AF  F O R M  1 1 2 '
APPR O VE D  1  JU N E 1 W
U N ^IA SSIFIEDaf^
(CLA SSIFICA TION)
C O U N TR Y
IT A U
REPORT NO.
IR -7OO-53
AIR IN TE LLIGE N C E IN F O R M ATIO N R E PO R T
^^s^z
SU B JE C T
(U N CL) R eport of U nusual A erial Pheonmenen
AR E A R E PO R TE D  O N
Italy
TRON {A ffn cv)
A ir A ttache, R ome, Italy
D ATE  O F  R E PO R T
15 December 1953
D ATE O F  IN F O R M ATIO N
A ugust
E VALU ATIO N
D-J^
PR E PAR E D  B Y {Officer)
JOSEPH  A . W OIDA , Lt Col U SA F, A ctg A irA
R E F E R E N C E S (C on/roJ nnm Aw r, directire, prerfoua report, rtc, a?  applicable)
SO U R C E
Prof. G. B. Sias
SU N  M AR Y: (E nter concise num m ary 0/ report. Giro significance in final one-eentenee paragraph. List inclocurcs at lower left. Begin text of report m AF Form Ilf—Part IL)
1.
Prof. G. B.
This IR  transmits a report of unusual aerial pheonomenanwitnessed by 
SIA S on the 28 th of A ugust 1952, in Sassari, Sardinia.
2 COM M EN TS of the Preparing Officer:
Prof* Sias was interviewed by this officer and he appeared to be in­
telligent, pleasant, and very eager to tell his story. H e, in his own mind, is con­
vinced that either: (1) The U nited States has made scientific strides unknown to the 
rest of the world and this particular phenomenon was one of these items; or, (2) This 
particular phenomenon was super-natural or it was instituted by another government in 
Italy. Prof. Sias appeared to be a very intense individual and, while not exactly 
fanatic, I believe that this title comes very close to fitting him. Enclosure #1 
is a sketch by the professor of what he thought he saw*
A . W OIDA  
t. Colonel, U SA F 
A cting A ir A ttache
/ ^ (/ &<J
library subject ft AR E A C O D E S
U o3 v\m
DISTRIBUTION BY ORIG INA TOR
1 cpy A T1A E-5, A erial Phenomenon Section
H 0T& TH IS DOCUMENT CONTA INS INFORMA TION A FFECTING  TH E NA TIONA L DEFENSE OF TH E UNITED STA TES WITH IN TH E MEA NING  OFTH E ESPIONA G E A CT. 50 U. S. C - 
31 A ND 32. A S A MENDED. ITS TRA NSMISSION OR TH E REVELA TION OF ITS CONTENTS IN A NY MA NNER TO A N UNA UTH ORIZED PERSON IS PROH IBITED BY LA W. 
IT MA Y NOT BE REPRODUCED IN WH OLE OR IN PA RT. BY OTH ER TH A N UNITED STA TES A IR FORCE A G ENCIES. EXCEPT BY PERMISSION OF TH E DIRECTOR OF
INTELLIG ENCE. USA F.
U N CLA SSIFIED
(CLA SSIFICA TION)
1 6— 5 6 509 2 U . 5. GO VE R N M E N T M IN TIN G O F fIC S


'!M CX A SSIFI ED
J ' (CLA SSIFICA TION)AF  F O R M  1 1 2— PAR T II
A PPROVED 1 JUNE 194 8
AIR IN TE LLIGE N C E IN F O R M ATIO N R E PO R T
FROM (4 ?«W) REPORT NO.
