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| CUFON DOCUMENT SAMPLER 5004th AIR INTELLIGENCE SERVICE SQUADRON UNIT HISTORY |
| 29-Dec-1998 Like the other CUFON Document Samplers - ( 4602d AISS History and 1952 CIA Documents ) - this file contains all UFO-related material from the source documents. In this case, the source are microfilmed copies of the Unit Historical Reports of the 5004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron obtained from the United States Air Force Historical Research Agency, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Also, like the other CUFON Document Samplers, other material is included to give a picture of the unit's organization and to highlight other interesting items from the source material. The reports cover the time period from April 1, 1952 to the deactivation of the 5004th on April 1, 1959. We decided to ask for declassification of the 5004th Unit Histories after seeing the wealth of information which came from the Unit Histories of the 4602d AISS. We thought that since the 4602d AISS had responsibility for UFO investigations in the Zone of the Interior (ZI, the 48 United States), perhaps the 5004th AISS might have had similar responsibilities in the area of responsibility of Alaskan Air Command to which it was attached. Unfortunately, this apparently wasn't the case. Like all other Air Force units, the 5004th was tasked with UFO reporting, and did conduct some investigations; there was even a Squadron Regulation mirroring AFR 200-2. The activities of the 5004th AISS utilized many methods of observing Russian activity directly and indirectly. At least two major Soviet Aerodromes were located close across the Bering Straight, and Soviet ships could be tracked coming and going. Some specific activities of the 5004th were liaison with many local agencies, towns and villages, collection of flotsam along the beaches during the summer, photographic surveillance of Soviet shipping, search and rescue missions, maintenance of survival caches across Alaska, and later, maintenance of target information centers for Strategic Air Command aircraft, and finally, establishment and operation of an Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) center. Two non-UFO incidents covered in the Unit History are the recovery of a World War II Japanese "Fugo" balloon, and of a Project 119L aerial surveillance balloon. Jim Klotz, CUFON SYSOP TEXT NOTES: CUFON comments are in [ square brackets ] = = = = = = indicates a page break |
| CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION RCS: 1-AF-D2 HISTORICAL REPORT FOR 5004TH AIR INTEL SV SQ 1 APRIL 1952 TO 30 JUNE 1952 |
CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION The mission of the 5004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron is the collection of air intelligence and intelligence information within the Alaskan Air Command. In order to provide training essential to the accomplishment of the above mission a comprehensive program of classroom and field training was initiated. As a further means of increasing the operational effectiveness of the organization a trip was made to the Far East Air Force Command to observe the operation of an Air Intelligence Service Squadron under combat conditions. Other intelligence activity included completion of a Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants study requested by the Director of Intelligence, several field trips and a number of local investigations. 1 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION I. ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION Organization The Table of Distribution with which the squadron entered the second quarter consisted of forty (40) officers and one hundred (100) airmen. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] The Table of Distribution for June 1952 was revised to read thirty-nine (39) officers and one hundred (100) airmen. The reduction of one officer was made in the grade of Captain, with assignment as Photo Interpreter. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] 2 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION The two investigations 3 & 4 were local area sightings of unidentified flying objects. An investigation of the two reported sightings disclosed the presence of a tow target and a weather balloon in the immediate vicinity at that time, which apparently were the objects sighted. In compliance with a request from the Director of Intelligence, Alaskan Air Command, dated 14 April 1952, an Air Intelligence team was sent to St Lawrence Island to assure that Alaskan Air Command requirements on reporting procedures were being observed by the 160th Aircraft and Warning detachment; to obtain a composite photograph of the Siberian coastal area and the adjacent shipping channel; and to determine the advisability of maintaining a photographer at Gambel during the forth-coming Soviet shipping season. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] On 6 May 1952, the Director of Intelligence, Alaskan Air Command requested that one officer be sent to Sparrevohn to investigate Radar Track #86. A verbal report was made upon completion of the trip. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] 8 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION Special projects assigned to the Photo Unit during the quarter included: making 35 mm. Color slides of the radar coverage in Alaska, aerial photography of gun emplacements for the 68th Anti-Aircraft Artillery group, aerial photography of all radar sites and air strips north of Elmendorf Air Force Base and of all strips within a twenty-five (25) mile radius of Elmendorf Air Force Base. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Total output for the period was 3700 prints and 1075 negatives. 18 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION TRIP TO 6004TH AIR INTELLIGENCE SERVICE SQUADRON In accordance with Headquarters, Alaskan Air Command, Letter Orders No. 556, dated 22 April 1952, three officers departed this organization for 30 days temporary Duty with the 6004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron assigned to the Far East Air Forces. It was felt by members of this organization that through observation of a combat operational 6004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron, namely, the operations, organization, methods and techniques, much valuable information could be brought back to this organization. The team departed Elmendorf Air Force Base, 25 April 1952, arrived at Tokyo, Japan, 27 April 1952, and reported to the Commanding Officer of the 6004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron. The team members were introduced to the Deputy of Intelligence, Far Eastern Air Forces, to the Deputy of Operations, and to other key intelligence personnel in the area. The first week was spent in the Headquarters' Directorates and sections of the 6004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron. Team members were briefed on the organization and scope of operations of each of the sections and sub-sections. The 5004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron team departed from the Tokyo Headquarters of the 6004th on 7 May to observe the operations of the intelligence detachments stationed in Korea. A seven-day schedule had been planned for this tour prior to the team's arrival in the Theater. Time in Korea was spent with detachments 1 and 2, located at Seoul and with Air Section, military intelligence Service group, far East (Advanced) located at Tongae. In the course of the visit team members were introduced to the Director of Intelligence, Fifth Air Force and his staff. 