UFO Trace Evidence Case, Gleeson, Arizona – August 26, 1968
Background
These papers were obtained by The Black Vault from the University of Arizona, during the production of a History channel documentary about UFO trace evidence (UFO Files series).
During the research phase, these documents were brought in from the University, but did not make it into the final cut of the show.
I have digitally preserved them here, for archival and research purposes.
These are from the University of Arizona, James E. McDonald Collection, Call #MS 412, Box 1, Folder 15, for reference.
In addition to the above file, I found that the paper was scanned (not a great resolution) by the Arizona Daily Star in 2014. Although the text is more readable in the above PDF, I have archived this scan as well:
And thanks to Black Vault user Claude Falkstrom, the original (readable, just click to zoom) scans were submitted and archived here:
Lastly, the Arizona Daily Star also published some scans of the original photographs. As of the writing of this case file, they can be seen HERE. However, I have also archived them below for preservation. The captions used are the ones published by the Arizona Daily Star.
William Mayfield, operator of the Gleeson museum, examines a badly burned rock which was among the burned cactus at the site of the UFO in October, 1968. The rock was too hot to touch even 48-hours after the incident, Mayfield said. He reported a "queer, acid-like smell" after the event. "Nothing like our fuels smell." Dan Tortorell / Tucson Citizenmore
Looking down from Brown's Peak near Gleeson, Ariz., in Oct. 1968. Witnesses alleged several UFO's hovered over the peak for hours late one night, leaving erratic burn patterns and acid-like smells. "They seemed to back off into the Valley behind the peak," said Pearl Christiansen.more
Pearl Christiansen, 71, of Gleeson, describes a UFO she saw in October 1968: “It looked as though there were a train of lights trailing from one side,” she said. “When I went through another gate, I saw the second object — very shiny and gold. ... Once in a while both would glow simultaneously.”more
Pearl Christiansen, 71, of Gleeson talks watching a UFO in October, 1968. "I was happily happily excited about the beauty of the thing," she said. "I never was afraid. I had no fear – just excited." Dan Tortorell / Tucson Citizenmore
Pearl Christiansen, 71, of Gleeson talks watching a UFO in October 1968. “There was a red band which turned wine in color, then turned purple,” he told the Tucson Citizen. “Several minutes later it was gold.” Tucson Citizen 1968more
Burn site on Brown's Peak where witnesses saw UFO's in October, 1968. Strange fires had scorched the parts of the peak. Some observers think that may be "ritualistic" ceremonies done by a nearby "hippie camp." Dan Tortorell / Tucson Citizenmore
Gleeson, Arizona, in 1968. The Copper Belle mine supplied copper during WW I. The mines closed in the 1930s and the post office closed in 1939, leaving Gleeson essentially a ghost town. Dan Tortorell / Tucson Citizenmore
