is a story shared by the son of a Japanese aircraft industry technician. In mid-1945, after Germany's war had ended, a large German transport submarine delivered to Japan two unique, spherical, wingless devices. Japanese researchers assembled these machines based on German instructions, resulting in a wingless, ball-shaped flying device with unknown operation mechanisms. Upon ignition, the first machine roared into the sky and was never seen again. Startled by the device's unexpected power, the engineers destroyed the second prototype with dynamite and decided to forget the incident. This described device closely aligns with descriptions of the ball of light variant of foo fighters. (Chapter 7, Ref 294)",
"location" : "Japan",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_286",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "A German U-boat, sunk by the British in the Strait of Malacca in 1944, was believed to be traveling to or from Japan. Divers later found that the submarine's cargo contained 33 tons of mercury. It's noted that German scientists were exploring a novel propulsion system towards the end of the war, which allegedly used electrified mercury vapor. (Chapter 7, Ref 295. Note the author only lists as a reference \"Internet posting\", with no URL provided.)",
"location" : "Strait of Malacca in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia)",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_287",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1937",
"desc": "During WWII, there were reports of crashed UFOs in Italy, Germany, and Poland. Given the political alliances and invasions, it is believed that the information from these crashes could have been acquired by Nazi scientists for potential research into flying saucers. Separately, a 1937 German archaeological expedition in Turkey was told of a metallic \"house\" that had fallen from the sky many generations prior. This object was described as a disc-shaped craft, about 80 feet in diameter. Upon hearing about it, a German team was dispatched to retrieve the mysterious object, which they did, and it was eventually transported to a facility near Munich for further examination. (Chapter 7, Ref 296)",
"location" : "Eastern Turkey",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_288",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1947",
"desc": "The Germans during WWII developed advanced weapons and technologies that surpassed those of the Allies, including stealth technology, ballistic missiles, jet and rocket-powered aircraft, remote-controlled bombs, various types of missiles, helicopters, innovative aircraft designs, radioactive artillery, and night vision devices. It is suggested that the reverse engineering of alien technology could have influenced these advancements. Similarly, there are claims that the U.S. benefited from reverse engineering technology obtained from the 1947 Roswell crash, leading to developments such as transistors, lasers, integrated circuits, fiber optics, bulletproof fabric, and particle beam weapons. (Chapter 7, Refs 297, 298)",
"location" : "Germany and US",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_289",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "Approximate date. Allied forces during WWII reportedly came into possession of alien technology. A 1955 article by syndicated columnist Dorothy Kilgallen mentioned a mysterious flying object that had crashed. British scientists and airmen, after examining the wreckage, concluded that these were not man-made or optical illusions but were flying saucers from another planet. An unnamed British cabinet-level official was cited as saying that these saucers were believed to be manned by small beings, probably under four feet tall. The same official mentioned that scientists believed such an object couldn't have been constructed on Earth. The British government was said to be withholding an official report on this examination. (Chapter 7, Ref 299)",
"location" : "Britain",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_290",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1941",
"desc": "A UFO crash was reported near Cape Girardeau, Missouri in 1941. A local minister, brought to the scene by police, described it as unlike any craft he'd seen, with a unique design and a shiny metallic finish. Inside, he observed what seemed like a metal chair with a panel filled with unfamiliar dials and gauges. Among the first responders were police officers, plainclothes individuals, and military personnel. Three non-human bodies were discovered at the crash site. The minister, who prayed over these bodies, described them as small-framed, similar in size to children, but with large heads and long arms. Their appearance was notable for their large, oval eyes, absence of noses and lips, and a body covering resembling wrinkled aluminum foil. The beings had no evident injuries despite the crash. (Chapter 7, Ref 300)",
"location" : "Cape Girardeau, Missouri",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_291",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1942",
"desc": "In 1942, a broadcast company executive claimed to have observed multiple UFOs at a military base in California. Speaking to a civic group in Colorado years later, the man detailed his alleged experience inside one of the saucers. According to him, these UFOs are giant flywheels with metal skins, powered by electrostatic turbines. They feature pressurized cabins in the center with an atmosphere composed of 30% oxygen and 70% nitrogen. The craft employs a magnetic field, generated by the flywheel, allowing it to achieve tremendous speeds. The saucers are constructed in five sections and can be easily disassembled. He recounted being inside a saucer measuring 100 feet in diameter and 18 feet thick, describing the crew's sleeping quarters as tube-like with capped ends and a pressurized, air-conditioned cabin. (Chapter 7, Ref 301. This is the head of Pike's Peak Broadcasting Company, Joseph Rohrer. In USMC Naval Aviator Donald Keyhoe's 1953 book, the Air Force discussed threatening Rohrer into silence.)",
"location" : "California",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_292",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "During World War II, a Navy enlisted man stationed in Oahu, Hawaii, reported discovering an igloo-shaped UFO near Kaneohe in 1944. The craft, about 50 feet in diameter, had a transparent dome on top with a spinning gold-colored device inside, resembling a weather vane. Surrounding the craft were entities about 4.5 feet tall, with slight builds, short black hair, large dark eyes, heavy eyebrows, and belts with box-like devices. After a confrontation, the witness took one of these devices. Returning the next day, the beings communicated that they were from a place 21 light years away and were monitoring colonization efforts they initiated long ago. Another sailor observed this interaction and reported it to naval intelligence. After being interrogated, the witness revealed the UFO's location. When the craft attempted to take off, it was allegedly shot down by security forces. The craft was reportedly transported to San Diego, and at least one alien, a female, was captured. The fate of this being remained unknown to the witness. (Chapter 7, Ref 302. Note the author only lists as a reference \"Internet posting\", with no URL provided.)",
"location" : "Near Kaneohe, Hawaii",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_293",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "A purported 1944 memo from President Franklin Roosevelt to \"The Special Committee on Non-Terrestrial Science and Technology\" hints at U.S. acquisition of alien technology. Roosevelt agrees with a proposal backed by Dr. Bush and Professor Einstein to utilize alien knowledge for war weapons but decides to postpone due to financial constraints from the atomic bomb program. He believes that post-war, there may be opportunities to explore this non-terrestrial science. Roosevelt acknowledges discussions with top scientists about the importance of this technology and recognizes the potential for intelligent extraterrestrial life. He hopes the committee understands his wartime priorities in the decision. (Chapter 7, Ref 303)",
"location" : "US",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_294",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1940",
"desc": "In 1940, a Montana miner reported an encounter with a UFO near Helena. He described the craft as a 100-foot disc, resembling two soup plates of stainless steel. A staircase descended, and a man emerged, asking to draw water from a nearby stream. Invited onboard, the miner was told by the occupants they were 609 years old from a distant planet. Their ship used hydrogen from water as fuel and created its gravitational field with flywheels. After the meeting, he watched the craft ascend and depart rapidly. (Chapter 7, Ref 304)",
"location" : "Montana",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_295",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1940",
"desc": "A young man encountered an apparent UFO and its small occupants while walking on a rural road. Drawn by a loud sound from nearby woods, he saw an \"aluminum building\" where none should be. Nearby, he noticed \"six small men\" searching the ground. Upon returning later, both the beings and the object had disappeared. (Chapter 7, Ref 305)",
"location" : "St. Clair, PA",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_296",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1942",
"desc": "A young shepherd girl heard a peculiar noise from a metallic flying object shaped like two plates glued together, with a width of 6-9 feet. This object landed on a hill nearby. On approaching, she observed a three-foot tall gray humanoid, resembling a robot, wearing a suit and a silver helmet. The entity roamed around the landing site. Overwhelmed by fear, she fled. When she returned later, both the craft and the being were gone, but her agitated dogs remained. (Chapter 7, Ref 306)",
"location" : "Western Greece",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_297",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1945",
"desc": "A woman witnessed a 35-foot bright ball of fire approaching her from over a lake, causing her to take cover. After the anticipated impact didn't occur, she noticed a petrified large dog staring at an unusual \"canoe\" with two men. One stood wearing green coveralls, while the other sat, seemingly operating an engine within a clear globe. (Chapter 7, Ref 307)",
"location" : "Finland",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_298",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1942",
"desc": "In 1942, while guarding a radar station on the east coast of England, a man saw an aerial light approaching from a cloud. Suddenly, an object descended and emitted a beam, pulling him aboard. Inside, he encountered both small and average-sized beings. The average-sized ones wore thick goggles. He was made to lay on a table for a physical examination. Later, he found himself back at his post. (Chapter 7, Ref 308)",
"location" : "East coast of England",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_299",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1944",
"desc": "In 1944, a family in Pennsylvania was awakened by a loud noise and bright flash near their home. Investigating, the head of the family encountered six figures about 4-1/2 feet tall. One wore a brown robe, the others metallic suits that glowed, and all had a halo-like light around them. They had large heads, long arms, thin fingers, and slit-like mouths. The man remembered being taken aboard a nearby craft. The next day, a 25-foot diameter burned area was found next to their house. (Chapter 7, Ref 309)",
"location" : "Rochester, PA",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_300",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
}
] }

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225
1940 Hinsdale, Illinois. A man saw five disc-shaped aircraft flying overhead at 100-200 mph. They entered a
cloud and didn't emerge on the other side. (Chapter 7, Ref. 234)
226
1942 Lafayette and Newton, New Jersey. Three New Jersey motorists observed a UFO with rows of colorful windows
emitting fluorescent lights. They watched for about 10 minutes before it silently and slowly took off.
They had the impression of hearing laughter or happy voices. Later, they saw the same cigar-shaped
object again, which rapidly disappeared. (Chapter 7, Ref. 235)
227
1942 Los Angeles. In a notable UFO incident of that year, over Los Angeles, anti-aircraft defenses and searchlights
engaged what were initially thought to be Japanese intruders. Despite heavy firepower, a large, orange UFO
hovered above the city, unaffected. Fighter planes were dispatched, but they couldn't damage it either.
Official explanations varied from wartime anxiety-induced hallucinations to suspicions of enemy aircraft spreading
fear. The incident led to speculation about censorship and secrecy surrounding the event. (Chapter 7, Ref. 236)
228
1943 Santa Barbara, California. A California aircraft spotter had a close encounter with a UFO near Santa Barbara.
The witness saw a large, dark object approaching and emitting a beam of light that scanned the terrain below. The
object flew very low, narrowly missing the witness's house. Despite its size, no motor noise or windows were evident.
The experience evoked intense fear in the witness. (Chapter 7, Ref. 237)
229
1943 Escondido, California. A woman witnessed a UFO hovering just 15 feet above her roof. The disc-shaped object, around
12 feet in diameter, had a dome with windows. She called her husband and son to join her. The object emitted a
humming noise, then its lights went out, and it vanished from sight. (Chapter 7, Ref. 238)
230
1943 Long Beach, California. A military flight instructor and his student observed a fast-flying UFO. The object, appearing
orange, turned and flew parallel to their plane for about 30 seconds before disappearing at a speed estimated to be
2,000 to 5,000 mph. It had no visible propellers, jet orifice, flame, smoke, or vapor trail. Initially thought to
be a jet, it was later realized to be something unexplainable, distinct from the Lockheed P-80. (Chapter 7, Ref. 239)
231
1943 Nebraska. A couple driving witnessed a large, glowing gold saucer-like UFO that followed them for miles in broad
daylight before swiftly departing. Despite being knowledgeable about aircraft of the era, the grandfather advised
silence on the event, fearing they'd be deemed insane. (Chapter 7, Ref. 240)
232
1944 St. Paul, Minnesota} During WWII, stateside UFO sightings increased. In one instance in 1944, two women near
St. Paul, Minnesota, thought they saw an airplane about to crash. However, the craft stopped and hovered just
20 feet above their car. The object, described as a shiny, brown bullet-shaped entity, made a cracking sound
before departing at a remarkable speed. (Chapter 7, Ref. 241)
233
1944 Apache, Oklahoma. A man reported an atypical UFO sighting. He described hearing a "rushing wind sound" and then
seeing what looked like a silver, streamlined passenger train with nine coaches. This "train" had landing
gear resembling inflated pillow-like wheels and made a swishing sound as it moved from east to west. He
observed this peculiar object for around 10 minutes as it passed 100 yards from his home, nearly at the
height of his 60-foot windmill, before it sped away. (Chapter 7, Ref. 242)
234
1944 Boston, Massachusetts. Hundreds of witnesses observed a group of nine saucer-shaped UFOs on two consecutive
mid-afternoons. They flew in an echelon formation over Wollaston Beach, occasionally tilting side to side. These
objects had reflective surfaces and appeared golden when tilted at specific angles. (Chapter 7, Ref. 243)
235
1944 Oak Ridge, Tennessee. A metallic tube-like object was seen hovering near a defense plant. As a crowd gathered
in curiosity, the UFO departed. The incident was reported to the FBI due to the plant's involvement in atomic
bomb material production. (Chapter 7, Ref. 244)
236
Mid Jul. 1945 Hanford, Washington. A UFO displayed interest in a then-secret nuclear facility producing ingredients for atomic
bombs. Fighter planes from a nearby station were dispatched to intercept the large UFO hovering over the plant.