21 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION Several briefings conducted by the Directorate of Intelligence were attended by the team. The Detachment Commanders had been alerted as to the visit and had prepared a comprehensive itinerary. In consideration of the short time spent in Korea an excellent overall working knowledge of the detachment was obtained. Much credit for this achievement should be given to the Detachment Commanders whose cooperation and planning made this possible. The team members returned to Tokyo on 13 may. The remainder of the period of temporary duty was spent ion detailed observation of the Headquarters' Directorate and in collecting and itemizing various documents, forms and Standing Operating Procedures considered of value to the 5004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron, copies of which were forwarded to this organization under separate cover. Prior to the team's departure from the theater, a critique of the trip was conducted by the Commanding Officer of the 6004th and his staff. The entire trip was reviewed at this critique and any problems or questions still unanswered were discussed. The team departed from Tokyo on 25 May and arrived at Elmendorf on the same date. The trip gave the personnel of this organization a clearer concept of the scope of operations expected of an Air Intelligence Service Squadron. Since the team's return recommendations for the reorganization of the 5004th have been presented and are being considered. The various forms, Standing Operating Procedures, documentation and other materials obtained from the 6004th will save many man hours of work and considerable research. A liaison between the two organizations was established for the exchange of ideas and information, which should prove most valuable to both organizations in future operations. 22
CONFIDENTIAL |
| = = = = = [ SKIPPED PAGES ] = = = = = RESTRICTED SECURITY INFORMATION Incl #4 COURSE SCHEDULE FOR COMBAT INTELLIGENCE |
| Date 25 June |
Subject Introduction |
Instructor Major Brown |
Hours 1 |
| 26 June | Sources of Intelligence
Information Exploiting Sources of Information |
Lt Lawrence Lt Lawrence |
1 1 |
| 27 June 30 June 1 July 2 July 3 July |
The Collection Plan Processing Intelligence Information Maps and Chart Projections Reading and Using Maps and Charts Map Overlays |
Major Brown A/1C Pratt Capt Aiken Lt Koder T/Sgt Powell |
2 2 2 2 1 |
| 7 July | Tactical Target Dossiers Assembly of Air Objective Folders |
S/Sgt Bonachea S/Sgt Bonachea |
1 1 |
| 8 July 9 July 10 July 11 July 14 July |
Flak Intelligence Flak Intelligence Enemy Air Capabilities Enemy Air Reaction and Air Defense Guided Missiles |
Lt Koder Lt Koder Major Parham Major Parham Capt Pleshak |
2 2 2 2 1 |
| 15 July | Operations Orders Intelligence Annexes |
Lt Koder Lt Koder |
1 1 |
| 16 July | Biological and Chemical
Warfare Atomic and Psychological Warfare |
Capt Aiken Capt Aiken |
1 1 |
| 17 July 18 July |
Air Order of Battle Combat Mission Briefing |
Lt Lawrence S/Sgt Bonachea |
2 1 |
|
31 RESTRICTED = = = = = RESTRICTED SECURITY INFORMATION Course Schedule For Combat Intelligence |
| Date 21 July 22 July 23 July 24 July 25 July
|
Subject War Room Function Joint Operation Photo Intelligence Course Review Examination
|
Instructor S/Sgt Bonachea Capt Aiken S/Sgt Bonachea Capt Aiken S/Sgt Bonachea TOTAL |
Hours 2 2 2 2 2 50 hours |
|
32 RESTRICTED = = = = = RESTRICTED SECURITY INFORMATION Incl #6 COURSE SCHEDULE FOR AIR TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE PHASE I |
| Date 25 June 26 June 27 June 30 June 1 July 2 July 3 July 7 July 8 July 9 July 10 July 11 July 14 July 15 July 16 July
|
Subject Introduction to Study of ATI and Air Material Aircraft Types and Airframe Nomenclature Power Plants and Their Installation Aircraft Armament Electronics and ECM Guided Missiles Special Devices Bombs, Rockets and Ammunition Manufacturing Tools, Processes and Materials Ground and Air Equipment Investigation of Crashed Foreign Aircraft Investigation of Unidentified Flying Objects Battle Damage and Hostile Acts ATI Team Operations Preparation of Reports
|
Instructor Capt Aiken Capt Meyer Capt Aiken A/2C Williams Capt Pleshek Capt Pleshek S/Sgt Brown A/2C Dodge Capt Aiken T/Sgt Marc-Aurele Capt Meyer Capt Meyer Capt Aiken Capt Meyer Capt Meyer TOTAL |
Hours 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 15 hours |
|
35 RESTRICTED = = = = = RESTRICTED SECURITY INFORMATION [ FOLLOWING CONDENSED UNTIL NOTED ] COURSE SCHEDULE FOR AIR TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE PHASE II Introduction ATI Training Phase II Inspection of aircraft parts in Wing Salvage Yard Preparation of flash reports on foreign aircraft Inspection of aircraft parts in Wing Yard and preparation of a flash report Training Film TF 1-211 Wing construction 11M; TF 1-213 Fuselage 7M; and TF 1-700 Control surfaces 7M Airframe nomenclature and construction Training Film TF 1-160 Aerodynamics 18M and examples of different types of airfoils Use of Measuring Devices Description of material used in aircraft construction Isometric Drawing of Airframe Structures Study of MIG 15 Critique of airframe reports Introduction to power plant phase Engine installations Jet engines Reciprocating engines Propellers Fuel tanks Oil tanks Introduction to equipment phase Photographic equipment Instruments Oxygen system Cabin pressurization and air conditioning De-icing Miscellaneous equipment Introduction to armaments phase Guns Bomb sight and gunsights Ammunition Mounts Rockets Bombs, torpedoes and mines Armor and protection Introduction to electronics phase Radio sets Radio antennae Radar sets Radar antennae Tubes TOTAL 233 hours [ END CONDENSATION OF ATI TRAINING COURSE TOPICS ] RESTRICTED = = = = = SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION HISTORICAL