DATE 07 DECEMBER 1992

Prepared by: Colonel (Ret.) Lorenzo W. Burroughs

CONTENT:

1. Statement of the Problem and Imagery Analysis Tasks.

2. Summary Statement of Imagery Analysis and results of the symbols in the Valley near Sam Neua, Dong Mang and the Ban Nampo areas.

3. Discussion of the imagery analysis and exploitation approach of suspect POW/MIA areas of interest.

(a) TAB 1 - Valley near Sam Neua

(b) TAB 2 - Huang Tan area

(c) TAB 3 - Dong Mang (Dong Vai Prison area)

(d) TAB 4 - Ban Nampo symbols

4. Conclusions

5. Recommendations

1. STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENT

This imagery analysis requirement is a direct out growth of the hearings on the POW/MIA Affairs by the US Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs. LWB & Associates was asked to perform an independent assessment on selected NTM imagery, pertaining to alleged pilot distress symbols detected in Southeast Asia. The tasks required analysis of all possible symbols previously identified by DIA, CIA, or JSSA in each target area. Also to determine if symbols are man made and the degree of confidence expressed as a percentage. Additionally to provide alternative explanations for the appearance of the possible images, to include possible age of symbols using the same frames of NTM imagery which JSSA identified as a number of possible authenticator numbers and other markings. The task order (see appendix I) also required LWB & Associates to identify any other symbols on the imagery examined, which may not have been previously reported.

2. SUMMARY STATEMENT

This analysis was accomplished in the DIA Imagery Analysis Facility at NPIC. It is worthwhile to point out that the DIA Supervisors and Imagery Analysts provided professional support for all phases of this independent analysis. This included periods of overtime and during the time off period for Thanksgiving (Friday). The level of support was such that it permitted LWB to go back and forth between the IDEX Facility and the Richard Z-500 Imagery Analysis Work Station, employing comparative analysis techniques not otherwise available for routine analysis.

Throughout this analysis LWB stayed focused on imagery analysis techniques to detect, identify and qualify each symbol as confirmed or negated by NTM. All Source Analysis was not performed due to non-availability of a collateral database. This approach was felt to be the best because it retained the integrity of the imagery analysis as pertains to the same imagery evaluated by JSSA, DIA and CIA. In this regard the Valley near Sam Neua was analyzed with a large percentage (see discussion under Sam Neua) being negated. However, it must be highlighted that several new symbols and suspect target areas were identified and require continued surveillance and all source analysis.

The suspect symbol area near and around Huang Tan Area which includes BABA-1240 was also analyzed over a lengthy period of time using all available NTM photographic coverage of excellent quality. With the exception of a 60% call on the identification of BAB all remaining targets, which for the most part were located in hilly tree covered terrain, were negated (see discussion for the Muang Tan Area).

NOTE: Negation was a function of analysis on both IDEX and the Richard Z-500 using such techniques as image rotation, enhancement, negative and positive viewing (IDEX) and quick print photo enhancement techniques.

NOTE: It's my opinion that in the large rice field facing the town of Muang Tan there is possibly a large number of much older symbols which could possibly be enhanced by special photographic techniques to a degree where the symbols could be identified (see conclusions).

A complete search of the Dong Mang (Dong Vai Prison) area was accomplished using 1992 imagery. The prison is totally inactive with no sign of symbols within the facility. A similar detail analysis was also accomplished of the area surrounding the Dong Vai Prison where the following symbols were found (see discussion under Dong Mang):

GX 2527 - Located in open field (100% level of confidence) 415 ft. S/E of Dong Vai Prison.

NOTE: Target can only be seen on the IDEX using special enhancement technique. JSSA has also confirmed and matched this number as a validate authenticator code against a known MIA.

The letters P A I R A L (?) can also be seen in an area directly across from the Prison at a point east of the lake in a low and open hedge grove (level of confidence 70%).

NOTE: These letters can be seen on IDEX using both positive and negative processing; the letters R A L stand out even with image rotation).

A detail search of a suspect area about 150 feet North of the above area, and East of the primary road was made to confirm or negate suspect symbols 172 TA 88. Suspect area is a low cut overgrown hedge grove which made it difficult to analyze. A 20-30% level of confidence call is made for the possible numbers of 1 3 k (or X) A 7 Z Z ? See discussion.