Though the object was too high to reach, the pilots closely observed it. One pilot described it as "nothing
I've ever seen before," while another noted vapor emanating from portholes or vents. The UFO was described as
the size of three aircraft carriers side by side, oval-shaped, streamlined like a stretched-out egg, and pinkish in color. (Chapter 7, Ref. 245)
237
1944 Salina Kansas. Approximate date. Airmen observed a puzzling UFO above their base that resembled a dirigible but lacked
typical features. The witness, a trained observer, noted no controls on the back end, no "bathtub" underneath, and no
visible lights. The UFO was estimated to be three times the size of a B-29 bomber, the largest aircraft of that era. (Chapter 7, Ref. 246)
238
1945 Belfast, Maine. A hunter reportedly saw an elongated UFO land in a clearing in the woods. After briefly resting on the ground,
the craft made a humming sound, began revolving, and ascended directly upwards. As it vanished from sight, it released a
shower of fine, silvery, thread-like material, later whimsically referred to as "angel hair." (Chapter 7, Ref. 247)
239
1945 Auberry, California. Two women driving near a town encountered a hovering, cigar-shaped UFO, during which their car's engine
suddenly stalled. When the UFO departed, the engine restarted on its own. The object displayed various colors and glided
slowly parallel to the ground before rapidly departing. (Chapter 7, Ref. 248)
240
1941 Norway. Or 1942. Two women observed a silver, disc-shaped craft, about 33 feet in diameter, rise from the ground. The
UFO revolved and trailed three haycocks behind it. After moving horizontally for a short distance, the object dropped the
haycocks and vanished. A local farmer later confirmed that three of his haycocks were missing. (Chapter 7, Ref. 249)
241
1943 Norway. A group of friends noticed a peculiar light and drove in several cars to investigate. As they neared the light,
all car engines stalled simultaneously. On foot, they found the source: an orange, bell-shaped object emitting a
whistling sound, akin to compressed air being released. Before they could study it further, the UFO ascended quickly,
turning blue, and departed at high speed. At its resting spot, they found a crater in the snow three feet deep
and 4-1/2 feet in diameter, surrounded by a larger melted snow area over 50 feet in diameter. (Chapter 7, Ref. 250)
242
1943 Argentina. A motorist encountered a landed, large, saucer-shaped UFO glowing with a blue-green light near the road. It
emitted a whistling sound before rising vertically and departing at a tremendous speed. Later, a peculiar block of
metal was found at the site. (Chapter 7, Ref. 251)
243
1944 Czechoslovakia. A young man spotted what he initially believed to be a dirigible above his village. The object was
cigar-shaped, brightly glittering, and lacked typical aircraft features like propellers, rudders, or wings. It measured an
estimated 300-500 feet in length with a diameter of about 164 feet. As it caught the sunlight, one side shone silver,
while the other blended with the sky's blue. The underside appeared even more illuminated. Puzzled by the presence of
such an "obsolete" machine, the observer watched as the object silently descended over seven minutes, then ascended and
disappeared. He noted its significant size difference from familiar defensive balloons he had seen before. (Chapter 7, Ref. 252)
244
1944 Ontario, Canada. Two individuals were alerted by an unusual hissing noise and, upon looking up,
spotted a formation of nine large, disc-shaped UFOs at an altitude of
approximately 2,000 feet. The objects were organized in three rows of three,
with each subsequent row directly behind the preceding one. (Chapter 7)
245
1942 Over the Bass Strait between Australia and Tasmania. A pilot from the Royal Australian Air Force reported encountering an
afternoon unusual glistening bronze-colored airfoil over the Bass Strait. The object, approximately 150 feet long and 50 feet in diameter, had a
beak-like prow and a rippled surface. A dome on its upper side seemed to reflect sun flashes, possibly from a helmet
inside. The craft emitted greenish-blue flashes from its keel and displayed an image of a grinning Cheshire cat on the dome.
Flying alongside the pilot for a while, the object eventually turned, showing four fin-like structures on its underside, before
diving rapidly into the Pacific, creating a whirlpool-like disturbance as it submerged. (Chapter 7, Ref. 253, Also see [here](https://archive.ph/8Urpx).)
246
1942 Timor Sea near New Guinea. While on lookout for enemy planes above a Dutch naval warship in the Timor Sea, a crew member
spotted a large illuminated disc flying at a high speed about 4,000 to 5,000 feet overhead. The mysterious object circled
the ship, the cruiser Tromp, for several hours. Despite efforts, officers onboard couldn't identify it as any recognized
aircraft. Eventually, the disc sped off at an astonishing speed of around 3,000 to 3,500 miles per hour, vanishing from view. (Ref. 254)
247
1942 Over the island of Tulagi, Solomons Islands. During a bright morning, a U.S. Marine sergeant was alerted by an air raid warning.
morning Expecting the familiar sound of enemy planes, he was taken aback by an unfamiliar mighty roar. Looking up, he observed a large
formation of over 150 silvery objects flying overhead in straight lines. The objects moved slightly faster than typical enemy
aircraft, appeared wingless, wobbled occasionally, and shimmered in the sun, resembling polished silver. (Chapter 7, Ref. 255)
248
1944 Tokyo, Japan. A Japanese civilian observed "flying hotcakes" in the sky following bombing raids by American B-29s. These
unidentified objects were described as blue or maybe gray and flew noiselessly over the observer's shelter. They were trailed
by colored air waves, measuring six feet in width and 30 feet in length. (Chapter 7, Ref. 256)
249
1945 Okinawa. An American artillery officer on Okinawa reported seeing a peculiar aerial phenomenon. On a clear, moonlit night, he
observed a bright light coming from the tail of a cigar-shaped object. This object, which emitted no light except from its tail,
passed him at a proximity of about 500 yards. He estimated its speed between 200 to 300 mph and its altitude under 400 feet,
since it appeared to fly at his eye level while he was around 200 feet above the sea. The object, which lacked wings and visible
ports, was roughly 30 to 40 feet in length with a diameter between six to eight feet. It moved silently and consistently
along the coast until vanishing from view. (Chapter 7, Ref. 257)
250
1945 Near Okinawa. The crew of a Marine transport plane reported seeing two distinct UFO types. In clear
conditions and roughly 1/4 mile away, they identified a large cigar-shaped object accompanied by three smaller, metallic-looking
discs. These three discs appeared to merge into the larger structure, which subsequently accelerated at an incredible pace and
vanished from sight. (Chapter 7, Ref. 258)
251
1945 WW2 Pacific Theater. An Army transport named "Delarof" had a unique UFO encounter when an unidentified object
emerged from the ocean and circled the ship. At least 14 crew members witnessed the event, with one estimating the UFO's size to
be between 150 and 250 feet in diameter. The object moved silently and smoothly. After circling the ship a couple of times, it
flew off in a southerly or southwesterly direction. (Chapter 7, Ref. 259)
252
1945 WW2 Pacific Theater. The crew of the aircraft carrier "Essex" detected a UFO on radar approaching at 40,000 feet and 4,000
miles per hour. Recognizing the unusual speed and altitude, which exceeded known aircraft capabilities, the crew observed the
UFO make a right angle drop, stopping around 20 feet above the water, near the fleet. The object hovered there, seemingly
pacing the fleet. The decision was made to fire upon it. Despite direct hits, all projectiles seemed to explode a short
distance away from the UFO, as if stopped by an invisible shield. The UFO then began to move slowly, taking a tour around
the fleet. After some time, it abruptly accelerated back to its initial speed, making another right angle turn. Although the
event was heavily documented, it was ultimately logged as "an unidentified bogey." The UFO was described as spherical and
roughly 100 feet in diameter. (Chapter 7, Ref. 260)
253
1942 German air base in Norway. Over a German air base in Norway, radar detected an unknown object, prompting the launch of a fighter for
closer examination. The pilot reported seeing a luminous, streamlined vessel approximately 300 feet long and 50 feet in diameter
at around 10,000 feet. Initially flying horizontally, the UFO abruptly ascended vertically and vanished at a remarkable speed. (Chapter 7, Ref. 261)
254
1943 North Atlantic, 300 miles west of Ireland. While operating in the North Atlantic, about 300 miles west of Ireland, a German submarine,
the U-629, detected a fast-approaching aerial object on its radar. As the submarine prepared for an emergency dive, the captain
glimpsed the mysterious intruder. He described it as a flying disk, roughly shorter in diameter than the 150-foot length of the
submarine. This object had a smooth, silver surface without discernible wings, cockpit, or motors and hovered silently 30-50 feet
beside the submarine. Before submerging, the captain noted that the UFO flashed white, yellow, and red lights, seemingly attempting
communication. After some time submerged, the submarine resurfaced to find the object gone. (Chapter 7, Ref. 262)
255
1943 Eastern Front, Europe. A group of Spanish volunteers fighting alongside the Germans observed an aerial dogfight when they spotted a
disc-shaped object high in the sky. This UFO appeared to be observing the battle before suddenly accelerating away at a remarkable speed. (Chapter 7, Ref. 263)
256
1944 France. A German infantryman and his company spotted a metallic, silver-white object slowly approaching their position. Believing it
might be a new Allied secret weapon, they opened fire. The UFO responded by emitting an intense light and then vanished. (Chapter 7, Ref. 264)
257
1944 WW2 European Theater. The test pilot of a new German jet-powered fighter reported an encounter with a UFO that greatly surpassed his
aircraft's speed. He briefly observed the strange craft, which he estimated sped away at over 1,200 miles per hour. The UFO was
described as cylinder-shaped, about 300 feet long, with openings along its side and what seemed to be an antennae at the front. (Chapter 7, Ref. 265)
258
Mar. 1945 Dresden, Germany. A resident observed a UFO hovering noiselessly in the sky. At first, they thought it was
an airplane, but noted its round shape and absence of propellers or wings. The object was described as silvery-colored and flat, and it
suddenly vanished as if it were a burst soap bubble. (Chapter 7, Ref. 266)
259
1942 Bay of Biscay off the coast of France. While on a daytime anti-submarine patrol in the Bay of Biscay, an American bomber was
daytime approached by a UFO that flew alongside it for 15 minutes. The crew described the object as a large, wingless cylinder. Before departing
with a rapid 180-degree turn, one of the airmen captured a photograph of the UFO. Although the image was given to military intelligence,
it was never publicly disclosed. (Chapter 7, Ref. 267)
260
1943 RAF Base, southern England. A woman stationed at an RAF base observed a cigar-shaped object in the sky, approximately as high as a
church tower. The object had five or six searchlight-like beams shining down onto the ground. Its shape was similar to a barrage
balloon but was narrower at the ends. She chose not to mention it initially and later questioned her own experience due to the lack
of UFO discussions during that period. (Chapter 7, Ref. 268)
261
Jun. 6, 1944 George E. Badger Ship, Normandy, France} During the Allied landing at Normandy, a crewman on the "George E. Badger" observed a wingless,
cigar-shaped UFO flying offshore. The object maintained a circular course approximately 15 feet above the water and moved at a speed
too fast for a blimp or dirigible. (Chapter 7, Ref. 269)
262
1944 Germany. An American B-17, while en route from England to bomb Berlin, encountered several silver, cylindrical-shaped UFOs over Germany.
The plane's crew was informed that these might be experimental aircraft being developed by the Germans. (Chapter 7, Ref. 270)
263
1945 Near the German-Dutch border. An American bomber returning from a raid on Berlin encountered a cigar-shaped object near the German-Dutch
border. The object observed the B-17 closely. When one of the aircraft's gunners fired at the UFO, there appeared to be no effect,
after which the object rapidly departed from their vicinity. (Chapter 7, Ref. 271)
264
Late 1944 WW2 European Theater. Allied airmen frequently reported encounters with UFOs dubbed "foo fighters." These objects resembled glass or metallic balls,
similar to Christmas tree ornaments. They appeared over enemy territory, either alone or in clusters, and were silver or glowing, and sometimes transparent.
(Chapter 7, Ref. 272)
265
Jan. 1944 WW2 European Theater. Mysterious "foo fighter" balls, believed to be a weapon by the Nazis, have been accompanying fighter planes on night
missions over enemy territory. These balls of fire suddenly appear and tail the planes for extended distances, seemingly controlled from the ground.
An American pilot recounted how a foo fighter trailed him for 20 miles, matching his plane's maneuvers and speed of 260 mph. (Chapter 7, Ref. 273)
266
1944 Munich, Germany. An American bomber pilot reported seeing a light blue ball of fire, around three feet in diameter, flying about 40 feet off
their right wingtip during a raid. This fiery orb accompanied the plane for about 30 seconds, leaving trails of fire. The pilot remained unsure
about what the phenomenon was. (Chapter 7, Ref. 274)
267
1944 Neustadt, Germany. American fighter pilots encountered a gold-colored, metallic ball near a German city. One pilot observed it moving slowly,
unsure if it was reflecting the sun or emitting its own light. Another described it as a phosphorescent golden sphere, about three-to-five
feet in diameter, flying at 2,000 feet. (Chapter 7, Ref 275)
268
1944 Rhine Valley, Germany. An American reconnaissance plane pilot over the Rhine Valley observed unfamiliar objects described as silvery footballs
off his wing. The objects seemed stationary but kept pace with the plane. Initially thinking they were a German creation, the pilot later
dismissed their significance as they exhibited no notable activity. (Chapter 7, Ref 276)
269
1944 Indian Ocean. An American B-29 over the Indian Ocean was closely observed by a UFO. The plane's co-pilot described the object as a bright
red or orange sphere, about five or six feet in diameter, with a halo effect, which seemed to throb or vibrate. Assuming it was a
radio-controlled device, the co-pilot attempted evasive maneuvers, but the object mirrored their moves for about eight minutes. It eventually
made a swift 90-degree turn and vanished into the overcast. (Chapter 7, Ref 277)
270
1945 Japan. During raids over Japan, B-29 formations reported being followed by "red balls of fire" roughly the size of a basketball with a
phosphorescent glow, some even having blinking tails. These mysterious objects appeared suddenly and were adept at tracking the B-29s through
intricate maneuvers, changes in altitude, speed, and even through clouds. The longest an object pursued a B-29 was for 30 miles out to
sea, and one was only outpaced when the B-29 accelerated to 295 miles per hour. The origin of these objects was unknown, but there was
speculation about some form of radio-direction from the ground or enemy aircraft. (Chapter 7, Ref 278)
271
Sep. 1944 Near Antwerp, Belgium. Aviators weren't the only ones to report mysterious glowing orbs during WWII. A Canadian infantryman described
seeing several glowing globes, each 3-4 feet in diameter, with a soft white glow, traveling at an estimated speed of 30 mph and at
an altitude of around 40 feet. They appeared powered and controlled, not drifting with the wind. After one was observed, it was
followed by six more. Other soldiers also witnessed the event. Given the myriad of new weapons being used at the time, they assumed
it was just another German device. (Chapter 7, Ref 279)
272
1945 Near Darmstadt, Germany. Members of a U.S. armored division observed six or seven bright yellow-orange globes flying in formation at
about 150 feet above ground. These orbs, each measuring 3-4 feet in diameter, moved erratically, suggesting individual control. They
illuminated the trees below as they flew and eventually descended slowly, about 10 mph, disappearing into the forest. The soldiers
could track their glow for an additional five minutes before they were out of sight. (Chapter 7, Ref 280)
273
1944 WW2 European Theater. Approximate date. Allied fliers in Europe frequently encountered UFOs resembling small saucers. An American bomber
pilot recounted how these saucers, about 10-12 feet in diameter and dirty gray in color, would suddenly fly alongside their plane,
matching every maneuver perfectly. These saucers lacked cockpits or any signs of life. After shadowing the aircraft for a while,
they would rapidly ascend and vanish, reaching speeds believed to be over 5,000 miles per hour. (Chapter 7, Ref 281)
274
1944 WW2 European Theater. Approximate date. Allied airmen often speculated that the UFOs they saw over Europe were advanced German weapons.
