Unusual Object Sighted in Sky near Neubiburg Air Base

On 11 October 1951, at approximately 0845 hours, two enlisted men from the 525th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, Sergeant Robert L. Vice and Technical Sergeant Carl E. Lucas, observed an unusual object in the sky over Neubiburg Air Base in the West Zone of Germany. Both witnesses provided written statements describing the object as an ellipse with a dark triangular section, which appeared to be on the rear underpart. The object exhibited a shimmering light, described as reflecting sunlight, and appeared to be in two parts. Sergeant Vice initially believed the object to be a blimp or dirigible at an altitude of approximately 20,000 feet, noting that it remained stationary or moved at an imperceptible speed. He observed the object for approximately ten seconds before calling Sergeant Lucas to view it. Sergeant Lucas confirmed seeing the object in the Southwest, noting it looked like an ellipse with a dark triangular section and appeared to be in two parts. He observed it for approximately thirty seconds before leaving to find someone else, at which point the object disappeared as if a light had been extinguished. The report includes a formal Air Intelligence Information Report (ATI-619-51) authored by Captain Gerald M. Jones, which notes that a check of weather and flight operations was conducted. It was determined that no weather balloons were known to be in the area, and while a C-47 aircraft departed the base at 0853 hours, the witnesses insisted their observation occurred earlier. The report concludes with a request from the ATI Branch to the Analysis Division of the Air Technical Intelligence Center in Dayton, Ohio, for guidance on whether to continue submitting reports of this nature, as the office frequently receives similar accounts. A project record card for Project 10073 is also included, which suggests the possibility of a balloon sighting based on the description provided.