The 'Battle of Los Angeles'

Witness account

A series of alerts culminated in a blackout and intense antiaircraft firing over Los Angeles in the early hours of 25 February. Reports of aircraft varied wildly, and no enemy aircraft were confirmed destroyed. The official Army Air Forces history records a flare-carrying balloon at the onset of firing and describes confusion as illuminated shell bursts were mistaken for additional targets.

Public record

The official historical account reconstructs radar warnings, military observations, the firing of 1,440 rounds, and contradictory Army and Navy public explanations. It reports damage and disruption from the defensive response rather than a demonstrated enemy bombing attack. The later UFO interpretation should be distinguished from the wartime alarm itself.

Sources

• The Army Air Forces in World War II, 'The Battle of Los Angeles,' official historical text reproduced by the Virtual Museum of the City of San Francisco