Two boys stumbled upon something that changed their lives forever. The Trinity UFO incident, as it is referred to occurred in San Antonio, New Mexico in 1945.
The Trinity UFO crash is a fascinating incident in the history of UFO sightings. It is said to have occurred in August 1945, just weeks after the end of World War II and the Trinity nuclear test in New Mexico. This event gained a lot of attention due to the recent detailed investigations and published book by researchers like Jacques Vallée and Paola Harris.
The Trinity UFO Incident
In August 1945, two young boys, Jose Padilla and Reme Baca, reportedly witnessed a UFO crash near San Antonio, New Mexico. This is even to this day a very small town of around 18,000 residents.
The boys, aged 9 and 7 at the time, were near their family’s ranch when they saw what they described as an egg-shaped craft hurtling through the sky and crashing into the ground. They initially thought it might be a meteor but soon realized it was something far more extraordinary.

Eyewitness Events
- Initial Sightings – According to Jose Padilla and Reme Baca, the craft made a loud noise as it approached the ground. Upon crashing, it created a large impact crater and scattered debris.
- Inspection of the Craft – The boys approached the crash site and described seeing a large, oval-shaped object. They noted its metallic surface, which seemed unlike anything they had seen before. They also mentioned seeing three small beings inside the craft, which were moving but appeared injured.
- Military Involvement – The boys reported the incident to their parents, who later contacted the authorities. The U.S. Army soon arrived at the site, cordoned off the area, and began a recovery operation. According to the boys, the military personnel took the craft and the beings away.
Jacques Vallée’s Book
Jacques Vallée, a well-respected UFO researcher, co-authored a book with Paola Harris titled “Trinity: The Best-Kept Secret.” This book delves into the details of the Trinity UFO crash, based on extensive interviews with Jose Padilla and Reme Baca, as well as other investigations.
- Research Findings – Vallée and Harris provide a comprehensive analysis of the event, corroborating the boys’ accounts with other evidence and testimonies. They explore the physical characteristics of the craft and the beings, and they discuss the implications of the military’s involvement.
- Historical Context – The book places the crash within the broader context of post-war America and the burgeoning interest in UFOs. It also examines how the event was overshadowed by the atomic bomb testing and other significant events of the time.
Top Book Reviewers Comments
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2021
The reviewer, a long-time observer of the UFO phenomenon, highly recommends the book, appreciating Jacques Vallée’s perceptive analysis. The book raises more questions than it answers, urging readers to look beyond the simplistic extraterrestrial explanation for UFOs. It examines the cultural and psychological impacts of the UFO phenomenon.
Vallée and co-author Paola Harris approach the 1945 Trinity event with comprehensive, multidisciplinary investigations. The reviewer finds the book valuable for those willing to challenge their assumptions and considers it the best book on the subject.
John of Boston – Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2021
John Hart, PhD, praises the book for revealing a 1945 UFO crash predating the famous Roswell incident. Witnesses Jose Padilla and Remigio Baca described an avocado-shaped craft and its insectoid occupants. The book is well-written, containing photos and drawings made by the witnesses.
Hart appreciates Vallée’s scientific rigor and the compelling, thought-provoking information presented. He recommends the book for both UFO enthusiasts and the general public.
M. Cortez – Reviewed in Canada on January 19, 2024
The reviewer finds the book well-written and well-researched, stating that it could turn readers into believers.
Marazevedo – Reviewed in Brazil on March 14, 2024
The reviewer commends the authors for their detective-like work in researching and writing the book.
Orchidroom – Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 26, 2023
The reviewer discusses the context of the Trinity event occurring shortly after the first nuclear bomb test. The book includes interviews with five witnesses and describes similar encounters, technology, and the impact on people living near the Trinity site.
The reviewer finds the book fascinating and informative, despite not providing a definitive explanation for the UFO phenomenon.
Giuseppe – Reviewed in Italy on March 10, 2023
The reviewer is disappointed, noting that Vallée previously dismissed extraterrestrial explanations in favor of socio-cultural and psychological ones but returns to the alien hypothesis in this book.
DerChemiker – Reviewed in Germany on March 7, 2022
The reviewer considers the book one of the most important in recent years, comparing it to other notable UFO incidents. Vallée’s investigation with Harris is highly respected. The book’s narrative builds suspense and provides numerous independent accounts of similar incidents. However, the reviewer criticizes the book’s production quality, suggesting professional editing and typesetting for future editions.
Other Sources of Information
- Local Accounts – Other residents of San Antonio, New Mexico, have also come forward with stories about the crash. Some described seeing strange lights in the sky, while others recalled hearing rumors of a military operation to recover a mysterious object.
- UFO Researchers – Various UFO researchers have investigated the Trinity crash over the years. Some have supported the boys’ accounts, while others have been more skeptical, citing a lack of concrete evidence.
- Debunking Efforts – Skeptics argue that the story might have been a mix of childhood imagination and local folklore. They point to inconsistencies in the boys’ accounts and the absence of official military records confirming the crash.

Documentaries, TV, and Talk Shows on the Trinity UFO Crash
Sure thing, Vern. Here are the links to some resources on the Trinity UFO crash:
- “Trinity: The Best-Kept Secret” Documentary by Jacques Vallee and Paola Harris. This documentary delves into the 1945 Trinity UFO crash and its investigation. You can find more information and access it through various platforms such as Amazon or by checking Vallee’s official site:
- “UFOs: The Lost Evidence” – Trinity Crash Episode. This TV series explores various UFO incidents, including the Trinity crash. For more details, you can check out their official page or look for the series on streaming platforms like the Travel Channel:
- “Ancient Aliens” – Trinity Crash Episode. This popular series covers numerous UFO and ancient astronaut theories, including an episode on the Trinity crash. You can find more information on the History Channel’s website:
- Coast to Coast AM Interviews. Jacques Vallee and Paola Harris have discussed the Trinity UFO crash on Coast to Coast AM. For specific episodes and more information, visit their official site:
Summary
The Trinity UFO crash is probably the first UFO to slam into the earth’s crust in the United States. The entire incident remains a subject of debate and intrigue. The detailed testimonies of Jose Padilla and Reme Baca, supported by Vallée and Harris’s thorough research, provide a compelling narrative.
However, the lack of official documentation and the passage of time make it challenging to definitively prove the incident.
Whether viewed as a genuine UFO event or a fascinating piece of local legend, the Trinity crash is an important part of UFO history. It highlights the enduring mystery of UFO sightings and the persistent quest for answers in the face of the unknown.
[Images by Gemini AI]