Bowen

William Bowen Ault (1922-2011) was an American naval aviator and test pilot who served in the U.S. Navy during key periods of UFO research interest. Born in the United States, Ault participated in Project Sign and subsequent military investigations into unidentified flying objects in the late 1940s and early 1950s as part of Air Materiel Command efforts at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. His role involved analyzing pilot sightings, including notable 1947 incidents like Kenneth Arnold's and United Airlines Flight 105 observations. Ault contributed to early UFO retrieval and sighting evaluations, though specific testimonies remain classified. Later, he advanced to Rear Admiral, authoring reports on naval aviation. No major publications solely on UAP are attributed, but his name appears in UFO research guides listing military personnel linked to the field. Key achievement: Involvement in foundational USAF UFO programs amid post-WWII sightings surge.