Philip James Corso (May 22, 1915 – July 16, 1998) was an American Army officer who served in the United States Army from February 23, 1942, to March 1, 1963, and earned the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Involvement with Extraterrestrial Technology: Corso is best known for his book “The Day After Roswell,” published in 1997. In this book, he claimed his involvement in the research of extraterrestrial technology that was allegedly recovered from the 1947 Roswell Incident. According to Corso, he was part of a covert government group under the leadership of Adm. Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter, the first director of Central Intelligence (often referred to as Majestic 12). This group’s mission was to collect all information on off-planet technology.
While the US administration publicly dismissed the existence of flying saucers, Corso asserted that the reverse engineering of the artifacts from the Roswell crash indirectly led to the development of several modern technologies. These include accelerated particle beam devices, fiber optics, lasers, integrated circuit chips, and Kevlar material. Furthermore, Corso claimed that the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), commonly known as “Star Wars,” was designed to target not only incoming enemy warheads but also potentially hostile extraterrestrial spacecraft.
Corso made an appearance on the popular late-night radio show, Coast to Coast AM with Art Bell, on July 23, 1997, where he discussed his Roswell story in detail. Unfortunately, he passed away due to a heart attack less than a year after this appearance.
Early Life and Education
Philip James Corso was born on May 22, 1915, in California, Pennsylvania.
His military career began when he joined the United States Army on February 23, 1942. He served until March 1, 1963, and achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel. Over the course of his military service, Corso held various significant positions, including Battalion Commander of European Air Defense, Intel Staff Officer Plans & Estimate Branch GHQ Far East Command, and Chief Foreign Technology Division of the United States Department of Defense.
Career
Philip J. Corso’s diverse career began with his Army enlistment in 1942, serving in Army Intelligence in Europe and later becoming the chief of the US Counter Intelligence Corps in Rome. In 1945, he played a pivotal role in facilitating the safe passage of 10,000 Jewish World War II refugees from Rome to the British Mandate of Palestine, concurrently serving as a personal emissary to Giovanni Battista Montini, later Pope Paul VI, during the active period of the “Nazi Rat Lines.”
During the Korean War (1950–1953), Corso performed intelligence duties under General Douglas MacArthur, including monitoring North Korean POW camps. He testified in 1992 that he believed hundreds of American POWs were left behind in these camps.
From 1953 to 1957, Corso served on President Eisenhower’s National Security Council staff.
In 1961, he was appointed Chief of the Pentagon’s Foreign Technology desk in Army Research and Development, working under Lt. Gen. Arthur Trudeau.
Corso is also known for his book “The Day After Roswell” (1997), where he claimed involvement in researching extraterrestrial technology recovered from the 1947 Roswell Incident. He suggested that this led to the development of modern technologies like fiber optics, lasers, and integrated circuit chips, sparking intrigue and debate among UFO enthusiasts and skeptics.
Controversy
Philip J. Corso’s claims, particularly those detailed in his book “The Day After Roswell,” have been a significant source of controversy. Here’s a breakdown:
- The Day After Roswell: In this book, Corso claimed that he was responsible for stewarding extraterrestrial artifacts that were recovered from the Roswell crash in 1947. He stated that a covert government group was formed under the leadership of Adm. Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter, the first director of Central Intelligence (often referred to as Majestic 12). This group’s mission was to gather all information on off-planet technology. While the US administration publicly denied the existence of flying saucers, Corso asserted that the reverse engineering of the Roswell artifacts indirectly led to the development of modern technologies such as fiber optics, lasers, integrated circuit chips, and Kevlar material.
- Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) Claims: Corso also claimed that the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), commonly known as “Star Wars,” was designed not only to target incoming enemy warheads but also potentially hostile extraterrestrial spacecraft.
- Public Reception: Corso’s claims have been met with skepticism by many in the scientific and UFO communities. Critics argue that there is a lack of concrete evidence to support his assertions, and some of the technological advancements he credits to extraterrestrial technology can be traced back to human innovation and research.
- Media Appearances: Corso’s appearance on the popular late-night radio show, Coast to Coast AM with Art Bell, on July 23, 1997, further fueled the debate. He discussed his Roswell story in detail, which garnered significant attention from both believers and skeptics.
Impact on Ufology
Philip J. Corso’s revelations, particularly those detailed in his book “The Day After Roswell,” have left an indelible mark on the field of Ufology. His claims of handling extraterrestrial artifacts from the infamous Roswell crash and the subsequent reverse engineering of these artifacts to develop modern technologies have been both groundbreaking and contentious.
For many UFO enthusiasts and researchers, Corso’s assertions provided a long-awaited insider confirmation of government involvement in UFO cover-ups. His detailed account of a covert government group dedicated to extracting technological insights from alien artifacts seemed to validate long-held suspicions about the U.S. government’s secretive dealings with UFO phenomena. The idea that technologies like fiber optics, lasers, and integrated circuits could have extraterrestrial origins added a layer of intrigue to the narrative of human technological advancement.
However, Corso’s claims also intensified debates within the Ufology community. Skeptics questioned the veracity of his accounts, pointing to the lack of concrete evidence and the convenient timing of his revelations, which came decades after the events in question. Critics argued that many of the technological advancements Corso attributed to alien technology had clear human developmental trajectories.
FAQ
Conclusion
Philip J. Corso, a former American Army officer, is best known for his controversial claims detailed in “The Day After Roswell.” In the book, he asserted his involvement in the research and reverse engineering of extraterrestrial technology recovered from the 1947 Roswell Incident. Corso’s revelations have significantly influenced Ufology, sparking intense debates about government cover-ups and the origins of modern technologies. While some view him as a whistleblower unveiling concealed truths, others regard his accounts with skepticism, citing a lack of concrete evidence. Regardless of one’s stance, Corso’s impact on discussions surrounding UFOs and extraterrestrial encounters is undeniable.