In an area due South of the above suspect activity and closer to the possible name P A I R A L is an area where, with special photographic printing and processing techniques, I believe contains a number of older symbols, etc. .. such as to warrant special consideration by DIA & CIA/NPIC.

A detail and lengthy analysis was made of the Ban Nampo symbols and Arrow. This is a military area with what appear to be Quonset-like Huts, seven a row (use unknown). The arrow points to what appears to be a military area with no activity. The Arrow symbol appears to be man made because of its well defined shape, conversely the letter "P" lacks shape and definition. This suspect area is considered negated for POW/MIA symbols.

In summary it is my opinion that while a large percentage of suspect symbols were negated there is justification for continued and expanded imagery collection and analysis of suspect subject areas of Sam Neua Valley and Dong Mang general area for possible new activity.

3. DISCUSSION - Imagery Analysis of Suspect POW/MIA SYMBOLS

Each suspect area is discussed under a specific TAB to provide a record of LWB analysis. Classified backup materials complete with photos and notes were made and are held under separate cover at DIA in NPIC. In all cases where NTM imagery exist the suspect areas were analyzed using either the IDEX (if source was available) or the Richard Zoom 500.

SAM NEUA SYMBOLS

TAB 1 VALLEY NEAR SAM NEUA

NOTE: If suspect symbols were in hilly and heavy foliage areas no comment is made for they were either negated out right or were of a very low level call of confidence during analysis. The following comments and findings support the summary statements.

1. WYRE & 1104 - This suspect symbols are found on a primary road N/t of the Valley near Sam Neua, in a shadow area caused by both vegetation and terrain. The word WYRE was difficult to analyze however the letters Y R E can be seen but with some difficulty therefore that call is only weak 60% call. The number 1104 was negated.

2. USA - K - The letters were easily seen on a number of frames and was confirmed using the Z-500. The letter possible letter K appear to be very old and could be the results of both man made and repeated trenching for rice farming. The call is a low 30%. NOTE: Special image processing did not make a difference.

3. 5555 - This suspect symbol is located on the West side of a three finger hilly area E/S of the USA-K. The number was negated, however, possible letters do appear in the cleared area. No call is made but special processing by DIA Photolab is recommended.

4. 5555 - On the opposite side (East) this suspect number was in a shadow area and was negated, however, the partial number 5 9 Z was seen. (Special Processing recommended.)

5. NT-2222 - Due South at the base of the same hilly terrain free of shadows this number was found with a 50-50% level of confidence (Special Photographic Processing recommended).

6. SUSPECT NEW SYMBOLS:

A. In the same valley South of suspect NT-2222 there is a possible (1285), (X or 2852) (a clearly seen X) and with special photographic processing techniques a number of other symbols may be found. Call it 50%.

B. In the same valley East if the NT-2222 and across the rice field in partial shadows there is the possible name VASYA. The call here is 50-50% because analysis show that on careful review one can see sunlight at the base of some of the letters. NOTE: There are other possible symbols (X. X- and a 5) South of the possible VASYA. (Special Processing recommended).

C. In the valley beyond the USA-K in the opposite direction in an open field there is a number I or 1 4192. This number can be seen on a low contrast print made using the Z-500. Call is 80%.

TAB 2 HUANG TAN AREA

NOTE: 90% of all suspect symbols in this area were believed to be located in a heavy tree and hilly area and were easily negated using high resolution imagery.

A. With the exception of 1313, the numbers 1944, 1974, 2348 & 1941 could not be validated due t trees or terrain.

B. BABA-1240 as a suspect symbol was seen on different imagery to include 1992 photography. BABA could be seen with a 60% level of confidence (older imagery) but was negated on current 1992 imagery. The number 1240 when enlarged could not be confirmed with the same level; of confidence.

C. POW symbol N/W of BABA could not be found in tree area and was likewise negated.

D. 4232 & 4532 were easily negated using the Z-500.

E. USA & 5353 suspect symbols were located in a small town S/W of Muang Tan in a hilly area. The No. 5353 was thought to be in a valley behind the town which was covered with trees. Like the USA it was negated. NOTE: Construction materials in this tree-valley area may account for the miscall.