REPORT FOR 5004TH AIR INTEL SV SQ 1 JULY 1952 TO 30 DEC 1952 = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION INTRODUCTION The period 1 July to 31 December 1952 marked the "coming of age" of the 5004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron. The squadron, since its activation, 16 April 1951, operated under a series of Tables of Distribution which reflected differences in concept of the contemplated scope and methods of the squadron's operations. Largely as a result of the experience gained by the three officers who had observed operations of the 6004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron in an active combat theater, a clearer picture of the capabilities and limitations of the squadron emerged and was reflected in a new Table of Distribution which became effective 1 September 1952. The mission of the 5004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron as reaffirmed by the Table of Distribution under which the squadron has operated since 1 September 1952 is to conduct such intelligence collection operations as may be directed by Alaskan Air Command or higher headquarters. The mission envisages for the 5004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron, not only preparations of plans for the collection of Air Technical Intelligence and Air Prisoner of War Interrogation Intelligence in event of hostilities, but in view of Alaska's geographical position with respect to Russia, and the Alaskan Air Commands' interest in Siberia, preparation and execution of plans for current collection of positive air intelligence. Other than the training, administrative and logistical missions implied in the basic mission, the squadron has therefore, for planning and control purposes, broken the mission down into three parts. They are: 1. Preparation for the collection of air intelligence, particularly 1 CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION ATI and APWI intelligence, immediately upon the advent of hostilities. 2. Exploitation by overt means the existing positive intelligence collection potential in Alaska and the adjacent seas. 3. Carry out such other intelligence assignments or operations as may be directed. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] 2 CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Investigations and Reports. Investigation of unusual incidents during the reporting period resulted in the following AF Form 112 Air Intelligence Reports: (1) IR 2-52, Possible USSR Submarine Sighting, 13 November 1952 (Confidential); (2) IR 3-52, Small Boat found on Beach, 2 December 1952 (Confidential); (3) IR 6-52, Explosions Heard in Gambel, St. Lawrence Island - 1946 to 1952, 9 December 1952 (Secret); (4) IR 7-52, visual Sighting of Steel Towers, 10 December 1952 (Secret). There were seven unidentified flying object investigations completed. AF Form 112's were submitted for three of these in which identification was not made by the investigating team. The Survey Team collection activities yielded sufficient information 11 CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION For Forms 112 as follows: (1) IR 4-52, Eskimo Living Conditions in Siberia, 5 December 1952 (SECRET); (2) IR 5-52, Siberian Eskimo Education and Military Training, 8 December 1952 (SECRET); (3) IR 8-52, Unidentified Piece of Sign, 28 December 1952 (Confidential). A Form 112 was also submitted on the Public Health Service findings on Hydatid Disease, IR 1-52, 4 November 1952 (unclassified). [ SKIPPED TEXT ] 12 CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION = = = = = SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION
HEADQUARTERS 5004TH AIR INTELLIGENCE SERVICE SQUADRON MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Intelligence, Hq, AAC SUBJECT: Logistic Support and Special Funds for Special Operations Detachment, 5004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron PROBLEM: Letter, headquarters, Alaskan Command, ALINT-2, dated 1 Dec 52, classified TOP SECRET, subject: CINCAL Intelligence Collection Program, and 1st Indorsement thereto Hq, AAC, dated 1 Dec 52, directs the 5004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron to place a Special operations detachment in the western coastal area of Alaska for overt intelligence collection purposes for an indefinite period. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Discussion: |
| 1. | Intelligence Operations: During the period 3 October to 10 December 1952 a Special operations team of the 5004th AISS, consisting of three officers and three airman, made a survey of the Seward Peninsula, St, Lawrence Island area. The survey was directed by the Director of Intelligence, Alaskan Air Command for the purpose of determining the intelligence potential of the area, operational methods best suited to the people and terrain, equipment required to operate in the area, and to determine from experience how best to train personnel for arctic operations. The team, as a result of its survey, came to the following general conclusions which serve as a guide for the establishment of a Special operations Detachment in the area: |
| a. | Intelligence of value to the Air Force is available in the area both from human sources and debris washing ashore from Siberia. |
| b. | To provide minimum intelligence coverage of
the west coastal area adjacent to Siberia, air intelligence personnel should be placed in
twelve key towns and villages ranging from Unalakleet to point hope, Alaska, including
villages on King Island, St. Lawrence Island and Little Diomede Island. The headquarters
of the detachment should be at Nome Field, Nome Alaska. |
|
1 SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION = = = = = SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION Hq, 5004th Air Intel Sv Sq, Subject: Logistic Support and Special Funds for Special
Operations Detachment, 5004th Air Intel Sv Sq |
| c. | In order to effectively exploit the human
sources, represented primarily by native Eskimos, intelligence personnel will remain in
communities consisting of a village or a group of villages for a period of sufficient
duration to become fully acquainted with native persons, their customs and way of life. It
is estimated that a minimum of six months be spent in a village before the intelligence
personnel will be accepted by the native population to the extent that all intelligence
desired will be freely given. During this period every effort must be directed towards
gaining the confidence of the natives. To accomplish this, personnel must be thoroughly
oriented in Eskimo customs, be in excellent physical condition and otherwise trained to
live a strenuous outdoor life, and they must be properly equipped to participate in all
