West Germany: Gordon Cooper sees metallic discs
USAF pilot Gordon Cooper observed multiple metallic discs at high altitude while flying an F-86 Sabrejet over West Germany. He reported two days of sightings of objects in various sizes flying in fighter formation from west to east.
Background
Witness and Context
US Air Force pilot Gordon Cooper experienced the event during a flight in an F-86 Sabrejet over West Germany. He described metallic discs at high altitude, which he observed over two days. The objects varied in size and flew in formation like fighter planes, mostly from west to east over Europe.
Sighting Details
Cooper reported several groups of such objects. They showed high speed and manoeuvrability. The sightings took place in 1951, more precisely on January 29. No sounds or exhaust were mentioned, which has been taken to indicate advanced technology.
Sources and Significance
The details come from Cooper's autobiography and later statements. Sceptics such as James Oberg question some of the stories, though Cooper's standing as an astronaut has been cited as lending them credibility. This was his first known UAP encounter, before his NASA career.