Although the majority believed these "foo fighters" were not a significant threat, certain wartime intelligence reports suggested
otherwise. One such account from the records of General H. H. ("Hap") Arnold described an incident where multiple small, silvery
discs were seen from B-17 bombers. One of these discs reportedly struck a plane's wing, causing it to catch fire and
subsequently, the aircraft did not return. (Chapter 7, Ref 282)
275
1944 Wurtemberg, Germany. Approximate date. A French agent in Switzerland reported an incident over the German city of Wurtemberg. A circular,
apparently "German" aircraft, lacking wings or rudder, quickly overtook a four-engined B-24 Liberator. As it crossed the bomber's path,
it emitted small bluish smoke clouds. Shortly after, the American bombers inexplicably ignited and exploded in mid-air. (Chapter 7, Ref 283)
276
1944 On a flight from England to Germany. Approximate date. During WWII, an undercover Allied informant reported that a dozen American heavy bombers
were lost when a strange, hemispherical or circular flying machine attacked them at an incredible speed, destroying them in seconds without
using guns. (Chapter 7, Ref 284)
277
1945 US. During WWII, evidence suggests that the Third Reich's scientists developed advanced aerial devices surpassing the Allies' capabilities.
A 1945 memo from a U.S. Army general to an Army Air Force general highlighted that the occupation of German scientific and industrial sites
revealed the Allies' significant backwardness in many research fields. The general emphasized the urgent need to seize German technology
and expertise to prevent the Allies from lagging behind in technological advancements. (Chapter 7, Ref 285)
278
1945 Bavaria. During WWII, interrogations of captured German aircraft engineers revealed the development of a rocket-powered aircraft with a
semi-circular wing that integrated into the fuselage. This aircraft was being developed at a secret facility in the mountains. (Chapter 7, Ref 286)
279
1949 US. A once-classified U.S. Air Force intelligence assessment from 1949 stated that, by the end of WWII, German aircraft designers were working
on tailless aircraft projects that could potentially be mistaken for "flying saucers" or disc-like objects. (Chapter 7, Ref 287)
280
Feb. 14, 1945 Prague. A scientist involved in the development of America's atomic bomb stated that the earliest "flying saucers" were circular, with a
45-yard diameter, and were constructed by specialists Schriever, Habermohl, and Miethe. These crafts first flew over Prague on February 14, 1945,
reaching a height of nearly eight miles in three minutes and achieving speeds up to 1,250 miles per hour. This speed was later doubled
in subsequent tests. Habermohl is believed to have been captured by the Russians, while Miethe later developed similar crafts for the
A.V. Roe Company in the United States. (Chapter 7, Ref 288)
281
1944 Berlin. A Polish prisoner of war reported witnessing a UFO-type device being tested near Berlin in 1944. In a 1957 statement summarized
by the FBI, he described an incident where a tractor he was on stalled due to a high-pitched noise, similar to a large electric generator. After
a brief interaction with an SS guard and a wait, the noise ceased and the tractor resumed normal function. Later in the day, the same
prisoner saw a circular enclosure, shielded by a tarpaulin-type wall. From within this enclosure, he witnessed a circular vehicle rise
vertically, clear the wall, and then move horizontally. This vehicle, observed from about 500 feet away, had a diameter of 200-300 feet
and was roughly 14 feet tall. It had stationary dark gray top and bottom sections and a middle section that moved rapidly, producing a
continuous blur. The sound it emitted was similar to the earlier noise, and again, the tractor's engine stalled, resuming only
after the noise stopped. (Chapter 7, Ref 289. Note the author only lists as a reference "Internet posting", with no URL provided.)
282
1942 German-occupied Czechoslovakia. During WWII, there were reports that Hitler's aeronautical engineers tested radical aircraft designs in
German-occupied territories. A source stationed at an airbase claimed that circular aircraft were tested, with him never witnessing them
directly due to windows being blacked out and strict security measures. However, he frequently heard an unusual, "deafening" engine
noise distinct from regular airplanes. (Chapter 7, Ref 290)
283
1943 Czech Capital. A German air force pilot claimed to have witnessed a flying disc's test flight at an airfield. Describing the device, he
noted it was a disc roughly 16-20 feet in diameter with a large center body. It had four tall, thin legs, an aluminum color, and was
nearly as tall as a man. The disc's upper part was shrunken over its upper half, and it had a rim with external rods or perhaps
square openings. The pilot, along with his peers, observed the disc emerge from a hangar, its sides began rotating, and it moved
slowly and linearly. It rose about three feet in the air, traveled around 1,000 feet, and then made a rough landing. Afterward,
custodians pushed it back towards the hangar, but it took off again later, reaching further distances. (Chapter 7, Ref 291. Note the author
only lists as a reference "Internet posting", with no URL provided.)
284
Feb. 19, 1945 Czechoslovakia. Austrian scientist Viktor Schauberger, working for the Third Reich, claimed that a "flying saucer" he invented underwent
a significant test flight in Czechoslovakia shortly before the war in Europe concluded. This aircraft was tested and achieved a height
of about 50,000 feet in three minutes and a horizontal speed of 1,364 miles per hour. The model for this craft was developed in
collaboration with top engineers and analysts among the prisoners at Mauthausen concentration camp. Schauberger noted that, as he
understood, the machine was ordered to be destroyed by General Keitel towards the war's end. (Chapter 7, Ref 292. Note the author
only lists as a reference "Internet posting", with no URL provided.)
285
1945 Harz Mountains. Approximate date. A former member of the US Army
counter-intelligence claimed to have examined an advanced German aerial device in a clandestine
facility in the Harz Mountains. The craft was large, cylindrical, painted gray-green, with no insignia,
and rested on two wide skids. It appeared to be partially assembled, and it seemed the Germans had
hastily removed its propulsion system and other sensitive components as the U.S. Army approached.
The craft had a somewhat flat bottom, a rounded top, a rounded nose, thick-glassed front windows (one
broken), and porthole windows on its sides. The exterior was smooth with riveted joints. It was
vast, larger than any WWII submarine, with an estimated length of several hundred feet. It was
believed the Germans designed it for lunar missions and that all operational versions of this craft had
been flown to South America and Africa. (Chapter 7, Ref 293. Note the author only lists as a reference
"Internet posting", with no URL provided. Also see [this post](https://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/off-topic-forum-cars-trucks-buggies-more-392/9229084-wizard-investigates-german-ww2-technology-2.html).)
286
Jul. 1945 Japan. Nazi Germany reportedly sent high-tech weapons, including disassembled V-1 guided missiles and jet fighter planes, to its
ally Japan via long-range submarines. Most of these arrived too late to be significantly duplicated by Japan during the war.
Relevant to UFO discussions is a story shared by the son of a Japanese aircraft industry technician. In mid-1945, after Germany's
war had ended, a large German transport submarine delivered to Japan two unique, spherical, wingless devices. Japanese researchers
assembled these machines based on German instructions, resulting in a wingless, ball-shaped flying device with unknown operation
mechanisms. Upon ignition, the first machine roared into the sky and was never seen again. Startled by the device's unexpected
power, the engineers destroyed the second prototype with dynamite and decided to forget the incident. This described device
closely aligns with descriptions of the ball of light variant of foo fighters. (Chapter 7, Ref 294)
287
1944 Strait of Malacca in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). A German U-boat, sunk by the British in the Strait of Malacca in 1944,
was believed to be traveling to or from Japan. Divers later found that the submarine's cargo contained 33 tons of mercury. It's
noted that German scientists were exploring a novel propulsion system towards the end of the war, which allegedly used
electrified mercury vapor. (Chapter 7, Ref 295. Note the author only lists as a reference "Internet posting", with no URL provided.)
288
1937 Eastern Turkey. During WWII, there were reports of crashed UFOs in Italy, Germany, and Poland. Given the political alliances and
invasions, it is believed that the information from these crashes could have been acquired by Nazi scientists for potential research
into flying saucers. Separately, a 1937 German archaeological expedition in Turkey was told of a metallic "house" that had fallen
from the sky many generations prior. This object was described as a disc-shaped craft, about 80 feet in diameter. Upon hearing
about it, a German team was dispatched to retrieve the mysterious object, which they did, and it was eventually transported to a
facility near Munich for further examination. (Chapter 7, Ref 296)
289
1947 Germany and US. The Germans during WWII developed advanced weapons and technologies that surpassed those of the Allies, including
stealth technology, ballistic missiles, jet and rocket-powered aircraft, remote-controlled bombs, various types of missiles,
helicopters, innovative aircraft designs, radioactive artillery, and night vision devices. It is suggested that the reverse
engineering of alien technology could have influenced these advancements. Similarly, there are claims that the U.S. benefited
from reverse engineering technology obtained from the 1947 Roswell crash, leading to developments such as transistors, lasers,
integrated circuits, fiber optics, bulletproof fabric, and particle beam weapons. (Chapter 7, Refs 297, 298)
290
1944 Britain. Approximate date. Allied forces during WWII reportedly came into possession of alien technology. A 1955 article by
syndicated columnist Dorothy Kilgallen mentioned a mysterious flying object that had crashed. British scientists and airmen, after
examining the wreckage, concluded that these were not man-made or optical illusions but were flying saucers from another planet.
An unnamed British cabinet-level official was cited as saying that these saucers were believed to be manned by small beings,
probably under four feet tall. The same official mentioned that scientists believed such an object couldn't have been constructed
on Earth. The British government was said to be withholding an official report on this examination. (Chapter 7, Ref 299)
291
1941 Cape Girardeau, Missouri. A UFO crash was reported near Cape Girardeau, Missouri in 1941. A local minister, brought to the scene by
police, described it as unlike any craft he'd seen, with a unique design and a shiny metallic finish. Inside, he observed what
seemed like a metal chair with a panel filled with unfamiliar dials and gauges. Among the first responders were police officers,
plainclothes individuals, and military personnel. Three non-human bodies were discovered at the crash site. The minister, who
prayed over these bodies, described them as small-framed, similar in size to children, but with large heads and long arms. Their
appearance was notable for their large, oval eyes, absence of noses and lips, and a body covering resembling wrinkled aluminum foil.
The beings had no evident injuries despite the crash. (Chapter 7, Ref 300)
292
1942 California. In 1942, a broadcast company executive claimed to have observed multiple UFOs at a military base in California. Speaking to
a civic group in Colorado years later, the man detailed his alleged experience inside one of the saucers. According to him, these
UFOs are giant flywheels with metal skins, powered by electrostatic turbines. They feature pressurized cabins in the center with an
atmosphere composed of 30% oxygen and 70% nitrogen. The craft employs a magnetic field, generated by the flywheel, allowing it to achieve
tremendous speeds. The saucers are constructed in five sections and can be easily disassembled. He recounted being inside a saucer
measuring 100 feet in diameter and 18 feet thick, describing the crew's sleeping quarters as tube-like with capped ends and
a pressurized, air-conditioned cabin. (Chapter 7, Ref 301. This is the head of Pike's Peak Broadcasting Company, Joseph Rohrer. In USMC
Naval Aviator Donald Keyhoe's 1953 book, the Air Force discussed threatening Rohrer into silence.)
293
1944 Near Kaneohe, Hawaii. During World War II, a Navy enlisted man stationed in Oahu, Hawaii, reported discovering an igloo-shaped UFO near
Kaneohe in 1944. The craft, about 50 feet in diameter, had a transparent dome on top with a spinning gold-colored device inside,
resembling a weather vane. Surrounding the craft were entities about 4.5 feet tall, with slight builds, short black hair,
large dark eyes, heavy eyebrows, and belts with box-like devices. After a confrontation, the witness took one of these devices.
Returning the next day, the beings communicated that they were from a place 21 light years away and were monitoring colonization
efforts they initiated long ago. Another sailor observed this interaction and reported it to naval intelligence. After being
interrogated, the witness revealed the UFO's location. When the craft attempted to take off, it was allegedly shot down by
security forces. The craft was reportedly transported to San Diego, and at least one alien, a female, was captured. The fate of
this being remained unknown to the witness. (Chapter 7, Ref 302. Note the author only lists as a reference "Internet posting", with no URL provided.)
294
1944 US. A purported 1944 memo from President Franklin Roosevelt to "The Special Committee on Non-Terrestrial Science and Technology" hints at
U.S. acquisition of alien technology. Roosevelt agrees with a proposal backed by Dr. Bush and Professor Einstein to utilize alien knowledge
for war weapons but decides to postpone due to financial constraints from the atomic bomb program. He believes that post-war, there may be
opportunities to explore this non-terrestrial science. Roosevelt acknowledges discussions with top scientists about the importance of this
technology and recognizes the potential for intelligent extraterrestrial life. He hopes the committee understands his
wartime priorities in the decision. (Chapter 7, Ref 303)
295
1940 Montana. In 1940, a Montana miner reported an encounter with a UFO near Helena. He described the craft as a 100-foot disc, resembling two
soup plates of stainless steel. A staircase descended, and a man emerged, asking to draw water from a nearby stream. Invited onboard,
the miner was told by the occupants they were 609 years old from a distant planet. Their ship used hydrogen from water as fuel and
created its gravitational field with flywheels. After the meeting, he watched the craft ascend and depart rapidly. (Chapter 7, Ref 304)
296
1940 St. Clair, PA} A young man encountered an apparent UFO and its small occupants while walking on a rural road. Drawn by a loud sound
from nearby woods, he saw an "aluminum building" where none should be. Nearby, he noticed "six small men" searching the ground. Upon
returning later, both the beings and the object had disappeared. (Chapter 7, Ref 305)
297
1942 Western Greece. A young shepherd girl heard a peculiar noise from a metallic flying object shaped like two plates glued together, with
a width of 6-9 feet. This object landed on a hill nearby. On approaching, she observed a three-foot tall gray humanoid, resembling a
robot, wearing a suit and a silver helmet. The entity roamed around the landing site. Overwhelmed by fear, she fled. When she returned
later, both the craft and the being were gone, but her agitated dogs remained. (Chapter 7, Ref 306)
298
1945 Finland. A woman witnessed a 35-foot bright ball of fire approaching her from over a lake, causing her to take cover. After the anticipated
impact didn't occur, she noticed a petrified large dog staring at an unusual "canoe" with two men. One stood wearing green coveralls,
while the other sat, seemingly operating an engine within a clear globe. (Chapter 7, Ref 307)
299
1942 East coast of England. In 1942, while guarding a radar station on the east coast of England, a man saw an aerial light approaching from
a cloud. Suddenly, an object descended and emitted a beam, pulling him aboard. Inside, he encountered both small and average-sized beings.