aspects of native community activities. They must not be a burden on a community for
subsistence and must be prepared to participate in hunting, fishing and other activities
which contribute to the general welfare and economic life of the community to which they
are assigned. (Tab A) |
| d. | The detachment will engage only in overt intelligence collection activities, however, intelligence personnel should wear civilian clothing and native type outer clothing. The wearing of the uniform in isolated villages, besides being difficult to maintain, tends to set them apart by emphasizing their official position rather than that of community member. Also, the revealing of rank lessens the effectiveness of low rank airmen. The majority of the detachment are below the rank of Airman First Class. Since they will be required to deal regularly with representatives of other government agencies of higher position and since the natives have a high regard for rank, as evidenced in the local national Guard Units, the wearing of civilian clothing with no indication of rank is considered to be most practicable. |
[ SKIPPED TEXT ] SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION = = = = = SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION TAB A INTELLIGENCE SOURCES AND COLLECTION METHODS 1. The primary mission of the Special Operations Detachment of the 5004th AISS will be the overt collection of air intelligence information in accordance with the Essential Elements of Information listed in the Alaskan Air Command, Intelligence Collection plan, dated 1 June 1951, the collection of other information directed by letter Headquarters, Alaskan Command, ALINT-2, dated 1 Dec 52, classified TOP SECRET, subject: CINCAL Intelligence Collection Program, and the making of investigations of unusual phenomena which may be of intelligence value. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION HISTORICAL REPORT FOR 5004TH AIR INTEL SV SQ 1 JULY 1953 TO 31 DEC 1953 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Organization During this period, the 5004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron underwent a complete reorganization. With the publication of the 1 August 1953 Table of Distribution, the squadron became a line staff organization. Three staff sections, the Personnel section, the Operations section and the Services section were organized. In addition, three line-type field units were assigned directly under the control of the Commander. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] 3 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Between 1 July and 30 December 1953 several different types of reports were produced by the operations section, and of these, the following might be cited as examples. Twenty-five Air Intelligence Information reports were prepared for submission to Higher Headquarters. These reports covered a variety of subjects. Several were originally prepared and submitted for revision from units operating in the field. Also prepared were 16 target information and illustration sheets, submitted to fill requirements laid on Alaskan Air Command. The preparation of various area studies also continued, with Studies of Yakutsk, Ototsk, Magadan and Kataoka USSR being forwarded to higher headquarters. These studies included detailed information on the history, economy, communications, transportation facilities, and military installations in each of the areas reported on. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] CONFIDENTIAL 10 = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Operations - Flight A, Flight B, and Field Operations Flight A, 5004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron is a direct outgrowth of what formerly was designated as Detachment #1 of the squadron, and during the reporting period the Flight was made up largely of the personnel originally assigned to the detachment. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] CONFIDENTIAL 11 = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Flight B of the 5004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron was established by general order 75, published by Alaskan Command. The first personnel assigned to the unit arrived at Ladd Air Force Base, flight headquarters, near the middle of August 1953. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] This Flight is attached for operational control to Eleventh Air Division, and at the close of the reporting period the flight had performed several investigations of unusual incidents for this headquarters. The mission of this flight is to support the 11th Air Division in its requirements for investigations of crashed enemy aircraft, interrogation of POW's and collection of other intelligence information. During peacetime their principal duties consist of training toward a maximum capability to perform the mission. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] CONFIDENTIAL 13 = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Field Operations is a unit comparable in many respects to flight B. While operational control of the Field Operations unit is retained by the squadron, the duties and organization of the two units are similar. Also established by General order 75, this unit was manned near the end of September 1953 by two officers and eight airmen. With its headquarters at Elmendorf AFB, present activities of the unit are similar to those of Flight B. A number of investigations of unidentified flying objects and unusual incidents have been performed, and a liaison program within the Anchorage area had been approved at the close of this period. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] CONFIDENTIAL 14 = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Training hikes and bivouacs under all conditions were frequent in both units, and personnel became familiar with all types of equipment used in the field. the requirement for official investigation of unidentified flying objects, and a special request for the investigation and recover of a Naval research Rocket in the Ladd AFB area more than proved the capability of field teams to perform at maximum efficiency. CONFIDENTIAL 16 = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL ANNEX "B" TO OPERATIONS ORDER 9-53 INTELLIGENCE [ Project "Beachcomber" ] [ SKIPPED TEXT ] 2. Personnel will be assigned to three teams of four men each at Nome. Two teams will be airlifted to Kotzebue on or about 29 June 1953. One team will search the beach northward to Pt. Hope, while the other will begin at cape Espenberg and search southward to Cape Wales. These teams will return to Kotzebue. The third team will search northward from Nome to Cape Wales and will return to Nome. The teams will employ skin boats manned by native owners of the boats. The skin boats will be utilized to carry personnel, supplies, equipment and any recovered items of intelligence interest which are retained for shipment to Hq, 5004th AISS. All items not retained will be disposed of in such a manner that they will not confuse future searches. Personnel will bivouac on suitable shore areas each night. