Project 10073 Record: Pineville, Louisiana Sighting Incident

This document comprises a series of records from the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) regarding a reported UFO sighting in Pineville, Louisiana, on 15 July 1949. The initial report, filed under Project 10073, documented claims from multiple witnesses, including a 'Brother O'Neal' and 'Freddy Hanks,' who described seeing objects resembling stove lids or discs floating at low altitudes. These reports were subsequently published in the Pineville News. Following the publication, the 9th OSI District initiated an investigation into the matter. Special Agent Charles H. Fay conducted the inquiry, which concluded that the entire incident was a hoax. The investigation revealed that the newspaper article was based on fictitious information. An unnamed individual admitted to being the instigator of the hoax, claiming it was done 'purely in fun' with no intent to cause trouble. The individual took full responsibility for the misunderstanding. The final correspondence, dated 9 August 1949, from the 5th District OSI to the Air Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, confirms that the investigation was closed and that no further action was required by the district. The documents include the original project record, the formal report of investigation, and the transmittal memorandum.