The average-sized ones wore thick goggles. He was made to lay on a table for a physical examination. Later, he found himself back at his post. (Chapter 7, Ref 308)
300
1944 Rochester, PA. In 1944, a family in Pennsylvania was awakened by a loud noise and bright flash near their home. Investigating, the head
of the family encountered six figures about 4-1/2 feet tall. One wore a brown robe, the others metallic suits that glowed, and all had a
halo-like light around them. They had large heads, long arms, thin fingers, and slit-like mouths. The man remembered being taken aboard a
nearby craft. The next day, a 25-foot diameter burned area was found next to their house. (Chapter 7, Ref 309)

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{
"Rife Timeline" : [
{
"date" : "1947",
"desc": "A U.S. Air Force intelligence report suggested that the observed \"flying saucers\" could be long-range aircraft with high maneuverability and speed. These unidentified objects were thought to possibly be of Russian manufacture, influenced by German technology. However, there was also speculation that they might represent interplanetary craft. (Chapter 8, Ref 310)",
"location" : "US",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_301",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1943",
"desc": "Some believed post-war UFOs originated from Nazi holdouts. In 1943, Admiral Karl Doenitz, leader of the German navy, allegedly told naval cadets that the U-boat fleet had created a secret, fortified refuge for the Fuehrer somewhere in the world. (Chapter 8, Ref 311)",
"location" : "Germany",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_302",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1945",
"desc": "Admiral Karl Doenitz didn't specify the location of this secret refuge, but speculation primarily focused on South America, particularly due to the presence of large German immigrant communities and sympathetic governments in countries like Argentina and Paraguay. A 1945 U.S. Treasury memo even highlighted Argentina as a potential haven for Nazi criminals and a center for Nazi financial activity in the hemisphere. (Chapter 8, Ref 312)",
"location" : "Argentina",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_303",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1945",
"desc": "Approximate date. General Juan Peron's military dictatorship, with his wife Eva (\"Evita\"), allegedly provided up to 10,000 blank Argentinian passports to clandestine Nazi escape networks in Europe, especially from Italy and Spain, after the war. (Chapter 8, Ref 313)",
"location" : "Argentina",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_304",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1945",
"desc": "Approximate date. Several former members of the Nazi regime wanted for war crimes, including concentration camp director Adolph Eichmann, Auschwitz doctor Joseph Mengele, and Hitler's deputy Martin Bormann, reportedly took refuge in Argentina post-war. Eichmann was later kidnapped by Israeli agents, while Mengele and Bormann are believed to have died in South America during their time in hiding. (Chapter 8, Ref 314)",
"location" : "Argentina",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_305",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1986",
"desc": "A young American adventurer wrote in 1986 about rumors of a secretive city in central Argentina inhabited by ex-Nazis and their families. This city was reportedly closed off to journalists, investigators, and outsiders. A Japanese journalist, after attempting to cover the story on this \"lost city of the Third Reich,\" narrowly escaped danger. (Chapter 8, Ref 315)",
"location" : "Argentina",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_306",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1946",
"desc": "1946-1947. Some believe that remnants of the defeated Third Reich retreated to a hidden underground base in Antarctica. This theory is bolstered by Germany's history of Antarctic explorations, with known expeditions in 1873, 1910, 1925, and 1939. Supporters of this \"frozen Fourth Reich\" idea often cite Operation High Jump, a 1946-1947 military expedition to Antarctica led by American polar explorer Admiral Richard Byrd. Officially, Byrd stated the operation aimed to train naval personnel and test equipment in frigid conditions. (Chapter 8, Ref 316)",
"location" : "Antarctic",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_307",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1946",
"desc": "1946-1947. Rumors emerged that during Operation High Jump, Byrd's expedition encountered hostile disc-shaped aircraft of unknown origin in Antarctica. Despite being equipped for 6-8 months, the operation concluded after just two months. Upon leaving, Byrd made a statement to the media, and a Chilean newspaper reported that he stressed the need for the U.S. to prepare defenses against hostile regions. Byrd was quoted warning of a potential threat from flying objects capable of traveling from pole to pole at astonishing speeds. (Chapter 8, Ref 317)",
"location" : "Antarctic",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_308",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1947",
"desc": "When he returned to Washington from Antarctica expedition (Operation High Jump), Admiral Richard Byrd reportedly urged the U.S. to use Antarctica as an atomic test site. (As far as we know, his recommendation was not acted upon.) (Chapter 8, Ref 318)",
"location" : "Washington DC",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_309",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1956",
"desc": "Despite the seemingly implausible idea of hidden Nazi bases in Antarctica, there have been mysterious and unexplained occurrences reported in the area post-WWII. In a 1956 account, four Chilean scientists reported witnessing UFOs in the Antarctic skies. They described observing two metallic, cigar-shaped objects reflecting sunlight. These objects remained perfectly still, and even after changing their viewing point to rule out optical illusions, the appearance remained consistent. Both objects performed intricate aerial maneuvers, with sharp turns and instant stops. Using equipment, the scientists estimated the altitude of these objects to be around 24,000 feet, with each object measuring approximately 450 feet in length and 75 feet in diameter. When one of the scientists aimed a polarized spotlight at an object, it responded with a bright flash, altered its altitude, then resumed its aerial display, achieving speeds up to 24,000 miles per hour. The sighting ended when clouds obstructed the view. (Chapter 8, Ref 319)",
"location" : "Antarctica",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_310",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1958",
"desc": "In 1958, two American scientists in Antarctica observed a white plume emerging from the icy landscape. Upon investigation, it was identified as a potent-smelling steam cloud surrounding a dome-shaped structure, about six feet high and 12 feet in diameter, with a shiny, glass-like exterior. One of the scientists, drawn towards the dome, recounted seeing two moving figures near it. These figures, described as being around three feet tall, yellowish, and balloon-like, moved unsteadily around a source of light, reminiscent of an acetylene lamp. Suddenly, a ball seemed to explode, releasing a burst of blue sparks. Alarmed, the scientist fled, warning his colleague. From a distance, they glimpsed the reflections of the dome momentarily before another white cloud obscured their view. When the cloud dissipated, there was no trace of the previously seen phenomena on the ice. (Chapter 8, Ref 320)",
"location" : "Antarctic",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_311",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1958",
"desc": "Soviet scientists reported spotting what seemed like walls and buildings under large slabs of ice in Antarctica from the air. These structures were described as \"too geometrical\" to be natural formations, and there were sightings of human-shaped figures moving among them. (Chapter 8, Ref 321)",
"location" : "Antarctic",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_312",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1965",
"desc": "At a Chilean base in Antarctica, 17 individuals observed a \"lens-shaped\" aerial object. The base's commander described it as a solid object moving at incredible speeds, executing maneuvers, emitting a greenish light, and causing electromagnetic interference at a nearby Argentine base. The object hovered for approximately 20 minutes before speeding away, and it was observed through high-powered binoculars. Concurrently, the Argentinian government reported that their Antarctic naval garrison spotted a large, lens-shaped flying object, which displayed various colors and moved in diverse directions, pausing for about 15 minutes. (Chapter 8, Refs 322, 323)",
"location" : "Chilean base in Antarctic",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_313",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1965",
"desc": "In that decade, a team of international scientists in Antarctica reported multiple UFO sightings and experienced unexplained phenomena originating from under the ice. They heard mysterious rumbling, humming noises, and sounds resembling heavy machinery in operation, despite no known activities by any nation that could explain these sounds. (Chapter 8, Ref 324)",
"location" : "Antarctic",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_314",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "7/1945",
"desc": "After World War II, unusual U-boat activity was observed in the South Atlantic. Two German submarines docked in Argentina carrying incomplete cargoes of cigarettes and liquor. The crews were evasive about their last mission. Another German U-boat appeared in Argentina, but this time, its men and cargo vanished. The U.S. ambassador believed they had parts of Germany's secret weapons. Despite tracking $400 million of Nazi funds to Argentina, they found a lack of cooperation from the local government, leading to many unanswered questions about the extent of Nazi infiltration in the region. (Chapter 8, Ref 325)",
"location" : "Argentina",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_315",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Late 1940's",
"desc": "Rumors persisted in Argentina post-World War II that German U-boats carrying Nazi war criminals and treasures landed in Patagonia, Argentina's southern wilderness. A local newspaper later published a photograph, believed to be from the late 1940s, showing what appeared to be a Nazi submarine in a Patagonian bay. Multiple witnesses claimed to have seen the submarine near San Matias Gulf, with one elderly woman recalling spotting the submarine near the war's end, which later disappeared as an airplane passed overhead. This region, Patagonia, is the closest part of Argentina to Antarctica. (Chapter 8, Ref 326)",
"location" : "A Patagonian bay, Argentina",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_316",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1946",
"desc": "Shortly after the end of World War II, the Icelandic whaler \"Juliana\" encountered a large German U-boat near the Falkland Islands in 1946. This U-boat, which surfaced and displayed the German naval flag of mourning, dispatched a boarding party to the \"Juliana\". The submarine's commander demanded a portion of the whaler's fresh food supply, speaking fluent English and compensating the whaler's captain with U.S. dollars, even adding a bonus for each crew member. As the provisions were transferred, the U-boat's commander informed the captain about the location of a large school of whales, which the \"Juliana\" later found as indicated. (Chapter 8, Ref 327)",
"location" : "Near Falkland Islands",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_317",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1946",
"desc": "A French news agency corroborated ongoing rumors, confirming that there were indeed genuine instances of German U-boat activities occurring between the southernmost part of Latin America and Antarctica. (Chapter 8, Ref 328)",
"location" : "Between the southernmost tip of Latin America and the continent of Antarctica",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_318",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "4/1946",
"desc": "Following World War II, there was a surge in UFO sightings worldwide. An American military transport plane pilot reported an encounter over Florida. While flying, he and his crew spotted what they initially believed to be a shooting star. However, as it approached, they realized it was a long, cylindrical object, about twice the size of a B-29, with glowing portholes. The object, estimated to be traveling at 2,000 miles per hour, veered to avoid a collision and vanished over the horizon. (Chapter 8, Ref 329)",
"location" : "Florida",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_319",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Early 1946",
"desc": "A motorist noticed a gleaming light in the sky and, upon looking up, saw a large, metallic, cigar-shaped object hovering above. The UFO, estimated to be between 300 and 400 feet in length with pointed ends and no protrusions, was observed for a few minutes before it vanished instantly. (Chapter 8, Ref 330)",
"location" : "Near Lafayette, New York",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_320",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Mid 1946",
"desc": "A Navy officer in La Grange, Florida, heard a whistling sound above him. Looking up, he saw a dark \"flying football\" moving from west to east at around 1,000 feet, traveling approximately 125 miles per hour. The object had no wings, engine sound, or other distinguishable features and was estimated to be 15-to-20 feet in diameter. It smoothly curved southeast and disappeared into a cloud bank. The officer's wife and family also heard the noise, and his wife briefly saw the object as it disappeared. (Chapter 8, Ref 331)",
"location" : "La Grange, Florida",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_321",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Mid 1946",
"desc": "In 1946, two individuals observed a UFO near San Diego, California. Positioned on high ground curving from Morrow Bay, they spotted a dark, bat-like object in the sky after sunset. The object remained stationary for several minutes, its shape clearly visible. It then either descended or was obscured by rising cloud mist, disappearing from view. After its disappearance, a vibrant flush of color spread over the sea. (Chapter 8, Ref 332)",
"location" : "San Diego, California",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_322",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1946",
"desc": "A family in Ontario, Canada, observed a group of small, disc-shaped UFOs at Lake Nipissing. Approximately a dozen of these craft landed on the frozen lake surface, roughly 75 feet away from the observers, moving with a rotating motion. These UFOs repetitively ascended a few feet and then descended back onto the ice. When one of the witnesses approached them, the objects swiftly departed at a 45-degree angle, leaving a series of black marks on the ice. (Chapter 8, Ref 333)",
"location" : "Lake Nipissing, Ontario",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_323",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1946",
"desc": "A large disc-shaped UFO with a green iridescent glow was observed hovering motionless over a town. The object remained for about five minutes before departing in a southerly direction. (Chapter 8, Ref 334)",
"location" : "Portugal",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_324",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "3/1947",
"desc": "A motorist in New York encountered a disc-shaped object hovering near the ground in a field. The craft, measuring about 60 feet in diameter and 15 feet thick, rose vertically and vanished within seconds. (Chapter 8, Ref 335)",
"location" : "Palatine, New York",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_325",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "3/1947",
"desc": "A woman in West Virginia spotted a round, silver-colored aerial object in the afternoon sky. It appeared to float silently, unlike the audible engines of airplanes at a similar distance. The object emitted reflections like a sunlit tin can, with its sides being silver and the top resembling the color of silk. (Chapter 8, Ref 336)",
"location" : "West Virginia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_326",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "3/1947",
"desc": "Or April. A man driving near an airport in Maine observed several \"saucer-like objects\" hovering close to the ground. These objects, resembling pie plates, revolved and emitted a trail of smoke from their edges. They were distinct from conventional aircraft, reflected sunlight, and were estimated to be about 40 feet in diameter. (Chapter 8, Ref 337)",
"location" : "Maine",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_327",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Mid 5/1947",
"desc": "A group of seven railroad workers observed a silver UFO performing aerial maneuvers above them. The object hovered approximately 1,000 feet above, revolving as it stayed in place. It moved erratically in wide circles, reflecting light intermittently, suggesting a changing angle of reflection. After around 20 minutes, the UFO disappeared in a straight line towards the west-northwest. (Chapter 8, Ref 338)",
"location" : "Manitou Springs, Colorado",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_328",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Late 5/1947",