F. NOTE: The large open field facing the town of Muang Tang there appear to be a number of old symbols which could possibly be seen (to a degree) with special imagery processing which is recommended.

TAB 3 DONG MANG (DONG VAI PRISON AREA)

Review of this suspect target was conducted as an area analysis due to the known POW activity of this prison as reported by CIA. The area East of the prison was the subject of LWB search and analysis efforts. While this area is not active as can be seen by 1992 imagery it does not warrant further analysis. The following suspect symbols and numbers were detected with a given level of confidence:

(SUSPECT NEW SYMBOLS)

A. GX 2527 was found about 415 feet S/E of the Dong Vai Prison in an open field. Using special imagery enhancement techniques of positive and negative viewing etc. .. NOTE: Since follow-up action by JSSA has also validated and matched this number with a given MIA no further discussion is made.

B. P A I RAL suspect name is found in a low open hedge area which is serving as a border or boundary marker to separate the fields directly across the primary road E/S of the lake which looks like a boot. All possible techniques were used to confirm or deny, due to the fact that the letters RAL can easily be seen a level of confidence call of 70% is made.

C. 172TA88 ? suspect symbol in this area is located about 150ft. North of the suspect PAIRAL in a heavy bushy area which made analysis difficult. The possible numbers 1 3 K (or X) A722 can be seen on a very low probability. The call is 20-30%.

D. Suspect number 232 ? or 8 can be seen using IDEX just South of the suspect name PAIRAL. The call is 40%.

E. Like the number 232 ? or 8 there is an area with a X & possible other numbers, that with special processing enhance these numbers and suspect symbols which appear (though weak) in an open field. Special Processing is recommended for this entire area, further that the area of search and surveillance be expanded in minimum of 250 miles radius from the Dong Vai Prison to look for confinement centers and symbols.

NOTE: With the exception of the name PAIRAL all other symbols and numbers appear to be very old and may account for the lack of reporting by other agencies.

TAB 4 BAN NAMPO SYMBOLS

The symbols for "Arrow" and the suspect number "P" was the subject of this imagery analysis. The area has been cleared of trees and appears to be flat. The suspect letter "P" is located to the right of a well define and shape arrow which appears to be man made. In this regards the suspect letter "P" is not well define and is without shape. To the upper right of the arrow there appears to be Quonset Hut - like features (which could also be ammo storage) and for this reason I believe its function is more of a military nature: NOTE: The direction which the arrow point was also searched and no POW or MIA Symbols were found. However, there appear in the distance what looks like a military facility which should be of interest to the intelligence community. No confidence call is made and no further analysis is recommended.

CONCLUSIONS

Conclusions: Since my analysis was accomplished without collateral information or support from an all source intelligence office, I believe that while most of the reported sightings by JSSA were negated, for those which were confirmed by this newly found suspect symbols, that this project should be given high priority for follow up surveillance and analysis.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. That a combined team made up of DIA, CIA and JSSA be organized and given the authority and priority to pursue the reported findings in both the Sam Neua Valley area and the expanded area of Dong Mang (Dong Vai Prison area) area.

2. That in addition to the confirmation of the new symbol (GX 2527) found and reported by LWB that the combined team be given the task to confirm all other new finds.

3. That both the DIA, CIA/NPIC Photo Scientists become part of this special POW/MIA Imagery Analyst Search Team, to provide special photographic processing techniques for enhancing the old suspect symbols by area.

4. That the Senate Select Committee for POW/MIA Affairs establish a requirement to expand the collection and analysis area of Dong Mang by a minimum of 250 miles. Further that this take place immediately to take advantage of the non-planting season.

5. That no further action be taken on this project unless it can be done with all interested organizations. Further that the objectivity should be to seek new information using all available means and the classified level.

APPENDIX:

I. US Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs. Letter dated 6 October 1992 (Task Order).

II. LWB and Associates 26 October 1992, Ltr. of Acceptance.

For more information on this report, please go to - Pictures Do Not Lie, People Do

For the news report on the SSC and imagery, please go to - SSC Orders Imagery Review

For SSC Imagery References, please type in IMAGERY and follow the SSC links - AII POW MIA SITE SEARCH

NOTE: All bold text by AII POW MIA for emphasis.