Project 10073 Record Card and Spot Intelligence Report — Peru, Nebraska, December 1951

This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and a supporting Spot Intelligence Report dated July 29, 1952, regarding a sighting that occurred in December 1951 near Peru, Nebraska. A civilian witness reported observing a blue light in the sky while driving on Highway 73. He described the object as a kettle-shaped craft, approximately 25 to 30 feet in diameter, appearing to be constructed of cast iron. The witness claimed the object was sitting on the ground 10 to 15 yards from the road and featured a row of 10-inch diameter port holes from which a blue-ish flame was projected. The witness observed the object for 10 to 20 seconds before it changed color to a bright orange. The witness did not report the incident immediately, waiting until July 1952 to contact the FBI, citing a fear of being treated lightly and the prevailing 'flying saucer scare' in the country at the time. The 13th District Office of Special Investigations (OSI) at Offutt Air Force Base investigated the report and concluded that the sighting was likely attributable to psychological causes, noting the significant delay in reporting and the nature of the account. The document is marked as unclassified and includes instructions for downgrading and declassification.