"desc": "A fisherman observed a formation of four spinning, highly-polished disc-shaped UFOs. They flew by noiselessly, and each had a circular rim or projection on the underside, about one-quarter of the way from their edges. (Chapter 8, Ref 339)",
"location" : "Beaufort, South Carolina",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_329",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "4/1947",
"desc": "Two Weather Bureau employees in Richmond observed a metallic elliptical disk through a theodolite on three occasions. One sighting was at 15,000 feet, lasting 15 seconds. The disk had a flat bottom and round top, appeared below a weather balloon, and was moving rapidly. (Chapter 8)",
"location" : "Richmond, Virginia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_330",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "5/1947",
"desc": "An RCA field engineer in Oklahoma City observed a disk flying at an altitude between 10,000 and 18,000 feet. The object was moving northwards rapidly without leaving any trail. (Chapter 8)",
"location" : "Oklahoma City, Oklahoma",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_331",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "6/28/1947",
"desc": "An Air Force lieutenant flying northwest of Lake Meade, Nevada, at 10,000 feet observed five or six white circular objects in formation moving at an estimated speed of 285 miles per hour. (Chapter 8)",
"location" : "30 miles northwest of Lake Meade, Nevada",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_332",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "6/29/1947",
"desc": "A party of three, including two scientists, reported seeing a large disk or sphere moving horizontally at high speed and an estimated altitude of 10,000 feet while heading towards a V-2 firing ground. The object, with no protruding surfaces like wings, was visible for about 60 seconds before disappearing to the northeast. Two observers concurred on the sighting details, but one believed he saw vapor trails. (Chapter 8, Ref 340)",
"location" : "Near White Sands, New Mexico V-2 firing grounds",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_333",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Early 1947",
"desc": "Two schoolmates in a small town in Australia witnessed a significant UFO event on a cold night. The surroundings suddenly illuminated brightly, prompting the boys to dismount their bicycles. They observed a large UFO hovering just above them, seemingly resting on power lines. The object seemed to struggle with descending further due to its position between shops. The boys had a clear view of it for about three minutes. Subsequent to this event, Australian newspapers reported multiple UFO sightings in nearby areas. (Chapter 8, Ref 341)",
"location" : "Australia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_334",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "7/1/1947",
"desc": "Passengers and crew aboard the steamer \"Llandovery Castle\" off the coast of Kenya reported a massive, silent UFO pacing their vessel one night. The object, resembling a dirigible, was about twice the ship's length, approximately 1,000 feet long, with a shiny surface. The ship's log noted the UFO descended to around 100 feet, projecting a brilliant white light from below, and followed the ship at a half-mile distance. After a few minutes, the light went off, and the object ascended into the darkness. (Chapter 8, Ref 342)",
"location" : "Off the coast of the east African nation of Kenya",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_335",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "8/1946",
"desc": "A civilian employee of Tinker Air Force Base encountered a lens-shaped, metallic UFO with a \"weathered aluminum finish\" hovering over trees near her home. The object, estimated to be about 75 feet in diameter, had around a dozen square windows on its lower portion. In each window, she observed the head and shoulders of human-like figures, which appeared either bald or possibly wearing helmets. After observing her for a few minutes, the UFO rotated and quickly and silently flew away. The witness, familiar with many conventional aircraft, believed this was something entirely different. (Chapter 8, Ref 343)",
"location" : "Tinker Air Force Base outside Oklahoma City, Oklahoma",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_336",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "5/1946",
"desc": "A prominent Swedish businessman witnessed a disc-shaped object with a cupola, oval windows, a mast resembling a submarine's periscope, an oblong fin, landing legs, and a ladder touching the ground. The UFO, approximately 53 feet in diameter, had turbine-like holes from which jet beams emerged, scorching the grass upon departure. The mast emitted a strange pulsating purple light that covered the object and nearby ground. The businessman observed multiple individuals, totaling 11, near the UFO. These individuals wore white overalls, transparent helmets, black boots, gloves, and belts. The women had ashen-colored hair, while the men wore black caps. The beings appeared sunburned. One guard had a black box hanging from his neck, which seemed to drain the battery of the witness's forehead lamp upon being directed at him. The witness briefly left the site but returned to see the UFO ascend and depart rapidly. (Chapter 8, Ref 344)",
"location" : "Sweden",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_337",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Mid 1946",
"desc": "Two South African women observed a UFO hovering above a hotel roof in Johannesburg. The object was saucer-shaped with a central gold-colored ball. They heard a clicking sound, and the ball detached and then re-attached itself above the main saucer. Two seven-foot-tall human-like figures, resembling identical twins with fair complexions, broad shoulders, and short, wavy hair, appeared between the saucer and the ball. Dressed in white uniforms with stiff collars and wide belts, the figures stood motionless, staring at the women. The sighting concluded as the UFO and its occupants slowly moved away, obscured by a building. (Chapter 8, Ref 345)",
"location" : "Johannesburg, South Africa",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_338",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Spring 1947",
"desc": "In a remote area near Langley, British Columbia, two young boys encountered a UFO. One boy, while reading near a creek, heard a hum before a silver-gray UFO landed in front of him. From it emerged several creatures resembling praying mantises, wearing form-fitted silver-gray attire. One creature approached the boy, took his book, placed its hands on his shoulder, and communicated telepathically, instructing him not to look up as they departed. When the boy eventually looked up, the UFO was ascending rapidly, pursued ineffectively by four military planes. The other boy seemed in a daze, and the boy had to guide him away from the creek. Following the encounter, they experienced extreme thirst and the boy felt ill for days. Later, they noticed a circle of burnt grass where the UFO had landed. (Chapter 8, Ref 346)",
"location" : "Langley, British Columbia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_339",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "6/1946",
"desc": "A young boy visiting Wright Field claimed to have seen a domed saucer around 20 feet in diameter with three legs in a hangar. Next to it were several small, humanoid bodies with large, pear-shaped heads on stretchers. After being spotted by a colonel, the boy's father lost his job. The boy's grandfather, an employee at the base, allegedly confirmed a UFO had been brought there. (Chapter 8, Ref 347)",
"location" : "Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton OH",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_340",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Mid 1946",
"desc": "Three individuals witnessed a shiny object, resembling a silver-colored pointed cam, tumbling from the sky over Oconomowoc Lake in Wisconsin. As it descended, a barn caught fire, and locals reported hearing an explosion. Despite the witness's attempt to inform authorities, they dismissed the claims. (Chapter 8, Ref 348)",
"location" : "Oconomowoc Lake, Wisconsin",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_341",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1946",
"desc": "Beachgoers in Sweden observed a \"projectile trailing luminous smoke\" crashing into the sand, leaving a slag-like crater. Descriptions mentioned a cylindrical object between 65 and 100 feet in diameter. Despite the testimony, the Swedish military dismissed the incident, suggesting the witnesses had imagined it. (Chapter 8, Ref 349)",
"location" : "Sweden",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_342",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "10/1946",
"desc": "Or Nov. A classic saucer-shaped UFO, resembling two soup bowls joined at the rim, was allegedly found in Arkansas and moved to Wright Field. An ex-airman at the base described the craft as being 15 feet in diameter and 7 feet thick with a series of rectangular windows. It had a brushed aluminum appearance and seemed to be made from a single material. The interior was mostly empty, but featured a central cylinder about three feet in diameter. (Chapter 8, Ref 350)",
"location" : "Arkansas and Wright Field, Dayton OH",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_343",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1946",
"desc": "Or 1947. Three construction company employees, after hearing a loud explosion, discovered the wreckage of an unfamiliar aircraft. Nearby, they saw three small humanoid creatures, one of which seemed injured. Later, they were interrogated by individuals who claimed the incident was related to a secret government project and instructed them to remain silent about what they witnessed. (Chapter 8, Ref 351)",
"location" : "Either Arizona and New Mexico",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_344",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1/1947",
"desc": "Two men, one a U.S. Navy enlisted individual on leave and the other recently discharged from the Army, encountered a disc-shaped object, half-buried in the sand with a diameter of 30 feet, a thickness of 18 feet, a dome on top, and windows or portholes around its rim. They were quickly ordered to leave the scene by military personnel. (Chapter 8, Ref 352)",
"location" : "Arizona",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_345",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "5/1947",
"desc": "A former military photographer reported a UFO crash near Socorro, New Mexico. The crash resulted in one dead alien occupant, while three others survived. These survivors made crying-like sounds and held box-like devices close to their chests, with one appearing injured. The same witness later claimed to have filmed autopsies of alien beings on two occasions in 1947 and once in 1949. (Chapter 8, Ref 353)",
"location" : "Socorro, New Mexico",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_346",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "6/24/1947",
"desc": "A private pilot named Kenneth Arnold observed a chain of nine peculiar-looking aircraft flying near Mount Rainier. Initially thinking they were reflections from another plane, Arnold noticed that the objects flew like geese, in a diagonal, chain-like formation, swerving between mountain peaks. These objects lacked visible tails and were estimated to be traveling at speeds of approximately 1,700 miles per hour, faster than any known aircraft then. Arnold compared the span of the objects to the distance between the outermost engines of a DC-4, which is around 60 feet. The sight deeply unsettled him as he was familiar with most flying objects. (Chapter 8, Ref 354)",
"location" : "Chehalis, Washington",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_347",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
}
] }

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301
1947 US. A U.S. Air Force intelligence report suggested that the observed "flying saucers" could be long-range aircraft with
high maneuverability and speed. These unidentified objects were thought to possibly be of Russian manufacture, influenced
by German technology. However, there was also speculation that they might represent interplanetary craft. (Chapter 8, Ref 310)
302
1943 Germany. Some believed post-war UFOs originated from Nazi holdouts. In 1943, Admiral Karl Doenitz, leader of the German navy,
allegedly told naval cadets that the U-boat fleet had created a secret, fortified refuge for the Fuehrer somewhere in the world. (Chapter 8, Ref 311)
303
1945 Argentina. Admiral Karl Doenitz didn't specify the location of this secret refuge, but speculation primarily focused on South America,
particularly due to the presence of large German immigrant communities and sympathetic governments in countries like Argentina
and Paraguay. A 1945 U.S. Treasury memo even highlighted Argentina as a potential haven for Nazi criminals and a center
for Nazi financial activity in the hemisphere. (Chapter 8, Ref 312)
304
1945 Argentina. Approximate date. General Juan Peron's military dictatorship, with his wife Eva ("Evita"), allegedly provided up to
10,000 blank Argentinian passports to clandestine Nazi escape networks in Europe, especially from Italy and Spain, after the war. (Chapter 8, Ref 313)
305
1945 Argentina. Approximate date. Several former members of the Nazi regime wanted for war crimes, including concentration camp director
Adolph Eichmann, Auschwitz doctor Joseph Mengele, and Hitler's deputy Martin Bormann, reportedly took refuge in Argentina post-war.
Eichmann was later kidnapped by Israeli agents, while Mengele and Bormann are believed to have died in South America during their
time in hiding. (Chapter 8, Ref 314)
306
1986 Argentina. A young American adventurer wrote in 1986 about rumors of a secretive city in central Argentina inhabited by ex-Nazis and
their families. This city was reportedly closed off to journalists, investigators, and outsiders. A Japanese journalist, after
attempting to cover the story on this "lost city of the Third Reich," narrowly escaped danger. (Chapter 8, Ref 315)
307
1946 Antarctic. 1946-1947. Some believe that remnants of the defeated Third Reich retreated to a hidden underground base in Antarctica. This
theory is bolstered by Germany's history of Antarctic explorations, with known expeditions in 1873, 1910, 1925, and 1939. Supporters of
this "frozen Fourth Reich" idea often cite Operation High Jump, a 1946-1947 military expedition to Antarctica led by American polar
explorer Admiral Richard Byrd. Officially, Byrd stated the operation aimed to train naval personnel and test equipment in frigid conditions. (Chapter 8, Ref 316)
308
1946 Antarctic. 1946-1947. Rumors emerged that during Operation High Jump, Byrd's expedition encountered hostile disc-shaped aircraft of unknown
origin in Antarctica. Despite being equipped for 6-8 months, the operation concluded after just two months. Upon leaving, Byrd made a
statement to the media, and a Chilean newspaper reported that he stressed the need for the U.S. to prepare defenses against hostile
regions. Byrd was quoted warning of a potential threat from flying objects capable of traveling from pole to pole at astonishing speeds. (Chapter 8, Ref 317)
309
1947 Washington DC. When he returned to Washington from Antarctica expedition (Operation High Jump), Admiral Richard Byrd reportedly urged
the U.S. to use Antarctica as an atomic test site. (As far as we know, his recommendation was not acted upon.) (Chapter 8, Ref 318)
310
1956 Antarctica. Despite the seemingly implausible idea of hidden Nazi bases in Antarctica, there have been mysterious and unexplained
occurrences reported in the area post-WWII. In a 1956 account, four Chilean scientists reported witnessing UFOs in the Antarctic skies.
They described observing two metallic, cigar-shaped objects reflecting sunlight. These objects remained perfectly still, and even after
changing their viewing point to rule out optical illusions, the appearance remained consistent. Both objects performed intricate aerial
maneuvers, with sharp turns and instant stops. Using equipment, the scientists estimated the altitude of these objects to be
around 24,000 feet, with each object measuring approximately 450 feet in length and 75 feet in diameter. When one of the scientists
aimed a polarized spotlight at an object, it responded with a bright flash, altered its altitude, then resumed its aerial display,
achieving speeds up to 24,000 miles per hour. The sighting ended when clouds obstructed the view. (Chapter 8, Ref 319)
311
1958 Antarctic. In 1958, two American scientists in Antarctica observed a white plume emerging from the icy landscape. Upon investigation, it
was identified as a potent-smelling steam cloud surrounding a dome-shaped structure, about six feet high and 12 feet in diameter, with
a shiny, glass-like exterior. One of the scientists, drawn towards the dome, recounted seeing two moving figures near it. These figures,
described as being around three feet tall, yellowish, and balloon-like, moved unsteadily around a source of light, reminiscent of an
acetylene lamp. Suddenly, a ball seemed to explode, releasing a burst of blue sparks. Alarmed, the scientist fled, warning his
colleague. From a distance, they glimpsed the reflections of the dome momentarily before another white cloud obscured their view. When the
cloud dissipated, there was no trace of the previously seen phenomena on the ice. (Chapter 8, Ref 320)
312
1958 Antarctic. Soviet scientists reported spotting what seemed like walls and buildings under large slabs of ice in Antarctica from the air.
