Richard M. Bissell Jr.

Richard M. Bissell Jr. (1909–1994) was an American CIA officer and key figure in U.S. intelligence during the Cold War. As Deputy Director for Plans, he oversaw highly classified programs including the U-2 spy plane and AQUATONE, which selected Groom Lake (Area 51) as a secure test site in 1955. In UFO-related matters, Bissell received a June 1957 CIA memorandum on 'Unidentified Flying Saucers (UFO)' from the Office of the Director, Planning and Coordination Staff, addressing ongoing sightings amid national security concerns. His papers at the Eisenhower Library include UFO correspondence files from 1931–1994. Bissell played no direct leadership role in UFO investigations like Project SIGN or the Robertson Panel but was briefed due to his reconnaissance expertise. No notable UFO publications or testimony are recorded.