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] 4. Personnel will be reassigned to four teams of three men each at Nome. Personnel will be airlifted to Gambell and N.E. Cape, St./ Lawrence Island, with one officer and five airmen going to each point indicated, on or about 15 July 1953. Personnel at Gambell will begin search immediately one team moving along the north shore and one moving along the south shore working eastward to meet similar teams departing from N. E. cape. Procedures on St. Lawrence Island will be similar to those for the Seward Peninsula. The Officer-in-charge will make his headquarters at N. E. Cape and will make contact with the team by skin boat and radio. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL RSC: 1-AF-D2A HISTORICAL REPORT FOR 5004TH AIR INTELL SV SQ 1 JAN 1954 TO 30 JUN 1954 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL INTRODUCTION The 5004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron has as its mission the support of Alaskan Air Command through the overt field collection, limited field analysis, and rapid reporting of intelligence information. Its secondary mission is the maintenance of a constant state of readiness to perform its primary mission through an intensified program of training, both in intelligence procedures and in field and survival techniques. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] 1 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL CHAPTER III [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Operations - Operations Section Of major importance of projects undertaken within this section was the planning, scheduling and programming for the second annual 'beachcomber' project. The planning stages for this project began in February, with the actual project to be conducted during July and August of 1954. Operation 'Beachcomber' conducted for the first time during the summer of 1953, proved to be of such value than an annual project of a similar nature is planned. Conducted entirely by the members of the squadron, the project is designed to sweep the beaches of Northwestern Alaska, picking up or photographing anything of intelligence significance which is found. Items collected are brought in to Squadron Headquarters, where Air Intelligence Information reports 8 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL Are written and forwarded to higher headquarters. During the first operation, some 125 items were collected and reported on. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] A second project which received considerable attention during this period required the training and assignment of selected personnel to operate specialized photographic equipment, to be used in 9 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL A classified mission for higher headquarters. These personnel and their equipment are to be located at strategic points within the theater to provide additional capability in the collection of intelligence information. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Also processed and reviewed by the Operations Section were all reports of observed unusual incidents reported within the theater. Preliminary investigation and preparation of initial reports was done by field units of the squadron. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] 10 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Operations - Flight A, Flight B and Field Operations Flight A of the squadron continued to operate with headquarters at Nome Field. Since this flight was originally organized as Detachment 1 of the squadron in February of 1953, routine operational procedures were well established, and personnel assigned to the unit had become more or less accustomed to operating under the difficult conditions found in the area. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Sites were maintained at Gambell on St. Lawrence Island, Little Diomede Island, Kotzebue, and Point Hope throughout the period. 11 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL New operating sites were set up at Kivilina, Unalakleet, Elim and King Island. Resupply and personal contacts were maintained with these locations through the use of contracted bush plane, a facility almost indispensable to operations within the area. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Incidents of intelligence significance reported on by personnel of this flight continued to increase both in number and in importance as is evidenced by the greatly increased number of Air Intelligence information reports processed by the Operations Section. Flight B of this organization, activated during the previous reporting period, maintained its headquarters at Ladd Air Force Base. This flight continued to operate with only two officers and three airmen assigned throughout the majority of this reporting period. The flight is attached for operational control to Eleventh Air Division, and it continued to aid this headquarters in its intelligence collection activities, and its investigation of unusual incidents or sightings. 12 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Field Operations, the third field unit of the squadron is located at Elmendorf Air Force Base. This unit, like Flight B, is a compact, highly specialized unit, capable of moving at any time into the field to perform investigations under ant conditions which may be encountered. This unit similar in several respects to Flight B, is under the operations control of squadron headquarters. It is, however, frequently called upon to perform investigations of incidents with possible intelligence significance by Tenth Air Division. These investigations are made only with the approval of squadron headquarters, and all reports are submitted through normal squadron channels to tenth Air Division. Both Field Operations and Flight B have personnel assigned who are capable of performing technical investigations of crashed aircraft, or of interrogating prisoners of war. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] 13 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL HEADQUARTERS ALASKAN AIR COMMAND ANNEX "A" TO OPERATIONS ORDER 4-54 INTELLIGENCE ANNEX 1. During June and July 1953, personnel of the 5004th AISS searched the beaches of St. Lawrence Island and the Seward Peninsula, Alaska, for flotsam probably originating along the shores of Far eastern Siberia and brought to Alaskan shores by wind and ocean currents. The search, known as Operation "Beachcomber," yielded 115 such items. These were described, analyzed and made the subject of Intelligence Reports (see IR 5004-22-53, IR 5004-23-53 and IR 5004-24-53). 