These structures were described as "too geometrical" to be natural formations, and there were sightings of human-shaped figures moving among them. (Chapter 8, Ref 321)
313
1965 Chilean base in Antarctic. At a Chilean base in Antarctica, 17 individuals observed a "lens-shaped" aerial object. The base's commander
described it as a solid object moving at incredible speeds, executing maneuvers, emitting a greenish light, and causing electromagnetic
interference at a nearby Argentine base. The object hovered for approximately 20 minutes before speeding away, and it was observed
through high-powered binoculars. Concurrently, the Argentinian government reported that their Antarctic naval garrison spotted a large,
lens-shaped flying object, which displayed various colors and moved in diverse directions, pausing for about 15 minutes. (Chapter 8, Refs 322, 323)
314
1965 Antarctic. In that decade, a team of international scientists in Antarctica reported multiple UFO sightings and experienced unexplained phenomena
originating from under the ice. They heard mysterious rumbling, humming noises, and sounds resembling heavy machinery in operation, despite
no known activities by any nation that could explain these sounds. (Chapter 8, Ref 324)
315
Jul. 1945 Argentina. After World War II, unusual U-boat activity was observed in the South Atlantic. Two German submarines docked in Argentina carrying
incomplete cargoes of cigarettes and liquor. The crews were evasive about their last mission. Another German U-boat appeared in Argentina,
but this time, its men and cargo vanished. The U.S. ambassador believed they had parts of Germany's secret weapons. Despite tracking $400
million of Nazi funds to Argentina, they found a lack of cooperation from the local government, leading to many unanswered questions about
the extent of Nazi infiltration in the region. (Chapter 8, Ref 325)
316
Late 1940's A Patagonian bay, Argentina. Rumors persisted in Argentina post-World War II that German U-boats carrying Nazi war criminals and treasures
landed in Patagonia, Argentina's southern wilderness. A local newspaper later published a photograph, believed to be from the late 1940s,
showing what appeared to be a Nazi submarine in a Patagonian bay. Multiple witnesses claimed to have seen the submarine near San Matias Gulf,
with one elderly woman recalling spotting the submarine near the war's end, which later disappeared as an airplane passed overhead. This
region, Patagonia, is the closest part of Argentina to Antarctica. (Chapter 8, Ref 326)
317
1946 Near Falkland Islands. Shortly after the end of World War II, the Icelandic whaler "Juliana" encountered a large German U-boat near the
Falkland Islands in 1946. This U-boat, which surfaced and displayed the German naval flag of mourning, dispatched a boarding party to
the "Juliana". The submarine's commander demanded a portion of the whaler's fresh food supply, speaking fluent English and
compensating the whaler's captain with U.S. dollars, even adding a bonus for each crew member. As the provisions were transferred,
the U-boat's commander informed the captain about the location of a large school of whales, which the "Juliana" later found as indicated. (Chapter 8, Ref 327)
318
1946 Between the southernmost tip of Latin America and the continent of Antarctica. A French news agency corroborated ongoing rumors, confirming
that there were indeed genuine instances of German U-boat activities occurring between the southernmost part of Latin America and Antarctica. (Chapter 8, Ref 328)
319
Apr., 1946 Florida. Following World War II, there was a surge in UFO sightings worldwide. An American military transport plane pilot reported an
encounter over Florida. While flying, he and his crew spotted what they initially believed to be a shooting star. However, as it approached,
they realized it was a long, cylindrical object, about twice the size of a B-29, with glowing portholes. The object, estimated to be
traveling at 2,000 miles per hour, veered to avoid a collision and vanished over the horizon. (Chapter 8, Ref 329)
320
Early 1946 Near Lafayette, New York. A motorist noticed a gleaming light in the sky and, upon looking up, saw a large, metallic, cigar-shaped object
hovering above. The UFO, estimated to be between 300 and 400 feet in length with pointed ends and no protrusions, was observed for a few
minutes before it vanished instantly. (Chapter 8, Ref 330)
321
Mid 1946 La Grange, Florida. A Navy officer in La Grange, Florida, heard a whistling sound above him. Looking up, he saw a dark "flying football"
moving from west to east at around 1,000 feet, traveling approximately 125 miles per hour. The object had no wings, engine sound, or
other distinguishable features and was estimated to be 15-to-20 feet in diameter. It smoothly curved southeast and disappeared into a
cloud bank. The officer's wife and family also heard the noise, and his wife briefly saw the object as it disappeared. (Chapter 8, Ref 331)
322
Mid 1946 San Diego, California. In 1946, two individuals observed a UFO near San Diego, California. Positioned on high ground curving from Morrow Bay,
they spotted a dark, bat-like object in the sky after sunset. The object remained stationary for several minutes, its shape clearly visible. It
then either descended or was obscured by rising cloud mist, disappearing from view. After its disappearance, a vibrant flush of color
spread over the sea. (Chapter 8, Ref 332)
323
1946 Lake Nipissing, Ontario. A family in Ontario, Canada, observed a group of small, disc-shaped UFOs at Lake Nipissing. Approximately a dozen
of these craft landed on the frozen lake surface, roughly 75 feet away from the observers, moving with a rotating motion. These UFOs
repetitively ascended a few feet and then descended back onto the ice. When one of the witnesses approached them, the objects swiftly departed
at a 45-degree angle, leaving a series of black marks on the ice. (Chapter 8, Ref 333)
324
1946 Portugal. A large disc-shaped UFO with a green iridescent glow was observed hovering motionless over a town. The object remained for about
five minutes before departing in a southerly direction. (Chapter 8, Ref 334)
325
Mar. 1947 Palatine, New York. A motorist in New York encountered a disc-shaped object hovering near the ground in a field. The craft, measuring
about 60 feet in diameter and 15 feet thick, rose vertically and vanished within seconds. (Chapter 8, Ref 335)
326
Mar. 1947 West Virginia. A woman in West Virginia spotted a round, silver-colored aerial object in the afternoon sky. It appeared to float silently,
unlike the audible engines of airplanes at a similar distance. The object emitted reflections like a sunlit tin can, with its sides being
silver and the top resembling the color of silk. (Chapter 8, Ref 336)
327
Mar. 1947 Maine. Or April. A man driving near an airport in Maine observed several "saucer-like objects" hovering close to the ground. These objects,
resembling pie plates, revolved and emitted a trail of smoke from their edges. They were distinct from conventional aircraft, reflected
sunlight, and were estimated to be about 40 feet in diameter. (Chapter 8, Ref 337)
328
Mid May. 1947 Manitou Springs, Colorado. A group of seven railroad workers observed a silver UFO performing aerial maneuvers above them. The object
hovered approximately 1,000 feet above, revolving as it stayed in place. It moved erratically in wide circles, reflecting light intermittently,
suggesting a changing angle of reflection. After around 20 minutes, the UFO disappeared in a straight line towards the west-northwest. (Chapter 8, Ref 338)
329
Late May. 1947 Beaufort, South Carolina. A fisherman observed a formation of four spinning, highly-polished disc-shaped UFOs. They flew by noiselessly, and
each had a circular rim or projection on the underside, about one-quarter of the way from their edges. (Chapter 8, Ref 339)
330
Apr. 1947 Richmond, Virginia. Two Weather Bureau employees in Richmond observed a metallic elliptical disk through a theodolite on three occasions.
One sighting was at 15,000 feet, lasting 15 seconds. The disk had a flat bottom and round top, appeared below a weather balloon, and was
moving rapidly. (Chapter 8)
331
May. 1947 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. An RCA field engineer in Oklahoma City observed a disk flying at an altitude between 10,000 and 18,000 feet. The
object was moving northwards rapidly without leaving any trail. (Chapter 8)
332
Jun. 28, 1947 30 miles northwest of Lake Meade, Nevada. An Air Force lieutenant flying northwest of Lake Meade, Nevada, at 10,000 feet observed five or
six white circular objects in formation moving at an estimated speed of 285 miles per hour. (Chapter 8)
333
Jun. 29, 1947 Near White Sands, New Mexico V-2 firing grounds. A party of three, including two scientists, reported seeing a large disk or sphere moving
horizontally at high speed and an estimated altitude of 10,000 feet while heading towards a V-2 firing ground. The object, with no
protruding surfaces like wings, was visible for about 60 seconds before disappearing to the northeast. Two observers concurred on the
sighting details, but one believed he saw vapor trails. (Chapter 8, Ref 340)
334
Early 1947 Australia. Two schoolmates in a small town in Australia witnessed a significant UFO event on a cold night. The surroundings suddenly
illuminated brightly, prompting the boys to dismount their bicycles. They observed a large UFO hovering just above them, seemingly
resting on power lines. The object seemed to struggle with descending further due to its position between shops. The boys had a clear
view of it for about three minutes. Subsequent to this event, Australian newspapers reported multiple UFO sightings in nearby areas. (Chapter 8, Ref 341)
335
Jul. 1, 1947 Off the coast of the east African nation of Kenya. Passengers and crew aboard the steamer "Llandovery Castle" off the coast of Kenya
reported a massive, silent UFO pacing their vessel one night. The object, resembling a dirigible, was about twice the ship's length,
approximately 1,000 feet long, with a shiny surface. The ship's log noted the UFO descended to around 100 feet, projecting a brilliant
white light from below, and followed the ship at a half-mile distance. After a few minutes, the light went off, and the object
ascended into the darkness. (Chapter 8, Ref 342)
336
Aug. 1946 Tinker Air Force Base outside Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A civilian employee of Tinker Air Force Base encountered a lens-shaped, metallic
UFO with a "weathered aluminum finish" hovering over trees near her home. The object, estimated to be about 75 feet in diameter, had
around a dozen square windows on its lower portion. In each window, she observed the head and shoulders of human-like figures, which
appeared either bald or possibly wearing helmets. After observing her for a few minutes, the UFO rotated and quickly and silently flew away.
The witness, familiar with many conventional aircraft, believed this was something entirely different. (Chapter 8, Ref 343)
337
May. 1946 Sweden. A prominent Swedish businessman witnessed a disc-shaped object with a cupola, oval windows, a mast resembling a submarine's
periscope, an oblong fin, landing legs, and a ladder touching the ground. The UFO, approximately 53 feet in diameter, had turbine-like
holes from which jet beams emerged, scorching the grass upon departure. The mast emitted a strange pulsating purple light that covered
the object and nearby ground. The businessman observed multiple individuals, totaling 11, near the UFO. These individuals wore white
overalls, transparent helmets, black boots, gloves, and belts. The women had ashen-colored hair, while the men wore black caps.
The beings appeared sunburned. One guard had a black box hanging from his neck, which seemed to drain the battery of the witness's
forehead lamp upon being directed at him. The witness briefly left the site but returned to see the UFO ascend and depart rapidly. (Chapter 8, Ref 344)
338
Mid 1946 Johannesburg, South Africa. Two South African women observed a UFO hovering above a hotel roof in Johannesburg. The object was saucer-shaped
with a central gold-colored ball. They heard a clicking sound, and the ball detached and then re-attached itself above the main saucer. Two
seven-foot-tall human-like figures, resembling identical twins with fair complexions, broad shoulders, and short, wavy hair, appeared between
the saucer and the ball. Dressed in white uniforms with stiff collars and wide belts, the figures stood motionless, staring at the women.
The sighting concluded as the UFO and its occupants slowly moved away, obscured by a building. (Chapter 8, Ref 345)
339
Spring, 1947 Langley, British Columbia. In a remote area near Langley, British Columbia, two young boys encountered a UFO. One boy, while reading near a
creek, heard a hum before a silver-gray UFO landed in front of him. From it emerged several creatures resembling praying mantises, wearing
form-fitted silver-gray attire. One creature approached the boy, took his book, placed its hands on his shoulder, and communicated
telepathically, instructing him not to look up as they departed. When the boy eventually looked up, the UFO was ascending rapidly, pursued
ineffectively by four military planes. The other boy seemed in a daze, and the boy had to guide him away from the creek. Following the
encounter, they experienced extreme thirst and the boy felt ill for days. Later, they noticed a circle of burnt grass where the UFO had landed. (Chapter 8, Ref 346)
340
Jun. 1946 Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton OH. A young boy visiting Wright Field claimed to have seen a domed saucer around 20 feet in diameter
with three legs in a hangar. Next to it were several small, humanoid bodies with large, pear-shaped heads on stretchers. After being spotted
by a colonel, the boy's father lost his job. The boy's grandfather, an employee at the base, allegedly confirmed a UFO had been brought there. (Chapter 8, Ref 347)
341
Mid 1946 Oconomowoc Lake, Wisconsin. Three individuals witnessed a shiny object, resembling a silver-colored pointed cam, tumbling from the sky over
Oconomowoc Lake in Wisconsin. As it descended, a barn caught fire, and locals reported hearing an explosion. Despite the witness's attempt to
inform authorities, they dismissed the claims. (Chapter 8, Ref 348)
342
1946 Sweden. Beachgoers in Sweden observed a "projectile trailing luminous smoke" crashing into the sand, leaving a slag-like crater. Descriptions
mentioned a cylindrical object between 65 and 100 feet in diameter. Despite the testimony, the Swedish military dismissed the incident, suggesting
the witnesses had imagined it. (Chapter 8, Ref 349)
343
Oct. 1946 Arkansas and Wright Field, Dayton OH. Or Nov. A classic saucer-shaped UFO, resembling two soup bowls joined at the rim, was allegedly found in
Arkansas and moved to Wright Field. An ex-airman at the base described the craft as being 15 feet in diameter and 7 feet thick with a
series of rectangular windows. It had a brushed aluminum appearance and seemed to be made from a single material. The interior was mostly empty,
but featured a central cylinder about three feet in diameter. (Chapter 8, Ref 350)
344
1946 Either Arizona and New Mexico. Or 1947. Three construction company employees, after hearing a loud explosion, discovered the wreckage of an
unfamiliar aircraft. Nearby, they saw three small humanoid creatures, one of which seemed injured. Later, they were interrogated by individuals
who claimed the incident was related to a secret government project and instructed them to remain silent about what they witnessed. (Chapter 8, Ref 351)
345
Jan. 1947 Arizona. Two men, one a U.S. Navy enlisted individual on leave and the other recently discharged from the Army, encountered a disc-shaped object,
half-buried in the sand with a diameter of 30 feet, a thickness of 18 feet, a dome on top, and windows or portholes around its rim. They were
quickly ordered to leave the scene by military personnel. (Chapter 8, Ref 352)
346
May. 1947 Socorro, New Mexico. A former military photographer reported a UFO crash near Socorro, New Mexico. The crash resulted in one dead alien
occupant, while three others survived. These survivors made crying-like sounds and held box-like devices close to their chests, with one
appearing injured. The same witness later claimed to have filmed autopsies of alien beings on two occasions in 1947 and once in 1949. (Chapter 8, Ref 353)
347
Jun. 24, 1947 Chehalis, Washington. A private pilot named Kenneth Arnold observed a chain of nine peculiar-looking aircraft flying near Mount Rainier.