A ir A ttache, H ome, Italy IB-700-53
TR A NSLA TION
R EPOR T A N D ILLU STR A TION OF A FLY IN G SPH ER E
Observation by Prof. G.B. SIA S - V ia A rmando Diaz 22, Sassari
TO TH E U N ITED STA TES EM BA SSY A CCR EDITED TO TH E ITA LIA N 30V & R N M aiT
A PPA R ITION OF A  FLY IN G SPH ER E
’On the 2 8 th of A ugust 1952, the following article of mine was published in 
Sassari in the local "Carriere dell’Isola" newspaper:
"Y esterday evening, 27th of A ugust, at 21h5 hours, I was walking - as usual - 
along the court-yard of Sassari Brigade, below the windows of the war orphans dormi­
tory, saying the rosary • It was exactly the time when the trumpet of Gonzaga barracks 
was playing the lights out signal. I watched now and then the sky covered with stars, 
heavy, moonless, still torrid for the temperature which in those days, as anyone would 
remember, often attained U O degrees, with a sky which remained clean and cloudless for 
three months. Suddenly ny attention was attracted by a transparent small cloud, coming 
from the East, isolated in the middle of the sky: the remaining sky was serene, tty 
eyes were fixed to that point, fascinated by the view, when suddenly a sphere of 
astonishing brightness and luminosity seemed to depart from the M ilky W ay. I had the 
impression that it was'very close to the earth: it was slightly larger than the full 
moon, of green-blue color, silver bright like the mother-of-pearl, with matai streaks 
in the right side; it proceeded at a dizzy speed along East-W est direction, appearing 
suddenly as if it came out of a thick shadow. It came out and in a secon disappeared, 
leaving behind a line or luminous ribbon, having a thickness of one-seventh of the 
sphere; after a second, the entire sphere appeared again; then again, it disappeared 
and the line showed and again the sphere returned, always identical. Finally, it 
disappeared toward the horizon. The apparition lasted in total three to five seconds.
U y first idea was that such a phenomenon was due to an aerolite. Everyone 
knows the color and brightness of meteoric stones, while it was evident that the 
luminousity of the sphere originated from the sun, like the moon’s.
"In regard to motion, I reflected that such an object, suppose it was a human 
creation, could not have such a dizzy actual speed to excel the velocity of any human 
invention, even if carried to $0 or 60 kilometers altitude. On the supposition that 
the sphere was coning from astral spaces, from much higher altitudes, its motion could 
be either partially or entirely apparent, that is equal to the revolution speed of the 
earth, viz. thirty kilometers per second.
"W here the luminosity was concerned, I thought that it could be traced to the 
location of the sphere at hundreds or thousands kilometers above the earth while it 
got out of the cone of shadow of the earth and proceeded W estward, beix® illuminated by 
the sun which had set two hours and a half earlier. The location was the following: 
approx. hS between the Zenith and the horizon line,Southward; direction East-W est 
beginning from the M ilky W ay.
"The doubt that mine may be a mere optical illusion is dissipated by the 
testimony of two other persons: an orphan, Brau, who had not yet gone to bed, saw 
the luminous sphere through the window of the dormitory; another testimony was offered 
by M r. Piccolo, a guardian of V almascheri concern placed approx. 3 kilometers in air 
line from Sassari, who observed the phenomenon at the same time: reality and not 
illusion, then.
NOTE: TH IS DOCUMENT CONTA INS INFORMA TION A FFECTING  TH E NA TIONA L DEFENSE OF TH E UNITED STA TES WITH IN TH E MEA NING  OF TH E ESPIONA G E A CT. 50 U. S. C - 
31 A ND 32. A S A MENDED. ITS TRA NSMISSION OR TH E REVELA TION OF ITS CONTENTS IN A NY MA NNER TO A N UNA UTH ORIZED PERSON IS PROH IBITED BY LA W. 
IT MA Y NOT BE REPRODUCED IN WH OLE OR IN PA RT, BY OTH ER TH A N UNITED STA TES A IR FORCE A G ENCIES. EXCEPT BY PERMISSION OF TH E DIRECTOR OF 
INTELLIG ENCE. USA F.
11 K f c i A  5 $ | FIE 0 v
- (CLA SSIFICA TION) 10-55570-1 u. s. g o ver n m en t po in tin g  o ffic e


AF  F O R M  1 1 2— PAR T if
A PPROVED 1 JUNE 194 8•-
U N CLA SSIFIED
(CLA SSIFICA TION) ’
AIR IN TE LLIGE N C E IN F O R M ATIO N R E PO R T
FROM (Offley) REPORT NO.
A ir A ttache, Some, Italy IH -7OO—53 3 5
PA G E OF PA G ES
A LTITU DE A N D DIM EN SION S OF TH E SPH EfU
"The observation of the sphere, the peculiar circumstances of its apparition 
and the logical deductions, inspired me with a pressing desire, rather a stimulating 
impulse, to find a solution of the phenomenon in its complete significance* I had 
precise data:
(1) the small cloud which was a sort of signal
(2) the egress of the sphere from the earth’s cone of shadow at 2145 hours
(3) the duration of the apparition for three to five seconds in South-W est 
direction. 0
(4) the distance - cardinal point: South - of 45 between the Zenith and the 
horizon line.
