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Rogue River Oregon UFO

Five witnesses including two pilots observed a disc-shaped object maneuvering over Rogue River. The object's behavior and their detailed observations made this an early significant case.

May 24, 1949
Rogue River, Oregon, USA
5+ witnesses

The Rogue River Oregon UFO Sighting

On May 24, 1949, five witnesses including two experienced pilots observed a disc-shaped object maneuvering over Rogue River, Oregon. Their detailed observations of the object’s behavior and appearance made this an important early case that helped establish the reality of structured UFOs.

The Witnesses

Five observers:

  • Two pilots
  • Three civilians
  • Various backgrounds
  • Independent observers
  • All saw same thing

The Location

Rogue River area:

  • Southern Oregon
  • Rural setting
  • Clear viewing
  • Afternoon hour
  • Good conditions

The Sighting

May 24, 1949:

  • Afternoon
  • Object appeared
  • Over the area
  • Extended observation
  • Multiple witnesses

The Object

They described:

  • Disc-shaped
  • Metallic appearance
  • Reflecting sunlight
  • Structured craft
  • Not aircraft

The Movement

Object demonstrated:

  • Hovering capability
  • Sudden maneuvers
  • Tilting motion
  • Speed changes
  • Intelligent control

The Pilots

Aviation experience:

  • Recognized not aircraft
  • Compared to known
  • Different behavior
  • Professional assessment
  • Credible observers

Duration

Observation lasted:

  • Several minutes
  • Extended viewing
  • Various positions
  • Object maneuvered
  • Then departed

The Investigation

Case examined:

  • By researchers
  • Documented early
  • Consistent accounts
  • Witnesses credible
  • No explanation

Project Grudge

Air Force:

  • Aware of case
  • Part of early study
  • Typical dismissal
  • Standard response
  • Case file exists

The Significance

For the era:

  • Pre-1950s case
  • Multiple witnesses
  • Pilot observers
  • Detailed description
  • Well-documented

Witness Agreement

All five:

  • Same basic description
  • Same behavior
  • Same timing
  • Independent accounts
  • Strong corroboration

The Era

1949 context:

  • Early UFO period
  • Post-Arnold era
  • Serious reports
  • Building database
  • Pattern emerging

Oregon History

Part of larger:

  • Pacific Northwest activity
  • Multiple sightings
  • Various dates
  • Regional pattern
  • Area of interest

Significance

Rogue River is significant for:

  • Multiple witnesses
  • Pilot observers
  • Early case
  • Good documentation
  • Classic description

Legacy

The Rogue River UFO sighting added to the growing body of evidence in the early UFO era. The presence of experienced pilots among the witnesses and the detailed observations made it an important case in establishing the reality of structured unknown objects.