Initially thinking they were reflections from another plane, Arnold noticed that the objects flew like geese, in a diagonal, chain-like formation,
swerving between mountain peaks. These objects lacked visible tails and were estimated to be traveling at speeds of approximately 1,700 miles per
hour, faster than any known aircraft then. Arnold compared the span of the objects to the distance between the outermost engines of a DC-4,
which is around 60 feet. The sight deeply unsettled him as he was familiar with most flying objects. (Chapter 8, Ref 354)

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{
"Rife Timeline" : [
{
"date" : "1909",
"desc": "Phantom fliers refer to reports of seemingly ordinary airplanes behaving anomalously. Just a few years after the Wright brothers' inaugural flight, when most air travels were low-altitude and nighttime flights were rare, mysterious high-flying planes were spotted, especially during nighttime. On one Christmas Day, observers in New Haven reported a mysterious aircraft circling the city at a great height. Its exact appearance, pilot, and mechanics remained unclear, but its distinct flight pattern set it apart from known balloons or dirigibles. Though many had seen conventional planes, this sighting was unique. The aircraft was believed to be the same one spotted over New England for several months. (Chapter 9, Ref 355)",
"location" : "New Haven, Connecticut",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_348",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1909",
"desc": "A mysterious craft was observed at nighttime over Worcester, Massachusetts, with its silhouette resembling a monoplane similar to those used by European aviators Latham and Bleriot. The craft, witnessed by many, flew as low as 100 feet and rose up to 1,000 feet. Some observers reported seeing two men aboard, with one near a bright headlight and the other by a dimmer light. The aircraft demonstrated speeds of up to 80 miles per hour and could remain stationary in the air for up to 15 minutes, a capability not present in contemporary fixed-wing aircraft. (Chapter 9, Ref 356)",
"location" : "Worcester, Massachusetts",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_349",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1909",
"desc": "After mysterious aircraft sightings in New England, a Worcester man named Wallace E. Tillinghast came forward, claiming he had invented and built an advanced aeroplane. This aircraft could carry three passengers up to a distance of 300 miles at speeds of 120 miles an hour. Tillinghast's monoplane had a 72-foot wingspan, weighed 1,550 pounds, and was powered by a 120-horsepower gasoline engine he designed. Unique features of his plane included its uncapsizable design, the placement of occupants on the machine's body, and an acetylene gas headlight. Tillinghast kept many details secret, especially its location, as he intended to compete in upcoming Boston aviation contests. He emphasized that his machine was no prototype and had been successfully tested at night. (Chapter 9, Ref 357)",
"location" : "Worcester, Massachusetts",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_350",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1909",
"desc": "Conflicting reports surround Tillinghast's claimed aeroplane. A businessman stated he saw and sat in Tillinghast's craft, describing it as a large boat-like aircraft with wings, powered by a 125-horsepower engine. Meanwhile, a journalist's investigation led to a secluded estate connected to Paul B. Morgan, a known associate of Tillinghast. The journalist believed the estate's large shed might house the mysterious aeroplane but was arrested before confirming this. Paul B. Morgan's past investment in a failed Swedish aviator's project and his connection to Tillinghast further fueled speculations. Contrarily, Tillinghast's promise to showcase his invention at an airshow fell flat when neither he nor his aircraft appeared. (Chapter 9, Refs 358, 359)",
"location" : "Area of Worcester, New England",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_351",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1910",
"desc": "In 1910, an unidentified aircraft made a nocturnal pass over Manhattan. A New York newspaper reported that a \"long, black object\" with the sound of a motor was spotted flying at a low altitude. As it approached, it resembled a biplane and gracefully circled around the illuminated Metropolitan Life Insurance Company tower, its silhouette visible against the building's window lights. (Chapter 9, Ref 360)",
"location" : "New York City, New York",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_352",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1914",
"desc": "In 1914, amidst the tensions of World War I, Canadians believed they were being surveyed from the sky, suspecting German involvement. Despite the fact that no German aircraft could conduct a trans-Atlantic raid at that time, sightings persisted. A newspaper from the Niagara area reported that Captain Scobell and his soldiers guarding the Welland Canal witnessed unidentified airships with red lights flying over the city on multiple nights. One such aircraft even dropped a large rocket, which was later found by the soldiers. On one occasion, an airship flew so close to the city that the soldiers could clearly see its framework. (Chapter 9, Ref 361)",
"location" : "Welland Canal, Canada",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_353",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1914",
"desc": "A month after initial sightings, there were continued reports of a mysterious airship over Niagara Falls. These reports caused concern among the locals, especially given the wartime environment. Military personnel were on high alert, watching for the unidentified craft at night. In response to these sightings and the ongoing war, the Canadian government prohibited the use of any aeroplanes, whether private or public. Despite this, many residents claimed to have heard the noise of an aircraft at night and reported seeing lights moving across the sky, believed to be from the mysterious flying machine. (Chapter 9, Ref 362)",
"location" : "Niagara Falls",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_354",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Early 1915",
"desc": "In early 1915, the mysterious aircraft was sighted during daylight over Buffalo, New York. Witnesses could clearly see its outline, noting its rapid pace and its erratic movements, at times heading towards the Canadian shore before quickly changing direction. This sighting caused a significant stir and excitement among local residents. (Chapter 9, Ref 363)",
"location" : "Buffalo, New York",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_355",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1/1916",
"desc": "In January 1916, a Canadian newspaper reported a large monoplane sighting over Stamford. Many residents witnessed it, especially with the aid of glasses, noting its significant size. The aircraft displayed numerous lights: red and white on each side, totaling 27 lights, and also had a powerful headlight. Initially, it moved in the direction of the Welland Canal, but later changed its path to head westward. (Chapter 9, Ref 364)",
"location" : "Stamford, Canada",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_356",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1916",
"desc": "During harsh Canadian winter nights, there were extraordinary sightings of unidentified aircraft, including at night. Due to concerns over these mysterious intrusions, the Canadian government took preventive measures by extinguishing the lights of the parliament buildings in Ottawa to deter potential enemy bombings. These precautions were deemed successful as Ottawa remained unbombed. (Chapter 9, Ref 365)",
"location" : "Canadian Capitol",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_357",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "3/1934",
"desc": "During the 1930s, Scandinavia experienced a surge in \"phantom flier\" sightings, with numerous reports of unidentified aircraft, often seen at night and in challenging winter conditions. While some of these incidents might have astronomical explanations, others seemed to be intelligently-controlled objects. In one such incident from March 1934, a Norwegian teenager reported seeing a fast-moving, elongated object with multiple lights of various colors, distinguishing it from stars and the northern lights. The object was traveling southward at a high speed. (Chapter 9, Ref 366)",
"location" : "Norway",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_358",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1/1934",
"desc": "The crew of a Norwegian freighter reported a close encounter with an unidentified aircraft at sea. An airplane suddenly approached their vessel, flying very close before banking away. It then circled above the ship, illuminating the deck with a bright searchlight. The aircraft was described as large, gray, and without any markings. The captain compared it to a plane used by polar explorer Roald Amundsen, noting he could even see the pilot's goggles and hooded jacket. (Chapter 9, Ref 367)",
"location" : "At sea near Norway",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_359",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1945",
"desc": "Phantom fliers frequently circled strategic installations and inspected them with searchlights. An air force general released a statement confirming illegal air traffic over secret military areas, emphasizing that reliable witnesses made numerous reports. In all cases, no insignias or identifying marks were visible on the aircraft. (Chapter 9, Ref 368)",
"location" : "Sweden",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_360",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1930's",
"desc": "Mystery aircraft engaged in dangerous maneuvers that were considered improbable for pilots of the time, such as flying in blizzards at night and circling at very low altitudes with engines off. These aircraft were often described as being larger than known planes of the period, with one sighting reporting eight propellers. When the Swedish air force launched a search mission involving 24 planes in response to these sightings, they found no trace of the phantom fliers. Instead, two of their own planes crashed due to challenging conditions, while no reports emerged of the phantom fliers experiencing crashes or needing repairs throughout the entire wave of sightings. (Chapter 9, Ref 369)",
"location" : "Scandinavia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_361",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Mid 1940's",
"desc": "Following the Second World War, Scandinavia witnessed thousands of reports of missile-like objects, often termed \"ghost rockets,\" streaking across its skies, with some reportedly impacting the terrain. Concerned by the phenomenon, the U.S. government discreetly sent aviation expert General James Doolittle to investigate, framing it as a business trip. (Chapter 9, Ref 370)",
"location" : "Scandinavia",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_362",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1946",
"desc": "In 1946, Sweden recorded over 1,000 ghost rocket sightings. A public report by the Swedish military attributed 80% of these sightings to natural celestial phenomena, especially after public interest was piqued. However, some sightings remain unexplained. Collaborations with astronomers suggested that some sightings, particularly those in July and August, were likely meteors or meteorites. Despite efforts to determine the nature of these phenomena, including radar tracking, definite conclusions remained elusive. The debris from supposed crash sites mostly consisted of coke or slag-like materials, and no evidence of any space projectile was found. (Chapter 9, Ref 371)",
"location" : "Sweden",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_363",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1946",
"desc": "Approximate date. A secret British intelligence report analyzed visual observations from Scandinavia and highlighted the projectiles' most notable characteristics: their great speed, intense associated light, silent operation, and approximately horizontal flight. The report noted that if these phenomena are natural, they are unusual. (Chapter 9, Ref 372)",
"location" : "Britain",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_364",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "7/1946",
"desc": "Several witnesses in July 1946 reported seeing an object resembling a German V-1 missile crash into Lake Mjosa in southeastern Norway. It was described as cigar-shaped, about 8 feet in length, with wings and making a whistling noise. The object appeared shiny at its front and rear, while its middle and wings were dark-colored. Some witnesses believed they saw two such objects. The Norwegian military investigated the incident but did not disclose their findings. (Chapter 9, Ref 373)",
"location" : "Lake Mjosa, southeastern Norway",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_365",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "7/1946",
"desc": "The day after an incident in Norway, a similar event was reported in Sweden, where an object crashed into Lake Kolmjarv around noon. Eyewitnesses heard a humming sound and saw a rocket-like device diving towards the lake. The object had a snub nose, a pointed stern, and possibly wing-like protrusions. It made a loud, unfamiliar noise while airborne and sounded like an explosion upon impact with the water. A Swedish military unit investigated the site and reportedly found an impact crater at the bottom of the lake but no remains of the object. (Chapter 9, Ref 374)",
"location" : "Lake Kolmjarv, northern Sweden",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_366",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "7/1946",
"desc": "Approximate date. An American aviation magazine reported that an unidentified missile reportedly fell into a lake in Sweden. Authorities promptly responded and conducted a search operation with around 600 military personnel. Witnesses claimed that heavy, concealed materials were transported out of the area under the cover of darkness. The incident then seemingly faded from public discourse. (Chapter 9, Ref 375)",
"location" : "Sweden",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_367",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "8/1946",
"desc": "Approximate date. A Swedish scientist, while observing clouds through a telescope, spotted a luminous point on the horizon. Initially mistaking it for an airplane, he soon realized its speed was too great. Within moments, he got a full view of the object, describing it as torpedo-shaped, metallic, and approximately 90 feet long. Despite its proximity (about 1-1/4 miles away), the object made no sound. It emitted an intense light when it exploded, but there were no visible signs of fire, smoke, or sparks. (Chapter 9, Ref 376)",
"location" : "Sweden",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_368",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "8/1946",
"desc": "A Swedish air force pilot reported seeing a dark, cigar-shaped object while flying over the central region of the country. As per a declassified U.S. intelligence report, the object was around 50 feet above and roughly 6,500 feet away from the pilot, traveling at an estimated 400 mph. Interestingly, the missile had no visible wings, rudders, or any other projecting parts and did not show any signs of fuel exhaust. It maintained a constant altitude, even over varying terrain, which was considered unusual. This capability might have seemed improbable then, but a Swedish defense expert later suggested that if the observations were accurate, the details could point to some kind of advanced cruise missile, although no one had such sophisticated technology in that period. (Chapter 9, Refs 377, 378)",
"location" : "Sweden",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_369",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1946",
"desc": "Approximate date. The most widely accepted theory regarding ghost rockets is that they were V-2 rockets or possibly their predecessor, the V-1 guided missile, similar to those used by Hitler during World War II. It was speculated that the Russians were test-flying these from the former German rocket facility at Peenemunde on the Baltic coast. Though this theory was initially dismissed by various governments, a once-classified memo to President Harry Truman from General Hoyt Vandenberg suggested otherwise. The memo revealed that Peenemunde was operational and, based on Swedish radar data, most rocket launchings were traced back to this area. Additionally, reports indicated that a Soviet ship was monitoring these missile passages, and there were warnings against ship travel in parts of the Baltic. It was concluded that the USSR was likely conducting large-scale guided-missile tests in the Baltic region, primarily for scientific purposes. The proximity of Peenemunde's manufacturing facilities, materials, and expertise made it a logical choice for such activities over establishing new facilities in Russia. (Chapter 9, Ref 380)",
"location" : "Peenemunde",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_370",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "8/20/1946",
"desc": "\"Huge, elongated projectiles passed overhead at prodigious speeds, emitting a whistling noise\". (Chapter 9, Ref 382)",
"location" : "Near Dijon, France",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_371",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Early 9/1946",
"desc": "In early September, the Greek government reported that flying rockets were observed over the northern part of Greece, with one seen over Salonika falling into the sea. A total of four rockets were witnessed. (Chapter 9, Ref 383)",
"location" : "Greece",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_372",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Mid 9/1946",
"desc": "Ghost rockets were witnessed over Morocco on two consecutive nights in mid-September. One was observed over the town of Fez, while another was seen near Tangier. Both projectiles appeared to fly at low altitudes from east to west, moving rapidly and trailing a long tail of yellow and green light. (Chapter 9, Ref 384)",
"location" : "Morocco",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_373",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Late 9/1946",
"desc": "British troops in Germany reported seeing \"spook bombs\" over the Dutch-German frontier. These missiles, resembling flying bombs, were observed moving rapidly from east to west. Similar reports were logged in Switzerland and Ireland around this time. (Chapter 9, Refs 385, 386)",
"location" : "Dutch-German border",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_374",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Mid 9/1946",
"desc": "Officials at a Lisbon observatory could not explain reports from various parts of Portugal of bright, greenish balls of light moving southwards, reminiscent of the ball of light variety of the later foo fighters. (Chapter 9, Ref 387)",
"location" : "Portugal",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_375",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1946",