2. Five officers and sixteen airmen from Elmendorf and Ladd Air Force Bases, personnel of the 5004th AISS, will be airlifted to Nome Field, Alaska on or about 2 July 1954. Teams 1 and 2, composed of one officer and four airmen each, with a third officer acting as coordinator, will be airlifted to Gambell, ST. Lawrence Island, on or about 3 July to begin search of the beaches which have been determined to hold flotsam (from air reconnaissance accomplished on or about 15 June). The search will be completed on or about 16 July and personnel returned by air to Nome. 3. Teams 3 and 4 will begin search of Seward Peninsula beaches on or about 3 July and return to Nome on 16 July. One team will search northward from cape Wales and the other north and east from Nome. 4. One team will be airlifted to Kotzebue and another team to Cape Lisburne on or about 19 July; both teams will search the beaches northward, the first team completing its search at Cape Lisburne and the other at approximately Ice Cape. Teams will return to Kotzebue for airlift to Nome on or about 30 July. 5. Search of beaches will be conducted on foot. Movements from point to point other than airlift, and the carrying of equipment, items recovered and supplies will be by Eskimo skinboats manned by Eskimo crew members. Team members will bivouac on suitable beach areas. All personnel will return by air from Nome field to their respective bases on or about 2 August 1954. Items of flotsam having intelligence value will accompany Headquarters 5004th Air intelligence Service Squadron personnel, upon return to Elmendorf Air Force Base for final disposition. BY ORDER OF THE COMMANDER HUGH A. PARKER Brigadier General, USAF Deputy Commander OFFICIAL: JACK M. COPELAND Major USAF Director of Intelligence Annex "A" to Opr O No 4-54 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL RCS: AU-D5 5004th AIR INTELL SV SQ HISTORICAL REPORT 1 JUL 1954 TO 31 DEC 1954 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = UNCLASSIFIED CHAPTER I ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION Only minor changes were made in organizational structure and an administrative procedure within this historical period. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Organization The basic organizational structure of the squadron remained virtually unchanged during this historical reporting period. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Under a system devised by headquarters, USAF, the Table of Distribution under which this unit was formerly organized was done away with, and its place taken by a UMD, or Unit Manning Document. this system left unchanged the number of personnel assigned to the unit, and the AFSC's authorized, but reorganized the unit by function, placing each man within a functional grouping determined by the duties he actually performs. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] UNCLASSIFIED 3 = = = = = [ SKIPPED TEXT ] An administrative visit was made by the squadron commander during September 1954 to headquarters USAF, Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and to the 4602d Air Intelligence Service Squadron, Ent Air Force Base. This TDY trip was designed to coordinate certain administrative matters with personnel at these locations, to discuss personnel and equipment requirements, and to discuss administrative and operational problems with another similarly organized Air Intelligence Service Organization. UNCLASSIFIED 5 = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL [ SKIPPED TEXT ] One special activity in which the detachment was engaged received considerable publicity, both in Alaska and the Zone of the Interior. This involved the recovery and examination of a World War II Japanese balloon carrying an incendiary bomb from the rugged area north of Fairbanks Alaska. The recovery was made with the aid of an H-5 helicopter, which carried one man from detachment II to the upper Sheenjek River area where an unidentified object had been sighted by a bush pilot for Wein Alaska Airlines. Recovery of the balloon and the bomb was effected, and they were transported back to detachment headquarters for examination and study. The balloon itself was made of rice paper, 18 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL still extremely durable even after its long exposure to the elements. The bomb was found to be still highly explosive in spite of the time it had lain in the tundra. A full report of the operation was made through official channels. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] CONFIDENTIAL 19 = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL [ SKIPPED TEXT ] The section engaged in a number of activities designed to increase its own proficiency and at the same time perform a valuable service for this and other headquarters. A number of investigations of unidentified flying objects were made for 10th Air Division and for Alaskan Air Command. These investigations were made at the request of these organizations, after the request was approved by squadron headquarters. Reports were made in all cases to the requesting unit. After investigation, objects were satisfactorily identified as such familiar objects as planes, stars or planets, tow targets or weather balloons. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] 20 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL [ SKIPPED TEXT ] [ During Operation 'Beachcomber II': ] ... Team number on and two on St. Lawrence Island had finished their missions in 14 and 15 July respectively, collecting 39 items of flotsam with Russian inscriptions. In the process, Team number one barely escaped disaster. For two days, the team had observed schools of whale in the waters around the eastern tip of St. Lawrence Island. On 10 July, enroute to Southeast Cape, the team was running about a mile offshore to avoid shore swell. Suddenly the native boatman yelled for everyone to hold on and simultaneously threw the tiller full over to the right. As the boat tipped and darted off at a sharp angle to its former course, a whale surfaced in the spot where the boat had been. Even then the wake almost capsized the small boat. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] 33 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = FUTURE RELEASE
