Germany: Foo Fighters sighted by pilots
From December 14–28, 1944, night fighter squadrons reported multiple glowing orbs during bombing missions over Germany. Pilot Charlie Horne of the 415th Squadron coined the term 'foo fighters' inspired by a comic strip.
Background
First Appearance
Several night fighter squadrons observed numerous luminous spheres between December 14 and 28, 1944 during bombing missions over Germany. These objects were perceived as unexplained lights that accompanied the aircraft.
Naming
Charlie Horne, a pilot and officer of the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, proposed calling the sightings "foo fighters". The name comes from the comic strip "Smokey Stover" by Bill Holman, in which the catchphrase "where there's foo, there's fire" appears and a fire engine is called the "Foomobile".
Witnesses and Context
The reports come from pilots and ground personnel of Allied units. Radar checks showed no other aircraft. The sightings remained puzzling and did not directly affect the missions.
Significance
These events are regarded as early military UAP encounters of the Second World War. They led to investigations and archival records that later shaped UFO research.