| Thomas Mantell | |
|---|---|
| Born | 30 June 1922 Franklin, Kentucky |
| Died | 7 January 1948 (aged 25) near Franklin, Kentucky |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch | United States Air Force Kentucky Air National Guard |
| Years of service | 1942–1948 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 440th Troop Carrier Group |
| Battles/wars | World War II (Operation Overlord) |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal |
Captain Thomas Francis Mantell Jr. was a United States Air Force serviceman and a World War II veteran. Mantell was awarded Distinguished Flying Cross for courageous action during Normandy landings[1] and Air Medal for heroism.[2]
In 1948 Mantell became involved in presumed UFO incident and died on the same day, when his aircraft ultimately crashed near Franklin, Kentucky.
Mantell graduated from the Male High School in Louisville. On 16 June 1942, Mantell joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, finishing Flight School on 30 June 1943.[2] During World War II, he was assigned to the 440th Troop Carrier Group.[2] After the war Mantell returned to Louisville, joining the newly formed Kentucky Air National Guard on 16 February 1947.
On September 29, 2001, the Simpson County Historical Society unveiled a historical marker in honor of Thomas Mantell in his hometown of Franklin. The marker is located at the exit off Interstate 65.[2]
On January 7, 1948 the tower man at Godman Army Air Field received a telephone call from the military police saying they had received a call from the Kentucky State Highway Patrol who in turn reported that they were taking calls about something flying over Maysville, Kentucky. The information was brought to the attention of the base operations officer, the intelligence officer and the base commander Guy F. Hix.[1] None was able to identify the object.[1]
With the unidentified object still visible, Captain Mantell, was asked if he would investigate. Mantell replied he would attempt to intercept and began a spiraling, climbing turn to 220 degrees and 15,000 feet.[1] He later reported that the object was "metallic and it is tremendous in size".[1] With the object still above him, he reported he would continue to climb.[1] Further radio and visual contact with Mantell was lost. Subsequent search revealed the remains of Mantell's aircraft, found scattered over about a half a mile near a farm close to Franklin, Kentucky.