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HOLD FOR RELEASE UNTIL 6 PM (EST) SATURDAY JANUARY 1, 1955 FOR THE PRESS: (This information being released simultaneously at Headquarters, Alaskan Air command, and Washington , D. C. ) The Eskimos all agreed that it's a cold day in the Arctic when the barren tundra yields a Japanese balloon. But only recently the U. S. Air Force recovered just such an object, still intact, after exposure for more than a decade to the rugged Yukon climate. Flying low between barter Island and Fort Yukon, Don Hulshizer, Chief Bush pilot for Wein Alaska Airlines, Fairbanks, Alaska, spotted a dull white object on the ground near the Scheenjek River. He decreased altitude in an attempt at identification, but because of the rough terrain he was unable to distinguish the object clearly. Surmising that the find was either a parachute or part of a downed aircraft, Hulshizer contacted Air Intelligence officers at Ladd Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska. Attempts by L-20 and SA-16 search craft to relocate the strange object at first proved unavailing due to the thick carpet of tundra-brush and undergrowth. The best chance for its recovery lay in a helicopter operation. The 7th Air Rescue Squadron at Ladd supplied an H-5 helicopter as well as an SA-16 aircraft to fly protective cover on the 230 mile trip. Alaska's rugged terrain requires that a helicopter be accompanied by a guiding or mother aircraft whenever it is forced to venture more than 25 miles from its home base. Since the maximum range of the H-5 in approximately 150 miles, under Arctic conditions, the searchers made a refueling stop at Fort Yukon and then proceed north to the site. Aboard the helicopter assigned to recover the object was Lieutenant Harold L. Hale of pueblo, Colorado, an Intelligence Technician with the 5004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron at Ladd AFB. One at the site, the H-5 found landing impossible. Hovering a few feet above the target, Lieutenant Hale managed to jump safely to the ground. The dense underbrush and marshy tundra made walking extremely difficult and Hale only had 30 minutes in which to investigate and recover the strange looking object. Night was falling fast in the Far Arctic reaches. The 30 minutes gave the helicopter pilot time to set down a safe distance away, conserve fuel and then return to the site to pick up hale. "After coming upon the wreckage, I didn't actually know what I saw", Hale reported. "At first I thought it was a parachute. But after discovering that the 'chute' was made of a kind of rice paper and the gondola contained some bamboo parts, I knew that whatever the object might be, we could be reasonably sure that it was of Japanese origin." MORE Incl 10 PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE = = = = = He bundled up the rice paper balloon and stuffed it under a tree so that it would not be reported again as an unidentified object. "gathering up about 120 pounds of the remains of the strange product in my arms, I stumbled across the slimy tundra to reach the helicopter which was hovering just inches off the deck." The odd find was loaded aboard and transported back to Ladd Air Force Base where personnel of the 5004th Air Intelligence detachment made a thorough study and investigation of the Japanese balloon-carried bomb. It was determined that the airborne device was similar to Japanese balloons found floating over the western regions of the U.S. during the latter part of World War II. It had apparently blown across the Territory and finally came to rest at this spot, north of Ft. Yukon, where it had remained undetected for the past nine or 10 years. Lauding the cooperation and flying proficiency of the 74th Air Rescue Squadron, Hale said, without the use of the 'copter, the only other way of recovering the balloon would have been by river boat, a slow and long drawn out process. Instead of one man and one day's operation, it would have taken five men and five weeks to execute a ground search and recovery. It would have required a month to go up the river and back, and a week to stumble through the three miles of brush from river bank to the site and return." He also held high praise for the skill and proficiency of the 'copter pilot, lieutenant Louis H. Wells of Quitman, Georgia. The 300 pound weapon consisted of two principal parts, a metal gondola suspended by shroud lines, and a gas-filled balloon. The balloon itself measured approximately 32 feet in diameter and was constructed of rice paper, so durable that it could not be torn apart by two men pulling it ten years after it had been launched. The gondola consisted of chandelier-type frame from which were suspended more than 30 paper sandbags used as ballast. The gondola also contained a bomb hook supporting a Jap 5KG Thermite Incendiary bomb, measuring 16 inches in length. It was found that the bomb was still highly explosive and dangerous even after exposure to the rugged Arctic weather for nearly a decade. Once balloons were launched from Japanese bases, the prevailing winds carried them for great distances. When the floating weapon reached a certain pressure altitude, gas would commence escaping from an outlet valve causing the device to descend until one of the five-pound sandbags was automatically kicked off by an electrical charge. The release of the ballast decreased the weight of the device and the balloon would once again begin ascent and its forward movement. It would continue to rise until it reached a pre-established altitude, whereupon it would descend, kick off more ballast, and repeat the process until finally all ballast had been spent and the bomb released. Then the balloon would again rise and after a predetermined time it would completely and ingeniously destroy itself by means of a self-contained detonator -2- MORE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE = = = = = Wold War II Air Corps pilots on the Aleutian Chain reported shooting down as many as eight or ten of these balloons a day. Although these floating incendiaries were found as far east as Iowa and as far south as Mexico, this bomb is the first to be reported found this far north. It has been disarmed and sent to the Air Force Technical Museum at Dayton, Ohio, for display. Summing up the balloon incident, lieutenant hale emphasized the significant role which the Alaskan bush pilot is playing in the defense of America's northern ramparts and first line of defense. "The eyes of the bush pilot are invaluable to Air Force Intelligence in Alaska. Their alertness and foresight has consistently proved to be invaluable to the defense operations of the Alaskan Air Command." E N D (Photographs available in Pictorial Branch, Room 2D780, Ext, 75331) UNCLASSIFIED -3- PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE [ illustration - "JAPANESE PAPER BALLOONS (Schematic Drawing)" ] = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL RCS: AU-D5 