Unidentified radar object at Bergstrom AFB in 1953

Summary

In January 1953, a radar technician at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas, reported an unidentified object detected on the AN/NPM-1 GCA radar system. The technician, T/Sgt Gerald V. Kelley, observed a blurry return measuring 3/16 inch in width and 3/4 inch in length. The object appeared 21 miles away, moving rapidly before stopping momentarily and then disappearing. There were no visual sightings or other reports of objects in the area. Weather conditions such as clouds or rain were considered as possible causes, but no definitive conclusion was reached. The case was sent to ATIC for analysis, and while a radar malfunction was ruled out, no final determination was made.

The report includes statements from the technician and the responsible officer, highlighting Kelley's experience and the inability to identify the return with conventional objects. Additional weather data was requested, but no photos were taken and no interception attempts were made. The case remains classified as "unknown" in military records, reflecting the ambiguity of the observation and the lack of conclusive evidence.