Project 10073 Record: Fireball Sighted by Cpl Robert C. J. Burhans

This document is a formal Report of Investigation conducted by the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) regarding an unidentified aerial object sighting at Sandia Base, New Mexico. On 15 February 1950, at approximately 1530 hours, Cpl Robert C. J. Burhans of the 8458th Military Police Company observed an object while stationed at the Northwest Gate of the Military Technical Area. According to the report, the witness noticed a flash from the Northwest and observed a round object, described as having the apparent size of a normal marble and displaying red and green colors. The object possessed a faint trailing edge and followed a flight path from the Northwest to the West, falling toward the earth. The duration of the sighting was approximately 30 seconds, after which the object faded out. The witness reported no sound or odor associated with the event, and weather conditions were noted as clear. The investigation was initiated following an inquiry from Lt Col H. L. Crisler, J-2 at Sandia Base. Special Agent Cristino B. Griego conducted the investigation, which was subsequently closed after determining that all logical leads had been exhausted. The official conclusion reached by the project was that the object was a meteor. The report includes a Project 10073 record form, which summarizes the technical details of the observation, and a formal letter from the 17th District Office of Special Investigations to the Commanding General of the Air Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, confirming the investigation and noting that the office would continue to forward reports of this nature.