(5) the seeming diameter.
The sole thing to do was to contact a scientist: I went to Father Junkes, 
well-known astronomer, director of the V atican observatory at Castel Gandolfo: after 
some days of study, he obtained with the system of the coordinates, the following 
results:
"On the basis of the geographical position of the observers, the coordinates 
can approx, be estimated as follows:
Longitude 33.8 East (08 ° 33")
Latitude 40° 45’ N orth
On the basis of the sun position on the 27th of A ugust at 2145 hours the 
resulting TM 3C will be:
A ximuth 133? 36* measuring from South to N orth, through W est
A ltitude 27 41’, that is below the horizon
"On the basis of the above data, not taking into account the effects of re­
fraction, the distance of the observer visibility in this point at an elevation of 
45 up to the point where it comes out of the earth shadow is:
approx. 168 1 kilometers Southward
approx. 1091 South-W esterward
A t such a distance an apparent diameter of 1/2 degree (moon’s apparent 
diameter) is equal to the following actual diameters:
14.67 kilometers at 168 1 km. distance
9.25 kilometers at 1091 km. distance
From the above it can be easily deduced that the object observed could not 
be a common terrestrial "flying saucer", some bright metal body illuminated by the sun, 
because its dimensions would be too big."
These were the deductions of Father Junks; but since he is also the Director 
of the V atican observatory and well versed in astrophysics, he mentioned to me in 
another letter that the birght green, blue, silver colors and the luminosity of ths 
sphere is presumably due to the remarkable quantity of iron and nickel which many astra 
oodles contain.
NOTE: TH IS DOCUMENT CONTA INS INFORMA TION A FFECTING  TH E NA TIONA L DEFENSE OF TH E UNITED STA TES WITH IN TH E MEA NING  OF TH E ESPIONA G E A CT. 50 U. S. C- 
31 A ND 32. A S A MENDED. ITS TRA NSMISSION OR TH E REVELA TION OF ITS CONTENTS IN A NY MA NNER TO A N UNA UTH ORIZED PERSON IS PROH IBITED BY LA W. 
IT MA Y NOT BE REPRODUCED IN WH OLE OR IN PA RT. BY OTH ER TH A N UNITED STA TES A IR FORCE A G ENCIES, EXCEPT BY PERMISSION OF TH E DIRECTOR OF 
INTELLIG ENCE, USA F.
LfN GtA W IED 1 0— 55570'1 U . *. GO VE R N M E N T PR IN TIN G O F F IC E


AF  F O R M  1 1 2— PAR T II
A PPROVED 1 JUNE 194 8 -'
uN CLA SSI FIED
(CLA SSIFICA TION)
AIR IN TE LLIGE N C E IN F O R M ATIO N R E PO R T
FROM (pencil)
A ir A ttache, R ome, Italy
R E PO R T N O .
IR -TOO-53 h 5
PA G E OF PA G ES
TH E M ISTER ! OF TH E LIN E A N D SPH ER E SH A PED LU M IN OSH T
"N otwithstanding the numerous hypothesis which were advanced by the astro­
nomer and myself in an attempt to explain such a phenomenon, none was entirely satis­
factory. Still a quite reasonable hypothesis is that the discoid sphere, along its 
itinerary, presented to the sun alternately its surface entirely illuminated by the 
sun. Its dimensions were 1/7 of the sphere, that is two kilometers in breadth. This 
resulted in an undulatory motion, W alch was made necessary either by suspension stabili 
in the space at that altitude or by some other equilibrium laws unknown to us.
