Union, Oregon: Arnold encounters small disc cluster en route to Maury Island
Pilot Kenneth Arnold observed approximately 25 small brass-colored disc objects near Union, Oregon while flying to investigate the Maury Island incident. The objects approached within 1,200 feet of his aircraft before rapidly departing.
Background
Sighting Details
Kenneth Arnold was piloting an aircraft toward Tacoma, Washington on July 29, 1947 at approximately 6:55 a.m. to investigate the Maury Island mystery. While positioned over Union, Oregon and preparing to land at La Grande for refueling, he observed a formation of approximately 25 small objects.
Object Characteristics
The objects were described as brass-colored discs measuring 24–30 inches in diameter, each featuring a distinctive spot in the center. They traveled at extremely high velocity and approached Arnold's aircraft to within 1,200 feet before abruptly changing course and departing.
Subsequent Actions
After landing at La Grande, Arnold contacted aviation editor David N. Johnson to report the encounter. He continued to Tacoma, where he checked into room 502 at the Winthrop Hotel. That evening, Harold A. Dahl visited Arnold and subsequently transported him to Fred Crisman's residence to examine fragments allegedly from the Maury Island incident, which Arnold assessed as resembling lava.
Connections
References
More community notes about this entry
These are personal research notes that community members chose to publish. They are not an editorial publication by the platform.