REF: UAP/1940s/009Unexplained
1942-02-25

Battle of Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · USA·Military engagement·1940s
Unexplained
§ ASummary

Anti-aircraft batteries fired ~1,430 rounds at unidentified object(s) in searchlights hours after Pearl Harbor jitters; famous LA Times photo.

§ BWitnesses

1,000s of Angelenos; 37th Coast Artillery Brigade

§ CEvidence & Documentation

LA Times photo (2/26/1942); Army/Navy after-action memos; Marshall memo to FDR

§ DOfficial Investigation

Army/Navy inquiries; 1983 Office of Air Force History review

§ EStatus Assessment

USAF history attributes to war nerves/weather balloon + barrage fire; still debated

§ FVerifiable Sources

Office of AF History, 'The Army Air Forces in WWII'; LA Times archives; en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Los_Angeles