PER SON A L R EM A R K S
(1) I must categorically affirm that the view of the sphere on my part was not 
casual* a small cloud, one cloud in a clean sky, which later on disappeared, was like 
a speaking signal to my attention. I dare not affirm - and it would be presumption 
on my part - that the sphere was occupied by non-human beings, no matter W iat they may 
be like* but the heavenly inte rvention is too evident I
(2) A  luminosity which cannot even be compared with the b rightness of full 
moon in a clear night; such bright and vivid colors that cannot be found on earth. A ll 
this was a heavenly smile which inspired my soul with a joy and peace never felt before 
A new, heavenly light J
(3) I believe that privilege was not entirely intended for mes the phenomenon 
occurred in the Institute for W ar Orphans of the Sassari Brigade, the custodian of 
Trieste after the first liberation which waits for the second liberation from the hands 
of A merica, which is today the faithful custodian of it. I do not mean to get involved 
in politics, becuase I know nothing of it. I think, though, that this is a legitimate 
remark which reflects the psychology of history. A merica is based on freedom: freedom 
of though^ economical freedom, freedom of religion: in this connection, no other peopl 
in the world begins official ceremonies with the "Pater N aster” prayer: reflection of 
God wiseness and power! A merica def.nds freedom from fear: fear of war, fear of un­
employment, fear of starvation. God put the destiny of the world in its hands. The 
oriental civilization elapsed, and so did the Greek civilization and tte R onan world. 
The sacred R oman Empire collapsed, the British hegemony was eclipsed: the cycle from 
East to W est is terminating in A merica. The words V irgilius wrote 2000 years ago, 
idiom can better suit than A merica?
’•R emember to rule the peoples with the authority of power: 
be clement to the humble and exhaust the arrogance of the superb” 
(Eneide 6th book)
The basic scientific data are here below briefly summarized.
(1) the certainty that the sphere is not a human invention in view of its 
dimension and heavenly light.
(2) the secret - now disclosed - of the measuring system of such apparitions
(3) the aim, resulting from astonishing revelation, of chasing a people as 
a guide to manlpind, under the guidance of God.
The following is to be added:
(1) I intend to transfer the secret and the property of this writing of mine 
to the A merican Embassy, Office of the A ir Forces.
(2) W hat I requested in my letter to A mbassador Clara Luce, to which reference 
was made in a letter addressed to me by Col, A nthony M any on 3 July 1953, be granted
NOTE; TH IS DOCUMENT CONTA INS INFORMA TION A FFECTING  TH E NA TIONA L DEFENSE OF TH E UNITED STA TES WITH IN TH E MEA NING  OF TH E ESPIONA G E A CT, 50 U S. C.- 
31 A ND 32. A S A MENDED. ITS TRA NSMISSION OR TH E REVELA TION OF ITS CONTENTS IN A NY MA NNER TO A N UNA UTH ORIZED PERSON IS PROH IBITED BY LA W. 
IT MA Y NOT BE REPRODUCED IN WH OLE OR IN PA RT. BY OTH ER TH A N UNITED STA TES A IR FORCE A G ENCIES. EXCEPT BY PERMISSION OF TH E DIRECTOR OF 
INTELLIG ENCE. USA F.
JhlG LA SSlfied
1 6-55570-1 D . S. GO VE R N M E N T PR IN TIN G O F F IC E


AF  F O R M  1 1 2— PAR T II
A PPROVED I JUNE 1^8 ‘ "
• ,
AIR IN TE LLIGE N C E IN F O R M ATIO N R E PO R T
PA G E OF PA G ES
REPORT NO.FROM ULWlO
A ir A ttache, H ome, Italy IB-700-53
to me, as a token of reward rather than as a compensation, for the benefit of 
the Institute for W ar Orphans and E.N .A .L.L.I. "
Prof. Giovanni Battista Sias
V ia A rmado Diaz 22 - Sassari (Italy)
Sassari, 19 N ovember 1953
NOIL TH IS DOCUMENT CONTA INS INFORMA TION A FFECTING  TH E NA TIONA L DEFENSE OF TH E UNITED STA TES WITH IN TH E MEA NING  OF TH E ESPIONA G E A CT. 50 U, S, C- 
3! A ND 32. A S A MENDED. ITS TRA NSMISSION OR TH E REVELA TION OF ITS CONTENTS IN A NY MA NNER TO A N UNA UTH ORIZED PERSON IS PROH IBITED BY LA W. 
IT MA Y NOT BE REPRODUCED IN WH OLE OR IN PA RT. BY OTH ER TH A N UNITED STA TES A IR FORCE A G ENCIES. EXCEPT BY PERMISSION OF TH E DIRECTOR OF
INTELLIG ENCE, USA F.
JN CLA SSIFIED
(CLA SSIFICA TION) 1 1 5— 55570“! v. S. GO VE R N M E N T H U N TIN G O F F IC E