"desc": "Reports emerged of flying fireballs with glowing tails moving noiselessly at high speed during the night over the north and east of Holland. (Chapter 9, Ref 388)",
"location" : "Holland",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_376",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "Late 9/1946",
"desc": "In Belgium, police examined remnants of a projectile, described as a \"ball of light,\" that fell outside a residence. The homeowner reported seeing the object approach at \"terrific speed\" around midnight, and upon landing, it emitted a cloud of smoke. (Chapter 9, Ref 389)",
"location" : "Belgium",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_377",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1906",
"desc": "In 1906, near Anadarko, Oklahoma, five farm workers witnessed a peculiar aerial procession around dusk. The objects resembled a 16-foot long stovepipe with a diameter of 9 or 10 inches. Initially, one object was seen flying around 60 feet high, but it descended and flew by them at eye level. Another followed, identical in appearance. The men watched multiple such objects pass by for nearly 20 minutes. (Chapter 9, Ref 390)",
"location" : "Anadarko, Oklahoma",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_378",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
},
{
"date" : "1907",
"desc": "In 1907, in Burlington, Vermont, prominent citizens, including a clergyman, ex-Governor Moodbury, and Mr. A.A. Buell, witnessed a remarkable aerial event. They were startled by a loud explosion and upon looking eastward, saw a torpedo-shaped object suspended about 50 feet above the buildings, approximately 300 feet away. The object was around six feet long and eight inches in diameter, with a dark shell from which red-hot, copper-like flames sporadically emerged. Initially stationary, the object began moving southward over Dolan Brothers' store, emitting intense red flames from ruptures on its surface. It was surrounded by a dim halo of light roughly 20 feet in diameter. The phenomenon left no noticeable odor or damage. The clergyman expressed a fervent hope to never witness such an event again. (Chapter 9, Ref 391)",
"location" : "Burlington, Vermont",
"ref": "[_It Didn't Start with Roswell_, by Philip L. Rife, 2001](https://archive.org/details/it-didnt-start-with-roswell-50-years-of-amazing-ufo-crashes-close-encounters-and)",
"source_id" : "Rife_379",
"source" : "Rife",
"type" : "UFO sighting"
}
] }

165
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348
1909 New Haven, Connecticut. Phantom fliers refer to reports of seemingly ordinary airplanes behaving anomalously. Just a few years after the
Wright brothers' inaugural flight, when most air travels were low-altitude and nighttime flights were rare, mysterious high-flying planes
were spotted, especially during nighttime. On one Christmas Day, observers in New Haven reported a mysterious aircraft circling the
city at a great height. Its exact appearance, pilot, and mechanics remained unclear, but its distinct flight pattern set it apart from
known balloons or dirigibles. Though many had seen conventional planes, this sighting was unique. The aircraft was believed to be the same
one spotted over New England for several months. (Chapter 9, Ref 355)
349
1909 Worcester, Massachusetts. A mysterious craft was observed at nighttime over Worcester, Massachusetts, with its silhouette resembling a
monoplane similar to those used by European aviators Latham and Bleriot. The craft, witnessed by many, flew as low as 100 feet and
rose up to 1,000 feet. Some observers reported seeing two men aboard, with one near a bright headlight and the other by a dimmer light. The
aircraft demonstrated speeds of up to 80 miles per hour and could remain stationary in the air for up to 15 minutes, a capability not
present in contemporary fixed-wing aircraft. (Chapter 9, Ref 356)
350
1909 Worcester, Massachusetts. After mysterious aircraft sightings in New England, a Worcester man named Wallace E. Tillinghast came forward,
claiming he had invented and built an advanced aeroplane. This aircraft could carry three passengers up to a distance of 300 miles at
speeds of 120 miles an hour. Tillinghast's monoplane had a 72-foot wingspan, weighed 1,550 pounds, and was powered by a 120-horsepower
gasoline engine he designed. Unique features of his plane included its uncapsizable design, the placement of occupants on the machine's
body, and an acetylene gas headlight. Tillinghast kept many details secret, especially its location, as he intended to compete in
upcoming Boston aviation contests. He emphasized that his machine was no prototype and had been successfully tested at night. (Chapter 9, Ref 357)
351
1909 Area of Worcester, New England. Conflicting reports surround Tillinghast's claimed aeroplane. A businessman stated he saw and sat in
Tillinghast's craft, describing it as a large boat-like aircraft with wings, powered by a 125-horsepower engine. Meanwhile, a journalist's
investigation led to a secluded estate connected to Paul B. Morgan, a known associate of Tillinghast. The journalist believed the estate's
large shed might house the mysterious aeroplane but was arrested before confirming this. Paul B. Morgan's past investment in a failed
Swedish aviator's project and his connection to Tillinghast further fueled speculations. Contrarily, Tillinghast's promise to showcase his
invention at an airshow fell flat when neither he nor his aircraft appeared. (Chapter 9, Refs 358, 359)
352
1910 New York City, New York. In 1910, an unidentified aircraft made a nocturnal pass over Manhattan. A New York newspaper reported that a "long,
black object" with the sound of a motor was spotted flying at a low altitude. As it approached, it resembled a biplane and gracefully
circled around the illuminated Metropolitan Life Insurance Company tower, its silhouette visible against the building's window lights. (Chapter 9, Ref 360)
353
1914 Welland Canal, Canada. In 1914, amidst the tensions of World War I, Canadians believed they were being surveyed from the sky, suspecting
German involvement. Despite the fact that no German aircraft could conduct a trans-Atlantic raid at that time, sightings persisted. A
newspaper from the Niagara area reported that Captain Scobell and his soldiers guarding the Welland Canal witnessed unidentified airships
with red lights flying over the city on multiple nights. One such aircraft even dropped a large rocket, which was later found by the
soldiers. On one occasion, an airship flew so close to the city that the soldiers could clearly see its framework. (Chapter 9, Ref 361)
354
1914 Niagara Falls. A month after initial sightings, there were continued reports of a mysterious airship over Niagara Falls. These reports
caused concern among the locals, especially given the wartime environment. Military personnel were on high alert, watching for the
unidentified craft at night. In response to these sightings and the ongoing war, the Canadian government prohibited the use of
any aeroplanes, whether private or public. Despite this, many residents claimed to have heard the noise of an aircraft at night
and reported seeing lights moving across the sky, believed to be from the mysterious flying machine. (Chapter 9, Ref 362)
355
Early 1915 Buffalo, New York. In early 1915, the mysterious aircraft was sighted during daylight over Buffalo, New York. Witnesses could clearly see
its outline, noting its rapid pace and its erratic movements, at times heading towards the Canadian shore before quickly changing
direction. This sighting caused a significant stir and excitement among local residents. (Chapter 9, Ref 363)
356
Jan. 1916 Stamford, Canada. In January 1916, a Canadian newspaper reported a large monoplane sighting over Stamford. Many residents witnessed it,
especially with the aid of glasses, noting its significant size. The aircraft displayed numerous lights: red and white on each
side, totaling 27 lights, and also had a powerful headlight. Initially, it moved in the direction of the Welland Canal, but later
changed its path to head westward. (Chapter 9, Ref 364)
357
1916 Canadian Capitol. During harsh Canadian winter nights, there were extraordinary sightings of unidentified aircraft, including at night. Due
to concerns over these mysterious intrusions, the Canadian government took preventive measures by extinguishing the lights of the
parliament buildings in Ottawa to deter potential enemy bombings. These precautions were deemed successful as Ottawa remained unbombed. (Chapter 9, Ref 365)
358
Mar. 1934 Norway. During the 1930s, Scandinavia experienced a surge in "phantom flier" sightings, with numerous reports of unidentified aircraft,
often seen at night and in challenging winter conditions. While some of these incidents might have astronomical explanations, others
seemed to be intelligently-controlled objects. In one such incident from March 1934, a Norwegian teenager reported seeing a
fast-moving, elongated object with multiple lights of various colors, distinguishing it from stars and the northern lights. The object
was traveling southward at a high speed. (Chapter 9, Ref 366)
359
Jan. 1934 At sea near Norway. The crew of a Norwegian freighter reported a close encounter with an unidentified aircraft at sea. An airplane suddenly
approached their vessel, flying very close before banking away. It then circled above the ship, illuminating the deck with a bright searchlight.
The aircraft was described as large, gray, and without any markings. The captain compared it to a plane used by polar explorer Roald
Amundsen, noting he could even see the pilot's goggles and hooded jacket. (Chapter 9, Ref 367)
360
1945 Sweden. Phantom fliers frequently circled strategic installations and inspected them with searchlights. An air force general released a
statement confirming illegal air traffic over secret military areas, emphasizing that reliable witnesses made numerous reports. In all
cases, no insignias or identifying marks were visible on the aircraft. (Chapter 9, Ref 368)
361
1930's Scandinavia. Mystery aircraft engaged in dangerous maneuvers that were considered improbable for pilots of the time, such as flying in
blizzards at night and circling at very low altitudes with engines off. These aircraft were often described as being larger than known
planes of the period, with one sighting reporting eight propellers. When the Swedish air force launched a search mission involving 24
planes in response to these sightings, they found no trace of the phantom fliers. Instead, two of their own planes crashed due to
challenging conditions, while no reports emerged of the phantom fliers experiencing crashes or needing repairs throughout the
entire wave of sightings. (Chapter 9, Ref 369)
362
Mid 1940's Scandinavia. Following the Second World War, Scandinavia witnessed thousands of reports of missile-like objects, often termed
"ghost rockets," streaking across its skies, with some reportedly impacting the terrain. Concerned by the phenomenon, the U.S.
government discreetly sent aviation expert General James Doolittle to investigate, framing it as a business trip. (Chapter 9, Ref 370)
363
1946 Sweden. In 1946, Sweden recorded over 1,000 ghost rocket sightings. A public report by the Swedish military attributed 80% of these
sightings to natural celestial phenomena, especially after public interest was piqued. However, some sightings remain unexplained.
Collaborations with astronomers suggested that some sightings, particularly those in July and August, were likely meteors or meteorites.
Despite efforts to determine the nature of these phenomena, including radar tracking, definite conclusions remained elusive. The debris
from supposed crash sites mostly consisted of coke or slag-like materials, and no evidence of any space projectile was found. (Chapter 9, Ref 371)
364
1946 Britain. Approximate date. A secret British intelligence report analyzed visual observations from Scandinavia and highlighted the projectiles'
most notable characteristics: their great speed, intense associated light, silent operation, and approximately horizontal flight. The report
noted that if these phenomena are natural, they are unusual. (Chapter 9, Ref 372)
365
Jul. 1946 Lake Mjosa, southeastern Norway. Several witnesses in July 1946 reported seeing an object resembling a German V-1 missile crash into Lake
Mjosa in southeastern Norway. It was described as cigar-shaped, about 8 feet in length, with wings and making a whistling noise. The object
appeared shiny at its front and rear, while its middle and wings were dark-colored. Some witnesses believed they saw two such objects. The
Norwegian military investigated the incident but did not disclose their findings. (Chapter 9, Ref 373)
366
Jul. 1946 Lake Kolmjarv, northern Sweden. The day after an incident in Norway, a similar event was reported in Sweden, where an object crashed into
Lake Kolmjarv around noon. Eyewitnesses heard a humming sound and saw a rocket-like device diving towards the lake. The object had a
snub nose, a pointed stern, and possibly wing-like protrusions. It made a loud, unfamiliar noise while airborne and sounded like an
explosion upon impact with the water. A Swedish military unit investigated the site and reportedly found an impact crater at the bottom
of the lake but no remains of the object. (Chapter 9, Ref 374)
367
Jul. 1946 Sweden. Approximate date. An American aviation magazine reported that an unidentified missile reportedly fell into a lake in Sweden. Authorities
promptly responded and conducted a search operation with around 600 military personnel. Witnesses claimed that heavy, concealed materials
were transported out of the area under the cover of darkness. The incident then seemingly faded from public discourse. (Chapter 9, Ref 375)
368
Aug. 1946 Sweden. Approximate date. A Swedish scientist, while observing clouds through a telescope, spotted a luminous point on the horizon. Initially
mistaking it for an airplane, he soon realized its speed was too great. Within moments, he got a full view of the object, describing it
as torpedo-shaped, metallic, and approximately 90 feet long. Despite its proximity (about 1-1/4 miles away), the object made no sound. It
emitted an intense light when it exploded, but there were no visible signs of fire, smoke, or sparks. (Chapter 9, Ref 376)
369
Aug. 1946 Sweden. A Swedish air force pilot reported seeing a dark, cigar-shaped object while flying over the central region of the country. As per
a declassified U.S. intelligence report, the object was around 50 feet above and roughly 6,500 feet away from the pilot, traveling at an
estimated 400 mph. Interestingly, the missile had no visible wings, rudders, or any other projecting parts and did not show any signs of
fuel exhaust. It maintained a constant altitude, even over varying terrain, which was considered unusual. This capability might have
seemed improbable then, but a Swedish defense expert later suggested that if the observations were accurate, the details could point to
some kind of advanced cruise missile, although no one had such sophisticated technology in that period. (Chapter 9, Refs 377, 378)
370
1946 Peenemunde. Approximate date. The most widely accepted theory regarding ghost rockets is that they were V-2 rockets or possibly their
predecessor, the V-1 guided missile, similar to those used by Hitler during World War II. It was speculated that the Russians were
test-flying these from the former German rocket facility at Peenemunde on the Baltic coast. Though this theory was initially
dismissed by various governments, a once-classified memo to President Harry Truman from General Hoyt Vandenberg suggested otherwise.
The memo revealed that Peenemunde was operational and, based on Swedish radar data, most rocket launchings were traced back to
this area. Additionally, reports indicated that a Soviet ship was monitoring these missile passages, and there were warnings
against ship travel in parts of the Baltic. It was concluded that the USSR was likely conducting large-scale guided-missile tests
in the Baltic region, primarily for scientific purposes. The proximity of Peenemunde's manufacturing facilities, materials, and
expertise made it a logical choice for such activities over establishing new facilities in Russia. (Chapter 9, Ref 380)
371
Aug. 20, 1946 Near Dijon, France. "Huge, elongated projectiles passed overhead at prodigious speeds, emitting a whistling noise".
(Chapter 9, Ref 382)
372
Early Sep. 1946 Greece. In early September, the Greek government reported that flying rockets were observed over the northern part of Greece, with
one seen over Salonika falling into the sea. A total of four rockets were witnessed. (Chapter 9, Ref 383)
373
Mid Sep. 1946 Morocco. Ghost rockets were witnessed over Morocco on two consecutive nights in mid-September. One was observed over the town of
Fez, while another was seen near Tangier. Both projectiles appeared to fly at low altitudes from east to west, moving rapidly
and trailing a long tail of yellow and green light. (Chapter 9, Ref 384)
374
Late Sep. 1946 Dutch-German border. British troops in Germany reported seeing "spook bombs" over the Dutch-German frontier. These missiles,
resembling flying bombs, were observed moving rapidly from east to west. Similar reports were logged in Switzerland and Ireland around this time.
(Chapter 9, Refs 385, 386)
375
Mid Sep. 1946 Portugal. Officials at a Lisbon observatory could not explain reports from various parts of Portugal of bright, greenish balls of light
moving southwards, reminiscent of the ball of light variety of the later foo fighters. (Chapter 9, Ref 387)
376
1946 Holland. Reports emerged of flying fireballs with glowing tails moving noiselessly at high speed during the night over the north and
east of Holland. (Chapter 9, Ref 388)
377
Late Sep. 1946 Belgium. In Belgium, police examined remnants of a projectile, described as a "ball of light," that fell outside a residence. The homeowner
reported seeing the object approach at "terrific speed" around midnight, and upon landing, it emitted a cloud of smoke. (Chapter 9, Ref 389)
378
1906 Anadarko, Oklahoma. In 1906, near Anadarko, Oklahoma, five farm workers witnessed a peculiar aerial procession around dusk. The objects
resembled a 16-foot long stovepipe with a diameter of 9 or 10 inches. Initially, one object was seen flying around 60 feet high, but it
descended and flew by them at eye level. Another followed, identical in appearance. The men watched multiple such objects pass by for
nearly 20 minutes. (Chapter 9, Ref 390)
379
1907 Burlington, Vermont. In 1907, in Burlington, Vermont, prominent citizens, including a clergyman, ex-Governor Moodbury, and Mr. A.A. Buell,
witnessed a remarkable aerial event. They were startled by a loud explosion and upon looking eastward, saw a torpedo-shaped object
suspended about 50 feet above the buildings, approximately 300 feet away. The object was around six feet long and eight inches in
diameter, with a dark shell from which red-hot, copper-like flames sporadically emerged. Initially stationary, the object began moving
southward over Dolan Brothers' store, emitting intense red flames from ruptures on its surface. It was surrounded by a dim halo of light
roughly 20 feet in diameter. The phenomenon left no noticeable odor or damage. The clergyman expressed a fervent hope to never witness
such an event again. (Chapter 9, Ref 391)