5004th AIR INTELL SV SQ HISTORICAL REPORT 1 JAN 1955 TO 30 JUN 1955 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL CHAPTER III Operations and Training During this reporting period, the number of operational projects and training programs begun within the squadron increased considerably. The increase was largely due to the number of new personnel assigned to the squadron, who required training in the modus operandi of the organization. Then too, with the increased work force, new projects could be initiated, projects which have long been pushed aside for projects of a more urgent nature. Of major importance during this period was the planning and training for Beachcomber III... [ SKIPPED TEXT ] 7 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Operations - Field Units The three (3) field units of the squadron, detachment 1 and 2 and the Field Operations Section, continued to operate at Nome Field, Nome, Alaska, Ladd Air Force Base, and Elmendorf Air Force Base as their respective operating locations. Structurally, the three units remained stable during this reporting period. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] 15 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL [ SKIPPED TEXT ] During this period 9 Intelligence Reports ( AF Form 112 ) and 8 classified messages were dispatched. These reports and messages concerned finds of an intelligence nature and sightings of a military nature. CONFIDENTIAL 16 = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Investigations of unidentified Flying Objects ( UFOB ) were made for the 10th Air Division, under whose operational control the section will fall in wartime. Reports were made in all cases to the requesting unit. In almost all cases, the UFOB's after investigation were identified as such familiar objects as aircraft, stars, meteors, balloons and tow targets. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] CONFIDENTIAL 18 = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL Special Subject - P2V-5 Incident On 22 June 1955 at approximately 2109Z hours, A Navy P2V-5 patrol bomber on routine patrol over the Bearing Sea was attacked and disabled by fighter aircraft originating from Siberia. The Navy aircraft was able to remain aloft until it sighted St. Lawrence Island at which time it crash landed on a bluff overlooking the beach approximately 8 miles from the town of Gambell. Damaged and on fire as a result of the engagement with the foreign fighter type aircraft, the P2V-5 burned upon crash landing. Rescue parties from Gambell, under the direction of 5004 AISS site personnel, proceeded by native skinboat to the crash site in order to assist and render medical aid to the survivors. The injured and wounded were evacuated immediately to Gambell airstrip where they were picked up by several USAF aircraft which had converged on the area. A C-47 type aircraft piloted by officers of the 5004th AISS arrived at Gambell shortly after the crash. At the time, this aircraft was on a reconnaissance and resupply mission. However, in view of the urgency of the situation, the aircraft was diverted and utilized to ferry the Navy personnel to Nome for further airlift to Elmendorf AFB. The severity of the injuries received by the Navy personnel were minimized by the quick thinking, prompt action and decisive action taken by members of this and other organizations. On 23 June at the request of the D/I, AAC, an inspection was made of a projectile fragment taken from a wounded crew member of the Navy P2V-5. The fragment was tentatively identified as a portion of the projectile body from a 23mm API round, a type of shell normally carried by Soviet aircraft. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] CONFIDENTIAL 28 [ letters of commendation for actions taken in the P2V-5 incident to members of 5004th AISS from J.H. Atkinson Lt. General, USAF Commander -in-Chief AAC, and K. Craig, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, Commander Alaskan Sea Frontier ] = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL RCS: AU-D5 5004th AIR INTELL SV SQ HISTORICAL REPORT 1 JUL 1955 TO 30 DEC 1955 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL CHAPTER III Operations and Training The number of Operational projects and training programs in this squadron increased considerably during this reporting period. This increase was largely due to the number of new personnel who required increased training in the methods of operation of this squadron, and who also provided an increased work force for the squadron. Of major importance was the conduct of Operation Beachcomber III during the reporting period. Operations The Operations section was the chief beneficiary of the squadron reorganization which was accomplished on 1 September 1955 subsequent to the deactivation of Detachment 1, 5004th AISS, Nome, Alaska, and the withdrawal of personnel from all remote outposts. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] 5 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL [ SKIPPED TEXT ] During the summer of 1954, the 5004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron was directed by Alaskan Command J-2 to conduct a classified project for the photographic coverage of shipping and other targets of opportunity from a fixed installation on Mt. Sevuokuk, St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. An 80-inch focal length Zoomar Leica Camera was used 6 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL But was found unsatisfactory for long range surveillance. This project was repeated during the summer of 1955, with 5004th AISS again in charge of the project under the direction of Alaskan Command. In order to obtain more satisfactory photographic results, Alaskan Command requested the services of a US Army Signal Corps photographic team equipped with the newly developed 100-inch focal length 5"X7" camera and accessories. In response to this request, Headquarters United States Army, sent a Signal Corps team to Alaska for a period of 30 days to carry out the project. [ SKIPPED TEXT ] 7 CONFIDENTIAL = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL [ SKIPPED TEXT ] During the period of this report, ten reports were prepared and submitted. The reports were as follows: [ SKIPPED TEXT ] 3. Three each UFOB reports a. ITR 14-55, UFOB b. ITR 15-55, UFOB c. ITR 16-55 UFOB [ SKIPPED TEXT ] CONFIDENTIAL 15 = = = = = SECRET 5004th AIR INTELL SV SQ HISTORICAL REPORT 1 JAN 56 TO 30 JUN 56 SECRET = = = = = CONFIDENTIAL [ SKIPPED TEXT ] Personnel from Field Operations conducted two operational missions during the period January-July 1956. One mission involved a ground search for a weather balloon reported down in the Eagle River area north of Anchorage [ SKIPPED TEXT ] 21 &nb |