SHG: Sign Oral History Project: Introduction to Willis T. Sperry Interview

Captain Willis Sperry began flying with his brother at age eleven and by 1939 was a pilot with American Airlines. On May 29, 1950, he and co-pilot Bill Gates along with Flight Engineer, Robert Arnholt, had a sighting of a cigar-shaped object that paced them and maneuvered around their DC-6 aircraft before disappearing at a high-rate of speed.

This interview was conducted at his retirement home in California with the kind assistance of Sperry's daughter, Avalon Hill. Several months following the interview Captain Sperry passed on.

Sperry's Letter to September, 1950 Flying Magazine

http://www.project1947.com/fig/1950b.htm#flying

Sperry's Blue Book Interview with W. B. Klemperer

http://www.project1947.com/fig/1950b.htm#klemp

Transcript of 1964 KABC-TV Interview with Sperry

http://www.project1947.com/fig/1950b.htm#kabc

Notes of Interview with Dr. James E. McDonald

http://www.project1947.com/shg/sohp/sperrymcd.html

Summary of Sperry Sighting by Loren E. Gross

http://www.project1947.com/fig/sperryleg.htm